Not a great week ...
Monday: If I remember correctly, it was hot? Or I just had a case of the Mondays? Actually, now that I think about it, I do think I was trying to wait for it to cool off a bit, and in the meantime help get Ava to bed. Well, by the time she was sleeping, I was feeling a bit sleepy myself.
Tuesday: headed out late (after the heat) for a quick 3 miles. And quick it was ... 33:47 minutes. One of my faster 3 mile times. :) I am starting to like my first run of the week. I am typically on fresh legs following a rest after the weekend, and seems like these are my fastest runs of the week.
Wednesday: with a chance of storms and just plain ol' feeling tired, this was another rest day.
Thursday: Zero. I don't even know if there was an excuse this night (I mean there really never is) ... I know I ran some errands, and again, was just tired.
Friday: rest (as planned) Although I did attempt to make up for some missed runs by setting my alarm for early in the morning. But that was a failed plan, too.
Saturday: headed out for my long run! Another 10 on the agenda. I hit my 5 mile split in 1 hour flat. I hit 10 miles in 2:01. I finished with 10.2 miles in 2:05. The last 1.5 miles felt a lot harder than last week, but overall, I am happy with the result. Love that it was consistent. Love that even if I can't go just a little bit faster on the long runs, I can at least maintain a 12 minute pace.
Sunday: rest
Total mileage: 13.2 miles
Nothing to brag about; but it is what it is.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Weekly Update: July 16-22
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Despite more hot (and I mean HOT) July weather, I headed out for a quick run. I waited until just before 9 PM, which I found is the latest I am willing to go. After that it gets too dark before I get home. The humidity made me feel a little bit of uncomfortableness in my lungs that I have not felt in a very long time. Regardless, I knew I was keeping the mileage down, so I tried really hard to keep the pace up. I ended with 3 miles in 36:25. Not great - not bad.
Wednesday: With the weather slightly cooler, I was able to get out a bit earlier. I think this may have been the day it rained, and then cleared up in time for an evening run. It was more humid than I thought, but overall okay. I did 5 miles in 59:50. I am extremely satisfied with the consistency I am hitting 5 miles within the hour time frame.
Thursday: Again, not terrible weather. I didn't go out as early as the night before, but early enough for another 5 miles. Actually, I finished 5.3 miles in 63 minutes. Again, consistency. Love it.
Friday: Rest.
Saturday: Folks - this was a day I had both been dreading and looking forward to. My first ever double-digit mile run. :) The dread was more present given the circumstances of my 9 mile long run last weekend; however, even without that experience in my head this mile marker was a barrier that would make or break the training I have been doing. I kid you not, I woke up with a stomach ache. It took me nearly a half hour longer than expected to get out of the house. It took well into the first mile to shake the nervous, what-if I can't do this feeling. I can't imagine what race day is going to feel like!! Finally, after a slow first mile, a potty break within the first mile, and lots of self-pep talks, I fell into my groove. I was extremely happy with how I maintained my pace without pushing too fast or too slow. I finished the first 5 miles in 62 minutes. A tad slower that goal time, but not bad. I took a route I have driven, but never ran, for the second 5. At one point I thought I may be lost, but a kind woman on her bike assured me I was headed in the right direction! The way home was a little longer than I thought, but it didn't matter ... I was feeling GREAT! I hit the 10 mile mark in 2:02. That means I ran the second 5 miles in an hour! I will be thrilled if I have the energy in me on race day to run a negative split. My total mileage was 10.7 in 2:11. The weather was perfect for a morning run, the running felt great, I felt amazing. What a night and day difference from the week before. I tell ya, after this run ... I can't wait to see what I can hammer out over the next few weeks!
Total mileage for the week: 24 miles.
What an awesome week of running!
Tuesday: Despite more hot (and I mean HOT) July weather, I headed out for a quick run. I waited until just before 9 PM, which I found is the latest I am willing to go. After that it gets too dark before I get home. The humidity made me feel a little bit of uncomfortableness in my lungs that I have not felt in a very long time. Regardless, I knew I was keeping the mileage down, so I tried really hard to keep the pace up. I ended with 3 miles in 36:25. Not great - not bad.
Wednesday: With the weather slightly cooler, I was able to get out a bit earlier. I think this may have been the day it rained, and then cleared up in time for an evening run. It was more humid than I thought, but overall okay. I did 5 miles in 59:50. I am extremely satisfied with the consistency I am hitting 5 miles within the hour time frame.
Thursday: Again, not terrible weather. I didn't go out as early as the night before, but early enough for another 5 miles. Actually, I finished 5.3 miles in 63 minutes. Again, consistency. Love it.
Friday: Rest.
Saturday: Folks - this was a day I had both been dreading and looking forward to. My first ever double-digit mile run. :) The dread was more present given the circumstances of my 9 mile long run last weekend; however, even without that experience in my head this mile marker was a barrier that would make or break the training I have been doing. I kid you not, I woke up with a stomach ache. It took me nearly a half hour longer than expected to get out of the house. It took well into the first mile to shake the nervous, what-if I can't do this feeling. I can't imagine what race day is going to feel like!! Finally, after a slow first mile, a potty break within the first mile, and lots of self-pep talks, I fell into my groove. I was extremely happy with how I maintained my pace without pushing too fast or too slow. I finished the first 5 miles in 62 minutes. A tad slower that goal time, but not bad. I took a route I have driven, but never ran, for the second 5. At one point I thought I may be lost, but a kind woman on her bike assured me I was headed in the right direction! The way home was a little longer than I thought, but it didn't matter ... I was feeling GREAT! I hit the 10 mile mark in 2:02. That means I ran the second 5 miles in an hour! I will be thrilled if I have the energy in me on race day to run a negative split. My total mileage was 10.7 in 2:11. The weather was perfect for a morning run, the running felt great, I felt amazing. What a night and day difference from the week before. I tell ya, after this run ... I can't wait to see what I can hammer out over the next few weeks!
Total mileage for the week: 24 miles.
What an awesome week of running!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: July 9 - July 15
Monday: after running both Saturday and Sunday, this was a rest day.
Tuesday: I ended up with 5 miles in 59 minutes.
Wednesday: Another 5 miles (broken up by a stop at the park with Ava!) Total running time was 65 minutes.
Thursday: Rest
Friday: ugh. I set my alarm to get up and do my long run before a weekend of camping. However, I am just not used to getting up that early as morning runs aren't an option for me. I turned the alarm off, and went back to sleep.
Saturday: Another morning I wish I could have over. I woke up in the tent around 6:15. Just as I was going to quietly get up and sneak out, Ava woke up too. I could have still went ... but the nice mom and wife in me opted out. I felt bad leaving Chad that early in a campground knowing Ava would pitch a fit over me leaving her. Had we not forgotten the stroller, I would have thought more about it ....
Sunday: No excuses for this morning; I needed to get that long run in. Ava did pitch a small fit, but I needed to go and I told Chad that. Headed out to the screentent to grab some water, and lo and behold a bird had trapped itself in there over night. Small as it was, I am not a fan of close up encounters with wild creatures. Against my better judgement, I headed out with a bottle of water. The first 5 miles went great. I felt good, I maintained my pace steadily, and reached in one hour flat. I decided on an out and back route so I wouldn't get lost, and mile 6 - 7 was directly into the morning sun as the day warmed quickly, I hadn't re-hydrated at all, I started to have gas pains, and was feeling tired. I kept trying to push while allowing for breaks, but at just under 8 miles I couldn't do it anymore. I ended up making the decision to walk the last mile back to the campground. I finished 9 miles in 1:57. I was extremely frustrated during the latter part of this run, and disappointed. But these runs are bound to happen. I don't know if I just let the water thing get to my head, or if I truly learned a valuable lesson in knowing when I need to be sure to hydrate.
Total mileage: 19 miles. I feel okay with that, but given all the circumstances of the week, I am hoping for a better week ahead.
Tuesday: I ended up with 5 miles in 59 minutes.
Wednesday: Another 5 miles (broken up by a stop at the park with Ava!) Total running time was 65 minutes.
Thursday: Rest
Friday: ugh. I set my alarm to get up and do my long run before a weekend of camping. However, I am just not used to getting up that early as morning runs aren't an option for me. I turned the alarm off, and went back to sleep.
Saturday: Another morning I wish I could have over. I woke up in the tent around 6:15. Just as I was going to quietly get up and sneak out, Ava woke up too. I could have still went ... but the nice mom and wife in me opted out. I felt bad leaving Chad that early in a campground knowing Ava would pitch a fit over me leaving her. Had we not forgotten the stroller, I would have thought more about it ....
Sunday: No excuses for this morning; I needed to get that long run in. Ava did pitch a small fit, but I needed to go and I told Chad that. Headed out to the screentent to grab some water, and lo and behold a bird had trapped itself in there over night. Small as it was, I am not a fan of close up encounters with wild creatures. Against my better judgement, I headed out with a bottle of water. The first 5 miles went great. I felt good, I maintained my pace steadily, and reached in one hour flat. I decided on an out and back route so I wouldn't get lost, and mile 6 - 7 was directly into the morning sun as the day warmed quickly, I hadn't re-hydrated at all, I started to have gas pains, and was feeling tired. I kept trying to push while allowing for breaks, but at just under 8 miles I couldn't do it anymore. I ended up making the decision to walk the last mile back to the campground. I finished 9 miles in 1:57. I was extremely frustrated during the latter part of this run, and disappointed. But these runs are bound to happen. I don't know if I just let the water thing get to my head, or if I truly learned a valuable lesson in knowing when I need to be sure to hydrate.
Total mileage: 19 miles. I feel okay with that, but given all the circumstances of the week, I am hoping for a better week ahead.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: July 2 - July 8
Monday: the start of an extremely hot week; I headed out at about 8:35PM and completed 3.72 miles in 45 minutes. I was thankful to make it home before dark, and not too disappointed with m pace either.
Tuesday: We participated in a 4 mile Walk for a Cancer Free World. It was miserable, but for a good cause!
Wednesday: 4th of July!
Thursday: It was miserably hot, and I didn't do a darn thing!
Friday: Rest (a usual rest day)
Saturday: a break in the heat just in time for my weekly long run! I did a total of 8.13 miles. I hit the 5 mile mark in exactly 60 minutes, and hit 8 miles in 1:35.30. A half of minute faster than my goal time! :) Overall, very satisfied!
Sunday: much sorer than normal. Waiting until evening to head out. Went out for two reasons: needed the miles and needed to get the lactic acid out from the day before! Took the little Bug with me, and completed 4.5 miles in 60 minutes. My goal was to go slow and steady, but still felt frustrated with that pace. Anyone else have difficulty not worrying about the pace when you are running?
Total mileage for the week was 20.35. More than the training plan called for, less than I was hoping for. But, can't complain!
Tuesday: We participated in a 4 mile Walk for a Cancer Free World. It was miserable, but for a good cause!
Wednesday: 4th of July!
Thursday: It was miserably hot, and I didn't do a darn thing!
Friday: Rest (a usual rest day)
Saturday: a break in the heat just in time for my weekly long run! I did a total of 8.13 miles. I hit the 5 mile mark in exactly 60 minutes, and hit 8 miles in 1:35.30. A half of minute faster than my goal time! :) Overall, very satisfied!
Sunday: much sorer than normal. Waiting until evening to head out. Went out for two reasons: needed the miles and needed to get the lactic acid out from the day before! Took the little Bug with me, and completed 4.5 miles in 60 minutes. My goal was to go slow and steady, but still felt frustrated with that pace. Anyone else have difficulty not worrying about the pace when you are running?
Total mileage for the week was 20.35. More than the training plan called for, less than I was hoping for. But, can't complain!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Recipe 1 of 3
One of my goals for July was to eat three vegetarian meals after reading a couple of articles about vegetarian and vegan diets.
This weekend I tried this Zucchini, Black Bean and Rice Skillet. Generally speaking, I liked it.
A few other thoughts:
.it tastes a little like a stir fry, but with something missing.
.it could maybe use a dressing (even basic olive oil) or even some salt and pepper to spice it up a bit.
.I ate it with a little bit of ranch dressing, since I was also eating raw veggies, and that helped.
.I thought about putting it with a little sour cream since it's a little Mexican feeling.
.I realized tonight I will need to make it again, because I totally forgot to sprinkle the cheese on top.
.that could solve my problems?
Something I will try again; not bad at all.
Happy Eating!
This weekend I tried this Zucchini, Black Bean and Rice Skillet. Generally speaking, I liked it.
A few other thoughts:
.it tastes a little like a stir fry, but with something missing.
.it could maybe use a dressing (even basic olive oil) or even some salt and pepper to spice it up a bit.
.I ate it with a little bit of ranch dressing, since I was also eating raw veggies, and that helped.
.I thought about putting it with a little sour cream since it's a little Mexican feeling.
.I realized tonight I will need to make it again, because I totally forgot to sprinkle the cheese on top.
.that could solve my problems?
Something I will try again; not bad at all.
Happy Eating!
Friday, July 6, 2012
New Month, New Goals
We are almost a week into July already. About time to list out some goals.
1. Run! I am shooting for upwards of 90 miles. That is based on the training plan I am following plus a few more miles.
2. Lose weight. 5.8 pounds would put me at an even number, and down 25.6 pounds for the year. I will take what I can get though!
3. In sticking with setting goals that keep an overall healthy lifestyle, I want to be sure to schedule some appointments. A follow-up with the dentist, a physical, and an eye exam.
4. I've read a few articles lately (that just happened to be in my magazines versus on purpose) about vegan and vegetarian diets. My interest is sparked and while I am not ready to jump in and change my diet completely, I am willing to try some vegetarian recipes. My goal is to try 3 new recipes this month.
5. Following up from June, I am determined to wear some pre-pregnancy jeans!
What are you currently working towards?
1. Run! I am shooting for upwards of 90 miles. That is based on the training plan I am following plus a few more miles.
2. Lose weight. 5.8 pounds would put me at an even number, and down 25.6 pounds for the year. I will take what I can get though!
3. In sticking with setting goals that keep an overall healthy lifestyle, I want to be sure to schedule some appointments. A follow-up with the dentist, a physical, and an eye exam.
4. I've read a few articles lately (that just happened to be in my magazines versus on purpose) about vegan and vegetarian diets. My interest is sparked and while I am not ready to jump in and change my diet completely, I am willing to try some vegetarian recipes. My goal is to try 3 new recipes this month.
5. Following up from June, I am determined to wear some pre-pregnancy jeans!
What are you currently working towards?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Reviewing June
I had five goals set for the month of June. Here's how I did.
1. Run 76 miles over four weeks. I ended with 76.06. Not bad. Half way through I had thought I might end up with closer to 80, or even over 80. But two lower mileage weeks at the end tampered with that. Still, goal met!
2. Bike once per week. I biked a total of zero times. Disappointing, but not upsetting. It would be nice to be fitting in workouts beyond my runs, but my main focus is my running in preparation for the upcoming half marathon.
3. Lose 3-6 pounds. 3 would've put me down 20 for the year. 6 would've put me into a new "decade" of numbers. I yo-yo'ed a lot over the course of the month, and ended about a half a pound short. I am thiiiis close to being down 20 pounds.
4. Fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Honestly, I don't know if its met or not met. With the yo-yo weights, I didn't want to try them and be disappointed. I guess I will need to do that!
5. Eat 3 fruits/veggies per day. I didn't track this one daily. I would say I average 2 per day, some days more. Always room for improvement.
Another successful month. Coming up short on some specific goals, but maintaining consistency and feeling good.
1. Run 76 miles over four weeks. I ended with 76.06. Not bad. Half way through I had thought I might end up with closer to 80, or even over 80. But two lower mileage weeks at the end tampered with that. Still, goal met!
2. Bike once per week. I biked a total of zero times. Disappointing, but not upsetting. It would be nice to be fitting in workouts beyond my runs, but my main focus is my running in preparation for the upcoming half marathon.
3. Lose 3-6 pounds. 3 would've put me down 20 for the year. 6 would've put me into a new "decade" of numbers. I yo-yo'ed a lot over the course of the month, and ended about a half a pound short. I am thiiiis close to being down 20 pounds.
4. Fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Honestly, I don't know if its met or not met. With the yo-yo weights, I didn't want to try them and be disappointed. I guess I will need to do that!
5. Eat 3 fruits/veggies per day. I didn't track this one daily. I would say I average 2 per day, some days more. Always room for improvement.
Another successful month. Coming up short on some specific goals, but maintaining consistency and feeling good.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Race Lessons
I briefly mentioned yesterday that about a day before I ran the Hog Jog I realized it was good I had signed up for a morning race. All my 5k's have been evening runs, and having my first morning race occur the day of the half probably wouldn't be the best idea.
Here are a couple things I realized after Saturday morning.
First, I need to make sure I go to bed on time and wake up ready to run. Saturday morning I would have been just as thrilled turning the alarm off and sleeping in. Granted the half will be the cumulation of 18 weeks of hard work versus part of the training.
Second, I am aware of the possibility of nightmares. The morning of the race I woke up dreaming I didn't have the right shoes and they wouldn't hold off the start for me to get some. Oddly enough, in April I went to St. Cloud without my shoes .... who knew that would haunt me! I don't know what I will do to stop the nightmares, but good to know they are a possibility.
Third, breakfast. Race nerves absolutely gave me butterflies and made it hard to eat. And I know I will need to eat before tackling 13.1. This is something morning training runs cant help with either, because they don't induce the same nervous, pit in stomach feelings.
What have you done to figure out race day routines and obstacles? What can you prepare for? What has caught you off guard?
Just about 60 days until race day!!
Edited to add: Fourth, don't go out too fast! This is not specific to morning races, but a reminder from Saturday's race. I went out and ran high 10/low 11 minute miles for the first three miles. According to my watch, I ran the first 5k in 33 minutes (plus some odd seconds). That is fast for me. While I reached my goal for the race, the last two miles were quite a bit slower. That was two more miles, not 10. Gotta learn to match pace with distance.
Here are a couple things I realized after Saturday morning.
First, I need to make sure I go to bed on time and wake up ready to run. Saturday morning I would have been just as thrilled turning the alarm off and sleeping in. Granted the half will be the cumulation of 18 weeks of hard work versus part of the training.
Second, I am aware of the possibility of nightmares. The morning of the race I woke up dreaming I didn't have the right shoes and they wouldn't hold off the start for me to get some. Oddly enough, in April I went to St. Cloud without my shoes .... who knew that would haunt me! I don't know what I will do to stop the nightmares, but good to know they are a possibility.
Third, breakfast. Race nerves absolutely gave me butterflies and made it hard to eat. And I know I will need to eat before tackling 13.1. This is something morning training runs cant help with either, because they don't induce the same nervous, pit in stomach feelings.
What have you done to figure out race day routines and obstacles? What can you prepare for? What has caught you off guard?
Just about 60 days until race day!!
Edited to add: Fourth, don't go out too fast! This is not specific to morning races, but a reminder from Saturday's race. I went out and ran high 10/low 11 minute miles for the first three miles. According to my watch, I ran the first 5k in 33 minutes (plus some odd seconds). That is fast for me. While I reached my goal for the race, the last two miles were quite a bit slower. That was two more miles, not 10. Gotta learn to match pace with distance.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: June 25 - July 2
Monday: 5 miles in an hour flat. A strong run all the way around. Felt great when I finished that one!
Tuesday: 4.73 miles in 1:04. Felt okay at the beginning, strong in the middle, and terrible at the end. Had stomache pains and gas only running can bring on! Walked the. 73 miles home.
Wednesday: knew it was going t be a hot one, so purposely planned a rest day.
Thursday: between being really tired and going to a retirement party after work, my evening was just off; hence an unplanned rest day.
Friday: rest in preparation for ....
Saturday: Hog Jog 5 mile race. Nothing like a new race distance for an automatic PR! Seriously though, in May I set a goal to be able to do 5 miles in less than an hour by this day. My time was around 56 minutes (haven't seen official times) but I was more than satisfied with that effort. I am also glad I had the chance to run a morning race before the big one on Sept 1.
Sunday: woke up this morning and decided it was going to be a stay home, chill sort of day. I did do laundry and dishes, but I also took a nap and just relaxed. Decided to carry that into my running, too.
It was a scheduled cut-back week. I took advantage of that, and finished just 14.73 miles.
Next week we're back at it in full force.
Tuesday: 4.73 miles in 1:04. Felt okay at the beginning, strong in the middle, and terrible at the end. Had stomache pains and gas only running can bring on! Walked the. 73 miles home.
Wednesday: knew it was going t be a hot one, so purposely planned a rest day.
Thursday: between being really tired and going to a retirement party after work, my evening was just off; hence an unplanned rest day.
Friday: rest in preparation for ....
Saturday: Hog Jog 5 mile race. Nothing like a new race distance for an automatic PR! Seriously though, in May I set a goal to be able to do 5 miles in less than an hour by this day. My time was around 56 minutes (haven't seen official times) but I was more than satisfied with that effort. I am also glad I had the chance to run a morning race before the big one on Sept 1.
Sunday: woke up this morning and decided it was going to be a stay home, chill sort of day. I did do laundry and dishes, but I also took a nap and just relaxed. Decided to carry that into my running, too.
It was a scheduled cut-back week. I took advantage of that, and finished just 14.73 miles.
Next week we're back at it in full force.
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