On This Day I Can Run...So I Will!

Will start my training tomorrow for my 1/2 in September.  I'm hoping this blog will hold me accountable for the miles I want to put in.  

Tomorrow I want to do 3 miles and 20 minutes strength training.  Should turn out to be at least a 50 min workout. 

Ran my 3 miles and did my 20 min strength.  It helped knowing I was going to report to this blog.  I wasn't able to time my run because my GPS watch was not charged up (still in my bag from my last run).  I think I ran around 10 min miles.  I feel great.  I am going to spin class tomorrow. 

Had a sub in spinning this morning but it was still a good wake-up.  The new bikes are great.  My goal for tomorrow is a 7 mile tempo run.  Hope I get some rest tonight.

Did my 7 miles with an average pace of 9:51.  It's funny how after the 1st 2 miles I started coming up with all these reasons why I didn't have to finish.  It's too hot...you didn't sleep well...you need more water...you can just add some miles on your next run...  

Somehow I worked through those reasons but it was especially helpful knowing I would be reporting to this blog.  Thanks for the support!

Only squeezed out 2 miles of tempo, one at 8:53 the other at 8:57.  It was a nice cloudy morning and the sun didn't come out until I was on my last 1/2 mile.  

Tomorrows goal:  3 miles easy (if my legs feel good) and strength train (shred). 

I did 20 minutes strength this morning (shred).  Decided to do my 3 miles tomorrow because I slept in until 7am and couldn't get motivated until 8am.  I felt like I didn't have enough time to run and get ready for my new Sleep Number bed delivery at 9am.

My plan is to do 3 easy miles tomorrow, then a long run on Saturday.

I'm hoping the new bed will produce a couple of great nights of sleep and supercharge me for the long run on Saturday.  (Don't worry RAD, your day will come again when you get to sleep, just not yet.)

I picked up my 12 year old niece and she drove with me to my camper.  I ran along a stretch of road that is flat and stays shaded until 11am but it was still hot.  My niece rode her bike along with me and handed me water when I asked for it.  Can't beat that!

AP:  9:59    

Split:  10:18, 9:49, 9:49.   

Tomorrow I plan on getting up at 5am, be on the Rail Trail by 6am, and run 11 miles.   Maybe my husband will come along and be my water boy.  All I can do is ask!  Wish me luck! 

p.s. My sleep number was set too high last night and I didn't realize it until I woke up with my nightsweats (something you too will some day enjoy...NOT).  I got it juuust right at about 4am, then got up at 6.  Tonight will be my sweet sleep number night (hopefully).   

My goal was 11 but I was only able to get 10 miles done this morning.  My husband graciously got up with me at 5am and hit the road with me around 5:30.  He rode the bike and carried our water.  I decided to run out from the house 5.5 miles then run back.  It was extremely humid, even at 5:30am.  I could tell my pace was affected by the humidity and the late night last night (got to bed around 11:30) but I wasn't too concerned about the pace, I just wanted the distance.

 Around mile 9 I started getting cold chills and I didn't feel quite right so I walked for a few minutes.  I started up again and went to 10 miles and started getting chills again so I decided 10 was enough for today.  I walked the last mile home.  

Do you think I was getting chills because I was getting too hot?  I felt like I was drinking plenty of water (thanks to my wonderful water boy).   

AP:    10:44 

What a beautiful morning!  I rode my bike to my nieces then she jumped on the bike and we ran the neighborhood and back to my house.  The temperature was great and I felt great so I expected a decent time.  My run was supposed to be an easy one but I still felt like my miles would be in the 9's but they weren't.  

AP:  10:13

I've learned that Monday traffic is more aggressive.  I had two speeding cars cut me off at different times.  I spent my run trying to keep my niece aware of and clear of traffic.  And keep in mind that we are not on a major road, we are in a neighborhood but people think they need to go 50mph down the small streets to try and beat the clock.

I ran two miles this morning and did my 'Shred' workout (strength).  My times were 10:09 and 9:45/mi.  I am supposed to meet a friend this evening for a run.  I'm not use to running in the evening so I am curious how it's going to go.  

After my saturday dehydrated run, my husband has suggested I drink more gatorade throughout the day (Normally I drink lots of water then gatorade during my run).  I'm gonna see if it helps.  Any suggestions?

Went for a run last night with my friend.  It's the first time I took an evening run so I was excited about how I would do.  

I drank plenty of gatorade during the day.  Ate semi-well and felt ready to go at 6pm.  I thought, "Wow, it's really nice being wide awake before starting my run,  I bet I'm going to fly!". 

It was the hardest 3 miles of my life (almost).  I felt like I was running through mud.  I don't know if it's because I worked out that morning or because of a different level of humidity.  As you can see by my times, I walked some during the last mile.    I'm going to rest today.

times:  9:43, 9:42, 10:38 

I love the challenge of running.  Runs like this one make those good days seem that much better.  My good day is coming...I can feel it!

Ran on the treadmill at the gym today.  I was planning on doing speed work so I warmed up for a mile then on mile two I alternated every .25 of a mile between 8:27 and 9:30 per mile.  At the start of mile 3 my towel slipped of the front of the treadmill and I tripped on it a little as it was swept under my foot.  I got this weird little pain under my knee so I walked for a minute (picked up my towel) and started running again.  The little pain came back so I moved to the elliptical and finished mile 3.  Decided not to push it any more today to make sure my knee was going to be ok.

The weather was perfect on my run today.  I decided to do my long run today because I am leaving tonight for a weekend kayaking trip.

AP: 10:02     Fastest Mile: (Mile 11, 9:25)  Slowest Mile: (Mile 10, 10:15).

My knee didn't bother me (thank goodness).  I ran the Rail Trail and it was beautiful.  Saw a couple of wild turkeys but no deer this time.  

I had a GU emergency at mile 7.30.  I became ONE with the forest as I scampered up an embankment hollering "Get out of my way squirrels!".  I was hoping I wouldn't fall down the ravine on the other side and get covered with spiders.  I made it!  But it was close.  You don't mess around with a GU Pooo.  Once my emergency was over I poked my head out of the forest and looked up and down both sides of the trail to see if the coast was clear.  It was.  I couldn't believe I pulled it off without being spotted. Thank goodness I've learned to prepare myself for the hygiene aspect of GU emergency's like this one (put a handful of tissues in your pocket before heading out).  

Hope I didn't gross anyone out.   See you on Monday. 

I was very surprised at my times this morning.  I ran Rosewick Rd which has a nice hill.  The road is flat until the beginning of mile 2, then it starts a 1/2 mile decline and a 1/4 mile incline.  Once I got to the top and finished my second mile, I turned around and ran back which meant 1/4 decline and 1/2 incline, then last mile flat.  

AP: 9:31  Splits:  9:37, 9:26,  9:41, 9:19.

The only reason I can credit for the good run is the oatmeal cookies I had at 12:30am because I couldn't sleep :) 

Or maybe I'm excited because my buddy is coming to visit. 

Went fishing yesterday.  

Today I woke up late and decided to head out anyway to get in what I could.  After 1st half mile my watch went dead and the humidity started it's slow grip of death on me.  I decided to head home after about 2 miles and do some strength training in the a/c.  

Tomorrow I am spinning in the morning then trying another evening run with a friend.

Now I'm off to a meeting. 

Went spinning this morning and planned an evening run with my friend.  

When evening rolled around, so did the thunderstorms.  Looks like this week is going to be my "easy" week in my training.  I'm good with that.

I am going to be super rested for my long run on Saturday! 

Had a great run with my buddy. We ran the rail  trail and the weather was beautiful.  It was nice having someone to talk to and pass the time.  I didn't even notice parts of the run that I struggle with when I'm on my own.

AP: 9:47

QP always keeps me laughing.  She is the only one I know who can find road kill on a bike path.   

Ran 5 miles through my hood today.  It was hazy, hot, and humid but a great start for my week.  My goal is 5 again tomorrow.

AP:  9:50 

Went to the gym to do my run on the treadmill.  Went to the 1st treadmill, hung my magazine, put my water bottle in the holder, hung my towel, plugged in my headphones, started the machine...then I realized the belt was broken.  So I gathered all my stuff (only 3 out of 20 treadmills are available) moved to another treadmill in a different row.  I hung my magazine, put my water bottle in the holder, hung my towel, etc, etc, ... when I pushed the buttons to start nothing happened.  The machine was completely dead.  Soooo, I moved to the last available machine.  This time I tested it before hanging up my magazine, etc. etc.  Success!  It was my lucky day.  

Time flew by as I read my magazine (Literacy Centers for 3rd Grade), and watched "Kardachians" ( I really tried not to watch it but got sucked in).   

My goal for tomorrow is 5 miles and some strength and core training. 

Tired this morning so I only squeezed out 3 miles.  I didn't do any strength training either.  I couldn't think of any good excuses other than I just didn't feel like it!

Tomorrow I will spin in the morning and try an evening run again. 

Had an aggressive spinning class today.  It was great!

Thunderstorms rolled in again this evening and cancelled my evening run with my friend.  We are going to try again next thursday. 

I couldn't find a good pace this morning.  I set out with the goal of running 10-12 miles.  After mile 3, I decided to make this a fartlek run instead of a long run.

 It felt great to just sprint as fast as I could.  I felt like I was in high school again, running the 50 yard dash.  My sprints were short and followed with a short walk but even with walking I managed to keep my AP at 9:56.  

It was humid but overcast and not as hot.  Great day! 

Back to work today so I was up before the sun (unusual for me).  My body protested as I started my run and seemed to never completely loosen up.  My left leg is bothering me a little.  I don't know why.  

AP: 10:29  (Slower than I like but tomorrow will be better) 

Pouring rain this morning so I ran on the treadmill at the gym.  Hardly anyone there at 5:30am so I had not trouble getting a machine.  I chatted with some of the friendly regulars who asked me where I've been (I haven't been there this early since May because I haven't been working).  I started working this week so it's back to early morning runs.  

My AP was 9:50.  I did some ab work also (something I've been neglecting).  

Looking forward to spinning tomorrow and will try evening run with a friend (again).  

I dragged myself out of bed and went to spinning class.  I'm always glad I did, once I'm done.  

I met my friend for an evening run.  I told her to meet me at the park near the bathrooms.  I was a little early so I ran around the parking lot to warm up.  Time went by and she was about 10 minutes late so I decided to run around a different parking lot and there she was running around waiting for me.  She parked near the Jiffy Johns thinking they were the bathrooms we were supposed to meet at.  We laughed and got started on our run.

We decided to run the shaded loop around the park.  It is an all terrain run from soft pine needles to gravel then to roots and winding between trees.  It was nice to run through the shade.  Saw a huge ground hog (alive, sorry QP).  He ran across our path.  

I did better than my last evening run when I had to stop every mile and walk a bit.  This time I stopped to cool down a little after 2 miles then kept going.  I felt like I was going to boil over because I was soooo hot.  I am used to running in the morning so in the evening, my body says, "what do you think you're doing.  We don't work out like this in the evening, we should be resting".  I expect next thursday to be even better.

AP: 10:09  ( a lot slower than I like but I'm overall satisfied considering the terrain and time of day) 

Beautiful run on the Rail Trail.  Saw twin fawns run across the trail and some wild turkeys too.  Lots of people out today which I like because of safety concerns.  The trail is very secluded during the week so I avoid it except on busy days like Saturdays. 

AP:  9:54.

Had to walk a little at mile 10 and give myself a pep talk on how I can finish strong in order to keep my time under 10 min mile.  Must have worked! 

 I couldn't decide whether I wanted to run outside or at the gym.  I decided to run at the gym since I didn't hydrate much yesterday and I could have my water handy on the treadmill.  I went to get in the car and the car wouldn't start, soooo I ran outside and I was glad I did.  

I ran in the hood with the temperature about 72 degrees.  Beautiful morning.

AP: 9:51               split:  10:37, 9:56, 9:35, 9:14 

Late, tired, hungry...need I say more?

Today was hardly worth logging.  Will get myself together for tomorrow morning.   

God must know I need sleep.  I slept through my alarm for 20 minutes this morning.  

I tried doing some fartlek so I wouldn't be late for work.

AP: 9:40 

Went spinning this morning.  It was a tough class but a good start to a busy day.

I am getting better at my evening runs.  I accidentally said, "good morning" to another runner instead of "good evening".  He must have thought I was delirious or something (I know I probably looked it).  

AP: 9:36

split:  9:58, 9:45, 9:38, 9:02 

Rail Trail again today.  I promised myself that next week I will find a new place for my long run. 

AP: 9:57

10:14, 9:46, 9:33, 9:20, 9:41, 9:33, 9:42, 9:57, 10:07, 10:09, 10:41, 10:46.

You can tell I was running out of steam near the end.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the Nutty Coconut ice-cream I had before bed?   

AP:  10:17

10:43, 10:16, 10:12, 9:56.

Off to work I go!! 

Ran 3 slow, sleepy miles.  I've decided it's because I'm adjusting to a new work schedule.  I am going to try to go faster tomorrow.  (Trash day today....stinky)

I felt groggy yesterday because I didn't run.  I feel much better today after my wake up run.

AP 9:53

10:49, 9:56, 9:34, 9:15

Last week was exhausting.  I'm hoping this week will be better.

AP:  9:35

10:01, 9:45, 9:11, 9:30. 9:24 

I thought I was doing 4 this morning but I had a potty emergency and had to run home.

AP:10:08 

Nice cool morning.  Ready to start the day!

AP: 10:01

10:29, 10:03, 9:53, 9:41 

I headed out on a route that has a good size hill and didn't have definite plans on which way I was heading.  I decided to go into a park that has a loop through the woods.  I got on the loop and discovered another loop that branched off of it.  What a find!  It was secluded, looped around a lake, and had Porta Johns! (I'm always looking for those) .   There was a couple looping around the lake and the woman was pushing a double stroller with 2 little ones it (I thought of you RAD).  

AP:9:52   Fastest mile: 9:22  slowest:10:32

Nice morning!  Dare I say, it was "chilly". Loved it!

AP: 9:53

10:34, 9:59, 9:44, 9:14 

Didn't run yesterday and wish I would have.  Ran this morning just enough to get my blood flowing and get to work on time.  Felt great!  Hard to believe my race is only 3 days away.  Guess I'll go eat some carbs!

Avg pace 9:44  Slowest mile: 10:58 (a mean hill)   Fastest mile: 9:02 (mile 13!)

Time:  2:07:40

I'll add details later...gotta go.

My legs are still sore today.  Tomorrow I'm going to loosen some of the rigor mortis that has set in.

Very humid this morning.  I thought I was done with humidity.

AP: 9:40    

10:16, 9:46, 9:26, 9:11

My legs feel great and renewed.  Now I need to start racking on some miles for November. 

The rain felt good this morning. 

AP: 9:50

10:01, 9:53, 9:41 

A nice cool morning, clear skies, bright stars.  The 2nd mile was my attempt at a little bit of speed work.

AP: 9:36

10:14, 8:58, 9:55 

I finally got to get back out and run.  I was hoping the weather would hold out for today and it did.  I set my alarm for 6am and it didn't go off so I woke up at 7:15 (thanks to my kitty).  I decided to go to the rail trail for a nice easy run.  

The weather was beautiful, cool...windy...and sunny.  There were very few people on the trail so I felt like I had the beautiful day and the beautiful scenery all to myself.  Leaves were falling on the trail as I ran through them (reminded me of the turkey run QP).  I was in heaven.  

I needed a day like today and God delivered.

AP:  9:27

9:23,9:18, 9:52, 9:51, 9:23, 9:21, 9:15, 9:30, 9:35, 9:02. 

Went to the gym today.  1st time in a long time.  Good to see some old familiar faces and nice to have people ask where I've been.  Did some speed work on the treadmill then a little strength.  

spun

Great run.  Must have been the cake and  ice cream I had last night.

AP:  9:06

9:17, 9:18, 8:49, 8:56, 8:50, 8:48, 9:16, 9:15, 9:24, 9:15, 9:11, 8:55, 8:16 (last .03) 

2 miles on the treadmill today and some circuit training.

Happy Monday! 

Nice cool morning.  

AP:  9:30

10:09, 9:34, 8:51, 9:27

What a day.  It started out beautiful.  Drove to the rail trail with a 14 mile run on my mind.  My daughter was running her 1st 5K today with friends so I told her to call me when she was done, so I wanted to carry my phone which is unusual.  I wore the wrong clothes for that.  All I had is one tiny pocket that I usually squeeze my keys and GU in.  So I had to improvise.  The GU went in my bra, the phone in my tiny pocket, and I decided to hide the keys outside of the car.   Bad idea.  I started to put my keys on the back tire when I heard someone coming so I decided to drop them behind the tire, they never hit the ground.  I reached behind the tire and could not find them, they seem to have dropped into the abyss.  I spent 5 minutes reaching behind the tire, feeling all the parts behind there and reaching into greasy crevices.  I had to empty my pockets and bra so I could crawl under the back of my car and look for the keys (did I mention I didn't have my glasses).  No luck.  By this time I'm up to my elbows in grease, just shaking my head in disbelief, and giggling at my own stupidity.  I found a little stick and said a little prayer and started fishing behind the tire with the stick and finally found the keys.  Time to repack the bra, the tiny pocket, and hide the keys more carefully (Luckily I wore black shorts and could use those to wipe of the grease).

The rail trail was peaceful and beautiful as ever.  Leaves were falling all around and I often tried to catch one to no avail.  I felt good about my pace and form and thought maybe I could go 16 today...until...mile 12.  My mind started messing with me.  I was thinking things like "you are only on mile 12 and your tired.  That's not even half of the full marathon".  Then my other voice would come in..."so what, atleast you're out here.  You have a lot going on in your life so just be happy with what you can do today".

Its was then that a gust of wind blew and leaves swirled around me.  I didn't have enough energy to reach for a leaf so I just opened my hand when the stem of a leaf gently slid between my fingers and the leaf landed in my palm.  "MY LUCKY LEAF!"  I can do anything with a "Lucky Leaf"...and I did.  I finished my 14 feeling great! 

My watch battery died so I guessed on the distance.  Didn't sleep well last night, so I was really dragging this morning.  I think I'll try the elliptical at the gym tomorrow and get some ab work in.

no garmin. good run

ap 9:54

AP  10:09  sucked.

AP  9:27  much better.

AP  9:51.  Wanted to do 20, only managed 15.  

Treadmill...boring.

spinning...20miles...fun!

feeling sick...feverish...chills...no appetite.

Going back to bed. 

Beautiful day on the rail trail.  Got a late start but it was well worth it.   AP:  9:10

 8:57, 8:57, 9:11, 9:13, 8:54, 9:11, 9:21, 9:28, 8:59, 9:28

Only 7 days to OBX!  Can't wait!  Arrrghhh! 

AP: 9:26

I had the wind to my back on the way out and in my face on way in.  Beautiful (but windy) sunny morning.   

Had a great weekend at OBX!  Family, Friends, and Food (my 3 favorite things)!

AARRGGHHH!  too many donuts!  (had to burn some off when I got home)

AP:  9:02

9:10, 9:03, 9:03, 9:05, 8:56, 8:56 

AP: 9:06

9:33, 8:57, 8:47, 8:59, 9:05, 9:27, 8:57, 9:22, 9:15, 8:39

Beautiful day. Great stress relief run. 

Gobble Gobble!

AP:  9:11

Beautiful Day!

Fun run! 

Ran on the treadmill at the gym.  Nice and warm!

Spinning!  Mark kicked my butt.

AP:  9:07

Ran in the hood.  Temp around 40 degrees felt great!

Went spinning today.  Mark always makes me work harder than I think I can.

schools closed today because of snow.  Did on the treadmill while talking to a friend and did some strength training.  Then house decorating, lesson planning, and christmas shopping.  No lines at the stores because it was snowing.  Yeah!

Beautiful 40 degree day.  Ran on the Rail Trail.  A little snowy in spots  but that just made it more fun.  

AP:  9:37

Got a new shuffle and headphones for Christmas.  Also got a head lamp and hook on flashing light.  I'm ready to go back to work and hit those early runs...at least that's what I keep telling myself :)