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!
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