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

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