I am definitely holding true to my once a week a promise!
Week 3 Day 4-the dreaded tempo run!
My half marathon pace is a 10:15 mile and I had to do 3 miles at this pace with a mile warm-up and a mile cool down. I used Brian's Garmin again and ended up running 3 miles in 28:49, definitely faster than I was suppose to go. It didn't feel great, but I didn't want to die either. The important thing is that I did it.
Week 3 Day 5-easy 3 miles
I have to keep reminding myself that I am suppose to be doing a 12:00 minute mile...the Garmin makes it so much easier to keep up with the distance and pace, now I just need to convince myself that it is okay to go that slow..not having much luck in that area. I did 3 miles in 30:49....
Week 3 Day 6-Rest, which I did.
Week 3 Day 7-Long run 6 or 7 miles.
Met with the group for my second long run. We could have gone 7 miles, but my shins are not happy with me and the heat/humidity sapped my strength. However, it is over and done with. We averaged a little over a 12:00 minute mile, but we stopped for water three times.
Tomorrow I will rest and ice my shins some more.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Catching up.....
Week 2 Day 4-three miles at an easy pace..did it and it felt okay. I hate the heat.
Week 2 Days 5-7 Rest days and Long Run...didn't get to do it. We went to dinner with friends on Friday and I got very sick late Friday night and stayed that way through Saturday and part of Sunday. I have not been eating red meat for the last few weeks and decided to eat some, I do not know if that contributed to my illness or not. The garage sale went well (considering the circumstances-thank goodness for my wonderful husband!), didn't make enough money for a Garmin, but got the guest room cleaned out. I fully intended to do my 5 miles when I started feeling better, that didn't happen until late Sunday night and I knew I would need a rest day before starting a new week. So, I decided to just skip the first five miler and hope for the best! Plus, I had done 5.4 miles last Monday and I know I am capable of running that far.
Week 3 Day 1-I decided that this heat is going to be the death of me and my motivation. It sucks the life right out of me and just the thought of going to run makes me not want too. I decided to straighten up the study and get the treadmill where it could be used again, until this ridiculous heat passes. I got on the treadmill and cranked it up to the desired pace and made it for about .7 miles and decided that I would rather deal with the heat and I headed out the door to run in the dark. I ended up going my usual route, so I did a total of 3.7 miles.
Week 3 Day 2-I am the queen of procrastination...I can put off running until the last moment. In this case, that was at 9:15 at night, just a smidgen of daylight left. I borrowed my husband's Garmin so I could make sure I was pacing myself correctly.
I have been afraid that I have been running too slowly. The only way I have been timing myself is using my iPod's playlist and then driving the route and subtracting a half mile from whatever shows up on the odometer-not the most scientific way to go about this. When I run, I feel very slow, especially when I get home and add up the minutes using my playlists. I have been feeling really discouraged because I think I am running slower than my projected times.
Last night the Garmin proved me otherwise. I am suppose to running at a 12:00 minute easy pace. I am doing more like a 10:40-11:00 minute pace, which made me feel much better. I haven't been going "all out" in this heat and I think as long as I stay around this range it will only get faster. I ended up doing 4 miles in 42:57 with 4 strides (1 each mile). It was hot and sticky because the wind had died completely down. I choked on a couple of bugs and I didn't take a drink before I left. I got really thirsty while running. I loved running with the Garmin and now I know I have to get one!
Today I have to do 5 miles total and 3 of those have to be ran at my half-marathon pace (10:15). I dread it, but I know I can do it. It's just a matter of making myself, but it's already 90 degrees outside! I will wait until the sun goes down again. Once again, there is no sense in me getting up to run early when I won't be able to do that when school starts. I am establishing a routine I can actually stick to!
Week 2 Days 5-7 Rest days and Long Run...didn't get to do it. We went to dinner with friends on Friday and I got very sick late Friday night and stayed that way through Saturday and part of Sunday. I have not been eating red meat for the last few weeks and decided to eat some, I do not know if that contributed to my illness or not. The garage sale went well (considering the circumstances-thank goodness for my wonderful husband!), didn't make enough money for a Garmin, but got the guest room cleaned out. I fully intended to do my 5 miles when I started feeling better, that didn't happen until late Sunday night and I knew I would need a rest day before starting a new week. So, I decided to just skip the first five miler and hope for the best! Plus, I had done 5.4 miles last Monday and I know I am capable of running that far.
Week 3 Day 1-I decided that this heat is going to be the death of me and my motivation. It sucks the life right out of me and just the thought of going to run makes me not want too. I decided to straighten up the study and get the treadmill where it could be used again, until this ridiculous heat passes. I got on the treadmill and cranked it up to the desired pace and made it for about .7 miles and decided that I would rather deal with the heat and I headed out the door to run in the dark. I ended up going my usual route, so I did a total of 3.7 miles.
Week 3 Day 2-I am the queen of procrastination...I can put off running until the last moment. In this case, that was at 9:15 at night, just a smidgen of daylight left. I borrowed my husband's Garmin so I could make sure I was pacing myself correctly.
I have been afraid that I have been running too slowly. The only way I have been timing myself is using my iPod's playlist and then driving the route and subtracting a half mile from whatever shows up on the odometer-not the most scientific way to go about this. When I run, I feel very slow, especially when I get home and add up the minutes using my playlists. I have been feeling really discouraged because I think I am running slower than my projected times.
Last night the Garmin proved me otherwise. I am suppose to running at a 12:00 minute easy pace. I am doing more like a 10:40-11:00 minute pace, which made me feel much better. I haven't been going "all out" in this heat and I think as long as I stay around this range it will only get faster. I ended up doing 4 miles in 42:57 with 4 strides (1 each mile). It was hot and sticky because the wind had died completely down. I choked on a couple of bugs and I didn't take a drink before I left. I got really thirsty while running. I loved running with the Garmin and now I know I have to get one!
Today I have to do 5 miles total and 3 of those have to be ran at my half-marathon pace (10:15). I dread it, but I know I can do it. It's just a matter of making myself, but it's already 90 degrees outside! I will wait until the sun goes down again. Once again, there is no sense in me getting up to run early when I won't be able to do that when school starts. I am establishing a routine I can actually stick to!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Week 2-Day 3
My decision to run at night is working out well for me. I was suppose to do a 2 mile warmup, 2 miles at my half-marathon pace,and a 1 mile cool down. I have been having an awful time pacing myself, so I made Brian go out with me and use his Garmin. My HMP was suppose to be a 10:41 mile. We did a 9:56, it was nice running with Brian. I am starting to feel the effects of running so much and I am going to have to be very diligent with my stretching before and after now.
We are having a garage sale on Saturday-yippee....not really. I have to go get everything ready and hope that we make some $$$ so I can put it towards a Garmin : )!
We are having a garage sale on Saturday-yippee....not really. I have to go get everything ready and hope that we make some $$$ so I can put it towards a Garmin : )!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Week 2-Day 2-sticking to the plan!
I have decided to run at night, because honestly I am not going to get up any earlier than I have to and when school starts back the evenings/afternoons will be when I exercise. So I figure it would be counterproductive to start a routine and then have to find a new one in August. Plus, I feel that getting up early on Saturdays for a long run is punishment enough!
Last night I waited until after 8:00 to go out. It seems to be slightly cooler right as the sun starts to set and if the humidity would go away I know I can stand the higher temperatures. The plan was to do 3 miles, at an easy pace. That is what I did. I was very sore from running the 5.4 the night before and dummy me didn't properly stretch and cool down afterwards. My quads and glutes were pretty achy for most of the run. I did the run, but didn't really enjoy it or feel too good.
Still having a hard time with the food. I nibbled more than I should have yesterday and I am not wanting to eat veggies at all. It will get better, it has to!
Last night I waited until after 8:00 to go out. It seems to be slightly cooler right as the sun starts to set and if the humidity would go away I know I can stand the higher temperatures. The plan was to do 3 miles, at an easy pace. That is what I did. I was very sore from running the 5.4 the night before and dummy me didn't properly stretch and cool down afterwards. My quads and glutes were pretty achy for most of the run. I did the run, but didn't really enjoy it or feel too good.
Still having a hard time with the food. I nibbled more than I should have yesterday and I am not wanting to eat veggies at all. It will get better, it has to!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Week 2 Day 1-4 Miles....that was the plan.
My rest day was uneventful, except that I hurt my back wakeboarding and I managed to eat 1 medium pizza over the course of two days.
Yesterday I meant to get up early and run to the beat the heat and humidity, but I didn't so I had to wait until almost sunset. I headed out (not really wanting to go) with the intention of doing only four miles. I walked for the first 6 minutes and about 1/3 mile. I started jogging and it felt really good.
It felt so good that I kept going until my neighbor's dogs ran out to greet me. They aren't vicious. Afterwards I went and tracked the route. I had jogged 5.4 miles!!! I had my iPod in and really just kept going and going. It has been such a long time since I felt like doing more than I normally do.
I ate really bad on Sunday and most of yesterday. Today I have to do 4 more easy miles. My pace last night was a little over 12:00 a mile, but oh well.
Yesterday I meant to get up early and run to the beat the heat and humidity, but I didn't so I had to wait until almost sunset. I headed out (not really wanting to go) with the intention of doing only four miles. I walked for the first 6 minutes and about 1/3 mile. I started jogging and it felt really good.
It felt so good that I kept going until my neighbor's dogs ran out to greet me. They aren't vicious. Afterwards I went and tracked the route. I had jogged 5.4 miles!!! I had my iPod in and really just kept going and going. It has been such a long time since I felt like doing more than I normally do.
I ate really bad on Sunday and most of yesterday. Today I have to do 4 more easy miles. My pace last night was a little over 12:00 a mile, but oh well.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 6-First Long Run
I didn't get much sleep last night. I had weird dreams and then tossed and turned from 1:00-3:30. by then it was time to get up and go run. I got out of bed at 4:40 am (yes, me, eternally grumpy morning person) put on my clothes and headed to CK.
I was assigned to go with Rochelle (leader) and Monica (who is training for the Nike Women's Half in October). We were suppose to do a 12:00 minute mile pace for four miles. We started out kind of fast at a 10:30 pace for the first mile and then it slowed it down. Once again, it was ridiculously humid and by the halfway point my shirt was completely soaked. We made it back and averaged a 11:32 pace, not too shabby. I am looking at purchasing a Garmin for tracking my mileage, pace, heartrate, and calories burned-I just can't decide which model is the best and I have to wait to save some more funds.
I came home, showered, fell back into bed and slept until 11:00. I then got up and ate a bowl of cereal and watched some soccer. For a late lunch I made myself another breakfast sandwhich, ate an apple and took another nap because I was exhausted.
I woke up and ate a Fiber Plus bar and ordered pizza. I ate 4 slices of cheese and that is my indulgence for the week. Tomorrow we are going wakeboarding and I am going to count that as my cross-training. I have found a quick weight workout in my most recent issue of "Women's Health" and I plan on incorporating it into my routine for the next week.
I was assigned to go with Rochelle (leader) and Monica (who is training for the Nike Women's Half in October). We were suppose to do a 12:00 minute mile pace for four miles. We started out kind of fast at a 10:30 pace for the first mile and then it slowed it down. Once again, it was ridiculously humid and by the halfway point my shirt was completely soaked. We made it back and averaged a 11:32 pace, not too shabby. I am looking at purchasing a Garmin for tracking my mileage, pace, heartrate, and calories burned-I just can't decide which model is the best and I have to wait to save some more funds.
I came home, showered, fell back into bed and slept until 11:00. I then got up and ate a bowl of cereal and watched some soccer. For a late lunch I made myself another breakfast sandwhich, ate an apple and took another nap because I was exhausted.
I woke up and ate a Fiber Plus bar and ordered pizza. I ate 4 slices of cheese and that is my indulgence for the week. Tomorrow we are going wakeboarding and I am going to count that as my cross-training. I have found a quick weight workout in my most recent issue of "Women's Health" and I plan on incorporating it into my routine for the next week.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 5-3 miles at 12:00, but did 10:00 instead!
So far, so good.
Last night I waited to run until the 6:45 social run at CK Sports. It ended up just being me and the coach. I told him that I was suppose to do 3 miles at a 11:30-12:00 minute a mile pace. We started off and I didn't feel winded at all. It was very hot (93 degrees) and humid. The coach was very helpful and gave me lots of feedback and tips for running. It was nice to have someone focus on me for a change. I started this running thing with just some shoes and not a whole lot of knowledge and to have someone there to ask questions and give advice felt good.
We ran down Custer Road, and I fell! I couldn't believe it, I haven't tripped or fallen ever at all since I started exercising. Thankfully I threw myself towards the grass so I didn't skin up anything. We ran through a nice neighborhood and back to the store. When we got to the store the coach was like, "Oh, we did more of a 10 minute mile...." It wasn't bad, I figured the humidity was what was making me feel winded. It was nice though, to know that I can maintain that pace in the heat and humidity. I am so ready to adapt to the weather.
I am really wanting a Garmin Forerunner, a new sports bra, new shorts,some more Feetures socks, and a couple of new tanks. It amazes me that those are things I want to spend money on, instead of a new purse, regular shoes, or clothes.
Another recent change in my spending desires is food. I have rediscovered the joy of cooking. I have been looking through my "Biggest Loser", "Slim and Scrumptious" by Joy Bauer, "The Athlete's Palate", and other sources looking for yummy things to make. I would love nothing more than to be able to go to Whole Foods and drop a couple of hundred dollars on a week's worth of groceries! I really want a new blender, immersion blender, and food processor.
As far as the food I have been behaving, somewhat. Yesterday I ate two bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios, a half cup of light ice cream, some spaghetti, and a PB banana English Muffin. I forgot what I ate for lunch though.....it wasn't bad though because there isn't anything too bad to eat here. However, I did wake up again at 2:30 am starving and I ate a small handful of Mini Mini-Wheats. This morning I made my own Egg McMuffin and it was surprisingly tasty.
Exercise wise today is suppose to be a rest day/cross training. I am not doing anything that requires use of my legs. I may do some core work and upper body weights, but I might actually just "rest".
Tomorrow, bright and early will be a 4-miler.
Last night I waited to run until the 6:45 social run at CK Sports. It ended up just being me and the coach. I told him that I was suppose to do 3 miles at a 11:30-12:00 minute a mile pace. We started off and I didn't feel winded at all. It was very hot (93 degrees) and humid. The coach was very helpful and gave me lots of feedback and tips for running. It was nice to have someone focus on me for a change. I started this running thing with just some shoes and not a whole lot of knowledge and to have someone there to ask questions and give advice felt good.
We ran down Custer Road, and I fell! I couldn't believe it, I haven't tripped or fallen ever at all since I started exercising. Thankfully I threw myself towards the grass so I didn't skin up anything. We ran through a nice neighborhood and back to the store. When we got to the store the coach was like, "Oh, we did more of a 10 minute mile...." It wasn't bad, I figured the humidity was what was making me feel winded. It was nice though, to know that I can maintain that pace in the heat and humidity. I am so ready to adapt to the weather.
I am really wanting a Garmin Forerunner, a new sports bra, new shorts,some more Feetures socks, and a couple of new tanks. It amazes me that those are things I want to spend money on, instead of a new purse, regular shoes, or clothes.
Another recent change in my spending desires is food. I have rediscovered the joy of cooking. I have been looking through my "Biggest Loser", "Slim and Scrumptious" by Joy Bauer, "The Athlete's Palate", and other sources looking for yummy things to make. I would love nothing more than to be able to go to Whole Foods and drop a couple of hundred dollars on a week's worth of groceries! I really want a new blender, immersion blender, and food processor.
As far as the food I have been behaving, somewhat. Yesterday I ate two bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios, a half cup of light ice cream, some spaghetti, and a PB banana English Muffin. I forgot what I ate for lunch though.....it wasn't bad though because there isn't anything too bad to eat here. However, I did wake up again at 2:30 am starving and I ate a small handful of Mini Mini-Wheats. This morning I made my own Egg McMuffin and it was surprisingly tasty.
Exercise wise today is suppose to be a rest day/cross training. I am not doing anything that requires use of my legs. I may do some core work and upper body weights, but I might actually just "rest".
Tomorrow, bright and early will be a 4-miler.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Day 4-speedy mile....
Okay, I hate running fast, I really do. I decided that since there was suppose to be a "cool" front yesterday it would be safe to do my 10:15 mile in the morning....wrong!!! I head out to warm up and it is very humid and very warm, I can see the clouds and there is teeny, tiny bit of rain coming down. I had marked off a .5 mile area in my neighborhood so I walked it to warm up, per training instructions. I get to where I needed to start running and take off. At that precise moment the humid and temperature increased and I really thought I was going to suffocate. I only made it four minutes and barely a half mile into the run. I was completely soaked and out of breath. I stopped and recovered for three minutes. I decided to suck it up and do it. So, I restarted and did my mile in 9:45, instead of 10:15. The front arrived and I walked another mile to cool down.
I had promised my super marathoner friend that I would go with her to a "social" run that night. We showed up and she took off (she runs a seven-minute mile on an "easy" day). I trotted slowly, because I don't want to overdo it and injure myself. I did 2.8 miles in 30:18. The cooler temperatures make such a difference and I imagine the two hour nap didn't hurt either!
As far as my nutrition is going. I had a chip breakdown yesterday. I LOVE tortilla chips with cream cheese and salsa. I did rein it in though, I had a serving of chicken tetrazzine for dinner and a half-cup of light ice cream for dessert. I was still very hungry, so I ate 3/4 cup of Honey Nut Cheerios with a 1/2 cup of milk. Which I repreated at 3:00 am this morning.
This morning I decided to not run until tonight and only run once today. For breakfast I had a light multi-grain English muffin with PB powder mixed with sugar-free and regular jelly and half of a banana. It was yummy.
I have decided to go through my past year's worth of "Self" and "Fitness" magazine and pull out all the nutrition advice, meal plans, and recipes. However, CSI has distracted me.
I had promised my super marathoner friend that I would go with her to a "social" run that night. We showed up and she took off (she runs a seven-minute mile on an "easy" day). I trotted slowly, because I don't want to overdo it and injure myself. I did 2.8 miles in 30:18. The cooler temperatures make such a difference and I imagine the two hour nap didn't hurt either!
As far as my nutrition is going. I had a chip breakdown yesterday. I LOVE tortilla chips with cream cheese and salsa. I did rein it in though, I had a serving of chicken tetrazzine for dinner and a half-cup of light ice cream for dessert. I was still very hungry, so I ate 3/4 cup of Honey Nut Cheerios with a 1/2 cup of milk. Which I repreated at 3:00 am this morning.
This morning I decided to not run until tonight and only run once today. For breakfast I had a light multi-grain English muffin with PB powder mixed with sugar-free and regular jelly and half of a banana. It was yummy.
I have decided to go through my past year's worth of "Self" and "Fitness" magazine and pull out all the nutrition advice, meal plans, and recipes. However, CSI has distracted me.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 3
Okay,
I should explain that my day numbers are according to the training schedule, not the days of the week. So, if I am "resting" I will not count that as a day.
For day 3 (which was yesterday June 8th) I was scheduled to do 3 "easy" miles with 3 strides. I did wait until the evening to run when a cool front came in with a wonderful breeze. I walked out the door and forgot my watch so I was dependent on the music to help me with pacing and the strides. I ended up doing 3.7 miles in 40 minutes. I was kind of disappointed I thought I had gone a little faster than the day before, but I didn't.
I am going to go to the high school track to run my 10:15 mile. Tonight I am going on a "social run" with a group of friends and plan on doing an easy three miles.
I am trying to make sure my weight doesn't go up, so I am probably overcompensating with the exercise until I can get into a meal plan groove.
I should explain that my day numbers are according to the training schedule, not the days of the week. So, if I am "resting" I will not count that as a day.
For day 3 (which was yesterday June 8th) I was scheduled to do 3 "easy" miles with 3 strides. I did wait until the evening to run when a cool front came in with a wonderful breeze. I walked out the door and forgot my watch so I was dependent on the music to help me with pacing and the strides. I ended up doing 3.7 miles in 40 minutes. I was kind of disappointed I thought I had gone a little faster than the day before, but I didn't.
I am going to go to the high school track to run my 10:15 mile. Tonight I am going on a "social run" with a group of friends and plan on doing an easy three miles.
I am trying to make sure my weight doesn't go up, so I am probably overcompensating with the exercise until I can get into a meal plan groove.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Arbor Creek Nature Preserve trail run!
We (my husband and I) went to run with the DRC last night at the Arbor Creek Nature Preserve in Plano. The dirt trail loop was 2.2 miles and the group started off really fast. Since I had already ran that day I did a mile and then walked the rest of the way. I totally and completely enjoyed the trail. It reminded me of being a kid and running through the woods at my grandparents or trekking around church, FFA, and 4H camps. I will most certainly be going back over there, even though it is a 25 mile drive! After the trail run I slowly jogged around the concrete loop which was 1.2 miles. I ended up eating a serving and a half of the tetrazzine and a 1/2 cup of gelato. Then I ate 3/4 cups of Honey Nut Cheerios. Hopefully the exercise cancelled out the extra calories.
I haven't really drawn up meal plans, but I am being very careful with my calories. I made jambalaya on Sunday, the tetrazzine yesterday and tonight I am making the Mexican Turkey burgers that we love so much!
I am holding off on running until later tonight when there is a stronger breeze. Yesterday was too humid and there was no breeze, anywhere.
I haven't really drawn up meal plans, but I am being very careful with my calories. I made jambalaya on Sunday, the tetrazzine yesterday and tonight I am making the Mexican Turkey burgers that we love so much!
I am holding off on running until later tonight when there is a stronger breeze. Yesterday was too humid and there was no breeze, anywhere.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 2 3 mile easy run
I decided to get up early today to do my run. It didn't matter because the humidity was already high by 8:00 am. I started out and was going to do the mile loop around the neighborhood, but the demon dog was out and I didn't feel like fighting with the ankle biter. I started running the opposite side of the loop with every intention of going my usual route. I changed my mind and left the neighborhood to run on FM 546. I ran up 546 and then looped around a dirt road back to the neighborhood. The humidity was awful, it made me feel like I was smothering. I had to stop and catch my breath for about two minutes. I had a hard time pacing myself, since I didn't really know my distance. Overall I did 3.5 miles in 40minutes, slightly faster than I was suppose to, but not as fast as I would have liked.
The hubby and I are going to meet some runners for a trail run tonight. It's 2.2 mile loop, I may run it, I may walk it-I don't know yet.
I ate a small breakfast, a smaller lunch, and then had two peanut butter cookies. I made chicken tetrazzine for dinner tonight and can't wait to eat it!
The hubby and I are going to meet some runners for a trail run tonight. It's 2.2 mile loop, I may run it, I may walk it-I don't know yet.
I ate a small breakfast, a smaller lunch, and then had two peanut butter cookies. I made chicken tetrazzine for dinner tonight and can't wait to eat it!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 1 and rest day
I will try to update weekly, but I may update daily...
After looking at three different training classes (Run On!, CK Sports, and Dallas Runners Club) I decide to go with the CK Sports program for the following reasons: First, the overall cost was the best for me. The DRC class was the cheapest, but having to drive to Dallas twice a week would cost me almost $80 a week. Run On!, the class was almost $60 more than CK and I would have to drive to Dallas once a a week. Second, the Run On! class started with a 9 mile long run and I couldn't get much information about coaching or pacing. When I called CK Sports, I talked with someone (I think it was Rachel, maybe) for a good forty-five minutes and she asked me lots of questions and I felt that she was truly interested in helping me meet my goals. Connie contacted me later and she also made me feel like this program was about helping me succeed, not make a profit. I went to the store and signed up!
June 5th, we ran a mile test and I did a super speedy (f0r me) 8:45. Connie(race group training leader) sent me my projected times. Based on my current pace it will be a 4:55 marathon, a 2:20 half, 1:37:55 15K, and a 1:02 10K. I had already signed up for a 15K and a half before I started this class, so will see if these times match up.
I will have to work harder than this to meet my goal, but I am up for the challenge!
After I came home from the early morning run-did I mention I am NOT NOT NOT a morning person. I loathe waking up early. I went back to sleep and once I woke up we went to the lake and did some wakeboarding. I realized I am going to have to be very careful wakeboarding while training. I did a really horrible face plant and today my neck, back, and shoulders are extremely sore. My diet is also something I will have to work on. Yesterday and today has been a carb fest with not the right kind of carbs. I know how to eat right, I just have to sit down and plan it out.
My training schedule for the week looks like this:
June 6-Rest
June 7- 3 miles easy
June 8-3 miles easy with 4 strides
June 9-1/2 mile warm-up, 1 mile @10:15, 1/2 mile cool down
June 10-3 miles easy with 3 strides
June 11-Rest or cross train
June 12-4 miles easy with a scattering of strides
Tomorrow I have two options-get up and run in the morning or wait until the afternoon and go do a trail run with my friends. We shall see! Tomorrow I will draw up all my meal plans for the week and clean the house.
After looking at three different training classes (Run On!, CK Sports, and Dallas Runners Club) I decide to go with the CK Sports program for the following reasons: First, the overall cost was the best for me. The DRC class was the cheapest, but having to drive to Dallas twice a week would cost me almost $80 a week. Run On!, the class was almost $60 more than CK and I would have to drive to Dallas once a a week. Second, the Run On! class started with a 9 mile long run and I couldn't get much information about coaching or pacing. When I called CK Sports, I talked with someone (I think it was Rachel, maybe) for a good forty-five minutes and she asked me lots of questions and I felt that she was truly interested in helping me meet my goals. Connie contacted me later and she also made me feel like this program was about helping me succeed, not make a profit. I went to the store and signed up!
June 5th, we ran a mile test and I did a super speedy (f0r me) 8:45. Connie(race group training leader) sent me my projected times. Based on my current pace it will be a 4:55 marathon, a 2:20 half, 1:37:55 15K, and a 1:02 10K. I had already signed up for a 15K and a half before I started this class, so will see if these times match up.
I will have to work harder than this to meet my goal, but I am up for the challenge!
After I came home from the early morning run-did I mention I am NOT NOT NOT a morning person. I loathe waking up early. I went back to sleep and once I woke up we went to the lake and did some wakeboarding. I realized I am going to have to be very careful wakeboarding while training. I did a really horrible face plant and today my neck, back, and shoulders are extremely sore. My diet is also something I will have to work on. Yesterday and today has been a carb fest with not the right kind of carbs. I know how to eat right, I just have to sit down and plan it out.
My training schedule for the week looks like this:
June 6-Rest
June 7- 3 miles easy
June 8-3 miles easy with 4 strides
June 9-1/2 mile warm-up, 1 mile @10:15, 1/2 mile cool down
June 10-3 miles easy with 3 strides
June 11-Rest or cross train
June 12-4 miles easy with a scattering of strides
Tomorrow I have two options-get up and run in the morning or wait until the afternoon and go do a trail run with my friends. We shall see! Tomorrow I will draw up all my meal plans for the week and clean the house.
The marathon desire
I have never been a runner. In fact, I quit playing basketball in high school because I hated the running so much. This has been a relevation to me, enjoying and succeeding at something physical. I was a decent dancer and cheerleader, but awful at team sports and really didn't like or enjoy them. When I started losing weight and exercising watching "The Biggest Loser" was one of my main motivators. The first full season I watched the finalist had to run and finish a marathon. I thougth to myself, if they can do it, surely I can and that thought never went away. Even when I was training for the first half marathon, I was wanting to pick a full marathon and start training. I guess I should explain that my husband wanted to do a full as well, but after the half he decided he just wants to work on getting faster at 5K and 10K times. I lost my training partner :( and some of my motivation.
I always enjoyed watching track and field events and even kept up with the Boston Marathon, but I thought those people were crazy. Once, I started this exercise thing and watching the finalists on the show run 26.2 miles, the desire was there but I knew that I would have to wait to train properly. This past season once again the finalists had to run a full marathon and once again again it reaffirmed to me that the desire isn't going away. I have to do this!
All the experts say to have at least a year of running under your belt, so in April it was a year and now it is June. I am ready, I want to do this, and I will do this. If those guys and girls from "The Biggest Loser" can do it! I know I can!
My goal is to finish the White Rock marathon in under 4:45, ideally I would like to do a 4:30, but I am being realistic and I don't want to injure myself training. My long term goal is to qualify for Boston before I turn 40, so I have almost six year to work on that!
I always enjoyed watching track and field events and even kept up with the Boston Marathon, but I thought those people were crazy. Once, I started this exercise thing and watching the finalists on the show run 26.2 miles, the desire was there but I knew that I would have to wait to train properly. This past season once again the finalists had to run a full marathon and once again again it reaffirmed to me that the desire isn't going away. I have to do this!
All the experts say to have at least a year of running under your belt, so in April it was a year and now it is June. I am ready, I want to do this, and I will do this. If those guys and girls from "The Biggest Loser" can do it! I know I can!
My goal is to finish the White Rock marathon in under 4:45, ideally I would like to do a 4:30, but I am being realistic and I don't want to injure myself training. My long term goal is to qualify for Boston before I turn 40, so I have almost six year to work on that!
Background on me....sorry for the length.
On Saturday June 5th, I met with my training group from CK Sports to run a "magic mile" to determine pace groups for the training class. I am going to document my training for the 2010 Dallas White Rock Marthon. The marathon is on December 5th, 2010 so I have six months to get my big booty prepared to run for 26.2 miles!
Let me explain how I came to this decision.
November 2008-One of my students begins the Medifast program and I watch her lose almost 20 pounds in a month and she tells me how the diet works.
December 2008-I am flipping channels and stumble upon the season finale of" The Biggest Loser". I have never watched the show, thinking that it was a farce or something used to make fat people feel even worse about themselves, and I had no idea that money was involved in the process! I watched as Michelle, from Dallas, went from my current weight to a teeny tiny 128! At that moment I was fascinated and swore to watch the next season.
January 2009-Began watching "The Biggest Loser" and seriously reassessed my health and my weight.
Febraury 2009-Still watching TBL and realized that if the 400+ pound man can get on the treadmill, then I really don't have any excuses. At this point I start walking on my treadmill just a little bit two-three times a day. However, I am still not 100% committed to cutting calories.
March 2009-My friend starts Medifast and sure enough, she starts losing weight. I am still watching BL, eating a little better and still trying to exercise some. I break down and go sign up for the Medifast program. I committed to lose 50 pounds in 20 weeks by following their recommendations and meal plans. I lose five pounds during each of the first three weeks! After the first three weeks, I am cleared to start exercising more.
April 2009-Surprisingly I am wanting to exercise more and going to the gym for classes isn't appealing to me and I am enjoying my time on the treadmill or walking outside. One of my very closest friends is the epitome of fitness, she runs all time, has qualified for Boston every time (but once) when runs marathons and has been very supportive of my new pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. She and another teacher at my school start a running/walking group that meets three times a week. I go to each meeting and at first I just wanted to walk a mile in under 20 minutes-I am NOT exaggerating I was that slow. We have a goal race of a Memorial Day 5K. I want to walk/jog the race in under an hour.
May 2009-The diet was going well-down almost 30 pounds, it was the first time in 5 or 6 years that a 1 was looming in front of my weight. I continued the walking/running group and begin jogging a little bit more each time. My friends both encourage me not to do too much too soon, the seasoned runner friend told me that it was totally okay to jog one minute and take five or six minutes to recover.
The day of the race arrived and I am scared, really truly scared that I am not going to be able to do a 3.1 mile race or that I will finish last. We go to the race and it starts. I tell myself to go slow, so I don't overdo it and I promise myself that I will jog the hills and inclines, which I did. I finished the race in 45:11, which was the best time so far for me! I was very excited and a little proud of myself.
June 2009-The running group sort of disbands and I begin to freak out. However, at this point my husband and I are both very committed to seeing this healthy lifestyle continue. We run at night or I get up and walk/run during the day. I also start going to the gym in the mornings since I have nothing else to do. I decide to have LASIK surgery towards the end of the month and it sidelines me from working out too hard for 10 days-so I all I can do is walk on the treadmill and try not to sweat too much. I am still doing the Medifast thing and steadily losing weight. We decide to do another 5K on Father's Day and surprisingly I finish in 39:21, not too bad I shaved almost 6 minutes off my time, meaning mile pace is picking up. I still can't run a whole mile without stopping, but I am up to at least 1/2.
July 2009-Still dieting, still exercising, not happy with my eye surgery at all. It restricted me from running and wakeboarding. Did another 5K 40:12, but I had to hold back because of my eyes (I couldn't get sweat in them for 10 days). Total weight lost 50 pounds! I hit my goal weight in 18 weeks instead of 20, so I decide to try to lose 25 more in 12 weeks.
August 2009-Someone forgot to tell me that it is nearly impossible to run outside in Texas during the summer, so I had to try to find something else to do and that resulted in not a whole lot. Just kind of loafed around with yoga class and weight training. Ran another 5K the first of August on a Friday in 96 degree heat, my time sucked 41:31, but I was actually happy that I even did and ran as much as I did. I really didn't run much the last half of July or most of August.
I am now down almost 60 pounds and everyone at my work is convinced that I had some kind of gastric surgery because no one can lose that much weigh without cheating! I went from a size 20 to size 12 from March to August. The beginning of the school year is always a trial for me. It was especially difficult to try to manage exercise, diet, and my job. I managed to stay on track.
September 2009-still running, still dieting, down 65 pounds and ran another 5K and did it in 35:48!!! I finally feel like I am making serious progress with my running and I am ready to start tackling longer lengths.
October 2009-I really wanted to start training for a half marathon, but the running group is defunct and I have no idea how to start, so I just find a 10K program and start working on my own. I didn't run a race this month :( , I signed up for one, but overslept. This is the month when I am finally able to run more than one mile without stopping to walk.
November 2009-Husband and one of our running buddies decide that they want to run a half marathon (well gee whiz...that's what I have been asking to do!). We start training for the 3M Half in Austin on January 24th. Ran a 5K Thanksgiving weekend and I did a 32:29!!! I am so excited. I only walked when I got a glass of water! On on long run my husband and I jogged seven miles, I kept up with him and didn't stop to walk, just stopped for traffic a couple of times.
December 2009-I haven't been on the treadmill since June, I have done all of my running outside, but guess what? For some strange reason these stupid Arctic fronts start invading the DFW area and I am forced to go run on the treadmill. I HATED IT!!!! I am trying to run 5 miles three times a week and then do various long runs. I told my husband and running buddy I don't care how cold it is, I cannot do a long run on the treadmill. So, off we go to get some cold weather running gear. Under Armour Cold Gear tights=best $50 I have EVER spent and a Brooks running jacket I found at TJ Maxx on clearance for $15 saved me! For Christmas my husband bought me a super nice Nike jacket I wanted. I hit the gym for cross training (spin class) and the date of the race draws near. No 5K this month either.
January 2010-A new year, and a totally new me. I have lost 78 pounds at this point, eat extremely healthfully, and work out 5-6 days a week. I feel accomplished, but as our training draws to close we decide to do a 13.1 miler just so we will know how it feels. Once again, I am scared, scared that I can't do it, scared that I will get lost on the course, scared I will collapse and no one will find my dead body. I start out by myself and somewhere around mile 7 I lose my map and just have to guess where to go. At that point I am pissed at my husband, pissed at his running buddy, pissed at myself for eating Clif Blocks without enough water to wash them down and I want just want to quit and go back to the car and sulk. However, I don't. I keep going and eventually remember the route, but I shortened it by a mile. It is only about 30 degrees and I am freezing and I still have Clif blocks stuck in my throat. I feel that I can finish the course.
January 17 2010-I decided that a 15K would be a good long run and wind down before the race on the 24th. My husband and I go and run the Too Cold to Hold race. He did a 1:15 and I did a 1:37! I never walked and I never slowed down. My second half of the race was three minutes faster than the first. I got second in my weight class-yes I am still entering the Athena category.
January 24th 2010-It's a cold windy morning and I am wondering what the hell I have signed myself up for by running this race? The race is delayed an hour because the wind has knocked down all the signs. This does not help my nerves. The race starts and of course, my husband and his running partner take off and leave me (nothing new here, just kind of aggravating). I run and run and run. At mile 7 I desperately need to pee, so I get in line and lose four minutes of time, but it was so much easier to run with an empty bladder. At mile 9 I am feeling like this sucks, and sucks big time I want to stop to walk, but I know that if I do I won't ever start running again. So I keep going. At mile 10 I get to feeling weird, like this is almost fun, and I realize for the first time I am experiencing a "runner's high" and I know that I will be able to finish this race! My goal was to finish in 2:45, I crossed the finish line at 2:31 and then I found out that my chip time was 2:24!!! I was so proud of myself. I trained by myself and ran by myself!
February 21 2010-For some strange and insane reason I promised a friend that I would run the Stonebridge half marathon with her....I had not ran much since the 3M , so I wasn't expecting to do well at all. The morning of the race it was raining and I was not happy, but I had paid $60 and promised I would be there. I put on my cap and the closest thing to a rain jacket I had and went out the door. I cheered up when I realized it wasn't raining in west McKinney and took off my jacket. However, at mile 4 it started raining and raining hard-the jacket went back on and I continued to run. Around mile 8 I was beginning to think it would never stop raining and then it started lighting and hailing!! Wonderful.....I kept going, but I stopped to walk a few times and was splashing in the puddles at one point laughing, so I wouldn't cry. I came to mile 12 and the rain stopped, seriously, one more mile...I couldn't believe it. I crossed the finish line in 2:26:48! I was shocked and not too unhappy, considering the conditions.
February-May 2010: Since the Stonebridge race I have not really dieted, tried to do bootcamps four nights a week, cut it down to two nights a week, sporadic running, but never less than three miles and at least twice a week. I did a 5K in March on a flat course and did a 28:59, one in April that was hilly and it was a 30:25, another April one in 30:12, one in early May that was a 29:25 and the anniversary Stonebridge Memorial day I did a 30:33. Almost fifteen minutes faster than a year ago. I gained back three pounds, but I am okay with that. I am 75 pounds lighter, can run farther and faster than I have ever dreamed and I am going to run a marathon in December!
Let me explain how I came to this decision.
November 2008-One of my students begins the Medifast program and I watch her lose almost 20 pounds in a month and she tells me how the diet works.
December 2008-I am flipping channels and stumble upon the season finale of" The Biggest Loser". I have never watched the show, thinking that it was a farce or something used to make fat people feel even worse about themselves, and I had no idea that money was involved in the process! I watched as Michelle, from Dallas, went from my current weight to a teeny tiny 128! At that moment I was fascinated and swore to watch the next season.
January 2009-Began watching "The Biggest Loser" and seriously reassessed my health and my weight.
Febraury 2009-Still watching TBL and realized that if the 400+ pound man can get on the treadmill, then I really don't have any excuses. At this point I start walking on my treadmill just a little bit two-three times a day. However, I am still not 100% committed to cutting calories.
March 2009-My friend starts Medifast and sure enough, she starts losing weight. I am still watching BL, eating a little better and still trying to exercise some. I break down and go sign up for the Medifast program. I committed to lose 50 pounds in 20 weeks by following their recommendations and meal plans. I lose five pounds during each of the first three weeks! After the first three weeks, I am cleared to start exercising more.
April 2009-Surprisingly I am wanting to exercise more and going to the gym for classes isn't appealing to me and I am enjoying my time on the treadmill or walking outside. One of my very closest friends is the epitome of fitness, she runs all time, has qualified for Boston every time (but once) when runs marathons and has been very supportive of my new pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. She and another teacher at my school start a running/walking group that meets three times a week. I go to each meeting and at first I just wanted to walk a mile in under 20 minutes-I am NOT exaggerating I was that slow. We have a goal race of a Memorial Day 5K. I want to walk/jog the race in under an hour.
May 2009-The diet was going well-down almost 30 pounds, it was the first time in 5 or 6 years that a 1 was looming in front of my weight. I continued the walking/running group and begin jogging a little bit more each time. My friends both encourage me not to do too much too soon, the seasoned runner friend told me that it was totally okay to jog one minute and take five or six minutes to recover.
The day of the race arrived and I am scared, really truly scared that I am not going to be able to do a 3.1 mile race or that I will finish last. We go to the race and it starts. I tell myself to go slow, so I don't overdo it and I promise myself that I will jog the hills and inclines, which I did. I finished the race in 45:11, which was the best time so far for me! I was very excited and a little proud of myself.
June 2009-The running group sort of disbands and I begin to freak out. However, at this point my husband and I are both very committed to seeing this healthy lifestyle continue. We run at night or I get up and walk/run during the day. I also start going to the gym in the mornings since I have nothing else to do. I decide to have LASIK surgery towards the end of the month and it sidelines me from working out too hard for 10 days-so I all I can do is walk on the treadmill and try not to sweat too much. I am still doing the Medifast thing and steadily losing weight. We decide to do another 5K on Father's Day and surprisingly I finish in 39:21, not too bad I shaved almost 6 minutes off my time, meaning mile pace is picking up. I still can't run a whole mile without stopping, but I am up to at least 1/2.
July 2009-Still dieting, still exercising, not happy with my eye surgery at all. It restricted me from running and wakeboarding. Did another 5K 40:12, but I had to hold back because of my eyes (I couldn't get sweat in them for 10 days). Total weight lost 50 pounds! I hit my goal weight in 18 weeks instead of 20, so I decide to try to lose 25 more in 12 weeks.
August 2009-Someone forgot to tell me that it is nearly impossible to run outside in Texas during the summer, so I had to try to find something else to do and that resulted in not a whole lot. Just kind of loafed around with yoga class and weight training. Ran another 5K the first of August on a Friday in 96 degree heat, my time sucked 41:31, but I was actually happy that I even did and ran as much as I did. I really didn't run much the last half of July or most of August.
I am now down almost 60 pounds and everyone at my work is convinced that I had some kind of gastric surgery because no one can lose that much weigh without cheating! I went from a size 20 to size 12 from March to August. The beginning of the school year is always a trial for me. It was especially difficult to try to manage exercise, diet, and my job. I managed to stay on track.
September 2009-still running, still dieting, down 65 pounds and ran another 5K and did it in 35:48!!! I finally feel like I am making serious progress with my running and I am ready to start tackling longer lengths.
October 2009-I really wanted to start training for a half marathon, but the running group is defunct and I have no idea how to start, so I just find a 10K program and start working on my own. I didn't run a race this month :( , I signed up for one, but overslept. This is the month when I am finally able to run more than one mile without stopping to walk.
November 2009-Husband and one of our running buddies decide that they want to run a half marathon (well gee whiz...that's what I have been asking to do!). We start training for the 3M Half in Austin on January 24th. Ran a 5K Thanksgiving weekend and I did a 32:29!!! I am so excited. I only walked when I got a glass of water! On on long run my husband and I jogged seven miles, I kept up with him and didn't stop to walk, just stopped for traffic a couple of times.
December 2009-I haven't been on the treadmill since June, I have done all of my running outside, but guess what? For some strange reason these stupid Arctic fronts start invading the DFW area and I am forced to go run on the treadmill. I HATED IT!!!! I am trying to run 5 miles three times a week and then do various long runs. I told my husband and running buddy I don't care how cold it is, I cannot do a long run on the treadmill. So, off we go to get some cold weather running gear. Under Armour Cold Gear tights=best $50 I have EVER spent and a Brooks running jacket I found at TJ Maxx on clearance for $15 saved me! For Christmas my husband bought me a super nice Nike jacket I wanted. I hit the gym for cross training (spin class) and the date of the race draws near. No 5K this month either.
January 2010-A new year, and a totally new me. I have lost 78 pounds at this point, eat extremely healthfully, and work out 5-6 days a week. I feel accomplished, but as our training draws to close we decide to do a 13.1 miler just so we will know how it feels. Once again, I am scared, scared that I can't do it, scared that I will get lost on the course, scared I will collapse and no one will find my dead body. I start out by myself and somewhere around mile 7 I lose my map and just have to guess where to go. At that point I am pissed at my husband, pissed at his running buddy, pissed at myself for eating Clif Blocks without enough water to wash them down and I want just want to quit and go back to the car and sulk. However, I don't. I keep going and eventually remember the route, but I shortened it by a mile. It is only about 30 degrees and I am freezing and I still have Clif blocks stuck in my throat. I feel that I can finish the course.
January 17 2010-I decided that a 15K would be a good long run and wind down before the race on the 24th. My husband and I go and run the Too Cold to Hold race. He did a 1:15 and I did a 1:37! I never walked and I never slowed down. My second half of the race was three minutes faster than the first. I got second in my weight class-yes I am still entering the Athena category.
January 24th 2010-It's a cold windy morning and I am wondering what the hell I have signed myself up for by running this race? The race is delayed an hour because the wind has knocked down all the signs. This does not help my nerves. The race starts and of course, my husband and his running partner take off and leave me (nothing new here, just kind of aggravating). I run and run and run. At mile 7 I desperately need to pee, so I get in line and lose four minutes of time, but it was so much easier to run with an empty bladder. At mile 9 I am feeling like this sucks, and sucks big time I want to stop to walk, but I know that if I do I won't ever start running again. So I keep going. At mile 10 I get to feeling weird, like this is almost fun, and I realize for the first time I am experiencing a "runner's high" and I know that I will be able to finish this race! My goal was to finish in 2:45, I crossed the finish line at 2:31 and then I found out that my chip time was 2:24!!! I was so proud of myself. I trained by myself and ran by myself!
February 21 2010-For some strange and insane reason I promised a friend that I would run the Stonebridge half marathon with her....I had not ran much since the 3M , so I wasn't expecting to do well at all. The morning of the race it was raining and I was not happy, but I had paid $60 and promised I would be there. I put on my cap and the closest thing to a rain jacket I had and went out the door. I cheered up when I realized it wasn't raining in west McKinney and took off my jacket. However, at mile 4 it started raining and raining hard-the jacket went back on and I continued to run. Around mile 8 I was beginning to think it would never stop raining and then it started lighting and hailing!! Wonderful.....I kept going, but I stopped to walk a few times and was splashing in the puddles at one point laughing, so I wouldn't cry. I came to mile 12 and the rain stopped, seriously, one more mile...I couldn't believe it. I crossed the finish line in 2:26:48! I was shocked and not too unhappy, considering the conditions.
February-May 2010: Since the Stonebridge race I have not really dieted, tried to do bootcamps four nights a week, cut it down to two nights a week, sporadic running, but never less than three miles and at least twice a week. I did a 5K in March on a flat course and did a 28:59, one in April that was hilly and it was a 30:25, another April one in 30:12, one in early May that was a 29:25 and the anniversary Stonebridge Memorial day I did a 30:33. Almost fifteen minutes faster than a year ago. I gained back three pounds, but I am okay with that. I am 75 pounds lighter, can run farther and faster than I have ever dreamed and I am going to run a marathon in December!
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