Running is a good thing. Try it, you'll like it!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Recovery Run Day

Just a recovery 4 Miler today, followed by 6 x 100 meter strides. It's a rest day at CrossFit too. Going to enjoy the day with family and run later.

I checked the official results for the 5K I ran Sunday, and my chip time was 22:19. I finished 30th overall out of over 200 runners. Second overall female. The more I think about that race, the more grateful I feel. Running is truly a gift from God. I often think of the many people out there who can't run because of illness, injury or physical disability. In a lot of ways I run for them. I might not know them personally, but their spirits lift me when I run.

Here are some fun pictures I've been meaning to share.

I took this picture after a run the other day when I was standing waist deep in our chilly pool. I thought the reflection of the trees was beautiful. Those cottonwood trees were planted by my husband's dad. I tell the kids they're "Grandpa's trees."

Here's my little guy reading. I love it when he does that!

He's so happy because he knows he's about to chow down on some grub.

There's my little girl! This was taken the night before the marathon I ran in December. Loading up on those carbs was the BEST! I polished the meal of raviolis off with some cheesecake, my favorite dessert.

TOTAL MILES: 4

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Holy Humbling Hills

I just completed the 10 miler with hills. I drove to my parent's town (near Yosemite) and ran there. The roads here are either up or down, no in between. On some of the uphill I was leaning so far forward it felt like I could touch the ground in front of me. And the downhills were so steep, my legs wobbled after I'd get to the bottom of a hill.

First 6 miles took me 58:10 (9:41 pace). The last 4 miles took me 37:05 (9:16 pace). Yea, little slower today.

There are so many schools of thoughts on hills. My question is do you "attack" the uphills on your runs or do you pace yourself up the hills? (These grades ranged from what felt like 4% to at least 8% or steeper).

And regarding the downhill, do you coast downhill letting momentum take you, or do you control the stride downhill?

Feel free to chime in. Thanks for any and all answers in advance!
TOTAL MILES: 10

Monday, January 29, 2007

"Angie" results

To quote a Lance Armstrong phrase after his NYC marathon debut:
"OH. MY. GOD. OUCH. TERRIBLE."

Here's the playground Mike built over the last week where I did today's workout.

80 "kipping" pull-ups broken down into sets of 10.
60 push ups, I dropped to knees at 30.
85 sit-ups broken into 3 sets of 25, then a lone 10.
100 squats, my quads are burning now.

I feel like I ran a race. I don't know which exercise hurt the worst, but the push ups and sit ups were a lot harder than I thought they'd be.


Here's the pull-up bar Mike built for me today, so I could actually do this crazy workout.

If it weren't for the platform assisting me on the kipping pull ups, I wouldn't have been able to do more than 10. That just about kicked my butt. Wait, it DID kick my butt.

Time to rest and relax with the kids and Mike! Yaaaay!

(I LOVE) CrossFit Day

Okay folks, this one you can do at home (if you have a pull-up bar somewhere) or at the gym. I started CrossFit at the beginning of January and I can tell it has helped my leg and core power, and my piriformis issue is pretty much gone. Today's workout is:

"Angie"
For Time, complete:
100 pull-ups
100 push-ups
100 sit-ups
100 squats (body weight only)




I'll be lucky to get 50 of each! Give it a try today and see how you feel for the next few days... Have fun and let me know if you tried it!

Sunday, January 28, 2007

12 Mile Run

I ran in the rain and it was quite peaceful actually. The first 4 miles were at a good recovery pace of 9:15. Then on the turnaround, another runner came up from behind on the same trail and said, "What are you training for?" I said, "Boston." He said, "Me too."

Turns out he was out for a 16 mile run today. Since we were running the same trail, we ended up running the next 8 miles together. He knows a few runners that I know or had heard about, so we were able to talk shop during the run. His "easy" pace was about 8 minute miles, so I told myself to dig in and run with him. I ended up doing the last 8 of my 12 at an 8:07 pace. Apparently his marathon PR is 3:11! This April will also be his first Boston.

Anyway, it felt good to push the pace a bit, especially over a longer run like that. I'm definitely going to rest tomorrow and gear up for some hill work on Tuesday. I'm tired, and craving ice cream!
TOTAL MILES: 12
WEEKLY TOTAL: 31.1

Saturday, January 27, 2007

The Race Report

We're home from the race and it was a blast! I didn't realize it is a 24 year old race.

Weather was sunny, felt warm and about 60 degrees.
We we got there at 9:45 a.m. and the 10 Mile race was to start at 10:00, while the 5K (my event) was on tap for 10:15. Plenty of time, or so I thought. By the time I got my number and visited the port-o-potty, it was 10:00. So I got on with my merry warm up jog and as I jog by the starting area I hear everyone yelling, "The races start together, LET'S GO!" What??? Oh crap, I don't even have my number pinned on me yet! I ran over to my husband, grabbed my number and he helped me pin it on and then ran over to the starting area and squeezed in between some high school cross country runners.

My total warm up time was about 3 minutes long. Not good, especially after sitting in a car for almost 2 hours.

After falling into the start line crowd, we ended up waiting until 10:15 for the race to start! I could've kept warming up.

Gun goes off and it's a crowded start. I was able to get into a good position and go. I felt the lack of warm up at about :45 into the race. The lactic acid started to creep through my body from neck to ankles.

I slowed down just to get my energy back and it helped. The first half of the 5K was nice and flat with a downhill elevation. What I failed to consider was at the turnaround, I would have to go back on a slight uphill.

Mile 1: 6:48. It felt good after slowing down in the beginning. I felt strong.

Turnaround: 10:45. Sweet, almost over! Less than 2 miles to go.

Mile 2: (No idea what my split time was). I was starting to feel fatigued, maybe from the slight uphill elevation.

Somewhere around the last half mile, a hill appeared out of nowhere! I looked at it and thought, "Oh crap. A hill." I wish I had known. It was about 1/4 mile long and I attacked it the best I could. I got to the top sucking wind and never got my breath back. I think I jogged the last part of the race to the finish.

Gun Time: 22:25
Watch Time: 22:20
I'm pretty happy overall because my average pace per mile was 7:12. I've never run that fast in a race as an adult. This was my first official 5K since high school.

They actually had chip timing but we won't know the official time for a day or two or three.

THE GOOD NEWS: I came in 1st in my age group - 30-39.
The female ahead of me was a 17 year old cross country runner, and as I saw her run by me after she hit the turnaround I knew I wouldn't catch her.

A beautiful city to race in. It's a California Mission city with lots of historic buildings. I'll do it again for sure.

Still gotta make my goal of a sub 22:00 5K. I'll do it this year!
TOTAL MILES: 3.1

5K Race Day

On schedule is a 5K. I'll be starting at 10:15 a.m. come rain or shine. Unfortunately I think it will be rain. My goal is to break 22 minutes. God willing. I'll report back later. Have a great Saturday morning! Watch cartoons. :)

Friday, January 26, 2007

JustRun.org & Track Workout

We had the first running "practice" today at my daughter's school. I'm using the Just Run program. The kids did great and they loved to run. We played running games and did some relays. The half-hour went by quickly and they were very happy the whole time. They asked if I could come every week. I told them, "Of course!" Their teacher had already planned for that.

After the kids went back to class, I ran to the track nearby and did the following workout:
4 x 800, each split was 3:15 exactly! Miraculous!
4 x 400 @ 1:33, 1:35, 1:36, 1:34
Ran back to kid's school for cool-down.

Feel great now. Just gotta get the baby down for his nap and then soak in the chilly pool, while the kids play.
TOTAL MILES: 5

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Recovery Run & Cross Fit

Ran a very easy and enjoyable 3.4 miles today, followed by 6 x 100 meter strides. It felt nice to loosen up after yesterday and to run without pressuring myself.

Afterward I did the CF Workout of the Day (WOD). 75 total Overhead Squats, try to complete as many sets possible without stopping. Okay, so my legs felt strong, but my upper body, specifically BACK, felt so tired and weak. I only used 20 pounds (the CF die hards use 95#) and I had to break the 75 into 4 sets of 15 and 1 set of 10. I'm jittery right now, my muscles feel worked!

Time to go into work (yup in uniform). See you tomorrow and be safe!
TOTAL MILES: 4

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

2 x 3 Miles @ Tempo

I'm very pleased w/ today's workout. I ran 1 mile easy for the warm up. Here's the rest:

First loop was 3.04 miles @ 22:09 (7:17 pace)
.3 mile recovery walk (approx. 5 minutes)
Second loop was 3.13 miles @ 22:51 (7:18 pace)

While I ran the 2nd I felt like I had slowed way down, but much to my surprise I was just a second slower.

Couple more easy days before the race Saturday. I'm going to do a 5K instead of the 2-mile.
TOTAL MILES: 7

Here She Is, Miss America & a Birthday

It's my younger brother's 36th birthday! Man, that means I'm OLD. Happy birthday, Lee. I hope you have a memorable, happy, fun, blessed day.

My niece, Kamryn (Lee's youngest daughter), will be making her modeling debut in the February Pottery Barn Kids catalog. I got a sneak peak before distribution though, and thought I'd share it will you all. She's the tallest in the picture (okay, and the cutest, but I'm biased)! She's also got a beautiful big sister, named Kayleen, who I am sure will be gracing some magazine's pages too, soon enough.


On tap for running today is 2 x 3-Miles @ Tempo pace. Should be a good one and I'll do them at lunch, then report back.

Good morning, by the way! I'm going to have coffee now.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

DEENA KASTOR is running BOSTON!

Deena Kastor just after crossing the finish line in Athens

I'm such a running nerd, so forgive me. But my ALL TIME FAVORITE RUNNER, Deena Kastor, announced today that she will run this year's Boston Marathon. I am so excited! Granted she'll finish about 1-1/2 hours before me, but I will be running in her fast little footsteps and feel inspired. Ever since I watched her win the Bronze medal in the 2004 Women's Olympic Marathon in Athens, I have been a loyal fan. She came from behind (at one point being in 28th place), suffered through the heat and humidity (80-degree weather) and pulled out a medal for the U.S.A.! When she entered the stadium they announced her name, and then they announced she was in position for the Bronze. At this point she broke down crying as she continued toward the finish line. When she crossed the finish line she was bawling into her hands, dropped to the ground and kissed it! I lost it and started bawling myself, extra proud to be an American, AND a runner. I told you I was a nerd.


Here she is again, setting the American Record in 2006 for the Women's Marathon. That's 26.2 miles at a blazing pace of 5:19 per mile!


Thanks all for sharing my enthusiasm (or at least pretending to).
C'ya tomorrow.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Long Run w/ Fast Finish and GREAT News

What a nice day today! Mikey was home and almost finished the kid's playset in the backyard. They'll be so excited to see it nearly done. The sun was shining, the breeze was slight. Perfect day for a run. After taking a short nap (still catching up on sleep from Saturday night), I headed out for my 13 miler with a Fast Finish. I love those types of runs, where you can cruise the bulk of the miles, and then go all out at the end. Here's how the run worked out:

First 10.64 miles in 1:34 (8:50 pace)
Last 2.66 miles in 19:48 (7:26 pace)
Total 13.3 in 1:53:48 (avg pace of 8:33)


I felt very winded toward the end, and my calves and hamstrings are feeling a little tight right now. I didn't have sports drink, only water.
I'm glad to have it done and on the books!

The great news is my daughter's teacher called me and starting this Friday, I will be leading her class in a running group. We're starting with just one-half hour per week, and if the kids enjoy it we'll do two sessions per week. This was all my girl's doing. I'm so proud of her for taking the initiative, and I'm so excited! I'm hoping I can also lead a running group for my son's class, although he doesn't seem as excited to run these days. He wants to play baseball (of course)!

I wanted to start a Girls On the Run here in our county, but it was too expensive for our budget. I'm praying I can teach the kids (boys and girls) with the same type of philosophies as Girls On The Run but geared toward every child, not just girls.

Have a good night all and c'ya tomorrow.

TOTAL MILES: 13.3

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Need Some Sleep

I thank God.
I survived a night on patrol and made it home safely to my sleeping family and warm house. What a night lastnight. Very busy, very violent. My partner and I were first to arrive on scene at a shooting. Multiple victims had been shot, and one stabbed. Fortunately none of their injuries were life threatening. One was critical, but stable. Overall a hectic night, but the shift went by fast. I'm so glad to be home.

After getting only 3-1/2 hours sleep, I've decided to take most of this day to rest and lay low. I'll probably even take a nap (or two). Tomorrow is a 13-miler with a Fast Finish (last 2-3 miles at Tempo pace). I feel bad skipping church this week. But we'll be going next week.

TOTAL MILES: 0

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Saturday Sore Day & Maybe Rest


This is what I do within 30 minutes or so after a hard run. I sit in a chilly pool for about 10 minutes (no more than that) and it really alleviates a lot of soreness and swelling. If I didn't do this, I imagine I'd be much more sore. I might take a full rest day today instead of running the 45-60 minutes on schedule. I'm going to work later this afternoon and need all the extra energy I can get. Somehow wearing a duty belt and armored vest for 10 hours doesn't sound appealing right now because my torso and upper body are a little sore, but I am looking forward to being out there on patrol again.
Be safe and have a great Saturday!
TOTAL MILES: 0

Friday, January 19, 2007

Speed Workout Day

I think I'm going to throw up. Not joking. I just had my post run snack (recommended ratio of 4 carbs to 1 protein), and I hope that prevents a full on migraine. That's how lightheaded I feel.

Here are the details of today's run- The workout portion is supposed to be done without stopping, but I walked fast when drinking water.

1 mile warm up, easy pace
2 miles @ goal pace. Splits were 8:30 & 8:40. (A little slower than I'd like).
4 miles @ Tempo pace. Splits were 7:13 (wow, too fast), 7:47 (getting tired), 7:58 (ugh, what happened) and 7:22 (that's more like it). Tempo finished in 30:20, avg. pace of 7:34 per mile, an 8 second improvement over last week's tempo.
2 miles @ goal pace. Splits were 8:50 (oh man, I was hurtin'), and 8:25.
1 mile cool down, (let's face it, folks...I could barely jog at this point so I walked half of the cool down.

I'm going to eat with Mike and the baby, pick the kids up from school and spend a mellow afternoon recovering.

Remind me never to do a hard cross training day between two hard days of running. Mistake, big mistake. I'm hurting.
TOTAL MILES: 10

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Recovery Run & Cross Training. A haircut too.

Expecting a high of 60-degrees today. I love running outside in weather like that. Today is a 4 mile recovery run (aka EASY run). I love these! I will follow it up with CrossFit WOD (workout of the day), which is:
Complete as many rounds possible in 20 minutes of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 squats (with weight on barbell). I'm still doing the "jump" pull-ups for now, but they still make me sore.

We took the baby for a big haircut yesterday. His hair was so curly before we got it cut, but now he looks like a little boy instead of a baby. Oh, he's growing so fast.



TOTAL MILES: 4
CrossFit Total Rounds: 6 using 55# total for the squat weight. I wasn't able to get in the last set of squats within the 20 minutes, so I only did 5 sets of those. Darn (said with a BOAT load of sarcasm). I don't know if I'll be able to move tomorrow, let alone run the speed workout on schedule, but we'll see. Where's the Ibuprofen???

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

(Virtual) Hill Running Day

These are the beautiful hills and trails...
...where I used to run every week

I miss running the trails in the foothills of where I used to live. It's flat as a pancake here so I do hill training on a treadmill at the gym. Oh well, at least it's running, and I'd gladly live here with my husband and family anyday than over there without them!

I ran 9 miles with 20 minutes total uphill time. I varied the inclines from 4.5% to 7.5%, and varied speeds from 8:50 - 9:00 minute miles. I ran each incline for 1 minute and ran a 1.5% incline in between for 1 minute recovery. My left shin started to feel sore toward the end so I slowed to a 9:00 pace and it felt better. As soon as I got home, I heated coffee and sat in the 40 degree pool for 10 minutes. That is warmer than it has been! It actually felt great, no joke.

Yesterday I did a little CrossFit cross training. Hand Stand Push Ups (HSPU) combined with Deadlifts. I did it here at home using the gate around the pool in the backyard to assist me with the HSPU, and since I don't have a barbell, I used dumbells for the deadlifts (that probably doesn't count, but it's something). I did three rounds of 12 reps for the HSPU and three rounds of 21, 15 and 10 reps for the deadlifts. I barely moved 2-3 inches toward the ground on those hand stand push-ups, but they were a good challenge and kinda fun.
Have a happy Wednesday!
TOTAL MILES: 9

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

More Snow Day Pics & A Rest Day

I love these scheduled rest days on my running schedule. The baby is napping and I got some things picked up around the house. I'm gonna squeeze some blogging in while I can. Here are some more pictures from yesterday's trip to the snow.

When we first arrived.


Had to feed the baby his yogurt first.


She kept putting the snow on her head.


My boy taking a ride on the "poor man's sled." A makeshift sled from the top of a plastic storage box. The kids thought we said, "Four-man sled," so they kept asking for 4 of us to get on it. Too funny.


He tried to pull Mike, but the "sled" wouldn't budge. Oh well, he tried!


Her turn on the 4-man sled.


Against my better judgement, I agreed to try. I ended up getting dragged on my belly, but it was fun!


Mike, the baby and me with the snowman that Mike and my son built.


With my girl!


Baby's first trip to the snow. He loved it!


Time to go home.



God Bless ya'll! Hug your loved ones. See you tomorrow.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Long Run Day (and Snow Day)

My little snow angels

We all packed up the truck (dog included) and drove to the snow to play. It was so much fun! What a beautiful, sunny day. As we got closer to our destination, the kids grew more excited and everytime they saw snow they'd yell, "SNOW!" It was almost like Donkey in Shrek 2, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" But the kid's excitement was contagious and once we got out of the truck, the snowballs were flying, and The dog even had a blast running around out there getting tagged with snowballs. The baby sat down in the snow and couldn't stop touching it. I'll post more pictures of the day trip tomorrow.

After we got back I headed to the gym for my long run of the week. I'd forgotten it was Monday, so the cardio room was packed. There were people waiting in line for the machines so I followed the rules and jumped off the treadmill (aka TM) when my time limit was up but jumped back on as soon as one became free, just to jump off again after a few miles. I used the stationary bike (aka SB) for some cross training. Running experts say that 60 minutes on the bike at about 70-75% of your maximum heart rate (aka MHR) is equivalent to a 5-mile run. That being said, I biked the equivalent of a 3 mile run, and actually ran 9 miles on the treadmill.

The workout was like this: 3 miles TM @ 9:20 pace, 24 minutes SB @ 80% MHR, 3 miles TM @ 9:00 pace, 12 minutes SB @ 80% MHR, 3 miles TM @ 8:30 pace. My body felt just as taxed as it usually does after running 12 miles. It was a tough long run tonight, maybe being tired from our trip to the snow was the reason. I didn't feel warmed up and ready to go until about 1 hour into the workout. Mentally I just wasn't in it until the last hour. The last 3 miles I picked up to an 8:30 pace. Glad it's done and glad I'm home!
TOTAL MILES: 12

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Cross Training & Rest Day

Good Sunday to you. The kids and I went to church this morning and the sermon was good. Essentially, live the life of your beloved and then your life will be better for it. When you truly love your loved ones with all you've got and take on their joys and sadnesses as your own, there's no room for doubt, jealousy, anger, envy, insecurity, etc. Your focus is on loving those other people, and therefore there's not really any room for self centeredness and all that it entails. When I heard this, I was reminded of how I should be living my life everyday. It's easier said than done, but doable nonetheless. Gotta focus!

We went for coffee afterwards. I had a scone with my coffee and the kids had their bi-monthly treat of donuts with their milk. Mike is working and the coffee guy said, "Hey, you're missing one of the crew." Yes we are. We miss you Mikey! Come home safely.

Workout today is: Front Squats with maximum weight, 1 rep, 7 times (rest between each rep). I'm using my son for my weight bar!

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Tempo Day

Mission accomplished, thank God.
1 mile warm-up
2 miles at an 8:30 pace (17 minutes) followed by
4 miles at a 7:42 pace (30 minutes, 52 seconds) followed by
2 miles at an 8:30 pace (17 minutes)
1 mile cool down

Those middle 4 miles were tough on me. The first half of was around a 7:54 pace (into the headwinds), and then I picked it up to a 7:31 pace in the last half. At least I got a negative split. Let me tell you, I was glad to slow down to marathon goal pace. After that workout, the 1-mile cool down even hurt.

Time to get cleaned up, ice in the pool for a quick 10 minutes and then grocery shop. Looking foward to family time for the rest of the day.
Total Miles: 10

Fun Post for the A.M.: Things Cops Want You To Know

I'm drinking coffee and getting ready to run in about an hour or two. It's a speed/tempo day. I'll post my run results later. For now I'm starting with a soreness inventory. Triceps sore, check. Abdominals sore, check. Rear deltoids (shoulders) sore, check. I didn't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles when you're doing a pull-up. I like this kind of soreness though, it means my body is responding to the work.

On a different note, here's an email I received yesterday and thought it was great. I agree with pretty much all of it, but would like to add that cops really do like it when you take a moment to say hello (as long as it's not when we're trying to arrest someone). Most of the time cops are used to getting the one-fingered wave, so a real wave is always appreciated! By the way about the picture, JUST KIDDIN' HONEY!

1. When you see an emergency vehicle behind you with its lights and
sirens on, pull to the RIGHT, and Stop. We are usually required to pass
cars on the left.

2. When you're driving in the fast lane and you see a cop behind you,
don't go 5 mph under the speed limit. We are not impressed by how safe of a
driver you can be, we're trying to go help someone (or catch that guy
in the SUV that just cut you off). Safely move over and let us pass
please.

3. If you get a warning instead of a ticket from a motorcycle cop, go
buy a lottery ticket, because you've already beaten the odds. A motor cop's primary function is to enfore traffic laws.

4. When you see an officer conducting a traffic stop, or with a suspect
in handcuffs, it is generally not a good idea to approach him and ask
for directions. If you do, don't expect the officer to be nice when he
tells you to get lost, and don't expect the officer to take the time to
explain.

5. If you think you can fan all the pot smoke out of the car before we
smell it, good luck.

6. We know you've had more than 2 beers. When I've had two beers, I
didn't hit six parked cars or drive my car through the front doors of a
Toys-R-Us, pissed my pants, or passed out at a traffic light.


7. Here's how to get out of a ticket. don't break the law.

8. If you drive a piece of crap, that is why you're getting pulled over.

9. If you've just been pulled over doing 70 in a 35, do not greet the
officer with, "What seems to be the problem, officer?"

10. We get coffee breaks too, and sometimes we run into stores and do
some shopping during them.

11. When you're the victim of a burglary, take the time you spend
waiting for the officer to find the model #'s and the serial #'s of the
stuff that was taken.

12. If it's nighttime and you 're driving a vehicle with tinted windows
and I pull you over, it's not because of your skin color. I usually
can't tell if the vehicle even has a driver until the windows are rolled down.

13. Every time you hear on the news about people running away from a
crazed gunman, someone's son or daughter in a police uniform is running
TOWARD that crazed gunman.

14. If your local police agency has a helicopter everyone knows it's loud
and annoying, but did you know it can cover the same area as 15-20 patrol
officers, and safely chase criminals that are driving 90 MPH through
city streets. Many times the guy has no idea it's there and slows down.

15. Your 5 year old kid getting pushed down by another 5 year old kid is
NOT a police matter; talk to the other kid's parents, not the police.

16. If your kid won't do his homework or do his chores, 911 is not the
answer for a uniformed parent. If your kids don't respect you, they certainly will not respect police officers.

17. Police work is...writing reports.

18. If you rob a gas station you're only going to get $20, but I get to see
a K-9 dog use your arm as a chew toy. For all I care you can keep the
$20.

19. In 1 year of patrol work in a large city only about 10 minutes would
be cool enough to be on the television show, COPS. But if COPS was
about report writing and accident reports each show would be a year
long.

20. Every traffic stop could end in gunfire, but we have to be polite
and professional until that time.

21. If the light was yellow, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

22. Cops know you pay taxes and that your taxes pay cops' salaries. Cops
also pay taxes, which also pay cops' salaries so, hey, this traffic
stop is on me.

Be safe everyone!

Friday, January 12, 2007

Experiment on your 5K Personal Record

Here's an excellent article from Runner's World Online called Race Your Best 5K Ever. Based on the calculations I should run the first mile of a 5K around 6:45-6:50 to set a new 5K PR. I don't know if I can run that fast right now, but I digress. Anyway, I can see how this logic might work. When I run the Goal Pace - Tempo - Goal Pace miles back to back, the last round of Goal Pace miles usually ends up faster than the first round. Is it muscle memory perhaps? I don't know. I'm running a two mile race at the end of the month. I don't know what the course is like (hilly or flat???) but I'll run my fastest for the first mile and try to hold it for the 2nd, and see what happens. I can't wait!

It's soooo cold out right now. The dog's water was almost completely frozen this morning around 7:30 a.m. I had to break it out of his water dish. The pieces of ice are still intact right now and laying on the lawn where I broke them. CRAZY! I want to go on an easy run of 2-3 miles today before picking the kids up from school, but don't know if it'll be too cold for the baby in the jogging stroller. We'll see. I might just have to bundle him like a little eskimo.

My Little Eskimo
Okay, we made it back from the windy 3-mile run. We stopped at the park so I could do the CrossFit WOD (workout of the day) which was pull-ups. I did 10 "jump" pull-ups with several seconds rest between each one. The "jump" means assisted and was from a foot bar underneath the monkey bars I used. I have a weak upper body, and I am already sore! Glad to be home now. The kids are home from school & it's time to play.
TOTAL MILES: 3

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Recovery Run

Oh my goodness it was freeeeeezing when I ran at 3:30 p.m. I don't think I felt even remotely warm until the last half mile to go. It is supposed to get down to the low 30's or high 20's tonight.

Anyway, 4 recovery miles today. Felt good. I'm still a bit tight and sore from the past couple of days, but feeling good overall. Another easy day tomorrow (3 miler), and then a hard/speed day on Saturday. Sunday will be a rest day, and the last day of week 3 is Monday (a 12 miler).

Don't forget to send our troops a greeting card. Thank you!
TOTAL MILES: 4

Let's Thank Our Troops

My nephew, Chris, in Iraq
Something cool that Xerox is doing

If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com, you can pick
out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a
soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets
it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

This is a great site.

Please send a card.

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?
Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there
need to know we are behind them...

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

3rd Week of Boston Training

Yesterday marked the start of week 3 of marathon training for Boston. The workout I did yesterday combined with today's run made me feel like I purged all of the stress away. I am exhausted.

I really appreciate the sweet and encouraging words that fellow bloggers and friends from the RW Masters left for me. You are all so kind, and your input cheered me up. Thanks! I just need to remember all the good things going on in my life right now, and not worry about the future too much. I truly am where I'm supposed to be, and that's good. That's God's will. Sadly today, Mike and I attended the funeral of his cousin's wife's mother. She was a nice lady, a strong woman. She was only 65 but very ill, and finally now her suffering is over and she's at peace.

Yesterday was a recovery day after the 11.5 mile run on Monday, so I did a CrossFit (CF) workout. OH MY, I am sore today. For 20 minutes, I alternated the Power Snatch exercise (12 reps with 20 lbs.) and push ups (10 reps), and was able to do 8 rounds of each. I'm new at the CF stuff, so this just about killed me last night. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would leap out of my chest. I didn't really feel sore until about 5 p.m. today. Then I felt like a ton of bricks. (By the way, that is not me in the picture. That's a seasoned CrossFitter).

Thinking it would loosen me up, I ran 9 miles on the treadmill on the "hill" setting which threw hills at me every other minute. Inclines ranged from 3.8% up to 7.1% After about 6 miles I switched to the manual setting and did a ladder of hills: 6% incline at a 9:00 pace for 2 minutes, then 2 minutes flat for rest, then 4% at an 8:45 pace for 2 minutes, then rest for 2 minutes, then 3% at 8:30 pace for 2 minutes followed by 2 minutes rest. I then reversed it and went 3%, 4%, then 6%, but for a 1/4 mile each with a 2 minute rest between. It felt good, but I was hurting at the end.

As soon as I got home I nursed the baby and put him down to bed. Then I heated up a cup of decaf, made a post workout snack of Quaker Weight Control oatmeal, threw some mixed nuts into it, and sat in our freezing cold pool for 10 minutes to "ice" my legs while I ate and drank. By the time I got out, it felt like my toes were frostbitten. After I got some dry clothes on I stretched and rolled on the foam roller, then took a nice hot shower. And here I am. Time to get ready for bed. On tap for tomorrow is a 4 mile recovery run w/ 100 meter strides at the end. I might skip the strides if I'm too sore.

God Bless and see ya' tomorrow.
TOTAL MILES: 9

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Bummer

I miss my full time job. I really hope to go back. Thinking about how we'd handle childcare is so stressful though because of our crazy work schedules. Then there's the dilemma that all working moms of young children face, am I a bad mother for choosing to work instead of choosing to stay home with them full time? Am I a bad mother for letting somebody else take care of them while I work? I can't win. Can any woman really win? I want to make everybody happy, but I can't. I'm not the best homemaker in the world, so I feel like a failure at that. If I want to make myself happy then I'm considered selfish. If I put everyone else's happiness before mine, then I feel trapped and resentful. I wish there truly was a way to be a super mom and have it all, career, kids, family, hobbies, and have nobody suffer. I don't think that's realistic though. Lately I feel guilty for taking the time to train for the marathon. That's a huge heartbreak because running and exercise are peaceful for me. They take away my stress, but it's hard for people to understand that sometimes. Oh well. I'll figure things out in due time. I am just feeling yucky right now.
TOTAL MILES: 0

Monday, January 08, 2007

Long Steady Distance Day

Beautiful, sunny day, light wind, good running day. I finished my long run a little while ago. Just under 11.5 miles, the last 1.7 miles was at a "fast finish," AKA tempo pace. For the first 9.8 miles, I ran a 9:00 pace, and for the last 1.7 I ran a 7:45 pace. Yes, I was feeling some tightness in the left hamstring and I know it was from my piriformis syndrome. Literally, a pain in the buttocks. I was happy to have completed the run though, and to have finished strong. The BEST part of today's run was when my husband drove up behind me in his big, noisy diesel truck, winked, smiled and waved at me as I gave him the signal that I was all right. Whenever I see him on a run, I get a second wind and feel awesome!

I'm going to sit in our icy cold pool for 10 minutes and sip some hot coffee while I'm there. After that it's all family time. Yaaaay! See ya' tomorrow and thanks for reading.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Sunday

All in all a great day. It would have been perfect had Mike been home. The kids and I went to church, which was very nice. They played in the yard until lunch while the baby napped, so I got some quiet time in the house to review some of my daughter's homework from Christmas break. I sipped some hot coffee as I did it, yum. It was so sunny today, and no wind. Just beautiful. We all took the dog for a walk to the park and the kids played while the baby, the dog and I watched. After the park we all had quiet time at home and read our books. I was able to read the newspaper in its entirety. What a treat! My girl finished her book for her book report. My boy played with the baby while I cooked. What a huge help he was. I feel like I got everything done for once. I even read the Daily Bible Reading.



When I'm able to balance spiritual and mental enrichment with physical activity, I feel PEACE. What a great feeling.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

A Better Day & Good Run Too

Thanks for the good thoughts, prayers and virtual hugs! I think they worked. I feel better today, not so stressed out or overwhelmed. Thank you, and thank God most definitely.

As soon as Mike came home I was able to jet out the door and do my scheduled workout.
TODAY'S RUN: 1 mile warm up, 2 miles @ goal pace - 3 @ tempo - 2 @ goal pace and then 1 mile cool down. Talk about sucking wind and HURTING. Oh man, it was painful.
Here's the RESULTS: 2 miles @ 8:20 pace, 3 miles @ 7:40 pace, 2 miles @ 8:10 pace. I talked to God and prayed for Him to get me through it. Many times I said, "Please God, this is tough." I was ELATED when the cool down was over and I could walk into my house.

I drank Gu2o throughout the run and it helped.

As soon as I got home I thanked the family for letting me get out and run. I really appreciate how they support me in this. Right now I'm going to have a hot cup of coffee and some more water, stretch and then take a nice hot shower. I'll probably roll on the foam roller tonight.

Have a GREAT day!

Friday, January 05, 2007

Something Amiss ?

It's late, the kids are in bed, and I can't seem to get rid of this feeling that something is just off. I miss my husband. I think I'm just tired and feeling a little stressed. It's been one of those "I could use a big hug" kind of days. It's hard to lay low and destress when you HAVE to get up and take care of a family. As much as I wanted to stay bundled up under the blankets, I couldn't. Duty called, as it does everyday: the baby, the kids, the dog, errands, playdates, etc. I'm really beginning to think I had it so much easier when I worked full time. It's okay. My life is where it's supposed to be right now, and I have MUCH to be thankful for. Everything will be all right after a little Bible reading, a little prayer, and a good night's rest. I really have to remind myself that I'll always do my best, but true control is in God's hands.

I'm Going to REST

Maybe I'm making excuses for not doing my scheduled run today (45-60 minutes easy), but I'm sore. It's a good sore though, from training muscles that haven't moved in a long time. I'm feeling yesterday's CrossFit exercises today, that's for sure.

It's windy outside, very windy, and I don't want to push the baby in the jogging stroller when it's bone chilling windy cold outside. That wouldn't be nice for him. So today I'm going to REST and do some stretching and core strengthening exercises later.

The kids will be home before lunch and I can't wait to see them. I'll be surrounded by my loved ones, which is what I love THE MOST! I wish Mikey didn't have to work today though because he'd round out the bunch perfectly.

Tomorrow's run will be a doozy: 2 miles @ goal pace - 3 @ tempo - 2 @ goal pace, no rest between. At least I'll get the mile warm up to gear up for it, and mile cool down to reflect back. Have a great day! Stay warm!

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Rainy/Treadmill Day

It has been raining non stop outside for at least 5 hours now. (See the rain drops in the pool)?
I used to love running in the rain, but I've gotten wiser in my old age.
I went to the gym and did today's CrossFit workout of Back Squats, threw in some Shoulder Presses too, then did a recovery/easy run of 4 miles on the treadmill (9:11 pace). I have to remind myself that "easy" or "recovery" runs SHOULD BE RUN AT A SLOWER PACE. I always want to go faster during these runs, but that's how you get injured. So I followed the rules and went at the prescribed pace. I skipped the 4 x 100 meter strides because I didn't want to do them on a treadmill, and I figured the Back Squats worked my legs similarly.

Time to go spend time with the family. :) Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Got Back From Today's Run

My running partner today was the baby in his jogging stroller.

Here's TODAY'S RESULTS:
Mile 1 - 7:19, felt great, but I was a little winded.
Mile 2 - 7:25, felt harder. I think I started too fast and died in the last lap.
Mile 3 - 7:23, started a few seconds slower and picked it up in last lap. Hard effort, was happy when it ended.
Mile 4 - 7:23, same strategy as Mile 3, but I could swear I was going to heave afterward. I thanked God so loudly that I'm sure someone somewhere heard me. I was so happy when the mile ended.

Total Day's Miles: 7

I'm much happier with my Cruise Intervals today than last week's. I'm learning that the Cruise Intervals are supposed to be slower than Speed Intervals, so I guess I'm doing all right. Time to eat. Catch ya' tomorrow.

2nd Week of Boston Marathon Training

The 2nd week actually started yesterday w/ the CrossFit cross training routine.
Here's the running schedule for the week.
I think YOU should Go For It. Have fun!

Today's workout is:
4 x 1 mile Cruise Intervals, 2-3 minutes rest in between. Begin w/ a mile warm up and end w/ a mile cool down. I'll report back later on the splits. I hope to do them in the 7:20s range, God willing.
Beautiful day out today. I'm guessing high 50's. Awesome day to run.

Thursday: 4 miles easy and 4 x 100 meter strides

Friday: 1 mile warm up, 2 miles marathon goal pace to 3 miles tempo to 2 miles marathon goal pace (no rest between), 1 mile cool down.

Saturday: 45 minutes easy

Sunday: Rest Day (CrossFit Day)

Monday: Long Run of 11 miles with a Fast Finish (tempo pace for last 15 minutes of the run).

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Cross Training w/ CrossFit

Today I started CrossFit exercises for cross training. On my non-running days I plan on doing CrossFit to the best of my current ability. Mind you, these people are in the best shape I've ever seen.

Here's Shari prepping to do handstand push-ups. (Photo from her blog).

CF'ers can do things professional gymnasts do, like a "muscle-up" which is pull themselves up on the rings, then lower into a sit, and stuff I say I will never be able to do. It will take me FOREVER to get to that level, but I'll certainly try. Heck if I can run 26.2 miles, I can try anything, with God's good graces of course.

Today's CF workout from their website was:
Five rounds for time (which I respectfully decline to state today) of: 400 meter run, 135 pound Thruster, 10 rounds
So I can't quite lift the 135 lbs. yet, but I'll get there.

I recommend you visit the following link for detailed videos of how to perform each exercise:
http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html

The Biggest Loser

We watched the Season Finale of The Biggest Loser last night on Bravo. I had missed the original air date. I am absolutely amazed and touched by the phenomenal men and women who have met or exceeded their weight loss goals and committed to a healthy life.

Many of them said they just wanted to be around for their spouses and children, and that is reason enough. Just to be healthy and enjoy your life while here on earth, and to be there for the people that love you and need you in their lives as much as you love and need them.

I had to post pictures of Erik, 2006's BIGGEST LOSER. This man is downright awesome for overcoming such huge odds to change his eating habits, lifestyle and to lose as much weight as he did. He stands at 6'2" and was 407lbs. After his weight loss journey, the new Erik now weighs 193. That's 214 pounds GONE.

Mike and I agreed that if a regular joe like Erik can do it, then there's no excuse for us not to eat healthful foods and take care of ourselves. It's definitely something we'd like to pass on to the kids.

Monday, January 01, 2007

10 Miles for New Year's Day


HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I was asleep by 11 p.m. but woke up to the sound of fireworks at midnight that continued for 20 minutes. I'm ready for our day today though. Will begin with a 10 miler with hills, and then a family day. I can't wait.

Note: Finished the 10 miler w/ hills at about a 9:15 pace. My left hamstring was tight, but overall I felt pretty good. Definitely a rest day tomorrow.

TOTAL MILES FROM 12/26-01/01 = 32.5-33