I Can Do Hard Things

TT: 54:00

AP: 9:00

Working out didn't quite turn out as I planned...I'm learning how to be flexible. I'm watching my 2 nieces for the next few days. I didn't sleep well last night and turned my alarm off. My thumb is infected again and I've been to the doctor 5 different times about it. Grrrrr....so between my huge, throbbing thumb and my gashes from the 4 wheeler, it was a long night.

So I started my run at 7:30 pm and ran downstairs. This is actually a bit faster than I normally run on the TM,miso that's a plus.

I'm concerned that I haven't done any strength training last week or this far this week. Life has been a bit crazy and I need to have balance. But it needs to get done.

Another hill Tuesday!  I forgot my ipod and I think that really helped me to focus today.  Interesting!

1.5 mile warm up

900 E Hill
Today   Last Week     2012

1:27       1:27             1:15

1:23       1:31

1:21        1:29

700 N Hill

Today       Last Week     2012

1:04             -                  56

1:00             1:07

1:02             1:03

I was really pleased with today's hill session.  I was a few seconds faster than last week and felt like I made progress (I still have a ways to go though).  Plus, I didn't have as much anxiety as usual.  It gives me a small amount of hope :)

I cooled down until I hit 7 miles (part of cool down was on the home TM). 

AM 2:

Running camp.  I ran a mile with the top boy today.  He's 7 years old and FAST!  He is going to be a great runner! My 2 year old niece that I'm babysitting walked/ran .75 miles in flip flops!

I picked all 4 rows of my peas yesterday in my garden and planted green beans in their place.  I could see small potatoes peaking through!  Plus my kids were swiping raspberries.  I love summer gardens!

TT:  1:46:36

AP:  8:53

9:50, 9:24, 9:01, 8:57, 8:42, 8:45, 8:44, 8:38, 8:46, 8:28, 8:24, 8:20

Dark thirty comes way too early.  I think I was sleep running for the first few miles.  My legs felt a bit heavy and it took more effort than it should have.  Blah....Blah....Blah....

It was hot this morning and I had too much sweat stinging my eyeballs.  This always makes my contacts happy.

Stretch and foam roll

AM 2:

Running camp - 1 mile.  I run a lot with twin sisters Hailey and Hannah.  They are about 7-8 years old.  There is something about their muscles....they seem soft.  Their arms and legs go flailing around and it takes a lot of effort to move their legs.  I'm not sure what it is.  Mom and Dad came to watch them today.  I introduced myself to them and told them how great their girls are doing.  They can finally run a mile now.  They had hear all about some coach and how much the girls like to run......how good it has been for their therapy.  YEAH!!!!  That totally made my day that the girls LIKE to run...even better they like to run with me.  Payoff :)

JRP with Smooth, Karen, Rachel, Virginia and Leslie

I've been in a conendurum about running lately.  I try REALLY hard to get up early and get my working out done before my family even gets ups.  I have a neighbor who is constantly gone from her kids (they are left alone) teaching various workout classes.  I totally understand that moms need a break, but I feel like (for my neighbor) her family is suffering because of her absence. 

Therefore most of my runs are done alone (it's hard to find buddies to go super early).  I've been struggling a bit to find the motivation to go alone day after day.  The long runs are even harder.  So when I got a text yesterday to run with Rachel, Smooth and Karen, I knew I HAD to go.  I needed a buddy.  I found a babysitter this morning and felt guilty for leaving my kids.  BUT I felt better.  My spirits were lifted.  I appreciated all the encouragement from my friends.  Sometimes it is hard to find balance.

ONTO THE RUN:

Oh my...the humidity.  I was sweating just sitting in the car.  It was comparable to running in the Bahamas.  Uck!  But there was some good cloud cover and lots of good conversation.  My legs were definitely tired after running 12 miles yesterday.  I was suppose to do some MP miles, but it wasn't happening.  

So glad I went.  So glad the long run is over.  So glad for a shower.  So glad for a nap.  

THIS girl.....does NOT like the heat!  At all.....it gives me a serious case of the grumpies!  I didn't get out on my run until 7:00am which was WAY too hot for me.  GRUMP!

My run was purely survival.  My legs were toast and full of aches.  But it is done.  I ran 30 miles between Thursday and Friday.  That is the most I've ever run.  And I ran another 50 mile week.  Another first for me....2x50 milers in a row.  Come on body...hang on!

2x

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

side to side lunges

Stretch and foam roll and ice bath

I worked my my garden for a long time.  I thinned out my carrots, hilled up my potatoes and gave my tomatoes a good hair cut.  Plus the normal weeding.  Then I cut a few fresh flowers for my kitchen counter.