Well, it seems I have not done a very good job keeping everyone informed on my training! After my first run at home, I played some softball! That's right, back at it twice a week (when it doesn't rain like crazy) and still going strong! I played on April 16th and 18th and then started out the next week with a great swim! I am now in training mode for the October 12th Triathlon. My swim was not too bad, I went 500 yards with a pace of 1:51 per 100 yards. Not too bad considering I had not swam but once since last October!
Then on April 24th, I ran on the treadmill at work. I went 2 miles in 18:40, which was a pretty good run! Then I did some strength training including:
2 sets of 8 of the following:
Push ups
Squats with a 10 lb weight
Shoulder press ups with a 5 lb weight
Should side raises with a 5 lb weight
Tricept kick backs
I ended the month of April with a warm up 2.62 trial tribute run, practicing for the May 2nd run. All proceeds went to benefit the Boston bombing victims. I did ok, my run was a bit on the slow side. Sometimes, we have off days...and this was my off day! I ran 2.62 miles in 26:05. You can view my route here. I was slightly upset since I had been doing shorter runs so much faster than this one. But, at least I got up and ran!
I hope to do a better job at posting my progress! Here's to the next workout! Until then...
April
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
It's crazy how fast you can run after a half marathon...
I got home from Los Angeles on Saturday, April 13th. I was tired and wanted to just relax. I took the rest of the weekend to do just that...but come Sunday night, like mechanical clockwork, I packed my bag to run on Monday at lunch. I didn't even realize I had packed until Monday when I grabbed my bag and thought, "Ya know...I don't have to run today if I don't want to. I have nothing to run for right now". But, I did...I didn't need to just stop training just because the half marathon was over. So, I decided to take it easy and go a few miles at lunch. That seems so funny to me now...to say, "I think I will run 4 miles today, or 2 miles today". It is crazy how the concept of distance changes the farther you go.
I got dressed and out the front doors of the Payne Center I went. Then...BOOM...what in the world was I doing?! Running like someone was chasing me! You would have thought I had a swarm of bees behind me. It felt so weird...I felt very light...and agile...and, well...fast! Well, that is because I was running faster than I had been pacing because I was only running 2 miles! (That seems so weird to say!) But, I did start out too fast. I guess I was excited to run, especially since I had not run in a week! I ran 2.01 miles in 18:39, which is a pace of 9:16 a mile!! WHAT!! That is excellent for me! I felt as though I had finally been released from the 10:00 min/mi pace I had been so accustomed to for the last 4 years. I now felt as thought I could possibly achieve my next goal of a 5K in 27:00. You can check out my route here.
Remember to be proud of yourself no matter what you run your miles in. Also remember to compare yourself only to yourself and no one else. You are not where they are, and they are not where you are. Be proud of your accomplishments :) Here's to the next workout. Until then...
April :)
I got dressed and out the front doors of the Payne Center I went. Then...BOOM...what in the world was I doing?! Running like someone was chasing me! You would have thought I had a swarm of bees behind me. It felt so weird...I felt very light...and agile...and, well...fast! Well, that is because I was running faster than I had been pacing because I was only running 2 miles! (That seems so weird to say!) But, I did start out too fast. I guess I was excited to run, especially since I had not run in a week! I ran 2.01 miles in 18:39, which is a pace of 9:16 a mile!! WHAT!! That is excellent for me! I felt as though I had finally been released from the 10:00 min/mi pace I had been so accustomed to for the last 4 years. I now felt as thought I could possibly achieve my next goal of a 5K in 27:00. You can check out my route here.
Remember to be proud of yourself no matter what you run your miles in. Also remember to compare yourself only to yourself and no one else. You are not where they are, and they are not where you are. Be proud of your accomplishments :) Here's to the next workout. Until then...
April :)
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Griffith Park...it's just a mountain!
So, 3 days after we ran a half marathon in Hollywood, my sister-in-law ans I decided to go to Griffith Observatory. It was free, it was a beautiful park, and we would have the opportunity to climb a mountain. Yes, I said climb a mountain! We felt rested from the half, and ready to do some sort of exercise! We parked the car and took a moment to check out the scenery. First I got a snapshot of Heather and then she got a pretty good shot of me :)
We made our way to the observatory and got a snack before heading over to the park trail. Here I am...apparently very excited about our adventure!
We made our way to the top of the mountain. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the top :) But is was a great workout! It seems our route I created has gone MIA! But, here is a lovely picture of the mountain we climbed!
The picture of the pipeline is where we came down! Yes...it was tough! We had the best time though! I cannot wait to get another workout in! Here is to the next workout! Until then...
April
We made our way to the observatory and got a snack before heading over to the park trail. Here I am...apparently very excited about our adventure!
We made our way to the top of the mountain. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the top :) But is was a great workout! It seems our route I created has gone MIA! But, here is a lovely picture of the mountain we climbed!
The picture of the pipeline is where we came down! Yes...it was tough! We had the best time though! I cannot wait to get another workout in! Here is to the next workout! Until then...
April
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Hollywood Half Marathon...and the hills go on...
I will begin this entry by saying that after the race Heather read an article that said to write about your experience after a major race such as this...but not the day of the event. You should wait a few days to reflect and then put your experience into words. So, here goes...
Friday morning, April 5th, Heather (my sister-in-law) headed out at 3:30am to the New Orleans airport. We arrived in Los Angeles around 11:30am pacific time. We made our way to the rental car area and then put-putted along in the terrible LA traffic to Universal City where we picked up our race packets, bib number and shirt included! I start my experience here because this is where I really began to get nervous, excited, pumped up! This was the beginning of the race for me and the experience will stay with me for a lifetime.
We were very tired, so we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the hotel. We didn't want to do much the night before so that we could save our energy for the big day. The race started at 6am pacific time, so again, we would have to wake up around 3:30am and head out about 4am to get parked and to the start line on time.
So, Saturday morning came. We woke up, showered, and got dressed. I prepared my nutrition and camelbak for the race. We headed out with only coffee and oatmeal in our bellies and made the 6-8 mile drive to Hollywood. We parked pretty quick and we were right at the finish line, so we didn't have to walk far when we got done (strategic I know!) We were so pumped! We walked with the crowd, looking at the stars on the sidewalk and anticipating seeing the start line. Then, we saw it. It was so invigorating I began to get very excited. My nerves just disappeared and there we were...in the midst of 8,000 plus people ready to give it their all.
We were so excited! We stood together in wave 8, even though we knew we would separate. My goal was 2:30:00 or less. I was off to a great start. I averaged 10:41 min/mile for the first 5 miles running it in 52:44. I then began to slow way down. I literally hit a wall...the hill I ran into was monstrous. I HAD to walk, which was fine...but my body decided that since I had run every run the whole time that if I was walking that meant I was done. So, when I got to where I could actually run again I was trudging along and right about mile 8 I got a charlie horse in my left calve. I crow hopped for a second and then began to run again. When I got to mile 9 I got another one but this one was in my right leg. I could not believe that I had trained for so long to get this far into the race and HAVE to walk because I literally could not run. I began to get very discouraged. I started to cry by mile 10. Miles 6 through 10 took me 1:07:37 and my average pace was 13:47. The hills killed me and on top of that my lower legs were cramping so bad I could hardly move. My last 3 miles were the worst. I tried so hard to get at least a slow steady pace but continued to cramp. Miles 11 through 13 took me 42:03 and my average pace was 14:01. I was devastated. I told myself no matter how much pain I was in, I would cross the finish line in a run/jog. My last 0.3 miles was at a pace of 12:26, ending my 13.3 miles in 2:46:56, you can view my route here. I smiled as big as I could and it was definitely noticed. My 0.15 seconds of fame was caught and I looked like I was effortlessly gliding through the finish line on the red carpet like I just breezed through the whole thing.
However, what everyone could not see at that moment was that I was crying my eyes out! I was in pain and all I wanted to do was lay on the ground and just cry (which I did for about 10 minutes). I was so very emotional. But, I finished. I actually did it! This is me with my medal, bawling like a baby! When we got to the car and were headed back to the hotel all I could think was, "Why in the world did I do this! I will never do this again!" But, after a few days...I realized that something that taxing on the body creates an emotional vortex that just sucks you right in! I had to gather myself and become composed and when I did, my thoughts were, "Next time, I will beat that time!" I may only do one a year...but there most definitely will be a next time.
I have thought about what I would say about my experience for the past week. I have debated on saying it was nothing, I could do another one in a few months...but the fact is, when you dedicate yourself to something that seems extreme, no matter the distance...a half marathon, 10K, or 1 mile...you have to and will give it your all. That means your emotions will most definitely play a HUGE role in your outcome. You have to tell yourself you prepared for this...you can do it. I am so very thankful I had so many cheerleaders behind me in this milestone I have now met. I would like to sincerely thank everyone that told me I could do it and when it was done, congratulated me on a victory. As I type this I am getting emotional. This experience will never be forgotten and as for next time...I WILL do better!
Here's to the next workout! Until then...
April
Friday morning, April 5th, Heather (my sister-in-law) headed out at 3:30am to the New Orleans airport. We arrived in Los Angeles around 11:30am pacific time. We made our way to the rental car area and then put-putted along in the terrible LA traffic to Universal City where we picked up our race packets, bib number and shirt included! I start my experience here because this is where I really began to get nervous, excited, pumped up! This was the beginning of the race for me and the experience will stay with me for a lifetime.
So, Saturday morning came. We woke up, showered, and got dressed. I prepared my nutrition and camelbak for the race. We headed out with only coffee and oatmeal in our bellies and made the 6-8 mile drive to Hollywood. We parked pretty quick and we were right at the finish line, so we didn't have to walk far when we got done (strategic I know!) We were so pumped! We walked with the crowd, looking at the stars on the sidewalk and anticipating seeing the start line. Then, we saw it. It was so invigorating I began to get very excited. My nerves just disappeared and there we were...in the midst of 8,000 plus people ready to give it their all.
However, what everyone could not see at that moment was that I was crying my eyes out! I was in pain and all I wanted to do was lay on the ground and just cry (which I did for about 10 minutes). I was so very emotional. But, I finished. I actually did it! This is me with my medal, bawling like a baby! When we got to the car and were headed back to the hotel all I could think was, "Why in the world did I do this! I will never do this again!" But, after a few days...I realized that something that taxing on the body creates an emotional vortex that just sucks you right in! I had to gather myself and become composed and when I did, my thoughts were, "Next time, I will beat that time!" I may only do one a year...but there most definitely will be a next time.
I have thought about what I would say about my experience for the past week. I have debated on saying it was nothing, I could do another one in a few months...but the fact is, when you dedicate yourself to something that seems extreme, no matter the distance...a half marathon, 10K, or 1 mile...you have to and will give it your all. That means your emotions will most definitely play a HUGE role in your outcome. You have to tell yourself you prepared for this...you can do it. I am so very thankful I had so many cheerleaders behind me in this milestone I have now met. I would like to sincerely thank everyone that told me I could do it and when it was done, congratulated me on a victory. As I type this I am getting emotional. This experience will never be forgotten and as for next time...I WILL do better!
Here's to the next workout! Until then...
April
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Three more days until the Half!
I am super excited that there are only 3 more days until my first half marathon, and at the same time...I am super nervous! I ran 3 miles today and it felt great. I ran around campus and the breeze felt amazing. I am so glad it is finally warming up. I ran a comfortable 9:34 per mile pace and finished 3.01 miles in 28:45. You can view my route here.
I have read several articles, the half marathon team included, that say to do easy 30-40 minute runs the week of your race. I am trying to eat right (like normal) and not stray too far from what I normally do. I am a creature of habit anyway, and I don't want to break that now!
I also feel now is a great time to say, if you aren't working out, do it! Get up and walk. Don't let the little voice inside your head tell you that you can't do it. Don't let it tell you, "You are too old, too fat, too tired, too sore, your arms hurt, your knees hurt, your ankles can't handle the strain, your lungs can't handle the breathing, etc. Those are all EXCUSES! I stumbled upon a video last night, well I had seen it on Facebook before now, but did not watch it until last night. It is a perfect example of how the above are nothing more than excuses. There will always be a point where something hurts. Guess what, if you get up and get moving you will strengthen that hurt/sore body part and it will get better! You will make the muscles around that area stronger and more able to help that part get better.
If you do nothing else, do one thing...watch this video. This man is a Vietnam vet that was told he would never walk by himself ever again. He has blown out his knees and hurt his legs from many plane jumps over time. He gained a lot of weight, which made it worse for him when he walked. This man was continuously told he could never do it. He was continuously turned away by Yoga instructors. So you know what he did, continued looking until he found someone who would help him...and proved them wrong! The world is mean enough, don't be an enemy to yourself too.
If nothing else, I hope this video leaves you yearning to prove someone wrong too! Even if that person is yourself :) Here's to the next workout! Until then...
April :)
I have read several articles, the half marathon team included, that say to do easy 30-40 minute runs the week of your race. I am trying to eat right (like normal) and not stray too far from what I normally do. I am a creature of habit anyway, and I don't want to break that now!
I also feel now is a great time to say, if you aren't working out, do it! Get up and walk. Don't let the little voice inside your head tell you that you can't do it. Don't let it tell you, "You are too old, too fat, too tired, too sore, your arms hurt, your knees hurt, your ankles can't handle the strain, your lungs can't handle the breathing, etc. Those are all EXCUSES! I stumbled upon a video last night, well I had seen it on Facebook before now, but did not watch it until last night. It is a perfect example of how the above are nothing more than excuses. There will always be a point where something hurts. Guess what, if you get up and get moving you will strengthen that hurt/sore body part and it will get better! You will make the muscles around that area stronger and more able to help that part get better.
If you do nothing else, do one thing...watch this video. This man is a Vietnam vet that was told he would never walk by himself ever again. He has blown out his knees and hurt his legs from many plane jumps over time. He gained a lot of weight, which made it worse for him when he walked. This man was continuously told he could never do it. He was continuously turned away by Yoga instructors. So you know what he did, continued looking until he found someone who would help him...and proved them wrong! The world is mean enough, don't be an enemy to yourself too.
If nothing else, I hope this video leaves you yearning to prove someone wrong too! Even if that person is yourself :) Here's to the next workout! Until then...
April :)
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