Spring Has Sprung

What a beautiful Spring Day, people are running and cycling, jeeps with the top down, kids flying kites, perfect weather for a day in.....January!

Totally nuts, it was 61* when I left the house! I had a bad day, very tired achy legs, and my stomach hurt all day. Turns out the Crystal Light I was drinking after my Arnold Palmer ran out has aspartame in it, and I can't have aspartame! UGH!

I left the house, telling myself that worse case scenario, I walk part of the way. I didn't get as far as I wanted, but I did run the whole way, so yay me!

I planned to write more, but the pain from the aspartame is *killing* me, so later peeps!

Clothing Malfunction!!!

Today was my short run.....

But let me start with Sunday morning, when I woke up with *sore* quads. Oh.my.heck. were they tired! Every time I got up, I wanted to sit back down! I stalled and I stalled, but I promised myself I would do some strength training, so I got out my RKC Kettlebell workbook. I did 2 workouts, shorties that totalled about 27 minutes after I skipped the second warmup. In it, though, were mostly squats and swings, so by the time I was done, my legs were even more tired!

My legs were still tired and achy today, but I did my short run anyway! 45 minutes, actually ended up being 44, and I did about 3.6 miles. My pace was a little slower, but not as slow as I expected. yay me!

Now to the malfunction, which is actually sort of a NSV (non scale victory) because the hem of my favorite long sleeved Under Armour shirt for the cold weather kept loosening up and puddling around my waist! It has a gripper strip around the inside of the hem that *used* to stick to my pants when I ran, but my hips aren't as wide as they used to be, and it kept riding up. Yay, but not yay, all at the same time!

Tomorrow is an hour and if the weather stays this way, it might have to be at the gym! I have been enjoying this warm weather, but it *is* winter, so  no complaints!

Loving This "Spring" Weather!

This weather is crazy!!! It was over 50* out when I left for my long run today. 80 minutes, the farthest I have run yet! Jon  came with me on his bike for my run down Princeton Avenue. I wasn't sure how my pace would be without my earphones plugged in, but I kept it at a nice steady 12 minute mile pace!

I got in 6.7 miles today, with a bridge each way and some gentle hills. I wore my water belt today as a test run. It has 2 kidney shaped bottles that each hold 8 oz. and a pouch that I put my sport beans into. Most of the time I totally forgot it was there, no chafing, no aches or pains. I think it will be a great fit for my long races, in case there isn't decent water, or the groups at the tables are too long. I have had one race where the water tasted like sulphur and another where the volunteers never had water ready, you had to wait while they poured. Now I will be good to go, no matter what!

I finished about an hour ago and I am feeling pretty good. No pains, just sore thighs, which will fade throughout the day (I hope, lol)

Scale victory today: I am down 21 pounds since mid August with about 13 pounds to go for my wedding day weight goal. I have been averaging about a pound a week, so thrilled!!

Angry Run

I was seriously considering doing my run tomorrow, I was tired and a little achy from yesterday's not-quite-5-mile run. Then I heard some more annoying news about the drama we are having with one of my son's teachers. This teacher is a bully and has chosen my son as the proverbial punching bag this year, it seems. I decided that i *needed* to run, so off I went!

I planned my route ahead of time, something different than my usual route. A trip to the beach and back, with a few extra blocks on East Ave, which runs along the ocean, to make the extra distance I would need. The bridge I have to run over (and again on the way back!) is far larger than my usual bridge and I was dreading it. Luckily, my good friend Kelly Q. from the school I worked at last year was at the side street at the base of the bridge, waiting to pull onto Bridge Ave. She gave me 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up, which made me smile all the way to the ocean, and most of the way back.

The run was great, it was so beautiful out, the view was nice the whole way, and the people on the sidewalk all shared the road, which is very unusual! I had to stop on the way back over the bridge for a pic, the sky was so beautiful.

I am so glad I decided to run today, I got my 3.5 miles in, I am off til Saturday, and I am much calmer than I was when I left!

Perfect!

You're so mean, When you talk 

 about yourself, you were wrong

 Change the voices  in your head

Make them like you instead

 So complicated, look how we all make it!

Filled with so much hatred... such a tired game

 It's enough! I've done all I can think of

Chased down all my demons,

 I've seen you do the same.

I love that song, it is so true of many of us, I bet!

Today was a long run, 60 minutes. Beautiful 50ish day, so I ran outside. My route had 2 bridges, and that second one slayed me! My first mile was fast, about 10:30 which was probably a mistake. Then came bridge number one, then bridge #2. I was still making good time but my legs were getting tired.

The route wasn't super safe, and i won't be using it again. No shoulder in a few places, egad!

I passed a shrine to a young man who died on Jordan Road which was sad. Definitely one of my least favorite things! Running past it, you get a good look, not like when you drive past in the car. Such a sad thing!

I was hoping to make it an even 5 miles,  but it ended up being 4.8 which is fine by me. There were more than a few places I slowed down for safety, so it is all good in the end! I broke the 50 mile mark for the month with this run, never thought I would run that many miles in one month!

Wore me out, I am off to chill until Biggest Loser comes on!

Singing In the Rain...

Or should I say

I'm running in the rain
Just running in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above

I'm running...running in the rain

I left the house for  my 45 minute run and it was 51* and overcast. So thrilled to be outside, I finished my first mile in 10:45 and ordered myself to slow down. By mile 2 I was closer to my 12 minute mile usual. At about 2.25 it started to mist and stayed misty until I finished. 3.8 miles at a bout an 11:45 average. Fabulous and no complaints, I didn't even mind getting a little wet!

Non Scale Victories I need to shout out about (yes, I am also trying to lose a little. I am down almost 20 pounds since mid August and have about 15 to go to be at my wedding day weight!)

1. The crossing guard told me she hardly recognized me, I look so skinny

2. I had my heart rate monitor about 3 weeks when I had to adjust it, it was slipping off.

3. My average heart rate has gone down about 10 since I started using the monitor about a month ago!

These are the little things that make the aches and pain seem so trivial!

Let it Snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

What a wet, miserable day! I woke up to snow covered streets and was afraid I would have to wait until tomorrow for my long run. Luckily, the rain started and the roads cleared up and away I went to the gym. By the time I got there, it was sleeting, but it was nice and dry inside.

You would think that on such a cold, miserable day it wouldn't be so HOT up there. WRONG! Still hot, lol. The first 20 minutes I was still plagued by a sore shin, but I am doing strengthening exercises that will eliminate that soon. The last 50 minutes were totally plain free! I met a guy who has done 26 marathons (***26***) and he gave me some exercises to do. Hooray!

I was hoping to do 5.5  miles and was discouraged by my rough start, but I got 5.95 miles in, woohoo! I left feeling amazing, LOVE that!

64 days til my 10 mile race!

Who knew?

Princeton Ave was such a dangerous place?

To the lady who ran the STOP sign so she wouldn't have to wait for me to run by: May you get at least four flat tires and catch every light! I had to stop short, wheel my arms for balance, and I could have kissed her window as she went by. HOLY CRAP!

Other than that, a fabulous 40 minute run with no pain and just a few aches! WOOT!

Here Comes the Sun

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right

-Beatles-

What a fabulous day! 46*, overcast, perfect for a 50 minute run! I was so happy to be outside that I got to my halfway point 2 minutes early and ran .2 miles further than usual. I was so thrilled! Everything about this run is everything that yesterday's wasn't!

Afterwards I grabbed my yoga mat and was off to the gym to take yoga. A great class, great instructor, felt AMAZING.

Downside? My arch is still bothering me. Not while I run, but after! I am off to take some ibuprofin and rub in some arnica gel!

Starting week 3

Run like hell and get the agony over with.
--Clarence DeMar

OUCH!

That is the word of the day today. I had a 45 minute run, which I thought would be easy after running 60 minutes on Saturday. Not 10 minutes into the run my shins started to hurt. Very tight, hot pain. UGH! I tried altering my gait, but that just made my arch flare up again, so I slowed down, stretched my shins and started back up. It wasn't until halfway through that the pain finally stopped. I got in 3.5 miles which isn't terrible, but it really did damage to my ego.

Now the questions start. Can I really do this? I can't get through 45 minutes, how will I run for over 2 hours? Of course I know that I *can* do this. I walked 26 miles in one day, I can certainly run 13.

This will be my mantra now, whenever I have self doubt. If I can walk 26, I can run 13.

I decided that I am going to get a tattoo after I finish my first half. A small 13.1 somewhere, not entirely sure where yet. I think it is appropriate.  A life changing event deserves a permanent reminder, don't you think?

I survived the "Dreadmill"

Hey, you, over there
Keep the l up-up in the air
Hey, you, over there
Keep the l up, 'cause i don't care
You can throw your sticks, and you can throw your stones
Like a rocket, just watch me go
Yeah, l-o-s-e-r
I can only be who i are

I love this song! It came on during my 1 hour torture session and it really pepped up my step! The geek anthem of the world!

Today was my one hour run, I did just over 5 miles, but I really had to dial it up at the end, I literally just squeaked by. It is very hot up there where the treadmills are (I know, I say that over and over but it really does need to be repeated...repeatedly) so I slow down to 4 mph to drink every 10 minutes. I had to play catch up at the end and run at just over an 11 minute mile to finish it up.

It was only my second time running that long so it felt so great to finish! My arch hardly bothered me at all, a second bonus! I did the Veterans Day 11K (a solo event, none of the biggies were close enough) but I half ran/half walked, so it isn't the same!

I joined a team for the NJ Half, currently called Team Cancer Concern, although there is talk of finding something catchier. I committed to raising $1000, so I am dedicating the BINGO Silent Auction to them. we raised close to $2000 last year I think, so it shouldn't be a problem!

Two weeks done! This week I have a 45 min, 50 min, 40 min, 70 minute week. Crossing my fingers that I can run at least the 70 outside!

If You're Going Through Hell

If your going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

-Rodney Atkins

Today was a 30 minute run. No big deal, except the lingering arch pain, and the Cardio Ball class right after! I did 2.5 miles today, slowing only to take drinks, since it is do darn hot on that second floor! The arch pain came and went, which is great, I am hoping it will end sooner rather than later!

Cardio Ball was as fun as last week, even with the weights. she added today. Ask me tomorrow if I still feel the same....

Tomorrow is a 60 minute run, my longest to date, unless you count the Turkey Trot in November. It will be too cold to run outside, so I am stuck on the treadmill. If I don't die of boredom, I will let you know how it went!

I've Got a Feeling

Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let's get get OFF

Today was my longest weekly run, which I should have done yesterday. My arch was really bothering me so I skipped a day between runs to see if it helped. Who knew? I was actually tying my shoe too tight, which I figured out today midway through my run! DUH!

Onward and upward, now! My 50 minute run was pretty great today, especially after I figured out the shoe thing, and I got 4 miles in. I run down Princeton Avenue which adds in a bridge (twice) and some gentle hills.

Note to drivers on Princeton Ave: The white line is there for a reason. I will stay on my side if you stay on yours!!! O.M.G. Close call today with a large-ish SUV that I do not wish to repeat!

I used the BEP as my quote today because (a) the song comes up on my ipod when I run and (b) it was the Boston 3 Day theme song. They played it every night as the last walker came in and ever since it makes me tear up. LOVE it! 

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Funny that I had that song come up today, because it was the first run where a dog came running at me. A golden lab, all bark and, thankfully no bite! People out there, we have a leash law, if your dog is not fenced in, he needs to be leashed!

Today was a 40 minute run, and since it was just over 40* I did it in the neighborhood. Nothing like knowing that people you know will see you, to keep the pace up. My arch is starting to bother me a bit. Hopefully temporary adjustment to the new shoes, we will see.

I am working on a motivational quilt, made up of all my past race shirts. I have 3 that won't fit in this one, I will save them for the next one. I have to sew one more row on this one, and then back it and trim it. So very cool looking, I can't wait to throw it over my shoulders after a long race!



My first Long Run

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

Before I start with my first long run, let me tell you about the class I took at Gold's last night. A co-worker told me about this Cardio Bar class that replaced Piloxing (sob!) so I decided to go try it out. O.M.G. This class was intense! It was the first night of the series so she "took it easy on us". The ball doesn't weigh much at first, it is one of those Physio Balls you can sit on or lay on to do weight work or abs. She had us carrying it over our heads, in front of us, bouncing it. She failed to mention that by the end of the hour it would miraculously *gain* weight! O.M.G. But let me tell you, it was FUN! I cannot wait to go back, even though she will be having us use weights next week!

On to my first "long" run. Being the first week of training, it was only 50 minutes. I woke up stuffed up with a headache and had plans to go into NYC later in the morning, and had almost talked myself out of it. This made me mad, though, so off I went. It was a beautiful morning, almost 50* out, there was a smallish bridge and the route had some gentle hills. Great run, no one really out yet, although it was 9:15, not really too early. I got in a smidge over 4 miles and felt amazing afterward! I am so glad that I decided to go. No more headache afterward either, which was a nice bonus!

One week down, seventeen to go!Well, 17 until my *first* half marathon. The second one is 253 days away! I will be *so* ready!

Planning my Fundraiser

Today was a rest day, so it gave me plenty of time to schedule my BINGO fundraiser. This will be my third event, and I am so excited. Past events have raised almost $5000 total! I posted a link on my main page, check it out, I am currently accepting donations for the silent auction!

Tomorrow I will be trying out a new class at the gym, hoping it will replace a day of weights. Saturday is my long run of the week, 50 minutes, and then off to NYC to see How to Succeed in Business... so I will also be getting in some walking!

Crossing my fingers for good Saturday weather, which will mean an outdoor run and easier city travel!

"Some Days I Don't Feel Like Trying"

Some days you know I wanna just give up

Sugarland, Stuck Like Glue

This season on Biggest Loser, the  theme is "No Excuses". That felt very familiar today. Excuses v. Kim, that was my afternoon.

I'm sore.

I had to take Morgan to Walmart for a school project.

I had to drop something off at a friend's house.

Girl Scouts emails.

Today was a 30 minute run, and I did make it to the gym. It was not the greatest run, I half ran, half speed walked. My legs were just so very tired, I was a little trippy. (nooooo not drugs/trippy. stumbling/trippy)

I am guessing that eventually this will get easier, but running 3 days in a row is *rough*, and my poor body is unthrilled.

Luckily, I am off for two days. Like a sucker, though, I heard about a great class on Fridays that is half ball aerobics, half weights. Like a sucker I will try it out. It replaced Piloxing (sob!) which makes me very sad. If I like it, I might replace my weights day with that class.



Training for my first half marathon

"I have met my hero, and he is me." - George Sheehan

This all started last Fall when I decided to run a half marathon to raise money for Breast Cancer. It all snowballed from there! I now have two half marathons scheduled, plus a ten miler, plus countless 5Ks and 5 milers that I haven't even thought of yet. Why? Because I can.

Yesterday was Day 1 of my official training. Pretty simple, a 20 minute run. I am trying to keep it at about a 12 minute mile, I want to finish, not die trying to get there. I also did some weight training. I am very very sorry that i did that! My body aches all over today! The almost 2 miles I ran felt amazing though!

Today was Day 2 and it was a 40 minute run. I managed 3.3 miles in those 40 minutes, stopping every 10 minutes to get a drink of water. Okay, I should say *slowing* to a 15 minute mile walk to get my drink. I have never been one to sweat, that is usually my sign to STOP, but I was sweating everywhere today: my arms, head, neck, chest. YUM! The last few minutes were tiring, but I felt empowered when I finished. I traded my IPod for a yoga mat and took a "beginner" class. Now remember, I am in agony from yesterday's weights and now I am attempting yoga. This is not for sissies, let me be the one to tell you. It was agonizing. Roughest hour of my day!

Tomorrow is a 30 minute run, and I am leaving immediately after so my poor body can rest! My first run, the Ocean Drive Marathon in Cape May where I will run the 10 miles, is 82 days away. There is no doubt in my mind now: I can do it. I might even do it well!