ShufflingSista

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S BLOGGIES! Well, this year has seen lots of change for many of us.  I added a very demanding job to my schedule this past June and my miles have suffered for it.  I have also seen a couple of my favorite bloggies take a break from the blog (Kim, Lybi, Marcie, Michelle) and I miss 'em! We've seen babies born, injuries be had, job changes... Lots of change! You wonderful bloggies keep me going and keep me inspired- Brent for instance.  Despite his knees that want to quit... you just keep on trucking Brent- you rock! The silver lining is that I've stayed true to the blog and posted even on weeks where frankly it was embarrassing how little miles I acquired.  I wanted to log 1200 in 2008, at least I got over 1,000.  I'll take that. Well, its a New Year- time to make some new goals.  I'm going to take some time today to redo my goals on my main page.  My main goal for this year is to find BALANCE in my life with my relationship with God, hubby, children, exercise, church calling, work, family & friends .  As far as fitness goes that includes taking off about 10 lbs (eating less bread & sugar, more veggies, drinking more water) and adding more toning.  So my miles will probably stay lower than '07 and first part of '08 as I cross train more.  5ks and the occasional longer races & runs with Sole Sisters will remain a very important part of my life! My entries will probably be brief.  I have a family blog that I tend to elaborate on a bit more. You are always welcome to check it out at www.CarpeDiem95.blogspot.com.  Happy New Year!

So I'm taking my friend Kathy up on the 2009 Healthy Eating Challenge! Here's the details below... If anyone else is interested let me know!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Challenge Details

So here are the details of the challenge.

Points - 12 points possible per day

1 Reporting/Accountability point just for reporting your points each day. You can do it here on the blog or to a friend.

1 Water - drink at least 8 - 8oz cups of water everyday, more if you can!

1 Supplements/Vitamins - take a good supplement, even a multivitamin is better than nothing.

1 No Skipping Meals- NO SKIPPING MEALS OR SNACKS!!! You should be eating every 2-3 hours! Plan ahead. Have some healthy snacks in your purse or in the car.

1 Whole Grains - No white flour, white pasta, white rice, etc. There are now tons of 100% Whole Grain products in the grocery stores

1 No sugar/junk food - No white refined sugar, cookies, cakes, candies, ice cream, chocolate, etc. (some things do have sugar in them like breads and whole grain cereals and those are fine - the grams of sugar per serving should be less than 5 grams unless it contains dried fruit like raisins)

1 3-hour rule - Don't eat for at least 3 hours before you go to bed.

1 Counting Calories - It is amazing how fast calories add up. Pick up a kitchen scale and monitor your portion size. Use myfitnesspal or some other way to track the calories you consume each day. The minimum calories you consume should be 1200 per day, the maximum varies depending on how much weight you need to lose, your current weight and the amount you exercise each day. Even if you go over your daily amount you can still get this point if you are tracking your calories.

Workout Points: up to 4 per day

Low intensity (walking) exercise 30 minutes = 1 point

Moderate intensity (jogging) exercise 20 minutes = 1 point

High intensity exercise (running) 15 minutes = 1 point

Give yourself up to 4 points per day based on how long you exercise and at what level your perceived level of exertion is.

2.5 mile walk with the fam (while Arielle rode her new bike that Santa brought her) It was COLD since we're recently back from Salt Lake we thought we could just go around the neighborhood in sweatshirts- wrong! It was like 30 degrees!

Yesterday and today I did a dry run for my Healthy Eating Challenge.  I am shooting for 10 pts a day (out of 12 possible) starting for real on Monday.  The dry run gave me a good idea of my struggle areas like white flour, junk food & calorie counting.  I ended up with 6 pts Sat. and 7 on Sunday.  10 may be ambitious but I'm going to give it a try.  Taking a water bottle and healthy snacks with me to work on Monday so I can stick to the plan!

2 mile walk around neighborhood handing out RS flyers for Enrich.  Not exactly hard cardio, but gotta count all exercise these days! Sat & Sun I did a dry run for Healthy Eating Challenge and today started the real challenge.  I got 8 pts today, up from the 6 & 7 I got on Sat. & Sun.  10 is my goal (12 possible).  I'm doing good at taking multi vitamin, drinking water, not skipping meals, calorie counting, not eating 3 hrs. before bed and getting A LITTLE exercise. My challenge areas are avoiding sugar & white flour.  I've been getting in more whole wheat but still getting in some white flour too. 

Weight lift class at gym today.  I'm going for 10 pts today! Thanks to an hour long workout this morning that starts me off with 4 pts.  I can do it! I'll report back later.

Oh yeah, and I was confronted by 2 friends at the gym today asking if I'm doing Painter's 1/2.  Its less than 2 weeks away, so its way past commitment time.  I told them YES, I will do it.  It won't be fast or pretty, but I'll be a great long training run and I'll be glad I did it.  Plus I obviously need to kick start my New Year in the running department.

Tummy bug today- no workout! (except for setting up and taking down lots of tables & chairs for enrichment!)

Could it be? A legit run? YES! 5.5 miles at a challenging 9:15 min mile.  Yes, this used to be a very do-able pace for me, but now its challenging! It felt great getting my day off to such a great start with Sole Sisters.  Thanks Shelly for kicking my butt into gear!

Oh yeah- and I officially signed up for Painter's half yesterday!

8 miles with Sole Sisters, added on 2 more miles alone.  Nice long run.  Green Valley loop was especially peaceful & quiet this morning.  Had good energy this morning, glad I added on 2 more alone.  Needed a 10 miler to be mentally prepared for Painter's next week.

Nice Sunday walk with kids & dog.  Weather was PURRRFECT.. mid 50s and sunny- love it.  Fed the ducks at the pond. Lovely afternoon..

Weight class at gym

5 mile afternoon run.  Just me & the IPOD.  PURRRRRFECT weather.  It was tough doing the hilly loop around my hood, haven't done that in awhile. I was challenged.  Kept 9:30 overall pace.  Good news, bad news for Painter's 1/2 this Sat.  Downhill-good.  Uphill- BAD! Good luck all your racers! Kinda wishing I was only doing the 5k, but I'll survive!

4.5 quick walk with Heather.  She is an amazing little pregnant chic- still so fit! She just recently cut back on running now that she's 7 mo., but still doing weights and walking, eliptical.  She rocks!

according to my Garmin, the course measured a bit long.  I really like the 1:59:41 that I clocked a lot better than my official chip time!

Beautiful day for a race! Good turnout and energy.  This year the city used chip timers and also gave out some nifty winter hats in the race pack.  It was a nice touch.  I passed my hat onto my 11 yr old son- he thought it was cool.  I was running LATE, I know...that's ridiculous considering it was a 9 am start time.  Luckily I found Tammy, Annie, Sheila & Shelly right before the start! I was afraid I was going to have to run it alone.  Felt pretty good until mile 8.  I pretty much expected that since my training has not been adequate. I was about 8 minutes slower than I was on this same race last year.  considering  my hectic life this past year I guess I should just be happy that I'm out there!  I decided I'd treat it like a training run, do what I could- and have fun.  Mission accomplished.  Tammy who was running bandit dropped out at mile 7 and we picked up Steph about mile 10.  It was fun to chat with Marcie, Jody, Steve & Mik'L.  So glad I saw you bloggies! Also enjoyed watching so many bloggies come in the top places- sporting their FRB & SGRC gear.  I feel pretty good for the day after the race except for a stiff right achilles and 4 sore toes.  Here we go again...My toenails were just starting to look normal again after SGM..now they're hammered again!

splits:

8:52

8:33

8:54

8:18

8:57

8:54

8:41

9:27- here's where the obvious crash happens about mile 8... I just hadn't trained on distance & hills enough since SGM

8:56

9:13

9:43

10:16

9:58

9:52 (for .10)

Didn't measure it, but I know it was at least 2.5.  Had the day off from work- yah!!! Fun day spent with Aimee's family who had come down from SLC to get warm for the weekend.  We did lots of fun stuff...saw Mall Cop, went to shopping & to Pirate Island Pizza.   Monday afternoon I finally got out for a walk with my hyper pup. 

I've slept in for the last 2 days like a big huge slacker! Last night I went to bed at 8:30 and slept until 6:45.  It was heaven.  I actually feel alive and alert at work for the first time in forever.  A group of gals from work are going to be walking on a daily basis.  I'm psyched about this, I need any exercise I can get at this point.  We'll be going today so I'll update later...

Plan for rest of the week (yes, I'm putting it in type so that I'm accountable...) is to:

Weight class Thurs

Spin Fri

Run Sat

update: did walk 2.5 (fast) with gals from work.  feels great to get out mid day after lunch!

Actually got out of bed this morning! Its funny 'cause I tried to sleep in, but just couldn't.  I must finally be caught up on sleep (only temporary, I'm sure!) I was wide awake at 5:30 so I got myself to the gym for Tammy's 6am class.  She's a running buddy of mine and it was fun to be in her class.  She teaches a really good class! I sweat bullets and figured it must've been equal effort to at least a 5 miler.

Later in the day after lunch I walked 2.25 with gals from work.  I'm feeling really good about this new walking plan at work! Hoping for some weight loss results after doing this for a couple weeks.

Fun bike ride with the fam.  Got everyone out for 2 miles then added 6 more miles on my own.  The rain kept me in from my Sat. long run so by the afternoon I was REALLY needing to expend some energy.  The bike ride helped...

1.5 mile bike ride with the fam & dog to the school playground.  While the guys skateboarded and Arielle & a friend played on the playground, I walked my dog laps around the school track equalling a mile.  Barely broke a sweat, but every mile counts these days!

Really was going to go to gym after work then had a client come into my office in crisis.  Took up my afternoon and gym workout had to be forfeited.  Instead spent the evening in UrgentCare with my son who cut his finger! He's OK- got patched up and luckily didn't need stitches after all!

2 mile walk with Jim & Teddy after lunch. 

Got on the dreadmill at the gym.  Told myself I wasn't allowed to go home after work until after I'd been to the gym!

This morning I walked for 1.5 mi, then ran for 1.5 mi. These are estimates, I didn't take a watch.  I was just fitting in some exercise while Arielle was at her HB riding lesson, wasn't really prepared to workout! Later in the day we hiked Temple Quarry Trail, as I recall that is a 2 mi. round trip trail.

I signed up for Dam to Dam 5 miler, better get my butt running!

Walked about 3 miles with Trina in afternoon

Pump class & 2 mile afternoon walk with gals from work

Spin class

7 miles with Sole Sistas.  Its been 2 weeks since I've met up with them for a Sat. run so I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up! It was tough- but I did it! Great times- makes me wonder what is wrong with me that I EVER skip the chance to run with these awesome women?!

I was glad the rain held out so we could not have to get soaked.  Didn't have my Garmin so not sure of pace, but Teresa did tell me we were keeping 8 min. pace on the last mile and I know that's a neg. split for the run so that's fine by me!

Dam to Dam 5 miler next Saturday!

Pump at gym.  2 mile afternoon walk with co-workers

2.5 quick miles (walk) with Trina

Ran with Sole Sisters, they were quick. I was in the back of the pack, but just happy to be there hanging on!

Nice walk with Heather.  Caught up a bit, but it wasn't long enough- we could've talked for hours.

Had a ball at the Dam to Dam 5 miler today.  Hadn't run this race for about 3 years.  I was worried that it might be raining or snowing but the weather held beautifully.  It was sunny and cold! Blue water, red rock & white mountains in the background.  I picked up Katrina & Annie- had a ball with these gals.  Saw Eschlers and Kim & Tom from Spanish Fork.  Tom came in 2nd- congrats! Poor Kim is still having IT issues, but she walked the race like a trooper and is still hoping to complete the Runner's Series and do SGM this year if her leg allows.  The shirts were pretty cool from the run, but BIG for a 5'1", flat chested gal...oh well.. Now for the actual RACE report... I knew it wouldn't be fast since I'm only averaging about 10-15 miles a week- but I decided to just do the best I could and have fun.  I set my Garmin's virtual partner at 44:00 just to give me some kind of goal.  I was happy to finish at 44:09.  5 miles is a good distance I decided.  Here's the splits:

1st mile: 8:42, in dirt

2nd mile: 8:53- trying to figure out if I started too fast or too slow???

3rd mile: 9:00 - some uphill

4th mile: 8:52, enjoying this race but also glad its ending soon!

5th mile: 8:36- horray for neg. splits! nice flat finish on top of the dam with GORGEOUS view of Sand Hollow Reservoir

I rode 8 hilly miles on my bike but it felt equivalent to about a 4 mile easy run.  Rode first 2 with Arielle then dropped her off & finished 6 more.  Just putting in 4 cross training miles.

pump class at gym

Terica's spin class.  OUCH- hadn't been to one of her classes in awhile. Forgot how hard they are. She started right off with 20 minutes straight of high resistance hill climbing.  I put in 5 crosstrain miles but it was like a very hard- HILLY 5 miles.

Bad girl- slept in so didn't make spin or run with gals.  Did get out for 2.5 afternoon quick walk with Trina & some other co-workers. Beautiful sunny day!

Weekly walk with my dear prego Heather.  So great to visit with her.  Love you girl!

Went out for a solo afternoon 4 miler.  Around my 'hood, so kinda hilly.  8:58 av. pace.  I'm happy to see anything in the 8's these days.  It was tough since it was afternoon and I'm shot by then.  But so glad I got out. Couldn't resist the beautiful sunny afternoon and chance to run in a t-shirt.

Whoa- long run! Met up with Sole Sisters and not quite sure what their plan was going into it.  Ended up on about 12 mile loop.  Luckily I felt good- it was an "on day".  The first 7 went by quickly then we had to make a pit stop at Shelly's house.  It was fun to get a tour of her neighborhood and see her gorgeous house.  After we got on the road again I left the crew at about 8.5 miles. I was 2.5 miles from home and they still had over 3 miles of uphill back to the gym.  So I ended up with 11 miles which was plenty for me today! Forgot my Garmin (again- duh!) so couldn't tell you pace, but it felt great to know I can still hang with the gals for a long run. Anxious to get into my new shoes though.  Steve has ordered me some cute pink Mizuno Wave Rider 12s. 

pump class

Week flew by! Have only worked out once this week! Yikes! No good excuses either. Did get 8 hrs. sleep 2 nights this week which was awesome. Went bowling with a group of friends on Wed. night does that count? (yah..i wish)

I had bought some new mizuno's waverider 12 (or was it 13?) last week.  Had ordered them and when they came in they were 1/2 size too big. Went back to Steve at SGRC and ended up trading them in for Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6.  They were delightful as I ran around the parking lot.  Tomorrow I take them for the first real test drive on a long run with the gals.  We'll see how they do! Maybe I'll be really "fresh" tomorrow from basically taking the week off? (I can tell myself that can't I?)

Overslept & missed long run w/ gals.  Found out later only a few showed & they ran about 6.  I got in 4.25 later in the morning while Arielle was at HB riding. Beautiful day, 50's & sunny, did a fairly flat loop around Little Valley.  9:00 av pace, was hoping for a little faster, seemed that everytime I looked at Garmin it was 8:30ish?

Don't know how far, so gonna guess 1.5 mi.? Walk with Jim & Teddy on golf course in evening.  Lovin' this weather!!! Have always loved spring in SG.

spin class at gym

Brent- you're right- races DO come up fast! thanks for the motivation (again!)

This Friday we leave for Disney! Whoo-hoo! 5 days in CA.  So I plan on working out good all this week, knowing I won't be running much next week- but I will be walking my booty off in the Magic Kingdom.

pump at gym

on treadmill at gym...kinda fun actually...9 min average

drove to CA

huntington beach w/ sis & fam

walked my booty off at disney

walked booty off at disney

walked booty off at disney

drove home from CA, getting a cold

slept in

set my alarm for 6am spin, woke up to static after 6am... need to fix my alarm

next race is in 1 month (Zion's 10K) need to get going w/ the running

Nice late morning solo run.  Sun was shining, gorgeous St. George day.  Played "don't look at the Garmin" was wearing it but didn't want to be influenced by it.  Just wanted to feel the groove. Ended up with 4 miles at 9 min.  mile pace.  Was suprised at how consistent my miles were- all 4 were just about 9 min miles within 5 second differences for each mile (if that makes sense)

Brent- what would I do without you! YES- I accept the challenge.  How could I not? I only want to make one minor change to the challenge and you can deduct points as you see fit...I need to get in my weight class 1 day this week and possibly a spin class.  So I'm committing to running 5 miles on 5 days out of 7 (not 5 in a row as was the original challenge).  WOW- this is going to be tough for me- considering I hardly ever run over 4.25 miles lately and truly I'm doing cross training more than running lately (and not even much CT).  But much needed.  The weather is PURRRFECT down here, I need to train for the Zion's 10 k next month and I want to lose these frickin' 10 lbs.  SO - YES! And THANK YOU for always inspiring me!! You're my lifeline on this blog!

Reading everyone's race reports has me jonesin' to race. I just found out the local Girl Scouts are doing a little 5k the first week of April.  I'm going to register for that right now! (I miss the Cookie Chaser that I used to do up north) Think my son is going to run it also, so that will be fun.

3 mile bike ride with the kids to feed the ducks at the pond.  Beautiful Sunday! Later walked about 1.5 ish with family & doggy on golf course.  I figured these 4.5 miles were only worth about 2 miles cross training.  But had to count something!

2 mile brisk walk with Trina & Jaime after lunch- nice to have a good walking buddies at work!

Planning on an evening run! Gotta keep up my end of the deal with Brent!

HA HA..OK the .06 is a joke... but Yippee! Actually got myself out of bed early for a solo 5 miler. That's right- no gym, no partner. All thanks to Brent's motivation! It was invigorating. Really nice, cool morning, no wind. I took it really easy, played "no garmin peeking" again. Amazing consistent again- all miles within 15 seconds, most within 5-10 seconds. Quite a bit slower than Saturday's run though, 9:30 av. pace instead of 9. Not gonna beat myself up about pace though. Felt really good throughout the run like I had energy in reserve. And this is actually the longest run I've been on in awhile (sad I know, considering this used to be a daily given).  Passed Deb Z., amazing woman- my idol! She has run ALL of the St. George marathons.  In her 50's, cancer survivor, gorgeous and going strong! Oh yeah..and I've been passed up by her in races...she kicks my trash.

Solo night run.  It was DARK, ran with flashlight.  Very nice temp- t-shirt & shorts.  Darkness makes me slow down, don't want to trip.  First mile was 8:38 while there was still some light left (and it was down hill).  But my overall pace ended up 9:27.  Kinda bummed that I wasn't faster but this is probably good considering it was late, dark and I'm just getting back on the wagon after lots of slacking.

gotta get a new alarm.  keep having alarm issues with the tuner/radio setting.  didn't get up early and too much going on in the evening to get anything in.  not good excuses, but it is what it is!

decided to leave town for SLC. very last minute decision (going to see my niece get blessed) no exercise today, except for my foot on the gas pedal.

Nice LONG walk with Julie, Crystal & Mady all around the lake at Daybreak.  Sunny, windy day.

Also got in some abs & arms today

feeling like a loser for not getting in 5 days of 5 miles, but I did get in more quality runs than I have in a long time.  so all is not lost! i am pumped up and looking forward to even more quality runs next week!  

am pump class at gym

nice quick 3 mile afternoon walk with gals from work

Survived organizing my first 5k! I think the day was pretty successful! We had a great turnout and lots of fun things for kids to do (bounce house, cow train, park, etc) The weather cooperated very well.  The course had lots of uphill and I think a few people may still be cursing us for that.  The timing had a few glitches, but not too bad for a first year event.  Phew! Glad its over! One more thing off my plate.  I REALLY appreciated the race organizers (Jason & Danielle Little), sponsors, friends & families who made this day a success for the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease.  Thanks everyone!!!!

I was so inspired after watching runners in the morning that I laced up my shoes and went out for an afternoon 5 miler.  Had to cut it a little short because of the afternoon heat (I didn't bring water) Guess its that time of year already when you ALWAYS have to bring water!

9 min av. pace

Gorgeous afternoon hike with Jim & kids at Red Cliffs.  That image of the quiet stream and green trees will keep me going all week! Heaven!

Spin class for 45 minutes today.  Good workout with hills & sprints.  I'm going to assign it 4.5 cross training miles.

Look at me go! Yes...I'm "tooting" my own horn -LOL.  I've gotten up early 2 days in a row to workout.  That's great for me these days.  Today I went to the gym, planning on doing Pump class.  Saw my running chics in the parking lot and decided to run with them.  Didn't take a garmin, I'm going to guess 3.5 mi.  We kept a good pace and never stopped for 35 minutes. Could've been closer to 4 miles, who knows?  Then I finished up the pump class, got in some abs & arms.  Now, if I can just stay away from the delicious viking cookies I made last night!

Spin class. Never have been to Cynthia's class before- she got me sweating FAST and my shoulders are sore from all those "jumps" and "turns". Gotta remember that class on Fridays and go again!

Back to my old ways- PREBLOGGIN'! Couldn't meet the gals this morning at 6 due to an early soccer game.  Need to get in AT LEAST 5 mi. day, 7 would be ideal.  I plan on going out around 3 today. (hope its not too hot)

SEE SUNDAY FOR UPDATE

Shoot, I wanted this mileage to count on last week! I still consider Sunday the last day of the week, not the first.  I finally got in my long run that I had preblogged for Saturday (yeah 7.5 is long for me these days).  I crammed it in between the 2 Conference sessions today.  I'm pretty happy with my 9:36 pace for 7.5 solo miles.  I need to run at least 3x this week and next so I can feel ready for Zion's 10k on 18th.

spin class

early am neighborhood run before work- nice that its getting light at 6 now!

Ok- I'm pushing it counting these 1.5 miles of walking my dog (but he DOES walk fast) Toby came along and had to jog occasionally to keep up with me & Teddy.  Next time I want a nice "quality time" walk with my son I'll have to leave the dog at home!

spin

Just decided to show up at Sole Sisters regular meeing place for a Sat. run.  Not sure of what their plans were.  Was wanting to do about 7 miles.  Ended up their plan was 4 miles then Cross Fit.  So I went along.  Good quick run.  I really liked Cross Fit more than I thought I would.  I'm gonna try to start fitting this in a couple days a week.

This was a really good week for me as far as getting in some quality workouts. I want to keep the momentum going!

Feel like I'm just hanging onto this blog by a thread! My work outs have actually improved this month, but I never have time to track 'em! I will continue to try to get on here weekly and I'll also try to find time to comment on my dear bloggies blogs! This blog has been a wonderful support and I'm sorry I just don't have time to comment and give feedback to everyone like I used to!

Anyway....Monday I had a good workout. 5 mile Foremaster run followed by Crossfit. Tweaked my neck Saturday (probably doing Crossfit), still sore a week later. Gotta watch it.

Shoot, already getting fuzzy on Tuesdays workout details.  Crossfit, big group this day, then ran 4.

Slept in, but still rushed to meet the group for a run.  Caught them on the first mile and got in 5 miles.  Felt good on this run.

Beautiful!! Good time with the gals.  Big group of us went up there.  Brian, Trina, Sheila, Shelly, Tammy, Conadae, Pete, Jill, Jolynn, Anni, Katrina.  Missed Heather, Buff, Turner & Steph.   I'm sure I'm missing someone- sorry.  Took Jim & the kids and made an overnighter mini vacation out of it.  We stayed at Driftwood Lodge, nice place.  Picked up the race packet Friday evening then hiked around until dark.  Sat. am I got up and took free shuttle (nice) to Visitor Center where race started.  Found my pals no problem.  Chilly morning, started out with lots of layers. Warmed up fast though and after 1st mile I ran in singlet and knee length pants. The race was absolutely gorgeous!! Well organized too, if Zion's ever decides to do another race- do it! A couple of my buddies started out way too fast for me (6:ish) I started with them, then backed off in a hurry. I settled into a real nice 8:00 pace and stayed with Conadae almost the whole time.  Not much chatting, just trying to keep up our pace.  The only thing I wasn't crazy about as far as course was concerned- was finishing on the "trail" at the end.  About mile 4 I was clipping along a good 7:50 pace, but then had to get on a narrow, winding, rolling trail.  Ah well.. Finish was nice, some good cheerleaders.  Small, intimate run.  Good time.  Finisher medals were very nice.  This race wasn't timed, didn't even see a clock at finish.  Maybe I missed it? Thank goodness for garmins though.  I wanted to break 50:00 and I did it, thanks to perfect weather and downhill course.  Stoked! Stuck around long enough to take some pictures with my running buddies then off to hike with Jim & the kids.  We finished the day with some wonderful hiking up to Emerald Pools.  I was suprised my legs still worked!

I was really bad at tracking workouts this week and now I can't remember them!

Walk with family to duck pond (my BD!)

Early abs class at the gym followed by spin. Great morning workout!

5 mile bike ride today.  My neck is really tweeked and has been for a couple of weeks.  Not sure what I did to it, probably something related to cross fit.  My energy level is also really low lately, probably because I haven't been working out enough.  I am going to join weight watchers this week to try to get motivated again.  I think I'm also really burnt out at work, my social work has gotten REALLY busy lately and I have more clients than I can see in a week.  This is no doubt draining me.  I need to take some control back.

I'm heading out the door and I'm going to go ahead and pre-blog a 5 mile run!!

Followup: Ended up with a 3 miler instead. 

Does 3 hrs on an ATV count as crosstraining?

Nice morning walk with Heather

45 minutes in Terica's killer spin class.  A long overdue tough workout. Will walk with Heather again tomorrow and shoot for some runs Fri & Sat

Little 5k solo run around the neighborhood down by the golf course.  I am so blessed to live in a beautiful place! (perfect st. george may weather too!)

2 mile evening walk with Toby & Bebs on golf course.  Would have been longer if the sprinklers didn't come on!

5k down by the golf course again.  Actually got up at 6 am all by MYSELF, like a big girl! Nice to get it in before work.

2.25 walk with a hyper dog- walked fast.  11:00 am starting to get hot! Poor pup was hot.

Fun spin class at gym.  New teacher- the most energy I've EVER seen out of a teacher. Bordering on scary- too many redbulls that morning?!

Fun race with my son today.  Cool park that I'd never been to before (great playground with new, fun equiptment, spinning stuff). Small race (maybe 30 people?), think I was like 2nd or 3rd to finish in 5k- what a feeling!! Not a PR, but didn't expect it with my training lately.  Out & back, but that was Ok given it was a fun winding paved trail with decent scenery.  Race started at 8, got hot after a couple miles. Its was pushing 80 degrees by 8:30.  Nice breakfast burritos afterwards included in race registration and cute tank tops for ladies. My prizes for places, but raffled off some prizes afterwards. Toby came in top for kids and in the top 10 for finishers- time was like 27:50.  What a proud Mom I am! My friend Trina organized this race- way to go, nicely done!

(never know what to log my miles under...threshold? VO2 max? It was definitely faster than my marathon pace)

Haven't been on here in forever! I have finally moved to Winston-Salem, NC and trying to get back to some regular exercise. I am offically starting my Outer Banks Half Marathon training on Monday 8/17.  Today I went to the gym for the first time since I've been here.  Did some weights and ran 2.5 miles.  Felt good! (Also posting on Daily Mile, seems like more east coast runners on there, but didn't want to abandon my FRB so I'll try to keep this updated at least weekly)

30 minutes of moderate swimming & laps

45 minutes of swim (moderate & laps)

2.5 on treadmill & .5 on eliptical at gym.  Followed by some weights.  Building up to start the 1/2 marathon training on Monday.  Was happy to meet a couple runners at church today in my new ward.  Hope to join them Saturday for a long run.

Today was the first day of my half marathon training.  I got out the Garmin and realized I hadn't gotten in a GOOD run since spring- yikes! I had run a bit in June & July and even ran a 5k each month, but didn't track at all and no consistency.  I moved the end of July and hardly ran at all that month.  For the first 1.65 miles today my body was in shock "what are you doing? " then on the second mile my running legs started to come back.  I looked down and caught myself at 8:40 occasionally- but with a stretch break my average ended up 10:00.  I'll take it.  Felt good to be running again!

Today was 5x400 at 5k pace according to training plan.  I went to the gym and did this on treadmill so I could do some weights after.  My 400s were about 8:30 pace, not as quick as my old 5k pace, but still quick for now.  Finished up with 40 minutes of weights.

Today was "stretch and strengthen day" I cheated by doing my strength yesterday.  So today I just stretched and took my dog for a mile walk! Couldn't sleep at all later this night- my body must be getting used to exercise, it wanted more today!

Today was supposed to be 3 miles, but I went a little further.  Only running 3 miles seems wimpy compared to the 4-6 miles a day I used to do 4 or more times a week.  But I am sticking to the plan and forcing myself to build back up slowly.  Anyway...today was good, but I was tired, pace was 9:45 overall.

30 min. swim, moderate/ laps

Nice run along my new route today. My shins felt all the sidewalks from last week. Like my new treelined route, but eventually need to find some good roads around here and get off sidewalks. I missed 2 training days last week, (sick kid, blah blah blah). But I'm not going to beat myself up, just going to forge ahead into week 2 of training (and be glad for the 4 good days I did get in last week!)

To the gym today for 3 miles on treadmill and some weightlifting.  Unfortunately my gym just acquired LOTS of new members.  Another local gym closed and mine absorbed everyone.  I was loving this gym when I moved here 'cause it was always dead.  Today it was BUSY!! Hopefully it will slow down again.  On a postive note, it felt really good to be on treadmill and not sidewalk today.

Great run out at Salem Lake.   Beautiful little spot about 15 min. from home.  Ran in the light rain, under the umbrella of lush, greenery.  Towards the end of my run I discovered the dirt path with a view of the lake.  I plan to go out there again soon and run more of this dirt around the lake.  My legs were still sore from all the sidewalk running lately, but it felt so great to get on asphalt & dirt! Wore the garmin, but tried not to look at it.  Ended up 9:57 average.  Still slow, but that's OK.  Gotta expect it to take awhile to come back.

30 min. brisk walk with my hyper pup

Great workout at gym today.  Was going to run outside (had my trail all picked out) but it was raining-hard.  So I flip flopped the days on my training plan and did a workout that was supposed to come later in the week at the gym.  Felt really good today! I think I may be starting to get my running legs back and I did eat better yesterday and I'm sure that helped.  I ran 3.5 on the treadmill and included 6x400s at 8:00-8:20 pace, felt I could possibly push it a little harder & faster but decided not to totally wipe myself out (gotta keep some energy for those crazy afternoons with my kids).  I also did some legs, arms & abs weights.  Feeling good!

I remember! I remember why I love running! Today I went out to Muddy Creek Trail for the first time. Beautiful little paved trail with yellow wildflowers and great trees. Passed by a couple playgrounds, will be fun to take the kids out here. I wore the garmin but didn't look at it the whole time. Was pleasantly suprised at end of run when I realized I'd averaged 9:14. Much better than the 10:00 pace I've been doing lately.

4 mile run on Muddy Creek- didn't look at garmin again, was 9:26 average.  Didn't feel AS great as last run & a bit slower, but I expect the first month or so to be a roller coaster since I'm just getting back into the swing of things after slacking off all summer.  Still, I felt decent & I was still happy that my pace was under 9:30.  I should probably focus more on getting in miles than on how fast I'm going.

Arielle (my 9yo daughter) and I went for a wonderful bike ride around Salem Lake. We had fun spying turtles, birds, catebillars, etc. This trail is my new fav. spot in Winston-Salem to workout. I was thrilled that my daughter could make it all the way around the lake- almost 7 miles.

Recap of the week...started out with a gusto, but fizzled come Thursday. Really should've got out for a run Friday, but I was lazy. Still, weekly mileage is higher than last 2 weeks so that's good. Will just shoot for more lasting energy next week.

Moderate hike, blueberry picking with family in Blue Ridge Mtns

no excuse for laziness today.  couldn't get going.  took dog on 2 walks, one of them consisted of a few minutes of jogging.

Finally a decent workout.  Starting my week late, but at least its offically started now! Took a good couple miles to get my running legs under me- hate that.  But last 2 miles were really good. Went out to Muddy Creek trail, one of my new favs, lots of other happy runners/ walkers to wave to.  Felt really slow, but was pleasantly suprised that I averaged 9:06. 

Took me til noon to drag myself out for a run (yeah- I need to get a job!).  I decided to go to my fav place- Salem Lake.  My goal today was to run for longer than 43 minutes- none of my runs the last month had been longer than that.  I made it to 47.  Next time 50+ minutes for sure!  Forgot my IPOD which was good and bad.  Good- got to listen & enjoy the natural sounds around the lake.  Bad- also had to listen to my LABORED breathing and I think I'm slower without the IPOD. Ran on all packed dirt, my legs were very grateful.  9:26 av. pace

Had a nice walk/run with my hubby today around Salem Lake.  It was special cause this was only the 2nd time we've ever run together.  Now that he's in grad. school and drowning in books he was anxious for some exercise.  I'm hoping it will become a more regular thing!

Great gym workout.  7 x 400s , then weights.

4 quick walking miles being pulled by my energetic pup.  I really should have ran today.  Need to pay the piper tomorrow and go for a longer run.

Whoo-hoo! All the way around Salem Lake :)   Beautiful light rain, no one else on the trail, saw a deer, birds, turtles, squirrels.  Longest run in over a month.  Feeling good! Have a 10k on this same trail on the 26th, trying to get ready.  Didn't look at garmin during run, didn't want to be bummed out by my pace.  Ended up with 9:59- barely under 10.  Not sure what to expect at the race.  Will try to get all the way around the lake at least once more before then.

Not really sure if I should classify this workout as a run or not...Jim & I had plans to run a 3 miler, but when I got him out to the trail- he fizzled.  I think his short running trial may be coming to an end.  I tried all the tricks to keep him running "just to that next fence post" or "tell me more about that jiu-jitsu move".  Being married for 14 yrs, its hard to use psychology on him and not get busted.  He's mentally very strong and he decided to channel all that strength into being stubborn on this run..LOL!! So I just gave in and walked with him most of the way.  Still a nice time on the trail with my hubby. BUT now I feel like I gotta run extra long tomorrow to make up for it :)

It was raining harder today so I opted for the dreadmill.  Ended up suprisingly quite fun.  2 episodes of "Cash Cab" got me through! Av.pace 8:50, happy with this. Followed up with some weights.

Found a couple running partners- yippee!! Met up with Stacey this morning for the first time.  We ended up being quite compatable in pace and had a great "get to know ya" conversation for 7 miles. (10:00 av pace)  It was also fun to run another route for a change. Of course it was dark, so I'll  never be able to find it again without her.  LOL

Feeling PUMPED about my mileage this week!

aerobics class this morning.  great workout, cardio & weights.  i'm putting equiv. to 4 mi. run

I guess I'm classifying this as easy- although it was NOT! That's what I get for not running until Thurs. of this week.  Made it through- glad I did.  No more laziness this week!

First North Carolina race since I moved here 2 months ago.  It was nice to have my new running partner Stacie to go with.  It was raining, and I was nervous that the dirt trail around the lake would be a yucky, muddy mess.  Luckily it wasn't bad! It was a fun race and well organized, definitely one to do again.  The shirts were nice too- not dry wick but a nice thick cotton with a decent design.  No PR, but still a fun run. I'm still getting back in shape so I didn't expect a PR, wanted 52 but knew 54 was a possibility.  The dirt trail also slows me down, but oh how my legs love it compared to asphalt!  Good tune up run and racing today will help me get ready for the Outer Banks 1/2 in Nov.

Great hour long aerobics class w/ weights & stretching.  I'm going to compare this to 3 mi. cross training.

Nice recovery run with hubby.  First time I've run since race last Sat.  I know, I know...I shouldn't have slacked off so much earlier in the week.  We went slow & I felt pretty good.

Aerobics class today.  Had lots of energy today, enjoyed the class! Legs are still a bit stiff from race last Saturday.  Could really feel it when I jumped, etc.  Going for 9 miles tomorrow!

Love my new running partner and route!! Lewisville was so gorgeous this morning, perfect temp, light fog- delightful.  We got in 8 miles, close enough to the 9 I needed.  I felt really good today too!!! 

So- I've been going around telling everyone that I think I'm over marathons- no desire to run another.  But MAN! These SGM race reports are really getting to me! Maybe...just maybe...

 The blog has really changed in the last 2 yrs.  A lot of my old buddies have had major life changes and just aren't able to post much...missing Kim, Lybster, Marcie...glad to see Mik'L is posting more though :).  But as I read through the race reports today I see a spunky crowd that I hadn't noticed before.  I feel re-energized about the blog.  There is some great energy on here that I've overlooked, but I'll be watching more closely now!

I will keep counting this as 3 miles of cross training. I'm going to a

60 min. class about 2x a week that includes at least 30 min cardio

along with weights & stretching. Trying to mix it up, keep my body

guessing and lose some weight! 

Ran right after the rain and all the animals were out! Red birds

(robins? cardinals?), turtle, deer and snake all on my path!! It was

hard to get started, but half way through I felt great. Mile 3 was my

best mile with 8:30 pace (8:50 av. for run). Perhaps a BIT of my base is coming back :)

Toning/Stretching class.  Was supposed to be a class with cardio too, but had a sub instructor who did something different.  Good class, but since no cardio don't think I can get away with logging 3 cross training miles.

My hubby accompanied me today to the lake. He's new to running and did a lot of running, but I forced myself to run ahead then come back & get him. It was a nice quiet run, some trees are starting to change color along the trail. It started to rain for the last 2 miles, LOVE running in the rain (as long as there's no lightning :)

eye-yie-yie (how the heck do you spell that anyway?)

low mileage week last week, need to ramp it up this week! aerobics class this afternoon = 3 miles crosstraining and a happy girl :)

I did it! Long run by myself.  Don't have too many running routes in Winston Salem yet so I picked a 4.5 trail and did it (almost) 2x.  This is a great trail because aside from being really pretty (runs a long a creek with lots of trees, horse enclosures, etc)- it is also paved wide and flat AND there's always runners & bikers out there so I don't have to be creeped out about running alone.  The Outer Banks Half is quickly approaching (less than a month)! Its crunch time! 8:53 av. pace.

Aerobics class today.  I was late and had to stand up front- hate that! I was so self conscious that I didn't work as hard as I should've.  Gotta get there early for my comfy back row spot from now on! :)

lazy thurs & fri! no good excuses, just let the day slip away.  did take the dog for a long walk today so i'm counting it!

Awesome run around Lewisville with Stacie & Kim. It was such a beautiful fall morning! Can't believe the leaves are turning already. Its SOOO helpful to run with friends- my body wanted to stop at 8 miles, but thanks to chit chat I was able to get in a couple more miles.

Aerobics today.  It was OK, but didn't feel that I worked as hard as I could have.  Gotta work on that during the next class!

My body is still trying to recover from my out of the blue 10 miler last Saturday.  So I decided to take it easy today- walk the dog day! Went to a gorgeous park and snapped some shots of the fall colors.  Fall in North Carolina is AWESOME!

Drug myself out for a run.  Not feeling so hot.  Maybe a cold coming on? At least I got 'er done, 4 miles.

Aerobics class. Put a little more heart & soul into it today and had a good workout!

Really don't know how many miles to log here.  Drug myself to treadmill (my rental community has one I can use, only like my 3rd time on it in the 3 months I've lived here)  Anyway...still not feeling 100% today but know I need some more mileage before tomrrow's 10k.  So I did this lame cross training routine of like 5 min on treadmill, then bike, then eliptical, then repeated 3x.  Yah, lame! I don't even know how long I was in the room, maybe 25 minutes? So I'm logging 2.5 and calling it good.  Not feeling too great about tomorrow's race with all the sketchy training this week!

Confidence booster race! Placed 1st in my age division- yippee! This was a small race through the pretty community of Rural Hall.  The morning was rainy and although there were 180 registrants the attendance we definitely not that!! Kim, Stacie, Nicole & I ventured out in the rain and had a great time. 3 out of the 4 of us placed in our AD, so great race for us! The race was advertised as fast & flat- well, that is a bit of a stretch.  It has 3 small hills in the first half! Most of it was flat though.  It was well ran, cheerleaders giving splits at every mile and 4 aid stations.  This was an out & back which I usually don't like, but the turn around point was around mile 4 (as I recall?) and it was actually encouraging to see the first finishers coming back.  Way more men than women running this race interestingly enough? The shirt was a nice beefy hanes T with a fun halloween design (orange shirt!) 

aerobics class, decent workout, wish she did more abs

went out to muddy creek trail solo. 9:10 average pace, a bit slower than I would have liked, but first time I ran since 10k last Saturday so this was a bit of recovery run

aerobics- went in afternoon instead of morning for a change and had different instructor.  nice change, she did some different routines and some tough abs/arms stuff.

Decided to run a few hills today 'cause I realized the half marathon has a mile long bridge at mile 11- ugh.  Not ready for that.  So I did 3.5 miles of rolling hills today.  Not too strenuous, didn't want to be too worn out for long run tomorrow.  Hopefully it will help with a bit with the bridge in the race though. 9:02 av pace, yay for neg. split on last 1.5 mile :)

Happy Halloween!  Like to think my long run bought me a couple mini candy bars from the kids stash tonight :)  Looking forward to potluck with friends & trick or treatin' with hubby, daughter and dog (yes, even the dog has a very appropriate devil costume that he'll be sporting tonight)  My 12 yr old son, however, has decided he's too cool for us and will be out with his friends.  Ah well, such is life. 

Nice 10 miler with the girls.  Felt pretty good, more energy than expected.  Kinda nervous that I didn't get in a 12 miler before the half next weekend.  This should have been a 12, but we all had time constraints.

aerobics cross training

more aerobics cross training. really should have run today, but didn't- barely got myself to the gym later in the day. the teacher was different today and more challenging- i like that :) only problem is i did lots of jumping around.  hope that doesn't come back to haunt me at the half this weekend.

finally got in a run.  4 "easy" miles that didn't feel too easy.  i'm sure that's cause i've had 3 days since my last run.  i do this frequently and its always rough that first day after a few off. my left knee was tweaking and i know its cause of all the jumping around at aerobics the last few days.  going to walk and take it easy tomorow.

nice walk the dog kind of day.  too much junk food though!

another walk the dog day.  i had planned to get in a few hills as my last run before the half saturday but i just had too much on my plate today and running got sacraficed.  i'm not going to sweat it- we'll be doing some hiking tomorrow (jockey's ridge in outer banks) so hopefully that will shake out the legs.  if i can i may still get in a short run tonight, but play by ear.

thanks for everyone's support going into this race!! (brent & lybi- that is you) your comments mean so much!

Geesh...I still don't get what Threshold & VO2 Max Miles are? So not quite sure where to log the race miles? Need to so some research on that.

OUTER BANKS HALF MARATHON WAS AWESOME!!!!!!

One of my all time favorite races! Our family went down Friday night and spent 2 nights in a hotel 50 yards from the beach.  Saturday (day before the race) we spent the day playing around a beautiful beach near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  We had some good times and good eats! I hope to update the family blog in the next couple days with pics (www.CarpeDiem95.blogspot.com) The weather could not have been more perfect!! 50 degrees, not windy, sunny- gorgeous! The Expo was small (all I have to compare it to is St. George) but they gave out some fun pirate theme bags with our swag.  The shirt was a nice dry release, but unisex cut which never works for my 5' 1" frame- bummer.  Race day worked out great.  Our hotel was 2.5 miles from start so my hubby dropped me off.  Weird to start alone without any friends, but you know us runners are a social bunch.  I ended up chatting with a few nice people at start and never felt lonely.  Luckily all my electronic devices worked well- gosh I'm high maintanence with my Garmin & IPOD, can't race without 'em! I wasn't sure what to expect it had been 9 months since my last half.  I set my goal attainable- just wanted under 1:57 (PR is 1:52 but wasn't shooting for that today). I was stoked to see my Garmin read 1:55:47 at finish.  Not so stoked to see my chip time is a minute slower than that?! Regardless, the miles flew by- what a feeling, that rarely happens to me on race day!! Nice flat, scenic run along interstate, then neighborhoods, by golf course and along coast and marinas.  Lots of change of scenery and a combo of sun, good tunes on the IPOD kept me VERY happy.  I think I was smiling 90% of this race!  Extreme runner's high at end of this race :) Could feel my toes bruising at mile 8, but not too bad.  Took GU every 4 and picked up drinks at most aid stations.  Was very happy that I was staying ahead of my virtual partner.  The finish party was fun- pictures with pirates, great band (with lots of horns), and in addition to our cool pirate medals, they gave nice running visors- love little perks like that! VERY happy with this race, can't wait to post pictures once the Outer Banks website gets them up.  Would do this race again- long drive (5 hrs) but worth it!

Today the self talk got the best of me..."You just ran a half marathon yesterday- you don't have to do anything today".  So yah, R & R day.

Aerobics class

Rain, Rain and more Rain! Went to aerobics today because it was easier than getting myself motivated to get on the dreadmill.  I think its supposed to FINALLY stop raining tomorrow, so I'm planning on a run outside!

another aerobics day.  figured I could get away with aerobics 3x in a row this week in the name of rain and recovery week :)

This was actually my 9 yr. old daughter's first 5k that I ran with her! Fun day! N. Carolina has a great program called "Go Far" that teaches kids healthy habits.  They met for 10 weeks and had little lessons about nutrition, exercise, goal setting & self esteem.  Then they ended the 10 weeks with a 5k. It was a wonderful, big event with many schools in the district participating, hundreds of people.  I ran along with Arielle just to keep her company.  I made an effort not to push her, this was HER race.  I was SO proud of her! She kept a nice consistent pace and run the entire way except when she walked for just a couple seconds to drink her water at the halfway point.  She had a smile on her face and got so excited at the finish.  She sprinted and lifted up her arms in  showy celebration :)  at the finish line.  I'm so glad she had a great first race experience. Hopefully she'll want to run another one!

aerobics

Well, I've been peer pressured (in a good way!).  I've been talked into running another Half Marathon on Dec. 5th.  I had thought about doing this race awhile back, but then after running the Outer Banks half earlier in the month I thought maybe that was good enough.  My friends had been quite about the Dec. 5th race, but then in came up again and I registered on the deadline yesterday.  Its a really good thing I did, 'cause I just don't train well when I don't have an upcoming race goal.  I was already starting to slack off since my last race. 

SO! This Dec. 5th Mistletoe Half is apparently pretty hilly.  Ugh...I thought I better get out and do some hills today.  I did a tough, hilly 4 miles in the rain!! Found a pretty new road to run though, so I'm excited to go back and run it again.

aerobics

Long run with Kim & Candice.  Usually we go about 10:10 pace on our Sat. runs but today it was 9:20.  Whoa, it was keeping me on my toes to run with these gals that are younger and taller than me! Phew!

I have been very naughty about blogging.  I have been running a bit and just ran the Mistletoe Half.  Not an easy, PR course- but a very pretty course through Winston Salem.  I think the YMCA did a great job managing so many runners.  The post race food was the best I've seen- smoothies, pizza, bagels, fruit, etc.  The weather was yucky- rained the whole time, 40 degrees.  Luckily I warmed up and it wasn't an issue.  No wind- so that was a blessing.  I ran with a couple girlfriends and we took it really easy chatting and warming up the first 3 miles.  Then we each settled into our own race.  I decided then that I wanted to break 2 hrs and I had to step it up a bit.  Luckily I just barely made it.  I didn't approach this race with much gusto- but it was fun anyway of course.  Need to decide what my next goal is.  I haven't really been motivated since the Outer Banks Half.  I think winter has something to do with it..