I Blame the Hat Lady

Sat, June 11
Ran 8 miles outside
Time: 1:30:39; Average Pace: 11'19"

Well, I'll start with the positives...it is over! Ha, ha. Okay, so that is my way of saying that this run sucked with a big "S"! We all have 'em, but I pushed through it. I was just very tired - weary tired and hot. I did use my water belt for the first time - I took a sip or two every mile which helped a bit. The belt was okay in terms of comfort, but I'll just have to get used to the extra weight. It is not that heavy, but any additional weight takes some getting used to, I guess. I even had to walk at two different occasions this am - but that is okay. It turns out that I just need to get better sleep on Friday nights. I went to bed a little later (about 11:30pm) and I had a couple helpings of raisinetts as a late night snack. Not a good mixture the night before a longer run.

During the middle of the run...about miles 5 and 6 I finally hit my stride and felt good and then I was in the zone until the end, but the start was rough. I started doubting my committment to the full in Sept. I mean, 26 miles, really?! As I type this I am just wiped out. Perhaps a nap is in order while I get caught up with laundry.

I probably could have predicted that this would be a sub-par run. Not only based on lack of sleep, but also because we had a substitute leader this am at WW. Yes, the "hat lady" was back. Let's just say she is a little bit eccentric...we'll go with that. It is not her fault she isn't Nancy, but she just isn't. Oh, well...moving on...

Yoga Double Feature!

Fri, June 10
Yoga at Noon

So I was supposed to run 30 minutes today according to my training schedule. That did not happen. Let the excuses start...I was tired this morning so I didn't get up in time. I brought my stuff to work for plan B, but was foiled by the downpour at noon. However, I remembered that there was a power yoga class at noon with a different instructor. So, I decided to go to that instead.

So, there I was putting my running clothes on and going to yoga. I had short shorts on and what turned out to be a skin tight underarmor shirt that I had bought from the thriftstore and was wearing for the first time today. Turns out that not all mediums are really mediums. I mean the girls were locked and loaded! I looked sorta goofy in shorts too, but hey, no glasses! I was just hoping that no one would be in back of me...lets just say these short shorts could reveal too much of me in the downward facing dog pose!

But thankfully it all worked out fine. I got over my awkwardness after I realized that no one really cared about my wardrobe misfortunes! It was an awesome class too...this woman knows her stuff, has tons of energy and of course, I sweat like crazy! Next up: long run tomorrow!

Do I look fat in these pants?

So, I'm trying again with the white pants. No, not THE white pants from last summer that I cursed and threw away (see the blog entry "Curse of the White Pants" as a reference). I found a cute pair of beach-like white pants that were really cute at the thrift store, of course. I wore them today to work. Yes, it is pretty casual, but hey, it is Friday and you never know when you will have a "beach emergency"...in June...in Cleveland...well...

They looked okay as I gave them a once over after getting dressed this morning. Still not extremely flattering I daresay, but they are very light, cute and quite comfortable. I'll check them out in the restroom today and make my final assessment of them at the end of the day. Will they make the cut? I'll keep you posted!

Chaturanga

Thurs, June 9
Yoga at lunch

So, I'm learning more about the actual terms used in yoga. The one that our teacher uses a lot is "chaturanga". She also sometimes adds "high to low". This pose really strengthens core and arm muscles. You basically go from a high push-up to a low pushup and then back into downward facing dog. You can see how this is supposed to be done here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iPqC09TX9c

It is so interesting learning more about yoga. I'm so glad that I'm doing it. I do feel generally more stretched out and I think it will definitely help me with my running training. I wore my contacts today, but I tried to keep my eyes closed as much as possible. We also tried a new pose today called camel...she showed us three different ways to do it - definitely challenging!
I did not look exactly like this today, but I'll get there!

Sweat Management!

Wed, June 8
Ran 50 minutes outside
Distance: 4.52; Average Pace: 11'04"

So, its hot today! It was 69 degrees this morning at 6am and extremely humid. I'm glad I ran then because I think it is going to be in the 90's today. Yikes! The run was pretty good even in spite of the humidity. I ran in my glasses again. I think I'm going to try to wear my contacts again tomorrow, but I may bring my glasses to work just in case.

As I've shared before I'm a sweaty girl and the summer and humidity just increases the sweat quotient for me. So I've decided I need to develop some strategies for sweat management. Thankfully I am no longer the "angry runner" as I was running on the indoor track so I don't need anger management classes anymore. Phew! But, sweat management is an entirely different issue altogether. So, here are my strategies to manage the mess that is my sweaty body.

1. I've decided that I've run my last run without water. I bought a water belt and there it sits on my dining room table. Perfect place for it, don't you think? I'm going to actually try it on on Friday and see how it works! Yes, I realize this strategy does not directly deal with the management of the sweat, however it can help replenish and hydrate my body during the run!

2. Although I do wear a headband, it really only helps keep my hair out of my sweaty face (and also keeps my glasses on nicely). What I think I need to invest in is actual "sweat bands" for my head and maybe wrists? You know those thick, terry-cloth-esque looking things? I always think about my dad in his younger days using them to play tennis. Yes, that was in the 1970's but whatever. People still sweat today and I demand a management system! The other reason why an actual sweat band would help is because I no longer can use my cotton t-shirts to mop up my brow, as I am now wearing tech shirts most of the time (to avoid the chafing issue). So, that is the plan, Stan. I'm going to be looking so sweet in my headband, sweatband, wristband and glasses. Oh yeah, I expect to be called by Runner's World any day to set up a photo op so I can be the poster child for a new sub-culture of women runners - the sweaty girls! Never let them see you sweat?! Nope, that is poppycock for this chick! Sweat early and often I say!

Yogaahhhh!

Tues, June 7
Yoga at lunch

Today's class was really tough - in a good way! The progression of poses was really tough so it was a good challenge. I sweat like crazy! It is warmer in the fitness studio now that we have nicer weather outside. My baby wipes seem to work okay to freshen up, however, as by the time class is over I've cooled down quite a bit. It is a bit different than cardio stuff. But, it is really good strength training. I'm hoping to keep using yoga as my cross-training activity. Perhaps I'll switch it up every now and then, but I'm finding it hard (at least today again) to get up at 5am to go workout at Life Center. Funny, I was very motivated all during the winter, but that is probably because I had signed up for the bootcamp class. I want to be very careful this time, however, not to overtrain, so I'm not gonna push it.

In other news, I talked to one of my "marathon heros" at work today about doing the Akron full. He was really encouraging and gave me hints about getting ginger candies to have around mile 18 - he said it keeps you thirsty and prevents nausea. Gulp. Didn't know that could/would be a problem! He told me that the later half of the Akron course is pretty hilly so I should work in some hill workouts. I need to find some good hill areas around me and plan out a course. I also asked him about whether or not I should join that running group. He said that if I'm already pretty motivated to do my long runs not to waste the money. That is kind of what I thought so I think I'll forgo that. It is so nice to know people that I consider experts so I can quiz them and get advice from them. He has only run about 58 marathons!!! Yikes!!

Get 'er done!

Mon, June 6
Ran for 45 minutes
Distance: 3.99 miles; Average Pace: 11'17"

Good run this am! I was actually able to start at 6am and still get to work by 8:30am. It really helps that I am pretty low maintenance (not what my husband says, however) with short hair and very little make-up. I don't have time for that crap. I saw a bunny, a few bikes and a couple runners. I ran with my glasses on again, but it wasn't that bad. For the most part my headband holds them on my face in spite of my crazy sweating. The funniest part is that they fogged up a bit here and there. I felt like I was running a lot faster than 11 min/mile, but whatever. Monday runs are always a gamble. I just am glad I got my butt out of bed and got 'er done this morning before getting too hot out. I SO prefer getting it done first thing in the day too. Get that metabolism going and then I can concentrate on the rest of the day.

I learned yesterday that the new series of bootcamp started today. I am not going to do it this time. For one thing it is Mon, Wed, Fri which does not work for me since my cross-training days are T, TH. So, now I just have to determine if I'm going to just stick to yoga on T, TH or if I'll make up my own strength training workout to do in the am and then add yoga in when I can (read: all the time!). I think I'll probably pick the later. I feel like I'm missing my core workouts!! I need some planks in my life!!!

Have an awesome Monday!

The Army Crawl

So in honor of Memorial Day last week, our dog Henry has decided to join the military. He has perfected what we like to call his "army crawl" very well and now feels that he can enter the armed forces with confidence. He passed the "squeezing under the bed" test the first day he arrived at our house a few weeks ago. Since then he has undertaken the "squeeze under the desk" move and a few others. However, his completed mission today really puts him at a higher level of soldier. He attempted and succeeded the "under the stairs squeeze". Let me explain. He disappeared downstairs to the basement and was quiet for a minute (probably making sure he was camouflaged). I look down the basement stairs to find this...


Now this picture is taken outside after I pulled it from the trashcan. First of all, I didn't even recognize what this was/or used to be. I would bet my life that it didn't even come from our house. When I showed it to Mike, he said, "oh, yeah, he probably got it from under the stairs". Well, that would make sense - if we had access to under the stairs. Ever since we refinished the basement, all we have is an access panel that you literally have to push (with opposable thumbs) to open. So, I was very puzzled and still doubted if this "thing" indeed came from our house. So I went down to inspect. Henry came with me and proceeded to chomp on the spoils of his attack - that and to try to hide the evidence.


As I looked over the situation I then realized that dog performed the ever tricky "under the stairs squeeze" here. Color me impressed.

Seriously. Did I mention that this 6 month old puppy is a mastiff/lab mix and probably at least 50 pounds by now? He also is very tall with long deer-like legs. He obviously thinks he is a little dog. Either that, or he just really takes this military training stuff seriously.

Now that he pretty much has perfected his army crawl technique with any type of furniture, I think he will proceed to the ever entertaining bug hunt tactic. Yes, we have the occasional ant or stink bug that dares to cross the soldier's path only to be promptly squashed by a very large webbed foot. Better yet he will play with his victim, throwing it up in the air with his mouth until it stops moving or he gets bored.

I can only imagine what the next army "drill" will be with our trooper. I'll be sure to let you know!

Bigger Kid - Bigger Bike!

Sat, June 3
Ran 6.64 miles outside
Time: 1:15:50; Average Pace: 11'24"

Today's run felt great! I asked Zach to come with me since he just got a bigger bike last night! It is a 13 inch, but normal size wheels (not sure what that means), but here is a pic.

I was supposed to run 6 miles, but I underestimated the distance so we ended up going a little further than that. It was a beautiful morning with low humidity. It took me a little longer than normal because I stopped to help Z cross the street, but those were nice little breaks, actually. About half-way through he asked if we were almost there and that he was hungry (he did not have breakfast- bad move!). Now he knows that he must eat before going on a longer ride like that! He was a pretty good little rider. Most of the route has sidewalks and the ones that don't are through neighborhoods so I feel like it is safe. He loves switching gears! He got a new helmet and water bottle too so he thinks he is all that and a bag of chips (which he is, if I do say so myself!).

My only complaint for this run was my right eye. I've been having trouble with my right eye wearing contacts during this allergy season. I put them in for the run, but after about mile 2 they started blurring every time I blinked. They continued like this for the rest of the run. As soon as I was done I promptly took them out and my eye was all bloodshot. Okay, back to glasses for awhile. I think I will attempt to get new glasses soon - these are almost the right prescription, but a tad off and they have actual glass lenses. I might do better to find some lighter frames. But I got my run in so that is the most important thing.

I'm glad Zach got his new bike - he never would have been able to ride that route comfortably with his old (no gear) bike! It reminds me of when we used to ride/run together when I first started. Bigger kid, bigger bike, longer runs. Still good times!!

Peach "Cobbler"

I tried a new yummy treat last night and wanted to share...very simple sweet treat perfect for this time of year:

Ingredients:
1 peach
1/4 cup grape nuts cereal
2 heaping teaspoons of fat free cool whip

I sliced and chunked up the peach, leaving the skin on and put it in a microwave safe bowl. Then I sprinkled about 1/4 cup of grape nuts cereal on the peach chunks. I microwaved it for 1 minute on high. Topped it with the cool whip and ate it all gone. So good! Yeah, I like peaches just like Henry, but I prefer then with out the pits!

Blind Yoga

Thursday, June 2
Yoga at lunch

So, the training program said "rest" today, but since I did that on Tuesday I decided that Yoga was in order today. As always, so glad I did.

The challenge today, however, was that although I can make running work with my glasses on (yep, still sporting them cause of those pesky allergies. Allegra seems to be working great, but just giving my eyes a rest for this week), the same cannot be said of yoga. I mean beginning with the first down-dog pose they were slipping of my face. Since there was no duct tape or any other device at the ready to keep them plastered to my head, off they came. I gently placed them on the block next to my mat. I hardly ever use the block anyways, so it served as a good little shelf. I wasn't sure how this would work without my glasses. I mean, truly the only thing I can do without my glasses is,...well...sleep! I'm pretty blind without corrective lenses. However, as it turns out I don't really need to see to do yoga. I mean, that should figure. Most of the time I have my eyes closed anyways. I think it actually helped me to not have my "eyes on" during class. I had to rely more on feel, listen well for instructions, get more into my body for the poses, and most importantly for this little competitive girl - stop looking at everybody else! Just another little learning lesson for Lisa.

Oh yeah, running with glasses!

Wed, June 1
Ran 50 minutes at lunch outside
Distance: 4.43 miles; Average Pace: 11"18'

Today I realized that I can actually stretch after I have already started running (duh). I know it is better to stretch warm muscles, but I never want to start out walking 5 minutes...but I know I should. This time I stretched a tad before starting and then about 1/2 to a 3/4 of a mile in I stretched again (those damn calves) and it felt much better for the rest of the run. And it only took a few seconds. This will definitely become a habit.

Couple other things I learned during this run:

1. I will actually have to remember to use my glide next time. Maybe I should put an extra in my locker. I forgot to throw in my under armour shorts today and have the road chafe to prove it!!! Yikes.

2. I can be startled enough to scream bloody murder when a little black dog darts at my feet barking! I wish I could have seen myself - looked a fool, I'm sure! He was harmless, but scared me, but good. I could have taken him, though.

3. The wind is my friend. It was a about 75 degrees, but really nice with a breeze.

4. My stretching revelation (see above).

5. Running with glasses can be done just fine. I have used this as an excuse not to run in the past, but no more. Allergies you will not be the victor!

Oh and how about this for a comic mental image for your humpday...me, sweaty, wearing my glasses, my shorty running shorts and my "runner mom" head band and waddling back to the locker room because of the chafe rash. Yes, please laugh - it was quite a site!!

Vince, you are my hero!

So its hot. If you live in Northeast Ohio, you might have realized this.

Given that I'm training again and will be running regularly in summer-esque (or apparently Hades-esque after today) weather, I decided to make a trip to Vertical Runner after work to get a water belt (excuse me - fuel belt).

I had hoped to just slide under the radar (I'm always a little intimidated in running stores), go to the back of the store and get my belt and be on my way. No such luck.

A gentlemen approached me and asked if I needed help. Crap, an employee and a real runner-dude is talking to me, I thought.

"No thanks, I'm just looking for a water belt," I said.

"Are you training for a race?" he asked me.

"Yes, for the Akron marathon," I said, rather hesitantly.

"Oh, have you run a half before?", he asked sort of skeptically with concern.

I felt myself starting to stand up straighter as I heard myself say, "yes, I ran the Cleveland half in May and it was great!"

Then, he started asking me some other questions and gave me a card with contact information about a running group. I reluctantly took the card.

He helped me select a water belt and then I said with my new found confidence,
"What else do I need?"

He then pointed me in the right direction for some other things I might need for my training. As I was getting ready to check out he told me that I was a little ahead of the folks in the running group - they were all first time 1/2 or full marathoners and they were in a 6 month training program so their long runs weren't that long yet. He asked me what my time for the half was and I told him - 2:31 and he said, "oh, yeah, you would be perfect for this group." With the words "you " and "perfect" in a sentence directed to me about running, I thought I had indeed escaped Hades and died and gone to heaven instead!

I walked out with the following haul:

One (1) 3-bottle water belt
One (1) container of Glide
One (1) giant container of Blueberry Pomegranate sports drink powder mix
Four (4) different types of energy/protein chews to try
One (1) connection to a cool running group to try and
One (1) boost to my "running self esteem"!

Best Damn Greek Salad Ever!

Tuesday, May 31
So I was supposed to cross train for 30 minutes today, but unfortunately my allergies got the best of me so I slept terribly. I had a luncheon so no yoga and a meeting tonight so there was just no way of getting it in. Hey, I'm actually okay with it! One day in and I'm already missing workouts! I'm not gonna stress about it...nope.

Instead I'm going to tell you about the best damn Greek salad I've ever had. I went out to Hiroshi's Pub in Beachwood. What made this particular salad the best damn Greek salad ever, you ask? Well, I'm gonna tell ya. It was so good because it came with optional shredded smoked chicken on it rather that an actual chicken breast. Not only was this chicken easier to eat because it was shredded, but it was also tastier than its rubber chicken cousin that can sometimes accompany lesser salads of this type. It was a nice size that had the standard Greek accouterments...onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta. But the best part of this salad was the addition of artichokes. Not only were they tasty in the salad, but the little bit of juice from them totally took the place for need of any dressing. This salad had me with the shredded chicken, but sealed the deal with the artichokes. I'll definitely have this again and probably try it at home!

Parade. Picnic. Pool.

We had a great Memorial Day today. We started out going to the Memorial Day Parade in Hudson - such a cute parade. Zach wanted to be in the parade so we dropped him off at our church float which was actually a boat!

Then Mike, Henry (6 month old puppy dog) and I took our usual place right outside of Bruegger's bagels. Henry was a good boy with the people and the dogs while we were waiting for the parade the start. Then as the Hudson High School band started Henry was not pleased. Let's just say Henry does not agree with "Loud is Good". He was sort of done with the parade after he was spooked by the band. So after the parade he relaxed in the air conditioning while we enjoyed the annual picnic at our Pastor's house. Good time as always with great food and great fellowship...and a nice, cold, adult beverage! It was just so nice to talk and relax even if it was hot. We enjoyed riding in the Jeep with the top down.

I was hoping that since we stayed for a good part of the afternoon at the picnic, that I might get a reprieve for going to the pool this afternoon. But, nope, Zach still very much wanted to go...so we put our suits on our very white bodies, slathered on the sunscreen and headed out for a couple hours. First pool day was a hit - hot, but good.

Great family day. Now, it is about 8pm and I'm almost ready for bed!!

Me and My Kicks on Route to 26!

Mon, May 30
Ran 40 minutes
Distance: 3.63; Average Pace: 11:02

Okay, week one, workout one - check!! It felt pretty good, once I shook the rust off of my legs. It was a beautiful morning, about 64 degrees and pretty humid, but I enjoyed all the different smells outside - especially the honeysuckle. I did my normal downtown route and saw people getting their chairs out ready for the parade - at like 7:30am, a little bit early for my tastes, but hey, good for them. The normal parking side of main street was blocked off by cones so I took a cue from another runner and ran on the street - very cool - felt like my own race track.

So, in honor of my post title here is a picture of my running shoes...


They are Nike Pegasus, size 6 1/2. Normally I wear size 6, but when I was fitted they told me to go up a size for running shoes. I have another pair exactly like them, plus three or four other older pair that I just can't get rid of. The newest of the older pairs I use for cross training stuff, but the blue babies are only for running. The other pairs I use for random things, but I should probably ditch them. I alternate pairs of my current ones and I keep track of how many miles I put on each - they are marked with a #1 or #2 on the sides of them. Yes, I am structured, but it works for me!

I have had great experience with these shoes. I got my first pair at Second Sole in summer of 2009 where the woman "prescribed" them for me by looking at my old, clunky New Balance cross trainers that I reluctanly brought in to show her. She looked at the soles and said something about the way I "pronate" (still not exactly sure what that means, but it something to do with the way my foot moves), but she said I have the type of foot that is not prone to injury. That I remember! So, I've stuck with them. I didn't know it at the time, but they also have a cool little spot in the sole that holds the chip for the Nike tracking thing that is compatible with the iPod. I've had a love-hate relationship with my iPod nano ever since.


Anyways, these kicks have served me well. I read all about those webbed/toe ones and other fancy varieties in running magazines, but hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?! I see another new couple of pair in my future - probably around mid July. Those will be my marathon race pair (gulp). There I said it!

Go Big or Go Home!!

I wanted to blog last night, but for some reason I could not get through on blogger so finally here we go...

I decided to go for the FULL marathon in Akron in September!!! After much thinking and deliberation and after much support and encouragement from friends I decided to just go for it! The final nudge I needed was getting the "go for it" from super runner/trainer/coach - Jenny Hadfield. She's my facebook friend, you know (along with ya know, 2600 other people so we are pretty much best friends). Anyway, my new friend Lyn originally told me about her and encouraged me to ask her advice about the FULL. I did and she gave me the thumbs up too!!

Cut to last night. I bit the bullet, took a leap of faith and signed up! The fee goes up after 5/31 so I wanted to make sure to get in on the cheaper price before then. I'm pretty stoked and ready to get back into training mode on Monday. Before any Memorial Day fun happens I'll be starting my first official run for what will be a 17-week training program. Did I mention that I get a sweet jacket? Check it out here: http://www.akronmarathon.org/marathon.aspx. While you are at it, sign up for a race to if you are game!!!

Now to figure out a theme for this training program blog series. Hmm. I have already found a mantra song that I love. It is Lady Gaga's new song "Edge of Glory". Say what you want about her, but she does have some pipes. I really like this part:

"Its time to feel the rush, to push the dangerous
I'm gonna run back to, to the edge with you
Where we can both fall over in love
I'm on the edge of glory, and I'm hangin' on a moment of truth
I'm on the edge of glory, and I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge, the edge!!
I'm on the edge of glory, and I'm hangin' on a moment with you
I'm on the edge with you"

My Next Move...Want Your Opinion!!!

So, I'm trying to discern what my next goal (race) should be. I know I want to set a goal and register for a race. I have learned that I'm much more motivated to keep with a program if I actually set a goal. My dilemma is I'm just not sure what to do next. I've been mulling it over the last couple days, as I'm wont to do, but still not sure. So, I thought I would put it down on paper (okay, the screen) and maybe that would help bring some clarity to the right decision for me at this time. I do feel a sense of urgency to make this decision because the training programs of the fall races I'm interested are starting like now.

These are the options so far:

1. Run the Akron 1/2 marathon on Sat, Sept 24. This is totally doable time-wise as the program is 14 weeks. The pro is that it is a new course for me, a distance I've already run successfully so it could build my confidence. The con is that I've already done 13.1 miles and might want a new challenge. Cut to #2.

2. Run the Akron FULL marathon on Sat, Sept 24. Just thinking about this makes my heart beat faster!! So exciting to be able to do a full. I definitely would like to check this off the bucket list sooner than later. The pros for this is that it is a cool course, a well organized local race and you get a sweet jacket! Not to mention the thrill of just doing this and of course getting the 26.2 sticker for the car. The cons are the amount of time for training - it is a little on the short side. The program I found for beginners is 20 weeks and I have only 17. So, I'd be 3 week's short - and just start 3 weeks in, I imagine. Plus, the whole fear factor thing. The "OMG that is a long time to run" factor. But, that is what I said going into training for the half. The added complexity to this is the "if not now, when?" factor. I've decided that training for a full would be more doable for me for a fall race, when the weather is more favorable for outside long runs. I am too much of a baby in the winter and we all know my track record for indoor tracks and my strong dislike of treadmills. This would mean that my next shot at a full would not be until next year at this time. I'm not getting any younger, ya know!

3. Run the Columbus FULL marathon on Sun, Oct 16. Now, this date would definitely work with the 20 week training program. That is a definite pro. My sister also lives in Columbus so that would be cool! I also know a woman (and her friends) who is running it and I also like that it is a Sunday race. The only con I can think of really is that it is not local (well that and the whole fear thing). I would have to travel, albeit not very far, to go to it. But I could probably stay with my sis and fam. It also could be kind of chilly in mid-October and you don't get a cool jacket as a give-away.

4. Run the "Stomp the Grapes" 1/2 marathon on Sat, Nov 5 in Hartville, OH - This sounds really fun! First off, you get a couple of glasses of wine after the race - need I say more! The race starts and ends at a winery so that just sounds like fun. I think I know someone that has done this one before and liked it. The distance is doable and obviously there is enough time for training. The con is that it is almost too far away. November feels really far away and it could be really chilly then too. But, then again, there is the wine.

Ugh. Just not sure what to do and I'm looking for opinions. If you have an opinion, please share it with me. And no, option #5 - "doing nothing but sit on my ass" is not an option, so don't even suggest that!! Maybe the option with the most votes will win!!

Me Time

I did yoga yesterday and got really sweaty!! It is such an awesome thing - I just cannot express how much I'm enjoying this. I only wish I would have tried it sooner in my life, but I was always skittish about it. Isn't that so true about life, though. Sometimes we put off doing something because of fear. That really is a lot of energy wasted. Why not just try it? The worst that can happen is that we find out we don't like it and then we can move on to something that we do enjoy.

What is it that you fear doing? What are you putting off because you are uncertain about it or fear the unknown? Don't waste another second! Either try it today or make a plan to try it today. You may discover something wonderful!

Recovery Week

Sat, May 21
Ran 3 miles today outside at 8:45am
Time: 32:03; Average Pace: 10:41

Today was the first time running since Sunday. My legs felt iffy at the beginning, but it felt good during the run. I had felt like kind of a slacker during this week with just doing yoga, but I know that was the best thing. My legs felt really achy later in the afternoon so I had to take some ibuprofen. It was also starting to get hot today during the run. I need to try to run earlier in the morning and I need to start bringing water with me, especially for longer runs. I'm going to check out one of those water belt things at Dick's, I think.

I'm following the four week recovery program that was on the bottom of my training schedule. I figure, why not, right? It gradually works you back up to 7 miles on the last long run. That gives me four weeks to figure out what I want to train for next. I sorta want to train for another 1/2, but I'm not sure which one. The Akron one is Sept 24 and the Stomp the Grapes one in Hartville is Nov 5. I don't think it would be advisable to do both. I also am not sure if I should do another tri. I think that the Portage lakes one is in September too. Part of me does not want to do the training for the biking and swimming part, but I don't know. I also want to do the Hudson 5K that is in July and the Firecracker run July 4 in Stow. I guess I first need to settle on which 1/2 to do and plan accordingly and then maybe look into 5K and 10K runs to practice on during the summer.

Sounds like a plan and boy do I like those!