Slow & Steady Wins the Race :-)

Outside around the neighborhood again with the GARMIN!  Love it so much.  7 laps around the neighborhood. 

TM 3 @ 6.7 (8:57), .75 @ 7 (8:34), .25 @ 8 (7:30)

.5 walking cool down

Not really a race, I just wanted to mark it special so I can find it easily in the future.  I've been wanting to reflect on 2008 and how far I've come, especially because I feel like I've been dissapointed with my winter training and how I seem to be getting slower (aka, my 10k decline at the Christmas Rush race).  

In October 2007 I realized that I for sure needed to lose the 10 pounds or so I'd gained while moving from Las Vegas to Washington - eating bad, not working out, etc.  Plus though I've never been overweight, I've always had 10 pounds or so to lose, so the extra 10 pounds did not help.  So I started working out - a lot!  At one point I had worked out 52 days in a row, which I was so proud of, and definitely jump-started the weight loss.  However most of these work-outs were on the elliptical, its crazy to think now how I hated running, never did it - it was so much harder than using the elliptical and I was so terrible at it!  But I tried to keep running every so often, and it was usually at 5.3mph on the treadmill.  Over the course of 6 months or so (October-April) I lost 25 pounds!  I am definitely the thinnest I have ever been, none of my clothes fit, and I'm now a happy size 6.  I still think I could lose 5-7 more pounds, but now I really want think that losing that extra weight would help me be a faster runner!  So in 2009, if possible (my body seems to really like the weight I'm at now, losing anymore might be difficult), I'd like to try to get down to 130.  We'll see how that goes.  

The turning point from elliptical to running came on a cruise I took with family.  I kept working out while on the cruise, and one day (about January 2, 2008), I ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  This sounds like nothing now, especially considering I ran 8 miles today (today is actually 1/19), but I had not run 5 miles before really, except maybe 2-3 times before in my life (one of which was a terrible half marathon I hadn't trained for).  After this, I decided I would do what I had always wanted to do - train for a marathon! So I did, and on June 8, I finished the North Olympic Discovery Marathon in 4:45.

So those are the things that I need to remember in times when I'm feeling dissapointed with lack of progress... that in one year I lost 25 pounds, went from being a non-runner to being a "runner", something I imagine will stick with me for life.  The drive to "PR" is now inside and all of my New Years resolutions revolve around PRs.  Last January I was running on a treadmill at 5.3mph, this year I'm running at 6.5mph (and trying to push it to 6.7-7.0).  Last year I was running outside at 10-11 min/miles.  Today I just ran 8 miles at a 9:06 pace.  These are the things I must remember, and be thankful that I'm healthy, and have been injury free thus far (knock on wood).

So before this gets more lengthy - on to my new years resolutions for 2009 and beyond!

1) As mentioned before, if I can lose a few more pounds, try to get down to 130ish. 

2) Run the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon in less than 4:20!  I think this is a goal for this year.  I'm thinking I will try to run one marathon a year (the time committment is just so much, so I will do lots of halfs and probably just one full a year), so 2010's goal will be less than 4:00, and 2011's goal will be to qualify for Boston with less than 3:40.  As time goes on we'll see how likely this is! 

3) Run a 10k in less than 49:00.  This will definitely require a great deal more speed workouts than I'm doing now, as will #4.

4) Run a 5k in less than 24:00. 

5) Run a half marathon in less than 2 hours.  I feel confident that I'll be able to reach this goal this year (knock on wood again!), so for the rest of the year and 2010, strive for less than 1:55. 

6) Run consistently!  In 2008 I ran 1,058 miles - try to consistently run 25 miles/week or more in 2009, track it consistently, and run a total of 1,300 miles or so in 2009!

I was worthless this weekend - I hate that.  Had great intentions of getting 2 long runs in outside (5 & 6 miles), but then yesterday we helped someone move and it ended up taking the whole day and we didn't get back until 10:30pm or so, which was unexpected, and all day today I was just feeling blah, unmotivated, and slightly sick feeling.  So I ended up walking all 6 of these miles on treadmill - SO terrible!  Tomorrow will be better.

Still feeling sick to the stomach today, blah.  Tried to run, ran about 1.5 miles at 6.5/6.0 before I had to stop, I felt so worthless!  Walked the rest. 

And we're back!  Finally felt good today - ran 5 miles at 6.5 (9:13), .25 walking cool-down. Felt good to finally run not feeling sick.  The winter is neverending though, I cannot wait until summer - running outside and daylight to run in after work.  That is the dream. 

I don't really remember this workout but I wrote it down on my handwritten log that it was 3 miles running, 1.75 walking.  

1 mile walking, 2.5 miles running @ 6.5, .5 miles walking.  

Actually got to run outside today!  With the GARMIN.  Maybe I'll even put in splits later.

Ran 9 laps around the neighborhood, some of the middle miles (4ish) with Cooper, until he was too tired and I had to run him home before I finished.  Poor dog!   Feeling very slow and sluggish today, Garmin showed average of 9:40 miles or so, though there was a decent amount of walking in there with taking Cooper to/from house and a few short breaks.  Defeinitely didn't make me confident at all!  I have to run at LEAST a 6 miler every week outside.  Hopefully I'll be able to get in another decent run outside tomorrow before the work week starts again.  I hope it doesn't rain...

Went for a run this morning, intending to do 5ish.  Was feeling sluggish and blah, I don't get this!  Usually I feel great when I get to run outside.  Was dissapointing, ran 2, then walked an additional 1, feeling like a running failure!

So I did an evening run too, on the treadmill, 4 miles at 6.5-6.7 (9:13 or 8:57).  Felt much better, though that familiar side ache did start to creep up on me again.  

2 walking miles at 4.0, 2 running miles at 6.5.  I guess the thing to say about treadmill running is that I at least put in more time walking just because I want to finish watching stupid tv (like the bachelor!)

2 @ 6.5, 2 @ 7, 1 @ 7.5

I need to start trying to run more at 7mph, that's more the speed I'm expecting my body to go outside.  It was nice to actually feel good and motivated while running today.  Though I guess Bob Harper screaming at that Joelle girl about working out is enough to get anyone motivated!

1.5 @ 6.5, 1.5 @ 7.0, except for last .15 or so that were at 8.0

3 miles @ 6.5, .25 miles walking cool-down.  Played tennis earlier today for the first time in almost a year (1 hour, 15 minutes), and I am going to be hurting big time from it, I can tell already.  I hope I'm still able to get in my long run tomorrow or Monday.

Still SO sore from the tennis.  I can barely walk.  4 miles walking on the treadmill at 4.0, this even seemed excrutiating!  I guess tennis was a really bad idea.

Still a little sore from tennis today but actually did a long run outside!  Was proud.  Ventured outside of my little neighborhood loop as well.  Planned to do 7 but had run a little farther from home than I thought, ended up being perfect though.  My legs were definitely tired.  

Garmin says 1:13 running time, average pace of  9:07. 

Mile splits: 9:05, 9:20, 9:12, 9:24, 9:01, 8:45, 9:16, 8:49

Total ascent (& descent!): 825 ft

Only 2.5 of that was running today, but tried to make it a mini-tempo run.  Walked the first mile at 4.0, ran .5 miles at 6.5/6.7 and then ran 2 miles at 7.0 (8:34).  Walked last .5 miles.  

2 miles running, .5 miles walking cool-down.

5 miles running @ 6.5, .3 mile walking cool-down

3.5 running at 6.5, .5 miles cool-down walking.

Later, felt guilty about a terrible day of eating pizza and candy so did 2 miles on the elliptical and 1 mile walking on the treadmill! :-)

Still in Missoula which is FREEZING, so unfortunately no outside run this weekend.  I have eaten a ridiculous amount of food this weekend, which I'm sure has done some damage despite getting a decent amount of treadmill miles in at the hotel!  2 pizza meals, ughhhhh.  

Anyway, 6 miles on the treadmill, 3 @ 6.5, 2.5@ 6.7 (8:57), and the last .5 increasing every .1 or so up to 8.0 (7:30).  .25 walking cool-down.

Back on the wagon tomorrow!

6 miles on the treadmill while watching the biggest loser.  :-)  1 mile walking warm-up, 1 mile walking cool-down, 4 miles in between at 6.5, increasing at the end up to 8.0 in the last half mile or so.

Got up early to do 3 quick miles at 6.5 since my dad has been in town and I have class tonight.  Not getting in as many miles this week as I would have hoped.

I can't remember exactly, but it was something like 1 at 6.5, 2 at 6.7, 1 at 7.0, and the last .25 speeding up all the way to 9.0.  The first time I ever ran 9.0 on our treadmill, even if it was only for .1 miles!  Then a .4 cooldown or so. 

9 miles in Justin's hilly neighborhood.  Went down the the dog park, did a loop there, then went down to Palisades market, which was great on the way down because I just flew down, and then when I turned around I wanted to dieeeee, it was such a long, torturous hill and I never really felt as good afterwards.  Did two more laps at the dog park then headed back up to justin's house.  Average of 9:00 min miles exactly, total time of 1:21.  Probably would have been less except the last mile itself was 9:31 as the last mile was pretty much all up hill and I was sooo tired!

Splits of:

9:18, 8:46, 8:40, 8:39, 9:08, 8:40, 9:01, 9:10, 9:31

Total Ascent: 1,292.  I thought it felt super hilly!  :-)  My calves think so too, as they're still super sore 2 days later.

Feeling tired and sluggish after yesterdays 9 miler, and my calves were burning from all the hills yesterday.  Plus had a few too many beers at the bowling alley last night (spent the night at the Winters') and was feeling that too.  You can tell because my 4 mile average was slower than my 9 mile average yesterday! 

9:13 average, with splits of:

9:19, 9:22, 9:07, 9:06.  Total ascent of 516 feet. 

4 @ 6.7, 1 walking cool-down at 4.0

All walking at 4.0, was feeling still some calf tightness and just not feeling it today!

Ran 4 at 6.7 mph, then walked a cool-down of .67 at 4.0. 

Outside!  how I miss running outside every day.  I cannot wait until daylight savings, longer days, and warmer/drier times.  Summer hurry! 

Ran the 9 miles a full 2 minutes faster than I ran last weekend's 9 miles, though last weekend's was substantially hillier.  Hopefully that just means my calves won't suffer as much this week.

Total Time: 1:19:08, 8:47 min miles. Yippee!  I need to keep this up so I can break 2 hours in the half marathon I'm running the first weekend in April.

Splits:

9:06, 9:20, 9:01, 9:01, 8:40, 8:22, 8:37, 8:33, 8:23.

Total Ascent: 925 feet

I realize now how this is the distance I need to be going just to train for a 10k.  I could feel myself get substantially tireder, my legs starting to grow heavy, right at around 7 miles.  But on the other hand, it also shows me the importance of warming up properly, and I guess I really need to warm up with 2-3 miles, as my last fiive miles were all faster than the first 4.

Outside again, yippee!  I love my Garmin SOO much.  It makes running so much more fun, motivating, and I get to know ACCURATELY how far I have gone/fast I've gone, which I love.  I think it will me so much with getting faster.

Total time: 41:51, 8:21 miles average, yippee!  Love that.  Even better, my last mile I really tried to pick it up and I did a 7:28 mile!  Granted, it was a little uphill, but still!

Splits:

8:56, 8:40, 8:24, 8:19, 7:28.

Total Ascent: 466 feet.

3 @ 6.5 (yeah yeah, wasn't feeling my new6.7 routine!) - still a little sore in the quads/calves from the weekend runs.  .3 walking cool-down.

5 on treadmill at 6.7 (last .25 increasing up to 7.5). 1 mile walking cool-down at 4.0.

3 miles at 6.7, .3 walking cool-down. I waited so late, until after Lost, it was already 10:15 by the time I started, I just felt too guilty not to.

Got up early this morning to work out since I have class tonight and I'm not sure I'll be up to it tonight.  I'm tired of always working out at 10pm because I've put it off all day.  I think if I can get up early (Fridays are obviously out because I already get up for class at 6) 3 days a week and work out in the morning, at least 3 miles, then I can also try to work out a few nights a week as well.  Maybe I'll try to do 3 more miles tonight.

But this morning I did 3.1 or so at 6.7, the last .25 increasing to 7.5.  Walking .2 cool-down.  Apparently the Olympics start exactly a year from today at Whistler so watched a little special on that on the Today show.  What an indulgence!  The Today Show!

On the TM.  Probably at 6.7, I don't remember now, it was so long ago!

On the beach in Lincoln City with Rachael and the dogs - it was a surprisingly gorgeous day, and the dogs were having the best day EVER.  Cooper loovveessss freedom and to leave that leash behind, and then to be able to run in the water too - AWESOME!  Felt like we were running pretty slow, maybe 10 min/miles, and my legs were feeling that sand running later.  Wind in our face the whole way back (south wind for once, so we ran the wrong way!).  I wish I could run on the sunny beach with Cooper every single day.

Running around LO, 5 laps around the dog park (about 1.6 miles each lap) plus a mile+ there and back.  

Total time: 1:33:40, getting a little nervous about being able to run less than 2 hours in the half in 5 weeks or so.  

Average time of 9:21 min/miles.  Total Ascent: 1286 feet.  I wonder what an average total ascent is in a half marathon?  That would be useful information to post on those elevation maps, they never put that information. 

Splits: 9:36, 9:08, 9:28, 9:17, 9:32, 9:22, 9:06, 9:12, 9:24, 9:24

Was feeling kind of sluggish today, plus felt like I was constantly running into the wind, which was rough.  My shins were killing me for the first 3 miles or so, but then that let up. Shin splints?  How do I remedy that? 

5 miles running on TM @ 6.7, last .25 @ 7.0, 1 mile walking cool-down while watching Biggest Loser, my fave motivational TV. :-)

Walking on the treadmill.  Only had 45 minutes or so before I had to run to class and intended to run, but started running and intense pain started in my ankles.  Made me a little nervous, but I think its just because I had been sitting in the car all morning and I tried to rush into it since I was worried about lack of time, so ended up just walking 3 miles, lammmmee.  I am doing a bad job of working out this week. 

Did the Resolutions Series 15k this morning.  Woke up in the middle of the night with the worst calf cramp EVER, this is the 3rd time recently I've gotten this, it feels like the muscle is snapping in half or something and I want to pass out from the pain.  Granted, I don't have too high of a tolerance for pain, but still.  Why does this happen?  It was terrible and my calf is SO sore today because of it and I never want that to happen again.

Back to the race, very small, well-run, I was surprised that they had 3 water stations, which made me happy.  Point and back, it was a 15k or a 15 mile, and I guess most of the people were doing the 15 miler.  Ran a 1.5 mile warm-up or so, mostly just because I wanted to get 11 in today and I knew I wouldn't do any more after the race, so I was able to start pretty fast.  But after mile 2 or so I found 3 other people that I ran with for a couple miles, the pace felt pushed but good, so I was SHOCKED when I looked at the Garmin and saw we were running about 7:45 miles.  Who knew?  I was expecting about 9 min mile averages for the race, so I was very happily surprised/impressed that I managed 8:04s.  Actually, I think because I started a little ways back, my Garmin said 9.42 at the end, and this ended up actually being averages of 7:59 miles, which I love just because its under 8, even if just by 1 second!

Anyway, unfortunatley, at the KM turnaround all of my group I had been sticking with kept going, and I was pretty much alone for the rest of the race, which was the worst part.  I passed one girl going up this steep hill (which I felt like I never recovered from, this was right at mile 6 when I started really wishing it was a 10k and felt like I would never make it to the end), and I really wanted to stay with her just to be with someone but I also wanted to keep trying to push it.  There was another group of 3 (2 girls and a guy) waaaay ahead of me, probably 1/3 of a mile or something and going the same speed as me, so I knew it was practically hopeless of catching them, but I made the effort.  So no one else passed me the rest of the time, and coming on to the track for the last quarter mile I passed the guy, but knew I could never get to the girls, but then I was SO dead from pushing that whole last mile to try and catch the guy that he then passed me in the last sprint to the end, so that was a waste of effort! :-)

Splits: 8:24, 8:05, 8:09, 7:42, 7:47, 8:13, 8:04, 7:42, 7:52, last .42, 7:32 pace. 

Total Ascent: 776 feet.

Overall, I'm glad I did it, it was a great tune-up and gives me lots to think about before the Half Marathon (in which I would LOVE to break 2 hours) on April 3.  First of all, I cannot run that fast.  I was dead at Mile 6 and there's no way I could have run 4 more miles at the end of this race.  With the warm-up I guess I only would have had 2.5 more to go, but still.  I need to take the beginning slower or not get sucked in to running under 8 min/miles so early.  Though I am very very proud, because I didn't even think I could run miles under 8 in any sort of long run like this!  Second, of course I felt nauteous again after this race, why is that?  The lactic acid or something?  I don't know how to avoid this.  They did have some good baked potatos to take advantage of! 

Anyway, I think I'm on the right track!  Just need to keep working hard and getting faster!

Golfed 9 holes later which probably adds another 2 walking miles on, though didn't add those in.

Feeling a little sore/tight after yesterday's race (though surprisingly not bad, not as sore as I usually feel), my left calf was still pretty tight after that weird cramping on Friday, so took it really really really easy.  Felt like I was practically walking, which I guess was encouraging since I averaged 9:30 min/miles, thanks Garmin!

Played an hour and a half of tennis later, played HORRIBLY, felt so sluggish and couldn't move around, plus I was just plain horrible on top of that.  Blahhh.  Felt really bad for my two partners. 

Wanted to run 5 miles today, but just wasn't feeling it.  Bumped it up to 6.8 mph today (8:48) so maybe that was why?  Anyway, only ran 3, then walked 2.  

Got up early to run before work because I knew I wouldn't be able to run after work since we're going to see... THE LION KING!  I'm so excited.

Ran 5 miles, first 4 at 6.7 (8:57), 1 at 7.0 (8:34) with the last .25 at 7.5 (8:00).  

Same as yesterday - got up and worked out early before work.  I really like this idea for when its possible.  I wish I was more of a morning person and I could make it possible everyday.

Ran 5 miles total, 4 @ 6.7 and 1 @ 7.0 with the last .25 at 7.5.

Later, did 90 mins of "Hot Yoga" with Jord - they aren't kidding about HOT.  They say its 105 degrees in there!  I have never sweated as much in my life.  EVER.  Felt good though and I think it will make me stronger and more flexible!  Its really expensive though, but at least for my 10 workouts for $10 I can enjoy it for the next 30 days. :-)

Same exact workout as the last two days.  5 miles total, 4 miles at 6.7, 1 mile at 7.0, last .25 miles at 7.5.  I'm proud for pushing myself today to do 5 when I wanted to stop at 3.  I'm really trying to do 5 at least 4 days a week plus the long run to up my mileage.  Next week I'll add in at least 1 or 2 6s. 

Lost 1.5 pounds since yesterday - which I'm sure is 100% all of that sweat I left on the 105 degree yoga floor yesterday!  Need to make sure to drink a lot of water today (as I'm drinking my coffee as I write this!).

2 miles on treadmill - rest day. 1 at 6.7 and 1 at 7.0 $ith last .25 increasingup to 8.0"

later, 1.5 hours of hot yoga - im starting to get addicted!!

11 mile run around Lake Oswego.  My legs felt sooooo heavy and sluggish, I wanted to stop at 3. I planned to run 12, and was already convincing myself immediately that I would only run 8, then 10, then 11, then I finally just stopped.  Blah, not that good. I think it was from the 90 mins of yoga the night before - it was a lot of leg work and I wasn't sore but I think thats why my legs just had no energy.  Ended up running to Starbucks where we met Laura and her fiancee Jon!  So that was great, and then had Hilary's baby shower afterwards.  

Runs like this make me doubt my ability to run 9:00 min/miles or less in the half marathon next month!  Just need to have a good, energy-filled, not lead-filled legs, day that day!

Average Pace: 9:20, Total Time: 1:42:50, Total Ascent: 1,320 ft

Splits: 9:06 (ALL downhill from his house down to the town, which is why Justin came and picked me up so I wouldn't have to go back up!), 9:20, 9:40, 9:16, 9:17, 9:31, 9:25, 9:25, 9:26, 9:05, 9:12.

Suuuuuck.  Long run yesterday leaving legs so tired plus 3 hours of sleep after jeff's birthday party plus probably a little bit of dehydration ;-) , so no run today, which is heartbreaking on a weekend day when I can actually run outside!  Boooo, at least next weekend is DAYLIGHT SAVINGS!!  My favorite holiday.

So, 90 mins of hot yoga instead.  Was horribly hard though, I thought I was suffocating.  Probably partially because it was the hottest I've ever felt in there, partially because of the reasons listed above.

Slept so well last night, fell asleep at 9, and was still tired at 630 when I woke up to debate about running, was too tired.  Soooo, it became the usual dilemma, not wanting to workout when I get home. Just realized again how great it was last week working out in the morning.  Despite my non-morning-person-ness, working out in the morning is just the best thing for me.  Plus then I can go to hot yoga at night! :-)

So, finally dragged myself to the TM, and my left shin was immediately just searing with pain. So ran 1.5 at 6.7, then had to stop and walk .5, then ran another 1 at 6.5, and then walked 2 more at 4.0.  Blahhhhh.  Tomorrow will be better.

Yay, I actually did it!  Was worried after yesterday.  Got up early and ran before work - 5 miels on the TM. 4 @ 6.7, 1 @ 7.0, last .25 @ 7.5. 

Hopefully going to do 90 mins of hot yoga after work. 

"Snoozed" a few times too many and didn't end up with enough time to do the full 5, so settled for 4. A little dissapointed about that. 3.75@ 6.7, .25 @ 7.0.  I NEED to do a speed workout. 

Also, I think it may be time for some new shoes, at least so I can break them in and wear them in the half-marathon.  

3.5 @ 6.7, .25 @ 7.0, .25 @ 7.5.

Went for a run OUTSIDE AFTER WORK!!! And didn't even wear my ear wrap thingamajig! Maybe spring IS on its way! Took Cooper too, man he was tired after only 1 mile, he is out of shape after the long winter.

Miles of 9:08, 8:36, 8:25. Average: 8:43

TM. 6.6 or something, crappy run. Was going to do the long run but was feeling unmotivated, squandered my time before "christmas make-up", and then went outside and it was freeeezing.

A million laps around the dog park, probably 6 laps? Pretty repetitive. Took a gu around 7 which seemed to help a lot. Also had a water/gatorade mix I took with me and planted, wearing that hydration belt when the bottle is full just feels SO uncomfortable.

Splits: 9:41, 9:26, 9:16, 9:10, 9:11, 9:20, 9:12, 9:13, 9:17, 9:09, 9:20, 9:11

Total Time: 1:51:32, Average: 9:17

To run the half marathon in less than 2 hours I need to run splits less than 9:10.

Looks a lot better than it really is.  Got up early to worked out - was feeling soooo stiff and exhausted, so walked the first mile and then only had time for 2 more running.  

Then got home from work, had a TON of homework to do (though I did finish my first final, yippeee!), when I was finally done it was almost 10pm so I walked 4 miles on the TM while I watched the end of Biggest Loser & Law & Order SVU.  Yup, productive tv watching.

Yep, only ran 2 of those miles today.  I suuuuckkk.

Have decided that I am a major slacker when it comes to revving up my workouts.  I do the same run, same speed, on every single run, no matter the mileage.  It is NOT good.  I've decided i MAJORLY need to focus on doing one speed workout a week, and ideally also either a tempo or hills workout a week.  But I'll focus on speed workouts for now, gotta work into this idea gradually.

So, today I did 3 miles on the treadmill at 6.5, then the next 2 miles I alternated 1 mile at 8.0 (7:30) and 1 mile at 6.7 (8:57).  I did this for 1.5 miles, or 6 reps of this, then on the 7th rep I ran the last half mile .5 at 8.0.  Felt good afterwards, and proud for actually doing something.

Then went and did 90 mins of hot power yoga.  Feeling gooooood today.  Will be SO sore tomorrow.

4 miles on the TM.  First one at 6.5 (9:13), next 3 at 6.8 (8:48).  Let's see if I can make 6.8 the new 6.7!

Then 60 minutes of hot power yoga.

Then some delicious Thai food. Yum.

Got up and ughhhh, rainy outside.  Why is it always nice on the weekdays and the weekends are crappy?  Seriously, yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day, with visions of long runs outside and golfing dancing in my head.  Then I wake to ugly blah rainyness.  So to the treadmill I went.

After 3 miles thought that it had stopped and I could head outside, I was wrong.  I'm so glad I didn't do it outside, I probably would have been freezing cold and sick.  

Soo, 13 whole miles on the TM, fuuuun.  At 6.5 (9:13), last .25 at 7.0 (8:34). Took 2 hours even (I think, the TM shut down randomly at 100 minutes, apparently its the max so I wasn't positive of my mileage at that point), then walked 5 minutes.  Watched Milk, pretty inspiring!

Sucked today again. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sick of the weather it is RIDICULOUS.  Today's weather was especially terrible - SNOW on the ground when I got up, pouring rain, amazing wind, hail, etc. etc. ETC. today.  First weekend in a LONG time that I haven't got in at least 1 run outside, which is really depressing because I am soooo tired of the treadmill and I swear its giving me shin splints.

So 3 miles walking earlier, then painted a room, then decided to try and run a little (though it was already 9:30pm), ran about 1.2 miles and shins were killing me so walked some at 8.5% incline and then rounded the walk out to 2.4.  Not a very productive day.

I decided today though that I need to plan out my workouts for the week (not just the mileage) so maybe I'll be more accountable.  We'll see how it works out.

Monday - 5 miles - speed workout

Tuesday - 4 miles - easy; 90 minute hot yoga

Wednesday - 4 miles - 1 tempo; 90 minute power yoga

Thursday - 3ish - whatever I can get in in the morning - then VEGAS

Friday - I'll probably do the long run on Friday this weekend since I'll be in VEGAS! 

Wow its been a long day.  But I'm done with my final!  yippee.  So had that, then a ridiculous amount of work that HAD to be done, and finished painting the room, and now its 11:15pm and I neeeeed to go to bed.  So sad, I ate Samoas instead of running. Suck!

I'll do better tomorrow. 

FINALLY got a workout in this week!  It has been ridiculous!  Ridiculously BAD!

This morning, did 6 miles on the TM. 5 @ 6.5 (9:13), last 1 alternated .25 miles at 8.0 (7:30) with .1 or so at 6.5.  Did 3 of those, so .75 at 8.0 (7:30).

Off to VEGAS!!!

3 quick miles on the treadmill before we left for the airport.  Probably 6.7?  I don't remember.

5 miles around Las Vegas.  If I remember later I'll look up the splits on the Garmin and add them, but it wasn't fast at all.  Most of the miles were around 9-9:30, except mile 4, which was on the strip and weaving around people and had to walk single file at one point (ughhhh) so it was 11:20 or something ridiculous.  Running on the strip, while lots of interesting things to look at, is NOT enjoyable.  Maybe if you got up earlier it would be less crowded.

Splits: 9:04, 10:19, 9:19, 11:21, 9:25

Avg Pace: 9:54, Total Ascent: interesting, this is definitely wrong.  Wonders if the satellite think I went up in the elevator or something? 

4 terrible, hungover miles around Las Vegas.  I'm an idiot!  Pina Coladas, while delicious, do not make a good runner.  Like 9:45 min/miles.  

Splits: 9:54, 9:45, 9:34, 10:13

Avg: 9:45, Total Ascent: 246

Only half of this, like 2.5 miles, were running.  I SUCK.  I am starting to be TERRIFIED that the last week, including the weekend in Vegas of too much bad food, pina coladas, not running my long run, and inhaling disgusting smoke in the casinos has ruined me for next weekend's half marathon.  I could barely run today.  I have to get in a bunch of miles this week and a semi-long-run this weekend.  HAVE TO.  I cant believe I ran less than 20 miles last week, what with finals and the trip and everything.  UGH, I'm disgusted in myself.

On the upside, Justin's sister had her baby today! A brand new baby boy nephew - 8 pounds, 6 ounces.  :-)

ALL of these miles are actually running, yippee.  Not a trick like usual. :-)  Feeling good today like maybe I didn't ruin myself over the weekend in Vegas.  

Ran first 5 miles at 6.5 (9:13), then started a mini speed workout, ran .1, .1, .2, .3 at 8.0 (7:30) with .1 miles at 6.8 in between.  Then took a .5 break at 7.0 , then started again with 3 more .1 at 8.0 with .1 in between at 7.0.  That was confusing, but mini speed workout.  My speed bursts probably need to be getting faster than 8.0 at this point.  Just happy to get some miles in.

Did it in about 63 minutes.  It'd be nice to do it in less than 60.  

Now wondering what my long run should be this weekend.  Had planned to do 14 last weekend and a shorter, taperer (word? ha) run this weekend of 8 or 10 before next weekend's half marathon.  Now I have skipped that 14er, and not sure what I should do this weekend to keep up the mileage for the marathon training but still be in more peak form for the half. 

Ran OUTSIDE!!!!!!  It is a miracle!  It WASN"T raining for the first day in FOREVER.  On top of that, I went out at 7:00.. .PM!  Can't believe it.  Was racing to get to 5 miles before it was dark though.  I tried to run pretty fast, tried to do a tempo run, and it felt a lot harder than it should have I think.  Not sure what the average is, will update after the Garmin, but did it in 43 minutes.  

Is it spring finally????

Splits: 9:10, 8:51, 8:51, 8:48, 8:34, 8:15

Avg: 8:44, Total Ascent: 746

Got in a quick 3 miles on the TM before taking off for Oregon. 6.5 mph pace.  

I might count this as a race report if I don't run next weekend's half marathon in less than 2 hours!  :-)  

Started out deciding to run between 12-14 miles, then about 3 miles in (after a weird sideache through mile 3) I decided to run a time trial of a half marathon and see if I could get under 2.  It felt HARD and its hard to believe I'll be able to do much faster next week, especially considering the course will likely be harder than this course (hard to not be harder, this was practically pancake flat).  But I DID IT!  It was hard, and I was really really tired afterwards, and my legs felt like lead.  But I wasn't nauseous like normal, so I guess I could have gone a little faster. :-)

Bad parts were that I had no water until mile 10, because the stupid park water fountains were still turned off, so I couldn't have the gu I brought either without any water. 

Started out at 35 degrees, ended about 40, but at least only a few drops of rain fell!  I tried to get the long run in yesterday but it was a hurricane and torrential downpour. I am so sick of this weather I can't take it anymore!

Splits: 9:25, 8:51, 9:06, 8:51, 8:36, 8:36, 8:22, 8:32, 8:43, 8:22, 8:35, 8:50, 8:26, (.1 - 7:37)

Total Time: 1:54:09,  Total Ascent: 1419

Weak sauce today.  Maybe ran 1 mile with cooper to/from/around the park.  Then came back and took the dogs on a walk with Justin around the neighborhood, then came back and walked another mile on the TM.  Left shin/side of calf is bothering me a little bit today after yesterday's run.  

Still taking it easy.  Too easy.  Making me worried.  Was starving when I got home and too tired to cook, so we went to get Panda Express, randomly when I was there I decided I woudl just run home while Justin ordered, thinking I probably wouldn't get any other run outside today!  Man was I right, the wind was AWFUL.  I wasn't prepared, so no watch, ipod, or ear wrap,and man my ears screammmeeed.  I dont know if they've gotten more sensitive because I wear that thing religiously, or what, but they did not enjoy the wind and were aching so bad.  That was probably 1.5 miles.  Maybe 2.  Then after dinner (during Biggest Loser - my favorite!) walked 3 more miles on the treadmill, then ran the last 1.  

Still taking it easy, but not on purpose.  Today had class all day, got home after 8, so tried to get a quick 3 in.  I'm going to try and do 5ish tomorrow, to at least have 1 semi-long run this week.  

Last .5 miles I did a quick mini speed workout of 3 repeats of .1 miles at 8.0.  

I ran OUTSIDE and I actually saw little bit of that big yellow ball up there... what's that called again?  Supposed to be more of it this weekend and I am PUMPED!  Golf course here I come!

Got in a quick 3.6 miles outside before we head to Portland for golfing and the Portland half.  Getting some race anxiety. Also wishing I had broken in my new shoes more, because after running in those the last 2-3 times the old ones do not feel good.  But I don't trust the new ones to do a long race in them yet.

The good news is that I tried to run super slow, except the last few minutes or so, and my average ended up being 8:59, which is less than my goal race pace.  I would say the goal is to stay under 8:45, but 8:30 averages would be my "big goal", in TFA talk. 

Now that the weather is turning nice all of a sudden I am freaking out about what to wear though!  I think I need to get some capri tights, I'm worried my long tights are going to be too warm but that its still too cold at 7am for shorts.  Hmmmmm......

Splits: 9:07, 8:59, 9:02, 8:41 (avg)

I saw the sun today and i loved it!!! I wanted to go for a run so bad today, the sun and a little warmth (60) was calling me but I settled for golf, figured its about 2 miles walking. golfed a 65, that's right, on 9 holes!! its hard to believe, but I am THAT bad! 30 over par is NOT good!

anyway, race anxiety time is here. just want to make my goal so bad! but I know I just need to keep reminding myself that I want this to be the slowest half I run this year, so if I don't make it this time I will next time. time to try to sleep. 5am is awful early for me!

Good news or really really really really devastatingly bad news first?

Good news.  I did it!  Shattered my goal (perhaps shattered is the key word? or broke?) of beating 2 hours.  Its amazing that a year ago almost exactly I ran the Whidbey Island Half Marathon in 2:06:42 (9:50) and this year I beat that time by 18 minutes in 1:48:23 (8:16).  And I am confident that time would have been at least a minute or two faster had the below not occurred.

I have a broken fibula.  I am devastated.  I'm guessing that the "shin splints" that bothered my left leg last week since last weekend's run was really the start of a stress fracture, which culminated at mile 7 of the race.  I was feeling GREAT until mile 7, overdressed because it was the most beautiful day ever, out enjoying a really nice race.  At mile 7 my ankle hurting a lot, and I contemplated quitting, but I don't quit, which I now know was a TERRIBLE decision.  It hurt a lot and its all I thought about, but it was bearable.  At mile 12 I almost cried because I knew I would finish, but that was premature since at mile 12.5 was probably when the actual break occurred, as the pain was no longer bearable and I hobbled to the finish line as best as I could.  Terrible timing as that was one of the one hills up to a bridge of the race where there was a terrible headwind as well. 

Praying that it was a tendon strain or something minor I hoped it would be better this morning (but deep down I knew it was probably a stress fracture, never thought it was an actual BROKEN bone). Couldn't sleep last night because it hurt so bad, couldn't really walk, so decided this morning to head to the ER.  They did x-rays and sure enough, broken fibula.  Poor doctor had to see my enormous bawling breakdown when he told me I couldn't run for 6 weeks. 

On a splint/soft cast/crutches now - see the orthopedist on Friday and I'm praying I'll get a walking cast. 

I have so much more to say about everything, and I just hope I can be positive and not get too depressed through this. I cant even imagine not running, I'm going to need to do some upper body exercise or SOMETHING or I will go crazy, I know. 

Why did this happen?  I dont feel like I upped my mileage quickly at all.  I do feel like it was a mistake to run hard last weekend and this weekend, and that I should have switched to the new shoes sooner.  But other than that, I honestly don't know why this happened or how to prevent this from happening in the future.  Perhaps I'm susceptible to bone issues (I read something about this being related to abnormal periods, which I've always had, sorry if this is TMI!!).  I'm just really depressed, Rock n Roll is for sure out, I just hope I can run again someday and that this never ever ever happens again.  Has this happened to anyone else?  If so, any tips, ideas as to causes, etc. would be so greatly appreciated.  I'm going to have to fill those hours of running doing something!

Splits: 8:04, 8:11, 8:21, 8:39 (the hill!), 8:17, 7:56, 8:02 (when it started hurting), 7:58, 8:04?, 8:23, 8:27, 8:15, 8:41

Garmin was hard to decipher since I did a bad job and pressed splits and had it automatically make splits.  Big mistake.

Day 2 of this nightmare.  And I am going CRAZY.  Yesterday after the doctor I had to go to class, I knew I couldn't miss, and let's just say the UW campus is rather big.  Even with new access to the disability parking lot, walking from my car to my class seemed like a marathon, when it couldn't have been more than a quarter mile.  Then today I decided to go into work, ended up staying about 5 hours until sitting was bothering my ankle.  I just cannot handle these crutches.  I HATE CRUTCHES.  They are such hard work, so at least I guess I still feel like I'm working out!  My arms are going to be much buffer at the end of this.

Things I hate about having a broken ankle:

1) Its a beautiful day and I want to go RUN.  Or at least go outside, do some yardwork, enjoy the sun.  I can't.

2) I can't do ANYTHING.  I dont know what I would do without my husband, he's been so wonderful and has been doing everything.  How you would do this alone I have no idea.  I need to invent a way to carry things while doing the crutches, this is the worst part. 

3) Moving anywhere is HARD.  I found that I didn't want to drink anything because going to the bathroom is such a chore!  Did I mention we have a "tri-level" style house, so there is no bathroom on the main floor?  Luckily its only about 5 stairs down to the bottom level where there is one, but STILL.  See #4.

4) Stairs are IMPOSSIBLE!  I am just not good at this crutches thing.  I have almost fallen a billion times, that will be wonderful, having TWO broken ankles!

5) My body hurts.  Oh yeah, my ankle hurts most of the time, its difficult to find a position where it doesn't, especially if I'm "elevating" it like I'm supposed to.  But I'm talking about my armpits, my biceps, my triceps, the area under my arm thats all chafed from the crutches, my abs (??), the blisters on my hands from using the crutches, and the new bruises I have from running into walls trying to use the crutches! 

6) I'm BORED!!!!!!!!!!!  Its really really really boring to sit on the couch all day.  Beyond boring.  Yesterday I watched 3 different Oprahs while I did my homework.  OPRAH.  The last time I watched even one episode was..... never??  Blah.

7) I miss eating!  Ha.  I'm still eating, probably better than ever actually, so everyone is right, that probably is going to be the great thing that comes out of this.  But I've definitely had to restrict my calorie intake, as I know how easy it would be to gain a bunch of weight during this time, since I used to make up for running 30+ miles a week! 

Okay okay okay, I'm sure everyone knows this already, I'm clearly not the first person to ever break a bone!  Just please please please please PLEASE give me a walking cast on Friday!!!

Day 3 of the Terribleness

My ankle actually feels better today!  That gives me hope.  Maybe I will get a walking cast on Friday??  But I know not to expect too much, that seems like too much to hope for.

I have to go to two classes today, from 1:30-7 today, so this should be a long, exhausting day.  We'll see how it goes. 

Plus its so annoying when people are constantly asking me "what did you do?" and I have to say "I dont know!".  I need to make up some amazing story that involves saving someone from a car or something exciting!

Last, this is Day 3 of no caffeine.  Have a tinge of a headache which is probably related.  Miss that warm coffee drink in the morning but its not like I could make it or carry it to the couch myself anyway!  All the sites call it a "bone robber", and despite all those studies showing caffeine helps you go faster/longer in runs, its probably best I cut most of it out. 

Well its day 5 of the awfulness, and no relief in sight.  Just got back from the orthopedist, and despite my begging no aircast and no walking cast for at least another week.  Plus I have to have an MRI because he, like me, is wondering why my leg broke for no reason.  So now I'm worried about all the reasons that could cause that until that's done with. Fun times!

Day 5 of no caffeine as well, so at least I've got that going for me.  I am drinking some green tea right now though but I'm not going to count tea. 

I am sick of the couch and sick of the crutches!

Day 6 of the boringness!!!!!

Yesterday I had a pretty nasty spill at the end of the day - I had just taken Cooper to the park so he could play and I could walk a bunch on the crutches (I want to maintain/grow my ability to walk in those), so maybe I was fatigued?  Anyway, I fell down the stairs going to the basement, so only about 4 steps, and no real damage, but it certainly scared Justin! 

I've never watched so much tv in my life.  Most of the time I just have something on in the background that I'm not really watching, but STILL.  On the plus side I'm already way ahead on my homework for next week and think I'll do some work work this weekend too.

I did start to walk a little bit on my cast (despite doctor's orders, hopefully he's not a fastrunningblog member, ha!).  I've learned that walking on the cast on the stairs is WAY safer than just being on those crutches.  I think they're a little too tall for me too, which also probably makes me more wobbly, but its the closest size the hospital had. 

Almost one week down out of 6 weeks (hopefully that's all!).

One week down.... 5 (hopefully!) to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weighed myself today with one shoe, all my clothes, and the plaster cast (all that has to weigh at least 1 pound if not 2-3), and it was 141, which made me happy, as I have been very concerned about gaining lots of weight during this whole ordeal.  If I can just stay around 140 I'll be happy.  I definitely miss the flexibility of that extra 500 calories I get to eat a day from running/working out/ just walking places!  Its definitely a challenge to eat only 1,400 calories a day, and it definitely eliminates any treat, even fake treats like my sugar free pudding on a caramel corn rice cake.  Or a cadbury egg, which I am dying for today!

Happy Easter to all! 

Day 8. I am desperately trying to get ahold of a free or <$40 exercise bike off of craigslist. No one emails me back!  I need to do SOMETHING!

Day 11.

 Reading every one's blogs made me so sad that I'm not running.  And the weather has been soo nice lately and its supposed to be 70 this weekend! My tulips are growing!  They're the first thing I've ever grown!  I'm just sad I'm no longer progressing and not running the marathon.  Woeess me. :-)

MRI tomorrow.  Hopefully it will show nothing - that it was a stress fracture and not something a lot scarier.  I did go back and read that as far back as March 2nd I complained about my left shin (though I was complaining about my SHIN not my ankle, though I'm no doctor!).

Stupid craiglist guy is screwing me over, he posted his free exercise bike and I snagged it and was supposed to go pick it up tonight and now I think he is having second thoughts (probably wants to sell it instead of giving it away).  But I really really really want an exercise bike! :-)

Day 12.  Had my MRI today.  Man I'm glad I didn't have to go all the way in the machine, they let me go feet first and only my legs in there.  I would not have enjoyed being in there - the space was SO tiny.  And if those sounds and having to hold completely still isnt' something to make a perfectly normal person want to have a panic attack, I don't know what is!

Day 15.  2 weeks down, 4 to go.

How can I change my blog options so I can enter bike miles? I see other people can do that and I can't for the life of me figure out how to do that.  Anyway, I finally got an exercise bike off of craigslist, so I did an hour of that today, said I went 10.75 miles.  I was not sweaty at all, (it said I only burnt 200 calories) but it was nice to do SOMETHING finally.  

Doctor called - I don't have cancer or anything else scary!  MRI came back fine, it was a stress fracture gone bad.  So that is EXCITING!  He said I could walk on it, just stop if its hurting.  He didn't seem too interested in talking to me or answering questions which was frustrated.  And no appointment for 3 whole weeks, so I'm just going to pray that they just take the cast off a week early!

32 minutes on the bike, about 6.2 miles

30 minutes on the bike, about 6 miles

33 mins on the bike, 7 miles

50 mins on the bike, 11 miles

37 mins on the bike, 8 miles. 3 weeks down, 3 weeks to go (hopefully!)

I am certainly looking forward to being done with this cast.  Although my ankle is hurting less and less, which is very very nice and makes me feel hopeful (though it gets tired really easily when I'm walking or trying to do yardwork like today) but all these other parts of my leg are now bothering me which makes it twice as annoying.  I have to walk in this weird way since my ankle doesn't bend so the back of my knee feels strained all the time. The cast cuts into my shin (especially where it ends) and hurts my shin and right below my knee.  My outer foot feels all weird probably because theres no arch support or because I'm walking weird.  Plus my toes are exposed and they got soooo dirty while I was trying to pull weeds earlier (just imagine how ridiculous I looked, you can't really squat which made it verrryyy difficult!), when the cast comes off my foot is going to be disgustingly dirty!

Anyway, complain much?  I truly am trying to look on the bright side. I went to see Jerry Seinfeld on Friday night (randomly got invited a few hours before the show) and it was HILARIOUS, I wish I had it on tape so I could keep listening to it!  But one of my favorites was "your life sucks, my life sucks, (well, mine doesn't suck as much as yours), everybody's life sucks! But the good thing is, is that great and sucks aren't that far apart. Everything either sucks or is great, there's no in between. And sometimes, they mean the same thing. Imagine you're walking down the street and you drop your ice cream cone. Sucks! But what do you say? Great!".  Anyway, much funnier in person, but it reminded me that everybody's life sucks, not just mine! hahaha. But that its easy to turn sucks into great. 

Another one of my favorite quotes of his before I go to bed: "Single people think marriage is about intimacy. But what marriage is about is trying to be together and not saying the words "I hate you"! Because you can't say that. So instead you say things like "WHY DON'T WE EVER HAVE ANY SCOTCH TAPE!"

20 mins on the bike, 4 miles. feeling sluggish and tired. blahhhhhhh im sick of this.

day 23? 20 mins on bike 4 miles. ankle was bothering me a little which bothered me! this week there have been times when it feels GREAT and I have hope it will heal and then it will suddenly start hurting again and send me back to my depression. I have a dr appointment next friday and I am just hoping beyond hope that he'll just tae it off that day, even though that will only be 5 weeks.

1 hour on the bike, 12.75 miles.

I'm going to BEG the doctor to take this cast off at my appointment on Friday!  I need to learn how to do that smoothly shaking hands while slipping the dr a bribe thing! :-)

GOT MY CAST OFF!!  I am ECSTATIC.  My leg was the grossest thing you have EVER seen, oh my gosh, so hairy and scaly dry dead skin, blah!  My calf is so sad, all limp and no muscle!  My calf is half the size of my other and my ankle is twice the size of my other.  It is a HOT looking leg, let me tell you.

Anyway, not out of the clear yet, I got fitted for a moon boot and I'm supposed to wear that through the end of the month, though he did officially say I could ride the bike (I was kind of breaking the rules before), do range of motion exercises, and can walk more and more without the boot as the month goes on.  My next (last?) appointment is June 1, so hopefully that will be when I'm given the clear to start running again.

The xray looked good, he showed me today's vs. the first, and though its not all the way healed, you can see a lot of callus (my new word of the day) blurring up the picture, which I guess is a good sign! 

I'll be boot-goofin' for the next 3 weeks or so. :-)

well I successfully made it 5 weeks without coke zero, coffee, alcohol, ibuprofen, caffeine!! im proud. then I had all of those in 24 hours. ha. decided I could have a coke zero with lunch, then had my delicious bud light lime to celebrate the cast coming off with some friends, then had to have the ibuprofen from the headache that always ensues from having the beer! :-)

im going to give myself a break, but im certainly not going back to my old ways. theres definitely no reason for me to have 1-2 cups of coffee AND my coke zero everyday. I think only as a weekend treat now, max 1 of either (not both!) a day. I barely have the othewr two, those weren't the hard thing to give up (well, I guess the drugs when you're hurt!)

35 mins on the bike, said 10 miles. the exercise bike at my inlaws says I go a lot faster than mine!

an hour on the bike, 13 miles. haven't broken a sweat doing this yet, but I think I will soon. next week ill start riding with my shoe instead of the boot.

my calf is disgusting. how long does it take to build it back up and any good ideas on doing that besides calf raises?

my ankle is starting to feel better though, the first couple nights with the cast off I couldn't sleep because it was hurting so bad. not the break site, but just so stiff from not moving for 5 weeks.

30 mins on bike, 7 miles. was feeling sick so cut it short, but hardest I've gone yet. tried doing calf raises on one leg, and I CANT! I can't support my body weight raised on that leg. its the weirdest feeling ever.

one hour on the bike, 14.6 miles.

LOST IS THE MOST AMAZING SHOW EVER!!!!! if you haven't watched it, go get season 1 IMMEDIATELY! that was the best finale, my mind is about to explode! :-)

sad I have to wait until 2010 to find out what happens....

20 mins on the bike, 4.7 miles

day 43. hard to believe I somehow thought today I might be running again. ahhh me so stupid!! my leg is feeling much much better though, and my calf seems to be a little bigger (maybe??!!). I spent the whole day today out of the boot (which might be bad, id probably get grounded by my dr!) but I feel its coming back. I thinl maybe I could do some low low impact yoga or maybe the wii fit this week, which should help with my range of motion.

worked so hard today, digging blackberry bush roots, washing/cleaning my car to sell it, helping my friend clean, wow im exhausted so no bike today. BUT... tomorrow I am starting on operation get back in shape. I am getting pudgy and it has to stop, plus I want to prepare my body for when I can run again (at this point I can't envision that anytime soon).

sooooo, this week, min. 30 mins on the bike EVERYDAY, ideally 45-60 mins, plus yoga/wii fit as i'm able. plus pushups, situps, and squats EVERY DAY.

way to go all those racers this weekend!

failed day 1 of eating good due to some delicious banana chocolate chip pancakes husband made me, but passed day 1 of get back in shape.

1 hour on the bike, 14 miles

50 situps

15 girl pushups (im weak and ankle can't handle it yet)

30 squats

30 bicep curls

30 tricep things

20 oblique bends each side

gotta stick with it!!!!!!

1 hour on the bike, 14 miles

That's right!  Not running, but walking, but since thats a big deal right now, I'm counting it!

Decided on Thursday to be done wearing the boot, my ankle is feeling better, and now its operation get my calf and ankle joints back in shape.  So I hope thats not a huge mistake.  It's not exactly the doctor's orders but its not really against it either.  

So today I decided to try and take Cooper for a walk, we did 3 laps around the neighborhood, it probably took about 40 minutes so NOT fast, but I tried to go as fast as I could.  Running still seems impossible and it makes me depressed since i have no idea when that will be possible again. 

Went golfing today, first time in 7 weeks! (I went the day before the injury). Yippee.  Figured it was about 2 miles, plus I was carrying the golf bag.  Did AWESOME on the first 4 holes, 2 pars and 2 bogeys, then went waaayyy down hill and finished with a 58. My calf was tirreeddd and right now I can tell its really tired.  I just want my calf to be nice and strong again!  We'll see how I feel tomorrow, but if its not too tired or sore I think we'll go golfing again! 

walked 1 mile around the nh. feeling a little sore aftergolf yesterday plus painted the master all day today (yay!almost the whole house is now painted!) so I didn't want to overdo it. going to try to walk 2 miles almost everyday, maybe building to 3 depending on how I feel. then next monday is the last dr appt & xray!!!

also, id say my calfis now 3/4 the size of the other!!

walked 11 holes golfing today, but then had to walk all the way back in (getting dark) from hole 15 so it was a good bit of walking, maybe almost 3?

played bad though, nothing to write home about!

took cooper for a walk. have lots of plans for this week :-) but ill wait to detail them until after my dr appt tomorrow. last xray, my 8 weeker, when im guessing (hoping??) I get the all clear. I can't wait to know!

Bad bad bad bad bad news. My ankle is still broken.  4 more weeks of this, at least.  Will write more later. Saaaaaaad.

21 minutes on the bike, 5 miles. Day 1 of eating right challenge, want to lose 10 pounds over the next 10 weeks.  Success.

1 hour on the bike, 14.6 miles. 

Day 2 of challenge a success, except for 1 delicious Subway cookie, but I'll still count it! :-)

Pity party is over, I'm getting a bike and movin' on.

Think its time I officially changed my blog to the tri version, since biking miles will be all i'm entering for awhile... sad! 

36 mins on the bike today, 9 miles.

Nevermind, the blog hates me!  Everytime I try to create a new profile it just takes me back to this profile.  Maybe because I used the same email address?  Oh well.  I KNOW!  I'll make a new shoe, and keep track of the bike miles on the shoe.

Just a guess, walked from my hotel (in dc this week for a conference) down to the smithsonians. it took about 40 mins or so, and on the way down I ran for 1 minute every 8 minutes or so (did it 5 or so times, probably less than a halfmile). this is my 3rd time jogging for a few minutes, we'll see how it goes.

did my same 5 down to the smithsonians and back. ran for 5 mins straight, then walk, then 3 more mins, then ankle wasbothering me so walked the rest, until about 2 hours later when I was coming back and started to get worried that it was getting dark and the neighborhood was shady and I though I might be lost. but I wasnt! until I tried to meet my friend and got the blue line metro instead of the orange one! me so stupid!

my ankle makes me so sad. am I going to ever run again? I don't think I posted about mylast dr apppt, but the crack is still there, the doc doesn't know why its not healing, since mri and bone density are normal, and he wants to talk surgery if the crack is still there in 6 weeks in august. I finally had to officially surrender hood to coast. he said I could try running but had to stop if it hurts. suuuuckkkkk.

Did my run/walk circuit around the neighborhood.  Ended up with 6 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking, for a little over 9 minutes to do .7 miles.  I'm sllooowwwww these days!  Its funny how slow I run, probably about the speed someone else could speed walk.  I'm so scared to have all my weight fall on my left ankle, so I'm so gingerly gentle about it!

I'm feeling more and more optimistic. Maybe I could make a goal to do a 5k in September?  A sloowwww 5k!  I think I will focus on 5ks and 10ks this next year and make a real slow come-back to the half-marathon/marathon.  I still need to get fitted for shoes.

Walking 9 holes of golf.

I ran one whole mile without stopping!  I am sooo happy.  I'm feeling more optimistic that maybe my ankle will heal, and I won't need surgery!  Yippee.  I'll try again on Sunday or Monday to run another mile!

Walking 9 holes of golf.

First real bike ride!  1 hour on the interurban trail!  Averaged 11.4 miles per hour, that seems really really slow, but oh well.  Saw about a million rabbits on the way back.

Second real bike ride!  Rode for an hour and 5 minutes on the Green River Trail.  Didn't like this as much, or we seemed to lose it for awhile and that was weird.  It was also a lot bumpier than interurban.  Was going a little faster this time, 12 mph average.  Would like to increase this even more. My legs were deaaadd at the end.

Ran the farthest I've run yet, 1.75 miles. Was about about an average of 11:30 pace, oh well!  What are you going to do?  My dog Cooper was pretty much just walking to keep up with me.  I've noticed that running every other day is a hefty goal though, my ankle usually aches for a few days after running.  I think every 3 days is a better goal for now.

9 holes walking on the golf course.  Actually played 15 holes, but after 9 opted to get a cart, it was so hot outside and it would be okay if I was just walking, but carrying the bag too was making me just pour buckets of sweat. Not that enjoyable.

Walked Cooper down to the dog park and back.  Ran about .5 miles on the way back because we were late for golfing (cooper also didn't even get to actuallY GO to the dog park because we ran out of time, he just got to look longingly at it!). Then went golfing 9 holes, but this time I rode the whole time because it is HOT!

10 mile bike ride.  It was sooooo hot outside and we were both feeling so sluggish. So 10 miles in 56:40, not very good. Like a 10.5 mph average.  Heat wave this week, ugh, its 102 degrees outside right now!

10 mile bike ride on the exercise bike. 40 minutes. Its getting hot!

Its HOT!  Oh my gosh. I guess Seattle broke the all-time record for temp, with 103 somewhere, but my car at one time said 113!!! I know, likely a huge exaggeration, but still!  Needless to say, without AC, we are SUFFOCATING in our house.  Its horrible. I feel like I haven't slept all week. 

Went out for a really short run when it was 9pm and almost dark, and it was still stifling. Ran 1.25 miles, a total of 1.5 miles with walking. Got some new Saucony ProGrid or ProGuide or something shoes that a running store fitted me with. They feel soooo comfy, I love them so far. Then came back and did 3.5 miles (15 minutes) on the bike. SO HOT!

Its hooottttttt. 7 miles on the exercise bike, 31 minutes. Going to HAWAII tomorrow! I can't can't can't CANT WAIT!

I ran 3 miles, AND I'm in Hawaii!! what could be better??!! impressed I ran 3 (woke up at 6 still on wc time, despite not sleeping until 12) then walked 1 cool-down. then walked at least 4 more (prob more like 5-6, being conservative)

got up early again, though legs felt tired from all the walking yesterday, I felt like I could have run again, which made me happy. restrained myself though, and just did an hour long walk, prob 4 miles. then lots of walking the rest of the day. snorkeled hanauma bay, but it was sooo choppy and preety murky. maybe bc trop storm lana just passed by?

ran 3 miles again!! then a half mile cooldown. splits were 10:59, 10:34, & 10:27. im starting to get a little bit faster already!

then we hiked diamond head, which was definitely a calorie burner! I was pouring sweat. beautiful views though.

then later we went to dave and busters, and decided to just start walking back instead of waiting for he bus, that was prob about 3 miles.

prob lightest walking day. walked some in search of snorkeling (failed) then walked pretty far for dinner, which you cook on the grill yourself, and I did a poor job!

no run today, will have to get it iin tomorrow. went in search of Lost film sites today :-) walked about 2 at least at turtle bay trying to find a special banyan tree, then a hot 2 at waimea falls, and at least 1 more for randomness.

ran 3 this morning, then half mile cool down. my garmin would not "locate satellites" for the whole first 10 mins, which really made me mad! has this been a problem for anyone else? so I think I ran 3. splits of second 2 miles were 10:07 and 10:29.

we're leaving tomorrow morning..... ssaaaadddd. back to real life. guess the upside is we'll miss hurricane felicia?

walked 9 holes of golf today. meant to get up early and run but guess I'm still on hawaii time, plus for some reason my ankle was sooo swollen yesterday, it was really weird. I don't know why, yesyterday was seriously the most wasted day ever, between airport shenanigans, a 6 hour flight, a 3 hr time change, and a 3 hr drive to portland to get the beloved dog, I walked probably a tenth of a mile yesterday. oh well, I'll try tomorrow.

Did the open Lake Wilderness CoEd Relays race with my friend who's a cross country coach.  It was the first running I've done since Hawaii (afterwards the doc told me no more!) so I was slooowww. It was a 3k but I stopped when you had to run through the water (yeah yeah, I'm a weenie) so it probably more like only 1.5 miles for me. Luckily through the woods a lot of it was really slow because of the back-up of runners and it was single-file lines!

Ran 2 miles with Rachael while staying at her house. I was slowwwww.

AND I'M BACK!  (hopefully!)

Went to the doctor today and though it's not 100%, he said I don't have to go back to the doctor and I can start running (slowly, very very very slowly!).  I was ECSTATIC!  After 6 long long long months not only have I gained about 8 pounds but I was pretty much ready to just start running no matter what the doctor says. After all, the result seems to be surgery either way, either I run on it and break it again, and this time I have surgery, or it's still not healed, and eventually I need surgery.  SO RUNNING IS THE ANSWER! :-)

Anyway, you can still see the break in the center of the bone, but the outsides are completely healed (thus the HUGE bump on my ankle bone) and its making good progress and I never think about it anymore except when I have huge anxiety attacks that it's not healing and get super paranoid....!  So he finally said get to it, and hopefully I never ever EVER see him again. Knock on wood.

So what did I do? Went for a run!  I was sloowww. Beyond slow. And every step I am paranoid about my ankle.  But oh well!  Took Cooper, he was pretty much walking while I was jogging, how sad.  2 miles, 11:11 and 11:26 splits. It's going to be a longgg road back but at least I'm on the road!

Today I'm also starting my own Biggest Loser competition (with myself!) to try and lose those 8 pounds. So I also did P90X legs and back and about 100 of the abrippers.

Ran 2 miles again today! (walked the last half mile). My ankle didn't hurt at all while I was actually running, but it started hurting kind of significantly once I stopped, which had me worried. I knew I should only run every other day at first, but I was so excited after yesterday!  So no running tomorrow, every other day from now on, for at least a few days. :-)  Mile splits were 11:10 and 11:20.

When I got home did an hour on the bike while watching the biggest loser, was 15 miles even.

Ankle bothering me a little, so did Weight Loss Yoga (probably 30 mins?) and 2 miles walking on the treadmill. Then my ankle was hurting, sad!

Did 35 minutes on the elliptical and then walked 1.5 miles on the treadmill.

Met this new group of gals that I met on Craigslist for a run.  We're all in varying stages of being out-of-shape, so that's nice, as I'm definitely not ready for a real running group, since my max right now 2 miles about.  We walked 2 miles and then ran 2 miles at the Game Farm trail, it was pretty! 

Walked 4 miles on the treadmill while watching Gossip Girl. Ha, I am cool. :-)

ran the green river trail today, man its so nice to run with other people! walked .91 then ran 3.43. splits were 10:09, 10:53, 11:17, 11:45. farthest i've run since april! :-)

4 miles walking on the treadmill.

Ran the Green River loop again with the running ladies.  My Garmin was dead, so I'm just guessing it was about 3 miles running, 1.34 miles walking.

2 miles walking the golf course, played 9 holes, then off to see WICKED! Which was AWESOME!  Highly recommend it.

Did 5 miles at Des Moines Creek Park with the running ladies, but only about 2.5 of that was actually running.  Had a nice surprise that the park ran into the beach, which was so beautiful! 

Then did homework homework homework all day and wanted to watch some tv but the only other tv (that's not being monopolized by football ALL DAY on Sunday) is in front of the treadmill so I walked 4 more miles.

This week's miles (Mon-Sun): 27.68 miles, but only 8.93 running miles.  If I still feel fine next week I've got to get the running number above 10.

Ran 3 miles with Cooper. For the first time I am starting to feel good! I am still cautious/worried about my ankle, but the last loop of the neighborhood I actually started to lengthen my stride and go a bit faster, instead of being so worried about landing all my weight on my left foot. Yay! Maybe I'm finally getting healed?  I hope so.

Splits: 10:31, 10:19, 9:31

Yep, that's right, a mile in 9:31, I am HAPPY about that. Granted, my lungs actually felt challenged for the first time, but still.  That familiar feeling of pushing yourself that I love came back - why I love running!  Please please please let my injury be better.

Got up early so did 3 miles on the treadmill, 1 walking and 2 running at 11:30 pace.

after class walked 4 miles on the treadmill.

2 miles on the treadmill.  The Office wedding today!  I LOVE Jim & Pam!

4 miles RUNNING outside!  That's right, a new record.  Ha, that's funny my long run for the week is 4 miles. Took Cooper, he was TIRED, as was I. :-)  Very consistent, splits were: 10:40, 10:36, 10:42, 10:36. 

3 miles running outside with Cooper!  Splits were: 10:01, 10:01, 9:52, for a total average pace less than 10 min/miles! ha, barely, but still!  It's nice to see quick improvement. 

Met my goal of the week for 12 miles running (19.4 total with walking).  

Next week's goal: 13 miles (3,3,3,4).  I think I'll keep with 4 days a week until at least November if not December, working up to 15 weekly miles (3,3,4,5).  Then we'll see how I feel, maybe I can go to 5 days a week! 

I have been bad this week!  So tired after class and everything so I didn't get my early week run in.  Boo! 

But, got 4 miles in today on the treadmill at 10:54 min/miles. Walked 2 more.  I hate winter! 

I felt really good today!  Ran 3 miles outside with Cooper, it was raining and getting dark!  Despite the rain I was waaay overdressed, it was surprisingly warm!  In the last lap, when it was completely dark almost, and on this section with blackberry bushes and no lights ( the scarier section of my neighborhood loop, when dark), this HUGE frog jumped out of the bushes, and I mean HUGE.  Like the size of a plate.  I was scared out of my mind and Cooper went CRAZY trying to bite it.  It was funny (afterwards!).

Was pushing myself the last half or so, feeling a little out of breath, and came up with splits of:

10:31, 9:52, 9:27, for an average of 9:50!  Yeah!  Keep the improvements coming.  My ankle actually felt really good as well, I only thought about it once!  Maybe I'm getting better?  I was soaked at the end though.

Ran with Cooper. Meant to just walk, since this is the 3rd day in a row of running and I'm planning on running tomorrow (I'm being bad) but I couldn't resist. walked 1.5 miles and then ran 3.5.

Splits of: 10:21 10:22 10:16 10:00 (.5)

saw that frog from last night, in 2 disgusting pieces in the road. blech.

Walked 3 miles with Cooper this morning.  Meant to run, but then decided that it would be the 4th day in a row of running, and I really didn't want to do that.  So I didn't meet my goal of the week this week, which was 13 miles.  I ran 10.5 miles, 17 miles total.  This week my goal is to really try and run 4 days, with a day in between each.  It will be difficult since I"ll be at a conference Thurs-Sat but plan is: Mon/Wed/Sat/Sun and try 3/3/3/4. 

4.3 miles at Roegner Park with the running group.  3.35 miles of running.

Splits of: 10:05, 9:57, 9:48, 9:35 (.35)

Did 4 more miles walking on the treadmill while watching tv later.

Got home late from class and was feeling super stressed out. Ugh, I have no much school work and work and lots to do and am leaving for a conference Thurs-Sat.  But I still tried to get something in, walked 3 miles on the treadmill. 

Got up early to get 3 miles running in on the treadmill since I have class late tonight.  Hopefully I'll get some yoga or some walking in later tonight when I get home.  Was at 5.5 mph (10:54 pace).  (walked .25)

Walked 3.25 more when I got home while watching TV.

Ran 3.1 miles with Cooper this morning outside.  Wanted to get a workout in since I have class tonight then am flying to Phoneix for a conference.  Yay for 90 degree weather! :-)  So hopefully I will get to work out tomorrow (elliptical in their gym?) and then go for a run Saturday morning before I leave.

Was feeling sluggish this morning, maybe I should have eaten beforehand? 

Splits: 10:15, 10:25, 10:25

45 minutes on the elliptical at the hotel.

Ran around the ASU campus in the beautiful sunshine!  The weather was PERFECT, summer, how I've missed you and I'll be sad to leave you.

My stupid Garmin is being super annoying with never converging with the satellites, so I ran 7.5 minutes before it worked, so probably .75 miles.

Splits: 9:53, 9:54, 9:54 (.91)

Ran the Green River loop with the ladies.  We ran almost the whole time today, so at least 4 miles (I believe its a 4.2 mile loop from last time, I forgot to bring my Garmin). 

I ran 5 days this week instead of 4, whoops, I am bad.  I just couldn't resist!  Plus I'm really trying to lose a few pounds.  Next week I will try and only run 4 days, though I feel fine so I think it's probably okay to start to hedge towards 5 days a week?  This week I would love to get a 4.5 or 5 mile run if I felt up to. 

Weekly miles: 17.2 running miles (met my goal! But it was with 5 days. But without today (4 days) it would still have been 13, so it still counts! 

2 miles walking on the treadmill.  I was supposed to run today, whoops. 

3 miles running with Cooper outside, my shins were killing me the whole time, which was really weird.  I do not like that!  And it was COLD, I miss summer.

Splits: 9:55, 10:03, 10:24.  

Hopefully I'll get some more walking in tonight after class.

Ran with the girls at Game Farm park, 4.2 miles in 42 minutes.

I love Halloween!  Pretty much my favorite holiday :-)  So I got up early and took Cooper for a run down to the dog park, it was raining on the way down, ugh, so there were zero dogs there, so we ran around the trail a little bit and by the time we came back there were 5 or so for him to play with, including this adorable yellow lab puppy I wanted to steal. :-) 

My Garmin was acting up again, I think maybe I just need to hook it up to the computer?  I haven't done that since March probably.  So I'm just guessing it was about 3.5 miles. 

Off to be part of a barbershop quartet!

I had a little bit too much fun on Halloween so I didn't run today.  Whoops. Only got in 10.7 miles worth of running this week, baaaaad.  And next weekend I'll be in Atlanta, so I'll probably slack then too!  Baaaad.  After that I'll get back on the horse! (and the eating healthy and staying away from candy horse too!)

2 miles walking on the treadmill.

Did 2 miles on the treadmill this morning at 10:54 pace.  Its been pouring and so rainy and so dark so early all week, I'm already depressed.  I hate the treadmill. 

Ran 4 with the ladies at Game Farm park.  Man was it dark and stormy and rainy!  Miserable at times, but overall good and I'm so glad I did it, felt great once it was over.  I HATE the new darkness.  Ugh.  I'm writing this in Atlanta and it stays light a good 45 minutes to an hour longer than Seattle and it makes me SO jealous.  Plus the 70 degrees doesn't hurt.  I hate Seattle right now and am dreading the next 4 months.

Splits: 10:10, 9:39, 9:21, 9:21

In Atlanta!  And it is sooooo nice here, I would say it was at least 70 while I was running today, it was HOT.  It felt almost TOO hot at times, that's how wonderful it was!  I got to run with my friend Leandrea too, which was awesome.  Love it here, don't want to go home.

Splits of: 9:06, 8:42, 9:24, 9:15, 9:45 (.2), walked other .3.

That's right, I have NO idea where that 8:42 came from, I blame my friend!  But its the first mile starting with 8 since April 5! 

Another lovely run with Leandrea in Atlanta.  I love the weather here!  We ran all over the place, trying to track down a specific energy drink for her husband (random!).  But it was great.  4 miles of running, probably almost 5 including the walking, but I'll round down. 

Splits: 9:04, 8:43, 9:42, 9:31

I don't want to leave!

Still on Atlanta time and loving it!  So I woke up at 5am naturally and decided to go for a run on the treadmill, still getting to work before 7:30!  Wish I could do this so cheerfully every day.  It felt great.

10:54 miles until the last .75 or so, which was at 10:00 pace. 

I love Veteran's day!  And the day off I got!  :-)  Got so much homework and chores done, and got a run in in the first sunshiney day we've had in a lonnngggg time.  

Splits: 9:46, 9:47, 9:59

Feeling all shin-splinty today.  Its weird how that randomly happens when I've been running so consistently. 

Still a tiny bit on East Coast time (hooray) so was able to get up and do 3 miles on the treadmill before work.  10:54 (5.5) pace.  My legs are so sore from lunges and raking and picking up about 10,000 leaves yesterday. 

The longest I've run since April 5!  And I honestly think my ankle might be healed! (knock on wood)  My ankle hasn't been bothering me the last 3 runs (except for the huge cut right by my break which is now a huge scab), and when I rub my ankle it know longer hurts (which I considered evidence that the fracture was still a little bit there).  Hip Hip Hooray!  So my comeback race was going to be a 5k on December 12... but now I'm thinking maybe it will be the 10k?  :-)

Ran with Anya and Lisa today at Game Farm, man it was cooolddd.  Winter is here, this morning the first frost is out on the grass. 

Splits: 10:05, 9:45, 9:52, 9:51, 9:55, 10:03(.6)

It's funny because I forgot to turn my Garmin off so it says I also did a mile in 2:20!

Ran 2 miles around the neighborhood with Cooper.  Whoops, that's 5 days in a row and I'm supposed to run with the ladies tomorrow.  I'm bad!  Next week I'll do better giving myself breaks, I'm going to try and make an effort to do my yoga video at least 3 times a week so that can take the place of some runs as a workout.  

4 miles with Anya and Lisa around Kent, I'm so glad I went, it was drizzling out and I really wanted to stay all warm and cozy inside but now I feel good.  Before hand we got our feet analyzed at Road Runner, which was really interesting.  Apparently I have high arches and major overpronation so I need a mega stability shoe, which is great, that's what I have.  I think I'll try to get the Saucony Hurricane 11 for my next shoe, its stability+. 

Lots of stopping at stop lights and crossing the street today and I didn't always stop my watch, so some slower splits today.

Splits: 11:20, 10:08, 10:17, 10:32

 6 days in a row of running this week (bad, but still good, in a bad way :-) ), a total of 21.1 actual running miles!  Yippee.  Next week I need to stick to 4-5 days of running, and do yoga on 3 days. 

**Did 5 more miles walking on the treadmill while watching a movie.  Was feeling a little guilty for overindulging a little yesterday so tried to work off some calories.

Made myself take the day off of running.  4 miles walking on the treadmill, plus (most) of my yoga video. 

Ran 3 miles on the treadmill, then walked 2 more.  My ankle was kind of bothering me, but that cut from last Monday is really hurting, its a scab now so you can feel the tightness in every move (too much info??!!) so unfortunately its really hard to distinguish that pain from ankle fracture pain.  Hopefully its the scab.

Did my new p90x 10 min trainer lower body afterwards. 

3 miles running on the treadmill (10:54 pace), then walked 1 more mile afterwards. 

Ran 4 miles on the treadmill this morning.  1 at 10:54 pace, 2.5 at 10:00 pace, last .5 at 9:13 and increasingly faster pace.  I'll try to do my yoga video this evening. 

Ran with Lisa at BPA Trail / Celebration Park this morning.  Ran 6 miles, a new record since the accident!  Yippee!  Took Cooper, and he was pulling the whole time, probably since it was a new place, he was happy. :-) 

Splits: 9:16, 9:51, 10:32, 9:22, 9:32, 9:13

Did 2.6 miles outside (prob 2.3 running) with Cooper.  Was going to do the FSRC 5k but it was soooo windy outside, I bailed.  Did 3 miles walking on the treadmill later.

Somedays I swear my ankle is 100% healed (Saturday, when I ran 6 miles without any problem), other days I'm scared I'm back on track to another fracture (today, could feel it after 2 miles, so stopped).  Blah.  Sick of the roller coaster ride.

Summary: Mon-off, Tues-3, Wed-3, Thurs-off, Fri-4, Sat-6, Sun-2.3 

Total running miles of the week: 18.3

Walked 1 mile on the TM.  There was absolutely nothing on TV and I was so bored so I couldn't force myself to do anymore. I suck!

I almost totally forgot I went running this day!  After leaving work early, meeting a freind for happy hour, I still got home when it was still light out!  So I took Cooper out for a run.  Was aiming for 4, but it got dark (And I mean DARK) and starting raining at about the same time (and I didn't wear my hat!) so I called it good at 3.5.

Ran 5.5 miles, it was drizzly and kind of miserable.  Then I slipped on the metal grate at the intersection (pretty much the only time on my whole run when there was a car to witness my klutziness!) so he was probably laughing.  My hand and knee bled a little bit but mostly I was sad I ripped a hole in my good running tights!  Cooper was confused as I lay there on the ground, it was probably quite comical.  Was wearing good clothes for the run though, I was soaked by the end but only my toes felt cold, I need to come up with some better socks for wet weather running.

Splits: 10:12, 9:37, 9:27, 13:36 (at the dog park for this split?), 9:30

Actually the splits are all messed up in parts, I don't remember what I was doing!

Ran 1.35 down to the golf course, where I picked up Justin and we walked Cooper to the dog park and then walked home. 

Ran 4 miles with Cooper down to the dog park and back.  My Garmin was acting up and didn't locate the satellites for the first 10 minutes and the splits are all weird so I have no clue about time or even if 4 miles is right! 

Walked Cooper down to the dog park and back.  Rescued a dog from traffic that escaped somehow from the dog park!

Despite the long weekend it was a real bad week for running, only got in 14.35 miles of actual running.  Next week I'll do better.  

3.3 miles walking on the treadmill, .7 miles running on TM.  Just excrutiating shin splint pain today after about .6 miles of running, and then even when I started walking it was just horrible horrible pain.  I've never experienced that before, always just the kind of annoying shin splint pain in the past.  I need to figure out what's going on.  Powered through and still got 4 miles in total.

December challenge: work-out every single day for at least 30 minutes! 

Ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  The shin splints were still there today until about 2.4 miles were done, but not excruitating like yesterday, I could push through.  10:54 (5.5) pace, while watching the Biggest Loser.  I hope Amanda somehow wins, even though it seems impossible! 

Walked 1, Ran 2 (10:54) on the TM.  Have been feeling sooo sluggish this week.  Ugh.  I am feeling stressed about the end of the quarter, maybe that's my problem, I cannot wait until December 17th when I'm done with finals. 

Afterwards did the 10 min 90X stretch/yoga. 

Ran 3 miles on the treadmill.  No shin pain today, thank goodness, but still sooo sluggish.  Just no energy for some reason.  10:54 (5.5) pace. 

Day 3 of no candy/sweets/pop.  (I'm not really giving up diet coke, we just don't have any!)  Let's keep this up!

Ran 5 miles with Anya up at Lakeland Hills.  It was COLD, 35 degrees.  But after feeling sluggish all week I felt really good and energized, great run.

Splits: 9:32, 9:31, 9:54, 9:49, 9:42

Average: 9:43

Afterwards went to Anya's amazing Journey to Bethlehem event, and got to pet a few donkeys and a camel :-)  Love it!  They were so precious and sweet, I just wanted to take them home!

Went for a nice 6 lap run around the neighborhood this morning with Cooper.  Very very cold, but clear skies and nice and crisp!  Then came home to my delicious french toast strata I was cooking while I was running and my peppermint mocha coffee. Its going to be a great Saturday! :-)

(felt a little sluggish again today, guess its not gone yet)

Splits: 9:54, 9:43, 9:44, 9:39
Average: 9:46

Ran with Anya at BPA trail.  It was COLD.  COLD COLD.  Like 33 degrees and tiny mini-snowflakes cold.  Like bitter hurts your lungs cold.  So we didn't go as far as we probably would have.  Brought Cooper. :-)

Splits: 9:16, 9:14, 9:09,

Last .8 had some walking so I'm not sure about that split.

Week Summary:

Mon - .7, Tues - 5, Wed - 2, Thurs - 3, Fri - 5, Sat - 4.3, Sun - 3.8

Total running miles: 23.8

Mandated day off from running, walked 4 miles on the TM.

Ran 3.1 miles on the TM.  Started out at 5.6 and slowly increased to 6.0. 

13 days of working out in a row!  (30 minutes of anything, including walking, counts).

Day 14 :-)

Ran 6 miles on the treadmill.  Started at 5.5, increased to 6, then did last quarter mile at 7.  

Ran 3 miles on the TM (5.7).  Felt really sluggish ugh.  Was in a rush to get it in before 10pm since I had class and then was trying to get some of my final done.  2 classes down, 1 final to go.

15. 

Ran 5 miles (probably, it was 50 minutes, I must have left my Garmin on and it died) around Lakeland Hills with Anya and Lisa.  Even though the temp said 29 I felt perfect in my millions of layers.  Lisa and I and my friend Jordanne are running a 5k tomorrow!  My first race since "the incident"! :-)  

Day 16.

Did the Christmas Rush 5k with Jordanne and Lisa this morning.  Did a warm-up and cool-down by running to and from the start line.  It was so fun and great!  It's my first race back since the fracture on April 5th, and really the first time I have even pushed myself, so its nice to see where my real fitness is at.  I can't even believe I ran it this fast, I haven't run faster than 9:30 in any of my training miles really so I was shocked to see 8's.  

The official race clock said 26:44 (there were no chips) but it took 55 seconds to cross the start line so I accounted for that.  The first third of the mile or so was SO congested with people, there were lots of walkers in front of us and it was just a wall of people not going, it was frustrating.  That part was also on a main road with just 1 lane closed so there really wasn't any option of getting around (without dying!).  I had such a great time though.  Can't wait to do another race!  Starting feeling pretty tired at around 2, like I noticed my fitness level wasn't high enough to sustain the pace.  Was able to sprint the last .2 but I doubt I could have gone much further without slowing down significantly.  Glad I chose the 5k (not the 10k).  Yay!

Splits: 8:49, 8:01, 7:54 (can you believe it!) 6:55 (for the last .16) WOW!

Average: 8:20;  Fastest: 6:23 (yeah!)

Update!  5th place in my age group!  Yippee!  I hope I get a ribbon like I did last year, I love that ribbon, its STILL on the fridge! :-)  Looks like the girl I passed in the last .01 seconds was in my age group, so its a good thing I sprinted past her at the very end. ha, I'm mean!

3 miles around the neighborhood this morning with Cooper.  Legs were feeling sluggish and slow after yesterday's race.  

Average: 9:37

Week Summary: Mon-off, Tues-3, Wed-6, Thurs-3, Fri-5, Sat-5 (5k), Sun-3

Total running miles: 25

5 miles at Game Farm with Anya and Lisa.  Weather finally tolerable at 39 degrees, just light sprinkling.  7th day in a row of running, tomorrow must do yoga or something else instead.  

Time: 48:36

Splits: 9:40, 9:39, 9:42, 9:40, 9:36... we are very very consistent today!

3 miles walking on the treadmill.  Mandated day off. 

Got up early to run 4 miles on the TM before work since we're going to a movie with a friend tonight.  Man I am NOT a morning person.  I finally feel good after I shower, eat, dry hair, get dressed.  Seems stupid to do all that before I work out though!  :-)  So I just feel so blah and sluggish.  Oh well, now I feel great, now that it's done!  All at 10:54 (5.5) pace except the last .25. 

My new shoes finally came so I tried breaking them in.  They feel cushy but so stiff.  This is going to be an expensive year shoe wise but I am not getting over 300 miles on one shoe, the old ones are getting up there with 284 or so. 

21 days in a row of working out!

Ran 4 miles on the TM before work again this morning.  My parents are coming in this afternoon so I probably won't get a chance to work out later on.  10:54 (5.5) pace.