Hey everybody,
I know, I know, I have been MIA for a couple of weeks. But to answer your questions...yes and no. Yes, as in I have still been training and No, as in not to the best of my ability. I went to Las Vegas, because I have some of the best friends in the world, one of which happens to be THE BEST Optometrist in Cumberland County, TN, Dr. Cory Bosanko....don't take my word for it, he won some award saying so. Anyway, he really loves surprising his wife with things and apparently I am one of them. We had such a fantastic time that I was only able to run 1 of the 2 scheduled miles ( it was originally 5 miles but I charmed my coach...aka..Greg). But I justified it by telling myself I walked too much on the strip the night before. That's justifiable, right? Well, now that I am completely free of toxins I can debunk that justification and say, No. Not unless I plan to walk my races. Oh well, I can't get that time back and lets face it, it was a great time with great friends that I don't see nearly enough!!
Here I am, back on level ground and my head is no longer spinning....from the flight ;) Time to get back to business. My first run back was torture. I literally felt like I was back to square one and was actually a little worried that I was going to have to start all over. Usually when I go out for a run I am constantly trying to beat my best 5K time. Up until this run I have always been successful (only by a second or 2). This time it was slower by at least 2 minutes.
My first actual race is June 1st. It's an 80's 5K. I have a goal time of 32 minutes. So far, the fastest I have ran in training is 33:54. I don't have much longer do I?! For those of you who are saying "damn, 32 minutes, what's she doing, walking?".......depends who you are. If you're a runner, then yes, compared to you it would seem like I am walking but if you're not a runner...I'm running circles around you while you're sitting on your couch judging me ;) Whatever time I finish I will still PR. I run 5K's in training all the time but never in an actual race so I'm pretty excited! AND I get to dress up in 80's clothes....how can this not be one of the best days of my life, right?!
I look forward to telling you all about my first race!!!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Week 5 Hampster Wheel
This week, I ran my first 4 mile run. Unfortunately, the rain made it impossible for me to run outside. For the first time, other then a 5 minute warm up, I had to get on the treadmill. That was an experience!!!! I prefer to call it the hamster wheel. At least when I'm on the road I have something to look at. This was the most BORING 4 miles of my life. The only thing I had to look at was my reflection in the window in front of me. Honestly, nobody wants to know what they really look like when they're running. So, I focused on the reflections of the people behind me....made me feel a little better about myself...haha. We all look like ridiculous panting dogs. But then again, some of them had an excuse...they were on oxygen.
Since I'm used to just hitting the watch and running, the hamster wheel had me frustrated before I could even begin. It had been so long since I had been on one that I had forgotten about the quick start. But I figured it out and started my workout. Then my shoe came untied, my coat fell on the belt and I had to take a call about one of kids...each time I thought I was hitting pause but it was starting it over and losing my workout. Needless to say, 1 mile in, I was ready to throw in the towel and call it a day. But I pushed on and finished my 4 miles, which I'm pretty sure was closer to 5 considering all the times I hit "pause". I will say there are pro's and con's to the hamster wheel. Con's: you never get anywhere. It's boring!!!! Running inside SUCKS because the only breeze you get is from the panting of your neighbor. Pro's: I like that I can control my speed and really push myself and I'm able, for a change ,to run on a flat surface (My neighborhood is full of hills). All in all, I was totally dreading the workout but in the end I persevered and made it through. It was a change in atmosphere, and that's always a plus.
The next day was my second "first" of my training. My Fartlek workout ( yes, pronounced FART-LICK) I would run 1 minute as fast as I could, walk a minute, then run 2 minutes as fast as I could....for 25 minutes. HARD, HARD, HARD!!!! Greg called me later in the day and said that while he was uploading my workout to Garmin, he noticed that at one point during my run that I had a pace of 5:50. Now, you can say what you want but I felt like I was the next up and coming, break out, Olympic Gold medalist!!
Today is Saturday, a 3 mile run was on the schedule. But, mommy duties called and I was unable to fit it into the schedule. Normally I would feel guilty but today it didn't bother me. Physically and mentally I feel the difference if I don't get my run in. But today, it was raining all day, its saturday and I decided to focus on my ultimate goal......FAMILY! Because in the end, who's gonna be there cheering me on....the 3 loves of my life!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Interested in becoming a "Crazy Mamma on the Run"?
Hi everyone!
I thought I would let you know that Facebook has been a little finicky when it come to my "Friend Requests". If you are interested in becoming a Crazy Mamma on the Run group member on Facebook, just send me a PM. For some reason FB deletes my friend requests and I have no way of knowing who sent it.
Keep in mind, Crazy Mamma on the Run is for MOTHERS who are short on time but have the desire to be healthy. You do not have to be a runner but you do have to get off the couch. We highly encourage post and communication on the group page. My theory is, if you set a goal and communicate it with others, you're more likely to achieve it. If you have questions or suggestions....post it! We are all their for encouragement and motivation, so lets help eachother!
I thought I would let you know that Facebook has been a little finicky when it come to my "Friend Requests". If you are interested in becoming a Crazy Mamma on the Run group member on Facebook, just send me a PM. For some reason FB deletes my friend requests and I have no way of knowing who sent it.
Keep in mind, Crazy Mamma on the Run is for MOTHERS who are short on time but have the desire to be healthy. You do not have to be a runner but you do have to get off the couch. We highly encourage post and communication on the group page. My theory is, if you set a goal and communicate it with others, you're more likely to achieve it. If you have questions or suggestions....post it! We are all their for encouragement and motivation, so lets help eachother!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Week 4 My own "Trail of Tears"
April 16, 2013
Yesterday, April 15 was a sad, sad day for the nation. My heart goes out to all the people affected by the tragedy of the "Boston Bombings". It has been said that there were around 75 people from St. Louis that were running the marathon, not including their families. As far as I know, they are all accounted for! For the people who were not so lucky....It wasn't much but my miles today, were in your honor.
It had been raining all through the night and most of the day today. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get it in but I did. My first mile was in total silence. Nothing but my feet hitting the pavement, the sounds of birds chirping in the trees and the occasional vehicle driving by. The scenery was beautiful. The sidewalk was littered with the debris from the Bradford Pear trees and there was the occasional puddle of water that lay in a pool over the sidewalk. Typically, this wouldn't have been my favorite running conditions (who am I kidding, I don't have a favorite running condition) but today I was just grateful to be able to be running.
I came to my favorite part of trail, where it opens wide and all you see is a long road, lined with trees on either side. I started thinking about Martin. The 8 year old boy who was killed by debris, as he ran to congratulate his father who was crossing the finish line. I tell you something, there is something so different about tears running down your face while you're running. Its hard to explain and it's going to sound cheesy but it was as if I had more energy. Maybe it was the anger I was feeling, I don't know.
Even as I sit here, typing this blog, I am struggling to keep back the tears. My heart literally hurts for the victims of the bombings. But as a mother, I am overly sensitive when it comes to the children. It is my hope and prayer that as Martin ran to his father, that he was so overjoyed and full of pride in his dad, that he never knew what hit him.
We are a racing family. Greg has crossed many, many finish lines and we both will cross many more. You never know when you will cross your last.
Rest in peace....you will not be forgotten!
My Challenge to my readers....if you haven't been able to get off the couch yet or don't even have the desire....do it now, if only just once, for the victims of the Boston Bombing. And when you do, let me know! Either leave me a comment here or find me on FACEBOOK under Catrina Houston. Lace 'em up...there are lots of people who wish they could!!
Yesterday, April 15 was a sad, sad day for the nation. My heart goes out to all the people affected by the tragedy of the "Boston Bombings". It has been said that there were around 75 people from St. Louis that were running the marathon, not including their families. As far as I know, they are all accounted for! For the people who were not so lucky....It wasn't much but my miles today, were in your honor.
It had been raining all through the night and most of the day today. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get it in but I did. My first mile was in total silence. Nothing but my feet hitting the pavement, the sounds of birds chirping in the trees and the occasional vehicle driving by. The scenery was beautiful. The sidewalk was littered with the debris from the Bradford Pear trees and there was the occasional puddle of water that lay in a pool over the sidewalk. Typically, this wouldn't have been my favorite running conditions (who am I kidding, I don't have a favorite running condition) but today I was just grateful to be able to be running.
I came to my favorite part of trail, where it opens wide and all you see is a long road, lined with trees on either side. I started thinking about Martin. The 8 year old boy who was killed by debris, as he ran to congratulate his father who was crossing the finish line. I tell you something, there is something so different about tears running down your face while you're running. Its hard to explain and it's going to sound cheesy but it was as if I had more energy. Maybe it was the anger I was feeling, I don't know.
Even as I sit here, typing this blog, I am struggling to keep back the tears. My heart literally hurts for the victims of the bombings. But as a mother, I am overly sensitive when it comes to the children. It is my hope and prayer that as Martin ran to his father, that he was so overjoyed and full of pride in his dad, that he never knew what hit him.
We are a racing family. Greg has crossed many, many finish lines and we both will cross many more. You never know when you will cross your last.
Rest in peace....you will not be forgotten!
My Challenge to my readers....if you haven't been able to get off the couch yet or don't even have the desire....do it now, if only just once, for the victims of the Boston Bombing. And when you do, let me know! Either leave me a comment here or find me on FACEBOOK under Catrina Houston. Lace 'em up...there are lots of people who wish they could!!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Week 3/ Mirror, Mirror on the wall
I wasn't very happy about the way week 2 ended. I usually love Saturdays because it is the last day in my training schedule. I can check that week off the schedule and move on. But this Saturday, not so much. When I woke up I felt like someone had literally thrown a medicine ball at my head then went and picked it up, set it on top of my head and wrapped duct tape around it. That's how I felt the majority of the day. Finally at 4pm, I gave it up and decided to take the day off. Totally disappointed! I ruined my perfect record. Up until I was slapped upside the head with what I think was the start of a sinus infection, I had a perfect running "attendance". But whatever, things happen....move on.
Today is Week 3. Tuesday. And I have 3 miles on the schedule. I could tell from the moment I woke up, it just wasn't going to be my day. I went to bed late because I had to take a quiz (which had technical problems so it wasn't available at the time I was planning). Then the baby was off her morning schedule and I had to write a paper. Are you seeing the pattern here? I need my schedule. If I plan for something to be a certain way, I need it to happen that way or I don't cope well. I finally finished my paper and was STARVING because I hadn't eaten since 7 am and it was now 1pm. I did the big no-no. I overate. My eyes were bigger then my stomach and I just kept eating. I only had a short window left to complete my run because Greg had a client and had to leave. So, I hung around for a half hour or so and decided to get it over with. I knew when I was lacing up my shoes it probably wasn't going to go well. About a mile in, it had become evident that lunch was on its way. When I got back home I had completed 1.5 miles. Tomorrow is my day off but instead I will complete the other 1.5 to get back on track.
Since I have a grown up date tomorrow night with my love, I decided to shop. Yep, I said shop. If you know me, you know that one of the things I despise in this world is shopping. I am not your typical "girly girl". Why do I hate shopping you ask....MULTIPLE reasons. But today's reason.......MIRRORS! I entered the dressing room with the few items I had chosen. 3 tops and 2 pair of shorts. I tried one of the tops, I thought "eh, cute but note sure I could hide my bra straps". I tried the second top, "cute color but kinda cuts me off at the waist". I figured I would try on a pair of shorts next. I get them on, look in the mirror and say aloud, "who wants to see that'? With impeccable timing, my 4 month old laughed. Obviously she agreed. What is the deal with shorts these days? Girls, let me tell you something. If I can see the fake-bake tan line under your butt cheeks........your shorts are TOO SHORT! I am almost 33 years old and have given birth to 2 kids. My shorts need to be at my finger tips. I am saving a lot of people, including myself that image. Which brings me back to the mirrors. I did NOT appreciate the image that was staring back at me. I was feeling much better about myself when I walked into that store then I did when I left. Needless to say, I didn't buy anything and on my drive home was wishing I had completed that other 1.5 miles. Those thighs of mine could use to have burned those extra calories. Moral of the story.....if you're feeling like slacking on the training.....go shopping..... and actually look in the mirror!
Today is Week 3. Tuesday. And I have 3 miles on the schedule. I could tell from the moment I woke up, it just wasn't going to be my day. I went to bed late because I had to take a quiz (which had technical problems so it wasn't available at the time I was planning). Then the baby was off her morning schedule and I had to write a paper. Are you seeing the pattern here? I need my schedule. If I plan for something to be a certain way, I need it to happen that way or I don't cope well. I finally finished my paper and was STARVING because I hadn't eaten since 7 am and it was now 1pm. I did the big no-no. I overate. My eyes were bigger then my stomach and I just kept eating. I only had a short window left to complete my run because Greg had a client and had to leave. So, I hung around for a half hour or so and decided to get it over with. I knew when I was lacing up my shoes it probably wasn't going to go well. About a mile in, it had become evident that lunch was on its way. When I got back home I had completed 1.5 miles. Tomorrow is my day off but instead I will complete the other 1.5 to get back on track.
Since I have a grown up date tomorrow night with my love, I decided to shop. Yep, I said shop. If you know me, you know that one of the things I despise in this world is shopping. I am not your typical "girly girl". Why do I hate shopping you ask....MULTIPLE reasons. But today's reason.......MIRRORS! I entered the dressing room with the few items I had chosen. 3 tops and 2 pair of shorts. I tried one of the tops, I thought "eh, cute but note sure I could hide my bra straps". I tried the second top, "cute color but kinda cuts me off at the waist". I figured I would try on a pair of shorts next. I get them on, look in the mirror and say aloud, "who wants to see that'? With impeccable timing, my 4 month old laughed. Obviously she agreed. What is the deal with shorts these days? Girls, let me tell you something. If I can see the fake-bake tan line under your butt cheeks........your shorts are TOO SHORT! I am almost 33 years old and have given birth to 2 kids. My shorts need to be at my finger tips. I am saving a lot of people, including myself that image. Which brings me back to the mirrors. I did NOT appreciate the image that was staring back at me. I was feeling much better about myself when I walked into that store then I did when I left. Needless to say, I didn't buy anything and on my drive home was wishing I had completed that other 1.5 miles. Those thighs of mine could use to have burned those extra calories. Moral of the story.....if you're feeling like slacking on the training.....go shopping..... and actually look in the mirror!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Week 2
Today is Wednesday 04/02/2013
Last week was Easter and I finished up the week with a new "PR" (personal record) of 11:16. Well, it's something to shoot for again. But it won't be for awhile. Why? The spots and the dizziness are a little unnerving. I pushed myself way to hard. I was losing track of why I'm doing this (other then the camera). To cross the finish line. I need to condition myself for long runs. Not try to win the record for the fastest mile. Not that a time of 11:16 would win. If I go into a race in high gear, right out of the gate, I'm not going to make it far.
So far, I have 7 miles in this week. Today was another 3 miles or you could say pretty stinking close to a 5K. Last week when I ran 3 miles, I struggled. Today, not so much. Unlike last week, I ran first thing in the morning. And instead of doing the same lap 3 times, I changed it up so I wasn't so bored. I jogged the first 2 miles without stopping....yep, you read that right......WITHOUT STOPPING! Thankfully, mile 2 ended as the dreaded hill,( we'll call it "mini zilla" because it's father "Godzilla" is in the other direction) started. That's the first and only time I walked the entire 3 miles today, finishing with a 12:58 pace. Yeah, I'm not going to win any races but its better then when I started.
Tomorrow is a 20min run, off on Friday and Saturday is another 2 miles. Finishing me off with no less then a 10 miles week! I wouldn't have imagined those words coming out of my mouth 2 weeks ago!
Last week was Easter and I finished up the week with a new "PR" (personal record) of 11:16. Well, it's something to shoot for again. But it won't be for awhile. Why? The spots and the dizziness are a little unnerving. I pushed myself way to hard. I was losing track of why I'm doing this (other then the camera). To cross the finish line. I need to condition myself for long runs. Not try to win the record for the fastest mile. Not that a time of 11:16 would win. If I go into a race in high gear, right out of the gate, I'm not going to make it far.
So far, I have 7 miles in this week. Today was another 3 miles or you could say pretty stinking close to a 5K. Last week when I ran 3 miles, I struggled. Today, not so much. Unlike last week, I ran first thing in the morning. And instead of doing the same lap 3 times, I changed it up so I wasn't so bored. I jogged the first 2 miles without stopping....yep, you read that right......WITHOUT STOPPING! Thankfully, mile 2 ended as the dreaded hill,( we'll call it "mini zilla" because it's father "Godzilla" is in the other direction) started. That's the first and only time I walked the entire 3 miles today, finishing with a 12:58 pace. Yeah, I'm not going to win any races but its better then when I started.
Tomorrow is a 20min run, off on Friday and Saturday is another 2 miles. Finishing me off with no less then a 10 miles week! I wouldn't have imagined those words coming out of my mouth 2 weeks ago!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Week 1/Day 3
3 Miles
I went into todays run a little nervous but pretty confident. After all, the last time I ran, which was 2 miles, I was sprinting to the finish. Obviously I had more in me so 3 miles shouldn't be to bad, right? WRONG! I don't know if it was because I had yesterday off, or if it was because I waited until after work to run. But from the start, today was tough! I did everything I could think of to take my mind off the fact that my legs were burning 20 yards in. I sang, played the air drums (which by the way I'm convinced I missed my calling as a rock star) and did my best to clear my mind. We mothers don't get those moments very often and when we do, we need to take advantage of it. If we don't ever get a chance to clear our heads they start to spin around and we start speaking in tongues...not a pretty sight for anyone! Anyway, I was just about to get lost in my own happy, childless, chore-less, free thinking thoughts when it happened........side cramp. UGH!!! As if this is not hard enough, I'm running in melted snow so my feet are getting soaked and every time I take a step the water comes up and splashes me on the back of the legs....now I have a side cramp. But that's not it.....wait for it......Ear aches....BOTH ears. Greg and I did a little research a while back and figured out that I have some kind of "short canal:" or something and that I should keep my ears covered because cold weather and vigorous activity cause it to flair up causing EXTREME PAIN that can last for about 15 mins after I stop running. Well, me being the genius that I am decided not to cover my ears today because I thought it was "warm". Considering what it has been, it was warm. So, I walked off the side cramp. I was halfway finished by this point. Lol....yes, all of that happened withing the first mile and a half. I wont bore you with the second half because it wasn't much different from the first. Just alot more of me complaining to myself. The important thing is....I FINISHED. And guess what? I finished with a 12:19 pace!!! 3 miles in 36:57. The moral of the story.....it was hard work, mentally and physically. But I have a new personal record or "PR". And I'm glad I did it.
Each day is a new challenge that I overcome. Some days are harder then others but in the end....I conquered and I take pride in that. I DID IT FOR ME just like you should do it for YOU!
I went into todays run a little nervous but pretty confident. After all, the last time I ran, which was 2 miles, I was sprinting to the finish. Obviously I had more in me so 3 miles shouldn't be to bad, right? WRONG! I don't know if it was because I had yesterday off, or if it was because I waited until after work to run. But from the start, today was tough! I did everything I could think of to take my mind off the fact that my legs were burning 20 yards in. I sang, played the air drums (which by the way I'm convinced I missed my calling as a rock star) and did my best to clear my mind. We mothers don't get those moments very often and when we do, we need to take advantage of it. If we don't ever get a chance to clear our heads they start to spin around and we start speaking in tongues...not a pretty sight for anyone! Anyway, I was just about to get lost in my own happy, childless, chore-less, free thinking thoughts when it happened........side cramp. UGH!!! As if this is not hard enough, I'm running in melted snow so my feet are getting soaked and every time I take a step the water comes up and splashes me on the back of the legs....now I have a side cramp. But that's not it.....wait for it......Ear aches....BOTH ears. Greg and I did a little research a while back and figured out that I have some kind of "short canal:" or something and that I should keep my ears covered because cold weather and vigorous activity cause it to flair up causing EXTREME PAIN that can last for about 15 mins after I stop running. Well, me being the genius that I am decided not to cover my ears today because I thought it was "warm". Considering what it has been, it was warm. So, I walked off the side cramp. I was halfway finished by this point. Lol....yes, all of that happened withing the first mile and a half. I wont bore you with the second half because it wasn't much different from the first. Just alot more of me complaining to myself. The important thing is....I FINISHED. And guess what? I finished with a 12:19 pace!!! 3 miles in 36:57. The moral of the story.....it was hard work, mentally and physically. But I have a new personal record or "PR". And I'm glad I did it.
Each day is a new challenge that I overcome. Some days are harder then others but in the end....I conquered and I take pride in that. I DID IT FOR ME just like you should do it for YOU!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Training Links
Hey ladies,
Below is a list of links that should help you with your training. I don't want you to think that you have to do what I am doing. Remember, I am doing my first 5K June 1st but I am also training for a half marathon. My training schedule will be different from someone who is only interested in a 5K. Keep in mind everybody's fitness level is different. So find what works for you. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. That's why I am here.
The second website has a training schedule for everyone from the walker to the super advanced athlete.
I am adding these websites to the blog so that ANYONE CAN JOIN THE JOURNEY AT ANY TIME!
http://www.active.com/mobile/c25k
http://halhigdon.com/training/
http://www.active.com/mobile/c25k
http://www.jogtracker.com/
Monday, March 25, 2013
Week 1...Day 2.....Music is my time machine
Day 2: 2 miles
The most snow accumulation in St. Louis since 1982. REALLY??
I seriously doubt I would have ran today had it not been for my readers. There are 500 school closing in St. Louis today and I'm going to be running in this crap. JOY! I have 2 people who have already committed to running a 5K with me. If I quit, I'm not just letting myself down, I'm letting them down too.
I pulled my clothes on and went out the door. Thankfully MO DOT does a pretty good job, the roads were decent. I tiptoed across the driveway trying not to get my shoes wet and made it to the road, hit the watch and started the jog. Thankfully Greg had mapped out a perfect mile for me so all I had to do was loop it twice. About 1/4 of a mile in, my hands were freezing. The gloves weren't cutting it. I thought to myself after the first loop, I'll run back inside, this is just ridiculous. I HATE BEING COLD. Snow is pretty.....on a postcard!
I was about to the 1/2 mile mark, where I needed to circle this cul-de-sac and loop back in the direction I had just come from. Up until this point I had kept my eyes on the road. (Remember, I'm super clumsy). I was looking ahead to see if the road had been cleared when my right foot hit a pot hole filled with water and I twisted my ankle. So much for keeping my feet dry. But I recovered and walked the cul-de-sac. It could have been much worse and I was lucky. Something small like that can take you out of the game, so lesson learned. Watch where you're going ding-dong!!
Today's theme song...Cinderella Man.....Eminem. (MUSIC IS MY TIME MACHINE is a line in the song) This song came on right after the ankle twist. I forgot about the initial pain in my ankle. I forgot I was cold and I forgot I still had a mile and a half to go. Surprisingly after that start, the next mile flew by. So much so that I sprinted the last 100 yards with a finishing time of 26:21 or a 13:11 pace per mile (PACE is runners "lingo") I'll teach you as I learn!
If anyone has any suggestions on music I would love to hear them. Right now I am listening to Greg's Ipod and we don't necessarily have the same taste in music. He's a peaceful person and can listen to Michael Buble while he's training where I have to listen to something angry. I need someone yelling in my ear to keep me moving!
Here are some pictures of what it looked like outside today. The last one is of me, yesterday
Tomorrow is my first day off..WOOHOO. Wednesday...3 miles!
The most snow accumulation in St. Louis since 1982. REALLY??
I seriously doubt I would have ran today had it not been for my readers. There are 500 school closing in St. Louis today and I'm going to be running in this crap. JOY! I have 2 people who have already committed to running a 5K with me. If I quit, I'm not just letting myself down, I'm letting them down too.
I pulled my clothes on and went out the door. Thankfully MO DOT does a pretty good job, the roads were decent. I tiptoed across the driveway trying not to get my shoes wet and made it to the road, hit the watch and started the jog. Thankfully Greg had mapped out a perfect mile for me so all I had to do was loop it twice. About 1/4 of a mile in, my hands were freezing. The gloves weren't cutting it. I thought to myself after the first loop, I'll run back inside, this is just ridiculous. I HATE BEING COLD. Snow is pretty.....on a postcard!
I was about to the 1/2 mile mark, where I needed to circle this cul-de-sac and loop back in the direction I had just come from. Up until this point I had kept my eyes on the road. (Remember, I'm super clumsy). I was looking ahead to see if the road had been cleared when my right foot hit a pot hole filled with water and I twisted my ankle. So much for keeping my feet dry. But I recovered and walked the cul-de-sac. It could have been much worse and I was lucky. Something small like that can take you out of the game, so lesson learned. Watch where you're going ding-dong!!
Today's theme song...Cinderella Man.....Eminem. (MUSIC IS MY TIME MACHINE is a line in the song) This song came on right after the ankle twist. I forgot about the initial pain in my ankle. I forgot I was cold and I forgot I still had a mile and a half to go. Surprisingly after that start, the next mile flew by. So much so that I sprinted the last 100 yards with a finishing time of 26:21 or a 13:11 pace per mile (PACE is runners "lingo") I'll teach you as I learn!
If anyone has any suggestions on music I would love to hear them. Right now I am listening to Greg's Ipod and we don't necessarily have the same taste in music. He's a peaceful person and can listen to Michael Buble while he's training where I have to listen to something angry. I need someone yelling in my ear to keep me moving!
Here are some pictures of what it looked like outside today. The last one is of me, yesterday
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Official training.....Day 1
Today was officially the first day of training. And it just so happened to be the worst snow day of the year. Go figure! Greg woke me up first thing this morning and said " if you're gonna go on your run, you better get up and go now because its starting to snow". Me: I don't wanna run in the snow....that SUCKS ( as if RUNNING isn't bad enough, the Lord had to throw snow in too) Greg: it's only snowing a little, it'll be fun. Yes people, this is what I'm dealing with. He said "fun". Ugh!!!
Like a good little girl, I got out of bed and put my running clothes on, got the watch ready, gloves on and headed out the door. I opened the garage and what did I see........SLEET! So, I turned back around, walked back in the house and said to Greg, "it's sleeting out there, I can't run in that. It'll hurt". Why I thought he would agree is beyond me. He went to the closet and got out a water resistant jacket and sent me on my way. Typical! I can already tell he isn't going to be on my side throughout my en devour.
Day 1: 20 mins walk/jog/run. Whatever I want as long as I am moving for 20 minutes.
Since the roads were already covered I decided to stay around the house. I didn't need my clumsy self slipping in the snow and busting my head open with nobody to save me. Did I mention it was snowing/sleeting and most people were staying in. NOT driving. Yet, there I was, walking and jogging in it. Today was the first day that I was okay knowing people were talking about me and saying how crazy I was... because I agreed with them.
So, I started out jogging, SLOWLY. I didn't need long strides today. Not in this stuff. I have a hard enough time walking on dry level ground. I'm that person that you can be standing still talking to who hits the ground as if someone pulled my feet out from under me. Graceful to say the least! I've got Eminem playing on the Ipod. He keeps me moving pretty well. I start getting tired, legs are burning and I decide to look at my watch, surely this is almost over....5:31.......YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!
At that moment I finally looked up. Greg was right. Its pretty. And very peaceful. There has only been one car out so I get to enjoy this beauty and most importantly peace and quiet (minus the music in my ears) all by myself. The schedule called for 20 minutes. I don't have to run or be in pain. I can skip for all that matters. WTP (white trash party) is my JAMM!! I survived the 20 minutes by walking, jogging and playing the air drums. Yes, I was!! I was alone out there people. Don't judge me!!
We now have almost 6 inches of snow and the training schedule calls for 2 miles tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.
Like a good little girl, I got out of bed and put my running clothes on, got the watch ready, gloves on and headed out the door. I opened the garage and what did I see........SLEET! So, I turned back around, walked back in the house and said to Greg, "it's sleeting out there, I can't run in that. It'll hurt". Why I thought he would agree is beyond me. He went to the closet and got out a water resistant jacket and sent me on my way. Typical! I can already tell he isn't going to be on my side throughout my en devour.
Day 1: 20 mins walk/jog/run. Whatever I want as long as I am moving for 20 minutes.
Since the roads were already covered I decided to stay around the house. I didn't need my clumsy self slipping in the snow and busting my head open with nobody to save me. Did I mention it was snowing/sleeting and most people were staying in. NOT driving. Yet, there I was, walking and jogging in it. Today was the first day that I was okay knowing people were talking about me and saying how crazy I was... because I agreed with them.
So, I started out jogging, SLOWLY. I didn't need long strides today. Not in this stuff. I have a hard enough time walking on dry level ground. I'm that person that you can be standing still talking to who hits the ground as if someone pulled my feet out from under me. Graceful to say the least! I've got Eminem playing on the Ipod. He keeps me moving pretty well. I start getting tired, legs are burning and I decide to look at my watch, surely this is almost over....5:31.......YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!
At that moment I finally looked up. Greg was right. Its pretty. And very peaceful. There has only been one car out so I get to enjoy this beauty and most importantly peace and quiet (minus the music in my ears) all by myself. The schedule called for 20 minutes. I don't have to run or be in pain. I can skip for all that matters. WTP (white trash party) is my JAMM!! I survived the 20 minutes by walking, jogging and playing the air drums. Yes, I was!! I was alone out there people. Don't judge me!!
We now have almost 6 inches of snow and the training schedule calls for 2 miles tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.
Background check
Like I said before, I am NOT a runner. Never have been and never wanted to be. Before I decided to run a half marathon, I had approximately ran 10 times. Before I had my oldest daughter, who is now 3 1/2, I was in fantastic shape. I loved going to the gym. But I always despised cardio. I avoided it like the plaque. I have never believed in dieting. Its not for me. I exercise so I can eat whatever I want. But with that being said, I do eat pretty healthy. I don't eat fast food. But by God, if I want to cook up some country fried steak, I'm gonna fry it up and enjoy every morsel. I won't feel guilty because I don't eat like that very often. My guiltiest pleasures are Diet Coke and my WINE.
Like I said, I am 17 weeks postpartum and need to get rid of the jiggle. Lets be honest, it's not pretty and thank God for clothes!! The first time I ran was 3/2/2013. I walked/jogged/staggered 1.25 miles in 16:43 mins. By the time I made it home, I was dizzy and pretty sure I was going to vomit everywhere. My head felt like it was going to explode. Immediately after walking in the house from the "run", I had to walk back out and sit down on the steps. A little worried I was going to pass out and fall down them head first. I was finally able to gain my composure enough to return inside but to walk straight to the couch to continue sitting, where I remained for about a half hour. I thought I was going to die. I was in PAIN and I DID NOT like it. But can you believe it.....the next day I did it again. And it took even longer, 16:47 mins. But it didn't hurt as bad. 8 runs later and my best time is 14:45 min. The reason I decided to start running was because of my lack of time. I have P90X and INSANITY but lets be honest, who the hell has that kind of time? So running became my best option to lose the baby weight and to tone up. I could handle 15 mins a day. Sounds pathetic, doesn't it? My ultimate goal is to cross the finish line....conscious!
Like I said, I am 17 weeks postpartum and need to get rid of the jiggle. Lets be honest, it's not pretty and thank God for clothes!! The first time I ran was 3/2/2013. I walked/jogged/staggered 1.25 miles in 16:43 mins. By the time I made it home, I was dizzy and pretty sure I was going to vomit everywhere. My head felt like it was going to explode. Immediately after walking in the house from the "run", I had to walk back out and sit down on the steps. A little worried I was going to pass out and fall down them head first. I was finally able to gain my composure enough to return inside but to walk straight to the couch to continue sitting, where I remained for about a half hour. I thought I was going to die. I was in PAIN and I DID NOT like it. But can you believe it.....the next day I did it again. And it took even longer, 16:47 mins. But it didn't hurt as bad. 8 runs later and my best time is 14:45 min. The reason I decided to start running was because of my lack of time. I have P90X and INSANITY but lets be honest, who the hell has that kind of time? So running became my best option to lose the baby weight and to tone up. I could handle 15 mins a day. Sounds pathetic, doesn't it? My ultimate goal is to cross the finish line....conscious!
The reason behind the madness
Hey everyone,
Thanks so much for taking the time to go through this journey with me. For those of you who don't know, I HATE TO RUN!!! I have never been one to run, it's not natural. It's for creature that have 4 legs. I am a mammal. I am meant for the water (meaning laying on the beach, next to the water, with a drink in my hand) But before I squeeze my out of shape body into a bathing suit, I better get my running shoes on.
Now lets get down to the real reason I have decided to torture my body in this way. Its not something that has ever been on my "bucket list". My fiance, Greg is a personal trainer, endurance coach and Ironman finisher. No, I do not want to be like him!!! The truth, I WANT A CAMERA. If you know me at all, you know I LOVE photography and I have always wanted a DSLR camera but am way to cheap to buy one myself. Greg, being the motivator that he is, challenged me. He said if I crossed the finish line of a half marathon (13.1 miles) he would buy me one! my first thought, "he's lost his damn mind". But after I stopped laughing I thought, "I really want that camera". If Greg can finish 140.6 miles, I can survive 13.1. So here I am. 17 weeks postpartum with my second child and nothing to lose but the dimples in my butt, I figured, why the hell not!
I decided to write this blog for 2 reason. The first, to stay motivated. If I have people reading my blog, some hoping to see me fail and others looking for motivation, I would be more likely to stay on track. For some reason it's harder to let others down then it is yourself. I guess it's because you only have yourself telling you negative things instead of the entire world wide web. The second reason, to motivate. I am your average, out of shape, 32 year old, time restrained mother. If I can do it, anyone can. Yes, I live with a trainer but he's not doing the work for me but he is giving me the training schedule. All you need is a good pair of running shoes. I would love it if anyone of you wanted to take this journey with me. Even if you decide to get off the couch once or twice, share your experience with me as I am with you. We can do it together. What do we have to lose??? I will post my schedule so you can keep track of my progress or so you can do it right along with me. PLEASE LEAVE ME COMMENTS so I know you are reading my posts. If there is anything in particular you want me to blog about, just let me know! Let the fun begin!!!
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