Holy Moly...I just don't have enough time in my week to blog more. I will need to make a conscious effort to fit it in somehow. Otherwise, my blogs will be never ending with all the happenings in my life.
So we will start with my 1/2 marathon training. I have felt pretty good this week other than Monday. I wore 4 inch heals all day at work without giving my feet a break and that is not a good idea when you have a long run that night...so I found out the hard way. Got to the gym since it was to dark to run outside, put on my newest running shoes and started on my 7 mile run. I barely got in a mile when my shins absolutely seized up! And I am not just talking shin splints, I am talking full blown charlie horse like feeling. At first I thought it was my shoes, but I had been breaking them in for the past 2 weeks and had been running fine in them before. So I stretched my legs and decided I was not going to risk injury or even worse...a totally bad running experience, and got on the stationary bike. I figured I would just switch my Monday and Tuesday (normally cross training) and biked hard for 45 minutes. I did the workout where you have to maintain a certain HR for a specific period of time. It was a good choice and my shins eased up. As I was reviewing what could have gone wrong, it dawned on me it was the 4 inch heals that prompted that muscle that goes right up the front of the leg to say "Screw You"! So I learned from my mistake and the next day wore my lower heels and made sure I took them off (while I was at my desk only) and stretched my legs throughout the day. It worked! Tuesday I ran 7 miles. It wasn't record timing or anything but my training guide said to run at a pace that you could maintain without getting winded. I don't know what it is about the first couple of miles, but there is a committee member that is a pessimist and tries to look for excuses as to why this whole running thing is a bad idea and how I should just give it up. I am so lucky the other committee members gang up on him/her because by 2.5 miles I feel good and by 5 miles it's why stop now!! I think I was even feeling good enough that at mile 7 I could have kept going, but I had to get back to the "zoo" I call home and help with getting everyone tucked in for the evening. So now it's Wednesday and I didn't get my strength training in because Moms and I had to go look for outfits for the wedding this weekend. One of my cousins (there are like 35 of us), is getting hitched on Saturday and needed to find some duds for the familia. It's so funny to think that lil' R, who was the flower girl in my wedding 17 years ago, is now getting married herself....sniffle, sniffle! OK< OK< I had decided that walking around 2 different department stores for a total of 3 hours in heels, carrying handfuls of items, was a pretty good workout! Hey, got to stay positive, right!! Also, I noticed I was definitely soar from my run the night before and tried to check out articles on recovery. Ice baths and foam rollers are going to be my new best friends...yay me! Thursday is speed work...not my funnest thing to do since there is nothing about my body that screams "SPEED". I have good size "girls" and "arse" and those to things don't spell "AERODYNAMICS". But I didn't let that pessimistic committee member get the best of me. I jogged about 20 minutes to warm up, and then did 3x1600 at a "push-it" pace with 2 mins. recovery in between. Then cooled down by jogging another 15 mins. I was proud of myself for finishing especially since my bladder didn't want to cooperate. I try and drink a lot of water throughout the day so that I can stay hydrated through my runs because let's just say I have a bladder that would really like it if I just sat on the toilet all day long. But I hadn't finished my entire water bottle and downed it on the drive home. Boy, was that a mistake. I pee'd before I left for my run and then 2 times during my run....outside!!! Near the middle school track! I was not proud! But the last time this happened I packed in my "running shoes" and just went home and this time I toughed it out. I have to figure out the best way to stay hydrated without having to drink anything right before or during my run. Any ideas????
I have to say all in all it was a pretty good workout though. I think it also helped that Princess PITA was there with me rooting me on, especially that last mile. She was riding her bike around the track with the headlight hat on, as I ran. She is such a good helper! I have to say though, it was a full moon! So the headlamp wasn't necessary. Gorgeous night to run...until the tarantula! Princess PITA had mentioned that Papa T had caught a tarantula at work that day and was going to bring it by to show us. Well while we were out running, he brought it by alright...and left it on my kitchen counter in a big plastic container. Now, keep in mind I have no fear of spiders or snakes or any reptile....but this thing was a big brown ookie looking thing and it was in my kitchen. The guys in the house didn't see it as a big deal, and all I could think was sure I can't have another dog or cat...but sure, let's keep a tarantula! UH HELLL NO!!!! So, Sierra and I took it out to the desert and let it loose on a little wood log.....then we RAN back home! Hey, I didn't want it to follow me!!
So now it's Friday and since we will be on our way to California right after work, I am doing Pilates at lunch. I try and do this at least once a week...although, if I could do it every day I would. It's at a studio and we use the reformer machines! It's a little pricey (for me) at $15 a session. But I sacrificed and decided if I gave up 3 days of the "Green Straw" place I love so much and just drank coffee from an actual coffee maker, it would pay for my class! I am such an economist...tee hee!
I also did something this week that I am pretty proud of....I signed up for 2 more races. I am doing an 8K on Oct. 30 and a 10K on Thanksgiving. I have noticed that if I take the time to register and pay then it keeps me straight! I mean it's not like I am a member of a cool running club or really have any running buddies, so there isn't anything that keeps me from staying on track...except for me and my 1 personal goal of being a marathoner!
I hope this weekend to get in my regularly scheduled training! I am not promising anything, especially since we will partying our arses off at my cuz's wedding. If anything, I will just do my long run on Monday. Hey, it's better to be flexible than beat myself up, right!!!???
Side note: GOOOOOOO YANNNNKKKKEEEEEEEESSSS!!!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Oct 13: It's 11:07pm....I should be sleeping
Insomnia is a funny thing. It comes and goes depending on how much the "committee" members (who, BTW, are in my head) have to talk about. Lately, they have been a little chatty and I have really needed to organize my thoughts to get them to shut up. So much going on...and I am such a dork, because I came home early after taking Princess PITA to the doctor, and instead of going for a run...I decided to lay my head on the pillow for just a couple of minutes. Yeah right...2 hours later, I woke up. My yummee had taken the 2 younger kids to the gym and the teenager was doing his chores. I am a little upset with myself. I have really tried to focus on my training and not sleeping at night, doesn't help much. No sleep means my body feels the tiredness of the runner quicker, energy depletion comes quicker, and well....napping for 2 hours when my arse should be out on the trails getting in a 5 mile run. Need to snap out of it and stay on track. I have an after work even tomorrow so running is out of the question, so I think I will do pilates at lunch time! Hey, "tightwad" committee member...I like pilates and really need to stretch so just hush and get out the debit card.
PS>For me to run in the morning after having abnormal sleep habits is just not an option. I would have to get up at the butt crack of dawn in order to run, get ready for work, get all 3 kids ready, and make it to work on time. So, don't start in on the...run in the morning crap...it's just not for me!
PS>For me to run in the morning after having abnormal sleep habits is just not an option. I would have to get up at the butt crack of dawn in order to run, get ready for work, get all 3 kids ready, and make it to work on time. So, don't start in on the...run in the morning crap...it's just not for me!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Oct 6th: Ran about 4 miles total....I think
The Bitch and I did interval training....yuck! I know I have to do it to create endurance. But since my phone's battery was almost dead and I totally forgot to unpause my BIM software program on my Blackberry, well let's just say I didn't get an accurate assessment of my run.
What is BIM software you might ask? It's an app on my Blackberry called Bones In Motion. It does it's job on tracking mileage and time and your average pace. But I really need to find a better program to help with intervals and PR. However, that would require me to make an actual decision, and the committee (the voices in my head) makes that very difficult. The BIM program is free, so I deal. Now, I also have a Garmin but it's an older model with a not so great battery. At my first race it didn't even locate satellites until the race was over. So I kept having to ask this lady next to me..."uh, how fast are we going?". Needless to say I kicked ass, because I just ran with no regard to my pace. But still, when you are training, it's important. So, until the "let's make sure we make the right decision" committee members actually find another program, I will just stick with BIM. What do you use as your running training program?
I also use Pandora Radio on my Blackberry for music. I really like the music options, except that every time BIM beeps that I have ran a mile, Pandora stops. So then I have to fiddle with my Blackberry to get it going again. I started using Pandora when "Princess PITA" started running with me. She likes to talk and I don't want be rude and stuff headphones in my ears. So I reserve the IPod for the gym. That is a necessity. I cannot stand to listen to the squeaking of the stair masters, treadmills, and ellipticals. So headphones are a must in the gym!!
Running attire: Long pants, thin long sleeve, fleece jacket, hat to cover ears, gloves, and trail shoes. Perfect!!
My interval training went something like this: 15 minute jog, 1 mile at a faster pace (based on my breathing and how well I can talk), 2 mins. rest, another 1 mile at faster pace, 15 minute jog/walk. And the only reason I was walking as part of the last 15 mins. is because someone was shooting out where I was jogging so I was on high alert....and OK, my legs hurt a little. Don't worry it's not like gang shootings or domestic disputes, more like rednecks trying to test their rifles.
Tried to focus on my chi-running: bend forward slightly at ankles, elongate spine, keep pelvis level, RELAX SHOULDERS. Can you tell the last one is a problem for me?? Every time I noticed my body tightening up in a spot or two, I tried to concentrate on my form, and relax. It worked pretty well!
So all in all it was a good run. Felt pretty good and the weather was on the colder side, but no wind. I hate running in the wind.
Here's a picture of the Bitch...as you can see she's all about "who's gonna rub my tummy?". Did I mention she's also the neighborhood flirt! She doesn't put out, but she will flaunt her stuff for the neighborhood boy dogs. The ol' man would not approve, but since he can't even walk a block without his hips giving out, he's clueless.
On the note of insomnia: woke up at 3:30am. James Bond was not on TV which was depressing, so I just had to roll over and drown out the "committee" with NCIS. Something about Mark Harmon's voice I think, but I was back to sleep about 4am. Just sayin'...
PS>Check out my running gloves. My yummee got those for me for Xmas. They are great to run in, but since the Blackberry only allows the heat of your finger to depress the buttons, I kept having to take them off to pause and unpause my apps. Hmmm...maybe I could cut the fingertips off??
What is BIM software you might ask? It's an app on my Blackberry called Bones In Motion. It does it's job on tracking mileage and time and your average pace. But I really need to find a better program to help with intervals and PR. However, that would require me to make an actual decision, and the committee (the voices in my head) makes that very difficult. The BIM program is free, so I deal. Now, I also have a Garmin but it's an older model with a not so great battery. At my first race it didn't even locate satellites until the race was over. So I kept having to ask this lady next to me..."uh, how fast are we going?". Needless to say I kicked ass, because I just ran with no regard to my pace. But still, when you are training, it's important. So, until the "let's make sure we make the right decision" committee members actually find another program, I will just stick with BIM. What do you use as your running training program?
I also use Pandora Radio on my Blackberry for music. I really like the music options, except that every time BIM beeps that I have ran a mile, Pandora stops. So then I have to fiddle with my Blackberry to get it going again. I started using Pandora when "Princess PITA" started running with me. She likes to talk and I don't want be rude and stuff headphones in my ears. So I reserve the IPod for the gym. That is a necessity. I cannot stand to listen to the squeaking of the stair masters, treadmills, and ellipticals. So headphones are a must in the gym!!
Running attire: Long pants, thin long sleeve, fleece jacket, hat to cover ears, gloves, and trail shoes. Perfect!!
My interval training went something like this: 15 minute jog, 1 mile at a faster pace (based on my breathing and how well I can talk), 2 mins. rest, another 1 mile at faster pace, 15 minute jog/walk. And the only reason I was walking as part of the last 15 mins. is because someone was shooting out where I was jogging so I was on high alert....and OK, my legs hurt a little. Don't worry it's not like gang shootings or domestic disputes, more like rednecks trying to test their rifles.
Tried to focus on my chi-running: bend forward slightly at ankles, elongate spine, keep pelvis level, RELAX SHOULDERS. Can you tell the last one is a problem for me?? Every time I noticed my body tightening up in a spot or two, I tried to concentrate on my form, and relax. It worked pretty well!
So all in all it was a good run. Felt pretty good and the weather was on the colder side, but no wind. I hate running in the wind.
On the note of insomnia: woke up at 3:30am. James Bond was not on TV which was depressing, so I just had to roll over and drown out the "committee" with NCIS. Something about Mark Harmon's voice I think, but I was back to sleep about 4am. Just sayin'...
PS>Check out my running gloves. My yummee got those for me for Xmas. They are great to run in, but since the Blackberry only allows the heat of your finger to depress the buttons, I kept having to take them off to pause and unpause my apps. Hmmm...maybe I could cut the fingertips off??
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Oct 5: Insomnia....if I could get the committee to shut up!
OK, so it's my first post...be nice!!
So, insomnia. I got it when I was at the last part of my not-so-great marriage. Not being able to get to sleep and then finally falling asleep to then wake up just a few hours later. IT BLOWS!! Now, I have the best man ever, but I have the teenager and the bitch (review About Me for details) and needless to say they both caused me problems last night. We are having bad lightening and thunderstorms in our area, and the bitch is a big scaredy cat...ha, ha. So she jumped our 6 foot fence and bolted....all night long! Yep, she's a bitch.
Now the teenager, well, he's a gamer. He has been playing XBOX Live for almost a year and let me just say I am not a fan. Yep, I am that horrible parent with the gaming addict for a son. Somewhere in that year, I have found "hey, this would be cool" and "what the hell did I do" colliding into a horrible mess. My adorably loving and respectful, mom knows everything, kid has grown to hate me. I asked my mom the other day if I ever hated her, and she said "oh, yeah". She said if your kid doesn't say they hate you or that you are the worst mother in the world, you are not doing your job.
But, you see I have a committee in my head and this causes me great pain. There is a worry wart, a pissed off ol' man, the winy lil' girl, the princess and others, but those 4 rear their ugly heads the most. So it was the worry wart the other night. Woke up at 12:39am to go and check to see if the bitch was back and on the front porch....nope! So when I tried to get back to bed, it was the worry wart again that was reliving the argument with the teenager. Although, I am pretty sure it's the pissed off ol' goat that tells me what a horrible mother I am, at 1:00am in the morning it really doesn't matter who's talking because I just want all of them to shut up. But that did not occur...at least not until about 3:30am. Of course, I have to get up around 6am in order to get to my day job, so not sleeping through the entire night does not make for a happy camper. Plus did I mention I am training for a half marathon...oh yeah, fun times. So a venti coffee for breakfast and a grande coffee for my 2:30 snack and I am trying to remind myself why I want to run what seems like an infinite amount of miles. I mean, unless there was a big chocolate buffet or a keg of beer at the end...maybe, but for a medal and a cool running shirt. All I can say is that it must be because of another committee member...the "stupidly-obsessed, yearning to be skinny" committee member.
So how do you cope with insomnia? I have tried clearing my mind and counting slowly, medication, watching tv (preferably James Bond...that will be another post), to sex. Yep, that's right. I have to say the last one is my favorite way to go back to sleep....but I won't elaborate as that might be considered porn. So what more is there to say about insomnia! It blows!!
PS>The Bitch came back around 6:30 in the morning, so don't go calling the dog pound!
So, insomnia. I got it when I was at the last part of my not-so-great marriage. Not being able to get to sleep and then finally falling asleep to then wake up just a few hours later. IT BLOWS!! Now, I have the best man ever, but I have the teenager and the bitch (review About Me for details) and needless to say they both caused me problems last night. We are having bad lightening and thunderstorms in our area, and the bitch is a big scaredy cat...ha, ha. So she jumped our 6 foot fence and bolted....all night long! Yep, she's a bitch.
Now the teenager, well, he's a gamer. He has been playing XBOX Live for almost a year and let me just say I am not a fan. Yep, I am that horrible parent with the gaming addict for a son. Somewhere in that year, I have found "hey, this would be cool" and "what the hell did I do" colliding into a horrible mess. My adorably loving and respectful, mom knows everything, kid has grown to hate me. I asked my mom the other day if I ever hated her, and she said "oh, yeah". She said if your kid doesn't say they hate you or that you are the worst mother in the world, you are not doing your job.
But, you see I have a committee in my head and this causes me great pain. There is a worry wart, a pissed off ol' man, the winy lil' girl, the princess and others, but those 4 rear their ugly heads the most. So it was the worry wart the other night. Woke up at 12:39am to go and check to see if the bitch was back and on the front porch....nope! So when I tried to get back to bed, it was the worry wart again that was reliving the argument with the teenager. Although, I am pretty sure it's the pissed off ol' goat that tells me what a horrible mother I am, at 1:00am in the morning it really doesn't matter who's talking because I just want all of them to shut up. But that did not occur...at least not until about 3:30am. Of course, I have to get up around 6am in order to get to my day job, so not sleeping through the entire night does not make for a happy camper. Plus did I mention I am training for a half marathon...oh yeah, fun times. So a venti coffee for breakfast and a grande coffee for my 2:30 snack and I am trying to remind myself why I want to run what seems like an infinite amount of miles. I mean, unless there was a big chocolate buffet or a keg of beer at the end...maybe, but for a medal and a cool running shirt. All I can say is that it must be because of another committee member...the "stupidly-obsessed, yearning to be skinny" committee member.
So how do you cope with insomnia? I have tried clearing my mind and counting slowly, medication, watching tv (preferably James Bond...that will be another post), to sex. Yep, that's right. I have to say the last one is my favorite way to go back to sleep....but I won't elaborate as that might be considered porn. So what more is there to say about insomnia! It blows!!
PS>The Bitch came back around 6:30 in the morning, so don't go calling the dog pound!
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