I found out that my dad might have cancer again. I am mad, scared, frustrated, anxious....but I am trying to hold out hope. As a nurse, I think it seems obvious- 3 spots lit up on the PET scan.... But I know that God can make anything happen. I am trying to be positive.
I did not work out the past 3 days. I am starting to get a virus but fighting it off pretty successfully- just a little bt of sore throat and achey-ness.
I went to the gym today- 45 minutes on the treadmill. 2 minutes run, 1 minute walk for 10 cycles, then 1 minute run (faster) and 2 minutes walk. The fastest one I did was at 7.5 mph. Afterwards, stretched, then did 15 minutes abs class with Lisl. After that was my workout with Mitch, which totally kicked my butt. We did a lot of plyometrics and muscle strength...my legs are pretty sore now!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Day workout
Treadmill- 45 minutes. 5 minutes walking warmup, ran 2 minutes at 5.5, then walk 1 minute x 10. Then run 1 minute ( anywhere from 6.5- 7.0) and walk 2 minutes for 10 minutes. finished with 5 minutes walk.
abs- russian twist, flutter kicks, hands and feet crunch up to the sky, and then crunch knees and elbows toward each other.
Tomorrow Ruth Anne has a new Tread and Shred treadmill class I am going to try out....
abs- russian twist, flutter kicks, hands and feet crunch up to the sky, and then crunch knees and elbows toward each other.
Tomorrow Ruth Anne has a new Tread and Shred treadmill class I am going to try out....
New Years Day
It's been a few days since I posted so I'll have to try and think of what I've done since. On Sunday I did 45 minutes on the treadmill, switching back and forth between walking and running again, mostly doing 90 second intervals. Then I warmed up for 20 minutes before doing Lisl's 1 hour spin class. Definitely a hard day. I topped it off by doing 20 minutes of the Jillian Michael's wii game while Phil was out riding.
Monday, I did Sam's 1 hour spin class, in the back row with Luc. Lisl and Sam teach so differently and so they are like totally different workouts. In Sam's class it is a lot more about power.
Tuesday was a 30 minute workout with Mitch. I warmed up for 20 minutes first on the treadmill, mostly walking, adding in incline, but I did do 2 (90 second) runs. With Mitch, I did a reclined leg press(hard), hack squats one leg at a time, standing then squatting on an upside down bosu (that thing was rocking like crazy but I never fell down!). We flipped the bosu upright and I rested my hands on the bar of the squat rack, then jumped one leg then the other onto the upright bosu, sort of like the legs part of the "Iron Mike". then it was straddle on the weight bench, barbell across my shoulders, stand up then slowly sit onto the weight bench. The final exercise was sort of like a plie while holding a large (20#?) dumbell in my hands.
After the workout I had to get weighed and body fat measurement taken. Weight: 200#. Body fat: 29.3. UGH! My goal is to lose 12 pounds over the next month.
I have been very strict with my diet as well. Only eating healy except for yesterday when I had maybe about 2 handfuls of sun chips and about a cup of bread pudding.
That's it for now....
Monday, I did Sam's 1 hour spin class, in the back row with Luc. Lisl and Sam teach so differently and so they are like totally different workouts. In Sam's class it is a lot more about power.
Tuesday was a 30 minute workout with Mitch. I warmed up for 20 minutes first on the treadmill, mostly walking, adding in incline, but I did do 2 (90 second) runs. With Mitch, I did a reclined leg press(hard), hack squats one leg at a time, standing then squatting on an upside down bosu (that thing was rocking like crazy but I never fell down!). We flipped the bosu upright and I rested my hands on the bar of the squat rack, then jumped one leg then the other onto the upright bosu, sort of like the legs part of the "Iron Mike". then it was straddle on the weight bench, barbell across my shoulders, stand up then slowly sit onto the weight bench. The final exercise was sort of like a plie while holding a large (20#?) dumbell in my hands.
After the workout I had to get weighed and body fat measurement taken. Weight: 200#. Body fat: 29.3. UGH! My goal is to lose 12 pounds over the next month.
I have been very strict with my diet as well. Only eating healy except for yesterday when I had maybe about 2 handfuls of sun chips and about a cup of bread pudding.
That's it for now....
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Back to running
Thought I would dust off this old blog as a way to keep track of my workouts...since I am sure I am the only one to read it now!
Started running last weekend, using a beginner's plan from Runner's World. Even though I can crank it in a 1 hour spin class, I sure can't run anymore! I started out with a run 1 min/ walk 2 minutes & repeat 10x workout. I did that I think 4 times for the week.
Today, I moved it up to run 90 sec, walk 90 sec, repeat 10 times. The RW plan said to move from the first week to "run 2 minutes walk 1 minute. Repeat 10x". I wasn't sure if I could manage that, so I decided to do the 90 seconds instead. I think it worked out well, since I ended up with 15 minutes of running. After doing 40 minutes on the treadmill, I spent 20 minutes warming up in spin, then did a 1 hour spin class with Lisl. It was a great class and I ended up with a puddle of sweat under my bike.
I did pretty well foodwise today too. 2 TBSP peanut butter (roughly) before going to the gym, 2 water bottles at the gym, a bottle of lowfat choclate milk after the gym. 6 inch veggie delight on wheat for lunch. 3 clementines. 1 cup brown rice. 1 turkey burger on a wheat bun, ketchup and sweet relish on it, and about 1/2 cup sweet potato fries (weren't very good...we just baked sliced sweet potatoes and tossed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with montreal steak seasoning.
I also tried out my jillian michaels fitness ultimatum 2009 on the wii fit. spent 15 minutes, it seems like it will be an OK workout if I could just get some of the parts down. Have no idea how to get those paint balls picked up!
Started running last weekend, using a beginner's plan from Runner's World. Even though I can crank it in a 1 hour spin class, I sure can't run anymore! I started out with a run 1 min/ walk 2 minutes & repeat 10x workout. I did that I think 4 times for the week.
Today, I moved it up to run 90 sec, walk 90 sec, repeat 10 times. The RW plan said to move from the first week to "run 2 minutes walk 1 minute. Repeat 10x". I wasn't sure if I could manage that, so I decided to do the 90 seconds instead. I think it worked out well, since I ended up with 15 minutes of running. After doing 40 minutes on the treadmill, I spent 20 minutes warming up in spin, then did a 1 hour spin class with Lisl. It was a great class and I ended up with a puddle of sweat under my bike.
I did pretty well foodwise today too. 2 TBSP peanut butter (roughly) before going to the gym, 2 water bottles at the gym, a bottle of lowfat choclate milk after the gym. 6 inch veggie delight on wheat for lunch. 3 clementines. 1 cup brown rice. 1 turkey burger on a wheat bun, ketchup and sweet relish on it, and about 1/2 cup sweet potato fries (weren't very good...we just baked sliced sweet potatoes and tossed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with montreal steak seasoning.
I also tried out my jillian michaels fitness ultimatum 2009 on the wii fit. spent 15 minutes, it seems like it will be an OK workout if I could just get some of the parts down. Have no idea how to get those paint balls picked up!
Monday, November 12, 2007
26.2
The Marine Corps Marathon was such an experience. We woke up at "0-dark-thirty" as my daddy says. We had to take a shuttle over to the start, and we got there very early. As in, we didn't even have to wait for the port a potties! We walked around, listened to a small prayer service led by a Marine chaplain, and found a place to do some stretching. It was horribly cold out. I was worried, but Phil had checked the weather and assured me it was supposed to warm up once the sun was out.
The corral I was in was quite a way back from the start- it took us about 20 minutes to get to the start line after the race started. Finally though, we were off, jogging through a street strewn with plastic garbage bags people had been wearing to keep warm. I was careful to step around them so I wouldn't fall.
The first few miles were tough- as usual. I don't usually feel warmed up until I've done about 10 miles. We had some hilly sections, but truly not bad compared to what I am used to, living in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains.
It was amazing how many spectators were out there, cheering for us. There were so many people that yelled "Go Patti" which always put a smile on my face! At mile five, there was a group of people that had their little dachsund with them, and it looked just like my "nephew" Gismo. So I stopped to say hi and give him a kiss! The people thought that was great and took our picture.
After mile five, we were in a place where we were running along the river- which meant the wind picked up even more. I truly was cold, my fingers felt so cold they hurt and my legs just seemed to stiffen up. It made it so hard to run. I tried to just ignore it and I kept thinking that if I tried to run a little faster my legs would get warmer and looser. That never did seem to happen, though.
The water stops were plentiful, and all run by soldiers in their BDUs. They had powerade at just about every stop, so I kept my water bottle full. They also had gu and beans, but I stuck with my beans. Phil kept trying to meet me at every point he could, and helped me keep up with eating them. I don't like eating so much when I run so it was great to have him keep up with it. He was a super help to me- just like in the rest of life!
When I got to mile ten I started to wonder if I was going to make it through the bridge closing. My legs felt like tree trunks! I also did not have my ipod and I know that would have helped me...but they were not allowed. I tried to keep motivated by thinking about my daddy, and how his chemo treatments took longer than any of my runs. I also knew he was out there on the course somewhere waiting for me.
By mile seventeen I was seriously worried I would not be able to finish the race. Phil met me and I told him I needed my windpants but he was afraid they would bother me. He ran along with me from mile seventeen to mile nineteen, just talking to me and encouraging me. Right around mile nineteen, my daddy was on the side of the road in a wheelchair, with my cousins Donna and Jim and their Grandson. I ran over to daddy and gave him a big hug and told him "This is all for you". Funny that he told me I came up so fast on him he couldn't really get a picture- because I did not feel fast at all!!
Seeing daddy at mile nineteen gave me a huge lift, and I needed it! The bridge was REALLY long! I pulled over to the side of the road to stretch, which was helpful but also was hard to start running again. I started "marking" people telling myself "just stay with them" or "see if you can pass him" etc. I needed to make little goals because having 6 miles still ahead of me seemed impossible. I also knew that somewhere up ahead, was my coach and he would be running with me at the end of the race.
Phil met me yet again and kept me going. We ran together again, just chugging along. Really, the only things that bothered me were: the tops of my feet from feeling the laces, the blister on the back of my left foot, and the tightness in my legs. I tried to ignore it and just concentrate on getting there. I wanted to get that finisher's medal!
My coach John met me with about a mile or so to go, and we went to the finish line together. While we were running there, John was talking to Phil about running a marathon. Phil had run about a half marathon just trying to keep me going! Now we just had the uphill to the finish- John and I ran across the finish line together- I was done! There were photographers at the iwo jima memorial, but frankly I was just to tired to go get my picture taken. I wanted to get to the team in training tent because daddy was waiting there for me.
How wonderful it was to go into that tent and see Daddy waiting for me! We hugged and just felt so relieved. It was all over- all the months of training, all the months of chemo. All the time of painful muscles, of exhaustion from chemo. The blisters, the needlesticks. It was over!! I was so proud to hang that medal on daddy's neck and tell him "This was all for you daddy."
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Marine Corps Marathon
SO, WE DID IT!!!!
Daddy finished his chemo. And I finished my marathon!!
Wow. What an adventure! I have had plenty of time to process it all, since our internet hasn't been working the last several weeks. But I think I will need to spread the posts about it over a few days.
I flew out from Greenville with my coach, John. Luckily it was a fairly smooth flight, with a minimum of turbulence. John and I chatted the whole way, which was a good thing. I took a shuttle to my hotel, and Phil and Daddy were already there. We headed out to eat and then to the expo.
The marathon expo was a bit overwhelming. Of course, you have to go, because that's where you pick up your number and chip timer, etc. But gosh was it crowded! The Marines did a fantastic job of getting things done in an orderly fashion- but I knew they would! Once inside the expo, I asked one of the Marines for a chair for daddy. He got one from behind a big curtain and was just so nice and helpful to daddy. They were all so sweet and respectful.
On Saturday, since I already had my number and all, I didn't have anything I HAD to do. So we went with my cousins Donna, Jim, and their grandson Andrew to see some sights. First, we went to the Vietnam memorial. We looked up one of my daddy's drill sergeants from basic. It was all very impressive. If I saw the wall when I was in DC as a child, I don't remember it. It is amazing to think about the number on names on that wall. Unbelievable.
We then went up to the Lincoln Memorial, since Lincoln was Phil's favorite president! (Mine- Reagan). Phil and I ran up the stairs. I took Andrew down by the water at the mall, where we talked about ducks.
We then drove over to Arlington cemetery, to see the tomb of the unknown soldier. Again, very impressive. We were lucky enough to be there when the guards put out a wreath given by a group of vets from Louisiana. The guards are just so- STRAC. As my daddy called it. This was a word I grew up with at home- I guess you could just say they looked like not a thread, not a hair, not a thing was out of place. The steps are measured, the turns, all- it is like a highly regimented dance of sorts. Just amazing.
From there, Phil and I went back to the room- to get ready for the race. The room looked like a bomb had gone off in it!
Next post, I will tell all about the race!
Daddy finished his chemo. And I finished my marathon!!
Wow. What an adventure! I have had plenty of time to process it all, since our internet hasn't been working the last several weeks. But I think I will need to spread the posts about it over a few days.
I flew out from Greenville with my coach, John. Luckily it was a fairly smooth flight, with a minimum of turbulence. John and I chatted the whole way, which was a good thing. I took a shuttle to my hotel, and Phil and Daddy were already there. We headed out to eat and then to the expo.
The marathon expo was a bit overwhelming. Of course, you have to go, because that's where you pick up your number and chip timer, etc. But gosh was it crowded! The Marines did a fantastic job of getting things done in an orderly fashion- but I knew they would! Once inside the expo, I asked one of the Marines for a chair for daddy. He got one from behind a big curtain and was just so nice and helpful to daddy. They were all so sweet and respectful.
On Saturday, since I already had my number and all, I didn't have anything I HAD to do. So we went with my cousins Donna, Jim, and their grandson Andrew to see some sights. First, we went to the Vietnam memorial. We looked up one of my daddy's drill sergeants from basic. It was all very impressive. If I saw the wall when I was in DC as a child, I don't remember it. It is amazing to think about the number on names on that wall. Unbelievable.
We then went up to the Lincoln Memorial, since Lincoln was Phil's favorite president! (Mine- Reagan). Phil and I ran up the stairs. I took Andrew down by the water at the mall, where we talked about ducks.
We then drove over to Arlington cemetery, to see the tomb of the unknown soldier. Again, very impressive. We were lucky enough to be there when the guards put out a wreath given by a group of vets from Louisiana. The guards are just so- STRAC. As my daddy called it. This was a word I grew up with at home- I guess you could just say they looked like not a thread, not a hair, not a thing was out of place. The steps are measured, the turns, all- it is like a highly regimented dance of sorts. Just amazing.
From there, Phil and I went back to the room- to get ready for the race. The room looked like a bomb had gone off in it!
Next post, I will tell all about the race!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Twenty
I have hit the peak of my training. I am now in the taper. Thank God!
On Friday, I did the longest run. 20 miles. Ouch.
I started the day with peanut butter, my food of choice before a run. Since it was twenty miles, I decided to have granola bar dipped in peanut butter for extra calories. I later learned this was a bad choice.
As usual, the first two miles were just HARD. They always are, I feel like I can't get my breathing regulated, and it seems to me with all the running I have been doing it would be easier to get started. Anyway, the weather was cooler which was nice, and I actually wore a top over my sportsbra. That only lasted about a mile and a half though. I had worn a bike jersey with a pocket in back, for my phone and sportbeans. I pulled it off and put it on a sign for a church- I figured no one would bother with it there!! At around 3 miles, I was running down Suber Mill road, where there is an old corn mill. There were also some horses in a pasture which made me smile. There were morning glories blooming all over the place and the air seemed to have a slight scent of cinnamon to it (which I love). I picked a beautiful magenta flower and put it into my hair clip- I decided that since this was a monumental day for me, I would celebrate it in style.
I ran a different route than usual- since it was 20 I wanted to try to do an out and back or a loop. I put a good chunk of the run on Buncombe road. I didn't realize that during the day there are a TON of 18 wheelers and dumptrucks on that road. NOT FUN. When I finished the run my chest and neck were gray from all the dust and exhaust.
Once I turned of of Buncombe, it was much nicer. This big chunk of the run was on backroads, including one of my favorite, Gibb Shoals Road. This is the road that has a lot of subdivisions, but tere are also big green pastures and cow farms. Hilly, but just the right amount. I tried to hit the hills better than usual. At 5 miles, Phil met me with a bottle of Gatorade. At ten miles, I was at my gym, where I picked up another bottle and used the restroom. Uh-oh- I mentioned the granola bar right? Well it gave me intestinal distress while I was running. Yup. Horrible.
I made my way down the road from the gym and my stomach really started bothering me. I was on a new road which was a really good hill- down the first half then straight up the second half. Now my legs and lungs were doing OK, but my stomach was really bothering me! I started getting cramps and thought I was going to poop myself! I ended up walking until the cramps went away. Then I would run until the cramps returned. At the end of this road, Phil and Jacob met me again, with another bottle and words of encouragement.
The rest of the "run" went like this- run til I thought I was going to go on myself, then walk til it went away. A couple times I thought I was going to have to run behind a bush!
When I got to mile 17, the blister on the back of my left heel popped open. This sent a searing pain through my foot. I felt like I could only tiptoe on that foot. I called Phil and told him and asked him to pick me up. He told me that I was only 3 miles from home, didn't I think I could make it that far? I said yes, I could, and I continued my pitiful shuffle. I did actually run on and off that last three miles, although anyone driving by would not have called that running! I was worried someone was going to pull over and ask if I needed a doctor!
I was thrilled once I got home, of course, and celebrated by climbing into a tub full of icewater. With ice cubes floating in it. UGH!! But I made it.
The total time for this suffer fest? 5 hours. Yes, 5 hours. It scares me that I won't make it across the bridge in time to finish my marathon! But all I can do is do my best. I have trained hard. I have lost weight and done the best I could. Now I just need to concentrate on doing my best and finishing!
And by the way, during all this time training for the marathon- my daddy has gone through his entire chemo regimen and is now officially in remission!!!
On Friday, I did the longest run. 20 miles. Ouch.
I started the day with peanut butter, my food of choice before a run. Since it was twenty miles, I decided to have granola bar dipped in peanut butter for extra calories. I later learned this was a bad choice.
As usual, the first two miles were just HARD. They always are, I feel like I can't get my breathing regulated, and it seems to me with all the running I have been doing it would be easier to get started. Anyway, the weather was cooler which was nice, and I actually wore a top over my sportsbra. That only lasted about a mile and a half though. I had worn a bike jersey with a pocket in back, for my phone and sportbeans. I pulled it off and put it on a sign for a church- I figured no one would bother with it there!! At around 3 miles, I was running down Suber Mill road, where there is an old corn mill. There were also some horses in a pasture which made me smile. There were morning glories blooming all over the place and the air seemed to have a slight scent of cinnamon to it (which I love). I picked a beautiful magenta flower and put it into my hair clip- I decided that since this was a monumental day for me, I would celebrate it in style.
I ran a different route than usual- since it was 20 I wanted to try to do an out and back or a loop. I put a good chunk of the run on Buncombe road. I didn't realize that during the day there are a TON of 18 wheelers and dumptrucks on that road. NOT FUN. When I finished the run my chest and neck were gray from all the dust and exhaust.
Once I turned of of Buncombe, it was much nicer. This big chunk of the run was on backroads, including one of my favorite, Gibb Shoals Road. This is the road that has a lot of subdivisions, but tere are also big green pastures and cow farms. Hilly, but just the right amount. I tried to hit the hills better than usual. At 5 miles, Phil met me with a bottle of Gatorade. At ten miles, I was at my gym, where I picked up another bottle and used the restroom. Uh-oh- I mentioned the granola bar right? Well it gave me intestinal distress while I was running. Yup. Horrible.
I made my way down the road from the gym and my stomach really started bothering me. I was on a new road which was a really good hill- down the first half then straight up the second half. Now my legs and lungs were doing OK, but my stomach was really bothering me! I started getting cramps and thought I was going to poop myself! I ended up walking until the cramps went away. Then I would run until the cramps returned. At the end of this road, Phil and Jacob met me again, with another bottle and words of encouragement.
The rest of the "run" went like this- run til I thought I was going to go on myself, then walk til it went away. A couple times I thought I was going to have to run behind a bush!
When I got to mile 17, the blister on the back of my left heel popped open. This sent a searing pain through my foot. I felt like I could only tiptoe on that foot. I called Phil and told him and asked him to pick me up. He told me that I was only 3 miles from home, didn't I think I could make it that far? I said yes, I could, and I continued my pitiful shuffle. I did actually run on and off that last three miles, although anyone driving by would not have called that running! I was worried someone was going to pull over and ask if I needed a doctor!
I was thrilled once I got home, of course, and celebrated by climbing into a tub full of icewater. With ice cubes floating in it. UGH!! But I made it.
The total time for this suffer fest? 5 hours. Yes, 5 hours. It scares me that I won't make it across the bridge in time to finish my marathon! But all I can do is do my best. I have trained hard. I have lost weight and done the best I could. Now I just need to concentrate on doing my best and finishing!
And by the way, during all this time training for the marathon- my daddy has gone through his entire chemo regimen and is now officially in remission!!!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Eighteen
Why yes, yesterday I did run eighteen miles!
The actual plan was for a sixteen miler. That was what was on my schedule, and I mapped out a route to do so...run 4.5 miles to my gym, run 7 on the treadmill, run 4.5 back home. Phil brought a bag to the gym for me, with a big jug of gatorade, a couple packs of sport beans, and some magazines.
I left the house just before seven, and made my way to the gym. The route I take there goes along a lovely road with big grassy fields and cow pastures. I was upset to see that one of the grassy fields has been purchased and has a sign "subdivision proposed". The land would be perfect for one house with lots of green space. It will be interesting to see how many houses they jam onto that space.
But I digress. The hardest part of my run is always the first couple of miles. I feel like my breathing is hard, and all the little muscle tightness or joint soreness shows up. Once I pus past that first bit, it gets easier. So I got myself to the gym, and plopped onto a treadmill. But there was someone else in the cardio room, and I didn't have the usual gossip magazines...and then my ipod died. So I left the gym after 4 miles. It was okay, since I didn't really have the treadmill mojo going on. I actually was feeling quite dizzy and wondering if I would make it through 16 miles.
Once back on the road, I started feeling much better. At around 10 miles, I was actually feeling good. I decided on a new plan, to turn at the high school instead of going straight home, and making a quick detour to the middle school track, where I would do a mile on the track and then head home.
At 11 miles, I started aching, in weird places. My tailbone hurt. Why would your tailbone hurt during a run? Now I am thinking maybe I won't make it to the middle school. I found a little spot by a road sign where the weeds had been mowed down, so I pulled over and tried to stretch (how in the heck do you stretch your tailbone area? I just basically bent over!) It was a little better, so I went ahead and went over to the track. By this time, my toes, ankles, hips, and shoulders were yelling at me. Luckily, Phil met me at the track and gave me much needed encouragement (and gatorade!) I hobbled around the track, then headed for home. Luc met me at the high school with a bottle of green tea and the message that it was not 2 miles to the middle school, but three! I was so excited to hear that, that the run home was somewhat easier. I sent Luc ahead to start my ice bath- and this time we actually dumped our entire ice make contents into the tub. It was torture getting in, but after about 5 minutes you get knid of numb to it. I sat in the ice water for about 15 minutes, then took my shower.
The rest of the day ended up being pretty lazy- the family went to the pool with one of my friends and her daughter. I made a simple but wonderful dinner of pasta with potatoes and cabbage, and we had an early night. And so far today, I am feeling pretty good! The only
thing that really hurts is the two blisters on the back of my heels.
So now- eighteen is my newest high run!!!!
The actual plan was for a sixteen miler. That was what was on my schedule, and I mapped out a route to do so...run 4.5 miles to my gym, run 7 on the treadmill, run 4.5 back home. Phil brought a bag to the gym for me, with a big jug of gatorade, a couple packs of sport beans, and some magazines.
I left the house just before seven, and made my way to the gym. The route I take there goes along a lovely road with big grassy fields and cow pastures. I was upset to see that one of the grassy fields has been purchased and has a sign "subdivision proposed". The land would be perfect for one house with lots of green space. It will be interesting to see how many houses they jam onto that space.
But I digress. The hardest part of my run is always the first couple of miles. I feel like my breathing is hard, and all the little muscle tightness or joint soreness shows up. Once I pus past that first bit, it gets easier. So I got myself to the gym, and plopped onto a treadmill. But there was someone else in the cardio room, and I didn't have the usual gossip magazines...and then my ipod died. So I left the gym after 4 miles. It was okay, since I didn't really have the treadmill mojo going on. I actually was feeling quite dizzy and wondering if I would make it through 16 miles.
Once back on the road, I started feeling much better. At around 10 miles, I was actually feeling good. I decided on a new plan, to turn at the high school instead of going straight home, and making a quick detour to the middle school track, where I would do a mile on the track and then head home.
At 11 miles, I started aching, in weird places. My tailbone hurt. Why would your tailbone hurt during a run? Now I am thinking maybe I won't make it to the middle school. I found a little spot by a road sign where the weeds had been mowed down, so I pulled over and tried to stretch (how in the heck do you stretch your tailbone area? I just basically bent over!) It was a little better, so I went ahead and went over to the track. By this time, my toes, ankles, hips, and shoulders were yelling at me. Luckily, Phil met me at the track and gave me much needed encouragement (and gatorade!) I hobbled around the track, then headed for home. Luc met me at the high school with a bottle of green tea and the message that it was not 2 miles to the middle school, but three! I was so excited to hear that, that the run home was somewhat easier. I sent Luc ahead to start my ice bath- and this time we actually dumped our entire ice make contents into the tub. It was torture getting in, but after about 5 minutes you get knid of numb to it. I sat in the ice water for about 15 minutes, then took my shower.
The rest of the day ended up being pretty lazy- the family went to the pool with one of my friends and her daughter. I made a simple but wonderful dinner of pasta with potatoes and cabbage, and we had an early night. And so far today, I am feeling pretty good! The only
thing that really hurts is the two blisters on the back of my heels.
So now- eighteen is my newest high run!!!!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
New longest run...again!
It's fun reaching a new personal best. Every long run I do now, I hit a new longest run-fun! I was a bit worried that I may not be able to finish 14 miles, with the hip trouble, and replacing the weekday runs with bike riding. This weekend's schedule was 14 miles. I had planned to meet a new friend at the trails on Paris Mountain, but she bruised her ribs and just didn't feel up to it yet. Phil was out of town at a bike race Saturday morning, and I didn't want to go to the trails alone with him away. So I went grocery shopping instead, and worked on cleaning out/ organizing the garage.
That meant today I needed to get in my long run, absolutely today....so I told Phil that I would need to go this afternoon. I put a few new songs on my ipod, mixed up a big jug of gatorade, grabbed some sport beans and got going. I went to the gym to run treadmill, since it is a bit more forgiving than the road. I started out slowly, gently. My hip felt pretty good...I got to four miles and so far, so good. Five, six, seven- OK, I've made it halfway. Around 9 miles, my hip and left knee started to bug me. 10- ok, only 4 more miles. Hip sore, but OK. 11miles, pretty sore, but not limping. 12 miles- noticeably limping. I straighten up my back and hip is a little better. Miles 13 and fourteen were a constant switch between walk/run. It felt so great- I couldn't believe I made it to 14 miles! I got off the TM, noticeably stiff and limping, but I went and stretched for a good long while. I stopped at the grocery store- the cashier told me my hair looked good! I couldn't believe that.... got home, and climbed into an "ice bath". (I just turn the knob all the way to cold. I'm too chicken to put in ice!!)
I am feeling pretty psyched that I can manage 14 miles...I just have to keep this up!!
That meant today I needed to get in my long run, absolutely today....so I told Phil that I would need to go this afternoon. I put a few new songs on my ipod, mixed up a big jug of gatorade, grabbed some sport beans and got going. I went to the gym to run treadmill, since it is a bit more forgiving than the road. I started out slowly, gently. My hip felt pretty good...I got to four miles and so far, so good. Five, six, seven- OK, I've made it halfway. Around 9 miles, my hip and left knee started to bug me. 10- ok, only 4 more miles. Hip sore, but OK. 11miles, pretty sore, but not limping. 12 miles- noticeably limping. I straighten up my back and hip is a little better. Miles 13 and fourteen were a constant switch between walk/run. It felt so great- I couldn't believe I made it to 14 miles! I got off the TM, noticeably stiff and limping, but I went and stretched for a good long while. I stopped at the grocery store- the cashier told me my hair looked good! I couldn't believe that.... got home, and climbed into an "ice bath". (I just turn the knob all the way to cold. I'm too chicken to put in ice!!)
I am feeling pretty psyched that I can manage 14 miles...I just have to keep this up!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I waited a week to hit the trail again. During the week, I have gone to the gym and rode the bike or walked on the treadmill since my hip was hurting. It hurt worse after walking the treadmill, so I am going to do long runs on the weekend, and ride the bike during the week for the time being. Luckily I have been working a lot with an orthopedic doc who runs, so I am going to ask him about this injury and what I should do about it.
Yesterday my wonderful husband went trail running with me. He didn't really want to, and he especially didn't want to run for 2 hours. But that is what we did. The trail running is not 2 solid hours of running though- it's running when you can and walking when you can't run. The course we took was different than the run course, but was probably about the same distance. We had a great time, and both agreed that it was much more fun than having a "date night" and going out to dinner.
Luc was very jealous that we got to go out on the trails, so today I took him there. He wanted to do the hard trails, so we ended up doing the sulphur springs loop which was the hardest part of last Saturday's race. He had a hard time, but he kept on going. I was quite proud of him!
Luc has been watching a lot of "Survivorman" and "Man vs. Wild" lately, so he packed a good bag, if a bit overkill. Of course, I ended up carrying his backpack and my fanny pack for most of the hike, which I knew I would end up doing. I was just glad to have him out "doing" instead of just "watching". And I was especially glad that he had packed a roll of TP. I tried out the new accelerade endurance formula, and it didn't sit with me very well... so I did get to teach Luc how to go to the bathroom in the woods without messing yourself!
Training is taking it's toll on me. I have been limping around from the hip problem. I am having a tough time getting out of bed to get to the gym at five in the morning before work, and I am really tired by 8 PM. Luckily my family is very understanding. And very loving! Several years ago, the word simplify was a very important word to me. Now, I feel like "endure" is the word for this season in my life.
Yesterday my wonderful husband went trail running with me. He didn't really want to, and he especially didn't want to run for 2 hours. But that is what we did. The trail running is not 2 solid hours of running though- it's running when you can and walking when you can't run. The course we took was different than the run course, but was probably about the same distance. We had a great time, and both agreed that it was much more fun than having a "date night" and going out to dinner.
Luc was very jealous that we got to go out on the trails, so today I took him there. He wanted to do the hard trails, so we ended up doing the sulphur springs loop which was the hardest part of last Saturday's race. He had a hard time, but he kept on going. I was quite proud of him!
Luc has been watching a lot of "Survivorman" and "Man vs. Wild" lately, so he packed a good bag, if a bit overkill. Of course, I ended up carrying his backpack and my fanny pack for most of the hike, which I knew I would end up doing. I was just glad to have him out "doing" instead of just "watching". And I was especially glad that he had packed a roll of TP. I tried out the new accelerade endurance formula, and it didn't sit with me very well... so I did get to teach Luc how to go to the bathroom in the woods without messing yourself!
Training is taking it's toll on me. I have been limping around from the hip problem. I am having a tough time getting out of bed to get to the gym at five in the morning before work, and I am really tired by 8 PM. Luckily my family is very understanding. And very loving! Several years ago, the word simplify was a very important word to me. Now, I feel like "endure" is the word for this season in my life.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
7 miles in Hell
Yesterday I participated in the Paris Mountain 11K Trail Run. I had never run a trail before, but it sounded like fun. My husband signed up, my BFF, and several people from the gym I go to. I have thought trail running sounded like a nice change from pounding pavement, so I wanted to give it a try.
The race started out running the first half mile on pavement, to sort of "thin out" the pack. I started close to the back, because I know I am slow. It was hard right away, what with my coming out of an injury, and it being held on a mountain and all. The start of the trail was not bad, pretty soft from a bit of mulch and not too many stumps or rocks. I was only getting aggravated by the threesome behind me who were holding a full blast loud conversation. I stopped to let them pass, eating a couple of sport beans. I then settled into a rhythm, sort of. On the road, you just sort of settle in. On the trail, you may shorten or lengthen your steps depending on the terrain, or need to hop over things. But I stuck with a couple of other women who were doing the same as I was, making slow but steady progress.
We ran up and down hills, around trees, over rocks and little streams. We came to a spot where we crossed the road and on of the other girls asked the course marshal how far we had gone- only a mile! Trail running is much more brutal than running on the road! Anyway, we continued to trudge on.
I was feeling pretty worn out as we continued to climb....then what do I see before me but a stone stairway! We walked up this forever long stone stairway that was a straight drop down on one side- it made me very nervous! Once we got off that stairway, it flattened out a tiny bit before continuing to climb forever upward. We stopped at one point to sit on a rock for a minute and catch out breath. That helped out a lot, and at this point we were about 2 miles into the race. We started chugging along pretty well, but then I had to stop and vomit. I really did feel much better at that point but I was feeling so dehydrated. I caught back up with the girls and jogged along with them for a while, and we caught up with Melissa. I walked with Melissa until we got to the water station. We were both probably dehydrated and not feeling great. The water was a lifesaver, and we were back into the woods. By this time, we were running back down the mountain. This was somewhat easier on the muscles, but harder on the joints. It was also tough because there were so many tree roots that just wanted to reach out and grab you! But it was definitely more fun. We alternated running and walking, and it felt so great when we knew we were getting to the finish. We could hear microphones and clapping- they were already holding their awards ceremony! I finished just in time to hear them announce Phil had won third place for his age group! (My husband is a stud!)
Melissa and I finished in 2:09. That was about what I was expecting, and we were told by several people that that was great for our first trail run, and that the Paris Mountain Trail Run is one of the hardest around. This was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. I can't wait to get back out on a trail!!
The race started out running the first half mile on pavement, to sort of "thin out" the pack. I started close to the back, because I know I am slow. It was hard right away, what with my coming out of an injury, and it being held on a mountain and all. The start of the trail was not bad, pretty soft from a bit of mulch and not too many stumps or rocks. I was only getting aggravated by the threesome behind me who were holding a full blast loud conversation. I stopped to let them pass, eating a couple of sport beans. I then settled into a rhythm, sort of. On the road, you just sort of settle in. On the trail, you may shorten or lengthen your steps depending on the terrain, or need to hop over things. But I stuck with a couple of other women who were doing the same as I was, making slow but steady progress.
We ran up and down hills, around trees, over rocks and little streams. We came to a spot where we crossed the road and on of the other girls asked the course marshal how far we had gone- only a mile! Trail running is much more brutal than running on the road! Anyway, we continued to trudge on.
I was feeling pretty worn out as we continued to climb....then what do I see before me but a stone stairway! We walked up this forever long stone stairway that was a straight drop down on one side- it made me very nervous! Once we got off that stairway, it flattened out a tiny bit before continuing to climb forever upward. We stopped at one point to sit on a rock for a minute and catch out breath. That helped out a lot, and at this point we were about 2 miles into the race. We started chugging along pretty well, but then I had to stop and vomit. I really did feel much better at that point but I was feeling so dehydrated. I caught back up with the girls and jogged along with them for a while, and we caught up with Melissa. I walked with Melissa until we got to the water station. We were both probably dehydrated and not feeling great. The water was a lifesaver, and we were back into the woods. By this time, we were running back down the mountain. This was somewhat easier on the muscles, but harder on the joints. It was also tough because there were so many tree roots that just wanted to reach out and grab you! But it was definitely more fun. We alternated running and walking, and it felt so great when we knew we were getting to the finish. We could hear microphones and clapping- they were already holding their awards ceremony! I finished just in time to hear them announce Phil had won third place for his age group! (My husband is a stud!)
Melissa and I finished in 2:09. That was about what I was expecting, and we were told by several people that that was great for our first trail run, and that the Paris Mountain Trail Run is one of the hardest around. This was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. I can't wait to get back out on a trail!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Ouch!
Oh yes...I do have a running blog.
Where did I go? Well, after the lovely run I last posted about, I started having a lot of pain in my left hip. I have been resting it, and riding the bike. I thought it was better, so last night after the bike ride I did a test half mile on the treadmill, at a slow speed. It felt OK, the hip didn't hurt.
Today, when I got out of bed....it's hurting again. Not real bad. I am going to ride the bike the rest of the week, then on Saturday I have an 11K trail race. I think I should be OK because I am just going to take my time, and walk as much as I need to. I am hoping this hip thing goes away because I am getting frustrated with it!!
Where did I go? Well, after the lovely run I last posted about, I started having a lot of pain in my left hip. I have been resting it, and riding the bike. I thought it was better, so last night after the bike ride I did a test half mile on the treadmill, at a slow speed. It felt OK, the hip didn't hurt.
Today, when I got out of bed....it's hurting again. Not real bad. I am going to ride the bike the rest of the week, then on Saturday I have an 11K trail race. I think I should be OK because I am just going to take my time, and walk as much as I need to. I am hoping this hip thing goes away because I am getting frustrated with it!!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Burning Heart
Today was scheduled for 6 miles. I was feeling so tired yesterday that I decided not to join the TNT group for my run. Phil asked me why, since I had to run six miles? Well, I usually end up on my own anyways, so I figured I might as well sleep as long as I could, and then run from my home.
About 15 minutes before the Tour De France coverage ended, I started off. This way, Phil was going to meet me and feed me gatorade. I always have the hardest time with the first couple of miles, so I didn't want him to get up with me until I got through those. (Yes, I have the greatest husband on earth!!!) First mile was out of my neighborhood and down to the high school. This is about as flat as Greenville gets....second mile, there was a gradual downhill, followed by a nice twisty uphill, downhill, and then back uphill. Mile three was a gradual uphill, into a headwind. By now I was getting a little tired. By tired I don't really mean physically tired. The physical part of running is definitely not as hard as the mental part for me. I find it so easy to have self defeating thoughts when I run. I will never be a speed demon, but I think I am doing OK. But when I am running, I think that I am horribly slow, that I don't have good form, I think my sciatica is coming back, etc. This is where music helps. It distracts me from my greatest opponent- myself.
Today I really listened to the words from one of the Rocky songs "Burning Heart." It is from Rocky 4 I think, when he fights Ivan Drago. He is out training on the tundra while Drago is in A USSR sponsored state of the art training facility. At first, I was glad that song was on because it made me think of snow and cold (instead of the heat). But then I really listened to the words.
In the burning heart, just about to burst
There's a quest for answers, an unquenchable thirst
In the darkest night, rising like a spire
In the burning heart, the unmistakable fire, in the burningheart
In the warrior's code, there's no surrender
Though his body says stop, his spirit cries never
Deep in our soul a quiet ember
Knows it's you against you
It’s the paradox that drives us on
It's a battle of wills, in the heat of attack
It's the passion that kills
The victory is yours alone
So was this written for me? Or is it just that we are so often fighting against ourselves? I forget who it was that said this, but I think it's right on target:
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
I CAN finish my marathon. I CAN rock my training! But I can't look as cool as Ivan Drago.
Monday, July 16, 2007
8 mile
Eminem's movie was titled "8 Mile." But this is a post from a whole other world. A world where people are actually happy and love each other and do nice things, just to be nice.
This past Saturday, my schedule had 8 miles on it. I brought sport beans and a bottle of water with me. I should have brought Gatorade, I don't know why I didn't think of that. Anyway, we met at the designated time, and decided that the 8 milers would do our usual 5 mile course, then do the 5K course on Furman. That sounded OK to me. It was cooler out than it has been, so I was able to make it farther than usual before having to take a walk break. I got out the back gate of Furman and was upset that I had not brought my ipod with me. I had been getting so bored with it lately that I didn't think I would want it. But I did. I needed distraction that day, because my thighs felt like lead. I just kept concentrating on taking another step. I had a Christian pop song in my head that I had heard in the car on the way over. At about 2.5 or 3 miles, the legs started feeling a little lighter, so I was a bit faster. When I got to the end of the 5 mile course, I decided that instead of doing the 5k course, I was just going to do 3 malls. The mall goes from one end of campus to the other, around fountains and gardens, and is exactly 1 mile. I was feeling pretty tired when I started the first mile. I ate a few more of my sport beans and chugged on. On mile seven, I started thinking about some of the things that people have written to me about TNT. Things like "Your Dad is a great guy and a great friend. The world needs more people like the two of you." and "I started racing again when my friend Dina died from lymphoma. It made me feel better. I know it will help you too." or "We pray for your family all the time." The things people have written to me have made such an impact. I just about welled up with tears thinking of it- not because I was hurting (which I was) but just because there are so many wonderful people in this world. People who haven't met you in person,l but maybe know you through the internet. They genuinely wish you well. Or people who know my dad but not me and have written me nice letters. It reminds me that, no matter how much bad there is in this world, there is more good.
Well that did get me through mile 7.
Mile 8, I was really hurting- my calves and thighs were starting to cramp. I started praying to my guardian angel, Michael the Archangel. I thought this was appropriate because Michael is a warrior, and I am waging war on cancer. Of course, my dad has a bigger fight, but I know I am helping him. Whether it is just emotional support, or motivation, or raising money to find a cure, I am helping him. And that is the best that I can do.
This past Saturday, my schedule had 8 miles on it. I brought sport beans and a bottle of water with me. I should have brought Gatorade, I don't know why I didn't think of that. Anyway, we met at the designated time, and decided that the 8 milers would do our usual 5 mile course, then do the 5K course on Furman. That sounded OK to me. It was cooler out than it has been, so I was able to make it farther than usual before having to take a walk break. I got out the back gate of Furman and was upset that I had not brought my ipod with me. I had been getting so bored with it lately that I didn't think I would want it. But I did. I needed distraction that day, because my thighs felt like lead. I just kept concentrating on taking another step. I had a Christian pop song in my head that I had heard in the car on the way over. At about 2.5 or 3 miles, the legs started feeling a little lighter, so I was a bit faster. When I got to the end of the 5 mile course, I decided that instead of doing the 5k course, I was just going to do 3 malls. The mall goes from one end of campus to the other, around fountains and gardens, and is exactly 1 mile. I was feeling pretty tired when I started the first mile. I ate a few more of my sport beans and chugged on. On mile seven, I started thinking about some of the things that people have written to me about TNT. Things like "Your Dad is a great guy and a great friend. The world needs more people like the two of you." and "I started racing again when my friend Dina died from lymphoma. It made me feel better. I know it will help you too." or "We pray for your family all the time." The things people have written to me have made such an impact. I just about welled up with tears thinking of it- not because I was hurting (which I was) but just because there are so many wonderful people in this world. People who haven't met you in person,l but maybe know you through the internet. They genuinely wish you well. Or people who know my dad but not me and have written me nice letters. It reminds me that, no matter how much bad there is in this world, there is more good.
Well that did get me through mile 7.
Mile 8, I was really hurting- my calves and thighs were starting to cramp. I started praying to my guardian angel, Michael the Archangel. I thought this was appropriate because Michael is a warrior, and I am waging war on cancer. Of course, my dad has a bigger fight, but I know I am helping him. Whether it is just emotional support, or motivation, or raising money to find a cure, I am helping him. And that is the best that I can do.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Running and Kickboxing
Just not at the same time! Yesterday I worked out with a different trainer at the gym since the wonderful Stephanie is away at a conference. I started out on the treadmill and ran 4.5 miles. A pretty good run, it is feeling so much easier to complete more than 2 miles! My speed is also picking up now which I am very happy about. I am even getting better at reading on the treadmill!
After my cardio, I worked out with Mike and we did kickboxing. It was fun! That is not to say it wasn't hard- I almost puked which means my heart rate was near 160's- but it is always fun to change around your routine a bit. I worked on beating down those cancer cells- my daddy's and Jenny's, a girl I know who has Hodgkin's disease. It felt so great to just kick and punch those bags- great way to work out your frustrations!
Daddy is having his third chemo treatment right now. It seems like they are coming so fast- like his last treatment was just last week. I guess we just need to be happy that he is getting the treatments behind him!
After my cardio, I worked out with Mike and we did kickboxing. It was fun! That is not to say it wasn't hard- I almost puked which means my heart rate was near 160's- but it is always fun to change around your routine a bit. I worked on beating down those cancer cells- my daddy's and Jenny's, a girl I know who has Hodgkin's disease. It felt so great to just kick and punch those bags- great way to work out your frustrations!
Daddy is having his third chemo treatment right now. It seems like they are coming so fast- like his last treatment was just last week. I guess we just need to be happy that he is getting the treatments behind him!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Nose to Grindstone
Saturday our TNT team met as usual at Furman for our run- this week's was scheduled for 7 miles. Now the longest I had run prior to that was 6, so now with each of our longer runs I will be hitting a new record! It was a warm day, and unfortunately, quite humid.
We started by running the mall- the mall loops around the front of the university, goes around a pretty fountain, and back tot he activities center where we meet- exactly one mile around. Perfect for adding the odd mile here and there to our run. So we did the mall, then headed out the back gate and ran the course we have run the past two weekends- country roads, past fields, and old railroad track, farms....great scenery. It is also very hilly. This week I was running by myself mostly. I really started out not feeling so hot- the first two miles are hardest for me. I never seem to feel good until I get past those first couple miles. Then it just seems to get better each mile. I went back and forth between wearing the ipod or not- frankly it is getting a bit boring. I did enjoy "{Killing in the Name of" by Rage Against the Machine, though. I thought a lot about my dad, like I always do. I was also thinking a lot about my cousin Tommy, who is over in Afghanistan right now. I figure if all those guys (and gals) are over there, away from their families, putting up with the weather, I could take a little Carolina humidity.
I felt like I was running out of gas so I ate my first ever Powergel. It will be my last. It is the consistency of snot, and it was a green apple flavor. Yuck! My coach caught up with me just as I finished it- and I almost puked in front of him! He gave me much encouragement and headed off to meet up with other runners and encourage them (he is so nice! and helpful, too). Anyway, I think I am going to have to stick with sport beans of shot blocks- I really don't think I can stomach gel again!
I got back to the activity center and did 1 more mall- it felt pretty good! 7 miles was a lot harder than six. Six was not a lot harder than 5. It might have been the humidity too. I know I could have run more, if I had to. Which is good to know. But it ended up being a very good run. And even better- the blue powerade that I guzzled afterward!!
We started by running the mall- the mall loops around the front of the university, goes around a pretty fountain, and back tot he activities center where we meet- exactly one mile around. Perfect for adding the odd mile here and there to our run. So we did the mall, then headed out the back gate and ran the course we have run the past two weekends- country roads, past fields, and old railroad track, farms....great scenery. It is also very hilly. This week I was running by myself mostly. I really started out not feeling so hot- the first two miles are hardest for me. I never seem to feel good until I get past those first couple miles. Then it just seems to get better each mile. I went back and forth between wearing the ipod or not- frankly it is getting a bit boring. I did enjoy "{Killing in the Name of" by Rage Against the Machine, though. I thought a lot about my dad, like I always do. I was also thinking a lot about my cousin Tommy, who is over in Afghanistan right now. I figure if all those guys (and gals) are over there, away from their families, putting up with the weather, I could take a little Carolina humidity.
I felt like I was running out of gas so I ate my first ever Powergel. It will be my last. It is the consistency of snot, and it was a green apple flavor. Yuck! My coach caught up with me just as I finished it- and I almost puked in front of him! He gave me much encouragement and headed off to meet up with other runners and encourage them (he is so nice! and helpful, too). Anyway, I think I am going to have to stick with sport beans of shot blocks- I really don't think I can stomach gel again!
I got back to the activity center and did 1 more mall- it felt pretty good! 7 miles was a lot harder than six. Six was not a lot harder than 5. It might have been the humidity too. I know I could have run more, if I had to. Which is good to know. But it ended up being a very good run. And even better- the blue powerade that I guzzled afterward!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The easy 5
Yesterday was a very busy, and very stressful day. By the time Phil got home from work after 6 pm, we still had to grocery shop, pick up prescriptions, pick up a couple of things from Target, and I needed to run. Oh, and eat dinner too! Thankfully, Phil took Jacob and dropped me off at the gym, ran our errands, and then picked me back up, so that I could get my training in.
I hopped up on the treadmill and ran the first three miles with no walking...only stopped at 3 to pause the TM and run to the bathroom, then hopped back on and ran another mile. Then I decided to walk because I wasn't sure when Phil would be back. I felt good so I decided to do some "strides'- just little "sprints" where I run faster than what will probably be my race pace. Before I knew it, I had done another mile! I stopped then and got in some good stretches, walked to the door just as Phil was pulling up.
Today is a 3 miler, and I will be doing weights with Stephanie. After that I am planning on just playing with Jacob since Luc spent the night at a friends. Hoping today is a lot less stressful!
I hopped up on the treadmill and ran the first three miles with no walking...only stopped at 3 to pause the TM and run to the bathroom, then hopped back on and ran another mile. Then I decided to walk because I wasn't sure when Phil would be back. I felt good so I decided to do some "strides'- just little "sprints" where I run faster than what will probably be my race pace. Before I knew it, I had done another mile! I stopped then and got in some good stretches, walked to the door just as Phil was pulling up.
Today is a 3 miler, and I will be doing weights with Stephanie. After that I am planning on just playing with Jacob since Luc spent the night at a friends. Hoping today is a lot less stressful!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The Week in review
Somehow I let the week slip by without posting. Perhaps because I didn't really feel that there was anything real exciting to post....the weekday runs were done on treadmill (4 miles, 4 miles, 2 miles). This weekend's run was 5 miles. My usual running partner at the runs wasn't there, so I pretty much ran by myself. I concentrated a lot on my breathing. Anytime my HR got to 175 or so, I would just sort of fall apart. And my HR didn't recover as quickly as it usually does. Not quite sure, maybe because I have a swollen gland in my neck, so perhaps my body is expending energy fighting that? Anyway, I hate to even figure out my pace, because I know it was slow. Like, it was probably 12 minute miles. UGH.
I am going to start getting out to the group runs this week- they run at 6 am and I would be back with plenty of time for my gym session.
Did get a lot of great donations this week, and I will be updating the donation page shortly!!!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Six Miler
I was quite anxious about this morning's run and what my sciatic nerve would decide to do. Apparently, the past two days of popping ibuprofen and laying on an ice pack did the trick- I just felt it mildly in the last mile, in my hip only. Thank you God!
So, we ran a new route today, and it was a pretty nice run. There were several hills on it, and we left the Furman campus. I enjoy new routes, with new things to look at and distract me! We went by a real pretty house that had a huge vegetable garden. It smelled like they had just fertilized everything though!
I have been running with another participant doing the MCM. He coaches cross country in high school, so he always has good tips on form etc. We help push each other along, and we even had people finish behind us! Our time for 6 miles was 1:10. That translates into an 11:20 pace. So I am staying with my faster pace, even for a longer run- yay!
So, we ran a new route today, and it was a pretty nice run. There were several hills on it, and we left the Furman campus. I enjoy new routes, with new things to look at and distract me! We went by a real pretty house that had a huge vegetable garden. It smelled like they had just fertilized everything though!
I have been running with another participant doing the MCM. He coaches cross country in high school, so he always has good tips on form etc. We help push each other along, and we even had people finish behind us! Our time for 6 miles was 1:10. That translates into an 11:20 pace. So I am staying with my faster pace, even for a longer run- yay!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The all comer track meet
Yesterday evening Phil, Jacob and I went to the all comers track meet at Furman University. There is a sign in sheet, and then you just do whichever events you want to. They started with a warm up lap, and Jacob ran a whole lap of the track. Then Phil took him so I could warm up. My right leg was bothering me really badly last night. I decided I wasn't sure how much I would really run.
Jacob did the 50 meter race and got a ribbon, then he and I did a 100 meter relay and he got another ribbon- he was thrilled! Me- not so much. The pain in my leg was just worse. I told Phil that was all I was going to do, because I don't want to end up injuring myself. I ended up taking prescription strength ibuprofen last night, and it doesn't hurt so much I want to cry, so I guess we're on the right track. I will either try to ride the stationary bike at the gym or pedicab tonight- I guess it depends on the weather.
Jacob did the 50 meter race and got a ribbon, then he and I did a 100 meter relay and he got another ribbon- he was thrilled! Me- not so much. The pain in my leg was just worse. I told Phil that was all I was going to do, because I don't want to end up injuring myself. I ended up taking prescription strength ibuprofen last night, and it doesn't hurt so much I want to cry, so I guess we're on the right track. I will either try to ride the stationary bike at the gym or pedicab tonight- I guess it depends on the weather.
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