Wed, April 13
Ran 5.05 miles outside with Nicki
Time: 55:45; Average Pace: 11'02"
So excited to run outside this morning...and with a friend to boot! I was supposed to run 50 minutes according to my schedule so I did a bit more today - yahoo! This marks my first "dark running" experience which I enjoyed doing with someone else. I'm not sure if I'd be confident enough to do it alone - at least not a route I hadn't run in the daylight first. Also, it is only the third time I've ever run with someone else. I really enjoyed the camaraderie running with her. We talked the whole time which made the time go really fast. I used my iPod just to track, but had one ear bud out so we could chat. I wasn't sure about the whole dark thing. And I'm still not really sure about it. I was sporting my new, and must I say, very attractive, reflective running vest from Target for safety purposes, but I was afraid I would trip and fall or not see a pothole, or whatever. But it worked out okay, especially with a partner. We ran a route that she knew around her house so it was new to me, but good. No injuries to report, happily!
I felt pretty good the entire time. I was not as tuned into my body running with someone else, which is good and bad, I guess. I felt badly because Nicki is faster than me by probably a minute, at least, but she was nice enough to go at my pace. With my calve situation I just don't want to push it right now. So, we went at my old lady pace!! I notice on my iPod tracking thing that I continue to get slower with every mile. I know that is something I should probably work on, but you know, right now, my goal is just to keep adding distance and finish that race on May 15. I figure I can work on that goal after I have this first one under my belt. First, does that mean there will be another?! Hmmmm...
It was cool to be outside. We saw a few deer and heard the birds chirping. We even ran into a few other runners. It is like this whole other world going on before most of the world gets up out of bed in the morning. Such a much better way to greet the morning than under bright florescent lights and bad 70's music playing! I hope to make this a regular thing!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Looking for Bob and Jillian!!
Tues, April 12
5:30am - 6:30am - Bootcamp class at Life Center
Today was an awesome workout! There were only two of us. We warmed up doing random things back and forth the gym (butt kicks, high knees, etc) interspersed with step-ups. Then we moved to the new training room (think Biggest Loser) and spent the majority of the rest of our time in there. We used some new stuff which was cool and fun. We did four (4) sets of each of the following for a minute each- alternating between the two of us:
Kettle Bell shoulder raises
Squats with a 45 pound bar on our shoulders (yikes!)
Lawn Mower back raises (name??) with a 20 pounder - 30 seconds each arm, ugh
Pull ups with these strappy things - arm killer
Wall sit holding a kettle bell out in front of us (not sure of weight)
Rope slams (yes, def Biggest Loser!)
Then we left the training room and went over to what I call the "meathead area" - the lifting area where a lot of the guys hang out. They were in full yell mode so I was a little intimidated and wondered if I had to yell out too. Well, no. We did a bunch of sets of more arm stuff there and then went over to use the ab machines. Ugh and Ugh!
Great workout - not sure if I was inspired by the Biggest Loser-esque feel, or because I didn't run yesterday or what, but it felt great! Looking forward to yoga at lunch.
5:30am - 6:30am - Bootcamp class at Life Center
Today was an awesome workout! There were only two of us. We warmed up doing random things back and forth the gym (butt kicks, high knees, etc) interspersed with step-ups. Then we moved to the new training room (think Biggest Loser) and spent the majority of the rest of our time in there. We used some new stuff which was cool and fun. We did four (4) sets of each of the following for a minute each- alternating between the two of us:
Kettle Bell shoulder raises
Squats with a 45 pound bar on our shoulders (yikes!)
Lawn Mower back raises (name??) with a 20 pounder - 30 seconds each arm, ugh
Pull ups with these strappy things - arm killer
Wall sit holding a kettle bell out in front of us (not sure of weight)
Rope slams (yes, def Biggest Loser!)
Then we left the training room and went over to what I call the "meathead area" - the lifting area where a lot of the guys hang out. They were in full yell mode so I was a little intimidated and wondered if I had to yell out too. Well, no. We did a bunch of sets of more arm stuff there and then went over to use the ab machines. Ugh and Ugh!
Great workout - not sure if I was inspired by the Biggest Loser-esque feel, or because I didn't run yesterday or what, but it felt great! Looking forward to yoga at lunch.
Monday, April 11, 2011
It's Not the Heat, its the Humidity!!
Mon, April 11
Nothing - absolutely zip!
I was supposed to run 40 minutes today, but I did not do it. I was so friggin' hot last night that I ended up tossing and turning from like 2am on and slept terribly. There was no way I was getting up to run at 5am. I even bought a reflective vest from Target this weekend just to be ready for a safe, early run. Ugh. So, I packed up my running stuff like a good little soldier with the hopes, but not the best of intentions, to run at lunch. It wasn't really raining at noon, but I was just so tired. For once, it was not my muscles, but just my entire body. So then, plan C was to run as soon as I got home right before dinner. It had stopped raining again. I had every opportunity to do it, but I just didn't. And yes, I've been beating myself up about it all night.
It is that all or nothing thinking that creeps in sometimes. Heaven forbid that I'm not perfect with my training plan. Because it turns out, I'm just not perfect after all. I have to remind myself that one missed run does not negate all the training I've done to date and will continue to do until May 15. Just like one botched or poorly planned/chosen meal out of 21 in a week - it is not a big deal or the end of the world. What matters most is moving forward and keeping on track. I'm going to get a good night's sleep tonight and jump right back into my routine for bootcamp in the morning.
What do you have "stinkin' thinkin'" about that you need to call yourself on??!! Do it and keep moving forward!
Nothing - absolutely zip!
I was supposed to run 40 minutes today, but I did not do it. I was so friggin' hot last night that I ended up tossing and turning from like 2am on and slept terribly. There was no way I was getting up to run at 5am. I even bought a reflective vest from Target this weekend just to be ready for a safe, early run. Ugh. So, I packed up my running stuff like a good little soldier with the hopes, but not the best of intentions, to run at lunch. It wasn't really raining at noon, but I was just so tired. For once, it was not my muscles, but just my entire body. So then, plan C was to run as soon as I got home right before dinner. It had stopped raining again. I had every opportunity to do it, but I just didn't. And yes, I've been beating myself up about it all night.
It is that all or nothing thinking that creeps in sometimes. Heaven forbid that I'm not perfect with my training plan. Because it turns out, I'm just not perfect after all. I have to remind myself that one missed run does not negate all the training I've done to date and will continue to do until May 15. Just like one botched or poorly planned/chosen meal out of 21 in a week - it is not a big deal or the end of the world. What matters most is moving forward and keeping on track. I'm going to get a good night's sleep tonight and jump right back into my routine for bootcamp in the morning.
What do you have "stinkin' thinkin'" about that you need to call yourself on??!! Do it and keep moving forward!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Puppy Power!!
We met our new doggie today! We found him posted earlier this week on Petfinder.com and arranged to drive up to North Ridgeville to meet him this morning. I was kinda nervous to meet him, but ready to love another furry thing besides my husband, so off we went.
He was found as a stray and has been fostered by a dog trainer for the last couple of weeks and it really showed! He was such a love-bug and a good boy. The trainer showed us how she has been working with him and he has learned a lot in a short amount of time! He is house-broken, crate trained and ready to please. He also has been socialized with the trainers other dogs and plays really well with them. He is about 4 1/2 to 5 months old and already 40 pounds! He is a mastiff/lab mix so he will be at least 80 pounds!! But what a cutie pie! He is light brown, kind of a brindle color with sweet brown eyes and gigantic webbed feet (he might be a swimmer!)
It really was not a hard decision to make; we all feel in love with him almost instantly. We made a list of the need to purchase items to prepare for his arrival next Saturday. The dog trainer will deliver him to us and provide an hour of training for us then - which is all included in the adoption fee. I am really impressed with the dog rescue organization (F.I.D.O.). The woman was really nice, did a thorough background check on us and they provide this training service for us in order to help the dog with his transition. They also recommended that we continue to have one or two more training sessions with her just to keep him on track. She even said I could train him to run with me. A running buddy!! They have been calling him Brando (for the last couple of weeks only), but they confirmed that it would be okay to change his name. So Mission One during lunch at Subway was to come up with a name so the trainer could start using it with him this week. After much discussion, we choose the name, "Henry". It just seemed to fit him, plus we wanted to stick with an "H" name in honor of our Homer Dog.
I'm excited for next Saturday so we can begin this next phase of our life with a puppy and all the adventures that will inevitably occur. Heck I might even have to start a new blog just for that!!
Outside Again!!
Sat, April 9
Ran 6.27 miles OUTSIDE today!
Time: 1 hour and 9 min; Average Pace: 11'09"
Today's run was super, actually! I was uber excited not to go to LifeCenter after my Weight Watchers meeting - as I have done for the past cajillion Saturdays in a row now. Now, don't get me wrong I love Life Center bigtime...the staff is awesome, especially my good friend, Karin, my good friend, Wendy and my Mom, who by the by is employee of the month this month!!
Yes, I love it, but I'm frankly tired of running around the track and by no means will I ever go near a treadmill. So, I ran the 6 mile route that I mapped out last night as soon as I got home. Truth be told I wasn't sure how I'd do as there are some hills on the route (for the locals - across Boston Mills into the neighborhood, the back way down to Owen Brown, up Aurora Road to N. Hayden, down Hayden all the way to Ravenna, up Ravenna to Rt 91, through First and Main and back under the railroad bridge to home). They aren't major ones by any stretch, but more hills than on a flat track!!
The first three miles were the hardest. I only stopped to walk one time for about 30 seconds right before completing mile 3 on Hayden. There was a gradual hill there that I just had to take a break on. But then I cruised for the last half of the run. That always happens. I'm not sure if it is because I'm just more warmed up by then, or maybe I like the music better?? I don't know. I'm definitely slower then. My iPod gives me a reading of how fast I am going for each mile and I was the exact same for 3, 4 and 5 - 11'09", which was about 30 seconds slower than my first two. I just always feel during the later half.
Maybe I was just excited to be done and happy because as soon as I got home and showered I was going to go meet a potential new doggie candidate!!! More on that in my next post!!!
Ran 6.27 miles OUTSIDE today!
Time: 1 hour and 9 min; Average Pace: 11'09"
Today's run was super, actually! I was uber excited not to go to LifeCenter after my Weight Watchers meeting - as I have done for the past cajillion Saturdays in a row now. Now, don't get me wrong I love Life Center bigtime...the staff is awesome, especially my good friend, Karin, my good friend, Wendy and my Mom, who by the by is employee of the month this month!!
Yes, I love it, but I'm frankly tired of running around the track and by no means will I ever go near a treadmill. So, I ran the 6 mile route that I mapped out last night as soon as I got home. Truth be told I wasn't sure how I'd do as there are some hills on the route (for the locals - across Boston Mills into the neighborhood, the back way down to Owen Brown, up Aurora Road to N. Hayden, down Hayden all the way to Ravenna, up Ravenna to Rt 91, through First and Main and back under the railroad bridge to home). They aren't major ones by any stretch, but more hills than on a flat track!!
The first three miles were the hardest. I only stopped to walk one time for about 30 seconds right before completing mile 3 on Hayden. There was a gradual hill there that I just had to take a break on. But then I cruised for the last half of the run. That always happens. I'm not sure if it is because I'm just more warmed up by then, or maybe I like the music better?? I don't know. I'm definitely slower then. My iPod gives me a reading of how fast I am going for each mile and I was the exact same for 3, 4 and 5 - 11'09", which was about 30 seconds slower than my first two. I just always feel during the later half.
Maybe I was just excited to be done and happy because as soon as I got home and showered I was going to go meet a potential new doggie candidate!!! More on that in my next post!!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Beat the Snooze Button Again!
Fri, April 8
Ran for 30 minutes at indoor track at Life Center
Distance: 2.78 miles; Average Pace: 10'48"
Yikes! Well, I did it. That is about all I can report about the success of this run. My alarm went off at 5am as usual. I shut it off, went to the bathroom, reset it for 6:30am and got back in bed. I told myself I should rest up cause I have my long run tomorrow (6 miles). I lasted back in bed for about 30 seconds before I drug myself back out, got dressed and went! I'm very happy that I did even though the run sucked eggs for a majority of it. The first two miles were pretty much a pain-fest. The third one was less so, but still no picnic. I'm a little discouraged and getting worried about this. My plan is to continue to follow my training program unless I am maimed or dead. I may be slow, but I will accomplish this goal! Besides, there is always ibuprofen waiting for me after every run! Yes!
Ran for 30 minutes at indoor track at Life Center
Distance: 2.78 miles; Average Pace: 10'48"
Yikes! Well, I did it. That is about all I can report about the success of this run. My alarm went off at 5am as usual. I shut it off, went to the bathroom, reset it for 6:30am and got back in bed. I told myself I should rest up cause I have my long run tomorrow (6 miles). I lasted back in bed for about 30 seconds before I drug myself back out, got dressed and went! I'm very happy that I did even though the run sucked eggs for a majority of it. The first two miles were pretty much a pain-fest. The third one was less so, but still no picnic. I'm a little discouraged and getting worried about this. My plan is to continue to follow my training program unless I am maimed or dead. I may be slow, but I will accomplish this goal! Besides, there is always ibuprofen waiting for me after every run! Yes!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Friends Don't Let Friends Text and Walk
THE FOLLOWING IS SHARED ONLY AS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT. IT IS TO PROTECT THE TEXTING PUBLIC OUT THERE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH OF EXPENSIVE PHONES EVERYWHERE. ANY LAUGHTER CAUSED BY THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS SIMPLY COINCIDENCE AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINION OF BLOGSPOT.COM
So I've been told that all runners fall at some time in their running careers. It is inevitable. They stumble on the sidewalk, a stone, or some other type of impediment that jumps right in their path. Well, yep, it has finally happened to me too. Little did I know that my falling experience as a runner would actually not involve running at all...
Let me 'splain...
Last week I was hurrying out of one meeting and running late to the next, per usual. Luckily, I had my trusty NEW phone on me so I could alert my admin assistant that I was running late to an interview with a graduate assistant candidate. I had just messaged her about it and was about to put the phone, in its pretty little pink case, back in my coat pocket when it happened. Down I went. Oh, I should mention that I was also holding a ceramic mug that I had received as a gift literally about 5 minutes before said fall occurred. It all happened so fast; my whole life flashed before me (okay, not really, but that just seemed like a cool thing to include right about here in the story...it could have happened! I'll make sure it gets in the movie script).
Anyway, what did happen was that the mug broke into like 10 pieces, cutting my hand a bit, and the palms of my hands that braced my fall got scraped up and were bleeding. But, the worst of the worst, the coup de gras of tragedies,if you will, my NEW phone in the cute pink case went flying...right out of its case and skidded face down on the pavement. Did I mention that it was a new Droid that was a Christmas present from my dear hubby? UGGHHHH!
Thankfully, no one was around to witness this scene, that I know of, so I was relieved about that. I braced myself as I picked up my phone and was faced with a crack that spidered all down the front. Oh crap, crap, crap, crap and crap!! (except that is so not what I said). A few expletives later, I pulled myself together and was grateful that I didn't break anything...other than the aforementioned mug and phone. My knee hit the pavement, but not hard enough to break the skin or rip my pants or anything. Phewwwww!!
So, word to the wise, don't walk and text! Your phone could be at risk!
Epilogue: By the by - my phone still works (even the touch screen) in spite of the beautiful spider crack that runs the whole way down the front. My hubby has offered to replace the screen for like $30, but so far I have declined his offer. I figure a cracked one gives me street cred.
So I've been told that all runners fall at some time in their running careers. It is inevitable. They stumble on the sidewalk, a stone, or some other type of impediment that jumps right in their path. Well, yep, it has finally happened to me too. Little did I know that my falling experience as a runner would actually not involve running at all...
Let me 'splain...
Last week I was hurrying out of one meeting and running late to the next, per usual. Luckily, I had my trusty NEW phone on me so I could alert my admin assistant that I was running late to an interview with a graduate assistant candidate. I had just messaged her about it and was about to put the phone, in its pretty little pink case, back in my coat pocket when it happened. Down I went. Oh, I should mention that I was also holding a ceramic mug that I had received as a gift literally about 5 minutes before said fall occurred. It all happened so fast; my whole life flashed before me (okay, not really, but that just seemed like a cool thing to include right about here in the story...it could have happened! I'll make sure it gets in the movie script).
Anyway, what did happen was that the mug broke into like 10 pieces, cutting my hand a bit, and the palms of my hands that braced my fall got scraped up and were bleeding. But, the worst of the worst, the coup de gras of tragedies,if you will, my NEW phone in the cute pink case went flying...right out of its case and skidded face down on the pavement. Did I mention that it was a new Droid that was a Christmas present from my dear hubby? UGGHHHH!
Thankfully, no one was around to witness this scene, that I know of, so I was relieved about that. I braced myself as I picked up my phone and was faced with a crack that spidered all down the front. Oh crap, crap, crap, crap and crap!! (except that is so not what I said). A few expletives later, I pulled myself together and was grateful that I didn't break anything...other than the aforementioned mug and phone. My knee hit the pavement, but not hard enough to break the skin or rip my pants or anything. Phewwwww!!
So, word to the wise, don't walk and text! Your phone could be at risk!
Epilogue: By the by - my phone still works (even the touch screen) in spite of the beautiful spider crack that runs the whole way down the front. My hubby has offered to replace the screen for like $30, but so far I have declined his offer. I figure a cracked one gives me street cred.
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