Slow & Steady Wins the Race :-)

Lincoln City 10K

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Location:

Federal Way,WA,USA

Member Since:

Jan 08, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Marathon Finish

Running Accomplishments:

7 5Ks : PR 23:21 (2011)

5 10Ks: PR 47:17 (2011)

9 Half Marathons: PR 1:44:19 (2010)

2 Marathons: PR 3:55:08 (2010)

Short-Term Running Goals:

STAY HEALTHY, CROSS TRAIN, STRENGTH TRAIN!  Operation no more ITB pain, ankle tendonitis, or stress fractures. 

2012 Racing Calendar:

March - Lincoln City Half Marathon 

May - Portland Rock n Roll Half Marathon

June - Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run a 5k in less than 23 minutes 

Run a 10k in less than 47 minutes

Run a half marathon in less than 1:44

FINISH another marathon (without wanting to die this time); beat 3:55:08, and someday BQ!

Personal:

Happily married for 5 years with an adorable chocolate lab, Cooper.

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Nike Free's 3.0 Lifetime Miles: 186.08
2012 Swimming Lifetime Miles: 6.25
2011 Cooper Lifetime Miles: 91.27
Bikila Vibram FF Lifetime Miles: 373.87
Merrell Pace Glove Lifetime Miles: 316.70
Saucony Mirage Lifetime Miles: 325.76
2012 Cycling Lifetime Miles: 39.00
2012 Crosstraining Lifetime Miles: 11.20
Total Distance
1014.64
Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 373.472011 Swimming Miles: 10.942011 Crosstraining Miles: 401.392011 Cycling Miles: 565.20Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 135.622011 Cooper Miles: 39.70Sauony ProGrid 2 #3 Miles: 5.00Brooks Ravenna Blue Miles: 3.10Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 316.70Saucony Mirage Miles: 254.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 144.14
Total Distance
0.00

Great start to my fit resolution!  :-)  Met Lisa at the gym this morning (I joined!), we were too late for the first class we planned on so did the elliptical for 40 minutes then some weights.  Then did the hour Zumba class (uhhh, I'm NOT coordinated, so I mostly focused on getting a workout instead of learning the moves and so I just jumped around and thrashed my arms about.  It was probably VERY VERY hilarious to watch!  My calves were really tired by the end).  In the evening went back with Justin and swam for 15 minutes (until the pool closed) which was 12 laps (600 yards).  My arms were tired, I need to swim!  Did the elliptical for 5 more minutes and some weights until the gym closed.  Then made some hamburgers in preparation for the ultimate hamburger challenge! :-)  Finally walked 1.5 miles on the TM in the FF. 

Back to the grindstone tomorrow... winter quarter starts.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 1.502011 Swimming Miles: 0.342011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 148.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Jan 05, 2011 at 16:12:30 from 206.19.214.144

I have a video of your Zumba session. I'll post it to YouTube later.

From april27 on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 14:34:43 from 165.138.243.1

Oh Burt wouldn't that be funny?

Seriously I know nothing about Zumba but I know that I would not be coordinated for it! That is why I stick with kickboxing and spin if I do go to the gym and Jillian at home!

From Burt on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 14:53:46 from 206.19.214.144

I would like Jillian at home, if you know what I mean.

From april27 on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:09:38 from 165.138.243.1

burt--oh no you didn't...

From Burt on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:20:19 from 206.19.214.144

What? Apparently you don't know what I mean.

From april27 on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:27:37 from 165.138.243.1

burt my mind went in the gutter...so if yours did too then we are on the same page.

Total Distance
0.00

Gym day #2.  Ellipticalled for 35 minutes doing intervals of 5-11, going up every minute, repeat about 5 times.  Tried to really get my heart rate up.  Then swam 14 laps (700 yards) - sucked even worse today at swimming because my arms were tired/sore from swimming yesterday!  The lifeguard must have been worried he was going to have to save me with all the gasping and stopping after every lap!  Then shot some hoops with J. :-)  This feels good, like this has been missing all along, and I'll be a better runner (eventually!) because of it.  

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.402011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 148.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day 3 working out in a row!  Tuesdays are my really long days, and I sure felt tired.  Went straight to the gym after night class so I wouldn't skip.  Ellipticalled for 45 minutes just on moderate, nothing too hard.  Then some leg strength work.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 147.50
Total Distance
0.00

Day #4.  Steep learning curve - I got so much better at swimming since Monday!  14 laps (700 yards) WITHOUT STOPPING! That's quite an improvement from, uh, 3.  Then did a few more up to 22 laps (1,100 yards), focusing on trying to do 4 strides before breathing instead of just 2.  Did one flip turn!  Then did 20 minutes on the elliptical and some arm strength work.  Then sat in the lovely sauna and imagined I was in Hawaii. 

I feel great!  I miss running a lot less, and love the gym!  This quarter is also looking like it is going to be great as well, only have to commute 2 days a week, etc.  Hope it keeps looking up!

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.622011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 147.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, Jan 06, 2011 at 20:10:30 from 12.172.41.13

YAY good for you!! You inspire me all the time.

Total Distance
0.00

Day #5!  Met Jordanne at the pool, swam 20 laps (1,100 yards), probably a 500 or 600 without stopping.  Focused on 4 strides before a breath again.  Then did an hour of Group Power, and my arms want to fall off.  It was about a billion reps of chest presses, bicep curls, etc and I am going to be so sore tomorrow.  

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.57
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 147.00
Comments
From Burt on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 00:31:07 from 72.223.84.236

A billion? Oh my gosh!

Total Distance
0.00

60 minutes on the elliptical, some leg weights, then jumped in the pool for a quick swim but immediately realized my arms were way too sore from the class yesterday to swim.  Did 7 laps (350 yards) before I almost drowned!  Then undid all my hard work at the Casino Seafood Buffet (it was free!).  The shrimp was delish :-)

WEEKEND!

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.202011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 145.50
Total Distance
0.00

Day 7 in a row.  Felt sooo sluggish today, I don't know why.  Stayed up late but slept in too, so should have been fine.  Dragged myself to the gym and did 35 minutes on the elliptical (no intervals, kind of slow and blah).  Then some (barely any, I suck) weights.  Later did 2 miles on the TM in the FF.  

GO SEAHAWKS!  Pretty impressive!  Also I made my own teriyaki sauce for dinner and was quite proud of myself. :-)  If you knew me you would be surprised! 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 2.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 13:50:29 from 12.172.41.13

Good job! I want some teriyaki. I want to join the gym too, sounds like you really enjoy it. When I was home I went to cycling with my mom and I really like that.

Total Distance
1.00

Day #8. :-)  Felt much more energetic today!  30 minutes on the elliptical, then Lisa met me and we went to the Centergy class (yoga & pilates) - I loved it.  A really good workout the first half and needed stretching.  I will definitely try to go every Sunday (too bad the other day is Tuesday nights when I have class).  Then swam 16 laps (800 yards) without stopping!  Rounded it out with a few more to 20 laps (1,000 yards).  Was supposed to play tennis but I am an IDIOT and went to the wrong tennis club and missed it and they were short one person!  Felt horrible.  Finally later I walked on the treadmill in the FF and ran a .2, .2, .3, .3 (total of a mile) with 30sec-1min walking breaks in between.  Knee felt okay. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 2.502011 Swimming Miles: 0.572011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 13:47:58 from 12.172.41.13

You are a MACHINE!!

From Burt on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 22:12:48 from 72.223.84.236

Oh Nicole, you're not an idiot. But that story did make me giggle.

Total Distance
0.00

7 minutes on the bike while I waited for an elliptical to free up, 40 minutes on the elliptical, some leg stuff.  Later 3 miles walking on the TM in the FF.

So I had an MRI and a dr. appt. today.  Did I probably waste my time and money?  Yes.  But at least I know its not something worse and I did everything I could.  He said I should take 4-6 weeks off (already done 2!  The worst part is if I had just done that right away that would be done by now!), PT like crazy, glute/core work like crazy, and go crazy on advil.  I asked about medrol/predisone and he thought I was crazy.  He said he wouldn't even give me a cortisone shot at this point either (not that I wanted one of those).

So those things probably made the following exchange funnier:

Doc: "I want you to take 3 advil 3 times a day for 2 weeks."

Me: "What?  THREE advil THREE times a day for TWO weeks?"

Doc: "Yes."

Me: "But THREE advil, THREE times a day, that NINE advil a day!"

Doc: "Yes."

Me: "But NINE advil a day for TWO WEEKS? That's... over 100 advil!"

Doc: "Yes."

Me: "But won't that hurt me? Won't that kill my kidney?"

And he proceeded to tell me that no, it wouldn't, but in his head I'm sure he was thinking ("Look you crazy lady, you're begging me to give you steroids but are too worried to take a little advil?!)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.002011 Cycling Miles: 1.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 143.50
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 22:38:34 from 76.28.255.58

This is so funny!!!

From Rachael Winters on Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 14:04:45 from 12.172.41.13

Yes, you are too funny! I guess just look at it as equal to 3 days in Vegas drinking heavily or 6 days in Hawaii drinking every day. Except you are making your muscles/body feel better. And steroids suck.

Total Distance
1.50

10 in a row!  Dare I go for 20?  Long busy day today so just 3 miles on the TM in the FF this morning - 3 sets of .5's running with .1 walking in between.  Who cares what doctors say? :-)

Tonight is the HOOD TO COAST MOVIE!  You should all go!  Happy 1-11-11!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 145.00
Total Distance
0.00

Those five fingers are serious business.  My calves are really really really ridiculously sore today.  Which is kind of weird since I ran a mile on them before and felt nothing, but apparentely 1.5 really did it.  

60 minutes on the elliptical, some leg weights.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 145.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day #12.  Met Jordanne at the gym for 20 laps (1,000 yards) of swimming (without stopping!) and then we did an hour of Group Power, which again, made me feel worthless and like a weak little baby.  My next swimming feat needs to be to master the flip turn. 

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.57
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 145.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 00:29:52 from 76.28.255.58

You're AWESOME, I wish I could swim 2o laps. I cant even keep afloat in the bathtub;)

Total Distance
0.00

Soooo not motivated to work out today, but I forced myself.  Ended up doing 60 minutes on the elliptical, first 30 were slow but I started to feel more energetic the second half.  

The PT says he is "very pleased with my progress" so far, at least in terms of the flexibility of my IT Band, so that made me happy.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 145.00
Comments
From Burt on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 13:48:19 from 72.223.84.236

You go girl!

Total Distance
2.20

Day #14 - 2 weeks straight working out every day!  Ran in the FF on the TM, .3 warmup, 3 cooldown, and 4 .5 running with .1 walk breaks in between, for 2 miles running and 1 mile walking! Then did a few minutes on the elliptical before I decided my legs were too tired for that, and joined J on the indoor tracks where I did 3 speedy laps (about a .2 or .25). Felt GREAT!!!! I hope I hope I hope I am getting better??

now off to a day of fun - driving range, Peso's, and Harry Potter Exhibition!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.202011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day #15.  Swam 30 laps (1,500 yards) this morning (20 laps or 1,000 yards in a row) - a new record!  Worked on flip turns but I suck - its more like a side turn.  Then Jordanne and I did one hour of Centergy.  Book club fun, then went back to the gym just for 20 minutes with Justin and did leg weights (we had good intentions but went to Costco on the way and ended up getting there just 20 minutes before it closed).  LOVE 3 DAY WEEKENDS!

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.852011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 01:59:14 from 76.28.255.58

You're on fire with that swimming!!! I bet you feel fabulous, do you feel sore after swims and fatigue?

From nicole on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 02:34:51 from 67.170.24.135

My shoulders were sore the first couple of times I swam, now its better but my arms still get tired because I'm such a weakling! :-) I've been really sore from Thursday's group power class though. Do you have tomorrow off?! How was the reunion?

Total Distance
3.00

Day #16 :-)  First run outside in the FF - did 3 miles with .1 walk breaks between each mile (3.58 miles total).  Hope I didn't overdo it FF-wise or ITB-wise.  ITB felt pretty good, but I could sense it couldn't go much further.  Think I will try to do 3 the next few runs before upping it again.  Then went to the gym with J, 30 minutes on the elliptical and arm weights.  I'm tired!  Back to homework now...

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.582011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.58
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 18:31:48 from 206.19.214.144

Nice Nicole.

From april27 on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 19:24:45 from 99.188.251.180

You rock! Yes put in walk breaks. I have been doing this even when I don't feel like I need to. I should set up my Garmin to beep at me so that I remember to walk so I don't mess it all up again. LOL

From Kelli on Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 22:53:31 from 71.219.84.215

Great workouts and glad to hear the IT Band held up okay. You are playing it smart, all will be well soon!

Total Distance
0.00

Day #17.  60 minutes on the elliptical, first 30 mins intervals 6-10, second half I practiced my big presentation (in my head!).  Feb 4th, 10am, finally got scheduled today.  I better do well enough they agree I can continue towards getting my PhD!

Tired today, long day. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 22:31:54 from 76.28.255.58

You'll do amazing Dr. Greene ;)

Total Distance
2.00

Day #18 in a row!  26 swimming laps (1,300 yards), 14 (I think; 700 yards) in a row, before Justin got there and swam too!  That was fun.  Sat in the lovely hot tub afterwards, then ran 29 laps on the indoor track (hahaha, that sounds like a lot, but since its 12.65 laps to a mile, it was only 2 miles running with some walk breaks).  It was really hard to keep track of the running laps, it may have been a few more laps than that.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 2.302011 Swimming Miles: 0.742011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 12:43:22 from 206.19.214.144

18 in a row! Go Nicole!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 12:47:23 from 75.196.16.53

I know what you mean about the laps. At the Lakewood YMCA its 14 laps per mile! I get dizzy on that track. The Puyallup Y is much better at 6 laps per mile, but I'd still rather be outside.

Total Distance
0.00

Day #19 - almost there!  Got to the gym at exactly 5:20 so decided to sample the Group Kick class that was just starting.  Again, I just jumped around the whole time so I got a really good workout especially on my calves.  At the end we had to do all of these hip adductor strength stuff which killed and I'm sure was perfect for my ITB.

Then I came home and made coconut chicken which was the BOMB, I'm very proud of myself!  

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 144.50
Total Distance
3.80

Day #20 - I made it!  3.8 miles running outside!  I am feeling very very very VERY encouraged.  :-)  I wanted that 4 so bad but I'd already told myself I wasn't going to do more than 3 so I forced myself to stop.  Justin had his wisdom teeth out this morning so I ran in the neighborhoods around the clinic while he was getting the surgery - cute little loop around a lake and golf course.  So wonderful to run outside in the light (just a little rain!) on a weekday!  

Hopefully I'll go to the gym later, need to catch up on work for now.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Alana on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 09:05:05 from 69.20.188.20

Yay! I am encouraged for you! And you are encouraging me! I love hearing when runners heal. Best of luck!

From Alana on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 16:18:36 from 69.20.188.20

Thanks for the advice! I too had been running through it and it wouldn't go away! I am on my second week off and will try to run 3 tomorrow. If it hurts I will take another week. Great idea about the machines, I will do that foe sure. Thanks!

Total Distance
0.00

50 minutes on the recumbent bike, leg strength stuff halfway through.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

Day #22.  4 miles running outside in the FF, .1 walk breaks after each mile, for a total of 4.52.  ITB felt like it was waiting in the wings the entire 4th mile, which kind of dimmed my excitement of running 4.  Still very pleased.

Splits:  9:56, 9:42, 9:41, 9:23

Then went to the gym, 22 laps swimming nonstop (1,100 yards) then one hour Centergy class. Came home, ate, showered, a little work, and off to 1.5 hours of tennis, the first time I've played in probably 6 months.  I was not good and my legs felt SO tired after an hour I wanted to stop so bad, they did not want to run down the balls anymore!  I'm exhausted now, and need to finish my homework.  Who wants to do it for me?

PS - after about 8 months of peer pressure, Leandrea has finally returned to the blog!  So let's all go give her lots of words of encouragement so she never leaves again.  Plus she has a big half marathon coming up in March!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.522011 Swimming Miles: 0.622011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.52
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 01:41:51 from 76.28.255.58

You have more energy that anyone I have ever met! :)

From april27 on Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 22:15:43 from 99.188.251.180

Okay so I think I like how you got around the whole keeping track of swimming and cross training seperate from running miles.

Total Distance
0.00

Day #23.  32 swimming laps (1,600 yards) focusing on 4 strides to a breath (so very controlled, aka slow).  Justin joined me again!  So that made it a lot more fun.  Then did 20 minutes on the elliptical and tried to do some leg weights but I was soo tired I didn't do much.  My left shoulder is so sore today.

 I'm worried my streak might be coming to an end.  I'm going to a conference/meeting in LA this week and have a feeling its going to be near impossible to keep it going.  Oh well, its supposed to be 77 degrees!  :-)

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.912011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 02:50:05 from 72.223.84.236

No Nicole!!! Keep it going!

Total Distance
4.50

4.5 miles running outside in the FF, 5.19 miles total.  Tight calves, weird muscles sore from tennis, but good!  Stepped it up for the 4th mile.  Still felt a little bit like the ITB was waiting to snipe me at the end.

Splits: 10:08, 9:54, 9:46, 9:19, 9:40

Off to LA!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.192011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.69
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 144.50
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 17:11:40 from 206.19.214.144

Watchya doing in LA?

From april27 on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 20:53:54 from 99.188.251.180

snipe? hahahah The sniper ITB hahaha

sorry thought it was funny b/c I feel like it sneaks up on me too!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 18:54:28 from 72.102.112.79

It has nothing to do with running, but it reminded me of snipe hunting :)

From Circles and Squares on Fri, Jan 28, 2011 at 00:04:10 from 76.28.255.58

Ahhh I remember the 1st time I went Snipe hunting...:)

Total Distance
3.00

Woke up so early even though we worked so much and went to bed late.  Went outside as soon as it started to barely get light - so beautiful out there and warm and the air smells like summer!  LOVE IT.  2 miles without stopping, then 4 .25 speed-ups (kept them just barely under 2 minutes).  Came back and went on a walk with the others, probably another 2 miles.  

Wore my free's because I didn't want to answer questions about the FF!  2 days of running in a row made me nervous but seemed to be okay...

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 5.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day #26 (barely - not really much sweating going on!).  Got up super early again even though I went to bed super late and am exhausted.  Wanted to run SO bad but knew 3 days in a row was a huge no-no, so speed-walked 3.5 miles, then some more with the others, then more to and from dinner, it was probably a total of 6 all day but I'll call it 5.  Ate way too much delicious udon for dinner.  And its way too late again and we're going again by 7:20, this week has just been nonstop and my poor husband hasn't really heard from me in 3 days!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.502011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 02:28:21 from 76.28.255.58

Sounds like youre having fun:)

From Burt on Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 11:08:32 from 72.223.90.79

What is udon?

From Burt on Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 11:09:29 from 72.223.90.79

Is it a type of thick wheat-flour noodle popular in Japanese cuisine?

Thank you wikipedia.

Total Distance
5.00

My choices of free time for running today were 5am pitch black and 12pm blazing sun.  You can guess what I picked!  Slathered on some extra make-up powder before I headed out since it has 15 spf and I didn't have any sunscreen (that's a first!)!  I sweated enough today to make up for yesterday.  Ran on a bike trail from the hotel down to UC Irvine and back, lovely sun, probably 80 degrees.  1 minute walk breaks after each mile, total of 5 miles running, 5.5 miles total.  I know one of the miles had an 8 (I'm too lazy to get the Garmin)!  That made me happy. 

The sniper was there and waiting, but didn't shoot (today anyway).  

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 5.502011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

35 minutes on the hotel elliptical.  Woke up super early again and couldn't go back to sleep, I'm so sleep-deprived by now.  Was really into the Australian Open Women's Final until I realized it was delayed and already over!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day #29.  I'm sick, sore throat, its the worst.  Haven't gotten a decent night's sleep since Monday either.  13 minutes on the elliptical, then 1 hour Centergy with Lisa (she dominates!).  Later 45 minutes of tennis with Justin - it was majorly half-hearted and crappy since I felt so terrible and only went because my captain made me.  Was supposed to run today, hope I can make it up tomorrow.  I'm so behind in work/school after that trip.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Tue, Feb 01, 2011 at 22:08:40 from 76.28.255.58

I'm very sore from Centergy, my abdominal region hurts:)

Total Distance
0.50

Day #30 - I made it!  I certainly wouldn't have worked out today if I didn't want that 30.  Walked 3.7 miles on the TM, ran .5 miles (running hurts my throat).  Felt awful all day today, but maybe I'm on the mend, I hope so. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.302011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.70
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Tue, Feb 01, 2011 at 22:11:03 from 76.28.255.58

Yayyyy Day 30!!!!!! Wooo Hooo!!! I'm sorry you feel like butt. I hope you are on the mend!

Total Distance
3.00

Such a long busy neverending day, and there's more of them coming.  I can't wait until Friday night!  Ran 3 miles at the gym track around 9pm, 1 minute walk breaks after each mile, then some weights.  Still far from 100% but I actually felt like a human being today which was a relief.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back to normal.  

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.202011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Fri, Feb 04, 2011 at 00:30:17 from 76.28.255.58

DoeS your throat still hurt? I ran on that track a couple weeks ago with D, the keep the tempature perfect for running. I'm so glad you feel human:)!!

Total Distance
2.00

Another ridiculously long day.  On the TM at 10pm, just did enough to count it as a work-out day. 2 miles running, 1.25 miles walking, 3.25 total.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.252011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Fri, Feb 04, 2011 at 01:15:36 from 76.115.87.4

Seriously?! You are so dedicated and amazing. I strive to be half as committed as you but long for your determination!

Total Distance
0.00

Day #33.  40 minutes on the elliptical at the gym while watching Community (definitely not my favorite episode).  Intervals of difficulty 5-10 1 minute each x 6.  Everyone think good thoughts for me tomorrow at 10:30am - its my big presentation!  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 142.00
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Feb 04, 2011 at 17:05:02 from 99.188.251.180

How did you do?

From Circles and Squares on Sat, Feb 05, 2011 at 00:39:36 from 76.28.255.58

Yayyyy you finished your presentation!!! I hope it went well and your'e celebrating now:)!

Total Distance
5.50

SUCCESS!  I successfully presented my R&I and I think it went pretty well!  Thanks everyone for the good thoughts!

Afterwards I rewarded myself with a mid-day run on Burke-Gilman trail, 5.5 miles, walk breaks after 2, 4, and 5.  Maybe it was the distance, maybe it extending the time between walk breaks, but I got sniped, and it made me very disheartened.  Knee started acting up from 4-5.5 and especially right at the end.  Made me sad because I'd been feeling so good lately.  I hope that this is just the ITB getting used to this amount of stress and doesn't mean I'm going back to the beginning.

Celebratory dinner with Jordanne and Justin, then decided it would be fun to swim so I did 21 laps (1,050 yards) at the pool with Justin, sat in the hot tub and sauna, lovely. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.822011 Swimming Miles: 0.602011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.32
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Day #35.  30 quick minutes on the elliptical, no time this morning because cleaning and getting ready for Jordan and Rachael to come up!  Time to celebrate!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.60

Day #36.  3.6 miles around the neighborhood in the FF, was very cautious (aka SLOW) and scared the whole time after Friday, but it was fine.  Walk breaks after every mile.  Then went to the gym and did an hour of Centergy with Lisa.  Finally 30 minutes on the elliptical while frantically trying to read our book for book club next weekend!  Now time for work and football.  I'll probably work during the actual football and watch during the commercials :-)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.202011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Sun, Feb 06, 2011 at 17:08:09 from 206.213.40.111

Sorry I haven't checked in on you for a while. How are things going?

From Circles and Squares on Mon, Feb 07, 2011 at 23:42:30 from 76.28.255.58

Wooo Hoooo 3.6 !!!!!!

Total Distance
0.00

Day #37.  20 minutes on the elliptical, some leg weights, then ONE MILE swimming!  Yep, new record, 36 laps!  Did 18 laps, 11 laps, then 7 laps without stopping.  Had a pretty bad headache by the end, not sure if it was a goggle problem or an oxygen problem.  Justin did a mile too!  I was very proud of him.

2011 Swimming Miles: 1.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

Day #38.  6 miles at the gym track!  1 minute (1 lap) walk breaks after each mile, plus stretching after 3, 4, & 5.  Yay!  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.402011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 141.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Feb 09, 2011 at 13:41:39 from 206.19.214.144

YES!

From Circles and Squares on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 00:12:35 from 76.28.255.58

WOOO HOO You're awesome-sauceome!!!!!

Total Distance
0.00

30 minutes on the elliptical, some weights. Feeling sluggish.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

Day #40!  Shall I go for 50?

5 lovely miles with Lisa at BPA (on the way, on the way back went streets because of the dark creepiness).  I pushed the wonderfully sweet Denali in the BOB the whole time, LOVE IT!  NO walk breaks (although I was slow), this run made me feel so good and optimistic!  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.102011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kelsey on Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 13:36:42 from 159.230.97.199

You have an awesome streak, you've got to keep it going! It looks like you are over your injury? Where are you going to school?

From april27 on Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 00:02:02 from 99.188.251.180

you are doing great!

From nicole on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 01:41:57 from 67.170.24.135

I'm doing better on the injury, thanks Kelsey. I'm working on my PhD in Education at the University of Washington. How's life as faculty? Is it crazy pressure?

Total Distance
0.00

I was totally feelin' like a lazy bum content to watch trashy tv off the dvr (aka jersey shore) but I finally forced myself to the gym around 8pm (yeah yeah yeah, I go to the gym at 8pm on a Friday night, well now at 9:30pm I'm going to transcribe some interviews, so take that for fun weekend fun!).  Felt sluggish and so full from dinner, but I listened to Born to Run and read race reports until my phone died and was quite content on the elliptical.  After that there was no going on without the entertainment though, so I rounded it out at an even 50 minutes and quit.  

I have a fun Valentine's Day surprise day o' fun planned for tomorrow (lucky for me I don't think my husband has ever read my blog so no risk there!), hope everything works out that I've got planned! :-)  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 141.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 19:20:10 from 76.104.173.195

You must tell me how it goes!!!! I'm so curius as to what you have planned:) Have fun!!!!

From Anya on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 01:34:10 from 76.22.106.198

Good for you Nicole, that you are still going out there and working out even if in a gym. I am glad to hear you are recovering better and sounds like you are on your way to the 10K. I hope your trainning continues to go better. Miss running with all 3 of us. What about next weekend, we could all do a long run?

What u have planned for vday?????

From nicole on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 01:40:42 from 67.170.24.135

Thanks Anya - I just wrote about it on today's blog day and posted a link to a video :-)

From Anya on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 01:48:46 from 76.22.106.198

Okay, cool, I will check it out!

Total Distance
8.00

8 great miles this morning around 8am, was coooold.  Wore my gloves, ear thing, and fleece the whole time (took my gloves off for 1 mile and then put them back on!).  Was aiming for 7 but wasn't sure I could do more than 6 so was very pleased with this!  45 second walk breaks at 2, 4, 6, 7, so lessening those too!  Yay! 

Splits: 10:47, 10:07, 9:49, 9:42, 9:28, 9:22, 9:26, 9:19

TT (with all walking, total 8.58 miles): 1:27:44

THEN took Justin on our surprise Valentine's Date Day!  Washington burritos from fake Muchas, Harry Potter 7 at the $2 theater (I think I shed even more tears this time!), dinner at the #2 Chinese food restaurant in Seattle (they lied), and a TRAPEZE CLASS!  My calves are SO sore from hanging from the bar and I literally cannot walk and fear for walking tomorrow!  I am definitely no natural and won't be appearing in Cirque du Soleil anytime soon, but it was still awesome!

Check out a video of my trapeze practice here, or check out a video of the catch here. I couldn't figure out how to embed them, I'm not that smart!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 8.582011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.58
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kelli on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 17:24:15 from 71.219.84.215

WHAT A DAY!!!! That class looks like fun. How long did you get to be trapeze artists for?

From Burt on Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 22:29:21 from 72.223.90.79

Wow Nicole! That was the coolest thing I've seen all day!

Total Distance
0.00

One hour centergy, 20 minutes elliptical. Book club fun - Land of a Hundred Wonders. Pretty good, quick read.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

One hour group power with Jordanne, sooo tired, going to be so sore.  Planned on running but was too hungry, came home and made some delicious Vday coconut chicken, delightful!  My evil husband gave me too much candy and we shared a whole box of chocolates!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

Day #45.  So sore today, abs still killing me, hamstrings, arms, sore!  4 miles at the gym track, walk break after 2, second mile all fast, fourth mile 'speed-ups' 2 laps on 1 lap off.  Both of these miles ended up being about exactly 8:14, which I thought was interesting.  Walked until hit a walk mile afterwards.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

5:30pm (my night class was canceled so I took advantage!), 5 lovely miles outside with Cooper (his first run of 2011 I think, poor little guy!).  NO walk breaks!  Started pushing around 1.5, pushed the rest of the 2nd mile, 3rd mile, and especially the 4th mile.  Did 1 whole regular loop to try to add back in some hills, Lincoln City will be hilly and I need to be ready!  Ran until it was completely dark out, lovely full moon, so cold I never even thought about taking my gloves off.  With walking 5.4. 

Splits: 9:48, 9:04, 8:31, 8:08, 9:08

Pleased with this run, I am!

2011 Cooper Miles: 5.40Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.402011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 140.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 11:02:14 from 206.19.214.144

Your night time statistics class? Yoda?

Total Distance
0.00

36 minutes on the elliptical.  Had already eaten these calories worth of the rest of my vday gummi bears, so I knew I had to make it to the gym!  The gym makes me mad because there are 5 TV's but 3 of them are usually on the SAME basketball game.  And you have to go ask some huge jock guy who really likes basketball to change it.  But I sucked up my courage and got to watch Community. 

Getting some wisdom extracted tomorrow...

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 139.50
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 16:46:57 from 99.188.251.180

ooh wisdom extraction...yum!

Total Distance
5.00

Took a full sick day today, which allowed me to go do my data collection in the schools this morning (for my own research project) and get a lovely run with Cooper in in the middle of the day!  5 easy miles around the neighborhood, today was garbage day so it was annoying dodging all of the cans everywhere.  Did I mention NO walk breaks again?!  I am feeling better and better, hope it keeps up!

TT: 48:23  AP: 9:38

Splits: 10:14, 9:43, 9:29, 9:23, 9:10

Then went and got my wisdom tooth out (that's right, tooth not teeth), and it was sooo quick and easy I am so glad I decided to be awake.  The worst part was the shot in the roof of the mouth and then sitting there listening to the sound of the saw.  Now I just wish it would stop bleeding! 

In other nonrelated, yet bad news, my computer has decided to stop charging itself.  So I can now only use it when its attached to the cord.  That is going to be a HUGE inconvenience. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.252011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 139.60
Total Distance
0.00

Woke up and it was SO BEAUTIFUL out this morning, gorgeous blue sky, no clouds, just lovely.  So made some fabulous plans: tennis, dog park with Cooper, and golfing.  Loaded up the car with Cooper and headed to play tennis.  5 minutes after starting to play we were back in the car.  Although the temps were cold they weren't unbearable (about 42) but the wind was whipping and BITTERLY COLD.  Horribly horribly cold.  So there goes the whole day's plans.

30 laps at the pool later on (dragged myself there only for the streak!), 1500 yards.  Today focused on sprints (100-150 yards at a time) instead of distance in a row.  Heart rate was definitely at exploding levels.  Felt good.  

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.85
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 02:12:07 from 76.115.87.4

Good job Nicole!! It was soo cold here too!

You are so motivating to me. :)

Total Distance
10.40

Day #50!  I made it!

Another beautiful blue-skyed, yet freezing, morning!  Lovely run around the neighborhood, 8:20am, frost everywhere, so I ran on the side of the road with the sun as much as possible.  Walk breaks at 4, 7, 8, 9.  Felt the knee at 7 so started doing walk/stretch breaks every mile and stopped doing the hills.  Sprinted for the last .6 or so. 

Entire thing including the walking (total 10.85) was 1:47:22. 

Splits:  10:16, 9:51, 9:53, 9:34, 9:51, 9:42, 9:16, 9:46, 9:19, 8:59, 8:50, 7:54 (.4)

Sadly I skipped Centergy, I need to do my long runs on Saturday!  Then we were off to the dog beach (Cooper had a wonderful time), the famous Red Mill (was in Man vs. Food and #1 burger in Seattle but it was totally overrated, except for the thin mint milkshake which was the best thing I have ever had!) and some bingo (no I did NOT win). 

Great day!  Until now, when my knee is bothering me and making me sad. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 10.852011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.45
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 16:49:01 from 206.19.214.144

Sorry the knee is still bugging, but you got double digits again. Nice job on the thin mint shake, too.

From april27 on Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 22:52:48 from 99.188.251.180

double digits baby! say thank you knee...and then shut it up with some motrin and ice! LOL

From Rachael Winters on Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 23:33:55 from 76.115.87.4

Way to go girl!! Jordan will be very disappointed to hear the Red Mill was so overrated! I have been wanting to play Bingo! There is a brand new bingo hall that just opened here.. Next time you are down we will check it out!

Total Distance
0.00

Even though I had the whole day off somehow I only packed in 2.5 miles walking on the TM at the very last minute (aka 9:30pm).  In my defense, I did an hour's worth of yard work earlier in the day (our yard looks awful!), so that should count too!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 2.502011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

Tuesdays are SO long.  Early morning class, meeting, conference call, afternoon class, evening class, gym.  Somewhere in there it was snowing outside.  Ridiculous, can it be spring already?  They're saying something about 6 inches later this week, we'll see about that!  

6 miles at the gym track, I guess that means Sunday's run wasn't too damaging to my knee!  :-)  2nd mile was tempo, 4th mile was 1 lap on 1 lap off, both were around 7:53.   Walk lap after each of the fast miles.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.402011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 02:30:37 from 76.104.173.195

YOu are FAST!!!! I would vomit if I ran that fast;)

From nicole on Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 12:05:25 from 128.208.244.70

You wouldn't! You would just feel like, it passes! :-) Run tomorrow night? Same time same place? Or new time, new place?!

Total Distance
0.00

45 minutes on the elliptical.  Of the 5 precious TVs at the gym, 3 of them (that's right, THREE) were on that New Adventures of Old Christine show.  REALLY?!?!  Unacceptable.  So I listened to the whole soundtrack of Wicked and pretended I was watching it again.  Love Wicked!  A lot of hype around here about not much snow. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Callie on Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 23:33:53 from 138.237.121.44

I LOVE Wicked! Ellipticals I'm not so sure about. I am just recovering from a stress fracture myself and still can't seem to figure out quite how to convert elliptical training. However, I did see that you are training for a triathlon possibly? That's GREAT! I'm a TCU triathlete and LOVE it!

Total Distance
5.00

This was just a torture workout, I don't know why.  Just was not feeling it today, sat in my car in the gym parking lot for like 10 minutes just content to listen to my audio book - I did not want to go inside!  Then I did not want to run, and every lap was so torturous to keep going, I was so bored, so hungry, and just in general not feeling it.  Just one of those days.  I'm somehow shocked I pumped out 5 whole miles.  Did lunges, squats, plank, push-ups after 1 and 3.  Later walked 2 miles on the TM while watching some terrible TV I'm nice enough not to subject my husband to!  

In other news I made a delicious new crockpot dish: chicken breasts, black beans, carrots, and a few red potatoes - cover in salsa and cook all day. Serve over spinach with a little new salsa.  Delish.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.202011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 21:43:36 from 99.188.251.180

ooh thanks for the recipe....I'm always looking for new recipes for the crock pot.

Total Distance
0.00

10 minutes on the stairclimber (that thing is dangerous! I almost fell a few times!), weights (the bane of my existence), 5 minutes on the elliptical.  Quick and to the point workout. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
11.00

The good first: 11 miles around the neighborhood.  BRRRR.  25 degrees probably, I don't know how people who live in actual cold climates do it.  I did some work this morning to try and wait out a warm-up but it didn't come.  I was wearing 2 pairs of pants, 2 long-sleeve shirts and a fleece, ear wrap, and gloves.  Pretty ridiculous.  Took the fleece pants and fleece top off at 4 (water too).  My knee needs to freaking suck it up and get over itself so today I only allowed walk breaks when I absolutely needed it which was at 6 and 9.  

TT: 1:45:07   AP: 9:33

Splits: 10:14, 9:53, 9:50, 9:18, 9:29, 9:19, 9:27, 9:19, 9:12, 9:43 (the almost hit by a car mile), 9:21

The bad:  At mile 10 I was literally about 6 inches from being taken out from a car, which really shook me up.  I am very proud of myself for practicing my deep breathing and not just totally bursting into tears.  This lady had plenty of time to see me, she had a stop sign, I kept looking at her waiting for her to make eye contact with me that she saw me but she was just looking to the left for oncoming cars and never once looked straight ahead or to the right.  When I finally realized that she wasn't going to see me EVER I screamed my head off and tried to bolt across the street.  I think the screaming got her attention and somehow her front left bumper missed my left knee by about 6 inches (as if my left knee doesn't have enough problems going on as it is).  She stopped and had that horrified expression on her face and rolled down her window and said she was sorry, but what can you say to that?  Oh its okay you almost killed me, maybe you should stop at stop signs and look where you're going next time?!?!  I walked for a bit and almost just went home but I knew if I went home I would start bawling telling the story to Justin and I really wanted to get in 11 so I finished up.  Yesterday a car backed into my car in the neighborhood and cracked the whole bumper (luckily he was nice and left a note, and this is a much much MUCH more forgivable offense than almost killing me) so overall I'm a little annoyed with the drivers in my neighborhood.  I stay in our neighborhood so it will be low-traffic and quiet!  Green minivan lady, you are on my list.

(Lisa if you are reading this ignore EVERYTHING I wrote, our neighborhood is fantastic and you should buy that house and move here!!!!!)

Update - two hour marathon tennis match later (which I sadly lost 7-6, 7-5, SO CLOSE!).  I am going to be hurting big time tomorrow. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 11.302011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:06:09 from 76.104.173.195

Your so funny Nicole, I think we should have run together I should have come to you. I don't care for that lady that almost killed you-- she needs to move!!!! I'm SO GLAD youre ok, that is super scary. You kick please do not swear for fiishing your 11 miles. Are you still doing the 10K or are you considering the half now? Next weekend is goign to be awesome:) You ran all this in the Vibram's? how is it? do they have any mileage caps? I felt like the Free's are only good to 3 miles anything more for me equals shin pain.

From Burt on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 15:17:13 from 206.19.214.144

That stupid lady! Glad you didn't get hit. You sure didn't need that.

So, you ran 0.04 miles more than me last week. Nice job.

From april27 on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 18:35:47 from 99.188.251.180

OMG! great job going another mile after almost being killed!

Total Distance
0.00

So sore today from my tennis match last night, especially the calves and obliques.  I have a black toenail too, for once not from running!  Went to swim, but for some reason was so popular and circle swimming is so not my style (especially with 1 guy faster than me and 1 guy way slower than me = recipe for disaster) so I just did 5 laps (250 yards) then did 30 minutes on the elliptical instead.  Then one hour Centergy.  

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.142011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

I woke up in the middle of the night last night because my ankles were sooo itchy.  Put some aloe on (in the dark), went back to sleep.  Woke up, shower time, cue scream.  With blotchy red marks all over my arms and legs, I am an alien.  Fast forward 3 hours of waiting at urgent care later, and they have confirmed what the internet already told me - I'm allergic to penicillin (including the amoxycillin they had me take after I had my wisdom tooth out).  SO ITCHY!!  And did I mention ITS ON MY FACE??????????  Oh yeah, and it will take 3 days to go away.  Lovely.  The major danger is if I ever accidentally take it again, apparently.

Fast forward a little more, ran 4 incredibly sluggish miles around the neighborhood with Cooper.  I'll blame it on thinking about how itchy I was and the 2 Benadryls I had just taken beforehand.  I wore a hat and shielded my face so not to scare the kiddos.  :-)  TOO ITCHY!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.452011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.45
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Tue, Mar 01, 2011 at 00:34:57 from 76.104.173.195

OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!!!! This is not your week-- Oh Nicole I'm so sorry!!! How horrible, is it feeling better?

Total Distance
5.00

5 miles at the gym track after another loonngggg Tuesday (3 classes, meetings, tons of work crammed in between).  Only one more super long Tuesday of the quarter to go.  Did a fast 2nd mile, it was around 7:37.  After that felt sluggish though.  Did some squats/lunges/plank after 4 (thought I was done) but Justin was still running so I did one more mile.

Allergic rash is much much better, thank goodness.  Did use about a whole tube of concealer on my face this morning.  Didn't sleep much at all last night because the Benadryl made me take a nap before bed and then couldn't seem to hold off the itchiness - too itchy to sleep!  Hopefully tonight's not the same. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.302011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

This would have been day #60.  Decided to give it up.  It served its purpose (I lost my injury/holiday 5 pounds and got back into cross-training/strengh-training), time to move on!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

5 lovely miles at BPA trail with Lisa, Anya, and baby Denali (I got to push the BOB!).  I think it was 55 minutes, AP 11:00.  Can't wait for the Lincoln City 10K/Half Marathon running weekend this weekend!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 at 13:31:26 from 72.223.90.79

Good luck Nicole!

Tho, you've probably finished already.

Total Distance
2.00

2 quick miles around the neighborhood while waiting for Justin to get home to leave for Lincoln City!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Perfect perfect perfect day in Lincoln City.  Woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep, no one else was up so I took Cooper to the beach and walked about 2-3 miles, so calm, not a breath of wind, blue sky, some SUN.  A miracle.  As I was just starting to head up Kasey came down with her dog Kenzie so we did 2-3 more miles walking on the beach with the dogs.  Then we got back and headed out to do the Drift Creek Falls hike, which is about 3 miles, about 800 feet of elevation drop/gain I think.  Then when we got back we went to the beach with the dogs again!  So basically Cooper had the best day of his LIFE.  

Sauony ProGrid 2 #3 Miles: 5.00Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Lincoln City 10K (6.2 Miles) 00:49:50, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
10.40

Got a great crowd together for an awesome weekend in Lincoln City culminating with the 3rd Annual Lincoln City Half Marathon (for Lisa, Jordanne, and Anya, they dominate!) and 10k (for Kasey, Jeff, Brittany, Kevin, Justin, and I).  The weekend was just gorgeous and today was no different, perfect blue skies and perfect temperatures (started around 40 but warmed up, with SUN the whole time!).  Out along a lovely river with beautiful fields, cows, horses, donkeys, forests, and just general loveliness.

This race was weird because the night before we pretty much all decided to do the Half Marathon instead of the 10k, but I couldn't decide so literally in the first 3 miles I wasn't sure what to do.  But I started too fast for a half, trying to keep up with Kasey, and at mile 3 I had to decide if I was either going to slow down and do the half or speed up and do the 10k.  Speeding up sounded like more fun. :-) 

Hit the gas in Mile 4, caught up to Kevin and passed him, then in mile 5 with about a mile to go or so I saw this older lady (45?) in blue waaay up ahead.  I really really wanted to catch her, but it felt impossible because we seemed to be going the same pace, and I was already really suffering and going about as fast as I thought possible.  But slowly I closed some of the gap, and at one point she looked behind to check out the competition and locked eyes with me and she sped up and I thought it was over.  But finally with about .1-.2 to go I caught her!  She gave me this defeated look and fell back, I felt kinda bad.  But not really. :-)

This race felt GREAT.  No it wasn't a PR (about a minute off), but coming off of a winter of ITB problems and resting, in the first race of the year, this feels AWESOME.  I'm excited to keep training.  Two-thirds of the runners did the Half, not the 10k, which boded well for me because I got THIRD.  THIRD PLACE.  That's right, third female overall, SHOCKING!  (Now I'm sooo glad I killed myself passing that lady!)  No award though, but I did get a ribbon for 2nd in my age group.  We cleaned up in the 10k since there wasn't anyone, Brittany, Kasey, and Jeff all got ribbons too!

Cooled down by doing 4.2 more (very easy) miles to round it out at 10.4 while waiting for the half marathon people to finish.  They had a delicious spread of fruit, awesome bread, Mo's clam chowder, girl scout cookies, and the most delicious thing EVER, which turned out to be Dave's Killer Bread Sin Roll or something like that.  I will definitely be purchasing some of those.  So proud of everyone, such a fun weekend.  And especially proud of Justin, who did his first ever 10k in under an hour!  I only wish I wasn't so tired and it wasn't the start of another work week (including the last crazy week of the quarter).

TT: 49:50  AP: 8:01

Splits: 8:39, 8:18, 8:25, 7:49, 7:49 (had the big hill), 7:19, 7:04 (.22)

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 10.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 00:54:55 from 72.223.90.79

Way to stick it to the old lady! Wait, is 45 old? lol! Better not let some of the bloggers read this.

Woo hoo on the third place! Glad you're not only running again, but racing!

From nicole on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 00:59:34 from 98.247.220.16

45 is NOT old! I said "older", as in older than me!

From Burt on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:01:22 from 72.223.90.79

LOL! I've got a 26 year old sister-in-law that will beg to differ. She never misses an opportunity to tell us how old we are and how we'll never be as young as she is.

From nicole on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:02:58 from 98.247.220.16

Well, technically you won't ever be as young as we are!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:12:10 from 76.121.76.165

Good job!

Costco sells Dave's Killer Bread products. mmmmm

From Burt on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:12:19 from 72.223.90.79

Shut up.

=)

From Burt on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:13:19 from 72.223.90.79

Not your Trap. I meant Nicole, who called me an old man.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:15:55 from 76.121.76.165

If you're old, what does that make me?

From Burt on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 01:17:00 from 72.223.90.79

Oh my gosh. Nicole must think you're ancient.

JK! I'm totally hijacking this race report. Hey, did I mention how great you did Nicole! Go Nicole!

From Leandrea on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 07:52:28 from 98.192.72.214

Awesome splits!! You totally dominate. So how is it that Justin didn't get a ribbon? I miss Mo's. OK, so I don't miss Mo's but I do miss Oregon a bit.

From Rachael Winters on Mon, Mar 07, 2011 at 13:06:33 from 166.205.140.182

Great job Nicole!! Wish I would've came. You are so fast!! :)))

From Circles and Squares on Tue, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:42:05 from 76.104.173.195

WOOT WOOT!!! You kicked That 10K's butt!! You're so FAST!

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 12:45:53 from 67.79.11.242

You know I always forget to read the race reports...its fun to see the struggles and successes. Looks like your's was a fun success...Congratulations and thanks for the fun report!

Total Distance
4.52

Ouch.  A lucky daytime sunny-after-pouring-rain run shoved in between work and class at Burke-Gilman trail.  I didn't feel very sore after the 10k (just some right hamstring soreness) but about a mile into this run my shins were screaming.  After that miles 2 and 3 were pretty much a death march - I would run until it was intolerable, then walk until it felt better, repeat 100 times.  4th mile felt better, but ITB was also kind of angry at me.  Overall, lesson learned: it is incredibly stupid of me to barely do speedwork (i.e., I ran ONE 7:37 mile last week on a flat cushiony indoor track) and then go out and run as fast as I possibly can on hilly terrain (i.e., two 7:49 miles, one with a huge hill and one 7:19 mile).  When have I done even ONE 7:19 mile since August?  I haven't.  So that's stupid of me.  I think my biggest problem is that I hate suffering during everyday training (so I avoid suffering at all costs) but I somehow LOVE to suffer during races.  So races pretty much always kill me.  I am an idiot. 

Later did 10 super sluggish minutes on the elliptical and some weights, including 100 lunges (50 each leg) which I will certainly pay for tomorrow.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.522011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 22:57:37 from 99.188.251.180

Wow you are so mean to yourself! 100 lunges! but yes hills and speed make the ITB very angry. Rest up!

Total Distance
7.14

7.14 miles around the neighborhood - Time #1 of trying to make myself suffer.  4 x 400's with 2 minutes rest (meant to do 6 but the car place was going to close), so then I hurried and ran (literally ran!) up to get the car from the collison place (they fixed the broken bumper after that guy hit it), then after I got home I grabbed Cooper and headed out for 2.5 more or so, and added in one more 400. 

400's: 2:01, 1:57, 1:58, 1:57, 1:56

These really aren't 'suffering', my goal should probably be closer to 1:45-1:50.  Oh well, you've gotta start somewhere.  HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!  Off to try and bribe my husband into helping me transcribe hours and hours worth of interviews.  Anyone want to volunteer to help? Its a fun Friday night activity!  :-)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 7.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

3 sluggish miles outside around the neighborhood with Cooper.  It rained and was altogether unenjoyable.  SICK OF THIS WEATHER!

2011 Cooper Miles: 3.10Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.00

St. Paddy's Day Dash in Seattle this morning with Jordanne, Kevin, Katie, and Carina (Jordanne's mom and brother missed the spring forward!).  It sprinkled most of the time, but was fun, tons of green and some fun costumes!  2 miles uphill, 2 miles downhill, about a 10 minute mile average (ran with Jordanne the whole time for fun, I'm an evil bandit).  Its funny how running 4 miles in a big group makes it okay to drink beer at 10 in the morning!  Then we went and had a delicious book club brunch afterwards.  When I got home I didn't feel like I'd truly earned my brunch so I took Cooper out for 3 quick miles, did some speed-ups, AP around 8:30, last mile 7:57. 

Then played 9 holes of golf, well, walked 9 holes of golf!  It was fun and enjoyable (I even shockingly parred a hole!) until about 5 or 6, then the rain came, then the winds came, then the rain came harder, then the wind came harder.  That's about when I quit playing and just tried not to complain.  Much.  Hole 9 was pretty miserable! 

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 4.002011 Cooper Miles: 3.00Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Mar 14, 2011 at 13:27:47 from 206.19.214.144

Um, sorry Nicole. St. Patrick's Day isn't for another couple of days. You WA folk are all messed up :P

Total Distance
0.00

45 minutes on the bike trainer - the poor thing had dust on it!

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.02

Accomplished my goal of making myself suffer, this run was tough!  1 mile warm-up, 8 x 400's with 1:30 easy running in between (except for after split #4, that was around 2:17 as an extra break), then about a .7 mile cool-down to round it out at 5 miles.  Goal for the 400's was 1:45-1:50 (7:00-7:20). 

TT: 41:59, AP: 8:21

400 Splits: 1:45, 1:46, 1:44, 1:47, 1:46, 1:48, 1:52, 1:46

I've very pleased with this!  It was really hard and I wanted to quit but didn't, so that's a success!  400 #7 was a steady incline the whole time, so I think that they are all technically within my goal.  The Garmin is funny how it yells at you to Speed Up! or Slow Down!  Had some absolutely delicious coconut chicken to reward myself.  If I was on Top Chef that's definitely what I would make. :-)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.122011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.12
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 01:35:47 from 72.223.90.79

Maybe that's my problem. I don't make myself suffer enough.

Total Distance
6.00

Nice sunny day, lucky lunchtime run on Burke-Gilman trail.  No Garmin, 50 minutes of running, 40 minutes tempo moderate-to-moderately-hard, so I guessed about 5.5 miles.  Who knows.  Tonight at 7:00pm I will be all done with winter quarter! 

MapMyRun says I ran about 6 miles, I highly doubt I pumped out 6 miles in 50 minutes, but whatever, I'll take it!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 12:43:05 from 165.138.243.1

Take it!

From Burt on Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 13:05:49 from 206.19.214.144

So long winter quarter!

Total Distance
12.00

For some reason my quads and calves were sore and I just felt sluggish.  So I actually feel very proud that I did this, because although my goal was a 2 hour run, I was immediately being like, I'll just do 10, I'll just do 8, I'll stop when Lisa does.  Ran 3.6 miles waiting for Lisa to get there, then 4.4 with her (pushed the beautiful Denali in the BOB for about 2 miles, which ALL felt uphill), then forced myself to trudge on.  Talked to both Justin and Leandrea on the phone for awhile which helped get me to the end.  2:03, AP 10:15 or something like that.  It was just about dark when I finished.  Had a lovely start-of-vacation dinner at Applebees after, now its TIME FOR MEXICO!  Hellooooo 80 degrees.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 12.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 02:21:11 from 76.104.173.195

Have Fun!!!!!

Total Distance
3.00

3 miles in lovely sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I abided by J's wishes and stayed on campus which was absolutely intolerable - 18 minutes running in circles on the tiny path at the hotel and then 12 unbearable minutes in the tiniest least entertaining gym ever.  This is my one and only day abiding by his wishes!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

Ahhh, much better.  6 miles along the hotel marina drive.  First 30 minutes were perfect weather-wise, though a little sketchy (but I latched onto another lady I saw jogging and tried to stay with her), second 30 minutes there were tons of tourists up and about so that was better but the sun was in full force by then.  A sweat-fest.  AP around 9:06 today, felt good and fast. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.00

7 lovely miles in the sun again.  Didn't feel that great when I started (shocker) but after 3 miles I felt great and just decided to keep going as long as I could tolerate the full-force sun.  Right at 7 I was all of a sudden thirsty and hungry which I knew was bad so I hightailed it to the gatorade and quit.  Most fun wedding I've ever been to later!  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 7.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Was out of sunscreen and had already ran 3 days in a row so sucked it up and went to the crappy hotel gym for 30 torturous minutes on the elliptical while reading In the Woods - a pretty enthralling yet frustrating book, recommend I guess.

Other thoughts about Mexico:  The food sucked.  All-inclusive in Mexico apparently means that hot dogs are a staple of every meal of the day.  I also don't think I ate a vegetable the whole time I was gone (not by choice) although I tried to make up for that with fruit.  I was also BORED.  There was not much to do except lay around the pool and we all know I'm only good with that for one day.  Especially when the sun is so crazy-intense.  So the second day I was like uhhhhhh....?  Aren't there some sea turtles to swim with or some waterfalls to see or some hikes to hike?  Its just not my preferred style of vacation.  It was great to be there in such a big group though and the wedding itself was a blast.  I was so ready to go home today though. 

Back to the real world and my 200+ unread emails.  Not looking forward to that.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 15:23:51 from 206.19.214.144

You crack me up Nicole.

Total Distance
6.10

Back in the real world with my 200 emails and fires to put it out.  Washington welcomed me back in style with ice on my windshield.  Isn't it officially spring now?  

Late evening run around the neighborhood.  In case you didn't know, Leandrea is the best.  She better prepare herself because I'm now going to call her and make her entertain me every time I run alone (I bet she loves listening to me pant and huff up those hills!).  But those 6 miles FLEW by and we all know I only would have done 3 if I hadn't been talking to her, especially since it was dark the last 30 minutes. 

TT: 56:37  AP:  9:17

Splits: 10:43 (1.1), 9:21, 9:00, 9:04, 9:10, 9:17

PS - Its finally official.  Singapore for the summer.

 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.102011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.60

3.6 miles with Lisa at BPA trail.  I have some sort of cramping stomach bug or something, it stopped me in my tracks and I went home, SORRY LISA!  I suck.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.  Hopefully its not some parasite or something I ate (or the water?) in Mexico.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.44

Had dreams of doing 10-12 tonight - it was so beautiful all day long and as I was leaving Tacoma to meet Lisa it was still sunny there but a wall of ominous black sky ahead of me!  Of course the rain didn't start until after we were all dressed and the BOB was ready to go or else I was totally ready to call a Bahama Breeze happy hour audible instead. :-)  IT POURED.  IT WAS FREEZING.  IT WAS MISERABLE!!  Both of us I think wanted to turn back after 1 but we persevered, and glad we stopped when we did - I was shivering uncontrollably in the car on the way back.  Stupid weather. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.44
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From DLTheo on Sun, Mar 27, 2011 at 11:53:38 from 67.183.227.41

Hi neighbor! I just did a search and found people on the blog in my geographical area. Way to persevere and at least get a few miles in today! I was very glad to have run at noon. Amazing how quickly the rain came up!

Total Distance
3.00

Took Cooper on a little run this morning just for fun.  2 laps around the neighborhood.  Then went and had a horrible never-ending tennis match which I lost and wanted to die.  It really felt like a marathon that a) I didn't train for, and b) was NEVER GOING TO BE OVER.  Last one off, even against another match that started AN HOUR after ours.  Ughhhh I hate tennis right now, kind of want to quit the team, its not like I practice anyway.  My feet are so blistered and on fire.  Afterwards I wanted to challenge the lady to a half marathon so I wouldn't be such a loser. :-)

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Mon, Mar 28, 2011 at 01:50:04 from 99.188.251.180

the foot things sounds awful. I played badminton in h.s. and all that starting and stopping bugged my shins!

Total Distance
0.00

"Cross-trained" by feeding bread to elk, bison, zebras, deer, etc. at the Sequim Game Park.  Awesome. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
12.11

The weather finally cooperated.  Something like 8 laps around the neighborhood, 5 miles with Cooper, dropped him off when he seemed tired.  My calves and lower legs feel tired, and the combo of this run with Saturday's tennis match have wrecked havoc in blisters and chafed scabs on my feet and ankles.  Listened to the never-ending mediocre book Freedom and then Leandrea saved me at the end.  She was like, whoa you're running a lot faster today!  Uhh, no, I am just about to die from running for so long so I'm huffing and puffing!

TT: 1:55:47   AP: 9:33

Splits: 10:07, 9:56, 9:38, 9:33, 9:29, 9:08, 9:38, 9:31, 9:23, 9:26, 9:30, 9:26

2011 Cooper Miles: 5.00Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 12.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 at 01:44:02 from 72.223.90.79

You're feet must look amazing.

From Rachael Winters on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 at 14:28:27 from 76.115.87.4

Good job Nicole!! You are my hero. I'm back to get inspiration from you because I'm such a slacker!!

Total Distance
6.60

Early morning run, not feeling the official speed workout so did a fartlek workout of 14 'speed-ups' in the last 3 miles.  My Garmin is now gone forever (along with all my other electronic devices) (backpack jacked) but my splits were something like:

TT: 60:10

Splits: 10:08, 9:52, 9:26, 8:32, 8:33, 8:16

I am desperately missing all my documents, my wallet, and my passport, especially since I'm supposed to fly Saturday and everyone is giving me the run around about whether I'll be able to or not. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.70
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 21:01:41 from 206.19.214.144

Oh no!!! Are you kidding me! I hate thieves!

From april27 on Sat, Apr 02, 2011 at 09:57:57 from 99.188.251.180

What did I miss! who stole it! Well I mean what happened b/c if you know who stole you would get your stuff back!

Total Distance
6.30

No Garmin.  :-(  Almost as far as yesterday though, just a little short, so I'll call it 6.3.  60 minutes exactly.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Apr 02, 2011 at 09:56:57 from 99.188.251.180

6 in60? very fast!

Total Distance
3.00

Stupid rain canceling my run with Lisa and Anya.  I'm sick of it!  Finally at like 10pm I dragged myself to the TM and forced myself to do 3 horrid miles.  Why is the TM so feaking hard?  I watched some 20/20 attack special that is sure to haunt me as well, so bonuses all around.

Off to DC! And they let me on the plane with my temporary license! :-)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.502011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 at 14:29:09 from 76.115.87.4

Glad they're letting you fly! Have the best time! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Total Distance
0.00

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
12.00

Nicole's Impromptu DC Monument Almost Half Marathon Race Report:

After a lovely evening / morning with Chris and Mahsa (think delicious noodles, Sourcecode, delicious brunch, delicious Georgetown Cupcakes, hmmm, mostly eating!) I headed out on my own DC Monument run.  I wanted it to be a half marathon but I was feeling a little nauseous and my back was hurting and most of all I was already back at the hotel so it was easy to quit early.  2 hours even, so 12 miles may be ambitious given all of the numerous stoplight stops, weaving among the millions of middle school spring break groups, and stopping to take a few pictures.

Started along a bike trail (too many bikes!) that went along the Potomac, saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam, the WWII, the Washington, all the Smithsonians, the archives, the federal reserve, the cherry blossoms, the White House, and pretty much every other famous building in DC.  Felt a little nauseous in the second hour, I'm been feeling that way randomly ever since Mexico, wish it would stop.

PS - You know you're a true nerd / grad student when you skip heading to the bar with everyone else and go to your room to do work (and write this blog post!).  :-) 

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 at 00:59:31 from 76.104.173.195

You are not a nerd-- I may not be the best judge of this:)

From april27 on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 23:35:22 from 99.188.251.180

Well I suppose I"m a nerd too..LOL

Total Distance
5.00

This morning: 6:30am (so really 3:30am!), hauled myself out of bed against my wishes and to the hotel gym for 3 minutes walking on the TM (while waiting) and then 35 minutes on the elliptical.  Dripping sweat by the end.  

After a long day had a great opportunity to go for a run in the lovely random 80 degree day so grabbed it - 47 minutes on the Potomac trail down to the monuments and back, we'll call it 5 miles.  The headwind was so strong on the way down, I would go into a tunnel where the wind was suppressed and coming out was like stepping off of those moving walkways - flung back by a wall of wind!  On the way back I tempo-d it, 15 minutes of hard running on the way back (with the tailwind!).  

Lovely dinner with my new travel-mates, now some work and bed, I am exhausted (they went to the bar again after, ahh to be young again! :-)

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.70
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Fri, Apr 08, 2011 at 18:08:05 from 76.115.87.4

Sounds absolutely lovely!! :)

To be young?! You go get it girl! :)) Haha, lol. Every time I go to Chicago everyone wants to go out- even those much older than me.. but I'm with you. No drinking on school nights! I don't know how they do it?!

Total Distance
7.50

After the conference headed out into the stormy windy drizzle.  50 minutes of running, felt really good!  Felt like I was hauling, and was really proud of myself.  Maybe my recent increase in mileage is finally paying off (this is my 5th 25+ mileage week in a row).  But then later I was headed into a horribly strong headwind and thought maybe I just had a tailwind that whole time??!!

Saw even more of DC today - running is definitely the best way to tour a city!  Somehow I missed the capitol building in my huge tour on Sunday, caught that today.  Ended up at the Natural History Museum, toured it quickly, ran 2 minutes to the American History museum, toured that quickly, then ran 23 more minutes back home.  My stomach was growling this whole time and I was much slower.  Ran to Cosi, which is like a souped up more awesome Panera, where I had an excellent salad and flatbread.  Delish.  Now at the airport, back to the real world and soo much business tomorrow.  75 minutes of running total, we'll call it 7.5.

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 7.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 at 00:57:23 from 76.104.173.195

That sounds so nice especially the meal at the end!!! How fun it must be to tour a city on foot.

Total Distance
6.30

Proud of this run.  It was sleet-snow-raining this morning when I left and soooo cold.  I made myself do 3, I wanted to quit so bad after just one loop.  After 3 I felt better though and it was less drizzly as it got lighter out so I finished the full 60 minutes (probably around 6.3 miles).  Did 6 'speed-ups' in the last loop (1.5 miles).  

I taught my 2nd class last night - I love teaching!  I hope the students like it too.  Or at least don't think its TOO bad. :-)  Yesterday was rough though - at work from 7am-7:30pm.   We launched our website... it went over... hmm... okay. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.402011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Fri, Apr 08, 2011 at 15:05:22 from 206.19.214.144

What are you teaching?

From Anya on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 00:32:52 from 76.22.106.198

Good job on a bitter cold run! You rock the house! I didn't know you were actually teaching now...I am so glad you like it! What class(es) you teaching?

Total Distance
4.50

SPRING!  I actually wore shorts and a tshirt, that's how lovely it was today!  AND even lovelier, had a great run with Lisa & Denali (for 1 loop), Anya (for 2 loops), and Jordanne, Boone, and Cooper (for 3 loops).  Sunny day and awesome company, what could be better?  3 nice and easy slow loops.  WEEKEND!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 23:32:03 from 99.188.251.180

Dogs? and loops around what? I should really keep up better! LOL

Total Distance
9.50

Lovely trail run with Kasey at Forest Park in Portland.  9.5 miles in 1:34, so pretty much exactly 10 minute miles.  Definitely please with that considering how rocky, muddy, technical, and hilly the trails were at times.  I just love trail running, need to do more of it!  Smelled so good, fresh air, birds chirping, great company.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 9.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.50

55 minute run this morning, down to the dog park, 2 loops, and back, with Cooper.  My ankles are sore from all the technical-ness and rocky mudiness of the trails yesterday.  Went very easy and slow.  Afterwards did 50 lunges (25 each side), I need to do better in the strength department, especially because it seems the more I run, the more I want to run!  

2011 Cooper Miles: 5.50Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Mon, Apr 11, 2011 at 10:40:15 from 76.115.87.4

Good job! :)

I listened to Born to Run finally on the way to Yakima and back this weekend. I'm a believer/convert! Ha! I have a little bit more to listen to but I love it. :)

Total Distance
6.00

60 minutes outside after work.  Sun, but not that warm, windy.  Felt kind of slow and blah (took the full 60 minutes to do the 4 loops, so pretty much 10 minute miles).  I'm getting slower the more I run?  I also haven't figured out this eating thing yet, I'm STARVING when I get home, but then I eat too much and feel sick when I'm running.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 13:31:37 from 69.99.226.105

Try eating just one banana before you run. If that's too plain add some almond or peanut butter to each bite. Serious power food! :)

From Rachael Winters on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 14:24:20 from 72.57.239.195

Haha, I also feel that i am getting slower..

Do the 5 fingers slow you down at all? At least at first did they? I am very interested in starting to work up to them. I want to start doing barefoot walks and smaller runs barefoot.

From april27 on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 21:24:55 from 99.188.251.180

I still haven't figured out food! Stinks!

From Circles and Squares on Wed, Apr 13, 2011 at 01:05:32 from 76.104.173.195

Food is hard, I'm going to try that banana snack. I need to eat more of those any way.

Seriously Nicole SWEDISH FISH-- SWEDISH FISH:) 3.MEALS.A.DAY

Another benefit of the Swedish Fish diet is the availability (carried at every respectable gas station) and they never go bad.

Total Distance
5.00

Ran with Justin and Cooper for 2 loops, kept going until 5.

At the beginning of the run there was an "incident" with Cooper's feet and mine getting tangled that left me nearly screaming in pain.  I kept going though, and the pain dissipated, until the end when it came back as a pain on the outside of my right foot (where the "incident" had happened), so I ended up stopping my loop early.  At home though, the pain was RADIATING from my foot, this was super intense, I could barely walk, it was throbbing, and I was so worried, pretty much guaranteed I had a broken foot or something.  Great, right when I'm finally running a lot and doing well.  Took 3 advil and it finally got a little better.

This morning (Wednesday) it feels way better though.  I'm resting today (maybe tomorrow too?) and am hopeful that maybe its NOT broken?  Idiot dog. 

2011 Cooper Miles: 2.20Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Apr 13, 2011 at 21:00:15 from 99.188.251.180

those dogs mess up a lot of the things!

From Burt on Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 22:56:52 from 72.223.90.79

Sorry Nicole. I hope it's not a break.

Total Distance
6.50

I'm guessing around 6.5 miles?  Once Lisa posts I can steal her stats.  I need a Garmin!  Okay okay, I NEED a laptop, but I really really WANT a Garmin!  

In the good news - my foot appears to have made a full recovery after the "incident", which is great news except it gives my husband more fuel that I "exaggerate" since he didn't believe me when I was moaning and whining about how much pain I was in.  Now he really doesn't believe me!

In the bad news - today was rough.  I started the day with a physical which included a blood draw and a much overdue tetanus shot.  These were all fine, until 2 hours later when my arm feels like I did 1,000 shoulder presses yesterday.  I can't even lift it above my head.  Then I went to the eye doctor right before the run - it took FOREVER.  How annoying is it when they make a huge deal about being there 15 minutes early to 'check-in' and then THEY are the ones running 30 minutes behind??!!  I hate eyes so insert 2 hours of very high anxiety / panic levels.  I had my eyes dilated for the first time ever too, so then I couldn't see and it was so bright and I bailed on running.  Then I ate a snack and changed and decided to go after all.

And it was great!  So glad I went!  The time flew by, I am impressed we ran this long (though then we were soo late driving to Oregon later).  Lisa and Anya are the best.  Plus I got to see horses.  The end. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
13.00

Down to the dog park, 7 loops down there (water after each loop), back up, total time 2:08, 13 miles-ish.  Walked about a .3+ mile cooldown (up Hillside, sadly, I was spent by then).  I was TIRED.  In fact I just took a nap in hopes of salvaging my energy for a surprise party we have to go to tonight (the whole reason we're in Oregon to begin with!).  I also might need to try a 5 hour energy or SOMETHING!  My legs are tired, my arm is still killing me from the tetanus shot - that thing is no joke!  Went on a Garmin hunt (Leandrea said she saw the 305 on clearance at hers) but no luck.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 13.302011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From auntieem on Sun, Apr 17, 2011 at 18:46:05 from 67.182.149.104

Tetanus shots are the worst!

Total Distance
3.50

Easy recovery run to the dog park with Cooper.  My ankle is bothering me, the same tendonitis type injury that bothered me back in August.  Blah.  So I quit early, and let Cooper get his chase on at the dog park (the joy on his face!  He had some good chasing going on), then we walked the 1.25 miles back.  100 lunges (50 each leg).

2011 Cooper Miles: 4.75Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.752011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Was excited for a sunny evening, rushed to get ready and we headed to the golf course.  When we got there, the sky was black and it was raining, BLAH!  WHEN WILL IT BE SUMMER???!!!!  

30 minutes of yoga / strength stuff - I WILL start doing 2 days of at least a mini-strength workout.  Taking it a little easy this week, 5+ weeks in a row of higher mileage and I think my ankle is telling me I need a lighter week.  And that I need to stop being an idiot and actually do my leg strength stuff. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

I'm taking it easy right? :-)  Lovely mid-day sunny (shockingly!) run at Burke-Gilman before my meeting / class.  Had time to run about 45-50 minutes, ended up running 52 minutes, last time I did this loop mapmyrun said 6, kind of seems doubtful, but whatever.  I did run moderate or hard almost the whole time.  Ran 6 minutes hard, break, 3 minutes hard, break, 3 minutes hard, break, then 6 minutes hard (mostly because I was worried I was going to be late!).  Some left shin pain early on (especially on downhill), some tiny ankle tendon pain later.  Overall felt good, it feels good to barely be able to breathe! :-)  Now to torture my meeting-mates and class-mates with my sweatiness.

In preparing for the summer in Singapore, I'm thinking of going to a full-fledged blog.  I can't decide.  On the one hand it seems to be more work, on the other hand it seems easier for posting pictures and letting non-frb-ers write comments.  Thoughts?

http://boringrunningstories.blogspot.com/


Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.10

3 miles around the neighborhood this morning with Cooper - 29 minutes, 6:56am.  BRRR!  Wore my ear wrap but it was COLD.  

I have a race plan for the rest of the year!  That makes me happy.  I also ordered a replacement Garmin last night, YIPPEE.  Yay for my husband letting me. :-)  I made it 3 full weeks without it, but I miss it so much, just knowing exactly how far I've gone seems to be very important to me!  I also signed up for an Earth Day 10K in Tigard on Saturday. 

Race Plan:

Saturday April 23, Tigard Earth Day 10K

Saturday May 7, Snoqualmie Half Marathon

Sunday May 22, Keizer Iris Festival Half Marathon

Saturday July 23, Singapore Marina Half Marathon

Friday-Saturday August 26-27, Hood to Coast

Saturday September 10, Portland Warrior Dash (jumping over burning fire!)

Fall - A Fall Marathon with Lisa?  Possibly Winthrop September 25th or Leavenworth October 15th, however I just don't know if I have the motivation or the desire to be so injury-prone this year.  Maybe another half marathon instead.  Didn't see a triathlon on there?  Yeah, I'm a triathlon loser.

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.252011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 14:10:11 from 206.19.214.144

Nice race schedule. You're going to Singapore? Wow! Hey, I have a niece named Nicole. When she was littler I used to sing her this song - Nicole, Nicole, she fell in a hole...

I hope you don't fall in a hole.

From april27 on Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 21:02:46 from 99.188.251.180

I like your race schedule. I wanted to run a race in Hawaii. But I think I will just settle for running at all while I"m there and then printing my garmin map from it. Is that nerdy? LOL

Where did you buy your vibrams? do you like them? and did you buy the size shoe you would normally buy? I just wonder b/c I have to go to Chicago to try any on (LRS here doesn'thave them) so I wondered how true to reg sizes they are.

From Burt on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 01:05:21 from 72.223.90.79

Ape - from what I hear they make your feet swell, so you might go up a size.

From nicole on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 01:13:38 from 98.247.220.16

April - When are you going to Hawaii? Which island? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hawaii. Soooo much. Take me with you!

I got my vibrams at REI, I had to go to the big one so I could try them on. I got a size 41 (though I wear a 42 in my bike shoes and that's the size I got at first). Those are the only two shoes I have in this weird sizing so I don't know what is really normal for me, but I normally wear a size 10 running shoe or 9.5 dress shoe. Are you getting some??

From april27 on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 08:22:24 from 99.188.251.180

Burt I hope you aren't talking to me b/c I hate that.

Nicole--Staying at Maui and thinking about hoping over to Oahu (gotta find decent airline tickets)

I wear a size 10 in most shoes but bought a 10.5 in my last pair and my toes feel better (no toe tenderness after long runs)

I would love to get some but am nervous b/c it is cold or wet much of the time here. I was looking online and they have mulit sport ones that include running. What is the difference between that and ons that just say rnning? Is this a commericial thing to get you to buy the more expensive ones? Just curious.

From nicole on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 12:02:45 from 128.208.244.70

I don't know what the difference between the kinds are - I have the Bikila which is the "running kind", but I'm not exactly sure why? I know it has a strap and some of them don't have a strap and I think that probably helps it stay in place better. I think it also may have a tiny bit more cushioning or something? You probably want a size 42 then. They aren't very good for cold/wet, it is also wet here much of the time and that is annoying, I found going without the socks helps my feet feel less wet, but if it was freezing cold too I don't think I would wear them.

From Burt on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 12:56:41 from 206.19.214.144

LOL! Just feeling you out April. Seeing what I can get away with. Now I know. It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

From april27 on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 13:44:19 from 99.188.251.180

good to know

Total Distance
5.00

3:20pm, 48 minutes, 5 miles, Burke-Gilman

This morning when the alarm went off I was soooo not feeling it.  After back-and-forthing and snoozing like usual, I convinced myself that if I got up now and went to work, it would be the same as if I ran now and then went to work or went to work now and ran later.  So that's what I did.

So a nice mid-day semi-sunny run at Burke Gilman before class, 2 speed-ups in the last mile just to get the heart pumping. 

In other news, last night at the class I taught, one of my students says (this is nearly verbatim, not exagerating!), "My head is going to explode if you don't stop reading the PowerPoint slides like we're 12."  I was so taken aback I thought I HAD to have misunderstood her.  WHAT?  EXCUSE ME???  I mean I definitely want feedback, I know I have tons of room for improvement, but the exit slip where it says, "Is there anything else I should know?" would be the PERFECT place to share this, not in front of everyone in the middle of class, and so rudely!  Its good though, I need to thicken some skin. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Tigard Earth Day 10K (6.2 Miles) 00:47:17, Place overall: 6, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
9.20

I was so excited to get to Oregon last night and see my brand-new Garmin.  I hugged it!  Then this morning, I woke up, and although it had said it was charging last night, it was so longer saying that.  It also wouldn't turn on.  WHAT?!  AMAZON!  What kind of crap are you sending me?  So that was a HUGE dissapointment that's importance will be revisited later.

Did the Tigard Earth Day 10K this morning, just signed up this week in my effort to punish myself some and get faster.  It was certainly punishment - I suffered big time.  Its funny that I enjoy doing this to myself, making myself want to die!  Got there too early (it was only about 8 minutes from home), did a 30 minute warmup (about 3 miles), went to the porta-potties a few times, got a bunch of free bars, and finally we started.  

Mile 1 - 7:53  (I downloaded some stopwatch app to my phone, that's where these splits came from)  Some uphill, lots of weaving at the beginning (should have started closer up)

Mile 2 - 7:50  A little more uphill, little rolling hills, this is feeling hard, but I'm continuously passing people and I like that. 

Mile 3 - 7:17  Some downhill which I try to fly down, my legs will probably feel that tomorrow!  Enter the pretty Cook Park trails (where I used to bike last summer when I lived here)

Mile 4 & 5 - 15:25 (7:44 avg) Here's where I suffer big time.  Mile 4 was a desolate time, I was feeling like keeping up this pace was impossible, and that I was going to totally bonk.  Then we came upon a fork in the road, everyone in front of me went right (looking at the course map now we should have gone left to stay on the trail), we entered some neighborhood, I was pretty much alone with one other guy and then 6 people about 200 feet ahead of us.  Then 3 of the people ahead of us turn left, the other 3 look confused and keep going straight.  I didn't know what to do!  I was already feeling so exhausted that running anything extra was going to kill me.  We kept going straight, and about 200 feet later I was certain we were not in the right place.  But we just kept going (luckily), and then we saw everyone else, relief.  I was also feeling discouraged because the mile felt never-ending!  Made sense, we missed the 4th mile marker (on the trail where we were supposed to be), and I felt SO happy when I saw the 5th mile marker.  With 1 more mile to go I knew I could do it and felt better and picked the pace up again.

Mile 6 - 7:01 (What What!!)  At the beginning of this mile a lady came up behind me and was passing and I started hanging with her, we ran side-by-side pretty much the whole mile.  I tried to pull away on this little downhill section, but after that I had nothing left, I was going as fast as I could at that point, there was no kick (if anything I went slower as we approached the finish).  So she pulled ahead.  I wanted to beat her so bad!  When I saw the results I was even more bummed because a) I got 6th (could've been top 5!) and b) because of the chip she only beat me by ONE SECOND. 

So this is an official PR - the first one of 2011!  By over a minute and a half!  I also got 6th place and 3rd in age group!  I had to leave right away to go golfing (we golfed 9 holes in this lovely 70 degree day, which I'm sure all the walking will help with any soreness), but supposedly age group awards are MEDALS?!  I would be stoked, I've never gotten anything but a ribbon before.  We'll see if they mail them.

Overall, extremely pleased.  This was very very punishing though, but that's what I set out to do - go as hard as I could for as long as I could and if I die, I die.  The only thing that is bothering me still is if it is REALLY a PR.  I think it is, no matter what, because of the 1.5 minute cushion, its a PR for me.  But I may have shortcutted .1 or so, I'm not sure (so it may be hard for me to beat this PR in the future!).  I tried to analyze the map but we're splitting hairs with the distance so without my beloved Garmin (key importance of earlier fail) I have no idea the true difference.  After I recovered I tried to go find that girl I ran with or the guy who I was running with earlier to check their Garmin splits (if they had one) but I couldn't find them, and most of the other people milling around were 5K runners. 

Anyway, absolutely LOVELY Saturday, felt great about this, lovely 9 holes of golfing, sunny 70 degrees, and a great dinner with the family and adorable precious nephew.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 9.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Apr 25, 2011 at 00:29:09 from 72.223.90.79

You cracked me up when you hugged your Garmin. Sorry it won't turn on now. Nice job on the possible PR. I hate it when you know you're going the wrong way.

Total Distance
5.35

Happy Easter!  Got up early to get this run in before church and brunch - ran with Cooper down to the dog park, 2 loops, and back.  Nice and easy, hamstrings a little sore from yesterday but I think the golfing really helped.  

PS - Thanks to the internet (how did anyone ever live before the internet?) I figured out how to do a "soft reset" by pushing a bunch of buttons on the Garmin and it is now working!  

2011 Cooper Miles: 5.50Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

This run gets a 2 out of 10 on the enjoyability scale.  Although it was randomly sunny (with a backdrop of black ominous clouds) there were crazy gusts of winds and bouts of sprinkling.  I had a weird annoying side stitch and my ankle felt weak / tired.  So I quit at 3, I'm a loser.  Then we went to the bar to watch the Blazer game (ridiculous its not on basic cable, and DirecTv is ridiculous for not supplying us with the NBA channel!), they're losers too.  They better pick it up on Thursday!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 18:50:54 from 206.19.214.144

You're not a loser! I'm a loser for not telling you to try a soft reset on the Garmin.

From april27 on Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 23:12:09 from 99.188.251.180

You are not a loser! You a a weener! I mean Winner!

Total Distance
4.00

4 miles this morning before work around the neighborhood.  70 lunges after, then my legs were jelly.  Felt sluggish and blah. 

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 4.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sun, May 01, 2011 at 20:41:20 from 99.188.251.180

70 lunges? you rock! I would be jelly too

Total Distance
6.00

Couldn't get out of bed this morning again, so ran before class again.  It started pouring and then hailing and then hailing HARD (like dangerously!) right before I went out, so almost didn't make it, but then it was dry for this whole run.  Fluctuated between a 4 and a 6 on the enjoyability scale, was going to stop at 4.5, then decided to do 5, then felt a little better so decided to do 6.  Pretty slow, TT: 59:00.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Anya on Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 17:17:03 from 76.22.106.198

Wow, look at you, getting out there with the hail and all! How exciting but sounds like it was coming down pretty dang hard! Could be a little scary. Nice job though!

From april27 on Sun, May 01, 2011 at 20:41:58 from 99.188.251.180

I'm finding it hard to go on runs on the weekends now..I think if it was hailing out I would have found it even harder. LOL

Total Distance
6.00

6 lovely miles with Lisa and Denali at Soos Creek Park.  Ankle tendonitis problem still bothering me.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

Took Cooper around the block this morning, did 1 mile and my ankle tendonitis was still bothering me so I decided this was a weekend off from running.  I wish I could just do whatever I wanted and stop having all these left leg problems!  Its soooo incredibly frustrating.

Then a ton of cleaning, yard work, etc.

Later - 1 hour tennis match (I finally won!  6-1, 6-1, though I played #2), and our team won too (first team win, shockingly enough!).  

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 1.252011 Cooper Miles: 1.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Lots more yard work and washing the car with my dad in the beautiful sunshine - WE HAVE A WORKING SPRINKLER SYSTEM!  I am over the moon happy about this.  Thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU DAD!  You are the best dad in the world.

Then we went and used J's golf tournament winning with an 18 hole round at Rainier Valley Country Club (fancy!).  18 holes was definitely 9+ holes too many though, walked most of the first 9, rode (and didn't play) most of the second 9.  Delicious Red Robin to celebrate, what a lovely weekend, so sad its over!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, May 02, 2011 at 23:09:47 from 24.22.239.183

Golf is for golfers. Red Robin is cool though :)

I bet your dad loves that you appreciate him so much!

From Circles and Squares on Thu, May 05, 2011 at 02:56:28 from 76.104.173.195

I am glad your sprinklers work that was super nice of your Dad!

Total Distance
0.00

1 mile walking around the neighborhood with Justin and Cooper.

2011 Cooper Miles: 1.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

3 miles around the neighborhood this morning.  Super slow and ankle is still bothering me even after 3 full days off.  BLAH!!  WHY????????????  It is really confusing me because I'm not sure whether to just push through this one or to keep taking it easy.  Guess I shouldn't have gotten so cocky and signed up for the Salem half in 2 weeks!

Brooks Ravenna Blue Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, May 05, 2011 at 10:23:49 from 76.115.87.4

So sorry you hurt right now! Relax and get better!

Total Distance
3.00

BLAHH!!!!!  Stupid stupid ankle, how I hate ye, let me count the ways.

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.102011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

20 minutes on the bike trainer, lunges and such after.

2011 Cycling Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

35 minutes on the bike trainer. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
10.00

Lovely bike ride with Jordanne at Cedar River Trail.  Did 14 miles with her, then came back and still had about 20 minutes to kill until I had to pick J up at the airport so I really tried to pick it up these miles, I think the max speed I got was 17-18 mph.  Although it was pouring on the drive there it was actually really nice and even a little sunny during the ride, lovely river and forest views. 

TD: 19 miles    TT: 1:38:00    AP: 11.5 mph (pretty slow!)

Didn't intend to run today but my ankle had really been feeling good so I decided to test it.  Cooper joined me for 2 loops and Justin joined me for a loop too!  Felt pretty mediocre to bad the first 4 miles and kept planning to stop, but suddenly after 4 miles it felt great, so I kept going... and going... and going.  My legs started to feel really heavy around 7 (hoping because of the bike ride, not because I've lost all my fitness!), but I thought if I could do 10 I would feel a LOT better going into the half in 2 weeks.  I will probably pay for this tomorrow, I scheduled some PT for Thursday, I'm hoping some graston / torture / kt taping / and more will help. 

TD: 10 miles     TT: 1:34:01     AP: 9:24 (I think that's what I saw, not positive). 

2011 Cycling Miles: 19.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 10.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:06:14 from 165.138.243.1

wow look at you! I hope you are feeling great because your work out looked awesome!

From Anya on Tue, May 10, 2011 at 13:58:00 from 69.104.55.175

How awesome! Glad it was nice out at Cedar River Trail! I miss running there! I think us ladies will have to get together and do that before you leave! When do you leave again for the summer?? Nice job on the bike ride and then an extra run on top of it! Way to go lady!

From Burt on Tue, May 10, 2011 at 18:14:26 from 206.19.214.144

Nice run for not intending to run :)

From rAtTLeTrAp on Thu, May 12, 2011 at 12:46:53 from 69.99.231.17

I love it when a good run turns into a great run. Good job!

If you're looking for another race this summer check out the tunnel marathon.

Total Distance
1.00

1 loop around the neighborhood with Cooper.  Ran for 1 mile of it, my ankle hurt so I stopped.

2011 Cooper Miles: 1.50Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 1.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

40 minutes on the bike trainer before work, 60 lunges (30 each leg) afterwards.

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.50

AM - Went to PT before work and ran .5 miles on the TM (it didn't hurt! after KT taping).  The PT said a million things that I wish I could remember, but he thinks maybe I shouldn't wear the VFFs anymore (sad) (although he also said he thinks its more hips than feet which is why I have these problems no matter what shoes I wear).  We're doing gait analysis with a video camera on Tuesday so I'll know more about that then.  I do have a small leg length discrepancy (1/8th of an inch) but he doesn't think that's as big of a problem as the other guy.  He thinks my hips are the big problem, and that my glutes aren't engaging, so we did about a billion glute exercises and they were on FIRE.  That's my homework.  I also have to majorly work on calf flexibility.  He taped up my foot and it feels SO much better just with the tape, so I go back Tuesday and then next Friday for taping before the half marathon.  He also said I don't really have to fear a tendon rupture (which is why I wasn't running through the pain), unless I got ran over by a car while I was running. :-)  I didn't get to use the anti-gravity treadmill but I saw it and maybe next time I'll get courage enough to ask!

PM - Decided to test it out, so did 2 loops around the neighborhood (3 miles).  First loop tried wearing the Merrell's with the inserts, that hurt big time (not enough space inside the shoe), so after 1 loop came home and changed into the Nike Free's and grabbed Cooper.  Ankle feels so much better with the tape, which keeps my strike on the outside basically and doesn't allow the pronation as much which is what is pulling on the tendon.  

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 2.102011 Cooper Miles: 1.50Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 1.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

Got to babysit Denali for a little while this afternoon while her nanny is on spring break - I'm so lucky!  She was getting grouchy so I took her out for a little walk and she fell asleep instantly.  Ran 1 mile even though I knew I shouldn't and am abiding to the every other day rule now but it was hard to pass up such a golden opportunity of free time in the middle of a nice sunny day.  So walked about 3 more miles (1 hour total) including up the ginormous hill by her house - great workout!

When Lisa got home from work we went for another walk - 2 more miles up some more big hills.  Denali is so so so precious, but I need more ways to entertain her!  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Another perfect day!  Sunny blue skies, lovely.  Yard work, then drove to Bremerton for a tennis match, 1.5 hours of tennis (I won 6-2, 6-4, against a lady who hit the ball SO HARD), then we tried out Bremerton's finest (aka the #1 restaurant according to some website) at Boston's Deli & Pizza.  Shared a calzone and some pizza - would have been better if it had been fresh I think, then ferry'd it up back home (PS - driving is WAY faster but ferrying is more fun and scenic!).  Perfect Saturday. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
12.00

AM - Got up with plenty of time to get a as-long-as-possible long run in before book club at 11am, but it was POURING.  Miserable pouring.  So I sat on the cozy couch with my coffee.  I finally convinced myself that I could stand it for 1 loop, so I would at least do that so I would feel better about eating the inevitable delicious baked goods I would likely consume at brunch.  Well it was kind of pouring and miserable, but after one loop I was used to it (even took my fleece off) and although it never stopped, it did relent a bit towards the end.  So did 9 miles total, SO wanted to do more but even 9 was pushing it and I was 15 minutes late.  Didn't feel that cold when I was out there but in the shower afterwards my hands were burning off!

TD: 9.08 miles    TT: 1:26:26    AP: 9:31

Splits: 10:14, 9:56, 9:21, 9:28, 9:34, 9:19, 9:33, 9:27, 8:51 (I sped up since I was so late!)

PM - After a delicious brunch book club and some errands with J I wanted to hit 12 so bad (yes I know its not the same as doing 12 consecutively but it can't hurt!) so I forced myself out for 3 miserable miles, these did not feel good like the morning ones, at this point every muscle in my body is so sore, probably from the combination of Thursday PT, Friday hill-climbing, Saturday tennis, and the morning miles.  I could barely force myself to do 3 and I may have walked .25 miles of this.

TD: 3 miles    TT: Something horribly and unprintably slow

The great news is my ankle didn't bother me today, I think the KT tape job has helped let the tendon calm down a bit.  Some chafing blister problems, second run random shin/achilles pain.

I hope I don't die in the half marathon next weekend!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 12.302011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, May 16, 2011 at 17:59:22 from 206.19.214.144

Oh, please don't die Nicole. What would we do without you?

From april27 on Tue, May 17, 2011 at 12:15:30 from 165.138.243.1

you won't die you are a tough cookie!

From Rachael Winters on Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:39:19 from 76.115.87.4

Wow!! Nicole you are amazing!! You are going to kill it! You will push me and I am thankful for that. Except I might die because you are such an amazing runner. And for that I am not thankful. :)

Total Distance
0.00

At PT: 7 minutes on the bike, probably .5 walk/running on the TM during the gait analysis, then 30 minutes of glute stuff.  They were shaking just standing there by the end!  I've never had a personal trainer but this must be what it's like - you want to stop so bad but they keep telling you to do more and you want to kill them!  Ended up being there for over an hour and a half. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 1.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, May 18, 2011 at 00:49:53 from 76.104.173.195

PT sounds like torture-- you're amazingly strong!:-)

From Rachael Winters on Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:40:34 from 76.115.87.4

This is how I will feel on Sunday when you tell me to go faster. :-)

Total Distance
4.54

Early morning run before work - it smelled like SPRING and there was SUN, it was a true miracle.  Didn't feel horrible but certainly didn't feel great either, my ankle is obnoxious.

TT: 44:04 (or something)   AP: 9:45 (or something)

In other news, I'm currently in my second attempt to read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - it only took 7 CDs but I finally am into it. 

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 4.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tracy on Fri, May 20, 2011 at 13:29:14 from 209.175.177.37

I really like that book. But I remember that it did take a while to get into!

Total Distance
0.00

43 minutes on the bike trainer this morning before work while watching... wait for it... 16 and Pregnant.  Yep, trashy tv to the rescue while bored on the trainer.  

ITS SUNNY OUTSIDE AND SUPPOSED TO BE 71 TODAY, 74 TOMORROW!!!  

Rachaem is seriously delusional about thinking I'm going to "push her" this weekend.  She has strong misconceptions about my current fitness level! 

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tracy on Fri, May 20, 2011 at 13:30:07 from 209.175.177.37

Good luck in your race this weekend!

From auntieem on Sat, May 21, 2011 at 09:51:35 from 67.182.149.104

Love trash tv for those bike workouts!

Total Distance
3.54

3.5 mile run around Tacoma mid-day, the sun was out and dare I say it? It was actually kind of intense since this was a mid-day run!

Then went to PT and did a million more glute exercises - shaking again.

Then 1 hr 15 minute tennis match (I won, 6-2, 6-2). Off to Salem for the half marathon!

2011 Cycling Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

9 holes of golfing with Jordan and Rachaem.  I hate golf these days!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Keizer Iris Festival Half Marathon (12.94 Miles) 01:51:24, Place overall: 17, Place in age division: 6
Total Distance
12.94

Half Marathon #7 is in the books!  Rachael killed it - way to go!

Ran the Salem Keizer Iris Festival Half Marathon this morning (well, it was a little short unfortunately, the first 2 miles were only about 1.8 miles). 

So yesterday was a fabulous day of golfing, pizza-eating, over an hour of hot-tubbing, and having a few drinks like gentlemen.  Sounds like a perfect way to prepare for a race, right? Ha!  So this morning we were not really feeling like running a half marathon.  I was hoping to break 2 hours, but after I saw the first mile split of 8:38, I decided we were going to at least try to beat Rachael's previous PR of 1:54:42 from almost exactly a year ago at the Couer D'Alene Half we did.  I did not discuss this with her so she may or may not have wanted to kill me for this!  But we SMASHED that PR, even after accounting for the short course.  If it had been a full half marathon the calculator says our real time would have been 1:52:42, still a full 2 minute PR for Rachael!

TT: 1:51:24     AP:  8:37

Splits: 8:38, 8:37, 8:41, 8:35, 8:31, 8:32, 8:30, 8:33, 9:00 (monster steep hill, we ran all the way up but I think the Garmin said 13:00+!, my glutes were on fire afterwards), 8:37, 8:38, 8:47 (pretty strong headwind this whole mile), 8:16

I am actually really proud of these splits!  This is a great time and I am so pleased with it, and look how consistent.  I have never monitored the Garmin so close as today but I was trying really hard to keep right at 8:35 or so, and did pretty good!  Some ankle pain and some ITB stiffness but felt really good overall.  The irises were totally overrated though, with some scenicness in the rolling farmland but otherwise just busy roads, wastewater treatment facilities, and regular neighborhoods to run through.    

Justin and Jordan did the 10k - Justin beat his PR from Lincoln City, so dominance across the board.  Afterwards went and had a delicious (but forever-taking) brunch at Annette's.  Great day!  The race itself wasn't so fabulous though - no medals, an extremely weak spread of food (though I guess there was a pancake breakfast), and very stingy with the water afterwards. 

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 13.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, May 23, 2011 at 12:36:03 from 72.223.90.79

Way to be dominant!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, May 23, 2011 at 12:54:54 from 72.102.20.197

Nice Job! Yeah! Very consistent pace! Yeah! Flaming glutes! Yeah! Stingy with the water! boo! What's wrong with those people?!

From april27 on Mon, May 23, 2011 at 15:04:40 from 165.138.243.1

Great report! You did great! Very consistent!

From Rachael Winters on Sat, May 28, 2011 at 13:47:05 from 76.115.87.4

Great report! Thanks for pushing me, you rock.

Total Distance
3.39

Lovely run in Seattle with Lisa & Anya, with some delicious Yogurtland afterwards!  I should have rested today (ankle and ITB very tight today) but today was the only day I could do anything this week.  Will rest tomorrow.  Not sore at all though, surprisingly!

TT: 36:10    AP: 10:40

Finished Girl with the Dragon Tattoo finally.  After I finally got into it I kind of like it.  Liked the Harriet stuff, kind of annoyed by the Venistrom stuff.  Will start the 2nd book tomorrow.  Am also reading (actually reading) Dean Karnezes new book 26.2. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Steam8 on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 01:35:29 from 166.70.55.77

IT Band trouble is no bueno! Sorry, I'm having issues with it myself. You are the second to comment about Yogurtland! Next time I am in Seattle, that will be one of my stops...along with a nice run down the Pier!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 11:25:19 from 72.102.62.156

Have you read Born to Run?

I've never heard of Yogurtland, I get my froyo fix at BlackBear.

From nicole on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 11:51:12 from 128.208.244.70

I have read Born to Run - love that book! Why do you ask? And what is Black Bear - tell me everything, I LOVE frozen yogurt! The place by me (Menchies) is very chemical-ly.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 12:19:50 from 72.102.62.156

I was just going to suggest you read it if you haven't already.

BlackBear is a place in Lakewood by Steilacoom Park that has great coffee and froyo. Atmosphere is kind of like starbucks with big couches, fireplace etc. nice place to take a date or just hang out.

From april27 on Wed, May 25, 2011 at 16:06:36 from 165.138.243.1

I loved the Steig Series. The 2nd one was my favorite. That one starts out a lot faster than the 1st.

I have been looking for a new running book to read. Thanks for the suggestion!

Total Distance
0.00

30 minutes on the bike trainer before work while watching the first half of 16 & Pregnant.  Apparently its my new cycling show. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

35 minutes on the bike trainer before work while I finished 16 & Pregnant.  I really really really wish I enjoyed getting up early to work out.  But I also never want to work out at 8:00pm, which is when I get home from class.  So its a lose-lose situation.  BUT.... I may be done taking classes after June 7!  

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

10 minutes on the exercise bike at PT - then at least 30 minutes (maybe more) of glute torture exercises.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

42 minutes on the recumbent bike in Justin's parent's basement, mostly while working (I had this little laptop setup), but then started One Day (by David Nicholls) at the end.  A few strength exercises afterwards.  Off to Lincoln City for Justin's 30th birthday celebration!

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

Walked / ran about 2 miles from the house to Aces (the casino's golf course's bar).  Ran as much as I could make Ivy huff it.  That was fun.  :-)  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

Well I successfully rested for an entire week and I swear it made it worse.  A gorgeous morning for a run, down to 'D' river on the streets and then decided to head to the beach since there was a south wind and it was so calm and nice (didn't even need a long sleeve).  Didn't feel that bad when running but it was sore the rest of the day.  BLAH.  At this point perhaps I do need to see a doctor, I just wish I knew someone good and not completely worthless like everyone I have seen so far.  If I need to rest now is the time, but if I don't need to then I don't want to!

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 4.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

It was National Running Day and I did not run.  :-(  30 minutes on the bike trainer before work.  There are TOO MANY THINGS TO DO before next Friday.  Before next Tuesday really, when all of my finals are due and I have to do a presentation.  While I am so excited to go to Leavenworth this weekend, it would probably be better (stress-wise!) if we didn't.  

Taught my last class of the quarter tonight!  We'll wait for the course evals to determine its success level.  Now (just!) 24 huge final projects to grade.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Thu, Jun 02, 2011 at 12:16:14 from 206.19.214.144

Here's my eval. Best teacher EVER!

From april27 on Mon, Jun 06, 2011 at 12:18:23 from 165.138.243.1

24? is that all? hahahah

Total Distance
0.00

TOO MUCH STUFF TO DO!

Had a huge training today we've been prepping for for about 2 months, it went... okay.  Horrible day overall though, TOO MUCH STRESS! 

Now off to Leavenworth!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

It's my birthday (the big 2-9!) so I decided I deserved to run.  :-)  Lovely lovely LOVELY 5 miles through the most adorable town of Leavenworth you've ever seen.  Beautiful blue sky, warm morning (turned out to be 80 degrees!) and beautiful river / mountain / goat views.  Then went on the wine walk, ate some delicious brats and pretzels, and played some games.  Best day ever. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

On the way back from Leavenworth there was a sign for Deception Falls, and since I'm still riding the "I get to do whatever I want since its my birthday weekend", I told J to stop!  Quick .5 mile (or less!) hike to some rushing roaring waterfalls.  Continued on down the road until we saw a sign for Wallace Falls.... and we stopped!  Although this place is in the middle of nowhere about 10,000 other people had decided to come here, indicating it must be one of the best hikes in Washington?  Lovely 4 mile hike to and from a series of waterfalls - it was quite hilly and kind of strenuous - annoying because it was so beautiful, but so fun!  I definitely want to go back (on a quieter day!) and hike the whole thing. 

Then came home to some dinner and bowling with my dad.  Best weekend ever!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 at 19:57:32 from 167.8.18.12

Sounds fun! Wish we could've been there!

Total Distance
0.00

43 minutes on the bike trainer before work while watching The Bachelorette.  It makes my ITB tight.

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

My ankle felt pretty good!  A few twinges, my ITB was making itself known around 2.  Ran super slow and super careful, TT around 32.  

What shoes / how many shoes do I need to live for 8 weeks?? :-)  This is the hardest part of packing. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 at 16:22:18 from 165.138.243.1

where you going? Did I miss that? I think I maybe jealous if you are going somewhere for 8 weeks!

Total Distance
5.30

Such a lovely run at BPA with Lisa.  Pushed the BOB on the way back - man those hills were killer.  I swear I was going slower than walkers at some points and it was soooo hard!  I am out of shape.  Neither of us brought our Garmins (fail) so total guess.  Ran to the bathroom and back (.75 miles?) then the normal BPA loop (3.75?) then I ran down to Jiffy Lube to meet Justin (.75?).  

Then went to a delicious dinner at Red Robin with Lisa, Denali, & Justin.  Denali is the most precious adorable child in the world. 

DON'T MOVE TO DALLAS LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 20:42:46 from 166.205.140.165

I just showed this to Jeff he is laughing!!! Also I miss you but love the pictures and updates.:)

Total Distance
0.00

35 mins on the bike trainer before work, while watching 16 and Pregnant of course!

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
10.00

Happy 30th birthday Justin!
10 lovely miles around the neighborhood this morning, first few with Cooper.  Slow, total time 1:42:23.
Now off to Singapore for 8 weeks! I'll see you all after my first run in 90 degree 90% humidity Singapore! An adventure!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 at 16:14:58 from 24.22.239.183

Singapore for 8 weeks?! Post some pics.

Total Distance
5.42

Hello from Singapore!  First of all, a 20 hour flight is no joke.  Second of all, its HOT.  Scratch that, its HUMID.  So ridiculously humid.  So ridiculously terribly humid that you are dripping sweat the instant you are outside.  So this morning's run was hard.  I wanted to stop after 2 but ended up doing 5.42, miraculously, which took a full hour to do.  

PS - If you haven't already, you must read The Hunger Games.  Read it on the way here and am now obsessed.  Reminded me of The Giver.

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.42
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Andrea on Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 09:51:07 from 67.177.21.60

I read the Hunger Games a couple months ago! I was surprised how much I liked them and how addicting they were, especially b/c I didn't consider them my kind of books...would you recommend the Giver too? I should probably read it!

From LBC on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 07:59:36 from 69.173.106.87

I loved The Hunger Games and The Giver is exactly what it reminded me off too... In fact when I finished HG I went and re-read The Giver. Didn't enjoy the 2nd two in the series as much though...

From nicole on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 22:00:23 from 155.69.179.162

Have you read the other two books in the Giver series? Gathering Blue and Messenger?

That's a bummer about the next Hunger Games books - I'm sure I'll still read them though!

From Andrea on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 22:04:23 from 67.177.21.60

I really liked the other two Hunger Games books! You should definitely read them.

From LBC on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 22:17:55 from 24.60.118.40

I haven't read the 2nd two in the Giver series, but now I am going to go get them from the library to read on my commute! Thanks! Also, they 2nd Hunger Games are good and worth the read, I just really liked the first a lot better. Have fun with them!

From april27 on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 at 23:57:49 from 99.188.251.180

I loved the Giver! I have no idea there was a series. I need to pick those up. and add the Hunger Games.

My friends got me into the Vamp books. I read the Twilight series (they were good just got tired of the teenage love angst after a while) Now I"m on another series called the Sookie Stackhouse (TrueBlood on HBO-never watched it) series. It is pretty good if you like vamp, weres, witches etc...and I think I like this series. I just started reading the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 20 minutes of yoga/strength stuff.

PM - 15 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of ellipticalling at a very tiny pretty hot no tv gym.  I was hoping for more!  Did you know that the networks (like ABC) and hulu don't let you watch when you're outside the US?  BS!  This is going to be an enlightening no-TV summer.  I'm sure it will be good for me... but a little mindless TV would be appreciated right about now!

Its 7:16pm and I'm exhausted again.  After waking up repeatedly from 3am on (since I went to bed at 8pm last night) I must try and stay up later, but I'm soo tired....  I also feel EXTREMELY sluggish after working out - usually it energizes me but walking back from the gym just felt exhausting.  I don't know if it is the humidity, the travel, the weird / bad sleep, probably a combo. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 3.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.07

Woke again around 4:30am (after sleeping very poorly after 1am) and waited until it started to get light around 7am to head out.  My stomach was growling the whole time - I have got to get some bananas or granola bars or something for my room!  The campus is very hilly, walked up one of the huge hills, stopped to take a few photos, but even with those excuses I was still VERY slow.  My times are now around 11-12 minute miles!  Went immediately to the canteen for breakfast afterwards despite being slightly embarrassed by the sweat pouring off of me - it didn't matter - I was too hungry to wait! 

TT: 60 minutes  AP: That's got to be around 11:55!

Today we're sightseeing - excited to see more of Singapore and to get a bus transporting us directly there! :-)

PS - Both my ankle and my ITB felt really good today!! :-)

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.07
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

This is a day-off from running, but to save time I ran to the gym and back (thus the 1 mile).  35 minutes on the bike while I finished A Quiet Storm (not bad, quick read), then ran back.  Then joined Tina for "part" of the Insanity Asylum fit test (I have no idea how Asylum differs from regular Insanity).  It was hard and I barely did much.  Had a delicious dinner (the first meal I thought was great) at Canteen 2.  Today felt great - I finally felt normal - slept a normal 11-7 night last night, went to work all day, worked out, good day.  Set up my first teacher interview for Friday - excited for that!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 7.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

It was too early to run (4pm) and I had just eaten a bunch of peanut butter because I was starving.  I ran one mile, felt super nauseous, threw up a bit, and that's that. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 at 23:50:31 from 99.188.251.180

Yeah peanut butter and runs don't go well together IMO

Total Distance
4.20

4.2 miles this morning (7am) before a super busy day.  Ran to the track and back, on the track did 4 400's with a 400 of recovery between each.

Splits: 2:09, 2:08, 2:05, 2:02

This was SO hard, and those splits aren't that great!  Its amazing how much slower I am here with the heat and humidity.

TT: 41:30  AP: 9:50 or something (I'm guessing)

Off to do 2 teacher interviews (hopefully I find them on the maze metro!), then to MOM to get my visa, then to a reception on the USS Tortuga. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Fri, Jun 17, 2011 at 01:31:50 from 98.237.237.18

I can not belive it's June 17th where you are and you are allready up for the day!!!!!

Total Distance
1.00

1 mile running to and from the gym.  Rode the bike 30 minutes while I read A Separate Peace.  Now off to explore Singapore!  I hate how you can't stop sweating after taking a freaking cold-as-it-can-get shower.  I can't even put sunscreen on because its too sweaty.  Gross. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 at 12:35:31 from 98.237.237.18

Maybe the spray sunscreen-- we used it in Hawaii and it seemed to work well, but felt so greasy and sticky.

From april27 on Sat, Jun 18, 2011 at 23:59:05 from 99.188.251.180

I'm a huge fan of spray sunblock. I can never seem to get the lotion on right. Singapore sounds sticky! Why are you there again? LOL How is the running there?

From april27 on Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 00:00:35 from 99.188.251.180

When is the date of your Marathon?

From nicole on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 01:14:53 from 203.117.64.67

No marathon in 2011, I don't think. Am scrapping the half marathon in Singapore as well because I can barely run 7 miles without dying here. So I'll do a 5k here, Hood to Coast, and then a half marathon in October (hopefully, assuming my ankle continues to improve and doesn't get annoying!). How are your leg woes April?

From april27 on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 12:17:30 from 99.188.251.180

That sounds like a smart move!

Foot is still blh! I'm holding out to hopefully do a November 1/2!

Total Distance
7.50

Best day yet!  Great night's sleep, woke up and went for a 7.5 mile run (yes it was the hardest thing ever and no I can't believe I ran 10 miles easy one week ago).  Two laps around campus, was able to run up the big hill both times (the one I walked earlier in the week) so I think that is some improvement.  Sun kept coming out and making it excrutiating hot (didn't get out until 8am so didn't finish until 9:30am, too late).  

Then went to Palau Ubin and cycled all around the island (probably 10 miles?  Not very fast but some hill climbing which got the heart rate up).  My first time mountain biking, just a little off roading but it was fun!  Saw MONKEYS!!!!!  They are scarier in the wild. 

TT: 1:20:48  AP: 10:48

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 7.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

A cardio trifecta.  1 mile running to and from the gym.  20 minutes elliptical, 10 minutes bike.  Had to lie and say I did bring a towel to the gym (I was doing laundry while was there) as I was out of compliance with the "No shirt, no shoes, no towel, no entry" rule at the gym!  Whoops...

2011 Cycling Miles: 2.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From allie on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 22:24:31 from 24.10.191.18

towels required? interesting rule. nice job on the cardio trifecta.

From Burt on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 12:47:31 from 206.19.214.144

They wouldn't let me in because I didn't have my shirt on.

Total Distance
5.00

After my lovely 6am meeting with the project team back home, headed out for a run at 7am.  Did the loop the opposite way - mistake.  That giant hill I've referred to before no longer has the mini-break in the middle and it was extremely long and difficult.  I wore my heart rate monitor just for fun.  I don't really know what my typical heart rate is, but it was 80 when I started, an average of 144 during the run, and it topped out at 168 at the top of that hill.  That seems rather high!  My speed is improving the very tiniest bit.

TT: 50:40  AP: 10:08   AHR: 144

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kelli on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 14:10:22 from 71.219.92.225

I am thinking that does not sound at all high for the top of a hill!!!

Total Distance
4.00

7am.  Convinced Gitt to do the Jurong Lake 5k with me in July (she doesn't run!) so I forced her to get up with me and took her to the track. :-)  Walked there, and she did about 20 minutes of jog/walk so I was really proud of her!  I think she will be able to do it no problem.

HR was 75 before I left.  I need to figure out what it is before I get out of bed.

I did almost a 2 mile warm-up, then 3 400's, a 400 of recovery after the first and an 800 of recovery after the 2nd.  While I ran these faster than last week, I couldn't do the 4th one and I had to walk after 3.5 (after the 3rd 400) for a bit because I was about to have a heart attack.  Then I ran home to round it out at 4 miles.

TT: 37:29  AP: 9:22 (look at that!)  AHR: 152

Splits (HR): 1:58 (164), 1:56 (169), 1:59 (173)

I don't think its good for me for it to go over 170.  I think I may need to walk the recovery lap when I do these.

The nice thing about here is there are no lunches to be made, no animals to be taken care of (though I miss my pets horribly!), and its pointless to dry/fix your hair.  Plus you take cold showers so there's no lingering in the shower!  So I can get ready for work in only 15-20 minutes!

PS - According to Runner's World my max heart rate is 188. 

PM Workout - Did about half of a 50+ minute Speed and Agility Insanity video with Tina.  Everything crawling on the ground made me want to die so I didn't do all of that, but all of the rest. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.50Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Jun 22, 2011 at 09:50:43 from 98.237.237.18

Are you using the monitor on your Gramin? How do you like it?

Total Distance
1.00

AM Workout - Total fail.  Ran to the gym and back... only the gym was closed.  Apparently they open at 8:30am.  Thought about going for a swim but since I didn't have the stuff, once I got home I just started working / getting ready instead.

PM Workout - Walked to the gym and back (plus walked a ton at the bird park) - did 35 minutes on the bike while reading Molokai.  Finished A Separate Peace earlier in the day (my 3rd book in 2 weeks!).  It was okay, a classic, so its to be expected I don't love it, I'm not smart enough to love classics!  Undid all the good I did by having a Cadbury Black Forest McFlurry at McDonald's.  I've been eyeing that since we got here so I finally caved.  It was everything I dreamed of and more.  I don't really know what a Black Forest is supposed to taste like but it was absolutely delightful.  

100 lunges on the walk back from the gym (30-30-20-20).  Will probably feel that tomorrow!  My calves are so sore from Insanity yesterday (and all the jumping).

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
8.36

7:30am.  Felt like I was going to die, running here is so hard.  Now afterwards I feel kind of like I'm going to throw up.  I need to get some electrolyte tablets or something to put in my water I think.  Got a better pre-run reading on my heart rate - 60 bpm.  Still need to do it before I get out of bed though.

TD: 8.36 miles  TT: 1:30:00  AP: 10:46  AHR: 145 bpm

Splits (HR): 11:31 (126), 11:00 (142), 10:41 (143), 10:32 (146), 10:31 (151), 10:51 (151), 10:45 (152), 10:25 (154)

Now off to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the weekend! 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 8.36
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 22:49:43 from 99.188.251.180

I know you are a day ahead but I still though it was weird that you ran on Friday when it is really Thursday here. How Amero-centric of me! Great run!

Total Distance
5.30

Ran in a new country today: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!  Now I have run in the US, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, and on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean.  We were warned a lot about the safety of KL (as the locals say) but mostly you need to be extremely concerned about traffic.  I'm thankful we all made it home without being hit by a car!  So I found a loop that seemed safe and that didn't require ever crossing traffic so I did that like 5 times.  Tried to find the marathon (which was today) but no luck.  They are weird in Malaysia and Singapore and close the races more than a month before, so pretty much all the races while we are here are closed already.  On the one hand, I would have struggled majorly to complete a half marathon at this stage in my adjustment to the heat/humidity, but on the other hand, I was really really wishing I was running it!!!

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 10:07:00 from 98.237.237.18

That would be fun, I wonder why they close the races so far out? How hot is it there? How was your trip?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 16:05:17 from 24.18.125.122

Sounds like you are having a great time. Still waiting for some pics...

From Anya on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 16:14:07 from 63.198.18.161

That is so amazing that you are able to run in so many different countries! What an awesome accomplishment! That is worth bragging about! I don't know how you do it with the humidity though!

Total Distance
5.10

7am.  5.1 miles at the track - 2 mile warm-up, then 6 400's with a 400 break in between.  .5 mile walking cool-down home with Gitt.  Slower splits this week but able to do 6 instead of 3, which is a success.

TT: 48:50   AP: 9:35   AHR: 143

400 Splits: 2:14 (146), 2:09 (152), 2:09 (156), 2:05 (156), 2:03 (162), 1:59 (166)

I've gotten FIVE people to sign up for the 5k here, and only one of them has ever done a running race before!!! :-)

PS - I totally just changed my mind and signed up for the Singapore Half Marathon on July 23. :-)  I better get training!

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

I'm so tired.  Today was a long day.  On the bus by 7am and back home at 6pm, a long 11 hour day, then went and ran 5 miles.  On the plus side, it was the coolest it has been since I got here (stormy today) which made this run feel great. 

TD: 5 miles   TT: 49:08   AP: 9:49  AHR: 134 (maybe this is a mistake? although it was about 10 degrees cooler than normal and I didn't feel like I was suffocating)

Splits: Unknown (satellite problems), 10:16 (132), 9:43 (136), 9:54 (141), 9:32 (140) 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Most of the 50 minute Insanity Vertical Plyo workout with Tina.  It was insane.

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
10.15

SO HARD.  10.15 miles running this morning (7:30am, after my conference call), 2 big laps around campus and 2 small laps.  At almost 9 my water was gone so I stopped and got a can of 100 Plus (Coke's carbonated kind-of gatorade), which helped, but its funny to run holding a can.  

TT: 1:45:51  TD: 10.15 miles   AP: 10:20   AHR: 141

Splits 10:39 (119), 10:54 (134), 10:12 (139), 10:33 (138), 10:58 (147), 10:10 (142), 10:08 (145), 10:31 (149), 10:23 (152), 10:13 (149)

Now not only have I gotten 4 non-runners to sign up for a 5k but I've gotten 2 of those non-runners to also sign up for a 10k (the same time as the half marathon)!!!

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 10.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 01:56:23 from 98.237.237.18

YOUR AMAZING!!! I want to do a long run on Saturday-- wish you were here. How is your knee? Does the heat help, my Dad swears that warmers climates help with aches and pains.

From nicole on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 01:58:26 from 202.147.54.179

Let's go to Yogurtland when I get back! What are you doing this weekend? Anything fun for the 4th? How far are you going to go on Saturday? So far my knee / ankle feel pretty good, although I think it is mostly from resting a bunch and keeping my runs to 4 a week instead of going crazy like I always do.

Total Distance
0.00

45 minutes on the elliptical. 

Then Sentosa! 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.00

Lovely trail run at MacRitchie Reservoir Park.  Lake views, boardwalks, lizards, monkeys (though I'm scared of them now), lots of rocky trail, a TreeTop suspension bridge (beautiful views!), lots of steep uphill and stairs.  Just me and my audio book - it was great.

TT: 1:30:42  AP: 12:58  (I should probably just count this as 6 because mile 4 on the suspension bridge was pretty much all walking, but oh well)

Splits: 11:35, 11:36, 12:18, 20:44, 11:04, 12:06, 11:19

This was super hard but also amazing. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

7am, 5 miles, 1 big loop and 1 little loop.  It was really hard to get moving this morning.  It never just rains here, it POURS, and the 5th mile it POURED on me along with some thunder and lightning.  So I ran as fast as I could home (which is not very fast these days!)!

TT: 51:54   AP: 10:23   AHR: 134

Splits: 11:29 (126), 10:42 (132), 9:59 (136), 10:16 (139), 9:29 (142)

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.57

AM - 6:30am, 4.07 miles, so sluggish.  Did 4 400's around the track with 400 recovery in between.  Wanted to do more but had an early morning and just felt kind of blah (as I do during most morning runs, I just can't seem to force myself to be a morning person).

TT:  40:25  AP: 9:57   AHR: 130

400 Splits: 2:16 (132), 2:14 (137), 2:09 (142), 2:05 (146)

PM - 6:00pm, since this morning's run was so blah I decided to head out for more.  Was feeling good this evening!  Pretty much repeated this morning's workout.  It felt good to run as hard as I could and know it was okay to stop whenever I was tired (since I'd already done the miles in the morning).  3.5 miles, 4 more 400's at the track, much faster!

TT: 31:48   AP: 9:06  AHR: 145

400 Splits: 1:58 (151), 1:55 (159), 1:55 (164), 1:52 (165)

Was so tired at the end and it was really difficult to recover for the last 400.  But those times are more like it!!!   

I need to be careful, with Sunday's long run/ hike and today's double-duty my mileage is getting up there.  Next week needs to be a lighter week, maybe only 3 days of running.  

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 7.57
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.52

Succckkkk.  I did a very poor job planning on my runs this week, or rather the random decision to go to Melaka tonight messed up an already poor job (was I really going to do a long run on a Friday night?  Doubtful).  Because I had a really early morning (90 minute commute to an 8:30am observation is just not my style) and a new evening trip all I had was 12:30pm.  That's right.  So I tried.  3.52 horrible miles, that's the same as 11 right?  Oh well, I was just saying I needed to not get my mileage too high, this is the perfect solution!  I will do a long run sometime during next week instead.  And will plan better.  It was about a thousand degrees out and my face was on fire by the end.  Fail.   

Off to Melaka, Malaysia, and then the Jurong Lake 5k on Sunday! 

PS - Just looked up the temperature.  89, feels like 100.  Yeah, I'm smart to run in that. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.52
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Singapore Jurong Lake 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:25:28
Total Distance
4.34

Did the Jurong Lake 5K today in Singapore with 4 new EAPSI friends who I forced to become runners - this was all of theirs first race ever and they all say they will do another one, so its a SUCCESS!  My plan to make running take over the world continues.

After getting home fairly late last night from a trip to Melaka, Malaysia, a terrible calf cramp in the middle of the night (WHY?) that left it still so tight in the morning, and no breakfast available, I was feeling less than stellar this morning.  But Gitt and I headed out, met Melissa, Ola, and Patrick, I did a 1.1 mile warm-up, and we lined up.  I wasn't sure where to line-up since this was a "fun run" but I did so in my normal spot - about a 1/3 of the way back - bad decision.  Apparently I needed to toe the line!  I swear I practically won the fun run, I was passing people the whole entire time, and most of the people in front of me were WALKING!  It was so hard to weave around them all and I wasted so much energy doing that, plus after a mile or so we started passing 10k walkers (who started an hour before us - this was where it was timed and the serious runners likely were, but the registration closed very early), so so much weaving.  

On to the race itself.  Oof.  It was hard.  Although this was 2 minutes off my 5k PR I feel like it was a PR effort.  I wish I hadn't forgotten my heart rate monitor because I'm sure my heart rate was near max most of the time.  The 3rd mile was so hard and I thought I might die.  Very pretty scenery around Jurong Lake, which boasts lovely Chinese gardens with little temples, cute bridges, a lake (obviously), etc.  This was the inaugural run for this race, and it was pretty well done, except there were no snacks afterwards!  Just bottled water and 100Plus (but only 1 per person!) and NO snacks!  When does that ever happen?  

Patrick and Ola started at the line, so it took almost a mile to come upon Ola, and then probably 2 miles to come upon Patrick, but I finally passed them both.  Felt like I was going to die in the 3rd mile, and it was difficult to keep pushing, but I forced myself to kick when I could finally see the finish line even though I thought I might throw up.  At 8:30am it already felt like it was sweltering - the sun was beating down and I felt like my face was on fire.  Those 7's in my times are much much more than I hoped for, so I'm very pleased with this effort in the heat / humidity.  Looks like during the race it was about 84 degrees, 89% humidity, so heat index temperature of 93.

Afterwards we went to a (semi) delicious breakfast at Swensen's to celebrate our dominance.  PS - I might die during the half-marathon.  That might have been a mistake!   

TT: 25:28   AP: 7:52 (based on 3.24 not 3.11)

Splits -  8:03 (so much weaving!), 7:49, 7:52, 7:18


Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.34
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 00:11:52 from 72.223.90.99

Wow Nicole. Nice race. Can I be your sidekick as you take over the world? Do evil villains have side kicks?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 11:58:01 from 75.244.174.6

Good job running in that heat and way to go bringing some newcomers into running! I'm glad you didn't die in mile 3 and I'll gladly help Burt help you take over the world. When do we get our first assignment?

From nicole on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 22:39:04 from 203.117.64.67

I think superheroes have sidekicks, I think evil villains fly solo. However, I am willing to make an exception and perhaps we can form some sort of trio of evil running villains?

From Anya on Fri, Jul 15, 2011 at 00:43:23 from 24.22.149.195

Good job Nicole!!! I bet you were so fast!! That is good you did well despite the pain you had the night before and the tightness. How cool it is that you can say you ran in all these different countries. I am jealous! Way to go for turning your friends into runners!

Total Distance
12.25

Wow, I can't believe I did this.  After my 6am meeting, a full day, sleeping badly because of a horrible storm last night that somehow flooded my room, etc. was just not feeling it.  I actually tried to go running in the morning and even got outside but it was still raining and there wasn't enough time to do as much as I wanted to and excuses, excuses.  But I DID go around 6:30pm, good temperatures, although even though the temps are much better the darkness plus night traffic isn't my favorite combination.

Drank too much water / 100 Plus during (was so thirsty and drank 3 bottles during the run) then ate my waffles with peanut butter with watermelon dinner (totally delicious, not really nutritious but it sounded way better than rice!) and was way too full afterwards.  

I felt like I was running faster than this, oh well.  At least I got that one 9 mile by one measley second!  Definitely gearing up for a personal worst next weekend!

TD: 12.25 miles   TT: 2:07:41   AP: 10:25     Elevation Gain: 797 feet

Splits: 11:15, 10:52, 10:03, 10:10, 10:39, 10:04, 10:14, 10:51, 10:03, 9:59, 10:36, 10:08

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 12.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 01:44:34 from 98.237.237.18

Woo Hoooo your goign to be great next weekend!!!! That a ton of elevation for hot muggy weather-- you rock!!!

And I MISS YOU SO MUCH!

From Kelli on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 16:47:46 from 71.219.75.108

NICE JOB!!! That is a lot of miles in the heat late in the day!!!

How is your room? Was the flooding bad?

From Rachael Winters on Sun, Jul 17, 2011 at 14:58:07 from 76.115.87.4

You are awesome!! I need to read your blog- it will help get me back on track and motivate me!! I MISS YOU TOO!

Total Distance
1.00

Went for a quick jog while my laundry was being done but it sucked and I only did a mile and walked the rest.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.75
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.11

Between an early morning at the schools and Harry Potter tonight (yes!), that left running at 3pm, UGHHHHH hot.  A little over 3 horrid miles.

TT: 31:56   AP: 9:47 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.11
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.26

Since yesterday's run was so horrid I decided I could run this morning and just combine the two to act as one longer run.  So got up early (rough!), 6am or so, before our flight to THAILAND.  

 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.26
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.28

Running in THAILAND!!!  All down the main road, on the beach, saw a mosque, then it rained, excuse me then it POURED.  Then it stopped and so I kept running and then it POURED again, literally as hard as you could ever see it rain.  I took shelter under an awning for 10 minutes or so until I thought I could brave it the rest of the way.  I must have looked quite the sight, my pocket was bulging with shells, I was holding my two most precious shells so they would get broken, plus a water bottle, and I stuffed my camera in my shirt so it hopefully wouldn't drown.  And I was running in a torrential downpour.  

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.28
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

2 hours of extremely busy (saw several bike accidents and was almost involved in a few myself) biking at East Coast Park, probably about 21km, or 13 miles total.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 13.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 13:01:33 from 167.8.18.12

Very interesting! Crazy kids on bikes are scary.

Did I tell you Jordan and I rented a tandem bike in Idaho? It was very scary but fun! I want to buy one!!

Total Distance
3.05

Worst run ever.  My heel was hurting a lot (it has kind of bothered me ever since I got here, I think the combination of poor choice of shoes that I brought, including dress-shoes and flip-flops, plus the fact that I walk so much more than home), plus my right achilles, my right quad, my left weird ankle tendon, ugh I felt so horrible and it was not very confidence-boosting for this weekend!  I'm going to try to not walk much the next few days, which will be very difficult considering its my only mode of transportation.

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.05
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.12

Well, this run was a lot better than Monday's run but I'm still feeling far from confident about Saturday's half marathon.  Kind of regretting not doing the 10k instead at this point!  Oh well, it will be an experience, that's for sure!

7am, 5 boring miles at the track because I wanted the cushy ground.  Included two strides each lap miles 2-4.

TT: 48:54   AP: 9:33

Splits: 11:10, 9:13, 9:01, 9:04, 9:17 

That first mile probably includes a little extra because of satellite issues.  I always run faster on the track! 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.12
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Jul 23, 2011 at 03:01:30 from 98.237.237.18

I know I had the half weekend confused:) Your going to kick its booty!!!!! Your SO fast too, it's a hundred degrees and your all speedy. Thats awesoem!!!

Race: Singapore Marina 21K (Half Marathon) (12.9 Miles) 01:52:23, Place overall: 9
Total Distance
12.90

Well, half marathon #8 (and the first one in a different country), is in the books.  Thanks goodness it's over!  I highly recommend everyone does the Singapore Marina 21k, this race is definitely for you if you:  

  • Love out and back double-loops
  • Like running in the dark on poorly lit streets, grass, cobblestone, etc.
  • Want to sprain your ankle from said poorly lit streets, grass, cobblestone, etc.
  • Or would prefer to scrape your knee from falling on said poorly lit streets, grass, cobblestone, etc.
  • Love to refuel after a hard race on bananas.  And just bananas. 
  • Like to run on back alleys
  • Love to run with hundreds of other people SINGLE TRACK that brings you to a near walk
  • Love to run on a street with one lane not blocked off to traffic and the other lane not removed of parked cars, leaving about 1 foot of still unsafe space to run
  • Did I mention there were two identical loops that were just out-and-back loops to begin with?

Backing up a bit.  This was a my first night race (started at 7:30pm), and Gitt's race (the 10K, just one loop) started at 5:30pm, so it left me a little unsure what to eat / what to do.  I ate a really great breakfast and lunch, but not very big, and then I had a few bakery items on the way because we were running late (Gitt is often running late!) instead of the subway sandwich I'd planned to get, and then there was essentially no food at the race start (or finish for that matter) so I ended up eating a hot dog and apple juice (I asked for an apple, but in true Singaporean style, yes, this has happened to me before, they gave me juice instead and absolutely REFUSED to sell me just the apple they use to make juice, even for the same price, it is IMPOSSIBLE to do such a thing), so not exactly the best pre-race fueling job ever on my part!  Also, they do not seem to be big on GU and such here so I tried to buy one or two but couldn't find it anywhere.  So I was left to the mercies of 100Plus at the aid station, and I carried a water bottle which I was so happy about because even though I wasn't that thirsty (I did do an excellent job of hydrating) my throat was dry most of the time.  The last two aid stations I was begging the 100Plus, like come on, do your thing, give me a boost!

On to the race!  Gitt dominated in 1:08, which is amazing for her first 10K ever and having run for essentially only the last 4 weeks.  Alex, who was supposed to do the half with me, apparently showed up over an hour after the start so I never saw him.  Even though I learned my lesson in the 5K, a port-a-potty stop and the incredible jam of people left me way back from the start, which I ended up paying for severely later.  The good news was that I passed people the whole entire time, and I don't think I ever once got passed by a woman or someone who started with me (only the elite men who started after us).  

The first 3 miles I felt like I was suffocating, this was an exceptionally sweatastically humid day (lightning was going off in the distance most of the time so I guess we're just lucky we didn't get a thunderstorm), so this horrible feeling coupled with the horrible-ness of the course at first was leaving me VERY grouchy at first.  Seriously, SINGLE TRACK during the 2nd mile of a busy half marathon??  And it was in some alley-way?  And then we're running on non-shut-down roads where they didn't even bother to remove the parked cars?  WHAT?  So I easily lost two minutes in the first two miles here, so although the course was short (about 12.9) this is probably an accurate time given the single track.  Then there was tons of out-and-back, which made it confusing because there were people running EVERYWHERE, coming at you, across the river on the path on the other side, on the bridges, and it was confusing where you were headed next, who you were ahead of and behind of, etc.  The course got a lot better after those first 3 miles though (even though it was 2 loops of the same course), because after the 1st loop it was way spread out and I was pretty much alone, and there were some redeeming qualities to the course - you ran on the water for much of it, had great views of the flyer and Marina Bay Sands and other great Singapore sights, and the National Day (August 9th) practice parade was going on complete with an amazing set of fireworks that we got to see part of.  

The next 7 miles felt pretty good, I got into a kind of zone that felt sufficiently hard but potentially sustainable (though I had my doubts the whole time).  I fell into step with red-shirt-man, who I ran with for probably half of the race.  I would lead or he would and at times I thought I'd never see him again but then we would be back running side by side again, and that really helped pull me along in the bad times.  I finally pulled away from him for good at the end but I made sure to find him afterwards to say good job.  The last 3 miles felt HORRIBLE, like hitting the wall, my legs felt like lead and I had to play mind games and keep chanting mantras and replaying Pump It to keep going.  The course was pretty flat - there were just a few small hills associated with crossing bridges, but the biggest one in mile 11 felt like a MONSTER on the second loop, that was a really hard time!  I also developed a HUGE blister on the bottom of my right foot which was starting to bother me but really didn't hurt until I finished, and then it made it difficult to even walk.  But then I finished!  So happy with this effort and time.  Although its far from a PR and slower than half I did with Rachael in May by a few minutes, it felt like a really really good effort and in the humidity, I think it is a great time.  I'm proud!  

Afterwards we left since Alex started so late, and tried to find something good to eat and drink to celebrate but it was 11pm and everything was closed and I just wanted to take a shower so bad so we just grabbed some prata (the only thing open, not a very satisfying post-race meal) and then I crashed and had the best night of sleep ever.   Now I'm ready to go to my real home.

TT: 1:52:23    AP: 8:43

Splits:  9:10, 9:28 (the single track), 8:32, 8:36, 8:36, 8:25, 8:46, 8:39, 8:36, 8:35, 8:37, 8:41, 8:33 

 ***UPDATE*** I got 9th place!!!  Yessss.  Move to Asia and you will instantly improve your running status in races even though you'll be way slower because of the heat / humidity.  I will NEVER get 9th overall in a half marathon with 400+ females in it again, I am sure of that!  

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 12.90
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 15:08:40 from 166.205.13.153

Youre amazing!!! That's so fast especially with the conditions you described. I hope your ankle is ok. You're such a trooper I'm sure I would have bailed that sounds horrible. Come home now;) only a two weeks left.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 15:25:39 from 75.244.66.20

This actually sounds like a fun race. Not for a PR, but for the whole crazy experience! Singapore's own urban version of the warrior dash :) It reminds me of a chase scene in a cheesy martial arts movie called Ong Bak. Great job hanging in there through all the surprises and obstacles in your way. Those are some very consistent splits considering all that. I hope your ankle is feeling better soon.

From Rachael Winters on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 15:45:08 from 167.8.18.12

You rock socks! You are so brave and dominate to:

1.) Run a race in such an exotic, foreign country

2.) Run in such high humidity

3.) Run AT NIGHT?!

4.) Have an overall awesomeness ranking of at least 120.

I will definitely have to check out the Singapore Marina 21k, sounds like a great race. SIKE!

Wait.. did you actually sprain your ankle? I am so sorry. That is terrible. I hope you know you are really a rock star. Feel better.

From nicole on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 at 18:58:21 from 155.69.176.252

Haha, you guys are so sweet, no I was lucky enough to NOT sprain my ankle! It was just highly possible from all the random grass running with no light! Apparentely it was lucky I got done when I did - the later people got only XL shirts and didn't even get bananas! The baggage check was also a NIGHTMARE.

Total Distance
3.25

7:00pm.  One loop around campus while my laundry laundered.

TT: 33:24   AP: 10:17

Splits: 10:34, 10:34, 9:51 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.15

9:15pm.  No time this week, the week of short runs.  Ran to the track since I wanted to blast music and it was so late / dark.  To my surprise there were literally hundreds of other people there.  About 3 of them were also running.  Some were doing normal things like play soccer, play basketball, do karate (kind of normal?).  But most were doing weird freshman orientation things like play musical chairs, dance weird Thriller-like dances, doing relay races, playing tag with glow sticks, etc. etc. etc.  It made the running somewhat dangerous!  They are crazy for chanting and bonding here.  After the first mile did some sporadic speed-ups just to maximize the little time I had.

TT: 30:33  AP: 9:41

Splits: 10:52, 9:13, 8:54 

Off to Bali tomorrow night! 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 14:49:46 from 167.8.18.12

That would be really funny to watch! I can't believe you went to BALI! How awesome!! 6 or 7 more days??!! :-)

From Circles and Squares on Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 15:50:32 from 98.237.237.18

Enjoy Bali-- I want to see pictures. I'm so jealous I'm actually about to look up how wonderful it is there.

From Burt on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 at 15:29:38 from 206.19.214.144

Crazy campus track!

Don't we have a blogger that lives in Bali? Say hi to them if you see them.

From Burt on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 at 21:27:13 from 72.223.91.148

http://fishfly.fastrunningblog.com/

Total Distance
2.42

2.42 miles in Ubud, BALI. Very breathtakingly beautiful (if it didn't take me so long I'd post a picture!) but the traffic is absolutely horrendous, even on a back road I was nearly run over by hundreds of motorbikes and bicyclists and mini-buses even at 7am. I think maybe they were all going to the temple to pray or something because there was a ridiculous number of people all moving in one direction. So 2.42 miles is all I could handle before I gladly went back to the safety of my hotel room!

TT: 26:44 AP: 11:04

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 2.42
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

9:00pm, 4 miles while doing my laundry (very productive, on the first little lap I ran to the store to mail my postcards, then came back and changed my laundry to the dryer, then ran to the track, then came back right when my laundry was done!).  Not feeling that good today.  My left shin was bothering me almost the whole time (and worrying me) and my huge blister on my right foot is still annoying me.  I did a million lunges and calf raises and calf stretching afterwards in the hopes of helping my shin out.  

TT: 42:32   AP: 10:37 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.03

6:40pm.  THERE IS NO TIME FOR RUNNING!  3 miles at the track with Gitt. I'm having another super low mileage week, not very good coming up on Hood to Coast, where I'm going to have to run 20 (ughhhh, Chris screwed me by leaving the team because he was our strongest runner and now I have to step up).  Ran barefoot at the track because I feel like I really need new shoes, the Merrells just don't seem to be the right shoe for me (the VFFs are better).  Felt a lot better than yesterday though, no shin pain.  Some burning on the bottoms of my feet! :-)

TT: 29:31   AP: 9:44

THREE MORE DAYS!  I can't wait.  Too much to do before then though. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.03
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Aug 03, 2011 at 00:34:51 from 24.22.239.183

If anybody else bails out of your team let me know. I may be able to fill in at the last minute if you need a runner.

Total Distance
7.00

1:15am, yes, you read that right.  Last run in Singapore, 4 laps around the little loop since it's better lit and safer-feeling.  Got home from our celebratory dinner and wasn't sure what to do - to sleep or not to sleep, that is the question.  Needed to get up by 3:30am and it was already 1am.  Was really tired but felt like my sleep wouldn't be fruitful because I'd be too worried about waking up.  So I decided to head out for a run instead.  First run over 4 miles since the half, I have been such a slacker the past 2 weeks!  Just too busy, I hope I don't die at Hood to Coast.  Go convince Rachael to switch legs with me.  

TT: 1:17:19    AP: 11:xx    

HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME! 

I forgot to add that I swam in the NTU pool for the first and last time today.  First time in an Olympic sized pool!  Just 5 laps (500m), my shoulders were so tired and I felt really out of shape.  I also saw a snake on this run and I did NOT like it.  At least it wasn't another monitor lizard.

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.35Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

Oh my gosh.  Running in Seattle weather with Justin and Cooper = GLORIOUS.  I do not miss that humidity... not one.little.bit!  It was just so refreshing and we'd hit cool patches of air and the sun was setting and the moon was out and it was AMAZING!!!!!  I missed my VFFs!  

3 loops around the neighborhood (2 with Justin and Cooper) plus a little extra to get to 5.   Then I foam rolled for the first time in 8 weeks and nearly died from the torturous pain.  Clearly I need that thing.

Jet lag is the worst.  It is 4:00am and I have to work tomorrow but after laying in bed since 2:30am I finally just got up and came downstairs.  Today is going to SUCK.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 15:28:29 from 98.237.237.18

We gor a foam roller yesterday, iot hurst bad. I popped my back and it was awesome! I hope your day did NOT suck!

From nicole on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 15:32:54 from 128.208.244.70

Yesterday seriously sucked. I felt so awful, like the worst hangover in the world or something (without alcohol!). But then I slept super amazing last night and today I feel SO GREAT! Glad we're running tonight (and not last night!)! See YOU LATER!

Total Distance
10.05

10 lovely miles with Lisa, Anya, and Jordanne at BPA trail. Okay, the 10 miles weren't so lovely, it was super hard and my left shin was hurting, but the company was lovely!

Met Jordanne, ran to the bathroom and back, then Lisa and Denali were there, so ran one big loop, then Denali started having a sad crying attack so they left, but Anya got there, and ran one more big loop with Anya and Jordanne.  Then had some DELICIOUS pizza at Scoreboard afterwards, yum. 

TT: 1:42:xx   AP: 10:15 or something

I feel a little more prepared for H2C, but not much, and why does my shin hurt?  Oh yeah, probably because I wore the VFFs for 5 miles on Sunday after not wearing them all summer, because the Merrells are supposed to simulate barefoot running but I already know they don't because that's why I don't like them.  Moral of the story, I"m an idiot. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 10.05
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 15:28:56 from 206.19.214.144

You're not an idiot! You're brave. lol! Have fun at Hood2Coast.

From Circles and Squares on Thu, Aug 11, 2011 at 14:36:26 from 98.237.237.18

Your'e awesome!! I'm very sorry about the crying I have this theory that if she cries now it will save me 17 years of crying... I'm winging this whole parent thing-- I hope I get it right. Hows your shin today?

Total Distance
9.12

I really wanted to get one or two double run days in in preparation for H2C and since I worked from home today seemed like a great day to do it.  

AM - 3.01 miles.  2 laps around the neighborhood.  Just kidding, I felt super slow, sluggish, and did NOT feel like running.  It's not much of a double run when one of the runs isn't even half as long as one leg during H2C!  

TT: 30:26    AP: 10:07

PM - 6.11 miles.  After a long day of data entry (no I did not meet my goal of finishing today, sadly), and cleaning the house (I did make some time to lay out in the sun!), Justin, Cooper, and I headed out for a run around 8:00pm.  Very lovely temperature, full moon, AND... I FELT GREAT!  It was a MIRACLE!  I seriously felt the best I have running since before I left for Singapore, probably the best I have in 10 weeks!  Did the first two loops with Justin and Cooper, then 2 more loops in which I focused on putting in some effort.  Last mile was pretty much a time trial, and yes I keeled over and died afterwards, but 7:10!!!!!  Yessss.

TT: 55:29   AP: 9:05

Splits: 10:08, 9:40, 9:43, 8:58, 8:46, 7:10

7:10, Booyah.   

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 9.12
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sat, Aug 13, 2011 at 22:53:57 from 98.237.237.18

7:10-- You are FAST!

Total Distance
5.00

9:00am, 5 lovely miles with Lisa and Cooper at BPA trail.  Thanks lady!

On the way home I was thinking of running some more when I got back because I was feeling really good but then I checked myself, was like you're an idiot, you've already run nearly 30 miles this week, stop being an idiot.   Sure enough, my ankle feels week today (Sunday).   Good thing I listened to myself for once. 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

1:30pm.  22 miles of biking at Cedar River Trail - very lovely day for biking along the river, but I was not in shape for this and I will certainly feel it tomorrow.  My quads/hammies were VERY ready to be done around 17 and the last 5 were a nice death march.  Still felt good, did the entire paved stretch from the Renton parking lot to the gravel in Maple Valley!  

TT: 1:34:28   AP: 14.1 mph

Splits: 11.6, 14.0, 13.9, 13.8, 13.8, 14.5, 13.3, 12.5, 13.4, 12.8, 13.4, 15.6, 18.6, 18.7, 15.8, 15.4, 17.0, 15.5, 15.2, 13.9, 13.6, 13.7

Coming back is WAY easier than going out (because its very gradually almost visually unnoticeably gradual uphill). 

Sad to end a GREAT weekend: the drive-in, running with Lisa, Wild Waves, bbqing, blackberry picking, blackberry cobbler & blackberry freezer jam making, biking, poker tournaments, fun shenanigans with Portland friends, etc.  Still to come: Mariners game and bonfires.   

2011 Cycling Miles: 22.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.17

4 miles, 4:30pm.  So yesterday I got some new shoes: the Mizuno Wave Inspire 7.  They felt great in the store, very cushy and good.  I have been wanting to get some more substantial shoes for awhile both because I think it would be good for me to not run in the VFFs/Merrells on every single run but mostly because I have to do a gravel leg on H2C and those do NOT do well on rocks (ouch ouch ouch).  

So I took the new shoes out for a spin, ugh, it was horrible.  Calf pain and my legs just felt sooo heavy.  Plus the sun was beating down on me (shocking, right?) and it was so hot (had to run in the afternoon because of date night) so this was just a poor run overall.  Was going to stop after 2 but then I decided to put the VFFs on and I toughed out 2.17 more.

TT: 39:59   AP: 9:36

Mariners Game!  They actually won and it was actually exciting (at least in the second half!).

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 2.17
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
8.00

8:00pm, headed out for a run with Justin (sorry Cooper, was not up to you yanking my shoulder out of the socket today).  I went back to the running store and exchanged the Mizunos for a pair of Saucony Mirage, which are kind of like the Kinvara and supposed to be kind of minimalist.  They're better, but I still don't think they're the one for me, but the people will murder me if I take another worn pair back!  Ran 3 miles in them, my legs felt so freaking heavy.  Perhaps I am officially a minimalist runner these days, because I just can't handle shoes.  Was going to stop for good but decided to put on my Merrells and do another lap, which turned into like 3 more laps, and I got up to 8 miles, which makes me happy since that's the length of two of my legs at H2C (i'm freaking out about not being ready to do that kind of mileage).  

TT: 1:17:51   AP: 9:40 or something

Splits: 10:00, 9:26, 10:02, 9:31, 9:42, 9:29, 8:54

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Aug 17, 2011 at 14:38:10 from 206.19.214.144

Great run Nicole. Poor Cooper.

From Circles and Squares on Thu, Aug 18, 2011 at 11:47:32 from 98.237.237.18

You should totally return them-- who cares if they dont like it. Also we all know that you love to do that kind of mileage you going to rock H to C. :)

Total Distance
11.00

11 miles at interurban trail with Lisa, Denali, and Jordanne (in combinations).  Okay, so next weekend I have to run 20 miles in about 29 hours, and between yesterday and today I ran 19 miles in about 24 hours.  Not the same, and its in place of a double run, but close, and a good preparation workout I think.  

5:20pm.  Got there 10 minutes early so did 1 mile alone before meeting Jordanne and Lisa (Jordanne is amazing and ran 13 today!).  Then did 3 more miles with them for a total of 4.  

6:30pm.  Did the Interurban Running Club's Summer Sizzler 5k (it costs $5 and there were about 25 people there, including only 7 women!).   My plan was to push Denali and pace Lisa to a hard PR we can use for planning speed workouts to get her to a sub 2 half marathon.  EPIC FAIL.  I suck at pacing and paced too hard and she stopped halfway and took Denali.  I'M SO SORRY LISA!  I felt sooo bad, I wasn't trying to kill her, I swear, I was trying to just stay a little bit in front of her to push her.  I'm the worst.  Anyway, then there was a woman like a quarter of a mile ahead of me so of course I decided I should catch her.  I did, but then I started feeling so hot and tired and just wanted to be done and you could see the finish line from so far away, it was taunting you!  They said I got 1st overall female but I swear this 16 year old beat me.  My first first place?  Who cares there were only 7 of us! :-)

TT: 23:43   AP: 7:38

Splits: 8:20, 6:46, 7:47, 7:26 (.11)

My watch said 2.94 but they said it was certified and Jordanne's watch showed 3.1 so somehow those splits work out, obviously the 2nd mile is wrong.

Then we did 1 more mile, then Jordanne left, then I did one more mile with Lisa, then she left, and then I did 2 more miles on my own (kind of sketchy at sunset on the trail alone though) to round it out at 11.  After the race my calf/ankle was SO tight and I felt pretty bad the last 4 miles!  But we did it! 

**UPDATE.  After checking my past races I guess 23:43 was a PR by 10 seconds.  I guess that means I should register for and train for a real 5K, because a real PR might be in my future.  This assumes this was a real 5k and not really 2.94 miles, which I think is a big IF!

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, Aug 18, 2011 at 20:44:19 from 167.8.18.12

Yup, okay I'm going on my 2 a day now. My 3 in the am and 3 in the pm will not compare to yours, but better than zero. WAY to go!! and thanks for motivating me.

Total Distance
0.00

Hood to Coast tshirt making. :-)  I'm an idiot.

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

6:30am, 3 laps around the neighborhood sans Cooper (he's not feeling too well, Justin is taking him to the vet in a little bit), 5 miles.  Felt really sluggish the first 2 miles but then felt okay.  Some little dog tried to bite me again, LEASH YOUR DOG LADY!  It's weird I love dogs so much because I hate 99% of them when I'm running. 

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 18:00:20 from 24.22.239.183

I don't really like dogs, but usually when I'm running it's the owner's fault if they are out of control. Dogs mostly only know how to act like they are taught. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to have dogs, or kids for that matter :)

Total Distance
4.00

Whoops, I ran too much this week.  7:30am.  4 miles in Post Falls, Idaho.  Found a loop from the hotel past all the abandoned sad looking outlet mall stores back by the University of Idaho satellite campus, it was about 2 miles so I did it twice.  Beautiful blue-skyed morning.  Felt in need of some rest.  

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

7:30am.  11 lovely miles on my bike this morning from the hotel in Post Falls on the Centennial trail - thought I was headed to CDA but I'm an idiot and turns out I was headed to Spokane!  Lovely blue sky, crossing a river, the Washington-Idaho state line, etc.  More beautiful blue sky.  Saw a pack of turkeys or quail or something and a jackrabbit.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 11.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.00

7:15pm.  Ugh this SUCKED.  Was drizzling when we left (in the summer! Why?) and was full-on raining by the end, and my right calf was super tight for some reason, it's worrying me, and blah.  After Justin left after 3 I was done for, but forced myself through one more mile (with a walk-break as incentive).  BLAH!

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.25

5:00pm.  Okay this wasn't nearly the 8 miles I'd hoped for.  But it was SO HOT, the sun beating down on your face, and all I could think was I am going to DIE during Hood to Coast.  It was 80 today and is supposed to be nearly 90 on Friday during my 3pm 7 miler on the hot pavement of Portland.  Ughhhhhh.  But I am still SO excited (and even more excited that I won a "Widmer Van Decorating Kit" for my team!).  

Met Lisa (and Denali!) and Jordanne at Interurban, ran 1.5, then Lisa, who is a rockstar and had already done 5 this morning, stopped to pick blackberries and we continued.  Picked a few blackberries ourselves for a little energy boost but it wasn't much help.  Ran into Lisa again at the end.  Lots of walking and breaks.

Then went to see One Day - I think I only liked it because I am obsessed with this book, READ IT if you haven't!  Especially if you liked Time Traveler's Wife.  Anne Hathaway's accent is pretty terrible though - just ignore that part.  

THREE DAYS UNTIL H2C! 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 12:35:37 from 72.223.91.148

Was it as bad as Channing Tatum's in The Eagle? Good luck at Hood to Coast!

From nicole on Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 14:05:22 from 76.22.71.2

Uhhh, what?

From Burt on Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 14:14:07 from 206.19.214.144

Channing Tatum's accent in The Eagle was ridiculous. Luckily it only lasted a few minutes. LOL!

Total Distance
0.00

6:30am, 30 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Teen Mom.  I'm cool. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Hood to Coast (200 Miles) 29:54:40, Place overall: 616
Total Distance
20.00

Hood to Coast 2011 is in the book and team Run, I will (a Yoda specialty) rocked it! 

This year the traffic was a serious problem from leg 24 to the finish, which caused us to get literally zero minutes of sleep, as it took 3 hours to get from 24 to the sleeping field (leaving just 45 minutes before our runner had to start, just enough time to get ready and chug some caffeine).  Vans were repeatedly not being able to go fast enough to meet their runner during this time and at the finish we were about an hour late while we just sat in horrible traffic.  Apparently they added 250 teams this year and that greedy move probably caused this.  We tried not to let it get us down though, and of course we still had a blast!  I loved our van, we had the best group of awesome rockin' girls.  Although we seemed to constantly FAIL at many of the tasks (such as driving, following directions, drinking enough, sleeping, etc.) we DOMINATED the actual running part.  Lisa was especially a trooper as she picked up an extra leg!  Everyone was just amazing and they are all my heroes. 

Leg #1 - Friday, 3:49pm, Gresham, OR, Springwater Corridor Trail

One word to describe it = HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT.  The car says it was 92-94 degrees, and I felt it!  We saw about 15 ambulances (including one on my leg) carting heat exhausted runners off the course.  This run was on the road for about .5-1 mile, then on 3 miles of terrible rocky gravel (which it did NOT say in the course handbook!) and then 3 more miles on the paved trail.  Some shade because of all the trees and blackberry bushes which was nice, kind of boring scenery but I liked it, very nice and flat!  I only passed 3 people and I got passed by a lot of people, I was hot and the weakest link in this leg - I was the one who was 8 minutes over their prediction! I had to wait at a stoplight for 30 seconds or a minute so that was probably in mile 2's time.  My water bottle (I am never running without a handheld water bottle again, I love that thing!) was gone by the end and I was seriously thirsty, but they did have a water stop which I used to throw on my head, which seriously gave me a boost for mile 6 (my fastest time).

TT: 1:01:32   TD: 6.97 miles   AP: 8:49

Splits: 8:52, 9:13, 8:38, 8:50, 8:53, 8:36, 8:44

After our first set of legs Kasey was nice enough to let us crash in her condo, where we enjoyed some Pizza Schmizza, took showers, and laid on her couch for a bit.  Then we picked up Laura (we had a runner drop at the last minute so we were able to snag a great runner from last year!) and headed to the St. Helens fairgrounds.

Leg #2 - Saturday, 2:37am, The middle of absolute nowhere, Vernonia, OR

One word to describe it = TERRIFYING.  I absolutely hated this leg, which was a shame because the gravel wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (yes, all on gravel, very loose in spots which was very hard but most of the time was decent, the problem was seeing the bigger rocks and potholes so you could avoid them), I didn't even wear the bandana I stole from Cooper, though I did wear it around my neck just like he does, and the weather was absolutely perfect (it said 54 but I though it felt warmer than that, I was still warm while running even in just a tshirt and shorts).  But it was DARK.  As dark as dark gets.  I guess because there was no moon, we were literally on a tiny gravel road in the middle of nowhere forest in Oregon (you should have seen the stars!), and I was pretty much waiting for a coyote / bear / bobcat / etc. to jump out of the woods 1 foot from me and take me down (it didn't help that I kept hearing rustling!).  I had been warned about hillbillies and shacks (ha!) but that was not an issue, just the complete darkness so much so that I could barely run because I couldn't see where my feet were landing or what was ahead of me.  I wish I'd carried more light somehow.  I passed one lady almost immediately (one of my only 2 roadkills on this leg) and I knew I should just slow way down and run with her but I'm stupid and didn't because I just wanted it to be over.  In the first mile I felt extremely alone and wanted to cry and even walked for a bit because I couldn't see ANYTHING.  Then I took my headlamp off and used it like a flashlight instead and then I could at least see a little.  After that I would try and keep up with the guys that would pass me for as long as I could, desperately wanting a buddy and some extra light from their headlamps, but I just couldn't keep up.  Every time they came or a van came (rarely!) I would sprint while I had the light.  I've never been so happy to be done!  It's a shame I was so slow because I felt like I was going as fast as I possibly could since I just wanted to be done!  I guess the gravel, the darkness, and I think it was a gradual uphill the second half, took its toll.

TT: 43:30   TD: 5.00 miles    AP: 8:42

Splits: 9:02, 8:35, 8:29, 8:30, 8:57

Leg #3 - Saturday, 11:41am, the middle of nowhere, Astoria, OR

One word to describe it = HILLY.  I need to upload my splits to the computer so I can see my ascent.  Definitely challenging rolling hills, you were either always going up or going down, and the leg was so long that this never seemed like it was going to end!  It was about 75 outside which felt great if you were just hanging out but running plus the direct overhead sun made it quite hot.  Thank you handheld water bottle again.   Some kids were spraying runners with water which was greatly appreciated except the last set of two boys who whipped out their POWER SPRAYER and sprayed me at point-blank range (felt like they were beating me up!) and then violently threw two cups of water as hard-as-they-possibly-could right in my face!  The spectators (there were several at this point!) were very entertained by me getting beat up by two little boys and water.  I ended up passing 20 people here which made me feel way better (until Jordanne passed 20 people on a leg half as long as this!), although by now we were catching up with some of the walkers.  The scenery on this leg was beautiful - beautiful sun and blue skies, cows, rivers, meadows, etc.  General loveliness, except for the hills!

TT: 1:07:52   TD: 7.73 miles   AP: 8:47

Splits: 9:03, 9:12, 8:43, 8:28, 8:41, 8:49, 8:48, 8:25

Then we headed to Seaside - so glad we stayed the night there this year.  Our room was very luxurious and we could see the fireworks from the balcony! 

Wow, what consistency throughout those 3 legs! I ran way way WAY faster last year which makes me a little sad (I do feel more out of shape this year in terms of speed, I think Singapore killed it) but in my defense, the heat, gravel, and hills really played a factor as well.  Too bad this can't count as a real 20 miler, since I think I've decided on doing a fall marathon!  Whoops... Justin's going to kill me!  Another epic adventure, can't wait until next year already!


 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 20.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Anya on Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 14:24:46 from 24.22.149.195

Wow, were all the people in the photo on your team???? Looks like an awesome group! I loved reading your blog with all the good details; definetly sounded like an adventure! You girls are hardcore!! Man, running in almost total darkness in an area you are not familiar with! You had to deal with heat and the hills and loose gravel! You rock! Your times still look good too! I think you kicked butt! Wished I could have joined but I was there in spirit! Way to go!!!!! Oh and the first leg where you started is where my brother in law preaches at the SDA Gresham church. right on!

Total Distance
3.50

5:00pm, 3.5 terrible miles around the neighborhood.  There was multiple periods of walking, a stop to change from the VFFs to the Merrells, and finally just quitting to pick blackberries.  Numerous things were bothering me, including my left ankle, right calf, and left knee (I woke up this morning and my left leg was SO stiff I could barely bend it, so horrible).  This is all so weird because I've been feeling pretty good and non-sore and didn't go all-out like last year!  So why am I being punished?  Hopefully it will be short-lived.

Then after a short-snafu did our fantasy football draft, and then hopped on the bike trainer for 45 minutes while I watched Bachelor Pad.  That's right, summer TV sucks and I soak it up.  

Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 1.502011 Cycling Miles: 9.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

30 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Curb your Enthusiasm (HBO GO is AWESOME, thank you in-laws for providing us with it unknowingly, haha). Oh yeah, I mowed the lawn for like the 2nd time ever, I was proud. Justin supervised.

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

My knee is better!  I guess icing and 9 advil really did the trick.  Still not feeling 100% great, some left ankle/shin/calf problems but let's hope its just remnants from H2C.

7am, 3 loops around the neighborhood, after 1.5 did 9 .1 speed-ups with .1 recovery, ending with the 10th one being a .5 (800) speed-up at about 7:30 pace.  I was REALLY tired after the end of these, I'm surprised the 5th cool-down mile wasn't in the 11's.  

TT: 45:15   AP: 9:03

Splits:  10:06, 9:14, 8:22, 8:15, 9:17

PM - 40 minutes on the bike trainer 

Surprise date for Justin tonight to see Blink 182 (who knew they were still around!) and Chemical Romance tonight at the Auburn Amphitheater!   

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Project Runway.  You know you know nothing about fashion when the outfit you hate gets picked as the winner. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
14.41

7am, absolutely lovely run with Lisa and Anya at Roegner, along the river, blue skies, pure loveliness!  Wanted to do 14 today but didn't think I'd be feeling it, dare I say I think I'm training for another MARATHON?  Am thinking Sacramento, it's a new state, downhill, and promises good weather (unlike Portland last year!) which dominates Seattle as my backup (hello hills).  Lets see if I can get Lisa and Anya in on this action...!

TT: 2:18:25   AP: 9:36
Splits: 10:33, 9:41, 9:27, 9:35, 9:31, 9:30, 9:32, 9:25, 9:35, 9:55, 9:33, 9:33, 9:34, 9:13

So consistent!

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 14.41
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 minutes on the recumbent bike.

PM - BMX biking at the fair!  It was WAY harder (and scarier!) than it looks!

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.01

7:30AM - Lovely run with Jordan, Rachael, and Frank.  I learned that I am way out-of-shape for hill-climbing as they proceeded to dominate me in running their very hilly neighborhood.  I must add in a hill workout every single week!  

TT: 58:20    AP: 9:42

Splits: 10:13, 10:06, 9:41, 9:54, 9:08, 9:16

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 6.01
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
4.64

FAIL.  7:00pm.  I decided to attempt Yasso 800's for the first time for my speed workout this week.  I'm not sure if the "I'm-going-to-throw-up" business is because I'm really out of speed-shape (which is at least partly true) or because it was too hot to run when I got home so I ate a big dinner before this workout, but regardless, I only was able to do 4 800's instead of the goal of 5, I had to walk for 3 minutes or so after the 4th, and then I quit before I got to the 5 mile mark.  So overall failure!

800 goal is 3:45-3:50 so I also only met the goal 50% of the time.  Oh well, I'll try again next week!

TT: 41:03   AP: 8:51

800 Splits:  3:55, 3:49, 3:48, 3:51

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 4.64
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jim Kern on Wed, Sep 07, 2011 at 01:39:03 from 98.202.241.209

A good workout is never a failure. I can't eat before running or I WILL be throwing up. Good luck on the goal next week.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Teen Mom (I'm cool).  I wanted to quit after 30 but I forced myself to finish the show!

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

PM - Great run with Jordanne at Cedar River.  She left after 4.5 so I decided to see what a MP mile (goal=8:40) would feel like.  It felt hard, not impossible but certainly not I could run 25 more of them or even 12 more of them, more like 10k pace hard.  In my defense, it was 80 degrees or something, but I'm still out of shape.  I have my work cut out for me!  It was really difficult to monitor my pace but then I had a revelation about having the "average split" on the Garmin (vs. average overall, which is kind of worthless), that should be way more useful, so I need to try that! 

1 MP mile: 8:46

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Project Runway. 

PM - 1.5 hours of yard work including mowing the lawn - I was more sweaty doing this than riding the bike this morning!   

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
11.50

8:30AM.  The schedule said 10 but next week said 15 so I had ideas of switching the two since we'll be out of town next weekend.  We went to a late movie (Planet of the Apes) last night (thanks for the free tickets Leandrea!) so I had a dilemma of choosing between my 8 hours of sleep or getting up early to beat the heat (supposed to be 90 today).  I think I chose poorly, as at after 11.5 it was 10:30am, there was no more shade, and I just couldn't keep going.  Left ankle bothersome in the first 4 miles as usual, wish it would freaking stop already.  

TT: 1:53:07   AP: 9:50

Splits: 10:16, 9:38, 9:57, 9:54, 9:41, 9:50, 9:37, 9:31, 9:55, 9:46, 10:00 

Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 11.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - Went and rejoined the gym this morning, then did 30 minutes on the elliptical (alternating every minute cycles 5-6-7-8-9-repeat resistance) then went to the one hour Centergy class.  It was HARD!  My arms and abs are going to be sore tomorrow.  Reminded me how good for me it is, I must go at least once a week.  

PM - 1.5 miles walking around the neighborhood with Cooper (it's his birthday!  So we got him a pool to play in, he likes it).

Went to the Ke$ha / LMFAO concert last night, now THAT was a good time.  Highly enjoyable.  We took lightrail for the first time and were like now THIS is how we should travel to Seattle!  Worked all day today though, which is much harder to do when it's so lovely out.  Downside - it's 82 degrees right now... INSIDE MY HOUSE. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.10

AM - Nice and cooler out this morning and there was no almost throwing up, so I'll call it a win, despite the sluggishness and not meeting my goal paces.  On the docket was 5 x 800's with 4 minutes rest in between (learned my lesson and upped it from 2 last week).  Did a 2 mile warm-up, then hung out in the lower neighborhood where it's flatter for the repeats.  Somehow I messed up the workout so it only had me doing 4 splits, and so I did 2 minutes of the 5th one and realized it was on a rest lap and just got confused and I should have just finished it but was too confused!  So I did about 4.5 800's. 

TT: 56:03  AP: 9:11

800 Splits:  3:49, 4:00, 3:59, 3:56, 2:06 (.26)

I'm slower than I think I am?  Stupid Singapore...

PM - Went to the gym with Justin, did 10 minutes on the elliptical to warm-up, 15 minutes or so of leg weights, then 10 minutes on the recumbent bike while waiting for it to be halftime so we could drive home.


2011 Cycling Miles: 2.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 6.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 17:30:45 from 206.19.214.144

Winning!

Total Distance
2.56

PM - Suck Suck SUCK.  My ankle really started acting up on this run so I cut it short at 2.56 miles and walked home.  It's been bothering me lately but today had me worried about stress fractures, except a few hours later I could hop on the leg no problem, and the pain moves around from the shin to the side ankle to the calf, and usually goes away after 3-4 miles.  Today I wore the Saucony Mirage again and that probably didn't help, though you'd think they should since they have more cushioning than the Merrells, those have to go back.  I made an appointment at a foot and ankle place I have had my eye on for a while except I know they will recommend orthotics, they're all over their website.  They can't see me until Monday.  I guess I will rest, bike, stretch my calves like crazy, and ice like crazy until then.  And in my depression eat peanut butter covered marshmallows, a new invention of mine that should make me millions. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 17:18:22 from 98.237.237.18

Eat Nutella, it's delicious!!!! Youre right we should become cyclists!

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer.

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer.

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 60 minutes on the elliptical at the Luxor fitness center in VEGAS!  Yessss.  Really quick trip but enjoying the beautiful sunny weather as much as possible.  

Finally cashing in on my dream 5 years in the making - a vow (Justin likes to say vowel) renewal by Elvis.  Yessssssssss.  

Happy happy birthday to my Mom and Rachael!  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

My shin felt horrible yesterday and was super worrying but today it felt great!  I wanted to at least simulate a semi-long run aerobically and our flight didn't leave until 9pm so I had time to kill, so I did 70 minutes on the elliptical and then did a test run of 3 miles on the treadmill.  It didn't feel great but it didn't feel horrible either, which was encouraging, although it was a "flex" treadmill and not the concrete sidewalk.  The gym is so ragingly boring.  I read a magazine, read running blogs until my phone died, and then watched the boring Emmy's, and still was being tortured by boredom. 

Please get better soon leg! 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Went to the doctor, shockingly enough he said I have medial tibial stress syndrome (aka shin splints), which is so weird because much of the time the pain is in the side ankle, not the shin.  He didn't think I have a stress fracture (yet) but I think it's good I've been cautious and always rested during the many episodes of this, since that is the next step.  He taped up my foot and added some padding and said if it helps we can do orthotics or modified superfeet to get me mostly landing on the outside of my foot (and not rolling in).  This is the 4th running doctor I've seen AFTER the wretched fibula fracture of 2009 (not including that guy!) (and I've seen 3 different PTs as well), blah!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
8.00

AM - Went out and did 3 miles to check on how the ankle was feeling and if the taping was working, didn't want Jordanne to waste her time meeting me later if I couldn't run!  Didn't feel great but didn't feel bad either.  Nice and chilly out.  

PM - Met Jordanne at BPA trail, we did 5 miles and my ankle actually felt pretty good, but I was having this weird heartburn like pain in my abdomen that didn't help!  Jordanne entertained me though and it was good to get some miles in.  Good thing she was there because I would have gone home after, but she made me go to Centergy as planned.  5 minutes on the elliptical and 1 hour of Centergy.

Going to New Orleans tomorrow for a conference.  I don't want to go! 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.50Saucony Mirage Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Sep 21, 2011 at 23:17:13 from 24.22.239.183

Take it easy on that leg. A little break now could save you a lot of time off later.

From nicole on Thu, Sep 22, 2011 at 01:16:29 from 107.30.70.164

I agree. It's always hard to know how much time I need off. I took about a week off - 3 miles in 7 days. So do I need more rest? In my defense the doctor did tell me to run! :-)

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 60 minutes on the bike trainer, then 100 squats and other fun exercises I'll probably regret tomorrow. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

30 minutes on the elliptical in the hotel gym.  SO boring.  Forgot my ipod, there were no magazines, no tv's, I almost died of boredom. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.10

Holy humidity.  Ran around New Orleans (along the Mississippi, in the French Quarter) this morning, ran into Marie out running too so it was nice to have some company.  Wow that was a lot of sweat for only 3 miles.

Saucony Mirage Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

After the worst night's sleep ever (I had to move to a different, crappier hotel where people ran up and down the hall drunkenly yelling all night and the door was paper-thin), an early morning presentation, and the new fitness center being equipped with stair steppers from the 1970's, soooo my workout involved walking to Cafe Du Monde to get Justin some beignets.  So glad to go home.  

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
12.00

Pretty lazy all day today, with a bit of working, a bit of napping, and a bit of football-watching.  Finally dragged myself out the door at 4pm promising myself I could just do 1 lap (1.5 miles) and stop if I wanted.  But then the mind games took over, and I "just one more lapped" myself through 8 laps!  Oh mind games, how I love thee.  Leg felt pretty good!  Just some tiny ankle twinges that would only last a few minutes.  I felt really tired in the 10th mile.  Absolutely perfect weather, sunny, perfect temps, and an amazing book: A Dog's Purpose - READ IT!

TT: 1:54:24   AP:  9:32

Splits:  10:03, 9:42, 9:23, 9:40, 9:46, 9:18, 9:32, 9:32, 9:19, 9:28, 9:22, 9:17

Saucony Mirage Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Sun, Sep 25, 2011 at 22:43:12 from 72.223.91.148

You talked yourself into 12 miles from 1.5 miles? Oh my gosh Nicole. LOL!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 13:06:54 from 24.18.125.122

Can you teach us your Jedi mind games?

From nicole on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 13:48:40 from 128.208.244.70

I will hold a training to teach everyone. :-) The key is going into a run having NO IDEA how many miles you're going to run (and plenty of free time), which I think is against most common-sense running philosophies!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 14:02:34 from 24.18.125.122

I have the NO IDEA thing down as I'm generally clueless about most everything. The free time thing is going to be difficult for me to overcome though. I was hoping it would have more to do with visualizing fro-yo at the finish line.

From nicole on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 14:04:22 from 128.208.244.70

You run a ridiculous number of miles every day so you're the last person who needs Jedi mind tricks!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 14:12:26 from 24.18.125.122

So I am un-invited to the training? That's OK, maybe Burt will teach me your ways when he masters them.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 14:15:54 from 68.14.209.26

I haven't even mastered how to tie my own shoes.

From april27 on Sat, Oct 01, 2011 at 16:56:27 from 99.188.251.180

I want to join this class! I thought I was cool when I went over half a mile! I have so much to learn!

Total Distance
0.00

PM - 30 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes of weights.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.15

Hmmm, not sure what to think about this run.  Took Cooper, which was a mistake because his gentle leader was missing so we did the first mile in under 9 minute mile pace, which is majorly different from my usual slow warm-up pace!  I did the big loop with the huge hill, one regular loop, one big loop, then remembered quality over quantity and stopped before my ankle could start officially hurting.  Took Cooper on a mini-loop walk after.  

During the actual run I felt great, very hopeful I was almost done with this ankle stuff, but after the run I felt less-hopeful.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.85Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Oct 01, 2011 at 16:54:45 from 99.188.251.180

Boo ankle problems

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 60 minutes on the bike trainer while I watched the Biggest Loser.

2011 Cycling Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Oct 01, 2011 at 16:53:27 from 99.188.251.180

That is motivation right there!

Total Distance
0.00

Today's supposed to be a running day and I went back and forth about it.  My ankle feels pretty good, the icing/resting/ibuprofen/inserts (waiting on modified superfeet inserts that should help even more) seem to be working, but if I get to do the obstacle course race on Saturday (Hell Run) I want to be able to do it!  Quality over Quantity.  Or... nothing over quantity?  

AM - 35 minutes on the bike trainer and 15 minutes of weights. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 01:23:51 from 24.22.239.183

Take care of that ankle, run through hell and then come help us kick off our first run on Monday in Lakewood.

Current Flavors 9/29: Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, Lemon, Euro Tart, Vanilla and Chocolate.

From nicole on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 01:51:18 from 24.17.128.50

I don't know about this Monday but I will be there sometime for sure! I need to map it, the one Steilacoom race I came to felt FAR.

From nicole on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 01:51:32 from 24.17.128.50

PS - You had me at peanut butter.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 02:07:11 from 24.22.239.183

Yes it is far, but once you get here it is so awesome! It would be great to have you here for our first run... they may not have peanut butter next time... all the flavors rotate weekly except chocolate and vanilla :)

From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 19:50:29 from 24.22.239.183

Good luck tomorrow. I just had some reeses peanut butter fro-yo in a homemade waffle cone at BB... just sayin' :)

Race: Seattle Hell Run (3.25 Miles) 00:45:50, Place overall: 336
Total Distance
3.25

Did Seattle's inaugural Hell Run (a Warrior Dash look-a-like, obstacle course race) this morning with Justin.  It was a BLAST!  Let's see if I can remember everything (I'm sure these are out of order)...

405N was randomly closed and we had to wait for the shuttle and in the huge gear check line so we were unfortunately kind of late.  We sprinted over to the start as they were started and so we were in the back of a huge pack (500 runners per wave) which ended up being SO annoying for the first mile or so.  You ran on trails and in a corn maze type thing so it was so narrow and congested that we were walking for some of the first mile.  I made us sprint any time we could to get around as many people as we could so that made it interesting!

Obstacle #1: The first of several mud pits.  This one was the worst because it had all these slopes you had to get in and out of the mud and it was SO slippery and impossible for me to get out.  Plus it was congested so people were falling on you and I was falling on other people so it was really funny but I also for a minute actually didn't think I would EVER be able to get out of the pit because I kept sliding back down the mud hill!

Obstacle #2: Climbing over a big wall (20 feet?).  You had to wait in a line to climb the wall because it was still congested at this point. There were slats for you to grab ahold of, but it was scary going over and coming back down!

Obstacle #3: The dreaded icy river.  UGH SO COLD!  We had to wade waist deep through the icy river for at least 10 minutes.  I was like LET'S GO FASTER because I wanted to get out so bad, but since it was still congested the only way to get around was to go out in the current which I wasn't going to do.  So I braved it, it was so cold!

Obstacle #4: Climb under barbed wire.  The wire was actually pretty high, probably for safety reason, so I was able to do a squat type thing under them (there were probably 10 to crawl under) - Justin's too tall so he had to crawl.

Obstacle #5: Cross slippery beams across a mini stream.  This was kind of scary, they were a good 4 feet above the ground and it would not have felt good if you fell!

Obstacle #6: Another mud pit.  So many mud pits to crawl through!  All the mud was of varying consistency which was interesting!  This one (the middle one) wasn't that bad. 

Obstacle #7: Vault 4 walls and crawl under 4 barbed wire walls.  Justin was dominating those walls, he had this whole jump clean over thing basically going on, while I was all awkward and crawling and NOT fast, he dominated me on this part!

Obstacle #8: Climb over boulders.  We actually skipped this on accident because we thought they were just random rocks and there was a path carved into the dirt around them that we followed, but then a volunteer yelled at us for not climbing them so we climbed the last of them.

Obstacle #9: Crawl through a dark tunnel, this was kind of stupid because it was like made out of cardboard boxes or something.  

Obstacle #10:  Mud pit #3.  When you came out of the dark tunnel though you fell into the worst of the 3 mud pits, where the mud just suctioned you in and wouldn't let go.  Basically my whole legs from the knee down got suctioned in and I didn't think I was going to get out!  Guess that's how dinosaur fossils got made?!  This was the dirtiest of the mud, it was pretty much liquid manure, and there was LOTS of it.  Seriously, you've never seen so much mud covering people before.

Obstacle #11:  Climb huge wall #2, this time with a rope.  The insides of my wrists were sore the next day and this must be from this, it was kind of scary because using the rope makes you not very close to the wall, and you're pretty high (20 feet?)!

Obstacle #12:  Jump over a huge wall of fire.  The fire was actually quite high!  I hope they got a good picture of us (especially since we were late and then checked our bag so we have 0 pictures from the race).  It was kind of scary!

I had a blast, and I REALLY wanted to run the course again after we finished and would have if Justin hadn't been there!   Then we finished, except Obstacle #13 involved waiting in a 40 minute line to wash off in freezing cold water and then shivering to death while waiting in another line to get our clean clothes back.  BRRRR!!  This would be better as as summer race, that's for sure!  Most of the running part was on dirt, grass, or meadow (that was a rolled ankle waiting to happen!) with a little bit of asphalt path since it was through this Remlinger Farms where lots of people go to pick pumpkins and such (there was even a cute little train that people were riding!).  Everyone there said it was better than Warrior Dash, I would definitely do it again, I had a blast.     Only I would get there earlier and elbow my way to the front of the line.    This type of race seems to attract a lot of non-runners so I think that made the congestion worse as well.  We got sweet medals, CAPES, and tshirts! 


Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 3.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Anya on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 18:30:51 from 50.135.35.131

I didn't know you did an obstacle course run!!!!???? If it wasn't on a Sat I totally would have been down for doing that! I heard there is anther one like June or July time that might be similar but I think somewhere close to Great Wolf Lodge. Would you be interested in doing another one sometime?>? It is on my to do list!!

Total Distance
0.00

Missoula for Grandma Froggie's funeral.  She was an amazing lady, and it was great to see that so many other people thought so too.  

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

Blaahhhhhh.  Woke up at 6am, still pitch black out, so I let myself snooze until 6:30am, in which it was still pitch black out, apparently I am in extreme denial about this whole winter thing.  Forced myself out there, and knew it wouldn't be good when my legs felt like lead from the beginning.  Legs felt heavy, ITB felt tight, felt my shin sometimes (how are these overuse injuries sticking around when I've been doing anything BUT using them!), blisters all over my feet were bothering me, and my arch skin was hating the new modified insoles.  So overall, a total success.  Quit after 3. 

TT: 29:11

Saucony Mirage Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 at 12:28:33 from 167.8.18.12

Good jerb. :) I know I do not like the darkness and coldness of the morning! I am going to TRY and be better at blogging again!! Now, I only have to fill in the past two months. UGH.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Gossip Girl.  I should do a bike race, I've never biked this much in my life!  

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 at 02:13:34 from 24.22.239.183

STP

From nicole on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 at 18:26:49 from 128.208.244.69

I would LOVE to do STP. Have you done it?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 at 18:44:42 from 174.253.212.204

I did it in 2006. You should definitely do it at least once if you like biking.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer while watching The Biggest Loser.  I just don't know what to think about my ankle.  So, since I didn't know if I should even run it, I decided to brilliantly order a lederhosen costume to wear during the half marathon.  Don't worry, I used a forgotten tippr credit, a groupon to Halloween Mart, and overall it cost about $5.  You don't have to say it, I already know, I'm awesome! 

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, Oct 06, 2011 at 14:32:17 from 167.8.18.12

I'll say it anyway, THAT'S AWESOME! Is the race this weekend?

Total Distance
0.00

I'm a lazy bum.

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Fri, Oct 07, 2011 at 17:20:00 from 72.223.91.148

Haha!!

Total Distance
2.00

AM - 37 minutes on the bike trainer while watching Project Runway.  

PM - Took Cooper on a walk and decided to do some walk/running to test my leg.  Did 60 seconds of running then 60 seconds of walking (just counting in my head, which became tedious!) for 2 laps.  Probably 2 miles of running to 1 mile of walking, but then Justin was home so we did one more walking mini-loop for 1.7 miles of walking.  No pain!  Okay that's a lie, major blister pain.  

Yay for the weekend! 

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.70Saucony Mirage Miles: 3.70
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kelli on Fri, Oct 07, 2011 at 21:18:35 from 71.219.83.151

I love the stuff you watch while working out! I watch Biggest Loser and eat ice cream. LOTS of it! I totally get how those people got to where they are!

AND I totally need to see a picture of that halloween costume. I am sure you will look great! LOVE groupons!

Total Distance
6.25

AM - Lovely crisp, sunny morning for a run.  Walked for 30 seconds at the end of every mile.  No shin/ankle pain!  My legs felt tired and reminded me that running a half marathon next weekend is NOT going to be easy.  I just hope that the pain stays away and I don't undo all the good I've done by resting.  Which is why I wanted to do more today, but didn't.  If I wasn't hurt I would have run 12, but if I wasn't running a half I would have tested it with 3, so 6 is a compromise I guess.  MAJOR blister pain at every step, ugh, my arches do NOT like the new modified insoles.  

Now time for lots of work, so I can be rewarded with a Corn Maze and the Puyallup Oktoberfest tonight!   

TT: 1:01:32   AP: 9:51  (includes all walking, which is why the splits are so erratic, they were actually pretty consistent)

Splits:  10:12, 10:10, 9:20, 9:39, 10:03, 9:24

 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.25Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Holy blisters batman.  They do NOT feel good.  In fact, they feel TERRIBLE, and are more painful than my shin ever was.  I can barely put weight on my right foot right now, I must get some mole skin or some other magic potion tomorrow.

Took Cooper on a .7 mile walk, was going to be more but then we found a stray dog and were trying to figure out what to do, but then it escaped from our back yard and I saw another lady took over the responsibility, SCORE!  Then I walked 4.3 miles on the treadmill while watching The Amazing Race, alternating every .25 between 4% incline and 12% incline - 12% is a serious workout! 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 16:50:28 from 68.14.209.26

I found a stray last week that seemed to have current tags (2011), but when I called the number, that number no longer was in service. I ended up just leaving it, and I think my neighbor took over the responsibility.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer.

PM - 1.5 miles walking Cooper, 35 minutes on the elliptical at the gym, 10 minutes weight lifting.

The monster blister is slowly killing me.  Every. Step. Excrutiating.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.77

PM - No rain and no pain!  

Horrible off and on downpour all day but it was dry and nice for this 40 minutes, 2.5 loops around the neighborhood, last one with Cooper.  

TT: 36:10   AP: 9:36

Splits: 9:58, 9:27, 9:11

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 0.48Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.07

AM - 60 minutes on the bike trainer while watching the Biggest Loser

PM - met Jordanne and Lisa (and Denali!) for some lovely BPA trail running.  5.07 miles, though at least a half mile was walking, but whatever.

TT: 1:00:29   AP: 11:56

Going to die at the half marathon this weekend!  But at least we'll have fun doing it.

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 5.072011 Cycling Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - 5 miles walking on the TM, alternating between 4% and 12% incline.  12% is rough!  Drenched in sweat.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer.

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Leavenworth Oktoberfest Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 02:10:22, Place overall: 391
Total Distance
13.10

Half Marathon #9 is in the books!  It may tie for my slowest half (with the 2003 half I did before I was a runner, don't know the seconds of that race but it was 2:10:xx EDIT - I lied, I actually went and looked it up and the 2003 half was 2:12:47!) but this is definitely up there with the most fun half I've ever done!  Jordanne, Lisa, and I all made the trek to Leavenworth (aka the most adorable town of all time!) and had a blast in our lederhosen.  We were all pretty undertrained for this race which was unfortunate because it was pretty flat (surprisingly, given the mountainous terrain of Leavenworth!) and would have been a good opportunity for PRs, except for the last 3 miles, which were on basically loose sand trail, and had us all cursing the race directors.  A trip through the adorable town would definitely be an improved 2 miles rather than crazy out and backs on this terrible sand which zapped all your energy (and caused Jordanne to fall).  The rest of the race was gorgeous though, trails through forests, along the river, through the country farmland with mountain views, meadows, and horses, and just plain loveliness.  

We ran the first 10 miles together, constantly commenting on how lovely it was!  It was about 40 degrees at the start but I was very glad Jordanne convinced me I didn't need the long sleeve after a mile or two.  I had to pee before the race but figured it was just nerves and dealing with that lederhosen was annoying (especially since it was so big so I'd pinned it in a million places to make it fit better and not fall off!) but by mile 4 or so I decided I had to stop, so I sent Jordanne and Lisa on and told them I'd catch up as I'd be quick.  Unfortunately the two people in line in front of me must have not been doing so well because they took FOREVER in the bathroom, and this had me worried I'd never catch up.  This was either the 9:16 mile or the 8:51 mile, but I worked so hard to catch them and it probably took more than half a mile.  Saw Justin and gave Cooper a pat here (thanks for cheering us!).  

Took a gu at mile 7 (vanilla bean is the best EVER, I will be buying some of those for my general snacking!), but it was an unfortunate aid station because this was the only gu and it was at the bottom of the one massive hill of the race.  So you were already walking to eat your gu and drink your water and then you were expected to run up this huge steep hill.  Uh, no.  I think I saw one person actually run up it.  That was probably one of the 11 minute miles.  I drank as much water and powerade as I could but I sure didn't get much, I wonder if I was dehydrated by the end.   

At mile 10 I decided I wanted to see what I could do in the last 5k, I really wanted to suffer more!  So I finally turned on my ipod and took off, and felt GREAT for mile 11, wow that was a great mile.  I passed probably 100 people in this last 5k and most were in this mile.  Then we hit the loose sand which instantly drained me, especially because to keep passing people I had to run in the even looser section that hadn't been run on by all the people ahead of me.  I was also starting to feel tired, but I kept pushing.  Forced myself to sprint it in, but could only pull a 6:52 average for the last .1.   I was TIRED.  Nice spread of food, finisher tshirts, medals with bottle openers on them, but poor showing of drinks overall.  Needed more water stations that were manned with more volunteers, most of them you had to wait for a cup of water which was usually only 1/4 of the way full, and I was constantly thirsty and wishing I had carried a bottle.  Even at the end when I was dying there was no water at the finish, you had to walk a quarter of a mile to get a tiny cup of gatorade.  I need a full bottle people!  On the drive back to the hotel I really thought I was going to throw up, but an hour later or so I felt much better, so we headed off to Munchenhaus (for the best brats and pretzels ever), the hat shop (for the best hats ever!, yes, somewhere in America a hat shop is thriving), the CheeseMonger (for the best cheese ever, hello more garlic cheese to bring home), and for some general Oktoberfest shenanigans which of course involved chicken dancing.  

I was so proud of all of us finishing well despite being undertrained, and really proud of Lisa for persevering despite wanting to walk.  We all dominate! 

TT: 2:10:23   AP: 9:56

Splits: 10:20, 10:19, 10:12, 9:16, 11:40, 8:51, 10:29, 11:03, 10:13, 11:00, 8:47, 8:37, 8:50

Before:

 

After: 

So that's a wrap!  That's the last race planned for the 2011 race season, though of course I hope to do a few more (already have my red striped tights ready for Jingle Bell!).  To I'm sure the relief of my husband and parents, I think I need to focus on getting faster at short distances (aka 5ks) since that seems to be my downfall - my 5k PR is way more than what is predicted by my half marathon PR.  Even though I'm dying to do a full marathon, maybe its best to let my legs get healed and stronger first.  Plus its winter (proof in that I just turned on the heat for the first time).  

Saucony Mirage Miles: 13.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 19:35:39 from 24.18.125.122

Sounds like you had a great race even though it wasn't your best time. Were there lots of people dressed up for the race? Leavenworth is pretty cool. I was just there on the 8th running through the Enchantments wilderness area right outside town. We went to Rudloof's pizza for a while after our trail run, but we were all too tired to hang around for any more Octoberfestivities.

From Rachael Winters on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 at 20:18:14 from 167.8.18.12

You are all dominate and I plan on doing this one next year!

From nicole on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 01:22:22 from 24.17.128.50

Rudloof's is the best!!! We went there on Saturday, although we tried the "Bavarian" pizza this time (had a different kind when we came in June and it was way delicious) which has a mustard-based sauce that I was not a fan of. What was weird was that no one was dressed up for the race, we felt a little out of place, but then EVERYONE was dressed up at the actual Oktoberfest! I guess other people have different priorities for their use of their costumes??!!

From nicole on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 01:23:13 from 24.17.128.50

And Rachael - You HAVE to come next year! Jordanne is going to try to get her mom's condo for that weekend so we have a little better accommodations!

From nicole on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 13:51:08 from 24.17.128.50

Rudloof's is the best!!! We went there on Saturday, although we tried the "Bavarian" pizza this time (had it when we came in June and it was way delicious) which has a mustard-based sauce that I was not a fan of. What was weird was that no one was dressed up for the race, we felt a little out of place, but then EVERYONE was dressed up at the actual Oktoberfest! I guess other people have different priorities for their use of their costumes??!!

From Anya on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 18:59:43 from 50.135.35.131

I am loving your costumes!! Looks like you all had a blast!!!

Total Distance
0.00

Work work nap work.

PM - 45 minutes on the elliptical at the gym, 7 minutes of quick quick quick weights (wanted to do more but the gym was closing, it closes too early on Sundays, 6pm). Then came home and took Cooper on a 3 mile (2 loop) walk.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 7.50Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 2.2 miles walking Cooper around the neighborhood, about 1 mile of this was running but I quickly realized my shins (especially my right) were really tight.

Later PM - 4 miles walking on the TM while I watched Gossip Girl. No energy for inclines today. Hamstrings and calves a little tight, shins really tight, foamrolled a lot.

As you can tell I've been working out a decent amount lately - I am trying for real this time to get my Singapore "rice" weight off. I've also decided that I have no time for watching bad tv so it's only allowed when I'm working out, how convenient that these two things overlap! :-) What's good tv you ask? Things my husband also likes: How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Parks & Rec, The Office. And I'm in love with that new show The New Girl, now that is a girl after my own heart.

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.20Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 21:47:42 from 99.188.251.180

You are so motivating! I love how I met your mother!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 21:59:17 from 24.22.239.183

The new girl is pretty funny. We recently got hooked on Raising Hope, that show is seriously Hi-larious!!

Total Distance
4.50

AM - 45 mins on the bike trainer.

PM - I had such lovely visions of a nice outdoor run since it was uncharacteristically beautiful today. But then a huge accident on I5 happened and therefore a 90 minute commute home from class happened and bye-bye daylight. So I did 4.5 miles at the gym track, miles 2 and 4 were one lap fast one lap recovery. Although the track is way less boring than the TM I think I need to make my peace with the TM, since the track is concrete and 60+ laps the same direction can't be good for my legs. Followed it up with some squats and lunges.

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 15:24:42 from 167.8.18.12

Sad you couldnt run outside. These days are few and far between! But they are lovely.

From april27 on Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 22:57:14 from 99.188.251.180

Seriously how do you keep track of all those laps?

From nicole on Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 22:58:32 from 24.17.128.50

Its 13 laps to a mile so I just keep track until then, then I just remember how many miles. It always is a little give-or-take-a-lap!

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 4 mile walk on the TM

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

AM - 45 mins on the bike trainer

PM - 3 mile run outside.  Remember those squats and lunges I did on Tuesday?  I barely do, but my legs sure do.  Ouch.  My ankle kind of hurt and made me sad.  

Later PM - 3 miles walking on the TM while I watched Revenge.  Kind of like that show.  It's more like a movie than a TV show though, I don't know how it can be sustainable more than one season.

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 22:55:20 from 99.188.251.180

Except for today I took your idea and watched tv only while working out...still feel all fat but I'm sure that will pass after my 11 miler tomorrow...and then I'll eat too much again lol

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 minutes on the bike trainer.  

And that's it!  Light workout day.  Though I did clean the whole house so that should count for something.   

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - Went to Sky High and trampolined for 45 minutes!  We felt a little like pedophiles since we were definitely the only adults there without children but it was soooo fun.  And somehow SO much of a workout - we were both dripping in sweat and it was like doing sprints - your heart rate would get so high.  I finally did a few front flips by the end on the tramp, plus we both did flips into the foam pit.  AWESOME!  I must go back for either their "AIRrobics" class or when there are 90% less birthday parties going on. 

Late late PM - some Wii fun with Just Dance 3.   We are party animals.  

Ankle not good.  Running and I are on a break for awhile.  I may try and finagle the doctor into ordering me an MRI as well.   

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Anya on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 18:26:35 from 50.135.35.131

That is awesome you both had so much fun on the trampoline!! That sounds like a blast even if you were the only adults! Good for you! Sorry about your ankle not doing well. I miss my first running buddies! You are welcome to join me next Sat for Lake wildnerness run on Cedar river if your ankle is up to it but sounds like you are taking a break, that is smart!

From april27 on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 21:17:38 from 99.188.251.180

Man what is up with your body not cooperating with you?

From nicole on Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 01:01:41 from 24.17.128.50

You're telling me! I've been having this problem all year, and some of last year as well, so maybe it just needs a real rest once and for all. Or a left leg transplant?

Total Distance
0.00

Work work work today.

PM - 35 minutes on the elliptical (they had a Runner's World there! That made my day), then 5 minutes of hurried weights (it was closing again, can they please stay open until 8pm on Sundays?).  Came home and walked 2 more miles on the TM while I watched The Amazing Race.

AND I just found Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha creamer!!!!  Woot woot.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 22:33:48 from 99.188.251.180

Pooh where is that?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 22:39:18 from 24.22.239.183

Pooh? I think that was on my blog :)

From april27 on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 08:59:40 from 99.188.251.180

I"m spreading the pooh wealth! LOL

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer.  

PM - 60 minutes on the elliptical while I finished Kara Goucher's new book - I love her!  She has had probably more injuries than I, as shocking as that is (of course, she is a professional).  

Then we babysat the cutest little baby in the world (okay she's not that little anymore), Denali!

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 40 minutes on the bike trainer.

It took me 75 minutes to get home from class again.  I was NOT pleased.  

PM - 6 miles walking on the TM while watching the Biggest Loser (I LOVE BL romances!) - first 5 miles alternated every .25 between 4% and 12% incline, major sweat.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Oct 29, 2011 at 10:29:31 from 74.248.203.124

They have romance on BL?

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 35 minutes on the bike trainer

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

60 minutes elliptical at the gym, 3 miles walking on the TM while watching TV.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Got up SUPER early before one of the most stressful days of the year because I didn't think I'd have time to work out after work.

AM - 30 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - Ended up going home before Justin and he was late because of traffic, so I walked 3 miles on the TM waiting for him so we could leave for Oregon.

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

AM - Poor Cooper was locked away in the in-laws bedroom and I didn't want to wake him, so I headed to the dog park trail solo.  Ended up running 3 miles because I couldn't take the running hiatus anymore!  Walked another 3 miles too.

PM - Lincoln City walking on the beautiful beach and painted a huge room, that's got to count for something right?!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.10Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - Painted a mini room.

PM - After we got home I walked 5 miles on the TM while watching TV.

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

CANDY BINGE!  Baaaddd.  I told Justin to get candy I don't love and what does he do?  Bring home the mother of all candy bags with the best candies of all time - peanut butter cups, almond joys, twix.  BAD!  

AM - 40 minutes on the bike trainer.

PM - 45 minutes on the elliptical, some weights after. 

Had probably 60 trick-or-treaters, pretty good turn out!

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 at 19:39:33 from 99.188.251.180

So u killed yourself with cardio? Lol. That is a lot of t or ter! I had one person ring the bell and we didn't answer it bc I ate the candy hahahah

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 50 minutes on the elliptical, then I FINALLY forced myself to go to the 60 minute Centergy class I put on my calendar every single week and never go to.  My muscles were shaking by the end, that class is so good for me and I need to remember that.  I went to bed super early because I was so tired after this.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer

2011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 at 19:38:13 from 99.188.251.180

Gotta love that!

Total Distance
3.00

AM - 40 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 3 mile neighborhood slow run outside with Cooper, I missed running so much!  I hope I'm better now and can keep running.  After I came back in I walked 3.2 miles on the TM while I watched The Office.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.20Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 minutes on the bike trainer.  Meant to do some more in the evening but started cleaning and doing errands and didn't make it.

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

AM - 6 glorious miles at Phillip Arnold Park with Jordanne.  I wanted to try to find some trails and googled what was around book club brunch (which we went to after) and came across these mountain biking trails.  It was perfect!  It was a pretty tiny place so they weren't that long and I would never go there alone but I loved it, definitely will go back.

Afterwards had some delicious Irish brunch at A Terrible Beauty with the book crew.  

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - The only good thing about daylight savings time is that at 5:30am on a weekend I don't feel like a complete zombie!  30 minutes on the bike trainer before we headed off to the airport for VACATION!

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 40 minutes on the elliptical at the hotel gym (that's a laugh, it's 2 treadmills, one elliptical, and one bike).  Was hoping for some dumbells, but at least the machines have TV built in!  Now we're off to Universal Islands of Adventure!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Nov 09, 2011 at 20:16:39 from 99.188.251.180

Yeah for vacation!

Total Distance
5.00

AM - 5 mile run in a loop around the hotel, not exactly scenic and there was some worrisome potential alligator habitats. :-)  It was pretty hot with the sun beating down already even at 8am.  Then off to Wet n' Wild!

Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 40 minutes on the elliptical.  Then off to get Blasco at the airport and head to Universal Studios!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 14:43:01 from 167.8.18.12

How was universal?! Did you get your picture with the Ghost BUsters??

Total Distance
4.00

I forget what time this was, probably afternoon.  Lovely 4 mile run with Leandrea through the amazing streets of Atlanta.  Felt slow, I am out of running-fast shape.  Turns out doing cardio like crazy doesn't really keep you from becoming a slower running.  It probably helped me maintain my ability to run for a long time, but not fast.  

Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 14:46:16 from 99.188.251.180

That is a bummer! Great mileage

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 10 minutes on the elliptical at Leandrea's gym, then a 1 hour interval class which I really liked, it alternated cardio stuff (jumping on bosu balls, jumproping, shuttle runs, steps) with weights, and I bet my calves will be sore tomorrow.  Afterwards did a 1 mile (or so) walk on the running path.  Cold here today!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Sun, Nov 13, 2011 at 19:12:45 from 24.22.239.183

Who is bosu?

Total Distance
0.00

I barely did anything today.  My shin kind of hurt all day (I think from all the jumping at the interval class yesterday) which really worried me.  At night I took Lucky out for a 35 minute walk to keep the workout streak alive.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 19:38:54 from 99.188.251.180

I should walk more than just with my doggies

Race: Atlanta Girls on the Run 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:26:23
Total Distance
4.15

Ran the Atlanta Girls on the Run 5k with Leandrea this morning - although we weren't really feeling it as we dragged ourselves out of bed early and drove 40 minutes to downtown Atlanta (on some sketchy streets no less!) I was so glad we went, I just love Girls on the Run and am dying to be a leader, if I can swing it spring quarter I'm definitely going to apply.  Seeing all those girls out cheering, out running their first 5ks, reaching their goals, so happy to be running, was so inspiring.  Leandrea WON these race entries, so a completely FREE race (even though no tshirts, just huge gloves that I probably won't ever wear) is always a fun time. 

Did a 1 mile warm-up, got a whole bunch of freebies (which I ate most of, my banana only breakfast was leaving me hungry! cherry pie larabars are the best), then lined up in the first wave, and took off.  First mile mostly downhill, 3rd mile mostly uphill.  With about .4 miles Leandrea told me to go and at first I protested but then I thought about how lovely it would be to go hard, so I took off, but she finished just 20 seconds behind me so she was hauling at the end as well.  Great morning for a run!  My shin is kind of bothering me after Friday's weights class, I guess from all of the jumping around, and that is a little worrisome.

TT: 26:23   AP: 8:23

Splits: 8:01, 8:55, 8:31, 6:28 (.15)

Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 at 19:25:45 from 99.188.251.180

Great race! I inquired about GOTR around here. I didn't like the way practice went. But I think they were also new to it :(

Total Distance
0.00

Love being on East Coast time still.  Woke up at 5:30am on my own, worked out, and still got to work by 7:30am, which is great since I'm so behind!

AM - 40 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - I meant to do something but I just worked, I'm so behind.

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - Woke up at 5:30am on my own again!  50 minutes on the bike trainer.

PM - Traffic was horrible and didn't think I would make it but got to the gym for Centergy with 2 minutes to spare.   1 hour Centergy class, my abs hurt so bad.  Was so incredibly tired and hungry at the end. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1.25

AM - 30 minutes on the bike trainer, was not feeling the bike this morning

PM - After a lovely babysitting session with Denali, finally dragged myself to the treadmill at 9pm.  I HATE THE TREADMILL!  1.25 miles running, 1.75 miles walking.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.75Saucony Mirage Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

What did I do on Thursday?  It's hard to remember, but I'm pretty sure it was a PM 60 minute elliptical jaunt.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

4:00 PM - Met Jordanne, Anya, and Lisa (& Denali!) for an absolutely lovely BPA run.  I got to push Denali for the first half but after the first treacherous hill on the way back I pawned her off on Anya because pushing it is EXHAUSTING!  I seriously felt GREAT today, I kind of wanted to run more except it was dark and literally probably 35 degrees out.  My shin didn't hurt! (knock on wood)  Garmin fail, I have no idea how far we ran, but it was probably around 5. 

(I did 15 minutes on the elliptical before the run because I got there a little early AND I did 15 real push-ups in a row!  It's amazing how fast my push-up skills have improved!) 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.50Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

A productive Saturday of work, raking leaves, and approximately 10 loads of laundry.  I attempted to go through the large quantity of boxes my parents dropped off that have just been sitting in the entry way but after about 15 minutes I just moved them to the office to die a slow lonely death with the rest of our stuff we never use but can't seem to part with.  We'll call my workout the 30+ minutes of raking leaves (my arms were sooo tired, you've never seen so many leaves, we will never be rid of them since there's enough to fill about 5 of our yard waste bins) and a 2.2 mile walk around the neighborhood (1 big loop 1 little loop with Cooper).  

Saucony Mirage Miles: 2.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.55

10am - Met Jordanne for a lovely 28-degree run at BPA trail.  I was way prepared with clothing and after 2 miles we stopped at the bathroom and I left my sweats (on top of my tights), my under armour long sleeve (just kept on my sweet Gatorade jacket Leandrea gave me), my hat, and gloves behind.  Beautiful blue sky and mountain views, difficult BPA hills, overall a great run.  I felt good again!  I LOVE RUNNING!  Don't worry, I'll try not to get carried away...

TD: 7.55 miles  TT: 1:16:25   AP: 10:07

Splits: 10:13, 10:02, 10:15, 9:41, 9:56, 10:29, 10:13, 10:08 

Afterwards we went to 50 minutes of Centergy (we were 10 minutes late).  

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.55
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:23:57 from 67.160.56.253

You missed a great race today! Are you going to do the resolution series this year? runfsrc.com

From Burt on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:30:38 from 72.223.93.131

Was it sweet Gatorade or was the jacket sweet? ;)

From nicole on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:31:51 from 24.17.128.50

The jacket is SWEET! She won it and it was too big for her so she kindly gave it to me, I'm in love.

From nicole on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:32:39 from 24.17.128.50

Rattletrap - I would like to, but we're never here on the 1st and the last one is on my nephew's birthday, which is unfortunate because I'd love to do the series. I did the 15k one time a few years ago, I'll probably have to just maybe do the 10k and 15k this year.

From Burt on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:34:33 from 72.223.93.131

Leandrea's a great friend. I wish I had a great friend like that. I wish I had a friend.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:40:14 from 67.160.56.253

Burt - I'll share my gatorade with you but you can't have my jacket.

From Burt on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:42:26 from 72.223.93.131

Ha! Thanks. Friend?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:43:29 from 67.160.56.253

BFF

From april27 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 19:54:18 from 99.188.251.180

So awesome!

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 40 minutes bike trainer

PM - 65 minutes elliptical

2011 Cycling Miles: 8.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
5.00

AM - 30 minutes bike trainer

PM - Lovely 4 mile run with Lisa around the dark dark streets by the community center.  BUT after POURING POURING POURING all day long it did not rain on us one bit.  I do like when it does not rain, when it rains it is a shame. (what?!)  I digress.  I was 15 minutes late due to stupid traffic (SORRY LISA!!!!).  Afterwards I did one more mile on the indoor track - hard effort, I should have timed it.  

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 minutes on the bike trainer

IT'S ALMOST A 4 DAY WEEKEND!  And did I mention I turned in my first 3 dissertation chapters on Monday?  Although what's happening with them is still frustrating and up-in-the-air, it's still off my plate!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Nicole's 1st Annual Virtual Turkey Trot 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:24:55, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
7.00

I really wanted to do a turkey trot today but paying $30 and driving somewhere and doing it at a certain time just did not seem too appealing!  So I decided to invent Nicole's 1st Annual Virtual Turkey Trot 5k, and invited some friends to participate too (as of now I only know of 1 other participant though, sadly!  Thanks Rachael!).  

Ran down to the dog park (1.3 miles) as my warm-up.  Although I maybe could have run just a tiny bit faster I was suffering pretty bad most of the time.  I almost quit after 1 mile because it was so hard!  I am out of shape and have a lot of work to do if I want to get a 5k PR any time soon (which I do!).  

TT: 24:55  AP: 8:01

Splits: 7:58, 8:11, 7:58, 7:27 (.11) 

Then ran one more loop and back home (2.6 miles, for a total of 7 miles).  The last 15 minutes or so it was fairly wet, which was miserable only because I didn't wear my hat (like an idiot).  My legs felt like lead this whole time, and I walked part of the Hillside hill on the way home.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I have much to be thankful for: family, friends, health, Cooper, a job, a home, food, RUNNING, the list goes on. 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Sun, Nov 27, 2011 at 04:38:30 from 67.160.56.253

A little more notice for this event would have been nice :) Next year, I'm so there.

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 minutes recumbent bike with push-up breaks before some lovely shopping with my mom in Salem. 

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - A lazy 30 minutes on the bike trainer after we made it back to Seattle.  This should hardly count as a workout... I barely broke a sweat!

2011 Cycling Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
8.50

9AM - A lovely 8.5 mile jaunt in the pouring rain (I felt hard core!) with Lisa this morning.  I expected she would bail (and Jordanne did bail) because of the crappy weather, but it actually was quite a nice run, not too cold (though my thighs were beet red by the end) and just lovely along the Cedar River.  After Lisa left I decided to do some tempo miles, did 3 of those and then the last mile was a recovery mile but speedwork magic happened and that mile was nearly as fast as the tempos!  I want to get fast again!

TT: 1:17:40  AP: 9:08

Splits: 9:49, 9:57, 9:25, 9:22, 8:46, 8:22, 8:27, 8:48 

Decorated our Christmas tree!  I want to decorate the house too but it's still pouring and I don't have that much self-hatred! :-) 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 8.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:58:48 from 99.188.251.180

yeah decorating in the rain is not as much fun as running in the rain!

Total Distance
0.00

PM - 80 minutes on the elliptical.  My right foot kept falling asleep which was really annoying!  After the required 60 I wasn't bored yet so I said I would keep going until I was ready to die of boredom.  Wanted 90 minutes but the boredom-to-death was there at 80!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - 40 minutes on the elliptical, 55 minutes of centergy (was a little late, stupid traffic).  It felt hard today!  My push-up skills have already left me. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

PM - Lovely run with Lisa around the community center.  3.5 with her, after she left I did 2.5 more on the indoor track, the last mile I did 1 lap on 1 lap off, did the mile in approximately 8 minutes flat.  

Is it the weekend yet?

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - 65 minutes on the elliptical.  Just call me the Cardio Queen this week.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
8.55

PM - Ran 1 mile (probably a little more than that) to and from my office to the post office and back.  Yes I was wearing my work clothes, including a sweater dress, jeans, and a winter coat.  Yes I was hot and sweat through my sweater dress!  And yes it was unplanned, I started walking there and then just started running.  And YES it felt glorious! 

Later PM - Met Jordanne for a lovely 7.55 mile run around the community center / BPA.  Chilly, around 39, I could feel the cold through my tights, and was never warm despite wearing gloves and a long-sleeve.  Got a slow start because we ran to the bathrooms and they were LOCKED!  What? Why FW Parks why?!  Then we had to run back to the community center and sneak Jordanne in.  I felt pretty good the whole time, though tired and ready to be done by the end.  I'm so glad she could come (so I could run in the dark without being scared!) and she was willing to go so far (unplanned).  

Feels great to have my longer run done before the weekend even starts!  It's funny how I love running so much but always seem to dread the long run.  I look forward to 5-6 miles but anything over 7 is something to dread.  My mind is an idiot.  

TT: 1:14:00  AP: 9:53

Splits:  10:07, 10:39, 9:12, 9:46, 9:59, 9:28, 9:47, 

 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 8.55
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Dec 03, 2011 at 13:28:13 from 99.188.251.180

My friend and I were just talking about this! How anything over 7 is mentally tasking to get started with. So we are gonna run 6 tomorrow hahaha

From rAtTLeTrAp on Sun, Dec 04, 2011 at 00:19:07 from 174.253.214.235

Haha spontaneously running in street clothes :)

If I wrote that, my daughter would stage an intervention. She really thinks I'm addicted to running. Clearly, she doesn't undertand runners at all :)

Total Distance
0.00

Didn't go to the gym but I think raking leaves, cleaning, and putting up Christmas lights works as a cross-training workout today!  So productive today and got so much done!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.10

9AM - Met Jordanne and Lisa for a lovely crisp (37 degrees) but sunny trail run at Philip Arnold Park.  Their bathrooms were locked too!  What?!  So like the classy ladies we are we peed in the forest.  Ran 4 miles on the trails, then ran Lisa back to her car and she left, then ran Jordanne to the edge of the park where she left to go home.  The last two miles (miles 6 & 7) I ran on the streets and did speed-work pick-ups.  My heart rate was freaking near max at the end of the last mile, I felt like throwing up a little after.  So that means it was a success!  :-)  Great morning for a fabulous run (still feeling great, my new plan is working!) with wonderful company. 

TT: 1:13:26   AP: 10:21

Splits: 12:03, 10:27, 11:09, 12:03, 10:18, 8:44, 7:49 (going to die!)

Oh, what's my new plan you ask?  Only 3 days a week running (technically could be 3.5, every other day only allows for 7 runs in a 14 day period), plus 2 days cross-training, plus at least a little yoga (whoops, I skipped today because I was too cold) and a little strength-training every week.  Add icing and compression.  Quality runs over quantity (i.e., focusing on speedwork, hills, long runs) but still trying to maximize quantity in just 3 runs (i.e., no more 3 milers).  Please let me stay healthy, new plan?!

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sun, Dec 04, 2011 at 21:13:36 from 99.188.251.180

I like this plan. What will your shortest run be?

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 35 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 2 miles walking on the TM

2011 Cycling Miles: 7.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 2.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 2.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

AM - Had a random meeting this morning so I got out for a run before work.  It reminded me why I don't run in the mornings.  So cold (30 degrees) and so sluggish.  I'm worthless before I've been up for a few hours, had some breakfast, and had a few cups of coffee.  

6 miles around the neighborhood with 7 hard-effort-hills thrown in.  4 hill-repeats up the big hill and 3 smaller hills as I came to them. I'm really impressed I actually did 6 miles because I wanted to quit after 1 and told myself I could quit after 3. 

TT: 56:39   AP: 9:26

Splits: 10:07, 9:47, 9:15, 9:22, 9:00, 9:06

Then I was going to go to Centergy but I ate nachos and drank the most delicious beer in the world (Blue Moon Spiced Amber Ale, it tastes like cinnamon and nutmeg and is SO good).  I make good choices.  What was I talking about the new plan's yoga requirements again?!

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Wed, Dec 07, 2011 at 01:47:03 from 67.160.56.253

Nice work on those hills. Blue moon is one of my favs. I haven't tried the spiced amber yet. Where did you get it?

From nicole on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 04:06:21 from 66.87.113.156

Albertsons but unfortunately it only seems to come in a blue moon sampler pack, I want just that kind only!

Total Distance
0.00

AM - 50 minutes on the bike trainer

PM - 65 minutes on the elliptical followed by 20 minutes or so of weights (including 80 lunges, which I will certainly pay for).  I was so tired by the end!  

2011 Cycling Miles: 10.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

PM - 6 lovely miles around the community center with Jordanne and Lisa.  So cold (37 degrees), why is it so cold all the time this winter?  We ran up behind two kids walking in the darker section of 320th and I called, "on your left" to keep from scaring them half to death but apparently calling this DID scare them half to death and they both SCREAMED!  Hilarious.  I forgot my shoes (I always forget SOMETHING when I pack in the morning, usual suspects include my shoes, socks, sports bra, and garmin) but luckily had my nike frees in the trunk. 

TT: 1:00:31   AP: 10:05

Splits: 11:31, 10:20, 9:59, 9:40, 9:55, 8:42

Afterwards I wanted to do a bit more and read some running blogs so I did 35 easy minutes on the elliptical. 

I need to run 55 more miles in December to reach 1,000.  Will I make it?

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.50
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From rAtTLeTrAp on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 03:56:39 from 67.160.56.253

I used to scare walkers a lot when I ran at Bradley Lake Park. Lots of sharp corners on the path so there were a lot of surprise encounters. My favorite one was when a deer scared the crap out of me :)

You will make it.

From Burt on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 09:07:13 from 72.223.93.131

I've never forgotten my sports bra.

Total Distance
0.00

So it appears I can't edit this blog with my phone, that's weird.  Went swimming for the first time in months, Justin came too and it was really fun, although my shoulders are so weak and were tired after just one lap!  I want to start swimming at least once a week.  Did 21 laps (longest without stopping was 3), or 1,050 yards, or around 0.60 miles.  It took about 25-30 minutes.  Afterwards sat in the lovely hot tub.  

5k RACE tomorrow (PR attempt!).  5k for fun on Sunday.  Costumes for both.  :-) 

2011 Swimming Miles: 0.60
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Race: Kent Christmas Rush 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:23:21, Place overall: 21, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
4.40

5K PR in the books!

So one of my 2011 Resolutions was to make 2011 the year of the 5k PR.  Well between Singapore and numerous mini-injuries I severely failed on that front, so I set all of my eggs in today's basket (thinking maybe I could sign up for one more 5k before the end of the year if I don't make it!).  This race reminded me why I hate 5ks and never want to do one again!  It sounds so crazy but doing a half marathon is way easier than running a 5k!  I wanted to die the entire time, but especially the last mile, just so much suffering going on.

Got all decked out for this race with my sparkle skirt, sweet socks and leg warmers, I heart Santa shirt, etc.!  Met Jordanne and did a 1.3 mile warm-up, it was about 32 degrees (brrr!). 

My strategy was to go out as hard as I could and try to maintain it.  I don't think this is how you're supposed to run a 5k, some major positive splitting going on!  In my splits' defence there was some slight downhill in the 1st mile and it was an out and back so therefore slight uphill in the 3rd mile.  Not much kick to give at the end.  

TT:  23:21   AP: 7:30 (the Garmin says 7:26 and 3.14 miles)

Splits:  7:12, 7:26, 7:39, 7:30 (.14, see, no kick)

My age group must have been severely underrepresented since I got 2nd but was the 21st female and 118th person overall.  Not bad for a race with 1,810 people!  I hope they send me a ribbon like in the past! :-)  My calves are already so sore, not a good sign!

 

(ignore how messy that room is!) 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From JD on Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 21:35:12 from 97.117.127.102

awesome job - congrats on the PR!!

From Burt on Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 03:05:27 from 174.254.23.184

You're the best! Well... 2nd best. ;)

From april27 on Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 17:51:07 from 99.188.251.180

Great PR! Glad you got to make your resolutions come true. I feel the same way with 5ks. I know I think it is only a 5 k so you think you can go all out at a crazy speed.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 21:06:47 from 67.160.56.253

Congrats on the PR! 23:21 is a great time! It will probably take a lot longer than that just to clean your room :)

From nicole on Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 22:17:25 from 24.17.128.50

Thanks! I set a new room-cleaning PR too!

Race: Seattle Jingle Bell 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:31:43
Total Distance
3.22

Ran the Seattle Jingle Bell 5k again this year as part of book club - was feeling rather stiff from yesterday's 5k (PR baby!  That race report is way better!), and seriously struggled to keep up with Jordanne today, even with our slow pace.  I would slowly fall farther and farther behind and then have to sprint to catch up, especially on the last big hill.  This is definitely the race to run for fun, there is no way you could run fast with the other 20,000 people, but it sure is fun to see all their costumes (gingerbread men, trees, elves, santas, reindeers, snowflakes, etc.!) and get decked out ourselves.  Afterwards enjoyed my free Top Pot doughnut (last year's peppermint chocolate was better than this year's glazed) and Widmer Winter Ale (eh, not my favorite, and I was a little too cold to really enjoy it, hot chocolate would have been more welcome!).  

Then went to a delicious Broadway Grill breakfast with Jordanne, Katie, Katie's boyfriend Jeremy, Beth, Kevin, and their two kids.  Their bacon is the bomb.  Lovely weekend of holiday running!

TT: 31:43   AP: 9:51

Splits: 9:51, 9:56, 10:07, 8:18 (.22) 

 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 3.22
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - 60 minutes on the elliptical, some weight stuff after. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - 6 miles walking on the TM, the first 4 alternating every .25 between 4% and 10% incline.  

Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 6.002011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.14

PM - Met Jordanne and Lisa for a lovely run around the community center.  In anticipating future workouts (I think we have convinced Jordanne to sign up for the RnR Marathon!) we ran to the FW track to see how far away it was, a nice little experiment!  I was feeling rather cold (37 degrees) and tired most of the time, but especially at the end I was ready to be done.  

TT: 1:12:48   AP: 10:11

Splits: 10:06, 9:51, 10:30, 10:29, 10:09, 10:12, 9:55 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.14
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 at 14:55:04 from 167.8.18.12

MMmmmm, jealous.

From Anya on Sat, Dec 17, 2011 at 02:18:06 from 50.135.35.131

Sad I missed your run this wed! I was at my MK meeting doing a xmas oranament exchange. Good job on keeping up the running! Sounds like your ankle area is doing better!

Total Distance
0.00

PM - 60 minutes on the elliptical, did 2 minutes hard, 2 minutes recovery for the first 50 minutes (then just did easy for the last 10).  I was dripping in sweat!  I need to do this every time, I think sometimes I don't work hard enough on the elliptical or the bike.  After did some lunges, push-ups, etc.  So tired.  

Finished We Need to Talk About Kevin today - it's the ultimate birth control (told from the point of view of a mother of a sociopath).  Terrifying, but in a good way!  READ IT! 

Is it the weekend yet? 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Fri, Dec 16, 2011 at 22:10:01 from 99.188.251.180

I'm going to they to get it for my nook...I plan to read and quilt over the NSF few weeks

Total Distance
7.15

PM - Left work a little early so that I could get out in the lovely warmer weather (45 degrees!) in the daylight.  I was so excited to run but once I was out there my legs felt so heavy and blah and it was really discouraging.  Decided I only had to do 3 miles so I did the 3rd mile hard, after that I came home and was going to get Cooper to walk, had some gatorade and some grapes and I actually felt way better, which was a little weird because I had eaten plenty all day.  Guess I just needed a little sugar pick-me-up.  So I am truly amazed a run that felt terrible from the beginning turned into 7 miles!

TT: 1:06:50   AP: 9:21

Splits:  9:54, 9:47, 8:47, 9:50, 9:25, 8:59, 8:43

Later I made Justin and Cooper walk probably 2 miles or so around the neighborhood looking at all the Christmas lights!  I brought hot chocolate. :-)

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 30 measley half-effort minutes on the elliptical at the gym.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
9.19

AM - Met Jordanne and Lisa at Lake Youngs for a lovely morning rainy muddy run.  Lots of hills.  Legs felt fairly heavy again, my shoes are so disgustingly muddy now!  Is it weird I'm sad about that?  I made Jordanne run 2 more miles after Lisa left and I think she was going to murder me.  

TT: 1:36:20   AP: 10:29 

Splits: 10:53, 9:46, 10:21, 10:18, 10:11, 10:46, 11:04, 10:13, 10:41 

Time to make more tutus?  At the Christmas races last weekend I decided I really wanted a tutu (after seeing some fabulous ones!), so last night I made a little one for Denali.  Keep in mind I have tons of chores (including wrapping presents) and data entry I should have been doing instead!   

Saucony Mirage Miles: 9.19
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 04:03:07 from 99.188.251.180

aww see we both ran 9!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 at 18:49:46 from 174.253.197.179

Christmas Eve morning social run with Guerilla runners at point defiance. Sat. 7:30am Ft Nisqually parking lot for the early group 7 mile loop, 9:00am for the second loop.

Total Distance
0.00

PM - 60 minutes on the elliptical, some weights after.  Did 2 minutes hard, 2 minutes recovery, and was sweating profusely by the end!

Hurried home to go to Zoolights with Lisa and Denali!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
7.00

AM - 3 miles around the neighborhood.  So sluggish and horrible, why can I not be a morning runner?  Did 1 minute really hard, 2 minutes recovery, repeated 4 times, then I was beat so I stopped way early and decided to finish later.   

PM -  Felt so much better in the afternoon!  4 miles around the neighborhood with Cooper.  Ran 2 hills hard and then did 2 800's hard (is it bad to have your dog do speedwork?!).  We were both so tired by the end.

Don't have the Garmin so no splits but I know the 800's were: 3:49, 3:48

Afterwards had a fabulous date in Seattle - delicious dinner at Red Lantern, beautiful Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane, and some Yogurtland dessert.  Pistachio Yogurtland is the most delicious thing ever made. 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From april27 on Sat, Dec 24, 2011 at 11:55:07 from 99.188.251.180

Ooh that sound delicious! Merry Christmas!

From Burt on Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 04:07:42 from 72.223.93.131

Merry Christmas Nicole.

Total Distance
0.00

PM - 30 minutes on the elliptical, some weight stuff after. 

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.20

AM - A lovely 6.2 miles in the sunshiney weather, wonderful!  Was dragging this morning though, it was cold out and I wasn't in any hurry to get out there.  But then I was shocked by the pace - I haven't run a mile that started with an 8 by accident since probably April, if not since 2010!

TT: 54:25   AP: 8:50

Splits: 9:38, 8:46, 8:40, 8:44, 8:21, 8:38 

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - Everyone was still sleeping so headed out for a 60 minute + walk with Cooper on the beach, very calm and quiet and nice.  

PM - Took Cooper on another 45 minute-ish walk on the beach, again loveliness.   

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rachael Winters on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 at 13:16:17 from 167.8.18.12

Morning walk on the beach, sounds PERFECT.

Total Distance
10.00

AM - 10 miles that took me everywhere - the outlets, the new Bi-Mart, the beach, past 2 deers, the casino, the richey neighborhood, etc.  Felt great until mile 10, almost quit after 9 because I was so tired and sluggish, that was rough to keep going.

TT messed up because I accidentally continued on Thursday's workout, but it was around 1:33:29

Splits: 9:58, 9:24, 9:23, 9:11, 8:52, 9:24, 9:05, 9:29, 9:32, 9:03 

1 mile to go to get to 1,000! 

After met Sarah for coffee to catch up.  Now for holiday fun!  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!   

Saucony Mirage Miles: 10.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Circles and Squares on Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 16:59:00 from 24.17.18.47

One mile!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!! I knew you could do it!

From april27 on Mon, Dec 26, 2011 at 18:54:21 from 99.188.251.180

Great run!

From Rachael Winters on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 at 13:15:07 from 167.8.18.12

Nice job lady!!

Total Distance
0.00

Merry Christmas!  A TOTAL rest day, my first in approximately 77 days!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
3.00

1,000 miles run in 2011 as of this run!!!!!!!!!!

AM - Ran 3 miles down to the dog park, one lap, and part way back.  Walked the rest of the way back, about 1 mile.  This is going to be a major cut-back week, after a couple of hard high-mileage (for me anyway!) weeks.  

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.00Saucony Mirage Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

PM - A lazy 30 minutes on the elliptical.  This barely counts as a workout, it was so slow and I was so not feeling it!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 3.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 45 minutes on the bike trainer before work

PM - 1 mile (that's right!) swimming!  I did 6 laps without stopping (300 yards) then 2 laps (100 yards) of kicking only, repeated 5 times plus 4 extra laps without stopping to hit 36 laps and 1 mile.  This was a really hard workout and perfect because 6 laps it about all I can do without stopping (and I'm taking a breath on every stroke by the end!) and the kicking lets my breathing recover but 2 laps is about all I can do before my legs want to die (kicking is way harder than you'd think!).  Anyway, a really great workout, felt shaky at the end.  Whole thing took about 40 minutes.  

2011 Swimming Miles: 1.002011 Cycling Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Burt on Mon, Jan 02, 2012 at 22:30:45 from 72.223.93.131

Wow! 1 mile swimming. Way to go. I hope you had a great Christmas.

Total Distance
6.00

PM - 6 lovely miles with Lisa.  At least until she rolled her ankle.  :-(  Think good healing thoughts!

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

AM - 17 minutes on the elliptical and then 60 minutes of Centergy.  It was HARD!  Off to Sunriver, my favorite place on earth!

2011 Crosstraining Miles: 1.70
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
6.00

AM - 6 glorious miles in my favorite place on earth - Sunriver.  My very first snowy run!  The sun was shining, the snow was fresh, the river was flowing, Sunriver has 30 miles of trails so you never have to do out and backs, and it was just plain fabulous.  It seriously doesn't get much better than this.  Only if Cooper could have been there too!

Running in the snow made my ankles really sore though!

2011 is done!  1,014.6 miles run.  :-)

Saucony Mirage Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
1014.64
Bikila Vibram FF Miles: 373.472011 Swimming Miles: 10.942011 Crosstraining Miles: 401.392011 Cycling Miles: 565.20Nike Free's 3.0 Miles: 135.622011 Cooper Miles: 39.70Sauony ProGrid 2 #3 Miles: 5.00Brooks Ravenna Blue Miles: 3.10Merrell Pace Glove Miles: 316.70Saucony Mirage Miles: 254.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 144.14
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