Sunday, October 30, 2011
trying to enjoy the miles
Wow. It's been awhile since I've written and I have a really good excuse. Life has been utterly crazy. Running has been pushed to the wayside, and therefore I have essentially nothing to blog about. But I've been going through a decently rough time recently, and while trying to work through it I came up with this quote. "It's not about finishing the race, it's about each and every mile it takes you to get there."So I'm trying to remember (as I count down until the days I'm done with Grad school and student teaching) that I need to enjoy the miles.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
postpone
So heres what has happened in the last month. the Friday after I ran that 7.5 miles I got seriously ill. Could not move and just slept for 32 hours straight. I had a cold for the whole next week that was pretty bad. I tried to run on Thursday and Friday figuring if I could pick up a 3 mile, 4 mile, and a 5 mile on Sunday I would be able to do the following long runs over the course of 5 weeks: 5 miles, 7 miles, 9 miles, 11 miles, 6 miles, and then 13.1 miles. Unfortunately I was so sore on Saturday that I didn't think I'd be able to do 5 miles on Sunday. Then, on Sunday, I accidentally skipped a step on our stairs and twisted my ankle. I had to take another week off of running, thus ruining my chance to complete my training and not overwork myself. It has been so hard to find the time to even run 2-3 miles on a week day that I really just think that training right now is not going to work. I think I may have convinced a few girls in the Elementary Ed program to run one with me next spring/summer. So heres to hoping.....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
It's not hard to fall, when you float like a cannonball
Long run today did not go so well. I'm just too exhausted. I got 8 hours of sleep last night, but it's just not enough to catch up for the whole week, and I need more hours in my day to get everything done. Seriously. Anyway I ran over what I used to call the "bridge of death" and back. The bridge wasn't that difficult. Unfortunately my foot fell asleep a few times and during the last mile I seriously felt like I was going to pass out. But I completed the 7.5 miles. I might take an extra rest day this week, just because I have something going on every single night this week.
There is too much going on in my life, and I don't want to give any of it up, but if something ends up going it's probably going to have to be running. I wouldn't give it up completely, but I might have to cut back.
There is too much going on in my life, and I don't want to give any of it up, but if something ends up going it's probably going to have to be running. I wouldn't give it up completely, but I might have to cut back.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Under Ten!
I ran 4 miles yesterday and I finally got my mile time under 10 minutes! This may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but this is really good for me, considering it was a 4 mile run.
One super annoying thing happened though (so I had to take a short 2 min break in the middle of the run.) My right foot fell asleep. I was wearing my new shoes, so I wonder if they just need to get worn in? I stopped to adjust my sock, massage the foot for a minute and loosen the laces in the shoe. I was then able to run my last 1.2 miles home. I hope this problem doesn't consist. I also hope I can keep up with training, because my schedule is going to be absolutely insane. This week I've been getting done with student teaching early and starting late. Since most of our week has been getting to know you activities and going over rules and routines there hasn't been too much to prepare for teaching, so I've been getting done at about 3:30 or 4 instead of 5. Hopefully I can keep up as I get to some of my longer weekday runs. Tonight is my first speed work training. I know you don't need a track to do speed work, but I found one that is about a mile from my house, so I might do a run there as a warm up and then a jog home as a cool down. We'll see how much time I have. The Packers are playing tonight, so I really want to watch their game. Go Pack Go!
One super annoying thing happened though (so I had to take a short 2 min break in the middle of the run.) My right foot fell asleep. I was wearing my new shoes, so I wonder if they just need to get worn in? I stopped to adjust my sock, massage the foot for a minute and loosen the laces in the shoe. I was then able to run my last 1.2 miles home. I hope this problem doesn't consist. I also hope I can keep up with training, because my schedule is going to be absolutely insane. This week I've been getting done with student teaching early and starting late. Since most of our week has been getting to know you activities and going over rules and routines there hasn't been too much to prepare for teaching, so I've been getting done at about 3:30 or 4 instead of 5. Hopefully I can keep up as I get to some of my longer weekday runs. Tonight is my first speed work training. I know you don't need a track to do speed work, but I found one that is about a mile from my house, so I might do a run there as a warm up and then a jog home as a cool down. We'll see how much time I have. The Packers are playing tonight, so I really want to watch their game. Go Pack Go!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Runners High!
My first long run was splendid. I've been logging my runs on mapyourrun.com. I planned a route from my house, over stone arch, to a playground, and back. Unfortunately this route was closed because there was a half marathon going on (the one I was originally supposed to do.) This, however was super motivating. I ran to Marshall street and back, and really wanted to keep going (runners high), but didn't want to injure myself, so I stopped. Turned out I had ran 5.5 miles. Woohoo!
The rest of the week was insanely stressful. I didn't run at all again until Friday and this run was not good. My feet are so sore (from standing all day) and full of blisters (from new shoes) plus my new shoes aren't worn in yet. I only did 30 minutes of running and was completely exhausted. We will see how the rest of training goes. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with the schedule.
The rest of the week was insanely stressful. I didn't run at all again until Friday and this run was not good. My feet are so sore (from standing all day) and full of blisters (from new shoes) plus my new shoes aren't worn in yet. I only did 30 minutes of running and was completely exhausted. We will see how the rest of training goes. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with the schedule.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Real Beginning!
Holy mother of Jesus it's been a long time since my last post. Today was week one of training and for the most part it went well. Here is the official schedule.
I was super stressed on Thursday and was only able to get through 32 minutes of running. Also I hiked 5 miles for work on Wednesday, so I only did a short hill training session. Today I did 41 minutes and it was a morning run that went fairly well. This week may be rough with starting school and moving, but we'll see how it all goes.
Today I maxed out my credit card for the first time ever on these suckers.
A highly necessary purchase. These are size 9 Asics GT2160's. They are the same model of the ones I have now, except that they are the female 2011 version instead of the male 2010 version. I also had to get some more professional short sleeve shirts (no AC in the school I'm working in) and underwear. Total I spent $170 today....yikes. Good thing I get paid on Friday. Unfortunately, rent is due on Thursday....
I was super stressed on Thursday and was only able to get through 32 minutes of running. Also I hiked 5 miles for work on Wednesday, so I only did a short hill training session. Today I did 41 minutes and it was a morning run that went fairly well. This week may be rough with starting school and moving, but we'll see how it all goes.
Today I maxed out my credit card for the first time ever on these suckers.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
10 Ways You Know You are a Serious Runner
1. You are excited about spending all the money you've saved up this summer on a new pair of running shoes. Seriously. Not that I wouldn't like to be buying dressy shoes for student teaching next year, but i'll live with the ones I have. I'd much rather have new running shoes.
2. You start to understand the importance of a good sports bra. The $10 ones are okay for when you are running 3 miles a few times a week, but anything over 4 and you need more support. I now have invested in 2 decent bras. Totally worth the $50.
3. You devour the latest Runner's World Magazine. My dad has now sent back 4 issues with me, and the other ones I browsed through, looking at pictures, and reading a few interesting articles, but this one is getting analyzed in depth. You'll never guess which article I just finished? It was about the benefits of running hills!
4. You understand the benefits of rest days. When I was only running 2 miles a day rest days weren't really needed. Now I can feel myself dragging along if I run 4 days in a row without some cross training or rest.
5. Music matters less and less. I used to have to stop 10 times to switch music. Now I'll be 2 or 3 minutes into a song before I realize I don't really like it. And by then what's the point of taking a break? I still like picking out slower paced songs for longer runs and faster ones for short runs. I have to make sure I don't tire out too easily.
6. The reason you do laundry is because you are out of running clothes. Usually I run out of clean bras or shorts. This was a first. All I had left in my running drawer was long sleeve shirts, leggings, and paper thin bras. It was sad.
7. You have to run to the store just to pick up your favorite recovery food. Out of Bananas and Frozen Yogurt? How am I going to make Peanut Butter Banana Shakes?!?! (This is why I'm not losing any weight.)
8. You limit your drinks at night because "I have to run 6 miles tomorrow." I've used this excuse about 10 times and never have I ever run 6 miles. But I will....in 3 weeks when I start training!
9. You plan out meals based on how far/when your next run is.
10. You start dating your running buddy. Haha....just had to add this one for the pure laughter. I know my running buddy/boyfriend will get out of it. But seriously...who has time for a relationship and running? Why not combine the two? Plus, running is a great way to get to know each other. And if a guy likes you sweaty, in gross running clothes, and with your hair in a pony, then chances are he'll love you all dressed up and cute ;-P
2. You start to understand the importance of a good sports bra. The $10 ones are okay for when you are running 3 miles a few times a week, but anything over 4 and you need more support. I now have invested in 2 decent bras. Totally worth the $50.
3. You devour the latest Runner's World Magazine. My dad has now sent back 4 issues with me, and the other ones I browsed through, looking at pictures, and reading a few interesting articles, but this one is getting analyzed in depth. You'll never guess which article I just finished? It was about the benefits of running hills!
4. You understand the benefits of rest days. When I was only running 2 miles a day rest days weren't really needed. Now I can feel myself dragging along if I run 4 days in a row without some cross training or rest.
5. Music matters less and less. I used to have to stop 10 times to switch music. Now I'll be 2 or 3 minutes into a song before I realize I don't really like it. And by then what's the point of taking a break? I still like picking out slower paced songs for longer runs and faster ones for short runs. I have to make sure I don't tire out too easily.
6. The reason you do laundry is because you are out of running clothes. Usually I run out of clean bras or shorts. This was a first. All I had left in my running drawer was long sleeve shirts, leggings, and paper thin bras. It was sad.
7. You have to run to the store just to pick up your favorite recovery food. Out of Bananas and Frozen Yogurt? How am I going to make Peanut Butter Banana Shakes?!?! (This is why I'm not losing any weight.)
8. You limit your drinks at night because "I have to run 6 miles tomorrow." I've used this excuse about 10 times and never have I ever run 6 miles. But I will....in 3 weeks when I start training!
9. You plan out meals based on how far/when your next run is.
10. You start dating your running buddy. Haha....just had to add this one for the pure laughter. I know my running buddy/boyfriend will get out of it. But seriously...who has time for a relationship and running? Why not combine the two? Plus, running is a great way to get to know each other. And if a guy likes you sweaty, in gross running clothes, and with your hair in a pony, then chances are he'll love you all dressed up and cute ;-P
Saturday, July 30, 2011
On Getting Through the Hard Miles
I had an epiphany the other night as I was trying to fall asleep, and it was something I desperately wanted to blog about, but I can't for the life of me remember exactly what it was. I have some sort of idea, although this seems dumb in comparison to what I thought of in bed, which seemed legendary, but I guess I'll blog about it anyway.
Life is similar to running in so many ways. In running, you reach rough days, and days with miles that are easier to get through. There are miles where you feel fantastic and have fun. These miles fly past you. Then there are the miles where you have to focus on your goals, and the final prize. You have to center your balance and breathing, focusing on each and every step.
In life there are days that go by quickly, un realized and unimportant. Then there are the easy and fun days, the ones that keep you living. And then, of course, there are those hard days. The days that cause you to focus on your balance and breathing.
The thing is that if it wasn't for these rough runs, there would be no improvement to running. They say that with no pain comes no gain. This isn't true. We can gain from days and runs with no pain, but those days would seem so meaningless if it wasn't for the days and runs where we have to exert everything within us.
So sometimes I have force myself to go onto the next mile, until I get to the mile that reminds me why I love running so much. And so, I will simply force myself to work through the hard days until I get to the 1 day that makes me realize how truly great life is.
Life is similar to running in so many ways. In running, you reach rough days, and days with miles that are easier to get through. There are miles where you feel fantastic and have fun. These miles fly past you. Then there are the miles where you have to focus on your goals, and the final prize. You have to center your balance and breathing, focusing on each and every step.
In life there are days that go by quickly, un realized and unimportant. Then there are the easy and fun days, the ones that keep you living. And then, of course, there are those hard days. The days that cause you to focus on your balance and breathing.
The thing is that if it wasn't for these rough runs, there would be no improvement to running. They say that with no pain comes no gain. This isn't true. We can gain from days and runs with no pain, but those days would seem so meaningless if it wasn't for the days and runs where we have to exert everything within us.
So sometimes I have force myself to go onto the next mile, until I get to the mile that reminds me why I love running so much. And so, I will simply force myself to work through the hard days until I get to the 1 day that makes me realize how truly great life is.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Monster Dash
So we have officially decided on the Monster Dash, which will take place on October 29th. The only thing that now remains to figure out costume ideas. Since the race takes place the weekend of Halloween everyone dresses up in costumes to run the races, and their is a costume competition. Therefore, me and John are looking for creative couple costume ideas that are easy to run in. If you think of any let me know. So far our best ideas are as follows
1) Fried Chicken and Waffles. problems- not sure how to go about finding costumes, and we aren't sure if people would get it.
2) Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. problems- not sure I could run in antlers
3) Ketchup and Mustard. This seems too easy to me.
Anyway, training will start in about 2 weeks, I found a great 10 week training program. So I'll post again when I get a schedule all written up. So excited!!!
1) Fried Chicken and Waffles. problems- not sure how to go about finding costumes, and we aren't sure if people would get it.
2) Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. problems- not sure I could run in antlers
3) Ketchup and Mustard. This seems too easy to me.
Anyway, training will start in about 2 weeks, I found a great 10 week training program. So I'll post again when I get a schedule all written up. So excited!!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Redemption comes in many shapes, with many kinds of pain
So, I have officially created a training schedule and found a half marathon to run the last weekend in August. The plan was that if I could keep up with the training for the next 2 weeks, when I'm working extra and have class, then I would be able to complete it all and I'd sign up for the race. Given the circumstances of extreme weather I have not been able to keep up. I've skipped a few run, and made some runs shorter than they should have been.
Today I completed my 6 mile run, or my 5.85 mile run. It did not go well at all. I was so warm, plus the antibiotics I'm on right now many me nauseous, and cause my skin to burn easily. I forgot to put on sunscreen, so 30 minutes into the run I looked at my shoulders and realized they were already pink. Plus I hate running in the heat. If that isn't enough reason to not run a half marathon in August, John (my running partner who was going to run it with me) hurt his knee a few weeks ago and needs some serious recovery time. So we discussed it last night and decided to postpone it to late September or October.
I'm currently looking at the Maranatha's Road Race on September 17th or the Monster Dash on October 29th. If we do the first one then my training program that I started this week would be pretty accurate. If we do the October one then I can pos-pone training for 3-4 weeks, and just keep doing an average of 20 miles a week. I'll keep you posted!
Today I completed my 6 mile run, or my 5.85 mile run. It did not go well at all. I was so warm, plus the antibiotics I'm on right now many me nauseous, and cause my skin to burn easily. I forgot to put on sunscreen, so 30 minutes into the run I looked at my shoulders and realized they were already pink. Plus I hate running in the heat. If that isn't enough reason to not run a half marathon in August, John (my running partner who was going to run it with me) hurt his knee a few weeks ago and needs some serious recovery time. So we discussed it last night and decided to postpone it to late September or October.
I'm currently looking at the Maranatha's Road Race on September 17th or the Monster Dash on October 29th. If we do the first one then my training program that I started this week would be pretty accurate. If we do the October one then I can pos-pone training for 3-4 weeks, and just keep doing an average of 20 miles a week. I'll keep you posted!
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