I'm afraid to say this as it might jinx things, but running is going really well! I'm enjoying it, even with the super intense head-wind yesterday. I'm so happy to be enjoying running again. Last season, I really didn't. It had become a chore. But now...well, this year it's completely different. I feel like I'm back to running because I want to be, not because I feel some grand obligation.
My race calendar is starting to populate now, too. Tomorrow is the Run to Remember Police Memorial 5K. I'm running with my sister-in-law and my hubby's best friend. On May 16th, I'll be the 5K leg of a triathlon relay with Bethie and Tina. I believe my half will be September 12th, but I haven't registered yet. Then I'll look into some neighborhood 5Ks, maybe with kid fun runs too!
My weight-loss goal is achieved, officially. However, it is not enough for me. What I am struggling with (as usual) is my self image. The core issues I have are still there, they have just re-manifested themselves. Before I was overeating for comfort. Now I am losing weight for comfort. I can calmly and "logically" say that I do not want to stop losing weight until the scale says a "certain number". I'm disappointed at the possibility that I may/will not get to that "certain number". It probably is too light for my frame anyway. But I don't want to really admit that. I think I should look a certain way. I know this is not healthy, but am afraid if I change my thought process, I will gain weight again and continue this awful yo-yo. I am still eating. I even splurge. But there is guilt, worry, calorie-fretting, etc. I am highly critical of my body flaws. When complimented by my hubby, I point these out. He gets annoyed.
I am taking baby steps though. Now, when I run, I focus on the strength of my legs. I remind myself of all my body has done and continues to do for me. She has been through two pregnancies, two c-section deliveries, two half-marathons, two full marathons, countless training days, the ins-and-outs of daily life, etc. Why should I put her down? I have been putting good food into her and she has rewarded me with enjoyable running and a slightly faster pace. So here's to the blessing of my body. Hopefully some day, I will not have to remind myself to be thankful.
That's enough emoting from me.
Happy Running!
Wednesday
April 14, 2010 - SAVE LUTHER NORTH
I ran 3 miles with my throwing buddies from high school.
My high school, Luther High School North, is in serious danger of closing. They need to raise 1.8 million dollars to stay open. $1 million of that is due May 1st! The track team is running 24 hours straight to raise funds and awareness. We went to run some laps and show our support.
If you can donate, visit:
http://luthernorth.core-13.org/
Thanks! ♥
My high school, Luther High School North, is in serious danger of closing. They need to raise 1.8 million dollars to stay open. $1 million of that is due May 1st! The track team is running 24 hours straight to raise funds and awareness. We went to run some laps and show our support.
If you can donate, visit:
http://luthernorth.core-13.org/
Thanks! ♥
Tuesday
April 13, 2010 - Time for new shoes?
My running is going well. I actually think my pace has improved. However, my shins hurt, shin splint kind of hurt. Perhaps it's time for new shoes?
Saturday
Saturday, April 10, 2010 - Ah, spring
It's spring, which means the weather is uber unpredictable. Okay, that's not entirely true. It must be somewhat predictable based on jet streams and high or low pressure systems and whatnot or else weathermen/women would be out of work. Perhaps the more accurate statement is that it is constantly changing. It seems to be on the up and up though...save for 4-5 days of rain.
At any rate, I am trying to make a better effort in getting outside to run. Although I like my treadmill and appreciate the convenience, outside is definitely more interesting.
My running has been sporadic the last 3-4 weeks. I had been so good, so disciplined, but then we were going on a cruise (torture, I know) and the week before I only got three days in because of packing and cleaning and a sick kid. The week of the cruise I ran one day. I aimed for two, but it is rather difficult for me to run on a treadmill, on a moving ship, in the ocean. Seriously, if I fall off of a treadmill on DRY LAND, imagine my lack of coordination in the ocean. The week after returning I did three days. Two with one mile each and one with 3 miles (with Bethie! I so ♥ my running buddy!). This week is getting better. I did one mile (lame, I know) on Monday and Tuesday. Then 3 miles (outside) on Thursday in 40 degree weather, and 3 miles today (outside) in 70 degree weather. I've noticed that my legs are awesome. They just go, and actually a little "faster" than last year, which is encouraging. My lungs, however, are having a little bit of a harder time.
What I'm frustrated about, is that I haven't been lifting or doing pilates. I really want to get back to pilates soon, before I feel like I'm back at ground zero. I'm thinking that I'll change up my schedule. I'm pretty close to my "training season", so I want to switch to 4 days running and doing pilates on non-running days.
I still need to pick my races too. It's hard to decide and, for me, cost is a factor. We'll see.
Here's hoping the rain stays away for a little while. I do enjoy running outside again. I'll just have to make sure I pack a variety of running clothes because the temperature sure can vary.
At any rate, I am trying to make a better effort in getting outside to run. Although I like my treadmill and appreciate the convenience, outside is definitely more interesting.
My running has been sporadic the last 3-4 weeks. I had been so good, so disciplined, but then we were going on a cruise (torture, I know) and the week before I only got three days in because of packing and cleaning and a sick kid. The week of the cruise I ran one day. I aimed for two, but it is rather difficult for me to run on a treadmill, on a moving ship, in the ocean. Seriously, if I fall off of a treadmill on DRY LAND, imagine my lack of coordination in the ocean. The week after returning I did three days. Two with one mile each and one with 3 miles (with Bethie! I so ♥ my running buddy!). This week is getting better. I did one mile (lame, I know) on Monday and Tuesday. Then 3 miles (outside) on Thursday in 40 degree weather, and 3 miles today (outside) in 70 degree weather. I've noticed that my legs are awesome. They just go, and actually a little "faster" than last year, which is encouraging. My lungs, however, are having a little bit of a harder time.
What I'm frustrated about, is that I haven't been lifting or doing pilates. I really want to get back to pilates soon, before I feel like I'm back at ground zero. I'm thinking that I'll change up my schedule. I'm pretty close to my "training season", so I want to switch to 4 days running and doing pilates on non-running days.
I still need to pick my races too. It's hard to decide and, for me, cost is a factor. We'll see.
Here's hoping the rain stays away for a little while. I do enjoy running outside again. I'll just have to make sure I pack a variety of running clothes because the temperature sure can vary.
Thursday
February 25, 2010 - No falling! Woo!
No falling tonight during my run! Woo! I was again facing the wall. I think that's best. =)
Last week...? or was it the week before?...I upped to the 50 minute pilates video. It's challenging, which I appreciate when I'm not currently working out. During the DVD, however, I can't help but wonder why Mari Windsor hates me so much. =P
Last week...? or was it the week before?...I upped to the 50 minute pilates video. It's challenging, which I appreciate when I'm not currently working out. During the DVD, however, I can't help but wonder why Mari Windsor hates me so much. =P
Wednesday
February 24, 2010 - This round goes to the treadmill
Today I have felt off. Overtired, a little dizzy, hungry, general malaise. But still I wanted to get my run in the evening. Lately, I've been exercising late, and I believe it's compounded my exhaustion. My late exercising is due to watching the olympics so I had moved the treadmill to be at an angle so that I could watch the TV. Let's do some math... angled treadmill + lightheaded + tired = disaster.
Last night, I noticed it was difficult for me to focus on running and watching figure skating because I ended up running on the side of the tread. Fortunately, my treadmill squeals when I run off-center thus enabling me to correct myself. Tonight, however, I had the added factor of exhaustion. Let's peek into my thoughts during the run...
I am tired tonight. Maybe I won't run 3 miles, maybe just 2.5 or even just 2. No, don't make excuses. Just run the 3. Run it easy, and you'll be fine.
...
Oo! Bobsledding. Why would anyone watch bobsledding and think, 'yeah! I want to race down a thing of ice at 80 mph'?
...
Hmm, getting warm. Maybe I'll turn on the fan? Nah, I'll wait a little bit.
...
William keeps asking me questions. I don't have the energy to answer him. So tired. Maybe just 2 miles... No! run the 3!
...
And...fan on...
...
This safety key is poking my belly. Maybe I'll take it out. Hm. That's just asking for something to happen. I'll just shift it a little bit.
...
Okay, I liked it better in the other spot. I'll just shift it back.
...
1 mile. Time to up the speed a little bit.
...
It's not as interesting to wait a whole mile before increasing my speed. Let's see, if I run at this speed for 3 laps instead of 4, then the next speed for 3 laps, the last two laps I'll increase even more.
...
I just might get the 3 in tonight. This isn't so bad. I really am tired though.
...
Coming up to 1.75 miles.
...
Hmm. Did my foot just step off the tread? That's weird. And my other leg is still going with the tread. I think I might fall. (audible scream) Hmm. I'm on the floor but is the tread still going? I have the safety key attached, don't I? I fell to the side, does it reach that far? No, it's on the floor next to me. So why is the tread going? Well, the treadmill beeped like it turned off. Yes, the tread definitely is stopping. Yep, I definitely fell. Okay system check: left leg - good. Arms - good. Rear end and back - good and good. Right leg - scrapped on side of treadmill. Sore but like a rug burn. Nerves - shot. Motivation - total shutdown.
An ice pack later, some arm work with weights, and some burn cream to ease the stinging of my leg, I was perfectly fine. In some ways, it's good I was so out of it. I didn't tense up, because it all happened so fast, so I didn't hurt myself worse. I'll give this round to the treadmill, but tomorrow night is a new night. Maybe I'll put the treadmill back to facing the wall. Running at the wall seems a little safer for me. =)
Last night, I noticed it was difficult for me to focus on running and watching figure skating because I ended up running on the side of the tread. Fortunately, my treadmill squeals when I run off-center thus enabling me to correct myself. Tonight, however, I had the added factor of exhaustion. Let's peek into my thoughts during the run...
I am tired tonight. Maybe I won't run 3 miles, maybe just 2.5 or even just 2. No, don't make excuses. Just run the 3. Run it easy, and you'll be fine.
...
Oo! Bobsledding. Why would anyone watch bobsledding and think, 'yeah! I want to race down a thing of ice at 80 mph'?
...
Hmm, getting warm. Maybe I'll turn on the fan? Nah, I'll wait a little bit.
...
William keeps asking me questions. I don't have the energy to answer him. So tired. Maybe just 2 miles... No! run the 3!
...
And...fan on...
...
This safety key is poking my belly. Maybe I'll take it out. Hm. That's just asking for something to happen. I'll just shift it a little bit.
...
Okay, I liked it better in the other spot. I'll just shift it back.
...
1 mile. Time to up the speed a little bit.
...
It's not as interesting to wait a whole mile before increasing my speed. Let's see, if I run at this speed for 3 laps instead of 4, then the next speed for 3 laps, the last two laps I'll increase even more.
...
I just might get the 3 in tonight. This isn't so bad. I really am tired though.
...
Coming up to 1.75 miles.
...
Hmm. Did my foot just step off the tread? That's weird. And my other leg is still going with the tread. I think I might fall. (audible scream) Hmm. I'm on the floor but is the tread still going? I have the safety key attached, don't I? I fell to the side, does it reach that far? No, it's on the floor next to me. So why is the tread going? Well, the treadmill beeped like it turned off. Yes, the tread definitely is stopping. Yep, I definitely fell. Okay system check: left leg - good. Arms - good. Rear end and back - good and good. Right leg - scrapped on side of treadmill. Sore but like a rug burn. Nerves - shot. Motivation - total shutdown.
An ice pack later, some arm work with weights, and some burn cream to ease the stinging of my leg, I was perfectly fine. In some ways, it's good I was so out of it. I didn't tense up, because it all happened so fast, so I didn't hurt myself worse. I'll give this round to the treadmill, but tomorrow night is a new night. Maybe I'll put the treadmill back to facing the wall. Running at the wall seems a little safer for me. =)
Thursday
February 4, 2010 - Cravings!
Okay, running while listening to Isabelle play trombone is entirely different, i.e. easier, than running and trying to watch William imitate me. Yeah. I'm not that coordinated. Good news, no Julias were harmed in the attempt to see what William was doing.
Meanwhile, Matt's grandmother was shocked that I wasn't having dessert. I'm telling you, my bathing suit is not going to wear itself. And I only have 6½ weeks until our cruise! Clock's a-tickin'!
On that note, all I want to eat this week is a gigantic plate of nachos. Nachos with the real fatty, salty tortilla chips, meat, tons of cheese, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa, black olives. Then one of those volcano chocolate cakes. And maybe a margarita or two. That's what I want. But, I'm not going to have that. Well, maybe on our cruise. ;)
Meanwhile, Matt's grandmother was shocked that I wasn't having dessert. I'm telling you, my bathing suit is not going to wear itself. And I only have 6½ weeks until our cruise! Clock's a-tickin'!
On that note, all I want to eat this week is a gigantic plate of nachos. Nachos with the real fatty, salty tortilla chips, meat, tons of cheese, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa, black olives. Then one of those volcano chocolate cakes. And maybe a margarita or two. That's what I want. But, I'm not going to have that. Well, maybe on our cruise. ;)
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