Today I ran the farthest I have ever had to go, FOUR miles. From this week on my long runs will continue to go up one mile at a time and I'm actually not dreading it as much as I thought I would. Do I dare say that I'm actually beginning to enjoy running?! Shhhh... don't tell. Seriously though, on my rest days when I'm not running I've noticed that I'm more tired and crankier, I'm sure my kids could tell you what days I run and which ones I don't. I was just telling Derek that I'm going to have to start doing a short run on my "off" days because my body has started craving the activity. Who knew?!
Back to today's run though. I parked at the local library and then ran along a frontage road that just happened to be two miles one way, perfect, right?! There was even about half a block for warm up and cool down. As I left my car and started heading out I almost backed out and went over to the high school because I let myself get self conscious. Thankfully I got over it and away I went. I shortened my running interval and lengthened my walking because I didn't want to over do it and I was more focused on finishing the distance than my pace (that's what my week day runs are for). I had a goal to finish in 55 minutes or less but clocked in at 56:17, which I'm actually very happy with. Like I said, it's the longest I've ever gone. I averaged a 14:04 min/mile pace which is good for me right now. I had brought along a small 50 ounce CamelBak for hydration and I think that helped immensely. It also didn't hurt that this morning was fairly cool (it is Florida after all) and had a slight breeze, now that I reflect back, it was actually really good running conditions! My husband works with a guy that has his PhD in chemistry and has run multiple marathons, triathlons, you name it, he's probably done it. Anyways, when he found out I was training he offered to mix me up a drink powder that would help sustain me during my long runs, I guess it's sort of a like a customized Gatorade type of drink. That's what I had in my CamelBak and while it's not the best thing I've ever tasted, I was still walking upright at the end and felt good!
Last time I posted I mentioned that my kids were going to do the kids one mile race so this last week I've been taking them out and "training" them. I love it that they're so excited to exercise! At the elementary school they go to they have to run a mile once a week so they're not totally unfamiliar with the distance but I'd still like them to be prepared. That and we're planning a secret Disney trip in September so we want them to be prepped for all the walking! We took them last September and they were all complaining about their feet after about an hour.
This week I feel I've made a lot of progress in my running, my speed has increased on my week day runs and I'm really happy with my long run today. I really like the run/walk/run interval training that I'm doing. I don't feel exhausted at the end of my runs and I'm not hurting. Every other time I've tried to start running, my plantar fasciitis flares up again and I end up stopping.
So my goals for this coming week? Decrease my rest interval on my week day runs to 1:00 and complete my 5 miles on Saturday in an hour and fifteen minutes or less.
Happy training!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Happy Thoughts!
I was trying to work on some homework but after spending over an hour trying to figure out some stupid computer program I gave up and decided to move onto something happier, like running!
Last Saturday was my first "long" run of my half-marathon training, a whole 3 miles. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere. I once again made my way over to the high school track and plugged along. I actually ended up doing 3.2 miles (5K) because I wanted to see what my time difference was compared to my 5K I did on the treadmill a few weeks ago. BUT then I hadn't programed enough intervals and I ended up walking the last half mile, I'll try again later. In the end I got in 3.2 miles in 47:40, with my 5 min warm up and about 8 min cool down (stupid intervals) I had an average pace of 14:55 per mile. My running interval was 00:45/1:30. On the treadmill this had felt too long of a rest but running outdoors it seemed just about right. This week's long run is 4 miles and I've already got my route mapped out so I'm not running around the track like a hamster...
Onto to week 2 of training started this morning. Due to the weather, BTW, I swear Sara and I have the same weather even though we're 8 hours apart, anyways, I ran on my treadmill. I did shave down my rest intervals and ended up with 00:45/1:15 and it was perfect! My speed is usually around a 5.3 or so but I've found that my calves/shins don't hurt as much when I bump it up to 5.5. I did two intervals at that speed, 10 intervals at 5.7, and my last 2 intervals at 6.0! I was pretty proud of myself. Without counting warm up and cool down, I did 2 miles. I did my first mile in 13:15 and my second one was 14:04. I think my walking pace was a little bit slower in the second. But my numbers could be totally off because I was trying to scribble them down while I was walking and yelling, I mean, nicely telling my kids to leave me alone.
After this morning's run I decided to add a food pod to my collection of running paraphernalia. I have the Garmin 220 GPS/Heart Rate monitor watch that I'm absolutely in love with. It's super accurate and I can program my intervals into it, something that other Garmin watches didn't offer. With this particular model it says you don't necessarily need the foot pod because the watch has a built in accelerometer that measures your cadence when on a treadmill, the downside to this is that it doesn't actually measure the distance you've gone and I can't modify my run to add the distance. Do I really need it, probably not, but I want to make sure that I'm getting an accurate timing/mileage on my treadmill.
Oh, and one more thing. A few weeks ago I bought my hubby and I the Jawbone 24 athletic wrist bands. We're those techie nerds that like seeing how many steps we've taken, how our sleep is, etc. Well mine has just kind of crapped out on my the last few days so I'm sending mine back. I'm trying to decided if I want to replace it or try out the FitBit, it's biggest competitor. If you have one, which do you like and why?
And for your viewing pleasure here's a couple of pictures. The first two are my training schedules, the first for the Glass Slipper Challenge and the second is the Pensacola race, I have them hanging next to my treadmill. Ironically, the timing working out that just as I finish my Pensacola race, I start training for the next one. Perfect timing!
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AND THIS is me after my long run on Saturday, don't I just look awesome?!
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P.S. I almost forgot the best part! The hubs and I decided that him and our three girls are going to come to the race in Orlando, too! The girls are going to run in the kid races and I'm still trying to work on Derek to run the 5K with me. So excited!!!! I don't know if the girls are more excited to go to Disney World or see their Aunt Sara!
Last Saturday was my first "long" run of my half-marathon training, a whole 3 miles. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere. I once again made my way over to the high school track and plugged along. I actually ended up doing 3.2 miles (5K) because I wanted to see what my time difference was compared to my 5K I did on the treadmill a few weeks ago. BUT then I hadn't programed enough intervals and I ended up walking the last half mile, I'll try again later. In the end I got in 3.2 miles in 47:40, with my 5 min warm up and about 8 min cool down (stupid intervals) I had an average pace of 14:55 per mile. My running interval was 00:45/1:30. On the treadmill this had felt too long of a rest but running outdoors it seemed just about right. This week's long run is 4 miles and I've already got my route mapped out so I'm not running around the track like a hamster...
Onto to week 2 of training started this morning. Due to the weather, BTW, I swear Sara and I have the same weather even though we're 8 hours apart, anyways, I ran on my treadmill. I did shave down my rest intervals and ended up with 00:45/1:15 and it was perfect! My speed is usually around a 5.3 or so but I've found that my calves/shins don't hurt as much when I bump it up to 5.5. I did two intervals at that speed, 10 intervals at 5.7, and my last 2 intervals at 6.0! I was pretty proud of myself. Without counting warm up and cool down, I did 2 miles. I did my first mile in 13:15 and my second one was 14:04. I think my walking pace was a little bit slower in the second. But my numbers could be totally off because I was trying to scribble them down while I was walking and yelling, I mean, nicely telling my kids to leave me alone.
After this morning's run I decided to add a food pod to my collection of running paraphernalia. I have the Garmin 220 GPS/Heart Rate monitor watch that I'm absolutely in love with. It's super accurate and I can program my intervals into it, something that other Garmin watches didn't offer. With this particular model it says you don't necessarily need the foot pod because the watch has a built in accelerometer that measures your cadence when on a treadmill, the downside to this is that it doesn't actually measure the distance you've gone and I can't modify my run to add the distance. Do I really need it, probably not, but I want to make sure that I'm getting an accurate timing/mileage on my treadmill.
Oh, and one more thing. A few weeks ago I bought my hubby and I the Jawbone 24 athletic wrist bands. We're those techie nerds that like seeing how many steps we've taken, how our sleep is, etc. Well mine has just kind of crapped out on my the last few days so I'm sending mine back. I'm trying to decided if I want to replace it or try out the FitBit, it's biggest competitor. If you have one, which do you like and why?
And for your viewing pleasure here's a couple of pictures. The first two are my training schedules, the first for the Glass Slipper Challenge and the second is the Pensacola race, I have them hanging next to my treadmill. Ironically, the timing working out that just as I finish my Pensacola race, I start training for the next one. Perfect timing!
Monday, June 23, 2014
And then it poured
I woke up, ready to go. I grabbed my riding shorts, pulled out my cute, new jersey, grabbed my bike...CCLLLAAAAPPPP. The sound of thunder. I looked outside to see a downpour and the tv started blaring flash flood.
Ugh....
Soooooo annoying. I was completely set to go. My mind was in the right place, breakfast in my belly.
That's just my luck I guess.
Friday, June 20, 2014
I need motivation
Because riding 500 miles in 6 days is clearly not enough to make me train.
To be anywhere ready I should be riding 100+ miles weekly...and I'm averaging 40. I just get bored.
Houston isn't the most biker friendly area so I'm stuck riding the same trails over and over. Its repetitive.
Any suggestions? What has helped you stay motivated and push you along on long runs or bike rides?
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Note to Self
Never skip more then 2 days of running again! Last week was crazy busy with me being gone at girls camp, then I got home and had a bunch of homework to catch up on. Homework is a constant thing at our house since Derek and I are both working on our master's degree.
I finally got a run in today. I went with my awesome friend/neighbor, no really, she is fabulous. She pushes me, encourages me, tells me when I'm being lazy, and tells me when I'm doing great. Love her! Anyways, we met at the local high school track and got to work. I did slow down my intervals to 1:00/1:00 but after about 7 intervals I was tired and I was going to shorten the run yet again but then the kids started acting up so we finished up with a 5 minute walk. Total today was 2 miles, my fastest mile yet at 12:41 though! Average pace was 14:28. I've still got some tweaking to do to figure out the magical ratio for my intervals.
Registration for the Disney Princess marathon weekend is less then a month away. I'm stressing over it because Disney races sell out in a matter of hours, HOURS people. I'm so, so excited though. I booked our hotel room last week and we'll be staying in a Little Mermaid themed room. That was my favorite movie as a kid!
Oh and this week starts my "official" half marathon training schedule for my race in November. I will be running on Tues/Thurs and a longer run on Saturday. I'll probably do some cross training in between as well. Only 19 weeks to go for the Pensacola Half!!
I wonder how Sara is doing on her cycle training?!
I finally got a run in today. I went with my awesome friend/neighbor, no really, she is fabulous. She pushes me, encourages me, tells me when I'm being lazy, and tells me when I'm doing great. Love her! Anyways, we met at the local high school track and got to work. I did slow down my intervals to 1:00/1:00 but after about 7 intervals I was tired and I was going to shorten the run yet again but then the kids started acting up so we finished up with a 5 minute walk. Total today was 2 miles, my fastest mile yet at 12:41 though! Average pace was 14:28. I've still got some tweaking to do to figure out the magical ratio for my intervals.
Registration for the Disney Princess marathon weekend is less then a month away. I'm stressing over it because Disney races sell out in a matter of hours, HOURS people. I'm so, so excited though. I booked our hotel room last week and we'll be staying in a Little Mermaid themed room. That was my favorite movie as a kid!
Oh and this week starts my "official" half marathon training schedule for my race in November. I will be running on Tues/Thurs and a longer run on Saturday. I'll probably do some cross training in between as well. Only 19 weeks to go for the Pensacola Half!!
I wonder how Sara is doing on her cycle training?!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Will you discuss Flag Day with your kids?
I don't think most people even take the time to remember what today is.
My family is extremely patriotic. We come from a long line of veterans, Mary is married to a hero.
On days like today, I try to keep the spirit of the day alive.
Today we celebrate the most recognized symbol in our country. The Flag is viewed as a symbol of heroism, strength, hope, prosperity, and many more.
If you haven't, take the time to talk about the flag and what it means to you, your family and this country.
In the midst of BBQ season, hanging out by the pool, and reunions, take a moment to remember this way of life was fought for and offer that respect and teach the generations to respect it also.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Running is expensive!
Hey Ya'll! I'm so glad that Sara and I started this blog. Even if no one reads it at least it's a place that we can write out our accomplishments and frustrations. So real quick, Sara already mentioned that we'll be signing up for the Disney Princess Glass Slipper Challenge but she failed to mention that I will also be running a half marathon in November over Veteran's Day weekend. This will be my first half marathon and it will also provide a qualifying time for the Disney race so that I'm not placed in the last corral of the race. We are so stinking excited to go on our girls trip!!
A few weeks ago I bought a used treadmill off of Craig's List to help me train. I live in Florida and it gets really hot and humid really early. I guess I could get up and go run at 5:00 am but if you know me, you know I AM NOT a morning person. Anyways, I've been running using the Couch to 5K program and was going about 2.5 miles. I recently switched the the Jeff Galloway method of training using a smaller run/walk interval method and I've noticed that I'm definitely not as tired at the end of my run and I'm going just as far.
The last two days I've been away at my church's girls camp and didn't get any running in. I've been running 3 days a week and then a longer 4th run on Saturday. Well after two days of running I had to get back into it. I decided to take an actual road run and try out my new Garmin 220 GPS watch and heart rate monitor. The watch is pretty snazzy, the run... not so much. I was doing 1:30 of running and 1:00 of walking but decided my run interval was too long for the road so I'll be cutting that back and going to try 1:00/1:00 intervals. I ran 1.17 miles this morning with an average of a 13:24 minute mile.
When I first had the idea of getting into running I had no idea how pricey it gets! Not only is there the prices of the race registration but I invested in a good GPS watch, running sunglass (because I do live in the sunshine state), awesome sports bras, moisture wicking capris and socks, and of course a good pair of shoes. My poor husband has threatened to take away my credit cards if I buy any more stuff!
I am so lucky though to have such a supporting husband and family that encourage me and keep me going. In the last few months, Derek (the hubby) and I have tried harder to be healthier and encourage our kids as well. The girls love to get on the treadmill as well and get their workouts in!
I'm off to do some homework, Sara also didn't mention that while I juggle jobs of wife and mom, I'm also a full time student working on my Master's degree. The following quote not only relates to running but also many other aspects of my life!
A few weeks ago I bought a used treadmill off of Craig's List to help me train. I live in Florida and it gets really hot and humid really early. I guess I could get up and go run at 5:00 am but if you know me, you know I AM NOT a morning person. Anyways, I've been running using the Couch to 5K program and was going about 2.5 miles. I recently switched the the Jeff Galloway method of training using a smaller run/walk interval method and I've noticed that I'm definitely not as tired at the end of my run and I'm going just as far.
The last two days I've been away at my church's girls camp and didn't get any running in. I've been running 3 days a week and then a longer 4th run on Saturday. Well after two days of running I had to get back into it. I decided to take an actual road run and try out my new Garmin 220 GPS watch and heart rate monitor. The watch is pretty snazzy, the run... not so much. I was doing 1:30 of running and 1:00 of walking but decided my run interval was too long for the road so I'll be cutting that back and going to try 1:00/1:00 intervals. I ran 1.17 miles this morning with an average of a 13:24 minute mile.
When I first had the idea of getting into running I had no idea how pricey it gets! Not only is there the prices of the race registration but I invested in a good GPS watch, running sunglass (because I do live in the sunshine state), awesome sports bras, moisture wicking capris and socks, and of course a good pair of shoes. My poor husband has threatened to take away my credit cards if I buy any more stuff!
I am so lucky though to have such a supporting husband and family that encourage me and keep me going. In the last few months, Derek (the hubby) and I have tried harder to be healthier and encourage our kids as well. The girls love to get on the treadmill as well and get their workouts in!
I'm off to do some homework, Sara also didn't mention that while I juggle jobs of wife and mom, I'm also a full time student working on my Master's degree. The following quote not only relates to running but also many other aspects of my life!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Hello? Is this thing on?!
Sound check.
Testing...1...2...3...Mary and I got this crazy idea to start running. Neither of us really grew up being runners...so this is a new feat for us both.
One day I was on Pinterest and found Disney's Princess Half Marathon. After glancing around, I shot the idea at Mary that we should register. Not only for the half, but for the "Glass Slipper Challenge", which includes a 10k the night before the actual half.
I really thought this would just be a "good idea" and now we have a hotel reservation, new running shoes, and costumes ideas.
We (mostly me, forcing Mary to comply) created this space for us to talk about our issues with running and whatever else comes to mind as we increase our mileage, learn about pacing, chaffing, and what shoes we wear.
Right now, I'm preoccupied training for a 500 mile bike ride across Iowa. As soon as that is finished, I'm jumping on the running track.
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