10.5 Miles on the dreadmill and I loved (almost) every minute of it!

I never did get out and finish up those 9 miles that I bailed on. I figured out that the humidity combined with poor carb-loading the day before caused me to dehydrate and made me pretty miserable. I finished up my training week and continued on, slightly worried about the next long run of 10.5 miles. I had some decent evening runs and ran a solid 4 miles last week. It took me a good week to recuperate from that epic fail. I was dreading my mileage increase and actually started to dread my short 30-minute runs. Afraid of my run? That has not happened to me before and I was quite ashamed. Then, I was gifted the best present in the whole wide world, this beautiful thing:

Source: Nordic Track

The Nordic Track C900 Pro. I actually ordered the C900, on sale with a 10% off coupon AND free shipping. They were out of the C900 and upgraded me (free of charge) to the C900 Pro! It came early Friday afternoon. It took me all day to assemble it. I woke up Saturday morning more sore than I have felt after racing a half marathon. My quads hurt from all the up and down during assembly. I guess I need to start incorporating squats into my weight training? I actually had to take a hot shower last night and then rub my quads down with icy hot to loosen them up for this morning’s run. It worked.

I set my alarm for 6, got up and ate some oatmeal and crawled back into bed with half a cup of coffee. When I was able to focus my eyes clearly, I got back out of bed and put on my running skirt. I wanted to start by 6:45 so I could be done shortly after the boys woke up. Too bad the noise of me on the treadmill woke them up! I was only half a mile in when they came out of their room. They did enjoy watching me run. For ten minutes. Then they moved on to more important things like playing chess or with their legos.

I did experience some technical difficulties due to user error. I was 1.25 miles in and decided it would be a good idea to move the key clip to me so the machine would turn off if I managed to tumble. I didn’t tumble, but I did manage to unplug the machine and it deleted my stats from the screen. I plugged it back in and made the mental note that I was running to 9.25 miles instead of 10.5. For some reason, I remember that I had just burned 200 calories but can’t remember the time. Ha! My next “technical difficulty” was around mile 8.5 (give or take some mileage). I didn’t realize that the machine would turn off after 1.5 hours of use. It did. Thankfully it kept my distance and I could quickly turn up the speed to the pace I had been keeping. There is nothing worse than running at a set pace and then have it slow down unexpectedly. Next time I will anticipate this turn off.

I wore my race vest full of water and kept and handheld bottle of nuun on the cup holder. I took a gel at mile 4 and at mile 8. Even though I was running inside, I didn’t want to dehydrate myself again. I only took walk breaks at mile 4 (with a gel), mile 7 (my legs were needing a rest due to the sore quads) and mile 8 (second gel). The unplanned walk break at mile 7 was due to my legs not being used to running longer distances.

It is hard to run any distance on it with the screen (slowly) counting up your distance but once I hit 5 miles I knew I was halfway done and it seemed to go quicker. I would consider today’s run an epic success! I know that training for a marathon on a treadmill is not ideal, but in this New Orleans humidity, I need a reprieve! The good news is that it is a flat course AND the humidity will be much less in February.

It’s a great day for running y’all!

11 > 15

No, I did not fail 1^st grade math. Yes, I do possess a Bachelor’s degree. I understand that 11 is not larger than 15 mathematically BUT on the pain scale of my recent long runs, 11 miles is WAY more painful than 15 miles. Why is that? If you remember my post here about how 11 miles kicked my butt, then you will be shocked to hear that yesterday’s 15 miles was exhilarating. I felt strong, had no problems breathing, even skipped a few walk breaks and finished strong! I have not ever finished a double digit run and felt that strong. The only hard part about yesterday’s run was the 45-degree temperature combined with the wind advisory. It was an ice-cold run and I found myself running just to keep warm. I guess it did the trick because my run was epic.

I will admit that I was dreading these 15 miles. I was supposed to have run them last Thursday, but I was on antibiotics for a TMI infection and decided to sleep the day away. If I had run that day or even the next day, I would have died from heat exhaustion because our temps were pushing 80+. I went camping with the cub scout pack on Saturday. The day was gorgeous and warm. By Saturday night, the temps dropped 30 degrees and the wind started up. Thank you Sandy. By the time we got home on Saturday, we had a slight drizzle. I listened to the winds howl all Sunday night. Monday morning, I stayed in bed extra long, trying to keep warm. Then I chided myself out of bed and into my running clothes.

Long sleeves, a fleece vest, hat and gloves combined with plenty of water and gels and I was out the door. The wind was bitterly cold and would change directions so it felt like the whole 15 miles was with a head wind. I didn’t care about a time; my run was all about the distance. I swallowed gels at miles 3, 6, 9. & 12. I finished all four of my water bottles and stopped by the house for a refill. If I felt strong and my timer was going off, I would skip the walk break. I found that I kept warmer by moving. If I walked in the first half, it was only for 30 seconds just to keep warm. I have often wondered if I would be able to run a half without using the Galloway plan and yesterday’s run proved to me that I can; someday.

Looking at my splits, I am very happy with my pace. I averaged an 11:35 min pace which is really good for me for long distances. I only had one mile break 13 minutes (mile 10) and even then, it was only 13:09.8. It is my goal to keep all of my (mile) splits under 13 minutes and especially under 12 minutes for my race. (I only had two miles in the 12 minute pace) After yesterday’s run, I am confident that I can do that in 3 ½ weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can stay healthy and strong!!!

It’s a great day for running!!!

One with run

I don’t know if it was the back to school excitement, the oatmeal I had for breakfast or the cool, crisp morning, but I had an epic run today! The boys and I were at the bus stop with ample picture taking time. I snapped away while my 3^rd grader rolled his eyes at me. The 1^st grader posed, hid behind his hood, posed some more and then pushed his big brother. I found myself scolding them, at the bus stop, waiting for the beautiful, yellow bus to turn the corner and turn its lights on. Finally it did! I snapped a few more pictures of the boys bounding on the bus and then quickly dropped off my camera and the boys’ sweatshirts in the house. Run time, fun time!

kids are back to school.

hop on bus. run time, fun time.

epic. one with run.

See, I was so excited about my run; I composed a haiku! I wish that every run would be as exhilarating as this one! As we all know, running, like life, must have its hills, valleys and plateaus. That is what makes runs like today's so enjoyable.

Today may you find that elusive high and become one with your run! It’s a great day for running y’all!!

Stay At Home Mother Runner Ramblings

Last Sunday, (has it been THAT long??) I woke up before my alarm to go for a run. I was so excited to finally lace up my asics and hit the pavement. My legs were heavy, my lungs felt like deflated balloons, it was an EPIC run! That run kicked my butt, it felt so good to be out there sweating. I left my iPod and my Garmin at home. I let the birds be my music and the sun be my Garmin. It felt so good! Monday, I put the boys on the bus and went for a walk. I had to run across the street to avoid cars and I found myself exhilarated. It felt so good to pump my legs that I continued for the remaining 2.5 miles of my walk. I am so glad that I listened to my body and changed that walk to a run because L came home from school that day with a headache and a fever. Oh Snap! My week’s running plans were just flushed down the toilet with another sick kid. By Wednesday morning, he was so bad I took him to the doc. The same fever virus that N had that settles into an ear infection, boo! After 32 hours back on antibiotics, L went back to school today. REWIND. J went to work late yesterday and I was able to fit in a run after visiting the kindergarten class and before he had to leave for work (remember L was home sick). That run was gloriously butt kicking! I came home, took a shower and then started my core exercises. I was sore this morning so I skipped my run and decided that all the walking around Legoland could by my “walk” for the day. Tomorrow, I run. I can’t wait!

Whilst sitting around the house taking care of a sick L, I cruised the internet and saw that some skirts were on sale at Running Skirts. I threw them into my basket and saw that there was free shipping available (miracle!) so I typed in the RunLove coupon code and ordered myself FOUR new running skirts. They came yesterday. I can’t wait to try them out! My first one will be tomorrow morning!!! Happy Mother’s Day to me!!!

After buying myself a fabulous Mother’s Day present I decided to check out the upcoming ATL races. I have decided that I am going to run a 5k, 10k and Half this year! I am planning to run the Dog Days 5k on 8/11/12. I will then hit the Big Peach Sizzler 10k over Labor Day weekend and then I will finish with the Grand Finale, the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. The ATL ½ is my debut half from last year and I can’t wait. I have some unfinished business with those hills. They are going to become my b!t(h and I can’t wait! I am also going to sign up for the Publix Georgia Half, which will be on St. Patrick’s Day in 2013; I’m thinking I might have to dress in costume?

Overall, it is shaping to be a fabulous year. I wasn’t even planning on running more than one race this year due to hubby’s work schedule but I am ready for the challenge!!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and a Happy Mother’s Day to you!!!

Happy Running Y’all!!!

Naked Run

Today I went for a run, naked, and it felt good. It was better than good it was amazing! (If you don’t know what naked running is, get your minds out of the gutter! No electronics. No music. No garmin. Just you and your running shoes.) Don’t get me wrong, it was butt kicking hard, but it was epic. My legs were heavy, my lungs struggled, it was muggy, it was spectacular! 

My first run in over two weeks and my sciatica didn’t hurt. I did stretch longer than usual and had a thorough icing. But back to my run. I have been dreaming of this run for over a week. Having a sick one at home, I have watched so much Star Wars, I’m an honorary padawan. Today I ran and I savored EVERY.SINGLE.STEP! The birds were my music, the sun was my garmin. 

Yes, I had L take my picture before getting on the bus this morning.

Today I ran, today’s a great day for running y’all!

Plo Koon

Yesterday I ran 3.14 in 30:48.6. I can honestly say that I gave it my best effort. Most runs, I don't push myself. I'm a solo runner with exercise-induced asthma and severe environmental allergies. I don't want to risk it. Have you ever been to Atlanta this time of year? The trees are releasing their "essence". In a few days-weeks, the pine trees will be releasing a thick coat of greenish-yellow pollen that will blow in the wind and make it look like we are being gassed. It's disgusting. It's horrible for my allergies and asthma. It is the time of year I want/need to strap on my Plo Koon mask and keep running.

I digress. Yesterday's run was epic. I pushed myself and ran when my lungs were begging me to stop and catch my breath. (Yes, I have to stop a lot due to my asthma, and walk it off so I don't start wheezing.) My lungs, for the most part, handled it and I'm proud of my run yesterday. I look forward to the day that my lungs won't make me stop and "walk it off", but I am happy with the effort I put out yesterday.

Here are my splits:

***

Split Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Avg Pace Best Pace Calories Summary 30:48.6 3.14 60 64 9:49 6:10 326 1 9:22.1 1.00 21 0 9:22 7:25 106 2 9:57.0 1.00 27 30 9:57 6:10 102 3 10:09.1 1.00 12 16 10:09 6:29 102 4 1:20.3 0.14 0 17 9:34 7:10 16

The third mile was mostly uphill, or so it seemed! It was definitely my slowest mile. I didn't stop at all for the first mile which is a big deal for me. I could kick some serious butt if I could keep my first mile pace for the full distance. I ask you all: how do I strengthen my lungs while running during allergy season? Any of you run with exercise-induced asthma? Yes, I do use my inhaler before running. How can I wean myself from these "walk it off" breaks? Especially at shorter distances. I know I need to build my base and take it one mile at a time, but any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

***My apologies, I do not know how to make the split chart smaller. I am obviously web/blogger challenged!***

13.1 and Happy Birthday

My 33^rd birthday was on Thursday. I announced to my children that if anyone asks, Mommy is 29. N (my 5 year old) replied with, “But Mommy 29 doesn’t come after 32!” He was confused until I repeated that from here on out, Mommy will always be 29. He caught on quickly. I later got an email from one of his teachers telling me Happy Birthday. N apparently went to school and told his teachers that it was his Mommy’s birthday and that I was turning 29, ‘atta boy!!!!

I wanted to celebrate my day with a Half Marathon distance. Unfortunately, I had too many mommy responsibilities to do. Can you say Room Mom responsibilities coupled with washing floors and scrubbing toilets??? I decided to celebrate one day late. I can honestly say that each time I run the half marathon distance, it gets easier. Just as I had hoped! I was skeptical and almost backed out. I had only run three miles earlier this week and the pain meds I was on from my cyst really dried me out. I knew that I hadn’t fueled and hydrated properly in the days leading up to Friday, but I decided that I wasn’t going to make excuses. Just shut up, get out there and be your GBA Mother Runner self and get it done! So I did! It was EPIC! I have been training with the Galloway method for the Publix GA ½ on 3/18. I may or may not actually run the race due to hubby’s work schedule, but I wanted to follow a training schedule to keep myself up to snuff. This time around I decided to not take the walk breaks when my timer went off unless I really needed a reprieve. I was able to skip a few walk breaks and I don’t think it really hurt me too much. The next time I train, I will attempt to only walk every 2.5 miles and then stretch it out until I can run the WHOLE 13.1 miles.

It was hot and muggy. 65 degrees and I am not sure of the humidity, but let’s say we had a tornado come through that night, so it was MUGGY. Once again, my need for carrying more water on my fuel belt was the main theme of the run. I took my gels at miles 3, 6 & 9. In hindsight, I should have taken another gel at mile 12 to finish strong. Next time. I was keeping a solid 10:30 pace (not as fast as I’d like to be) until the hills. They are the bain of my existence. I slowed down, dug in and went after them. Mile 10 was my slowest mile (I LOVE my Garmin!!) and I was expecting it to be, since that is my wall. I pushed through and picked up the pace. When I finished in just under 2.5 hours I was ecstatic! I always think I can finish it in 2:20 or even 2:15, but I can never finish strong. Some day…

I finished feeling strong and confident that I can pick up my pace AND thankful for the ability to run!

Lessons learned: Take that last gel at mile 12 to finish strong, keep taking gels at 3, 6 & 9. Buy a Speed 4 or a CamelBak, I live in Atlanta and it is only going to get hotter as the year progresses! Face the wall, dig in, and push on through!!! I’m a GBA Mother Runner!!!

Eight IS Great!

As I was waking up this morning prepping for my 6.5 run, I had a revelation. Why not run 8??!!?? I am training for the Publix Georgia Half Marathon (that I might or might not be able to run in=CRAZY). Getting my double infection and being placed on antibiotics really screwed up my training schedule. I decided to skip the 6.5 and go for the 8 that I was originally planning to run late next week even though the training schedule has it set for tomorrow. I logged on to map my run to map out an 8 mile route close to home since it is supposed to rain today. Yes, I am from Seattle. No, I don't think that I'm going to melt in the rain. BUT have you ever experienced East coast rain? It is NOT like a Seattle drizzle. It pours buckets; porcupines and penguins. You can step outside for less than two minutes and come back inside looking like you took a shower fully clothed. So, mapping a run close to home would make it easy to bail if it started pouring. Thankfully it didn't.

As I started my run, I reflected on the last time I ran 8 miles. I was prepping for my half. I was scared of 8 miles, I had never ran that far before. I kept saying all week, "Eight is great!" just to pump myself up. I don't remember much about that run. I know that when I was done, I felt fabulous, like I had conquered the world! I wish that I had started this blog at the beginning of my training so I could remember exactly what I was feeling. I do know that I ran those 8 miles in 1:36:26. I remember that they were hard, but not impossible.

Today's run was fabulous! My legs were sore; I don't normally run three days in a row. I like to have a rest day before a long run, but that's how my schedule has worked out this week. My compression socks did the trick for my calves. I tried a Power Bar Energy Gel for the first time around mile 4 (I don't have a Garmin-someday!!). I really liked it. It was much easier to get down than the Cliff Shotblocks I used for my half. I had one bottle of water and one of Nuun in my fuel belt. Perfect combo of hydration and fuel. I kicked it. Today, I ran 8.33 miles in 1:26:02. I shaved ten minutes off my time! Not to mention that I ran farther. I felt on top of the world! I love that running makes me feel that way: strong, invincible and badass! When I got home, I looked at my time, checked it against the last time. I then had to re-check my route to make sure I didn't accidentally run 7 miles instead of 8 (boy a Garmin would be nice!). I couldn't believe that I had shaved 10 minutes, but I did! And it was epic.

Happy running y'all!

Back In The Saddle

I went for a short 3 mile run today. It felt good. It felt better than good. It was epic! I haven't run since that whiny post. I finished up my meds and slept like there was no tomorrow. I felt normal yesterday and plugged in the wii fit. I haven't used it for over two years. The good news is I lost over 17 pounds since the last time I stepped on. The bad news is that it took me over 1,100 days to achieve it-- according to the fit. I was able to do some step aerobics, running (in place) and yoga. I then passed over the controls to the boys and let them have at it.

Today I was sure to eat a bowl of oatmeal before heading out the door. I used to be able to run with only water and coffee in my system. My body got used to having food before running (even short distances) during my training. I headed out the door with plenty of time for a run, stretching and shower before J had to leave for work. I had zero expectations. It had been a week since my last run. My lungs and legs to do not cooperate after more than a few days off. I cranked up some Led and hit the pavement. I felt great! My lungs were cooperating and my legs felt as light as air! It was epic! My body needed that week's rest.

I'm planning to head back out tomorrow for another short 3.1 before J heads to work. He closes the restaurant on Saturday so I'm shooting for 6.5 early that morning. He has Sunday off (miracle of miracles!) so if the weather cooperates, we're going to go on a family hike. Not sure if I will be able to squeeze in a run Monday, I'll try for 3.1. The boys go back to school on Tuesday and I can return to a normal schedule.

I hope you all are getting out there and enjoying those endorphins! Happy running!

Busy Week, No Posts

Hello! I'm here and I'm running. I just haven't had time to blog. It's been a busy week down here. The boys had their "Holiday" parties this week and being double room mom means that I was super busy prepping for said parties.

I did run last Saturday as I mentioned in my last post. The sun was out and it was perfect running weather. The only problem was, my skirt kept riding up. I had to stop every five minutes to pull down my skirt and my under shorts. That put a damper on my desired "perfect run". What a let down. 3.1 miles, stop and go to pull out clothes. Boo!

I ran Monday. 3.1 more miles. I had a hard time with my lungs, even using my inhaler. The past few runs, I've had heavy legs, heavy lungs. Depressing runs. I did manage to find that elusive runner's high on Monday, the only redeeming factor on this run.

Tuesday, 3.1 more miles run. It was warm so I rocked my compression socks with shorts and a tank top. Another "depressing" run. I have found myself wondering what's going on? I managed to run 13.1 miles a month ago and now I'm struggling with 5k. Where's my speed? Where's my endurance???

Ran again yesterday. I decided to throw on the skirt I trained in, super cute pink compression socks and a pink tank top. I ran 5k and I found "IT"! It felt so good to run. First half was hard with my lungs, but I warmed up and found my speed. A redeeming run and it felt fabulous!

I wasn't even planning on running yesterday. My hip was hurting and I had a lot to get done before the boys got off the bust and started their Christmas vacation. But it was a gray, rainy, muggy day and I was fighting my Seattleite SAD self. I decided to shake off the depression with a mind-clearing run. Zero expectations but to get out there and shake off the darkness. What an epic run! It all clicked and felt so good! I found my "speed". I use quotes because I'm not THAT fast, but I managed to find my race pace yesterday and it felt so good. I am actually sore from yesterday's run and it feels so good!!!

As I type, I have L sitting over my left shoulder reading every.single.word. He's laughing. N is constructing some sort of fort with my laundry baskets in the spare bed. The house is already destroyed, I'm trying to keep my sanity. January 10th is a LONG way off. Just remembering yesterday's run and dreaming of my next run on Christmas day.

Happy running y'all!!!

Runner Envy

It's a gorgeous 65 degrees in the ATL this afternoon. I had one EPIC run this morning and I am turning green with envy when I see a runner go past my house. Is is bad that I want to abandon my mom duties and hit the pavement for the 2nd time today? Maybe it's the post race blues, but I wanna run!!!!

10k Never Felt So Good

Last night I left the house at 8:30 (PM!!!) to meet an old friend for a drink downtown. I never leave the house that late. N.E.V.E.R. I am usually crawling into bed at 8:30. I haven't seen this friend since my wedding day almost ten years ago. It was great to see her, have a drink and catch up on the last decade! Unfortunately, last night was not the makings for a great "long" run today. Or so I thought.

G was SOOO right! Last Friday I tried to run 5 miles and threw the towel in at 5k. My body wasn't feeling it. I waited a week and set out today. I had zero expectations; especially after falling asleep after midnight! Ideally I wanted to run the 5 miles I missed last week, but would have been happy with 5k again.

I had a swig of OJ and set out the door. My run was amazing. Epic! I felt as strong as I did during my half! My legs were light and my lungs were working. I hit 5k just at 30 minutes and decided to go for 10k. I finished in 1:01. Other than not fueling and having to wait for cars to cross the streets, it was perfect! The kind of run I dream of. Just me, the road and some Led.

Happy running y'all!