Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What would you do???

What would you do to become a better (to me means faster) runner?

Lose more weight? Run more hill repeats? Surgery? Crosstrain harder? More weight training?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Getting cranky

OK, maybe crankier... I am having a hard time with no working out or running. I'm a bit, too sore to run granted. I do think I will be upto an easy workout next week. Don't look at me like that. I know, I'm supposed to wait four weeks and to start with a light workout, but someone might get hurt (besides me) if I don't get some form of a workout in.

Today I washed the floors in my kitchen, dining room, and computer area. I did it on my hands and knees, slowly and with my mother's help. See I was good. Now granted that was about 1000 sq ft of floor cleaning, but I feel better with the house finally getting a good cleaning. Yes, I do have OCD problems habits. Then my mother and I dressed all four kids for a walk. Sure it took about 20 mins. to get them all in coats, hats, etc., but then we had the most wonderful walk. About 2/3 of a mile walk which took a grand total of 45 mins.... 45 mins of happy children walking. While walking we passed our favorite cows, named Ice Cream (Lexi's name for one) and Greenhonk (Ayden's name for one) and Carolina the horse that changes color (Avery's name for any horse because it follows her everywhere and is always a different color) and Moo (Zander's name for the cow's..this one makes sense to me). The neighbors dog, Ladybug took her usual walk with us. All in all a wonderful day, which was ended by snow. Perfect, well, perfect if I could get a workout in. Next week, baby.

I know I don't listen well. Or at all. I do not wait well, either. I had my husband pull out my last drain. That was fun. My RN was not surprised by this at all. So I wait a little longer and then I will add more. For now, I am planning my attack on my new job as a sale's rep. for Skirt Sports. This will be fun as I love their line. Run and laugh on, my friends!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

I have do believe..

I do believe running a marathon is easier than taking care of four kids, keeping the house clean, cooking, and all the other things I do. It must be, because it has taken three grown adults to do what I do everyday.

God bless my mother for watching the kids, my mother in law for cooking meals for the family, and my husband for taking over when he get's home from working 10 hour days.

I am officially one week post-op and back to cleaning my house because I couldn't take it anymore. The OCD in me must have order. But I have to say I am so tired. I'm in fairly good shape, I could whip out a 1/2 marathon and not feel tired after it was all said and done. However, while healing and trying to step right back into 'mom' mode... I'm getting my butt kicked. I think I'd rather run a marathon right now, it would be less work (OK, not really but I feel that way). I just can't wait to be fully healed and running again. The count down is on. 4 weeks and I can run. Next week I will start walking...slowly.

In Jan I have to fly off to Boulder for a new job. Should be fun and I can work it around the kids, perfect. I can't wait. But I am not looking forward to being away from the kids for three days. For now, I'll just go sit down for a minute and get back to cleaning. Run on my friends.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A new old me!

Tomorrow is my surgery. A long awaited day. I know I'll post more about it after tomorrow, because I'll be stuck in bed for weeks. Yuck! No running, no House of Pain, no fun. But in the long run (nice pun) I'll be in better shape for running and finally getting my pace faster.

Since I've known about the surgery I really have not ran much these last two months. I was not motivated because I'll be back at square one in January. Now I'm closer to square one...then it's on baby. 'And I was running...'

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Testing..one..two..testing..

I've been testing a few products lately. One is the Thriv shirt. Another is on arm warmers. The last is on compression socks. Stay tuned for an honest look at these products.


On arm warmers...

I'm sold. I love them and try to wear them everywhere. I have a few more I want to try out before I weigh in on the best one or one's. I do love to show off my awesome arms. Yes, I just called my arms awesome. I workout hard and am proud of what my body is becoming. Thanks in kind to the House of Pain.

On compression socks...

Yes, again I'm sold. I have only one part, but immediately noticed a difference. I wore them after wearing a cute pair of high heal boots, not something I normally partake in. My feet and claves were killing me by hour seven, must to my delight the compression socks felt like a mini massage for my feet and calves. Honest.

On the Thriv shirt...

Well, pros and cons. But you must wait. RunOregon get's my first view on this shirt. Then 14 days later, it's all yours.

Laugh and run on, my friends.

(I know I'm leaving you hanging, you'll get over it.)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sleeping




I’ve read numerous articles about how to improve your running get at least 10 hours sleep. Sounds Devine. However, if I get 10 hours of sleep each night, I would not be able to get my runs in. Correct me if I’m wrong, but won’t that ‘hurt’ my over all running? Yes, I know I’m being sarcastic. I would love to get 10 hours of sleep. Hell, I’d love 8 hours of sleep. OK. If I’m being honest 6 hours of sleep would be the most wonderful thing in the world. That is 6 hours of straight sleep. No getting up to fix my daughters covers and pretty pillows that must be just so. Or no getting my son’s a sip of water or blinky in the middle of the night. Or even to tell my cute daughters that it’s only 4 am and not time to get up yet. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy I am able to comfort my children with a kiss and a hug. That is one of the numerous things I love about being a mom. It’s just sometimes when all four kids are in cahoots with each other to wake me up every hour, I get a little impatient by the 5th hour.


Now I am really good at managing my time. (Don’t ask my husband. He’ll lie and say I try to cram too much in a day) I get a lot done in one day. More by 6 am then most people do all day. But to accomplish this I don’t get as much sleep. So tell me how do you get 10 hours of sleep, with: 4 kids under 5 years old, a husband you like to spend time with, laundry for 6 people (why must girls change their clothes so much?), home school said children, keep the house clean (which my standards are lower than they used to be. If in doubt ask my hubby), run 25-35 miles per week, cross train 2-3 times a week, make meals from scratch to keep grocery bills down (these kids eat a lot!), train in my martial arts, schedule seminars, be family scheduler for husbands 3 jobs, and have time to play with the kids?

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Yep, I cheated



September 29, 2009, 7:08AM

By Angela Keith, guest community blogger


I came home from track last night dripping with sweat and what must have been a guilty look on my face. Aric (my hubby) sensed something was amiss.



"What have you been doing?"



"Uh, nothing honey," I said, with less confidence than I intended. "Just pace leading ... You know, like I always do on Wednesday nights. How was your evening?"



"You seem a little flushed. Anything you want to tell me?" he pried.



"Uh, no. I don't think so," I continued innocently. "My group did really well tonight. We did 300's."



He squinted with suspicion. "Yeah? So you just ran with the slower pace, right? You didn't run any 300's for you, of course, because you're injured. Right?"



He must have seen through my cool veneer into the panic of my mind, as I avoided eye contact. The pressure was too much. I cracked. "Yes, I did it!" I blurted. "I cheated! I ran three extra 300's on my own. I'm sorry, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to feel the thrill of running again. I needed to run. Please, you forgive me, can't you?"



"Huh? What the heck are talking about?" he queried. "You don't need forgiveness. You just can't complain when you injure yourself again." Hard and cold, he continued, "No crying to me about your 'hammy' hurting. I'll just say, 'I told you so.' Got it?"



Grudgingly, I agreed. "Yes, dear."



With that resolved, he lightened the mood. "So, how did you do," he asked. "What were your times?"



Way to stand firm and not enable me, honey. How am I ever going to learn if my husband doesn't keep me in line better? Oh, well.



From there we talked about how slow my times were. He was very encouraging, saying that it won't take me too long to get my times back. I think he is just excited that I'm going to run with him again this Friday. I do believe my hubby misses our Friday running dates. So I guess it's OK to cheat... as long as your spouse is a runner, too. Who knew?



Laugh and run on, my friends.

Arm Warmers

I tried my first pair of arm warmers today. The verdict? I love them. It was nice to be able to roll them down when I warmed up and during the run when I cooled down I just rolled them back up. I am now on a mission to find more. Sorry hubby, but I must have more to wear. I am thinking you will see me with them everywhere. I am not a fan of coats, I wear short sleeves until snow and ice is everywhere. I just get too stinking hot in coats and long sleeves. The arm warmers are the perfect answer. I do have to admit that I like to show off my arms. They are cute and I work hard to make them look good! So which arm warmers do you like?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I've moved

Well, posting has been...well not happening. I've moved back into my old beautiful house. Which is good and back. Good because it's big and pretty. Bad becaue it's big and out in the boondocks. I have the case of SHWS. What? Could it be you don't know what SHWS is? Well, let me enlighten you. Spoiled Housewife Syndrome is a case of whinny, grumpy, piss and moan because you can't have your way. I can't workout like I used too. I can't run in town with my friend whenever I want. It's a good hour extra of driving to go into town to run with my friends. I'm racking my brian on how to make it work. So here is what I have come up with.

Tuesday and Thursday I go into town to run with two friends at 7:30 am then workout at the House of pain from 9-10. After which I run quick errands in time to be home by noon, if I'm lucky.

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Girlfriends' Half Marathon results are in! It really was a great event for so many reasons. The weather was perfect… no rain! Plus, there is something to looking out at a sea of 1500 women running/walking that just makes me, and no doubt so many others, smile. All along the course, volunteers (or the children of some of the women in the race) would clap or even offer a high-five along the way. If that wasn’t enough to lift your spirits, the breathtaking views of Vancouver sure did. On top of all that, running the girlfriends half was a way to help raise over $35,000 for Susan G. Komen. Way to go Sherri of NW Personal Training, you do put on one amazing event!


(My girlfriends: Carrie Haring-Armstrong, Diana Shaw, Jen Crego, me, Kris Petersen, Kate Carter, Kim Lester, Amanda Pou)
Results (full results here)
1. Megha Doshi, 27, 1:26:44
2. Angela Lindbo, 39, 1:30:06
3. Kim Lester, 35, 1:32:13


(Christina Nelson (aka: my awesome coach), me, and Diana Shaw (my girlfriend who works out with me in the House of Pain))
It was a blast to hang out with all my girlfriends. Each one of these women is amazing and I enjoyed cheering for them and having them cheer me on during the race. My race didn’t go as I had planned, but that didn’t matter. I was surrounded by my girlfriends.


(My friends waiting in the port-o-potty line. 1500 women it was a looonnnggg line!)
My husband was wonderful enough to meet me at the finish line with all four of our kids. (Thank you, honey!) I, unfortunately, had an asthma attack at mile eight and did not retrieve my inhaler until mile 9 1/2. By that time the inhaler was mostly ineffective, so at the finish line I had to head straight to the ambulance to obtain more medication in the form of a nebulizer. But once I could breathe again… I was off to find my sweet family for some hugs and kisses.


(Here I am so happy to have my inhaler. Breathing is a good thing.)
Once we were together we headed down to cheer my mom as she power-walked the race. The kids made “Go, Grandma, Go!” signs and were very excited to show them. When we arrived at the spot where I knew we would meet her, we cheered wildly for all the beautiful women still running and walking. My daughter Avery was so happy to see all those women wearing pink- her favorite color! Alexis, my other daughter, would just about jump out of the stroller when a gal would go by wearing her favorite color- purple. She would scream, “Yay, PURPLE! I love Purple! Run fast, purple lady!”
My mom showed up at the area faster than I expected, and we cheered so loudly we startled the volunteer with screams of, “Yay, grandma!”. After a quick hug and kiss break my mom was off again, like lightning. I quickly packed up all the kids and headed up to meet her at the finish, where she placed first in her age group! That’s right. My 71 year old mom rocked that half. I had plenty of funny looks when my mom hopped up to get her trophy because I was yelling “Woo, hoo, That’s my mom! Oh, yeah. Check out my cool mom! She just got first place! Way to go mom!” I was so proud, and I wanted everyone to know.


(My mom, 71 and beautiful!)
After I calmed down, we settled in to eating and hanging out with our girlfriends. What a great way to finish a race. The food was fantastic, as I expected. The finisher's gift was a cute necklace and a hot pink water bottle. The shirt is so cute (check out my mom rocking the new girlfriends shirt)! I recommend signing up early next year because it’s going to sell out, fast! And make sure you finish ahead of me, otherwise there will not be anything to eat when you arrive at the finish line. Laugh and run on, my friends!


(My mom and I enjoying the food. What wasn’t consumed was sent to local food banks after the race.)

Sunday, October 18, 2009

My crappy half marathon

Like an idiot I didn't take my inhaler with me. So at mile 8 when my asthma flared...I was in pain. Until my coach showed up at mile 9-9.5 with my inhaler. Thank GOD! I was hurting. Add to it the fact that I have a stupid cold, have not been getting sleep, and a hammy that hates me. It was not a good race day. I sucked...SUCKED hard! I think I did the 1/2 in 2 hours. Crappy. At the end of the race I flagged down the firefighters to get some more medication, to stop the stupid asthma attack. Well, it worked. The nebulizer is wonderful for asthma, but makes you shaky and want to throw up. Which I was happy to oblige...twice.

Now I'm home sipping some ginger tea and wishing I would have just DNF. My hammy was killing me on the run, see I told you it hates me. My coach even said I should just let her drive me to the finish and be done with the race, that it was not worth getting hurt over. I agree, but I am far too stubborn to listen.

On the up side next weekend I have a 5k race, maybe I'll do better.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

800's and 100's in track

Tonight's track was a pleasant one. I was able to run them for me. First 800 in 3:14, then a 400 cool down lap. Next 800 in 3:22, I only stepped up the pace when I heard someone trying to catch me, otherwise I was not pushing it too hard. Then it was on to 100's. I held 18 seconds so that my hamstring would not get too mad at me. It worked my 'hammy' feels great, well as good as it feels these days. What a nice workout.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Oh yeah, now that is a workout!!

I just returned home from a double header. Not baseball, silly. One hour in the House of Pain and then 4 mile run with 4x.25 mile hill repeats.


Let's start with the House of Pain. Working on negative pull-ups right now, five of them. However, I think I will do a full pull-up by myself before the end of the month. It feels close. Christina devised a wickedly fun workout today. A circuit of one minute at each station done five times. Here are the stations: Jump-ups onto steps (about knee height), push-ups, back rows with 15lbs weights, and then eight count body builders. It was a definite cardio workout. At the end I could not will my legs to do the body builders. Pure leg fatigue. It was lovely. Thank goodness my friend Diana let's me partake in these HofP sessions. This week I will be adding a second day at the HofP with my friend Jami. Oh the fun we will have.

After the HofP, Christina said she would tag along with me on a hill repeat run. Sounds good, I love company on hill repeats. We jogged out from her house to the nearest hill a mile and a half away, good warm up. Man it sure did feel like I was working hard. Just as I was thinking that I said, 'jeez, sorry I'm slowing you down so much, but I am having a hard time pushing the pace today'. To which she said, "Uh, do you always warm up at a 7 min pace?" "Uh, no not even close." Hey, maybe I should forget my watch more often? Oh, and running with someone faster than me helps a lot. I feel obligated to push the pace, so they don't have too slow down too much, well that's not entirely true. I love to run with faster people, so I can push myself more. I know the pain I work through today will pay off in the race down the road.

Now back to the hill repeats. I love doing hill repeats, you get to rest at the end of them. You push yourself hard and then get a short rest period. What's not to love. Maybe that's why I like the 5K. You push yourself hard for 3.1 miles. Then you hurl yourself on the ground in bliss, knowing you pushed yourself hard the whole way. We did four .25 mile hill repeats. I was satisfied with my effort when my last one was faster than my first one. That was thanks to Christina, pushing me. Nothing like someone giving you a 20-25 second head start and you are not allowed to let her pass you. I pushed that last one so hard, I saw a few fairies. Good times.

What's that? Am I still on that 'runner's high'? Oh, yeah! Add to the fact that I've lost five pounds. I only have five more pounds to get down to 135 lbs. My goal weight. I know that those hill repeats will help me shed some of that. So get out there, find a good hill and run...HARD!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Miles are back

My total miles for August were 136.60. My total miles for September were 47.92 miles. And so far this month I have logged 54.5 miles. I am so happy to have my miles back up. I gained about 5 lbs last month, because I was not logging the miles and I was a tad bit stress with the house situation. I'm glad to report I am back down to 142 lbs and on the way to 135 lbs, which is my goal weight.


December 17, I go in for a few surgery's and will be off running or any exercises for 4 weeks. Oh that will be hard. Now I am trying to decide if I should give you guys the blow by blow of the surgery's or not. On one hand, it's kind of gross and embarrassing. On the other hand, maybe it will help other not feel so embarrassed about it or even help some people not feel 'judged' about doing them. Hm mm, I must ruminate on this one. Stay tuned. I'm sure I'll spill the beans.

 

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

MIA

I'm back running, just busy with other things, too. Ran the Portland Five Mile on Sunday and then paced a friend for the last 7 miles of her marathon. I had to run two miles in to get her, but hey that was an easy 14 miles on Sunday. Monday I managed some hill repeats and 11 miles. The first 4 miles were at an 8:08 pace. I was estatic that my hill repeats were the same as what I ran them in May and June. So I have hope that my times will drop quickly. yeah!

Keep an eye out, Skirt Chasers is coming to Portland and maybe Vancouver in 2010. More details to break in my blog post on RunOregon.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Yep, I cheated.

I came home from track last night dripping with sweat and what must have been a guilty look on my face. Aric sensed something was amiss.
"What have you been doing?"
"Uh, nothing honey," I said, with less confidence than I intended. "Just pace leading... You know, like I always do on Wednesday nights. How was your evening?"
"You seem a little flushed. Anything you want to tell me?" he pried.
"Uh, no. I don't think so," I continued innocently. "My group did really well tonight. We did 300's."
He squinted with suspicion. "Yeah? So you just ran with the slower pace, right? You didn't run any 300's for you, of course, because you're injured. Right?"
He must have seen through my cool veneer into the panic of my mind, as I avoided eye contact. The pressure was too much. I cracked. "Yes, I did it!" I blurted. "I cheated! I ran three extra 300's on my own. I'm sorry, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to feel the thrill of running again. I needed to run. Please, you forgive me, can't you?"
"Huh? What the heck are talking about?" he queried. "You don't need forgiveness. You just can't complain when you injure yourself again." Hard and cold, he continued, "No crying to me about your 'hammy' hurting. I'll just say, 'I told you so.' Got it?"
Grudgingly, I agreed. "Yes, dear."
With that resolved, he lightened the mood. "So, how did you do," he asked. "What were your times?"
Way to stand firm and not enable me, honey. How am I ever going to learn if my husband doesn't keep me in line better? Oh, well.
From there we talked about how slow my times were. He was very encouraging, saying that it won't take me too long to get my times back. I think he is just excited that I'm going to run with him again this Friday. I do believe my hubby misses our Friday running dates. So I guess it's OK to cheat... as long as your spouse is a runner, too. Who knew?

(Thanks to Aric for helping me with this post)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

r


Since I am trying to be good, and not run for two whole weeks (I do feel my solitude waning here) I have been very creative with my workouts.

Sunday while Aric ran the Salmon creek trail I pushed the kids in the triple stroller and did lunges and high knees. That was a great workout!

Monday I worked out in the House of Pain for an hour. After that I did some pool running for about 45 mins or an hour. I always lose track of time while doing pool running. After working out, my friend asked if I wanted to head up to Hood to stay in a cabin with her and her mother-in-law. Sounded like fun to me. I picked up the kids, told my mom I was kidnapping her for the day and packed everything I needed in 30 minutes. We may have gotten lost a little bit, but enjoyed driving up to Mt. Hood. While my mother and I were waiting to hear back from my friend with directions to the cabin we walked around frog lake with the kids. A fun evening of ravioli and smores at the cabin was much needed. After which the never ending child sleeping on me night begin.

Tuesday morning after my 'well rested' night. We took the kids up to Mt. Hood and my friend and I hiked with them for 2 miles on the zig zag trail. This really involved me carrying my two boys. The girls did so well and walked the whole time. Then we dropped the kids off with my mom in the car so they could rest and my friend and I took off for a quick hike up to Silcox hut via the Silcox trail. Now, I thought I was in shape....this trail kicked my tushy!!! My friend was nice enough to say it must be the elevation (a 1100 ft gain on this trail) getting to me. It was all worth it...the view...ah it was breathe taking. We paused at the top of the trail and watched an innocent looking chipmunk meander towards us. Then it ran towards my foot and sat down on my left shoe. I had a flash of Chevy Chase when the squirrel runs into his pants...so I um...gently...got him off my shoe. It did provide lots of laughing at me on the trek back down to the car. Maybe the elevation did get to me because while I was up there I had this crazy notation to hike up to the top of Mt. Hood. Now to convince Aric that this is a good idea. All I know is I'll keep a keen eye out for those chipmunks. I suggest you do the same.

Friday, September 18, 2009

My little girls first race.

I am on my leash in the car waiting for hubby to finish a quick 6 mile run… wishing I could run the Salmon Creek trail with him. Since I am still on the injured list and not running this week, I will reminisce about my little girl’s first race.

Last month Avery, one of my 5 year old twin girls (four when she ran the race), wanted to run a 5K race with me. At first I brushed it off and said “no, mommy will run the 5k and be back in 24 minutes.” I said this because, to be honest, my legs were tired and I didn’t want to run hard. Heck, I didn’t want to run a race at all but we were there because the kids love doing the kids’ races. So I find myself signing up for races that have kids’ races that do not start five minutes after the adult race starts. These are harder to find than you might think.

Having brushed off her repeated requests, I went back to warming up and talking with a friend. Then I starting thinking about it. Why not let her try the 5K? My mom was with me, she was watching the kids anyway. My friend encouraged me, suggesting that it would be a great way to spend some “Mother
-Daughter Time” with her. Just her. Why not? I picture my little girl pouting in the car. She was so disheartened when I said that she couldn’t run it. Why crush her dream of running this race? She’s been asking for sometime now. I initially told her when she was 6 years old she could run a 5k with me. The great thing about being a mom is that I can change my mind. I headed straight to the car and told her “mommy thought about it and you can run the 5K with me,” but that she had to finish it. She was so happy. The problem was poor Ayden (the three year old) wanted to run it, too. Sorry honey I know I’d be carrying you the whole way. At least with Avery she would walk/run it in little bursts. So, with a beaming little girl in tow, I was off to the starting line.

This was a small 5K and perfect for her first race. At .15 miles into it she asked me to carry her. Ugh, I think, what have I gotten myself into? “Let’s just walk to that tree and then I’ll carry you if you are still tired,” I offered. We made it to the tree and she decided to run for a little bit longer. Then the great fiasco of walk/run/carry began. I would carry her (and run) for about three minutes then she would walk for two minutes and then run for two minutes. At the one mile mark she asked, “Are we done yet?”
“No honey, we are only 1/3 of the way there.”
At this point I talked to her about how proud I was that she had undertaken such a hard task. I explained when you start something you must see it through to completion. That is what builds character (something severely lacking in our culture today). The more I talked to her about how proud I was of her, the more she talked about how she was not going to give up.

I enjoyed watching her gain confidence that she could finish something she started. I work very hard not to push my kids into running. I want to encourage them to be active and complete whatever it is they start. That they can do just about anything, once they take the first step. I don’t want to me the mom pushing her kids to do what she never could, but I also want to be the mom who helps her children try new things. Whether it’s a bite of a new dish (which we call our “no thank you” bite), a new sport, writing a book, or trying a new art style; I want them to try new endeavors.

Therein lies the tricky part. How do I encourage them to try new things without pushing them too hard? Each one of my kids needs to be encouraged differently. Avery needs encouragement to finish something she starts, or even to just try something new. She doesn’t like to try new things unless she is sure she can do them. Alexis is competitive, and likes to compare herself to others. She has to be the fastest runner out of the kids. Getting her motivated to try new things is easy. Getting her to stick with them is hard. Ayden, well, you can’t trick or motivate that child to do anything he doesn’t want to do. Very stubborn, but also very motivated. His thing is one-on-one time with me. He walked/ran a mile during the last track practice I took him to. He just wanted to do whatever I was doing. Then there is Zander. He thinks he is just as big as his sisters and brother. He just wants to join in with us. If we are doing something, he wants to be right in the center of it.

I digress. I’m happy that my kids want to run like mom and dad. I am so happy that my husband runs, too. It’s wonderful to have a healthy hobby (some use the word “addiction“) for our children to want to emulate. I highly recommend getting your family involved in your running.

So get out there and run! Show your kids how to stick with something even when they don’t feel like it. It will transfer over to other areas in their lives and your own. Be the role model you want your kids to look up to instead of those cartoons or people on T.V. You are your kids’ biggest hero! Show them how it is done! Laugh and run on, my friends.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

On a leash....

Tonight was track practice, which has to be my favorite type of running. I love 100's, 200's, 300's, and even 400's. Heck right now I'm dying to do 800's and 1200's. Warm up, dynamic drills, sprints, cool down. I love it. Or as my little Lexi says, "I fell in love with it." Since I am trying to be good (heavy emphasis on trying) I did not do the 200's tonight. I even dragged my poor Ayden to the track with me to keep me from running.

Ayden, who is 3 years old, loved being out with just mom. Add in some rain and running and I don't think he stopped smiling the whole time. I must thank the coach for letting me take the little guy tonight. He was loud with his hysterical laughing when I would pick him up and run with him in my arms. It reminded me of how I feel when I run down hills. Pure joy and laughter. I think I even throw my head back and giggle a little.

I know that I looked like a dog tied to the fence who would wag her tail every time my track mates would go by. Oh, I want off my leash so bad. I know it's a good thing for me right now, it's keeping me safe, but man is my energy level through the roof right now. Untie this dog and let her run.

This morning I got up early to spin on the bike for 30 mins, I managed to squeeze out an easy 11 miles. It felt nice, but not the same as a run. I then did my Pilates mat, still not the same as a good old fashioned run. I'll give myself another week on this leash, then baby I'm going to chew it off and run free.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Pool running

Today I worked out for an hour in the House of Pain. Then I did some pool running. It was wonderful and a great workout. I worked up a sweat in the pool. I did 45 mins or 1 hour, I don't know how long because it went so quickly. I am going to figure out how to do this more. I loved it. And after all that fun exercises I feel like a million bucks!! Thank you Christina!

I'm in a funk

Yep, I'm injured again or still. I know that I should take 2 weeks off from running, but I don't want to. To top it off we might have to move back into my house in La Center (which is 17 mins outside of Vancouver). I like living in town. Moving out there would mean that I would have to limit my driving and not be spoiled with running with my friends whenever I feel like it. It means more treadmill runs. Crap! OK, I've allowed my pity party. It's over.

Now, the optimist will take over. At least I still have the House of Pain on Monday and maybe I can work Wednesday's in. Maybe someone will rent my house again, or maybe if we drop the price a ridiculous amount we can sell it and be done with it. I will be starting my sales rep job in a month (hopefully) and that will help relieve some financial woes we are in. (The woes are due to my hubby's job. He's on a bonus and with the economy being what it is, we are living on almost half of his income. Ouch! And right now I think the rest of this year and most of next will be like that.) At least I have my treadmill and spin bike (thanks to craigslist) to work out with while living in the boonies. At least no one in our house is sick with the flu. At least I have 4 healthy happy children. At least I have a big clean beautiful house to move back into.

Having said all that I know we are just in a 'tight' spot right now. OK, we are in a freakin' boa constrictor right now. But we have always come out alright in the end. At least now I have an outlet to keep me going. I read my favorite blogs and keep going. I run and feel better.

http://www.runfastermommy.com/
http://www.youmotherrunner.com/
http://thenegativesplit.blogspot.com/
http://blog.oregonlive.com/runoregon/

Run happy and often my friends.

Friday, September 11, 2009

My running is well running my life!

Today I went to see my hair artist (because she is that good, trust me!) I have not had my hair done is sooooo long. Miss Clairol has treated me well, it just not the same. So off the see Paula, who is a runner herself. I wanted, above all else, to have a hair cut that is long enough to pull back in a pony tail and tuck under a hat for running. That was it, my only requirement for my hair gal. Most people go in and say " I want to have hair like XX actress or XX actress" right? Me, have fun just make sure I can still run. Color? I don't care. What style? I don't care just make sure I won't be annoyed running with it. I might need professional help soon. So good bye 2 feet of hair...Hello cutie pie hair.

Now to get a long run in tomorrow. This time with cute, no gray hair.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Brunhilda

I am back to doing PT (Physical Therapy). My hammy hurts like crazy, my hips are sore, and my knee is killing me. So I am trying this medieval torture technique that they now call "massage". Graston technique. Sounds nice enough. Right?

Here's what I pictured going into my 'massage' appointment. A dimly lit room, warm blankets, ocean sounds in the background, and a candle lit sending me a sweet waft of fresh baked apple pie. Maybe some water afterwards. You know get my money's worth.

Here is what I received instead. Brunhilda came out to take me back to the room. A room in the middle of PT people. At least it had a curtain. It was a little chilly, no blankets. Brunhilda has be warm up on this weird sitting, elliptical thing for 5 minutes. Brunhilda then notifies me that we are going to use metal instruments to 'work-out' the knotty muscles in my SI and Hamstring. This technique uses the metal....scratch that....COLD metal instruments to save her hands. Oh, well that's considerate. She then informs me that I will be bruised at the end of the session. Oh and that I will more than likely cry and maybe scream during the session. What? I'm sorry did I enter the wrong room? Are you sure you have the correct name? Angela? Yeah, that is me. Well, OK.

I'm pretty tough, but let me tell you. It hurt. No I didn't cry or scream. What do you take me for a wuss? I did indeed bruise. So today I endured my second treatment. I was 'less' knotty and gravelly in my muscles today. But bruised and having Brunhilda and her torture devices digging into my SI and hammy. She was nice enough to now include the knee area, too.

But I am questioning whether or not this will 'fix' my SI/Hip/Hammy/knee issue. There are no double blind studies on massage and PT on injuries. I agree in theory that if you strengthen your 'weak' area's then they will be less likely to become injured. I have had success in strengthen my ankle which has dislocated well into the double digits. I guess maybe it's a time issue rather than a massage issue. So do I continue going to the massages? Or save that money for other things? Is it really worth it? Sure I was able to run yesterday without intense pain, unlike Saturday's run which hurt 1/2 mile into my 8 mile run. Was it the week off from running and just time healing it? Was it the massage? Was it just me 'working' out the kinks by running? Who knows. All I know is $25 adds up real fast. So don't take offense if I twitch if you say the word massage. Now back to my gin and tonic.........

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Women I actually like....

Running friends are the best. For one, they are not lazy. Two, they always seem to be encouraging or they tell you to pull your head out of your tushy. I like that my running friends are not shy and will tell me something I might not want to hear, but need to hear. It‘s refreshing. Maybe that’s why I don’t (or didn’t) have female friends. They all seem so lazy and boring. Did I say that out loud?

I was pace leading my group yesterday and one these fine ladies and I were talking about wanting to cultivate our friendship with the women in our running group. It was nice to know that I am not the only woman who feels that way. I was starting to think that I was the only woman who had the problem of finding other women I wanted to hang out with. But these women who run are amazing. They inspire me, which is saying something. There are a few running women's blogs I love to read, and the main recurring theme is how tenacious these women are. They are all beautiful; some large, some small, some fast and some slow, but they are all hard workers. I love it. It makes me want to support them and inspire them as much as they inspire me. I finally don't feel 'judged' by other women. I feel like I have found my 'equals'. Gosh just typing that makes me seem conceited. Let me attempt to explain.

These women don't make excuses, they find ways to make their goals happen. They don't blame their husbands or complain about them. That is very refreshing. They don't sit on the bench complaining about being overweight or tired. So yeah, I guess it is simply that they are not lazy and boring. I love them for that. How about you? Have you found new friendship while running?

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Ice bath + Gin and tonics = :)

It seems anytime I take my miles up over 45 a week, I get injured. Is it going to take me another year to be able to push my miles over 45 a week and not get injured? My right hip is forward and twisted inward, which this week has resulted in my right knee and hammy hurting so bad I had to cut my 20 mile run to 14 yesterday. Well, I did 10 miles and then hung out and had coffee while I waited for my peeps to arrive. Then I ran 4 miles with them. OK I ran 2 1/2 miles with them and walked the last 1 1/2 miles. Ouch! I wanted to cry it hurt so bad. So home to try the ice bath.
The ice bath is not so bad, after everything goes numb, that is. But a little piece of advice, don't let your 4 year get in the ice bath with you. My little Avery loved being in the bath, but that child can not keep still. Ever! Yeah, she was in the ice bath for 10 mins and she begged to stay in longer. Strange child. I don't really know how much the ice bath helped. But I do know that after 2 gin and tonics (had after the children were in bed sleeping) I didn't care that my knee and hammy hurt. So maybe a few gin and tonics before the marathon and then I won't care that I'll be in pain? What do you think?

Friday, August 21, 2009

I've redemed myself!

Hubby and I had our "date" run today. My schedule called for a 10 mile run. I entered my run with much trepidation. I was in a funk from my previous run on Tuesday which resulted in a measly 8 miles instead of 12 at a slow pace, but I digress.

It was nice and cool out at the start of our run, a welcome change to be sure. Mile one I had the brakes on the whole time trying to run an even pace for once. My schedule was calling for an 8:50 pace for 10 miles.
Mile 1-9:02 2-9:00 3-8:44 4-8:48 5-8:50 6-8:42 7-8:37 8-8:40 9-8:23 10-8:00
It was a busy day on the trail which is only 3 miles long and if you loop it you get 6 miles. So it was a lot of back and forth along the trail, but at least we didn't have to stop at the lights. Sure we had to slow down to get around this family out biking with their kids, we passed them no less than 4 times. Hence the slowing on some of the miles. But it felt great. I ended this 10 miler finally feeling like I could easily do 5 more miles at the same pace, normally I slow way down at the end of a long run. Progress, finally.

The clothes review:

The best sports bra on earth. Well at least for a small chested gal like me. The handful bra quite simply rocks! I have traded out my normal bras and only wear my handful bra's. They have 'anti-headlight' pads in them, which have a two fold effect of enhancing my bust size appearance. Hey, this is important stuff. I have never had any chaffing from this bra. I currently have 4 and must go get more. I wish they made a tank top style bra. Maybe I need to call and beg them to make one for us stretch mark challenged runners. Check them out and tell them I sent you!
http://www.handfulinc.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=HOME

Tomorrow a 20 mile run is instore, but for this one I will run it by myself. I am going to start at a 10 min pace and after 10 miles drop the pace down if I feel up to it. Ideally I'd like to end my run at an 8:30 pace. Then after my 20 miler I will be pacing my peeps at Get Fit Live Fit. I love this group of people, very motivating and encouraging. And let's face it they get results. My first race 12:09 pace on a 5K one year ago, my PR 5K is 7:24. Not bad in one year's time.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Heat...I'm in heat...

Not that kind of heat. The "it's too stinking hot" to run heat. Well, too hot for a North westerner. I did run last night. I was supposed to do 12 miles at 8:50 pace. But instead I did 8 miles at 8:45 pace, well 7 miles at 8:45 pace the last mile was sad. I mean, I walked/jogged the last mile. I had water with me I drank some before I ran, it was just too hot. I have noticed that when I have a crappy run the self doubt creeps in. No, not creep...slap me in the face and kick me when I'm down..kind of self doubt.

I've been complaining that my times have slowed and as my husband loves to point out, you can't have both distance and speed. Well, that's all he had to say to make me want to prove him wrong. Hills here I come.

In the interest of trying to balance kids, homeschooling said kids, cleaning, being master scheduler, financial officer of the household finances (what finances?), and wife....I have created a new schedule of running. Monday tempo run, Wednesday hills and track, Friday interval runs, and Saturday LSD. Maybe an occasional Sunday run with hubby as a recovery run. Monday and hopefully Wednesday's arm and upper body workout in the House of Pain. Tuesday and Thursday complete rest days. Let's see how long I can stick to this plan???

Stop laughing at me, I know I'm all over the place. I can't stand that my 5K times are so slow. I refuse to run the marathon if I can't hold a 9 min pace the whole way.

On another note, Hood to Coast is next weekend. I am excited. I was in Van 1 which was going to be a blast, but a friend that is in Van 2 only wanted to run H2C because I was running it. I didn't know that. It will still be fun in Van 2, I know 2 people in that van. In Van 1 I know 4 of the people and was looking forward to hanging out with them. I guess now I get to look at it as getting to know 4 new people. I did love my leg in Van 1, it was going to be easy. In Van 2 I have a harder leg. I felt up to it last week, but after last night's run I am doubting my endurance. We will see what happens at H2C. My goal hold 8min pace the whole time.

Our home school motto seems fitting to me this week. Usus magister est optimus.(Experience is the best teacher!)

Saturday, August 15, 2009

5K race...this marathon training is screwing up my 5K's

Yes, you heard me. The marathon training is slowing my 5K's down. I ran a 5K this morning in Salem....what's that? Why would I get up at 4:30am to do a 5K? Well, because a friend of mine was running her first 5K today and I wanted to support her. That's why. Now back to the LSD is screwing up my speed! OK, well not speed yet. But soon I will be finding my speed. I think it's in the closet with my cute shoes...hiding. Maybe they'll come out next year. Maybe that's when I'll finally see sub 7 min pace on my 5K's. I know it's in me...waiting to come out. Like a tiger ready to pounce....what? You don't buy that? How about like a cheetah ready to.....No you don't buy that either? OK, try this on for size. Like a three toed sloth about to well...uh sloth's don't really do much of anything. So yeah that's me. My pace is just hanging...upside down...on a tree branch...doing...well, nothing.


I ran a good and bad race. Good that I still pulled out a 24:10 5K, a 7:47 pace. Bad because I should be at a 7:15 by now. I know how can I gain speed if I don't have speedwork? I can't. I need some discipline to make that happen. I wish I didn't agree to do the Marathon, I'm so worried about the distance that I am neglecting my speedwork. Ah nuts. Well, only 7 more weeks until my Marathon.

But in the mean time, back at the bat cave, Hood to Coast. Two weeks, until 3 runs in 24 hours and no sleep. I can totally do that. I don't sleep as it is. At least I'll look cute in my Skirt Sport's outfits. Stay tuned for more info on the Skirt Sports and a Skirt Chaser 5K race in the Portland area. Oh yeah baby, it's going to be fun!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

My first 20 miler

I ran my first 20 mile run yesterday. I have been very nervous about running my first 20 miler. I decided I should do it with a running group. So I went with my friend who runs with the Portland Marathon Training group. I picked my goal race time of 4 hour and ran with that group. My friend said they usually run an 11 min pace. Way slow for me, but I figure this is my first 20 mile run. I thought slow and relaxed is the way to go. WRONG! We ended up holding a 12:36 pace the whole way.The whole way!!! Which would have been fine except it was on a very hilly trail. Sounds like a nice relaxing pace, but going that slow down the hills is painful. For one my knees hurt, not from running but from braking on the down hills. Ugh!

We started out at 12:55 for the first mile. OK maybe this is our warm up mile. Next mile 12:42. Seriously? So after 4 miles there is an aide station. I’m thinking we grab some water and stop maybe 10-20 seconds. Nope 5-10 min break. What? Every 4 miles we had an aide station. It was like running 5-4 mile runs. OK maybe jogs. My heart rate stayed at 140-150(if it was a big hill). I would have run ahead expect I had no idea where I was or how to get back to the car. When the first hour rolled by we had gone 5 miles. Holy crap. I normally have 7 miles done in that time. Help me. When hour 2 rolled by and we only had 10 miles I thought I was going to die of boredom. Now granted this was a nice relaxing run. Which I don’t normally do. But to take 4 hours and 6 mins to run 20 miles was cruel. I now have no doubt that I can complete a marathon. But there is no way I can run it that slow.  The thing that redeemed this run... was my friend. I had fun joking and talking with her. That was the best part, getting to hang out with her.

So I have learned that I can do 20 miles just fine, so the next 20 miler I will run at a little quicker pace. Maybe 10 minute pace, just to force myself to hold a steady pace and feel good after my long run. I’d rather run it at 9 min pace, but I don’t have confidence in my endurance to hold that pace for that long. But I am raring to try. I think I need to run a 20 miler at 9 min pace. Because if I can hold that on a practice run I should be able to run 8:30 on race day. An that my friends would be wonderful.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Last night I ran a 10 miler. My Garmin sprang back to life for the occasion (how considerite). I was going to meet a friend for some track sprints, so I ran down to the track and back to get an even 10 miles.
Mile 1-8:31 ( made myself pull in the pace)
Mile 2-7:36 (I decided screw it, I want to run a faster mile, like I used to)
Mile 3-8:17 (Once I got that above mile out of the way I went back to pacing myself)
Mile 4-8:14

Arrived at the track. The plan was 800's, but my friend didn't want to do as many as I wanted since she is recovering from a back injury. So we settled on a 2-800's and lots of 100's. It felt good to push my pace again. I ran 19-20 seconds on my 100's and it felt easy, beautiful, and comfortable. The 800's I was a little tired and only did 7:14 pace and 7:21 pace. Then I ran back home. My avgerage pace going home was 8:53 pace. With 3/4 of mile to go my IT band and knee froze up. I had to walk/jog. It still hurts today.

This morning I did my Pilates and sit-ups. I need to get back into doing them every other day. My core is getting weak again. I noticed my posture at the end of my runs giving out. So back to my core work.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Garmin..why? Oh why have you forsaken me?

It finally happened my Garmin has betrayed me. It had the nerve to die. So now to send it back to the factory for them to fix it. So what do I do in the mean time? I had to run a 10 miler Sunday without it. I felt naked and free all at the same time. I had no clue what my pace was. Slow, but how slow I do not know.

So now I think I need a back up Garmin. So which one do I get for a back up? I love my 305 forerunner, but kind of want the 405, too. Maybe I'll just buy the 405 for my hubby and use it while I'm waiting for my 305 to get fixed. Greedy little bugger aren't I.

Friday, July 31, 2009

House of Pain

I ran a nice 14.8 miles today. Wait, back up. Let's tell the whole story. I ran my first 7.3 miles on the way to cross training. I had to hurry a little bit. Ran it in 1 hour 3 mins, so a pace of 8:41. Not bad considering mile 7 was all hill, up hill that is. I held a very relaxed 8:30 for the first 6 miles. Yeah, I tanked the last mile. But the point is that I ran even splits. What's that you want to see my splits? Well you can't I'm married. OK, don't beg it's a little pathetic.
1st mile - 8:20 (as usual I had to make myself slow down to hold this pace. I am such a 5K runner. 3.1 miles push hard over and done. What's not to love?)
2nd mile - 8:29
3rd mile - 8:34
4th mile - 8:30
5th mile - 8:31
6th mile - 8:33
7th mile - 9:30 (think hill...that's my excuse or that I haven't been logging the miles in to do better. Yeah I like the hill excuse better.)
last .30 - 9:07

Not my best pace, but my most even splits. This is big for me.

Then I had a nice (can I say nice to describe The House of Pain?)time cross-training. Does that make me a sick-o? Not in a leather and bull whip sort of way... In a "my muscles are breaking down and rebuilding in a beautiful new tone" sort of way. But I digress. The House of Pain is what we call my track coaches cross-training. Today was an hour of tri-ceps. Then ran the rack, which means I start with 25 lbs (Kim 'the rock' started with 30 lbs) and go until failure. After failure I move to the other arm and then down to the next weight, which is 20 lbs for me. I was able to do 25 reps of each until 10 lbs and 5 lbs then it was 50 reps (which is the stopping point because the next person is waiting). It was great! At the very end my coach (with a little gleam of evil in her eye) had us do "the ladder" of push-ups. How hard can that be, you wonder? Well, let me lay it on you. You start in plank and you stay in plank until it's your turn to do push-ups. When you are done with your push-ups you return to plank. We did 1-2-3-4-5-5-4-3-2-1. Which means the first person does 1 push-up, then the next person does 1 push-up and so on until you return to the first person. The first person then does 2 push-ups and then the next person does 2 and so on and so forth it goes. Remember you are supposed to be in plank when not actively doing your push-ups. If you drop out of plank you start over. (although she was nice and let us do downward facing dog if we couldn't hold plank) It was very hard to do and I had to revert to DFD for most of it. Oh well, there is always next time.

After the House of Pain , I had to run home. Literally. I ran to House of Pain from my house so I had to run home. Christina, aka 'coach,' or 'evil sadistic one,' and Kim said they would run 3 miles with me. Crap, there goes my easy slow run on the way home. Good-bye 9:30 pace….hello work my tush off and still trail behind pace. My splits:
Mile 1 - 8:42
Mile 2 - 8:10
Mile 3 - 8:43
Finally with the mutant running-robots gone I could tuck my tail and run slowly. They headed back for the rest of their easy run and I trudged forward for another slow mile at 9:19. Ugh! At this point I was so freaking thirsty I couldn’t even spit.

I think I’m a freak who drinks more than everyone else. I woke up and drank 10 oz of water. I was well-hydrated yesterday and I drank at least 9-16 oz glasses of water or Ultima. Sure I only peed 4 times yesterday, but I almost always pee only 4 times a day. Five or 6 if, and only if, I drink a lot of tea. What’s that? Stop taking about pee? Oh, OK.

Back to today. I then drank 2-8 oz of my accelerade and then 4-8oz of water during my cross training workout. Then 2 more 8 oz of water on the run back. When I finally dragged my slow, sorry butt home I drank 3-16 oz of Gatorade and 1-16 oz of Ultima. [warning: pee talk is about to resume. For those of you annoyed with the pee talk skip the rest of this paragraph.] I have been drinking water all day and yes, I have peed 2 times. Well, once before I left for my run and once about 2 hours ago. Uh, maybe a little thirsty you think?

(Welcome back, anti pee-talk people!) Back to the rest of my run. It sucked! I almost made hubby come pick me up. I had two asthma attacks and couldn’t (or didn’t want to) hold a decent pace. So I will not post the times, as I am ashamed. Not because of the pace, but because I had to hike some of it. At least I kept going, right? So my total for today is 14.80 miles. It felt good! Again, not in a leather and bull whip sort of way... well, maybe... a little...or so I’ve read.

Monday, July 27, 2009

How to run using your heart rate as a guide

Last night I was supposed to do a 5 mile easy run. But here is the catch. I was to keep my heart rate at 150 bpm. Sounded like a nice 10 min pace run to me. Nope I was forced to go slower than that.

I decided I would try a new trail by my house. Bad idea. A little piece of advise. If you are to do a run using your heart rate as your guide, don't pick a new trail FULL of hills. I had to walk some of the hills to keep my heart rate down. That was the hard part. I like to pick up the pace on hills, however, if you are trying to keep your heart rate at 150 you can NOT do anything buy walk the freakin' things.

My husband was nice enough to join me for the run. So at least I had some great company and good conversation. My hubby is also great for making me stick to exactly what my coach has put on my training schedule. Needless to say my coach loves it when hubby runs with me. It was more like a nice stroll for us and not so much a run. But you know what, I liked it. It reminded me what an easy run should feel like.

Now don't get me wrong, I had a hard time with my pace being slower. Since I can get a little obsessed about my pace (unless I'm running with some of my friends, then it's all about hanging out with them). Last night I made myself only look at my heart rate, because every time I looked at the pace I would try to pick it up. I didn't realize that I tend to push my pace too much on my easy recovery runs. I would assume that because I was running a 9 min pace that I was running an easy run. Well I guess not. Maybe I need to go by my heart rate more? Maybe then I wouldn't have been in an over training deficit for the last month or two?

All in all this was a great lesson to learn. Sometimes an 11 min -12 min pace is just what I needed. Who knew? What's that my coach? You mean I should listen to him? Well that's a novel idea. But come on...this is ME we are taking about. I always have to learn the hard way. Stop laughing at me.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

The price of cute shoes.....


I went to a friend's wedding yesterday. And if I might say so myself, I looked rather cute in my new dress and old cute shoes. Well, my feet are not used to high heels anymore. Needless to say both of my feet have lost a few layers of skin. See the above photo. So I may not be able to run tonight. But you know me, I'll do it anyway.

I am determined to throw out my 'cute shoes'. As I was about to do that, I saw new cute shoes in a store. Maybe I just had the wrong cute shoes. So now the hunt is one for cute dress shoes that don't make my skin peel off. Who say's you can't teach and old dog to buy new shoes?

Monday, July 20, 2009

Cross training..the right way

I took Sunday and today off from running. I decided to cross train instead. Only I did it the right way.

The coach from my running group has been helping one of the other pace leaders do cross training. So along with the other pace leader, we did push-ups...from hell.., sit-ups that were evil, arm weights (one appropriately named skull crusher), and the craziest wheel barrel I've ever seen. It was fun. I can't wait until next Monday.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Today was supposed to be a 14 mile run. Instead because I am still healing, I ran only...ready...4 miles. But I enjoyed it. I was able to run with one of the other pace leaders that I don't get to run with enough. It was a very nice run, reminded me of why I enjoy running. Before the run I was able to walk a mile with my coach/friend. We drank coffee, he yelled at me for over training.....I yelled at him for having stress fractures and not being able to run with me.

After the run, I trained in my martial arts. It reminded me of how much fun training can be.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Trying to take it easy....

Yes, today I ran. Yes, today I ran slow. Yes, today's run hurt...slowly.

I had on my training plan to run 10 miles. I was good and decided if I need to cut it short I would. So I ran 8.66 miles. I had to walk the hills. But at least I was able to get a short run in. See I took it easy.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Over training

Last night after track practice, I was depressed. Not because I ran slower than I wanted. But because I couldn't run. I am still hurting from Monday’s cross training. I’m in a funk. And I just figured out why. I’ve been hit with over training. My miles have been lower than in previous weeks, so why over training? Off to the great and expansive knowledge that is the web. Here is what I found:

Signs of over training:
1. Moody (I read as being a witch) OK, this is very common around my house once a month. You know what I mean. What, you can’t believe I’m blogging about mensuration? Oh, stick around honey, stick around.
2. Can’t sleep (Sleep what’s that?) This is more than my kids are waking me up kind of sleep. This is I wake up at 1-2am and can’t get back to sleep until 4 or 5am. This is very unlike me as I have been known to fall asleep in 2 seconds flat. No exaggerating here. Really, 2 seconds after saying something to my husband in a conversation I can be asleep. Impressive, huh?
3. Don’t feel energized.(read a lazy bastard) I am known for going all day 7 days a week at full speed. I don’t sit down and do nothing. Ever.
4. Stale training (yep)
5. Poor race performance see my last race post. 7:38 pace. Again I say what the hell? Now it makes sense. Even though I tapered for the race, it was not enough to recoup from the previous months of hard training.

This week I’ve been moody, irritable, ah hell just a plain witch!! I thought it was because I couldn’t run. Now I find out it’s because of running. That’s just wrong.

So information on how to correct it is scant. But here is what I have been able to find with my Scooby senses.

1. Take some time off from running. Sounds like common sense. But how much time is enough time?
2. Rest. Uh? That sounds like #1

That’s it. I can’t find much else. So how much time off? One day? Two? A week? A month? OK, I’m going to kabosh taking a month off, because I have worked too hard to take a whole month off.

Today is day 3 of no running. Yes, technically I ran a little last night. But I was jogging not running. And I was pushing the triple stroller so that makes it impossible to get a really good run. I ended up having my husband pace lead my group of guys. That‘s an improvement for me… to ask for help. Baby steps, baby steps.

I feel better today. Maybe just being able to identify what was wrong with me helped? Sure last night I woke up at 2:30 am thinking about my Saturday run and how I should run the 13 miles with my guys, but then I wouldn’t be done until 10:30-10:45. That’s over 2 hours of running but only a net gain of 13 miles. And I want to run with one of my friends at 7am to get some miles in with her at a little faster pace and just to chat with her. But then I’d have to bail out on my 13 mile run as a pace leader. But I also have a martial arts seminar this weekend that starts at 10am on Saturday and goes until 5pm. Then I’m cooking dinner for all the guys from the seminar... usually 20+ people. So I have to stop training a little sooner to get dinner started. Sunday I have training again from 10 am to 3pm and then a 7 mile run in the evening. Don’t even get me started on tomorrow.

So I go back to no running today and I might end up skipping my cross training of sit-ups, Pilates, push-ups, and bike ride. Maybe I won’t get my 10 mile run in tomorrow. Who knows. I guess the remedy is to take it day by day. Slowly. Let me try that again. S-L-O-W-L-Y. I’ve heard of that word. Slowing down, taking it easy (oh great, now I have that song stuck in my head). Maybe it’s time for me to give it a whirl?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Massage

You know those professional athletes? They get massages at least 1-2 times a week. Well, on my beer budget that is not going to happen. But never fear I have the solution. Take your son and have him use your back and legs as roads. Done. 1 hour message and an occupied little boy. Now for a full body, include two giggly girls with cars or have one of them 'style' your hair. This involves a very nice relaxing 10 minutes of hair brushing. Or have the kids pretend to bake cakes. Give them the rolling pin and plastic cookie cutters. Have them 'roll' out your IT band. Get creative and save money. It's a great way to entertain the kids and help you relax. I did the car one today and became so relaxed I dosed off. (Don't worry CPS my youngest was safely in his crib taking a nap and all sharp objects where out of reach.)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Am I really able to be coached?

Having a training program that doesn't have the runs I want in it drives me nuts. I think it has more to do with being told what I can and can not do. Stop looking at me like that. What? Are you surprised I don't like being told what to do? Well, I don't! I don't mind the hard work. In fact I love it. I like to be challenged, I just want to make the most of my running time. So sometimes getting in 6 runs a week is easily doable. And some weeks are so busy with other things I can only get in 4 days of running in. This is the dichotomy of having a balanced life. I have responsibilities to my marriage and kids that have to come before running. I could easily get too narrow minded in my training. Honestly I would work out 3 times a day, if it didn't affect my home life. A run in the morning, some cross training, and then another run in the evening would be perfect. What? I said stop looking at me like I have a problem.

I want to do the 10K timed trail this Thursday so I could give an accurate time for my Hood to Coast. But my training has me only cross training on Thursday. Friday I have a 10 mile run on schedule. Saturday only a 14 mile run, I'd rather get in an 18 mile run. Because I have a martial arts seminar this weekend. Sunday I am supposed to get in a 7 mile run. I'm going to be exhausted from my martial arts seminar this weekend and won't want to get a run in Sunday. I know I will hate it and no have fun. What bugs me is I told my coach my schedule.

So is it that he ignored or maybe forgot my schedule? Or is it that I hate being told what to do?

Cross training

I ventured out and tried a program called Cross Fit. It involved a lot of squats and pull-ups. I enjoyed varying my current cross training, but I over did it. This is not going to surprise anyone who knows me. But now I am mad at myself for affecting my current training.

Today I did 300 sit-ups, but had to skip my push-ups. I did jump on my bike and get 10 miles (in 30 minutes). That did help loosen up my poor legs. I don't think Cross Fit is going to be for me. I think I would do better seeing my old Pilates instructor and work my core more. Since I think the squats would end up making my current medical issues worse. And a stronger core would help my medical issues. So maybe I need to find that money to see my Pilates instructor?

Monday, July 13, 2009

Hill Repeats

Hubby and I ran 6 miles together. A nice relaxing 6 miles at 8:46 avg pace. We talked and just had a nice run. Then after our 6 we did hill repeats. We found the best hill we could find and ran 1/8 mile repeats. I was scheduled for 8 and hubby ran 4 with me (he ran his much faster than I did). The hill started at 22 ft and rose to 154 ft at our 1/8 mile mark. I held a pretty steady pace. 1:09-1:07-1:08-1:06-1:05-1:08-1:14 and the last at 1:15. My endurance is finally improving. Hence being able to hold the pace a little better and even drop the times a little. The last two repeats were hard and I felt like I was crawling. So a total of 7 miles to start my week off. A nice start.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Intimidated

I read this article in another blog about fast holes and slow holes. The premise of the article was that some people think that running fast and improving your times are all that matter in running. On the flip side, there are people who think every run should be relaxed and not taxing.
I have friends of all abilities that I run with. And being fast is all relative. To some of my friends I am fast and it intimidates them to run with me. But why? I get so much out of my runs with them.
1. I get to relax and enjoy great conversations.
2. I still get to log the miles.
3. It’s my therapy time. I work through so much on a run with my friends.
4. I get to hang out with friends and deepen a current friendship. Or develop a new friendship.
5. I might get to help pace them. Maybe they want me to help push their pace. This tickles me to pieces. I love trying to help others in anyway I can. (Well I love helping friends out, not just anyone.)
6. Maybe I’m using them to pace me. Sometimes I need someone slower to make me take an easy run. I have a tendency to push myself too hard. Running with someone with a more relaxed pace makes me run an easy run. Otherwise I think I would be injured more than I already am. ;)
7. I am guaranteed to get my scheduled runs in if I have a friend waiting for me. Then I can’t slack on the miles I’m supposed to get in. Because if I shorten the run I’d be affecting someone else’s running. It keeps me from being lazy.
However, I do understand the being “intimidated” aspect. I have a friend that I highly respect and admire. She is training for the Portland Marathon. (In which I think she has an excellent chance of winning) She offered to do a 20 mile run with me. I immediately made excuses about how she would kill me if I ran with her. Or about how I’d hate to slow her down that much. I just figured she was being nice to offer to run with me. But why? Maybe she wants a slower run. Maybe she wants an excuse to run slower? Maybe she just wants to help me out with my running? I now feel bad for insulting her offer. She’s a very sweet person and extremely knowledgeable. I would learn so much running with her and maybe develop a friendship. At the very least I’d get my first 20 miler in. So maybe I should take her offer at face value. Since I want my friends to take my offers to run. Maybe she just wants company on such a long run. I know I do.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Listening to your body

Today I had a 12 mile run scheduled. My friend was supposed to meet me at 7:00am to run 6 miles with me. By 7:13 she called saying that she needed to get gas and that she would catch up with me. So off for a quick 4 miles. As I started out I could tell right away.... it was not going to be a quick 4 miles. My foot hurt, my IT band hurt, my hip hurt, heck my brain even hurt. So I decided I'd try to make it a relaxed 4 miles. Problem is I couldn't settle into a pace. Mile 1 -8:37, in which it hurt to hold. Fine. Mile 2 -8:43. Time to throw in the towel and re-evaluate my miles and pace today. Mile 3- 9:00 and my friend caught up to me. So the talking commenced. Mile 4-8:32. I felt a little pressure and relief to be running with her again so the pace was easily picked up. The wonderful part about running with a friend who is faster than you and has fresh legs. You feel like you should hold the pace and you get so lost in conversation you forget about the pace....for a little bit. But today I couldn't or didn't want to push through my mental block.

So now it's time to pace lead. Although I'm not sure I pace lead anyone. My legs felt heavy and I just didn't want to run 8 more miles. Did I mention my foot hurt? So I was smart and listened to my body and only ran 4 more miles. It is hard for me to let go of a 12 mile run.

Tonight I am looking forward to meeting my Hood to Coast team. I know some of them. But as my team captain said, get to know them before you smell them. Should be fun beers, food, and running friends. What's not to love?

Friday run with 3x1200

Today was a tough workout scheduled. 1 mile warm up 3x1200 at 6:30 pace with a mile in between each 1200 and a mile cool down. At a 6:30 pace I would run each 100 in 24 seconds, I tried my hardest and could only really hold 25 on my 100's for the first 1200 which resulted in a 6:40 pace. The next one I could barely hold a 6:48 pace and the last was a 6:52 pace. Overall not bad. I was consistent with the pace on the 100 splits. Holding 25-28's. This has been the most consistent on pace so far. But holly cow was the last 1200 hard. I was proud of myself because I could not have run any faster. I had my heart rate at 188 at the end of each 1200. So I know I worked hard.

Here's the mental part. My friend who has taken me under his wing in coaching me, was a really fast runner in high school and college. I didn't even know how fast he was until I googled his record after running with him for 4 months. He'd say things like 'I used to be fast when I was in college' but it was always so nonchalant and only when I'd ask him how fast he used to be. But he would never give me times. So here is what I found out: He ran a 3:50 in the mile. That is 3 mins and 50 seconds......for a mile. That is freakin' fast. No that is record setting fast.

Well it seems to me he has too high of expectations of me. I was happy with what I ran today, but he seemed a little disappointed. All I can do is the best I can do. I know my weakness is the distance. I can't hold a fast pace for any real length of time. I'm trying to look the rest of this year as base building. My husband asked if maybe my friend was setting the bar too high and placing unrealistic expectations on me. Why didn't he set the 1200 pace at 6:50 or even 6:45 so that I would hold a steady pace the hold time? I don't know, that is a great question. Is it to push me to try for the 6:30 with no preconception? Or is it to set me up for failure so I will push harder to obtain the 6:30?

All I know was that I promised I would stick to the training program he set for me to a Tee for a full month. He previously set a training schedule and I tried to follow it, but began to get too impatient in wanting more miles. Well I guess it's not always about more miles per week, but better paced miles.

I guess I need to ruminate on my coach and running tomorrow on my little 12 mile run.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The start of trail of miles and miles of trails.

This will be my attempt at blogging about my running.

A little background. I am a 32 year old mother to four children. Twin girls that are 4 years old, a feisty 2 year old boy, and a roly poly 1 year old boy. Having that many kids that fast changes your body for life. When I was pregnant with my twins I was over 260lbs. I am 5 feet 6 inches tall. I started running almost 1 year ago this month. I am now 139lbs and run about 35-45 miles a week.

Let's go back to my first race. July 12, 2008; ah, it was a hot and sticky day. I packed up all the kids and dragged my husband with me to my first 5K. I thought I was hot stuff. I had just run a full 3 miles straight the week before. I was going to rock that race! Needless to say, I finished with a 12:04 pace. I was passed by not one, but two 6 year olds. I was pissed, but I thought it would not be good form to trip the little bastards. I almost gave up, but someone gave me a little encouragement. A few women came over to me afterwards and said I did great. (what race were they watching?) I told them I was so demoralized because I was passed by little kids. This sweet lady said "Hell, you did more by 6am this morning getting your kids ready then she does all day. Give yourself a break" That helped. I vowed I would get faster.

So now this blog will be about my overly competitive nature to be better, faster, than I currently am. I remember in high school my coach told me I was slow and should just stick to discus, javelin, and shot put. So at 31 years young I get to start out with fresh legs, not stuck with what pace I used to run in HS or college and get to see how far I can push myself. And I love it.

Last month I just half-assed a 5K while pacing a friend at a 7:24 pace. I had run 30+ miles that week already. Last weekend with only 17 miles that week I ran a 5K with a crappy 7:38 pace. So much for my tapering plan. What the heck? So I am back on the wagon with my training program.

My goals as of now: Get to Hood to Coast with no injuries and hold 8:30 pace. Run the Portland Marathon with a friend in Sub 4 hours (secretly in 3:30, what the heck is wrong with me?) And drop 5K pace to 6:30 min. Lofty goals, huh?

So I say, Let the Trial of Miles and Miles of Trials begin.