We leave for Disney Friday afternoon. I have runner's club at the YMCA on Fridays and HATE to miss it. Luckily my husband cycles so he wants to get a good ride in before we sit in the car for 3 hours. With 2 kids. Who are very excited to go to Disney. Ooooohhhhh, can you say "are we there yet" 4 million times????? UGH.....Anyway, we plan on leaving around 1pm.
My hips are a tiny bit sore today. I did run a little faster yesterday to make up for my wandering pace (or no pace). Although I did go up on some weights at the gym too. I can do 120 lbs on that machine you sit and push back on with lower back and legs. Up to 115 on the abductor. I also did 30 minutes of hills on the bike before I ran yesterday. Maybe my hips are sore from those exercises. I can't seem to get stronger on upper body though. It's driving me crazy.
I'd planned on doing a 3 mile run this afternoon just to see how fast I could do it but I was in a meeting that went on foreverrrr. 10am to 1pm. So I was starving and I have to work at 5pm. No run today.
I'm also running a 5K called "Smile Train 5K" on May 10th. Proceeds go to kids with cleft palet. My friend Ed is running that one too. I jokingly told him I'd race him, but he's a fast runner. He beats me by 15 minutes and he has a knee injury. Illeo-something band injury. Still fast. Maybe I'll bring him a cheesecake before the race. He loves cheesecake....that might slow him down....lol.
Off to do some housework....does it ever end???????
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Had A Nice Little Run Today
I wanted to run a 5 miler today, but I woke up not feelin' it. I lounged around the house (if you call laundry, dishes and coloring my hair LOUNGING)....then decided to go to the gym for inspiration. I walked in, it was basically empty. Mike was supposed to be there but was not. I found Jim but he was busy. So I hopped on the bike for a quickie.
This bridge is for the golfers. Florida has a huge amount of people who golf. I do not golf. I think I may have mentioned the fact that I can't play games where I have to wait my turn. I'm a little imature like that.
Just to give you an idea how flat Florida is......
More beauty....you can see the fence where the spider webs are from this view.
Home Sweet Home
My marathon sticker on the back window of my car.
My cool, brand new Asics! Love 'em!!!! Not real sure why I took this one, but there it is! Hope you enjoyed my little wanderings...now you know why I have no idea how fast I could be. I forget my watch most of the time, when I do bring it, I forget to set the timer. I stop and look at everything as if I've never seen any of it before, and I never hestitate to stop for a chat with neighbors and friends.
Within about 5 minutes I was feeling a spark of energy. I glanced to my right and looked out the door....I felt the pull....I finished the 30 minute hill workout and went home to run my route. I hadn't run it since before the marathon. I remembered Non-Runner Nancy's picture tour of her run, she gave me permission to copy her, so I grabbed my camera and headed out. Bye house!
.......HAPPY FEET.......
As you can see, it's long and flat. No hills here in florida. it was about 85 degrees and kinda humid but breezy. Perfect for me! No one was out today though, I was a little lonely....I love when I see the people who are usually out and about, but not today.
I started with a slow jog, letting my flexor get into the swing. I decided to do a 4 miler since I knew I'd be stopping to take some pictures along the way. I felt happy to be out on my route again.
Little Salt Spring is one of those sinkholes. It's pretty deep and the archeologists have divers that go down once a year. They've found all kinds of cool stuff in there. Google it, it's very interesting.
This is so beautiful. In the early mornings the dew shows up all the spider webs in the branches of these trees. There is a wire fence that is hidden but the webs are all over this fence. It's very interesting and I usually have to stop and look real close for the spiders. Funny thing is, I'm petrified of spiders! They are still interesting though.
Kinda like this dead grasshopper. Huge, isn't it?? Gives you an idea how big the spiders are that eat 'em, huh? Yeah...like in a movie! The wood or wolf spiders are as big as my hand. And they come in the house when it rains. My 9 yr old son saw one on his ceiling once and it took us 2 weeks to get him to sleep in his bunk bed again. HA!
I ran through this soccer field because I noticed a bubbler (water fountain to you non-Bostonians) as I was driving by the other day. I hate running on the grass, but I did it for a drink! And guess what.....
Looked a little questionable from there. Check it out close up!
Oh yeah! Out of commission! This meant I'd be stopping at my work down the street, which is my 2 mile marker. I got there and ran in for some water. My friend Cheryl's husband was sitting there so I sat and talked with him for about 30-40 minutes. Talk about a leisurely 4 mile run....LOL...but that's how I roll...I enjoy running and I stop to smell the flowers (and look for spiders) along the way. I also forgot to time myself (as usual). I recently told my coach I didn't think I was a true runner because of this. He said I am, that I just let myself enjoy it. And i am enjoying it!
Here's another spot I tend to slow to a walk to look at. I haven't seen a crock in there yet, but I know they're in there.
As you can see, it's long and flat. No hills here in florida. it was about 85 degrees and kinda humid but breezy. Perfect for me! No one was out today though, I was a little lonely....I love when I see the people who are usually out and about, but not today.
I started with a slow jog, letting my flexor get into the swing. I decided to do a 4 miler since I knew I'd be stopping to take some pictures along the way. I felt happy to be out on my route again.
The picture above is where I was bitten by that dog back in January. The house way over on the right is where the dog came from. The bushes to the left is where the man with no shirt and a gray beard down to his big belly came running out when I started screaming my bloody head off. Nice man. He stayed with me until my husband came.
Little Salt Spring is one of those sinkholes. It's pretty deep and the archeologists have divers that go down once a year. They've found all kinds of cool stuff in there. Google it, it's very interesting. This is so beautiful. In the early mornings the dew shows up all the spider webs in the branches of these trees. There is a wire fence that is hidden but the webs are all over this fence. It's very interesting and I usually have to stop and look real close for the spiders. Funny thing is, I'm petrified of spiders! They are still interesting though.Kinda like this dead grasshopper. Huge, isn't it?? Gives you an idea how big the spiders are that eat 'em, huh? Yeah...like in a movie! The wood or wolf spiders are as big as my hand. And they come in the house when it rains. My 9 yr old son saw one on his ceiling once and it took us 2 weeks to get him to sleep in his bunk bed again. HA! I ran through this soccer field because I noticed a bubbler (water fountain to you non-Bostonians) as I was driving by the other day. I hate running on the grass, but I did it for a drink! And guess what..... Looked a little questionable from there. Check it out close up!Oh yeah! Out of commission! This meant I'd be stopping at my work down the street, which is my 2 mile marker. I got there and ran in for some water. My friend Cheryl's husband was sitting there so I sat and talked with him for about 30-40 minutes. Talk about a leisurely 4 mile run....LOL...but that's how I roll...I enjoy running and I stop to smell the flowers (and look for spiders) along the way. I also forgot to time myself (as usual). I recently told my coach I didn't think I was a true runner because of this. He said I am, that I just let myself enjoy it. And i am enjoying it!Here's another spot I tend to slow to a walk to look at. I haven't seen a crock in there yet, but I know they're in there.This bridge is for the golfers. Florida has a huge amount of people who golf. I do not golf. I think I may have mentioned the fact that I can't play games where I have to wait my turn. I'm a little imature like that. Just to give you an idea how flat Florida is......More gator territory....someday I'll see one and probably pee my pants!
More beauty....you can see the fence where the spider webs are from this view. Home Sweet Home My marathon sticker on the back window of my car.My cool, brand new Asics! Love 'em!!!! Not real sure why I took this one, but there it is! Hope you enjoyed my little wanderings...now you know why I have no idea how fast I could be. I forget my watch most of the time, when I do bring it, I forget to set the timer. I stop and look at everything as if I've never seen any of it before, and I never hestitate to stop for a chat with neighbors and friends.
I REALLY have to get my act together. Did I tell you I'm running the Minnie Mouse 15K on Sunday????? That should be a blast. Imagine all the things to see on THAT race!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Running In The Cold
It's true. People do it. I thought they did cross training in the gym in temps below 72 degrees, but I am W-R-O-N-G. I've seen pictures of my fellow runners in snow. I've heard them talking about the obvious perils of running on ice. I've heard their cries of joy as the spring approaches, but I must say....I was comparing it all to Florida winters. Which are too cold for me to run in. So I thought I understood. But I did not.
I made a comment on how yesterday's run had me coughing like I did the ONE time I did run in the cold. This was because I have some funky upper respiratory thing going on, not from the weather. In fact, I'm sick today and realize I had no business running 6 miles yesterday. I can't even get a good deep breath right now, but I'm still glad I did run.
During the cold days, I run after 1-2pm. It's usually about 68 or so. If it's colder guess what. I don't run outside. I go to the gym. Where it's W-A-R-M. Here in Florida we have a different problem. Summer. It can be 102 degrees by midday, so we have to get up really early to beat the sun. Or go to the gym. Otherwise we get something called "heat stroke". It'll be all about hydration real soon Baby. Which causes another problem. I can't stand running with a bottle in my hand. If I plant some bottles along the way, they'll be boiling by the time I'd get to them! So I am in panic mode, knowing full well my summer breeze (cool song BTW) will be over soon. About the time my northerner friends are coming out in full force, I will be miserably pedalling on the stationary, rowing on the rower or being bored to tears on the elliptical. Actually, I do enjoy the rower. I put the fan right on me and the sound of the water in the wheel helps me pretend I'm on the Charles in Boston. Which is something I never ever would have thought of doing when I lived there. Oh...did I mention that? I'm from the Boston area. I moved to Florida almost 5 years ago...heehee! So I do know real cold. That is why I do not live there anymore. Snowsuits, shovels, boots, hats, mittens, snotty noses....NO THANKS! Been there, done that and you can believe I complained from September to June. Yes I did.
My husband used to ask me to sit out on the deck with him after dinner in the cold seasons. I'd say no. He'd tell me to get a BLANKET and enjoy the cool night air. It's a miracle we're still married. He loves to snow ski, snow mobile, camp, all that weird stuff people do outside in the cold. I don't like that. Maybe that's why my entire family fell on the floor laughing when I said I wanted to run a marathon. Hmmmm...mebbee! But I showed them, didn't I? Ran my 1st marathon 4.5 months into training. Thanks to my friend/coach/science teacher, Jim. I told him I wanted to run a marathon, he said ok, here's what ya gotta do. I did it and I finished the race. Not even last, imagine! Now I want to do Boston. Not all of Boston, just run the marathon (ha) kinda perverted joke, teehee...
So, until they make a snorkelly snowsuit I can wear and still run comfortably in, I will leave the fridgid weather to you crazy northerners. I like my chest DEfrosted, thank ya verra much. I like to feel the wind in my hair, not the icicles breaking off my hair clear down to the root. If I'm gonna slip while running, let it be on a banana peel I can SEE and quite possibly (but probably NOT) avoid and not on black ice. If I need to do a hurdle, let it be over a crock and NOT a snowbank.
Here's to you all up there, may the spring be in your step and in the air, may the flowers lean toward you as you run by, may you enjoy the perfect running weather headed your way soon. While I'm back in the gym....sniff, sniff.....
I made a comment on how yesterday's run had me coughing like I did the ONE time I did run in the cold. This was because I have some funky upper respiratory thing going on, not from the weather. In fact, I'm sick today and realize I had no business running 6 miles yesterday. I can't even get a good deep breath right now, but I'm still glad I did run.
During the cold days, I run after 1-2pm. It's usually about 68 or so. If it's colder guess what. I don't run outside. I go to the gym. Where it's W-A-R-M. Here in Florida we have a different problem. Summer. It can be 102 degrees by midday, so we have to get up really early to beat the sun. Or go to the gym. Otherwise we get something called "heat stroke". It'll be all about hydration real soon Baby. Which causes another problem. I can't stand running with a bottle in my hand. If I plant some bottles along the way, they'll be boiling by the time I'd get to them! So I am in panic mode, knowing full well my summer breeze (cool song BTW) will be over soon. About the time my northerner friends are coming out in full force, I will be miserably pedalling on the stationary, rowing on the rower or being bored to tears on the elliptical. Actually, I do enjoy the rower. I put the fan right on me and the sound of the water in the wheel helps me pretend I'm on the Charles in Boston. Which is something I never ever would have thought of doing when I lived there. Oh...did I mention that? I'm from the Boston area. I moved to Florida almost 5 years ago...heehee! So I do know real cold. That is why I do not live there anymore. Snowsuits, shovels, boots, hats, mittens, snotty noses....NO THANKS! Been there, done that and you can believe I complained from September to June. Yes I did.
My husband used to ask me to sit out on the deck with him after dinner in the cold seasons. I'd say no. He'd tell me to get a BLANKET and enjoy the cool night air. It's a miracle we're still married. He loves to snow ski, snow mobile, camp, all that weird stuff people do outside in the cold. I don't like that. Maybe that's why my entire family fell on the floor laughing when I said I wanted to run a marathon. Hmmmm...mebbee! But I showed them, didn't I? Ran my 1st marathon 4.5 months into training. Thanks to my friend/coach/science teacher, Jim. I told him I wanted to run a marathon, he said ok, here's what ya gotta do. I did it and I finished the race. Not even last, imagine! Now I want to do Boston. Not all of Boston, just run the marathon (ha) kinda perverted joke, teehee...
So, until they make a snorkelly snowsuit I can wear and still run comfortably in, I will leave the fridgid weather to you crazy northerners. I like my chest DEfrosted, thank ya verra much. I like to feel the wind in my hair, not the icicles breaking off my hair clear down to the root. If I'm gonna slip while running, let it be on a banana peel I can SEE and quite possibly (but probably NOT) avoid and not on black ice. If I need to do a hurdle, let it be over a crock and NOT a snowbank.
Here's to you all up there, may the spring be in your step and in the air, may the flowers lean toward you as you run by, may you enjoy the perfect running weather headed your way soon. While I'm back in the gym....sniff, sniff.....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I Am Running Again!
Yahoo for me! I am so happy! Monday I ran 3.7 miles with my coach. We took it easy between my flexor and his quads, but it was a great run. I skipped yesterday (like a good grasshopper) and daydreamed all day about running 6 miles today. But I wasn't feeling too good. I have some upper respiratory thing going on. So staying true to myself, I said...."I'm a goin' anyway". I started off with yoga this morning, got nice and stretched out and out the door I went.
Now, I was doing a 6 mile loop. From the gym to my house is exactly 3 miles. I figured I'd leave the car there, run to my house, hydrate, then run back to the gym. That way I could hop on the elliptical or bike for a nice cool down. So guess what happened. As I was walking out the door to start the 2nd 3 miles (finished the 1st 3 in 32 minutes BTW), the phone rings. It's the school (thankfully, I answered) my Emily (she's my 10 year old) was sick and needed to be picked up. So guess where my car was. Yeah...3 miles away at the gym. Welcome to MY world....lol. Luckily the whole school knows I run (my son tells everyone he sees) so when I explained to the nurse I needed a few minutes, she understood.
I was coughing by this point and my chest burned like I had run in 50 degree weather. Which, if you know me personally, you know I only needed to do THAT once. Back in November I ran 2 miles in 50 degrees. Took me 3 days to defrost my chest. I will never run in the cold again. Good thing I live in Florida. So anyway, back to the story.
I booked it out the door and down the street. I ran faster than usual figuring I'd just walk when I had to. Funny thing happened. I ran that mile in just under 8 minutes. Then I walked until my chest stopped freaking out and did it again. I tried to keep that up, it was pretty difficult. I felt light-headed a few times but I had a sick punkin waiting for me. By the time I got a half mile from the gym I was ready to hitch a ride. But I'm a wicked chicken and did not do that. I walked the last 1/2 mile. Coughing and light-headed. I didn't mind the light-headednes though....haha!! My total time for the 2nd 3 miles was 31 minutes. First 3 miles was 32 minutes. This proves 2 things to me....
1. My coach is right when he says you do not lose much time by walking when you need to.
2. I think I have a good chance of shaving my 5K time rather quickly.
I feel fine, flexor is a tiny bit tender and I am a very happy person right now. I'm not coughing too much now either. I have been training for endurance for so long that it felt so wrong to push myself today. My mantra has been "slow and steady wins the race" since the first time my feet hit the pavement. Any time I started to feel winded I have walked it out. But the marathon is over. I am free to test myself. I thought I had, but today when I was rushing to get back to my daughter I kept pushing through the weakness and light-headedness from the difficulty breathing. Emily was my goal.
I have my little one all tucked in her bed, tylenol administered, iPod beside her (she's a music fanatic like her Mom). She's looking quite happy (and healthy I might add). Sometimes even kids need some time off. She didn't need to fake a headache, but let's not tell her that part. Love that kid....
Now, I was doing a 6 mile loop. From the gym to my house is exactly 3 miles. I figured I'd leave the car there, run to my house, hydrate, then run back to the gym. That way I could hop on the elliptical or bike for a nice cool down. So guess what happened. As I was walking out the door to start the 2nd 3 miles (finished the 1st 3 in 32 minutes BTW), the phone rings. It's the school (thankfully, I answered) my Emily (she's my 10 year old) was sick and needed to be picked up. So guess where my car was. Yeah...3 miles away at the gym. Welcome to MY world....lol. Luckily the whole school knows I run (my son tells everyone he sees) so when I explained to the nurse I needed a few minutes, she understood.
I was coughing by this point and my chest burned like I had run in 50 degree weather. Which, if you know me personally, you know I only needed to do THAT once. Back in November I ran 2 miles in 50 degrees. Took me 3 days to defrost my chest. I will never run in the cold again. Good thing I live in Florida. So anyway, back to the story.
I booked it out the door and down the street. I ran faster than usual figuring I'd just walk when I had to. Funny thing happened. I ran that mile in just under 8 minutes. Then I walked until my chest stopped freaking out and did it again. I tried to keep that up, it was pretty difficult. I felt light-headed a few times but I had a sick punkin waiting for me. By the time I got a half mile from the gym I was ready to hitch a ride. But I'm a wicked chicken and did not do that. I walked the last 1/2 mile. Coughing and light-headed. I didn't mind the light-headednes though....haha!! My total time for the 2nd 3 miles was 31 minutes. First 3 miles was 32 minutes. This proves 2 things to me....
1. My coach is right when he says you do not lose much time by walking when you need to.
2. I think I have a good chance of shaving my 5K time rather quickly.
I feel fine, flexor is a tiny bit tender and I am a very happy person right now. I'm not coughing too much now either. I have been training for endurance for so long that it felt so wrong to push myself today. My mantra has been "slow and steady wins the race" since the first time my feet hit the pavement. Any time I started to feel winded I have walked it out. But the marathon is over. I am free to test myself. I thought I had, but today when I was rushing to get back to my daughter I kept pushing through the weakness and light-headedness from the difficulty breathing. Emily was my goal.
I have my little one all tucked in her bed, tylenol administered, iPod beside her (she's a music fanatic like her Mom). She's looking quite happy (and healthy I might add). Sometimes even kids need some time off. She didn't need to fake a headache, but let's not tell her that part. Love that kid....
Monday, April 21, 2008
Body For Life Update
I have lost a total of 7 lbs. My body fat went down and my muscle thingy went up. Very slightly, but still in the right direction. And that is without running for 6 weeks! I've been doing a ton of crunches and I see the results of that too. My waist is getting a little curvier and I can get into some jeans Kerri gave me. Kerri is my TWENTY-ONE year old daughter. Yeah, how COOL is THAT? So it's paying off. I'm curious to see how getting back into running will effect this. I have been doing plenty of cardio at the gym while my flexor heals, so I'm sure that helped. It's not the same as running though. That's all for the update for now.....
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