I have a confession to make. I skipped my tempo run. Yep, totally skipped it. I had several weak excuses, my number one being I still hadn't found my watch. A tempo run is a waste of time without a watch, right? My two year old fell out of bed this morning at 4:30, and I had just gotten back to sleep when the alarm went off. It didn't take much to talk me out of a cold, dark run.
*My two year old fell out of her bed and started screaming. I rush to her aid, and hug her until she's calm. She informs me, "that bed kicked me out. Or my pets. That isn't nice. Night night" and was back to sleep before I left the room. Her pets are the stuffed animals she (and her sister) insists on sleeping with. They each have 10-15 in their bed and can't live without them.
I slept in until my husband gave me the not so subtle hint that it was 7:30, and he needed to go, could I be so kind as to deal with the kids? Oops. Thursday is my usual off day/cross training day so I'll just switch. No harm done.
To make myself feel better for missing my run, and my poor eating habits lately-that is a whole other blog!-I went to the adult Ballet class I used to frequent. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it a lot. I took my girls with me, and they behaved beautifully. That last time I tried, it was not so successful. My muscles handled the barre work well-the ballet conditioning at home has paid off! The dancing center work was a little slower to come back. I felt a bit awkward, large and clumsy. Oh well, it was a solid 2 hour workout, so it took care of my cross training for the day.
Up for tomorrow: the Tempo Run.....report to follow
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Thank God you're Crazy!"
This was my husbands quote yesterday. It made me laugh out loud. We were at Costco, and passed by the display of flowers. He commented that he had something in mind to get me for Valentine's Day, but it wasn't romantic. He gave me a look that said, "will that get me in trouble?" Then decided to tell me, my Race Fee! I told him I loved it, and it was romantic to me! To which he loudly proclaimed, "Thank God you're crazy!" in the middle of Costco. Between that and me laughing, we got some looks.
In my mind, romance isn't about what you get-it's the motivation behind it. Flowers are nice, but die. Jewelry is great, but not realistic to our budget. Most people I know would think a race fee is totally unromantic. Paying for you to run and feel miserable? For me, it is the perfect gift. As we all know, race fees are not cheap. I would love to race a lot, but the lack of races in my area and the already hefty fees make that difficult. My husband knows me well-that I want to race, but don't want to stretch an already tight budget to make it happen.
Today's run was the usual easy 4.5 mile loop, and my first run in my new shoes. The lure of the new shoes was the motivation I needed to get up this morning.
SHOE REVIEW: Saucony Progrid Guide 3
They were horrible. They hurt my feet before I had made it half a mile. It felt like running on rocks, and I don't know why. They felt like they had enough cushion when I jogged around the store, but they seriously hurt! I am a mid foot striker, and every time I landed on my forefoot pain shot through my feet and shins. I found myself trying to adjust my stride which made it worse. Not good. I ended up cutting my run short by a block because I couldn't do it anymore. I debated walking, but decided to speed up instead to make it home.
I guess I get to go for a drive again this weekend to return them, and back to the drawing board. I will try them once more for my easy run Friday and see if they feel better.
In my mind, romance isn't about what you get-it's the motivation behind it. Flowers are nice, but die. Jewelry is great, but not realistic to our budget. Most people I know would think a race fee is totally unromantic. Paying for you to run and feel miserable? For me, it is the perfect gift. As we all know, race fees are not cheap. I would love to race a lot, but the lack of races in my area and the already hefty fees make that difficult. My husband knows me well-that I want to race, but don't want to stretch an already tight budget to make it happen.
Today's run was the usual easy 4.5 mile loop, and my first run in my new shoes. The lure of the new shoes was the motivation I needed to get up this morning.
SHOE REVIEW: Saucony Progrid Guide 3
They were horrible. They hurt my feet before I had made it half a mile. It felt like running on rocks, and I don't know why. They felt like they had enough cushion when I jogged around the store, but they seriously hurt! I am a mid foot striker, and every time I landed on my forefoot pain shot through my feet and shins. I found myself trying to adjust my stride which made it worse. Not good. I ended up cutting my run short by a block because I couldn't do it anymore. I debated walking, but decided to speed up instead to make it home.
I guess I get to go for a drive again this weekend to return them, and back to the drawing board. I will try them once more for my easy run Friday and see if they feel better.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hills, Speed, and other Good Things
How is it already Monday again? I always thought stay at home moms, you know, stayed at home. Somehow that isn't quite the case as busyness takes over.
Since I have been out of bloggyland since Tuesday, (yikes!) quick recap on my week.
Since I have been out of bloggyland since Tuesday, (yikes!) quick recap on my week.
- Wednesday: Tempo run. I had anxiety dreams the night before this run. Tempos are so mental for me. Or maybe I'm just mental-either way. 6.3 miles total, splits: 8:28, 7:57, 8:08, 8:37, 7:43. I have got to work on my pace consistency!
- Thursday: I taught Ballet Conditioning again, and it went FANTASTIC! My class grew by word of mouth, people are loving the work out. It makes me feel good.
- Friday: 4.5 miles started off slow, my legs didn't want to move. A downpour of rain got me moving faster, last mile was a 7:30. I just wanted to be dry!
- Saturday: 9.8 miles. I ran from my house to my mom's to fit it into our Saturday play schedule, looking for 90 minutes (60 min easy, 30 at pace). I was congratulating myself on my planning, thinking I had planned this just splendidly. Started in at pace doing fine, not feeling too tired-until I hit the hill. The holy crapola that is a big hill. I should have thought this plan out better. Gah! I didn't even check my pace, but I pushed as hard as I could while still breathing! (pats back) I actually got to my destination too fast, and needed to add on a bit. Success! 9:17 average overall.
- Monday: 4.25 miles Speed work at the track. I could not find my watch! What a Monday! Finally I had to make a choice, scrap the run as time was getting short, or just go with feel. Knowing I had NO TIME to make it up-I went for it. 8x400 sub 1:50. I felt good through the workout, and might have added a couple of repeats if I had more time. Guessing on my times of course, but I think I totally nailed it. Came home, changed, ate a Cinnabon (bad bad bad) and went to Circuits. (the Cinnabon guilt helped with motivation-why are those SO GOOD?) 1 hr circuits class=hard core! It is one of those things that can be as easy or hard as you want. After a weekend of bad food choices, I went as hard as I could! Hopefully it at least worked off the frosting.
*NEW SHOES NEW SHOES NEW SHOES
I got new shoes on Saturday. After much deliberation, I decided on the Saucony Progrid Guide 3. I am excited to have new shoes, but wary that these will work. I really hope they work! Shoe review to come tomorrow after my easy run.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
What Do You Want for Valentine's Day?
My husband was whining about what they expect you (meaning men) to pay for Valentine's Day roses. Over $100 most places. I pointed out that Costco has a reasonable deal of 3 dozen with a vase for $65. I also pointed out that I don't expect him to pay that much money for flowers. His comment back was right on: "I'd be better off spending the money on something you can lace up or a race fee." Running shoes or a race fee? Sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day gift to me!
Today's run: Easy 4.6 mile loop, 44:00 or so. I couldn't find my watch this morning. Foggy, grey, and gloomy. It was a good run to zone out. Fog has a funny effect that way-it makes everything feel slow. My shoes are feeling very dead-I was feeling achy in my knee and shins.
February Mileage: 9.6
2010 Total: 150
Does anyone else want to shoot the groundhog when he sees his shadow? Me neither, just checking.
I am still Thinking Spring!
Today's run: Easy 4.6 mile loop, 44:00 or so. I couldn't find my watch this morning. Foggy, grey, and gloomy. It was a good run to zone out. Fog has a funny effect that way-it makes everything feel slow. My shoes are feeling very dead-I was feeling achy in my knee and shins.
February Mileage: 9.6
2010 Total: 150
Does anyone else want to shoot the groundhog when he sees his shadow? Me neither, just checking.
I am still Thinking Spring!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday Monday Monday!
Happy Monday! Okay, I am trying really hard to make it a happy Monday. I have three kids with coughs, and one with a possible ear infection. I'm thinking it is a pajama day! And maybe I'll find enough floor to vacuum. Maybe.
Weekend recap:
Saturday's long run summed up: Sluggish. It took me until 10am to even get out the door because I was tired! My training schedule said 90 min, last 30 min faster, but I had mentally planned on 13 miles. I came close to that last weekend, but didn't actually hit 13. In hindsight, should have done the 90 min. I was tired by mile 6-that is never good. I did a loop because I didn't want to wimp out! (I would have, too) I finished, but with an 11 min mile pace-sad! Time, 2:14 and my legs felt like lead.
Possible Fixes:
-better fuel! I have been using Shot Blocks, but ran out. I used Sport Beans and didn't feel a boost at all!
-Knowing I was tired, should have done the shorter run-live to run another day!
I am hoping just getting the miles in will make a difference in my next long run! During my first half training, I remember we did do a drop down in mileage week-but when should that be done? It is not on my schedule. Thoughts?
Sunday I got to go shopping in Tri Cities with my mom! So fun to have a kid free day, and much needed. I found some GREAT deals on clothes at American Eagle. It made me excited about spring/summer clothes. Also went shoe shopping for new running shoes. I was fitted for the Saucony ProGrid Guide 3. I didn't buy them yet-still thinking. Mostly I'm thinking I should have bought them!
January Recap:
36.8 miles last week (highest of the month)
140.4 for the month!
Today, Hill Repeats! Schedule called for 8, but I felt good (and was having Oreo guilt) so I did 10! 2.6 mile warm up, faster than easy pace (9:00ish) 10x hill repeats, 5.0 miles total!
I was supposed to go to a Core workout class this morning, but sick kids means no-go. I will do my best to make it happen during naps! Feeling the need to step it up!
Weekend recap:
Saturday's long run summed up: Sluggish. It took me until 10am to even get out the door because I was tired! My training schedule said 90 min, last 30 min faster, but I had mentally planned on 13 miles. I came close to that last weekend, but didn't actually hit 13. In hindsight, should have done the 90 min. I was tired by mile 6-that is never good. I did a loop because I didn't want to wimp out! (I would have, too) I finished, but with an 11 min mile pace-sad! Time, 2:14 and my legs felt like lead.
Possible Fixes:
-better fuel! I have been using Shot Blocks, but ran out. I used Sport Beans and didn't feel a boost at all!
-Knowing I was tired, should have done the shorter run-live to run another day!
I am hoping just getting the miles in will make a difference in my next long run! During my first half training, I remember we did do a drop down in mileage week-but when should that be done? It is not on my schedule. Thoughts?
Sunday I got to go shopping in Tri Cities with my mom! So fun to have a kid free day, and much needed. I found some GREAT deals on clothes at American Eagle. It made me excited about spring/summer clothes. Also went shoe shopping for new running shoes. I was fitted for the Saucony ProGrid Guide 3. I didn't buy them yet-still thinking. Mostly I'm thinking I should have bought them!
January Recap:
36.8 miles last week (highest of the month)
140.4 for the month!
Today, Hill Repeats! Schedule called for 8, but I felt good (and was having Oreo guilt) so I did 10! 2.6 mile warm up, faster than easy pace (9:00ish) 10x hill repeats, 5.0 miles total!
I was supposed to go to a Core workout class this morning, but sick kids means no-go. I will do my best to make it happen during naps! Feeling the need to step it up!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Bad Tempo, Bad
My friend and running buddy is pregnant with her third baby, which is great news for her. For me, I keep losing my running buddies to pregnancy. So sad. She has a history of miscarriages, so has been taking it very easy-which drove her insane in less than a week. Yep, she's a runner. Yesterday we met for a very easy 4 miles. We kept it at a light jog for the first 20 minutes, then jog/walk for the return route. It was great to catch up, and it was a recovery day for me anyways.
I have not been sleeping well. I have no idea why this is. I fall asleep great which lasts until about midnight. Then I wake up every hour all night. And I've been waking up with the munchies! Not because I'm hungry, but because I'm awake and bored! Gah!
I bring this up, because todays tempo run was a huge FAIL. Okay, not a full fail. I'll give it a C. Maybe. I woke up tired and considered going back to bed, but the weather was ideal: 36 degrees and cloudy, no rain. No such guarantees for tomorrow. (it is pouring right now-you'd think this was Seattle!)
I had planned a mile and a half warmup to get to an area where I could mark splits. I had to stop after 2 blocks to fix my shoes. After half a mile, I had a sideache. What?!?!? Half a mile of easy running! What in the world? I tried to run through, but it was a doozy. Fine. I walked until it went away. Ran two more blocks, side ache is back. Seriously!!! This continued the whole warmup!!!! I considered just going home. I was so frustrated! Knowing how the rest of my week is looking, I knew I needed to at least give it a shot. 40 min tempo, goal pace 8:30.
Mile 1: 8:56 it felt terrible. I don't know what is wrong.
Mile 2. 8:43 I want to quit.
Mile 3-5, I stopped checking my watch because of my negative attitude. I covered it with my coat, and decided to go by perceived effort and hope for the best. I pushed as best I could and more importantly, pushed as much of the negativity out as I could! I turned up my ipod as loud as I dared, and gave it the best I had today.
Tempo: 4.8 miles 39:50
Somehow out of that disaster, I still came out with an 8:29 average. I think my last mile was fast, just wanting to be home!
Total distance, 6.8 miles
January total 119.9
What did I learn from this? I don't know why I was having sideaches, but I do know I need to stick with it and work hard to reach my goals. Somedays that is much easier said than done!
I have not been sleeping well. I have no idea why this is. I fall asleep great which lasts until about midnight. Then I wake up every hour all night. And I've been waking up with the munchies! Not because I'm hungry, but because I'm awake and bored! Gah!
I bring this up, because todays tempo run was a huge FAIL. Okay, not a full fail. I'll give it a C. Maybe. I woke up tired and considered going back to bed, but the weather was ideal: 36 degrees and cloudy, no rain. No such guarantees for tomorrow. (it is pouring right now-you'd think this was Seattle!)
I had planned a mile and a half warmup to get to an area where I could mark splits. I had to stop after 2 blocks to fix my shoes. After half a mile, I had a sideache. What?!?!? Half a mile of easy running! What in the world? I tried to run through, but it was a doozy. Fine. I walked until it went away. Ran two more blocks, side ache is back. Seriously!!! This continued the whole warmup!!!! I considered just going home. I was so frustrated! Knowing how the rest of my week is looking, I knew I needed to at least give it a shot. 40 min tempo, goal pace 8:30.
Mile 1: 8:56 it felt terrible. I don't know what is wrong.
Mile 2. 8:43 I want to quit.
Mile 3-5, I stopped checking my watch because of my negative attitude. I covered it with my coat, and decided to go by perceived effort and hope for the best. I pushed as best I could and more importantly, pushed as much of the negativity out as I could! I turned up my ipod as loud as I dared, and gave it the best I had today.
Tempo: 4.8 miles 39:50
Somehow out of that disaster, I still came out with an 8:29 average. I think my last mile was fast, just wanting to be home!
Total distance, 6.8 miles
January total 119.9
What did I learn from this? I don't know why I was having sideaches, but I do know I need to stick with it and work hard to reach my goals. Somedays that is much easier said than done!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday Speed
Winter is back. After the wonderful sun on Saturday, it was hard to see snow coming down last night. Then freezing rain. I was all geared up to do speed on the treadmill this morning. I poked my head out the door, saw the rain, and got dressed in gym clothes. When I went out to start the car it was only a light drizzle and not icy. Change of plans! To the track!
On the schedule was 8x400 @ 1:50
I did 1.5 mile warm up on my way to the track. The track is always empty in the morning, which is nice. It was however, dark and foggy. Wish they had lights!
Intervals:
1:48
1:49
1:48
1:47
1:46 felt like I was going slow so I pushed it
1:45
1:46
1:44 wow, go me. decided to add one more
1:45 Okay, legs are dead now
Last week my times were a little slow, running in lane 5-6. Today felt good. I think if I had warmed up with some strides and high knees, I could have started the first few faster. Oh well. Very happy that I got faster as I went, and finished strong!
On the schedule was 8x400 @ 1:50
I did 1.5 mile warm up on my way to the track. The track is always empty in the morning, which is nice. It was however, dark and foggy. Wish they had lights!
Intervals:
1:48
1:49
1:48
1:47
1:46 felt like I was going slow so I pushed it
1:45
1:46
1:44 wow, go me. decided to add one more
1:45 Okay, legs are dead now
Last week my times were a little slow, running in lane 5-6. Today felt good. I think if I had warmed up with some strides and high knees, I could have started the first few faster. Oh well. Very happy that I got faster as I went, and finished strong!
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