Just Go With It

Did some speed work today...TGIF. 

1 mile @ 8:00

1 minute easy

4 minutes @ 10 MPH

3 minutes easy

3 minutes @ 10 MPH

3 minutes easy

3 minutes @ 10 MPH

3 minutes easy

2 minutes @ 10 MPH

2 minutes easy

2 minutes @ 10 MPH

2 minutes easy

2 minutes @ 10 MPH

1 minute easy

.5 miles @ 7:30

Total time of 41:21 for 5 miles

I went 116 miles this month...big month.

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What Are You Running For

Taking Tuesday off felt so good that I thought I should take Wednesday off as well...So, I was back at it today.
I warmed up with 20 minutes on the stationary bike and then ran 4 miles.  The first 2.5 miles felt like it was my very first day running...and then the last 1.5 miles felt good.  Its amazing that taking 2 days off can throw a wrench into things.  I did a 20 minute cool down on the stationary bike when I was done with my run.  That was  a nice little Thursday. 


Thursdays Run:
Miles:  4.0
Time:  30:00
Pace:  7:30

Happy Birthday Sister!

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More Than Meets The Eye

Just a short run today...legs are sore from yesterday and my hip flexors need a break.  I am taking tomorrow off and resting this weary body. 

Played 3 Truths and a Lie at work today...here was my list...If you can't guess the lie, you don't know me.  The number in front of the statement are the number of people from my class that guessed it was the lie.

(16) I have killed a bat
(3) I have 2 screws in my ankle
(0) I was at game 6 of the 1991 world series
(0) I have over 10,000 sports cards

Mondays Run:
Miles:  3.1
Time:  23:20
Pace:  7:31

Whats Wrong With You

Didn't feel like running today...but I made it to Planet Fitness and got my butt on the treadmill and got it done.  There are only 7 Sundays left before the big race...that means I only have 7 long runs left - hallelujah!

If Boo Boo keeps up the pace he is on, he will be boardering on overtraining...Boo, can you give us an update on how your fiance's training is going?  And are you guys going to be running together? 

I am happy to report that backbrace guy is doing well.  He was on his go to machine today...I still have not witnessed him touch another machine / lift a weight / or change his routine at all in 5 months...I love the variety.  OCD...I think so. 

Sundays Run:
Miles:  10.0
Time:  1:18:15
Pace:  7:49

One Run......

I only went running once this past week, but I made it a good one.  On Saturday morning I ran 6.8 miles in 1 hour and 20 minutes. I felt pretty good during the run. It was a beautiful day with no wind, which helped . Hope race day is the same! 

Signs of Spring

Ran around the neighborhood.  Very nice changes in elevation to give the run a little variety.  I was amazed at all the trees, shrubs and bushes that are beginning to bloom.  I even saw some Tulips that are in full bloom! The only drawback - I could definitely tell my allergies kicked in full gear - hard to breathe and itchy, watery eyes. 
Miles: 4
Pace: 8:30
When I got home, the husband was watching the kids play in the yard from on top of the hill in our backyard.  I sat down beside him and the mosquitoes began taking in the buffet of sweaty flesh.  I then found out the kids had somehow talked my husband into taking out the water table AND filling it with water.  The kids were filling up buckets with water and mixing in some dirt to make mud in their playhouse.  Nice.
Let the Spring begin.
Congratulations to AT!!!!!

The New Balance Challenge

I bet that every time you go to the gym that at least 50% of the people who are over the age of 50 are wearing New Balance shoes.  

Its the New Balance guarantee...

Big Day

Well, first off, I passed my state insurance licensing exam today, which is good because that means I get to keep my job...for the last two weeks I have felt like I have been back in school having to take quizzes and do homework every night...no more homework and no more tests!

I had a really easy day of running today...did 4 miles at a very average pace.  I did do 20 minutes on the bike before and after my run...

Fridays Run:
Miles:  4.0
Time:  31:50
Pace:  7:58

Tic Tok

I did some speed work today...I've been trying to do 1 day a speed work a week...it seems to be helping so I am going to continue to do it.  I am going to end up running well over 100 miles this month as long as I don't hurt myself on my next run...that is pretty exciting...

Here is the workout for today...

1 mile @ 8:00
1 minute easy
4 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
4 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
3 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
3 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
2 minutes @ 10 mph
2 minutes easy
2 minutes @ 10 mph
2 minutes easy
2 miles @ 8:00

Total of 7 miles in 59 minutes.

I need a Doppler

Did the Lake Run around Medicine Lake last night.  I read there was going to be a high of 70 F, so I packed a tank top and shorts.  I am not sure what the actual temp was while I was running, but it was not 70 F - pretty chilly.  All the bikers were all bundled up.  One woman walking actually had a jacket and a winter hat.  There were a couple guys running with sleeveless t-shirts that gave me the running club nod saying "Stay Strong Sister".
However, I am not complaining about these temps and being able to run outside!  There is a downside - no porta potties out yet, none of the bathrooms are open and the woods provide no cover without leaves.  I was SOL yesterday.  I realized all of this around Mile 5 yesterday while desperately searching for some relief.  The last two miles were very tough and reminiscent of last year -  the walk/run with cheeks clenched that I have perfected.  At one point I run on a couple boardwalks over marsh.  I was actually formulating a plan in my mind that I would climb over the chain link fence on the side of the boardwalk and squat under the boardwalk.  I thought this would be great cover, but when I looked down I figured I would just sink in the marsh and worried a little about what types of creatures I may encounter.

Miles: 7 and some change
Pace: 10:00 min/miles

Rook

I forgot my iPod today so I had to make my run with no music...that is oh so sad.  I felt like my wife.  She manages to pack her workout bag right about 50% of the time!

I am still running on the treadmill to try to save my knees and legs a little bit...too much of that road before May will not be a good thing.  

I didn't get a new pair of shoes this week, so that is pretty sad.  
 
Wednesdays Run:
Miles:  4.01
Time:  29:35
Pace:  7:22

Keeping A Broath

How are your March Madness brackets doing?  If you say good...YOU ARE A LIAR.  If you picked Ohio to be playing UNC in the Sweet 16, you were smoking some funny stuff while filling out your bracket. 

Less than 2 months until the big day...I am getting excited. 

Mondays Run:
Miles:  5.01
Time:  37:40
Pace:  7:31

Down, But Not Out

So nice to hear from you Brother Boo!  Nice job on all those runs!  

Brother AT keeps upping the pace - way to go!!!  

I had a tough run today, just wasn't feeling it.  As Brother AT has said before, sometimes it's just a win to put your shoes on and go.  That was what today was for me.

8.8 miles

89 mins

10.01 Pace

You may have noticed that I upped my mileage a bit today.  Trying not to get too out of hand - don't want to "peak" too soon.

Ha.

Straight Cash Homey

 I am slowly turning into a runner...I would have never guessed it.  Just like I would have never guessed that the Momma Bear is a pilates guru. 

Sundays Run:
Miles:  8.0
Time:  59:30
Pace:  7:28

After the run today, the Wiff, Zoe, and I went up to Ithaca to do some hiking.  It was gorgeous outside..I do believe I am sunburned...I realize that doesn't take much, but still...its March 18th.  I love this weather!
After the run and the hike...I am pretty sore and will imagine it is going to be worse tomorrow. 

Good Job Boo!!!

Tweet From Bria Today

Got that Shamrock 8k win this morn and won my weight in beer! Celebrated with 6x800 workout after. Now at papa haydns for a kick ass brunch


I have been running in the wrong races...

Running........

I started running this past week.  The weather has been awesome, so I decided to get out and run a bit.  Here is how the week went......

Tuesday:  3 miles
Wednesday:  4 miles
Saturday: 2 miles
This morning: 5 miles

I'm well on my way......

Madness

Loving March Madness right now...but I am still making time to head to the gym to get my running done.
I had another good run today...I ran at a pace for 6 miles that I have not done before...I keep making progress. 

My Wiff got new running shoes the other day...she got a pair of Brooks..the Adrenaline 12.  Now we are one big happy Brooks family.  Just need to find some Brooks doggy shoes for Zoe.

Lori, you should stick with what works for you...don't let reviews be the "be all end all" when choosing your shoes...try them on - give them a test drive and decide from there.  The new Cumulus is not out yet...so you will not be able to get the new version of your current shoe (as far as I am aware anyway). 

Fridays Run:
Miles:  6.0
Time:  44:55
Pace:  7:29

Run Forrest! Run!

You start your run.  You may be excited to go, or maybe you don't really feel like it, but you put one foot in front of the other and turn on the music.  Those first steps are kinda hard.  Your muscles are tight and cold.  You have a lot of mental "clutter" from work, kids, husband, schedules, etc. that keeps playing through your mind.  But then something happens.  Your muscles are warm and loose.  You've quieted the mental clutter.  You find yourself running at "your" pace.  You know the one.  The one that makes you think - I could run like this forever.  The minutes click by.  The road stretches out behind you.  And you feel like Forrest Gump.
Inevitably, you burn off all the calories and dip into your fat stores (hopefully).  You get little tears in your muscles and they fill up with lactic acid.  You start to feel tired.  You keep pushing yourself to run for "just one more song", but eventually your run ends.

6 miles
56 minutes
9.3 pace
At the old stomping grounds - Medicine Lake.  3/4 of the lake has ice on it.  It was 70 F today, I was sweating in t-shirt and shorts, but the ice cold breeze coming off the lake felt like Heaven.
Need to buy myself some new kicks for the marathon - recommend putting 30 miles on them before a race.  The new 2012 Asics got some great reviews - will probably go with them.  Happy Birthday to me.

Mr. Gonzalez

Today was a speed workout day - done with my bright green speed shoes!  I had some matching green socks as well...so even if the workout didn't go very well, at least I did it while looking like an obnoxious runner.

Here is what I did today...increased my speed from last weeks workouts from 9 mph to 10 mph.

1 mile @ 8:00
2 minutes easy
3 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
3 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
2 minutes @ 10 mph
3 minutes easy
2 minutes @ 10 mph
2 minutes easy
2 miles @ 7:45

Ran for a total time of 52:31 and a distance of 6.01 miles.
It was difficult, but felt pretty good when done...and I love my shoes!
 

Redemption

Todays run went off without a hitch!  Love my new Glycerin 9s!  They feel like I am floating.  Ran a great pace today...

Wednesdays Run:
Miles:  4.0
Time:  30:31
Pace:  7:37

Oh, and I just read today that Binghamton was named the 5th most depressed city in the U.S. and the 2nd most obese...Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, right?  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it rains 6 days a week...wow.

Epic Fail

I was so excited to run in my second new pair of shoes today...but it didn't go very well.
Lets Recap:
In January the doctor says..Yes Aaron you can keep running.  Just make sure that you are taking your medication...meaning my inhaler and zyrtek..
Oh, and in addition to that...once you start taking your shots, you will not want to exercise for at least an hour.

Today went like this...
Got up this morning...
Fail #1: Didn't take a zyrtek because I chose not to
Fail #2: Didn't take my inhaler because I ran out and hadn't filled my prescription
So I went to work and when I finished went to get my shot...
Fail #3:  3 minutes after my shot I was outside (oh yeah, I am allergic to things outside) on the rail trail running.

Boo will be proud of this little equation...
Fail #1 + Fail #2 + Fail #3 = An Epic Fail of me attempting to run on the rail trail and almost collapsing because I can't breath.

Tuesdays Run:
Miles:  1.5
Time:  10 Minutes
Pace:  1 small breath every 1/2 second

Ode to AT

He's a maniac,
Maniac
On the 'mill

And he's running like he's never run before...

Nice job on the run Bro!  You sure got a lot of sweet kicks...

More New Kicks!

Here is my newest pair of Brooks shoes...the Glycerin 9...
A $130 pair of shoes I got for free from the Brooks sales rep.
I will be running the 1/2 Marathon in these shoes...

MY LEGS HURT

I have nothing more to say.

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Oh No You Just Didn't

Good job sis!  Keep it up - you will be there before you know it.

Even though it was 60+ degrees outside today, I went to PF and ran on the treadmill so I could watch hoops during my long run...I ended up running a half marathon today on the treadmill and it felt really good.  So good that I put up my fastest half marathon time by a long shot...not too shabby!  I even had enough energy left over to take the big dog for a 4 mile walk...as I look to my left on the couch...she is sleeping like a baby...notice she needs to use pillows...spoiled rotten...it must be tough to be a puppy.  See below...

Anyway, I am really excited about how the run went today...hopefully I can shave a little more time off that before May rolls around.  Here is my run...and yes, my legs are now sore and I am not running tomorrow!

Sundays Run:
Miles:  13.1
Time:  1:43:30
Pace:  7:54

Hollaback Girl

I am not, but I definitely think this song needs to be about 3/4 of the way through my playlist for the half.  It really gets me geared up!

Distance: 8 miles
Time:1:16
Pace:9.50
Conditions: 43 F at beginning of run, up to 50 F at the end.  I was sweating about 10 minutes in to this run. Strong winds.  Sunny.  Ran on sidewalks in the 'hood.

This was my first run outside of the season.  From the very first step, I was smiling.  Feels so good.  At the end of the run, I felt like I probably could have done a couple more miles which is a good sign.  9 weeks until the race, 5.1 miles to go.  I think I can do this.
I am not having the gastro problems I typically have, but I also ran in the morning which I am sure helped.  I also carried a small bottle of gatorade with me and drank that while running - only had about half of it, but this may also have helped.  Between carrying the Gatorade, having my Crackberry in my pocket and my ponytail, I was pretty grateful for all the strength training I have been doing.

My Detailed Half Marathon Training Plan

Day of R & R

That's rest and replenish...
No workouts scheduled for today.  Husband made me pancakes for breakfast.  Gearing up for an 8 mile run tomorrow outside.  It is supposed to be 55 today and tomorrow.  Supposedly perfect running weather.  I am sooooo looking forward to this.
Need to try to keep a lid on the fiber intake for today. 

And you thought I was done....or maybe hoped I was.

Post Workout
I was laying down, enjoying a sauna while listening to my "Ultimate Running Playlist" when I saw Auntie Stephanie's cute countenance in the window.  I popped up and she came in.  She told me that Paul needed my help, his car had stalled.  And so we begin...
Paul was going to get the kids from daycare and his car wouldn't start (it was in the driveway).  He tried calling everyone and got no one.  He grabbed the stroller and started walking to Lucy's school, figuring that someone would soon call him back to give him a ride.  Well, he got there and still no call.  So, he packed her up and began walking home, again thinking that at any moment someone would call him back.  Again, no one.
He is getting close to home and it is getting really late (it is almost 5 miles there and back).  Luke needs to be picked up by 6 p.m. and it's 5:30 p.m.  So, he calls Stephanie and she answers.  She is close to the Y, so Paul asks her to go to the Y to track me down.  And that is how Stephanie and I came face to face in the YMCA sauna.
I picked up Luke and we are all home tonight, safe and sound.  The tow truck came and towed Paul's truck to the garage.  Hopefully they can look at it tomorrow and figure out what's wrong.
Paul and I have learned a valuable lesson through this experience.  The people he was calling tonight are the people listed on the kids emergency contact lists at their schools.  I think we may want to revise and/or add to this list....

Rumpshaker

Yeah, that's right.  I put together an "Ultimate Running List".  I think my first song for the Half Marathon may be "You Keep Me Hanging On" by Kim Wilde.

Friday's Workout:
Squats with the bar - 20 x 3 reps
Pull Ups - 10 x 3 reps
Triceps - 20 x 3 reps
Bicep curls - 10 x 3 reps
Bicep continuous curls - 10 x 3 reps
Shoulder Lifts - 10 x 3 reps

Then it was on to the track...now things start to get a little crazy!  Grandma Caroline was walking on the YMCA track.  No lie.  She was a much slimmer version of CJ and she wasn't toting a six pack of warm Caffeine Free Diet Coke and a carton of Benson and Hedges, but she brought tears to my eyes with her resemblance.  She also spoke to me; while doing a lap of walking lunges, she stopped and asked me what I was doing and what sport I was training for.  I figured I would give it to her straight up, no sugar coating, just like CJ would want.  I told her they were walking lunges and they made your legs and butt stronger.  I told her I was doing them so that I could run farther.  She just nodded her head and smiled.  Thanks Grandma - I know you are always with me.

1 mile: 8:30 pace
One lap of walking lunges (not included in mile tally)
1 mile: 9:00 pace
One lap of walking lunges (not included in mile tally)
1 mile: 10:00 pace
1 mile: alternating laps of sprints and regular pace - 9:00
1 mile: 10:00 pace

As you can see, the walking lunges killed my pace.  Legs burning. 
I love my Brother's new Brooks shoes. 

Can I Get An Amen?!?

There is so much to blog about today that I don't know quite where to start....so I will start at the beginning.

First of All....has anyone else noticed all of the awesomeness that this past year has brought?  I was thinking back to last year about this time and comparing it to now.  Wow.  I am so amazed and humbled.
These are just a select FEW of the highlights...

1) Brother Aaron is married. 
2) Brother Boo is engaged.
3) My baby girl is now her own little person.  Seriously, HAD to wear her Dora pajama top to school today - made me take her back upstairs to put it on her.  Seriously.
4)  Lucas is registered for Kindergarten.  I will soon have a child in "real" school.
5)  My husband rode in the Tour De Tonka.  He has a goal of riding a Century this summer.
6)  I am in the best shape I have been in since High School.  I am registered to run a Half Marathon.

This is how I started today, thinking of all of these and many more blessings this past year has brought.  Thank you Jesus!  Does anyone else find all this amazing?  This was all in just ONE year!

Half Marathon Fueling

Pretty good video on how you should fuel your body during a half marathon...

http://bcove.me/nwyadnry

New Kicks!

I got to run in a new pair of Brooks shoes today...they are a lightweight running shoe and different from the Ghost 4 that I have been running in...I like how they feel - different, but good. 
My Wiff thinks they are "bright."  What do you think?

These are not the shoes that I will be running my half marathon in, but a shoe to use every once in a while to change things up...

Fridays Run:
Miles:  5.0
Time:  39:51
Pace:  7:58

I ran 27 miles this week - that would be record for me...as far as I can remember anyway.

Answers

Lori - GU gel is all right if you get a good flavor...you need to find one you like because you probably won't like every flavor...I actually prefer GU CHOMPS - which is a different form of gu...they come in cubes instead of a liquid...thats my take on GU.  I will have a package of GU CHOMPS with me for the 1/2.

I know it may be impossible for you...but have you tried running in the morning when you have nothing in your tummy?  I wouldn't think you would have the same poopie problems at that point in the morning.

Dinner Was Great

Did some speed work today...

2 miles @ 8:00
3 min walk
4 minutes @ 9 mph
3 min walk
3 minutes @ 9 mph
3 min walk
3 minutes @ 9 mph
3 minute walk
3 minutes @ 9 mph
3 minute walk
1.2 miles @ 8:00

6.02 miles in 53:08

And then when I got home I made myself some Spaghetti O's....with meatballs
And they were delicious.
Boom.

Finding The Cure

I am still having difficulties with gastric distress after the longer training runs - basically anything around 6 miles or over.  And by difficulties, I mean things are really bad. 
I've been doing some researching online and have come to find out the answer really lies within myself.

There are so many possibilities that it seems my only recourse is to begin a workout journal documenting all factors.  Technically, this is a major part of my training for Fargo.  So, are you all ready to go on this "journey" with me?  Tie up your shoes and grab the toilet paper.

Food Log for today:
3 cups of the sweet nectar from the Gods (some people call it coffee)
2 Bowls of Kashi cereal
2 cups of Soy Milk
1/2 cup of Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup of blueberries
2 -Morningstar Hot Dogs
2 - slices of Double Protein bread
2 tbs mustard
2 tbs ketchup
32 ounces of water
1 medium apple

So yeah...... pretty embarassing because it's only 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon and most people don't eat this much in a day.  I still have afternoon snack, dinner and night time snack left. 
Oh, and don't forget, this is not a workout night.  However, I am trying to make myself do DVD workouts at home on my "non-exercise" nights.  I haven't won that argument with myself, yet.

One factor that I am absolutely sure about is that this only happens when I run.  I have regularly been doing my boot camp class followed by tabatas class on Mondays which is 1.5 hours of intense cardio and strength training exercises.  However, I never have stomach problems afterwards.

Plan of Attack:
1) Tomorrow I am scheduled to do my running.  I am going to try drinking gatorade to see if the diarrhea may be due to electrolyte imbalance.
2) Will stop chewing gum with sorbitol. 
3) Diet will be a constant evaluation. I think I need to cut back on the fiber the day before longer runs and overall, may need to increase my carb intake - and not the "good" carbs as they have fiber. 
-Note to self: will have to try this next time as I have had a fair amount of fiber already today.
4) Next I may try something called "GU" packets.  Anybody have any thoughts on these?
5) As a last resort, I will take Immodium.  Depending on how this all goes, I may just take it on the day of the race to decrease my anxiety about pooping my pants/having diarrhea running down my legs, in front of thousands of people.

I Saw A Man Wearing A Cowboy Hat And A Leather Vest Rollerblading Today...I Laughed

Should have run outside today since it was 60 degrees here!!!  But I am in love with the treadmill..okay, not really.  But what I do like about the treadmill is that I can control how fast I have to run - and for right now, that is what I need.  I am trying to push myself into being able to run 7:30 minute miles..and I don't know what that feels like running on my own...so I am going to stick to the treadmill for a while...

Good run today! 

Wednesdays Run:
Miles:  5.0
Time:  39:27
Pace:  7:53

Running Out The Soreness

While I was taking an easy run today to get some of the soreness out of my legs...I did while running next to stinky.  Its no wonder that the only treadmill left open out of the 50 was the one right next to him.  I was actually gagging while running...it made my 10 minute mile pace a little more difficult. 

My legs are still sore...going to take tomorrow off from running. 
I should have a new pair of Brooks shoes by the end of the week - really excited about that!
And I should have my Twins season tickets by the end of the week as well - boom!

Mondays Run:
Miles:  3.0
Time:  30 Minutes
Pace:  10:00

Running Just As Fast As We Can

Oh Sunday...my favorite running day.  Its the "lets see how far I can run today" day.  I managed 8 miles at a good pace...and was watching some pretty good golf and hoops on TV while running...that made the run a little easier.

Sundays Run:
Miles:  8.03
Time:  1:03:34
Pace:  7:55

Now, its time to relax and wait for my favorite show "Finding Bigfoot" to come on...

Lazy Bones

I didn't feel like running at all today - but managed to get to PF and run 4 miles.  I didn't set any speed records but I did get a good sweat.  I ran 26 miles this week, which is a personal high for me.  Going to take Saturday off and get back at it on Sunday.

Fridays Run:
Miles:  4.0
Time:  33:26
Pace:  8:21

We Didn't Start The Fire

That is going to be the first song on my playlist for the 1/2 marathon...can't go wrong with that one, right?

I did the same speed workout from last week again today...it went much better.

Thursdays Run:
10 minutes @ 8:13
4 minutes @ 9 mph
3 minutes easy
3 minutes @ 9 mph
3 minutes easy
2 minutes @ 9 mph
3 minutes easy
2 Miles @ 8:00

5 Miles total

In other things that don't matter (like this blog)...the Twins won their exhibition game against the Red Sox 6-5.  

Mom - Thanks For The New T-Shirt

It fits perfect!

Life And Running

Life (and #running) is not all about time but about our experiences along the way.

February Totals

I made my 50+ mile goal for February...and then some - awesome month for me on the treadmill...

February Totals
Miles:  82.1
Time:  11.3 Hours
16 runs for 8,392 calories burned

January Totals
Miles:  37.8
Time:   5.26 Hours
10 runs for 4,206 calories burned

December Totals
Miles:  31.83
Time:  4.43 Hours
7 runs for 3,267 calories burned

November Totals
Miles:  38.99
Time:  5.66 Hours
10 runs for 5,427 calories burned

October Totals
Miles:  24.67
Time:  3.65 Hours
7 runs for 3,358 calories burned

September Totals
Miles:  63.95
Time:  9.39 Hours
14 runs for 8,964 calories burned

August Totals
Miles:  62.67
Time:  9.86 Hours
18 runs for 8,532 calories burned