I hit the gym even though my knee was still a little sore today. Biking actually made my knee feel better, which was a shocker. I did a few weight machines and came home and did some additional stretches and exercises but nothing knee related. I can't tell you the last time I did a lunge was, which is unfortunate because lunges are a good quad workout! I'd rather run though. I'd hate to go into a deep lunge and stay that way permanently.
Day 35: The day after my 6.5 mile run was...interesting. I limped around at work all day but was somewhat proud to tell people it was because I ran 6.5 miles the day before. And it wasn't the limp that was troublesome, it was that all-too-familiar knee pain :( I tried to limit my walking as much as possible. I was secretly hoping my students would push me down the hallways on the lunch cart. I feel like I should stay off my feet until my next long run. Needless to say, it was a rest day.
Surprisingly, I wasn't in pain other than the limp. My back was a little sore, strangely enough. I thought I was going to have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, but since I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow (I was so exhausted), I think my body had time to recover.
By the way, I have been hungry ever since my run! I feel like an eating machine!!
Quote of the day: "I was unable to walk for a whole week after...but it was the most pleasant exhaustion I have ever known" -Emil Zatopek, describing her Olympic marathon win in Helsinki
(And I'm only half-way to a half marathon--I can only imagine...)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Days 33-34: 13 weeks until race
I am thrilled to report that I ran 6.5 miles today. A small part of me feels like I'm dreaming and will wake up to realize it's not true, but it is! It has to be! I ran half of a half marathon today :)
I broke my 6.5 mile goal into two 3.25 runs with my famous bathroom-break-and-face-splash in between. I was pretty anxious during the first run because I kept thinking my knee pain would sneak up on me, but I went slow enough and it never became an issue. My theory: who cares if it takes me forever. I'd rather finish than burn out pushing too hard.
The best part: I am still functioning and honestly could've kept running, no problem. In fact, that was the best hour and some odd minutes of the day. It flew by! Wish all runs could be that easy!!
Day 33: Yesterday I went to the gym and tried to take it easy, yet still get a good work out. I did this by hitting pretty much every machine for a short amount of time. Did a few assisted pull ups, then hit the stair machine for 20. Worked out my core and upper body on a few weight machines, then biked for half an hour. I ended my work out with a relaxing walk, content that I had not worked my healing knee to the ground. An hour and a half after I got to the gym, and I could still walk, so that was a plus. Each muscle had its moment of use and then recovery. Take that knee--I'm the boss!
Quote of the day: "Good things come slow[ly], especially in distance running"-Bill Dellinger, three time Olympian
I broke my 6.5 mile goal into two 3.25 runs with my famous bathroom-break-and-face-splash in between. I was pretty anxious during the first run because I kept thinking my knee pain would sneak up on me, but I went slow enough and it never became an issue. My theory: who cares if it takes me forever. I'd rather finish than burn out pushing too hard.
The best part: I am still functioning and honestly could've kept running, no problem. In fact, that was the best hour and some odd minutes of the day. It flew by! Wish all runs could be that easy!!
Day 33: Yesterday I went to the gym and tried to take it easy, yet still get a good work out. I did this by hitting pretty much every machine for a short amount of time. Did a few assisted pull ups, then hit the stair machine for 20. Worked out my core and upper body on a few weight machines, then biked for half an hour. I ended my work out with a relaxing walk, content that I had not worked my healing knee to the ground. An hour and a half after I got to the gym, and I could still walk, so that was a plus. Each muscle had its moment of use and then recovery. Take that knee--I'm the boss!
Quote of the day: "Good things come slow[ly], especially in distance running"-Bill Dellinger, three time Olympian
Friday, March 23, 2012
Day 32: 91 days until race
I have so much to write about; I don't know where to start! I'll start at the beginning, the morning.
I woke up to some interesting calf soreness, presumably caused by not using them for a while and then doing the circuit steps yesterday. A strange thought occurred to me: if my calves are sore, my knees couldn't possibly hurt at the same time. Otherwise, I would just give up. Only one thing can hurt at a time, so this must mean the pain has moved on. Logical reasoning, right?!?
As the day progressed, I started to get excited about my scheduled run. Would this be the day I could resume my training? I was hoping so, regardless of the calf soreness. Calf pain is nothing compared to knee pain. You simply deal with it.
I had a good feeling when I got home. I took a little rest, got my gear on and got a good-luck goodbye kiss from hubby. I prepared for the run mentally on my drive to the gym. And then, I saw her--my polar plunge pal who ran her first half marathon last summer (see last post), and she was driving right behind me! I was just thinking about her! It was a sign! Then, she turned right behind me onto the little backstreet that leads to my gym. I started imagining that she was trying to catch up to me to wish me good luck, but then she turned in to park at the bread place. Good enough. I think that counts as a sign. (I actually called her and told her how ironic it was that I was thinking about her AND saw her on my way to the gym. I was really excited and she seemed to be too, but I think it might've really been her excitement for bread. Bread is definitely more exciting than a random girl calling to say "I saw you driving!")
So there I was, on the treadmill, the moment of truth. I started with a walking warm up. It took me forever to untangle my headphones--why does that always happen. I laughed and took it as another sign. This was it. I started running, and kept running, and didn't want to stop running. I thought about saying "screw the schedule" and just running 13.1 miles then and there. But then I realized I need to be able to walk tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. I decided to go for 6, and then thought 3 would be a safer bet. I need to let my knee remember what it feels like to run before I plop right back into my training. I will save my long run for another day, I told myself. Today is just me getting back into the running business.
I loved every minute of my run, mostly because I was able to do it. Around my three mile goal, I noticed a knee soreness that happens any time I run but nothing painful. As I wrapped it up, I noted my better mood and increased energy. All of the sudden, I felt like I could run all the errands I had been dreading all week, and I would've--but I have better things to do: blog about my run so I can remember the feeling when I want to quit. So here it is.
Quote of the day: "I feel good, danananananana, I knew that I would..." -James Brown
I woke up to some interesting calf soreness, presumably caused by not using them for a while and then doing the circuit steps yesterday. A strange thought occurred to me: if my calves are sore, my knees couldn't possibly hurt at the same time. Otherwise, I would just give up. Only one thing can hurt at a time, so this must mean the pain has moved on. Logical reasoning, right?!?
As the day progressed, I started to get excited about my scheduled run. Would this be the day I could resume my training? I was hoping so, regardless of the calf soreness. Calf pain is nothing compared to knee pain. You simply deal with it.
I had a good feeling when I got home. I took a little rest, got my gear on and got a good-luck goodbye kiss from hubby. I prepared for the run mentally on my drive to the gym. And then, I saw her--my polar plunge pal who ran her first half marathon last summer (see last post), and she was driving right behind me! I was just thinking about her! It was a sign! Then, she turned right behind me onto the little backstreet that leads to my gym. I started imagining that she was trying to catch up to me to wish me good luck, but then she turned in to park at the bread place. Good enough. I think that counts as a sign. (I actually called her and told her how ironic it was that I was thinking about her AND saw her on my way to the gym. I was really excited and she seemed to be too, but I think it might've really been her excitement for bread. Bread is definitely more exciting than a random girl calling to say "I saw you driving!")
So there I was, on the treadmill, the moment of truth. I started with a walking warm up. It took me forever to untangle my headphones--why does that always happen. I laughed and took it as another sign. This was it. I started running, and kept running, and didn't want to stop running. I thought about saying "screw the schedule" and just running 13.1 miles then and there. But then I realized I need to be able to walk tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. I decided to go for 6, and then thought 3 would be a safer bet. I need to let my knee remember what it feels like to run before I plop right back into my training. I will save my long run for another day, I told myself. Today is just me getting back into the running business.
I loved every minute of my run, mostly because I was able to do it. Around my three mile goal, I noticed a knee soreness that happens any time I run but nothing painful. As I wrapped it up, I noted my better mood and increased energy. All of the sudden, I felt like I could run all the errands I had been dreading all week, and I would've--but I have better things to do: blog about my run so I can remember the feeling when I want to quit. So here it is.
Quote of the day: "I feel good, danananananana, I knew that I would..." -James Brown
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Days 28-31: 13.5 weeks until race
Today was Day 31, and hopefully, it was also the last day of my recovery. I've had to take almost an entire week off to let my knee heal. I found that 3-4 days was not enough.
To celebrate my last recovery day, you would think I would give myself a rest day--too bad I did too much of that earlier in the week. Instead, I went to the gym and did the thirty minute circuit. It had been a while. Thankfully my body knew what to do (my mind pretty much wandered).
A fellow runner of mine who ran her first half marathon last summer told me she wished she would've done more strength training to carry her through to the end. She said your muscles get to the point where they are not running anymore, they are just surviving, so they need to be strong. Now if only I could talk her into training with me...
Day 30: Finally made it back into gym-routine. I went for the two most mindless activities: elliptical and bike. While I was on both machines (not at the same time of course), I spent most of the time trying to distract myself by messing with my phone. I learned that my phone internet sucks at the gym. Texting my friend about spa treatments helped it go by faster :)
Day 29: We went for a walk outside to watch the sunset and get some fresh air. I figured it would beat the gym, and it did!
Day 28: I did nothing on this day, except sulk about how I couldn't run :(
Quote of the day: "Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health" -Julia Child
While this quote is directly about food, it can indirectly be interpreted to be about running (plus, I love food, and running can be like food). Moderately exercise in small helpings, which is what I have been doing, and do a little bit of every type of exercise so you don't get bored. Don't forget to have fun being healthy!
To celebrate my last recovery day, you would think I would give myself a rest day--too bad I did too much of that earlier in the week. Instead, I went to the gym and did the thirty minute circuit. It had been a while. Thankfully my body knew what to do (my mind pretty much wandered).
A fellow runner of mine who ran her first half marathon last summer told me she wished she would've done more strength training to carry her through to the end. She said your muscles get to the point where they are not running anymore, they are just surviving, so they need to be strong. Now if only I could talk her into training with me...
Day 30: Finally made it back into gym-routine. I went for the two most mindless activities: elliptical and bike. While I was on both machines (not at the same time of course), I spent most of the time trying to distract myself by messing with my phone. I learned that my phone internet sucks at the gym. Texting my friend about spa treatments helped it go by faster :)
Day 29: We went for a walk outside to watch the sunset and get some fresh air. I figured it would beat the gym, and it did!
Day 28: I did nothing on this day, except sulk about how I couldn't run :(
Quote of the day: "Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health" -Julia Child
While this quote is directly about food, it can indirectly be interpreted to be about running (plus, I love food, and running can be like food). Moderately exercise in small helpings, which is what I have been doing, and do a little bit of every type of exercise so you don't get bored. Don't forget to have fun being healthy!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
How I Lost It (those extra ten pounds, that is)
Today is Day 27 (96 days until race), but that is not the point. At this time, I have nothing to say about running, except that I can't do it right now. I took two, three, four days off and my knee could barely handle five minutes of a light jog today. My current plan is to give it a whopping FIVE DAYS to heal, which puts me running again on Friday. I went from running 15 miles a week to a measly three. My hope is that once my knee is completely healed, I'll be able to pick right back up, slowly but surely to ensure it doesn't happen again. Until then, I will share with you my latest revelation: how I lost those extra winter pounds!!!
Without Further Ado:
Tips on How to Lose Those Extra Winter Pounds (and what I learned)
1. Run
2. Run
3. Walk
4. Run
5. Write down what you eat or use a calorie tracker like LoseIt or MyFitnessPal--that is the only way you will realize what mistake you are making and how to fix it. Studies show that this process alone helps people eat more healthy because they know they will have to write it down and see it later!
6. Let yourself indulge once a week, but leave it at that.
7. Find a healthy treat you can eat every day or so that you will enjoy but that will not make you feel guilty. I like the Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (100 calories) or Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Jello Puddings (only 60!). Speaking of which--I'm taking a jello break.
.
..
...
..
.
8. Start logging exercise so you learn how few calories you really burning running a mile (100 if you are lucky, depending on your weight and speed).
9. Stop consuming calories in your beverages--water is your new best friend! (I've learned that it's just not worth it to drink 100+ calories of OJ in the morning if that means I'm going to have to run AN EXTRA MILE! I've cut back to strictly water and homemade coffee with a little creamer.) This was a hard one--I love me some mochas, but even the "skinny" version is more like a dessert than a cup of joe :(
10. Find an exercise you like to do that you can do almost daily without getting bored (or find a few you like so you can rotate to prevent boredom). Even a simple daily walk can start to make a difference in more than one way! You will feel the difference physically, mentally...
11. Don't obsess and weigh yourself everyday, and if you must, yes, weigh yourself naked first thing in the morning before you consume any liquids. Trying to track your weight can be very messy because your daily water weight can differ from hour to hour (up to a few pounds!). From my experience, I was thrilled to work, work, work, and then shock myself when I had lost the first five pounds. I didn't weight myself until I was a month into my plan.
12. Avoid going out to eat (sorry, but you just don't know what is in the food!). If you do, try to look ahead at the menu/calorie count to pick something that you will enjoy but will not make you depressed when you put your fork down on an empty plate. OR, pick something you will really enjoy, but only eat half. Take the rest to go. I even know some people who request the waiter to bring out half the meal on a plate and the other half already wrapped up--it's not that weird; it's smart!
13. Start with a reasonable goal. If you have to lose 50+ pounds, it's not going to happen overnight, so don't expect it to. But yes, you can lose 4-6 pounds per month THE HEALTHY WAY, but it is also known as THE HARD WAY. It's not about a magic pill that will change your life. It's about having the attitude that YOU can change your life.
14. This is a bogus tip because I felt like having only 13 would be bad luck! But, if you must have one last tip, I dunno, maybe blog about it or something! :)
Quote of the day: "Sweat is fat crying!" (Insert picture/poster of woman's sweaty chest, which is PG by the way. If you think I'm kidding though, google 'sweat is fat crying!')
Without Further Ado:
Tips on How to Lose Those Extra Winter Pounds (and what I learned)
1. Run
2. Run
3. Walk
4. Run
5. Write down what you eat or use a calorie tracker like LoseIt or MyFitnessPal--that is the only way you will realize what mistake you are making and how to fix it. Studies show that this process alone helps people eat more healthy because they know they will have to write it down and see it later!
6. Let yourself indulge once a week, but leave it at that.
7. Find a healthy treat you can eat every day or so that you will enjoy but that will not make you feel guilty. I like the Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (100 calories) or Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Jello Puddings (only 60!). Speaking of which--I'm taking a jello break.
.
..
...
..
.
8. Start logging exercise so you learn how few calories you really burning running a mile (100 if you are lucky, depending on your weight and speed).
9. Stop consuming calories in your beverages--water is your new best friend! (I've learned that it's just not worth it to drink 100+ calories of OJ in the morning if that means I'm going to have to run AN EXTRA MILE! I've cut back to strictly water and homemade coffee with a little creamer.) This was a hard one--I love me some mochas, but even the "skinny" version is more like a dessert than a cup of joe :(
10. Find an exercise you like to do that you can do almost daily without getting bored (or find a few you like so you can rotate to prevent boredom). Even a simple daily walk can start to make a difference in more than one way! You will feel the difference physically, mentally...
11. Don't obsess and weigh yourself everyday, and if you must, yes, weigh yourself naked first thing in the morning before you consume any liquids. Trying to track your weight can be very messy because your daily water weight can differ from hour to hour (up to a few pounds!). From my experience, I was thrilled to work, work, work, and then shock myself when I had lost the first five pounds. I didn't weight myself until I was a month into my plan.
12. Avoid going out to eat (sorry, but you just don't know what is in the food!). If you do, try to look ahead at the menu/calorie count to pick something that you will enjoy but will not make you depressed when you put your fork down on an empty plate. OR, pick something you will really enjoy, but only eat half. Take the rest to go. I even know some people who request the waiter to bring out half the meal on a plate and the other half already wrapped up--it's not that weird; it's smart!
13. Start with a reasonable goal. If you have to lose 50+ pounds, it's not going to happen overnight, so don't expect it to. But yes, you can lose 4-6 pounds per month THE HEALTHY WAY, but it is also known as THE HARD WAY. It's not about a magic pill that will change your life. It's about having the attitude that YOU can change your life.
14. This is a bogus tip because I felt like having only 13 would be bad luck! But, if you must have one last tip, I dunno, maybe blog about it or something! :)
Quote of the day: "Sweat is fat crying!" (Insert picture/poster of woman's sweaty chest, which is PG by the way. If you think I'm kidding though, google 'sweat is fat crying!')
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Days 23-26: 14.something weeks until race
Apologies for getting behind on the blogging. I thought Spring Break would be the perfect time to catch up and get ahead. Instead, I got behind. There was just too much going on! Here is what I can remember from the last four days (thanks to my LoseIt work out log):
Did the stair master today (day 26) to get some cardio but am avoiding the treadmill (saving the run for tomorrow). I thought I would enjoy the gym after skipping two days, but I was excited when my husband decided it was time to go home after just 45 minutes. Maybe tomorrow I'll be the one to cut our gym trip short!
Day 25: Cleaned again and even did some calisthenics. Restrained myself from the urge to go to the gym and run.
Day 24: The most exercise I did on this day was clean our little apartment for fifteen minutes. The couch was my friend on this day!
Day 23: I went water jogging at H2Oasis, the children's water park in Anchorage. It wasn't as crazy as I thought it might be (I envision hundreds of screaming children urinating in a pool and drowning each other.). The river walk was pretty cool, except for the fact that I couldn't swim/walk backwards to get a better work out. My legs were pretty sore just from trying to race through the river in the same direction of the current. And I didn't even get any sort of foot fungus, which I kind of expected after I saw that lots of people wear water shoes at the water park. What a great idea!
Later that day, I went to the gym. The water jogging must have helped cushion my knee. I was able to run 2.61 miles on that day (compared to only one mile two days prior). Still not where I want to be (should be at 6-7 miles), but that's what happens when you screw up your knee. You can't run.
After my measly two mile run, I finished up a few more miles on the elliptical to keep a cardio pace, but it's just not the same any more. I even cut my elliptical work out short, so I could get home and veg. Now that I enjoyed!
My plan from there was to take off a few days to let my knee heal completely. Obviously, it would need more than a day off to get better. I gave up on the idea of getting ahead on my running over Spring Break. My new goal was to just heal and stay right on schedule, hopefully not getting behind because of the knee pain.
Quote of the day: "Running is the greatest metaphor for life because you get out of it what you put into it" -Oprah Winfrey
Did the stair master today (day 26) to get some cardio but am avoiding the treadmill (saving the run for tomorrow). I thought I would enjoy the gym after skipping two days, but I was excited when my husband decided it was time to go home after just 45 minutes. Maybe tomorrow I'll be the one to cut our gym trip short!
Day 25: Cleaned again and even did some calisthenics. Restrained myself from the urge to go to the gym and run.
Day 24: The most exercise I did on this day was clean our little apartment for fifteen minutes. The couch was my friend on this day!
Day 23: I went water jogging at H2Oasis, the children's water park in Anchorage. It wasn't as crazy as I thought it might be (I envision hundreds of screaming children urinating in a pool and drowning each other.). The river walk was pretty cool, except for the fact that I couldn't swim/walk backwards to get a better work out. My legs were pretty sore just from trying to race through the river in the same direction of the current. And I didn't even get any sort of foot fungus, which I kind of expected after I saw that lots of people wear water shoes at the water park. What a great idea!
Later that day, I went to the gym. The water jogging must have helped cushion my knee. I was able to run 2.61 miles on that day (compared to only one mile two days prior). Still not where I want to be (should be at 6-7 miles), but that's what happens when you screw up your knee. You can't run.
After my measly two mile run, I finished up a few more miles on the elliptical to keep a cardio pace, but it's just not the same any more. I even cut my elliptical work out short, so I could get home and veg. Now that I enjoyed!
My plan from there was to take off a few days to let my knee heal completely. Obviously, it would need more than a day off to get better. I gave up on the idea of getting ahead on my running over Spring Break. My new goal was to just heal and stay right on schedule, hopefully not getting behind because of the knee pain.
Quote of the day: "Running is the greatest metaphor for life because you get out of it what you put into it" -Oprah Winfrey
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Days 21-22: 14.8 weeks until race
Day 22: The stationary bike doesn't seem so bad when you are not able to run. I am now thankful that I can at least bike. Seeing a friend at the gym helped. It went by fast.
After biking, I did a little bit of arm weights and pull ups. Part of my running-a-marathon goal is to get my entire body in better shape (not just my legs). It has taken a long time to develop muscles in my arms, and now that they are there, I'm not sure how much I like them. Honestly, my shoulders are looking a little manly when I flex. I stopped working my arms for a while and was hoping the manly-ness would go away, but it hasn't; it's still there. My ultimate arm goal is for my arms to look tone when I'm NOT flexing. Not sure how that's going to look if I'm already feeling manly when I flex. Speaking/typing of manly, I actually did the SAME AMOUNT OF WEIGHTS on the weight machines as the guy in front of me. Either he was a sissy or I'm turning into a man. Something tells me it's the latter of the two.
Sometimes I wish we lived in a climate where I could show off all my muscles. Instead, I layer on my winter clothes and just feel like the female-ish version of Clark Kent!
Day 21: After not running for two days because of knee pain, I was anxious to get back to it to see how my knee would react. Left knee was not happy, which made the rest of me not happy! It seems as if the treadmill and I will have to part temporarily. This is obviously not good for training, but it is not worth hurting and being miserable.
When I started my attempt to run, I was surprised that it even hurt my knee to walk at first (not a good sign). However, I stuck with it and found that my knee actually felt better when I ran...who'da thought?! I was able to do a slow jog for one mile before I realized it was just too much. Plus, it was really boring to go so slow. I ultimately gave up and just went for the elliptical, my long lost friend.
I finished the rest of my short three mile "run" on the elliptical (if you can call it that--the elliptical is hardly running) and went home feeling defeated again :( Watching the Bachelor helped cheer me up. At least I don't have to throw myself at men to feel better. I also did some calisthenic exercises while I watched women throw themselves at a man (if you can call him that). I came across this site: http://www.calisthenicexercise.com/ Calisthenic exercises are a form of simple movement exercises using only your body weight for resistance. The website proved to be very well organized and user friendly. (If you want to work your abs, click on abs!) So, while I wondered how model Courtney never fainted on the show from lack of eating, I worked my butt off (which in my opinion is better than not eating).
Quote of the day: "Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to work out in a gym" -Bill Nye the Science Guy
1) I did that today!!!
2) Do you remember Bill Nye the Science Guy?!?
After biking, I did a little bit of arm weights and pull ups. Part of my running-a-marathon goal is to get my entire body in better shape (not just my legs). It has taken a long time to develop muscles in my arms, and now that they are there, I'm not sure how much I like them. Honestly, my shoulders are looking a little manly when I flex. I stopped working my arms for a while and was hoping the manly-ness would go away, but it hasn't; it's still there. My ultimate arm goal is for my arms to look tone when I'm NOT flexing. Not sure how that's going to look if I'm already feeling manly when I flex. Speaking/typing of manly, I actually did the SAME AMOUNT OF WEIGHTS on the weight machines as the guy in front of me. Either he was a sissy or I'm turning into a man. Something tells me it's the latter of the two.
Sometimes I wish we lived in a climate where I could show off all my muscles. Instead, I layer on my winter clothes and just feel like the female-ish version of Clark Kent!
Day 21: After not running for two days because of knee pain, I was anxious to get back to it to see how my knee would react. Left knee was not happy, which made the rest of me not happy! It seems as if the treadmill and I will have to part temporarily. This is obviously not good for training, but it is not worth hurting and being miserable.
When I started my attempt to run, I was surprised that it even hurt my knee to walk at first (not a good sign). However, I stuck with it and found that my knee actually felt better when I ran...who'da thought?! I was able to do a slow jog for one mile before I realized it was just too much. Plus, it was really boring to go so slow. I ultimately gave up and just went for the elliptical, my long lost friend.
I finished the rest of my short three mile "run" on the elliptical (if you can call it that--the elliptical is hardly running) and went home feeling defeated again :( Watching the Bachelor helped cheer me up. At least I don't have to throw myself at men to feel better. I also did some calisthenic exercises while I watched women throw themselves at a man (if you can call him that). I came across this site: http://www.calisthenicexercise.com/ Calisthenic exercises are a form of simple movement exercises using only your body weight for resistance. The website proved to be very well organized and user friendly. (If you want to work your abs, click on abs!) So, while I wondered how model Courtney never fainted on the show from lack of eating, I worked my butt off (which in my opinion is better than not eating).
Quote of the day: "Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to work out in a gym" -Bill Nye the Science Guy
1) I did that today!!!
2) Do you remember Bill Nye the Science Guy?!?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Day 21: 102 days until race
Today's feeling can be described by one word: defeat :(
After resting my legs yesterday, I still felt discomfort in my left knee today. Not being able to run when you know you can and want to more than anything in the world is the worst feeling ever! Even more depressing is the fact that I am now on Spring Break, which means I have all the time in the world to train, but I physically can't do it!
Life goes on, however. I was running some errands today and had the urge to avoid walking, which is impossible at costco and the grocery story. Using a motorized cart crossed my mind (so I could stay off my knee and let it heal and go running later)! I imagined myself pushing the little buttons and cruising around the store, and it was just too weird of an image. Maybe next time.
I don't find it ironic that yesterday's chapter in my current running book was called "The Pain." Author Dawn Dais strongly suggests "if you have an injury, take it easy for a few days and give your body a chance to heal. Also, don't run on a injury in hopes of altering your running style to accommodate your pain" (The Non-Runners's Marathon Guide for Women, pg. 158). HOW DID SHE READ MY MIND?!
Currently, my training schedule is sticking to the fridge via magnet. I can't even look at it. When I laid out my training plan on a calendar over a month ago, I chose to follow an intense training schedule that would have me running more than 13 miles before the race, so I would be better prepared. (Many "lighter" schedules only require running 10 miles before the race. Supposedly, "race day energy" will carry you the last three miles...really, on what planet?!) I don't even want to know how behind I am on my schedule. On a lighter note, when I look at the "lighter" running schedules to prepare for a half marathon, I am pretty much right on track, if not ahead (minus skipping this week's short run). Since my goal is not only to finish the marathon but also to finish it well, this preparation is important to me. I realize, however, that running when I'm in pain will only get me more behind. And so it goes, I spent another day being my old self, sedentary...
Quote of the day: "You must listen to your body. Run through annoyance but not through pain" -George Sheehan
After resting my legs yesterday, I still felt discomfort in my left knee today. Not being able to run when you know you can and want to more than anything in the world is the worst feeling ever! Even more depressing is the fact that I am now on Spring Break, which means I have all the time in the world to train, but I physically can't do it!
Life goes on, however. I was running some errands today and had the urge to avoid walking, which is impossible at costco and the grocery story. Using a motorized cart crossed my mind (so I could stay off my knee and let it heal and go running later)! I imagined myself pushing the little buttons and cruising around the store, and it was just too weird of an image. Maybe next time.
I don't find it ironic that yesterday's chapter in my current running book was called "The Pain." Author Dawn Dais strongly suggests "if you have an injury, take it easy for a few days and give your body a chance to heal. Also, don't run on a injury in hopes of altering your running style to accommodate your pain" (The Non-Runners's Marathon Guide for Women, pg. 158). HOW DID SHE READ MY MIND?!
Currently, my training schedule is sticking to the fridge via magnet. I can't even look at it. When I laid out my training plan on a calendar over a month ago, I chose to follow an intense training schedule that would have me running more than 13 miles before the race, so I would be better prepared. (Many "lighter" schedules only require running 10 miles before the race. Supposedly, "race day energy" will carry you the last three miles...really, on what planet?!) I don't even want to know how behind I am on my schedule. On a lighter note, when I look at the "lighter" running schedules to prepare for a half marathon, I am pretty much right on track, if not ahead (minus skipping this week's short run). Since my goal is not only to finish the marathon but also to finish it well, this preparation is important to me. I realize, however, that running when I'm in pain will only get me more behind. And so it goes, I spent another day being my old self, sedentary...
Quote of the day: "You must listen to your body. Run through annoyance but not through pain" -George Sheehan
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Day 20: 15 weeks until race
I am blogging early today because I know I am going to be physically useless the rest of the day. The past few days, I've been experiencing a minor leg cramp (maybe from NOT running?). After running six miles yesterday, the cramp became more painful. As the night went on, my left leg started hurting more, especially around my knee area. It is not the same bad knee pain that made me take a break from running a few months ago, but it was enough to get me thinking I better take it easy. There's nothing worse than wanting to run and knowing you can but being stopped by pain.
After baby-ing my knee last night, it is feeling better today. I'm hoping that staying off it today will mean I'll be able to run again tomorrow. Lesson learned: skipping runs is not fun. I'm thinking yesterday's long run was hard on my body because I skipped a short run this week. At this point, my body thinks running three miles is normal activity, which makes running six miles only "feel" like three. Well, if I run zero miles before a long run, the six miles FEELS LIKE SIX MILES. The math makes sense in my head.
On a positive note, I earned my first real running blister; what a "mile" stone! It is pretty minor, and it doesn't hurt, but I'm hoping it will not bother me on my next run or get any worse. We have some expensive running socks, but they are so small, I can never find them! Time to invest in at least a few more pairs!!
Quote of the day: "Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest" -Ashleigh Brilliant
After baby-ing my knee last night, it is feeling better today. I'm hoping that staying off it today will mean I'll be able to run again tomorrow. Lesson learned: skipping runs is not fun. I'm thinking yesterday's long run was hard on my body because I skipped a short run this week. At this point, my body thinks running three miles is normal activity, which makes running six miles only "feel" like three. Well, if I run zero miles before a long run, the six miles FEELS LIKE SIX MILES. The math makes sense in my head.
On a positive note, I earned my first real running blister; what a "mile" stone! It is pretty minor, and it doesn't hurt, but I'm hoping it will not bother me on my next run or get any worse. We have some expensive running socks, but they are so small, I can never find them! Time to invest in at least a few more pairs!!
Quote of the day: "Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest" -Ashleigh Brilliant
Friday, March 9, 2012
Days 17-19: 15.3 weeks until race
Day 19: After three days off, I was a little concerned that my legs would not know what to do! Since I only skipped a short run on day 17, I went ahead and went on with today's scheduled run of six miles. I've been told it is normal to have to skip out on runs due to life, but skipping on the long runs is what gets you messed up. Those are the ones I would want to skip the most!
Today's run wasn't good or bad--it just was. It was a relief to tune out the world for a little bit and focus on something else. At about mile 4 though, I realized how bored I was mentally. Somehow my legs were just going and going, and I didn't have to think about it (which is what you want), but at the same time, I was feeling overstimulated looking around at the twenty televisions in the gym. In fact, it was seeing the inside of the gym that made my run more challenging than actually moving my legs. My legs knew what to do, but my mind didn't. It was like my body was cut in half horizontally, and I just had to get the top half to go with the flow like the bottom half. Granted, I still was feeling the soreness of the run in my legs, but that wasn't anything I wasn't used to.
Because the inside of the gym was getting the best of me, and my ipod wasn't helping me tune it out (and I certainly didn't want to stare at the twenty TV's that were making me anxious), I tried something else today: I closed my eyes, and it worked! For a few moments at a time, I wasn't inside the gym slaving away on the treadmill. The only connection I had to the treadmill was that fact that my hands were holding on to the handlebar, so I wouldn't fall.
I'm not sure how great this is for my training since I can't run with my eyes closed on race day, but man, was that an awesome way to escape the gym! It was almost like I was sleep running! I've been known to sleep-walk and sleep-talk, but I feel like I'm onto something here. Wouldn't it be great to run a half marathon and not know you did (except for the fact that you wouldn't be able to move the next morning)!
Days 17 and 18 were rest days, although I did not get very much rest. I actually got very little rest because we were aurora hunting until 1:30am each morning. Needless to say, I could tell my body wasn't going to go for exerting energy because what it really needed to do was preserve energy. I was a tired girl all week! Not sleeping on Tuesday night is not a good way to start a week. Not sleeping the next two nights after did not help.
I had planned on running on day 17 but figured it was kinda like getting sick. Sometimes you have to just not do anything, which includes running. I was a little concerned that this would slowly be the end of my training if I enjoyed my time off too much, but honestly, I would rather get sleep and run than not run because I'm not sleeping. So if I plan on sleeping again, which I do, I shall also run.
Quote of the day: "A runner must run with dreams in his heart"
-Emil Zatopek
Thought this dream quote was appropriate since this post is all about sleeping!
Today's run wasn't good or bad--it just was. It was a relief to tune out the world for a little bit and focus on something else. At about mile 4 though, I realized how bored I was mentally. Somehow my legs were just going and going, and I didn't have to think about it (which is what you want), but at the same time, I was feeling overstimulated looking around at the twenty televisions in the gym. In fact, it was seeing the inside of the gym that made my run more challenging than actually moving my legs. My legs knew what to do, but my mind didn't. It was like my body was cut in half horizontally, and I just had to get the top half to go with the flow like the bottom half. Granted, I still was feeling the soreness of the run in my legs, but that wasn't anything I wasn't used to.
Because the inside of the gym was getting the best of me, and my ipod wasn't helping me tune it out (and I certainly didn't want to stare at the twenty TV's that were making me anxious), I tried something else today: I closed my eyes, and it worked! For a few moments at a time, I wasn't inside the gym slaving away on the treadmill. The only connection I had to the treadmill was that fact that my hands were holding on to the handlebar, so I wouldn't fall.
I'm not sure how great this is for my training since I can't run with my eyes closed on race day, but man, was that an awesome way to escape the gym! It was almost like I was sleep running! I've been known to sleep-walk and sleep-talk, but I feel like I'm onto something here. Wouldn't it be great to run a half marathon and not know you did (except for the fact that you wouldn't be able to move the next morning)!
Days 17 and 18 were rest days, although I did not get very much rest. I actually got very little rest because we were aurora hunting until 1:30am each morning. Needless to say, I could tell my body wasn't going to go for exerting energy because what it really needed to do was preserve energy. I was a tired girl all week! Not sleeping on Tuesday night is not a good way to start a week. Not sleeping the next two nights after did not help.
I had planned on running on day 17 but figured it was kinda like getting sick. Sometimes you have to just not do anything, which includes running. I was a little concerned that this would slowly be the end of my training if I enjoyed my time off too much, but honestly, I would rather get sleep and run than not run because I'm not sleeping. So if I plan on sleeping again, which I do, I shall also run.
Quote of the day: "A runner must run with dreams in his heart"
-Emil Zatopek
Thought this dream quote was appropriate since this post is all about sleeping!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Days 15-16: 15.7 weeks until race
Day 16: Nothing exciting today, mostly because all I did was the dreaded stationary bike. I tried to entertain my mind by texting my friends, surfing the web on my phone, watching videos, listening to my i-pod and watching television. Nothing was that successful, so I was glad when it was over. I couldn't wait to get home and complain about it.
PS. I can't wait until summer, so I can bike outside and enjoy some good looking scenery!
Day 15 was a somewhat monumental learning day. Since I'm hoping to not be the slowest person out there on race day, I'm obviously working on increasing my running speed, as well as distance. In order to avoid getting injured, you are supposed to increase only one variable at a time. During the week, I only do short runs because I really don't have time to be at the gym for hours on weeknights (yet), so my short runs are a good time to work on speed.
So far, I've been successful when I've increase the speed at the end of a run--it's the "finish strong" mentality. It also helps the run go by faster. This run, I decided to try to run a little faster from the beginning or as a "getting started" mentality. I figured I'd always have the option to slow down. What a disaster it was to start at a faster speed! I felt like I was "catching up" for the entire first mile--not the best way to mentally start a run. I was soon ready for it be over, especially since that's what my body has become accustomed to. My mind and body were thinking, faster speed equals almost done. Wishful thinking. On the up side, I was able to impress my running neighbors early on--until I got to mile 2 and slowed down to catch my breath. I kept my pace, though, and never stopped to walk. I'd like to say my finish was strong because I increased the speed again, but this time, my mind and body were thinking, last time you got our hopes up, it was a trick. Sorry mind and body. I promise I will never do it again, for a while, at least.
Aside from taking over my life, running has also taken over my thoughts. You know it's sad when everything in life is comparable to running. I find myself thinking and saying these things:
"Cleaning is like running because you are always dreading it, but you are happy you did it when it is over."
"Grading papers is like running because it always seems like it's going to be more work than it really is."
"Eating is like running because sometimes you have to just stop yourself."
"Waiting in line is like running because sometimes it feels like it takes forever!"
"Complaining is like running on a treadmill because it gives you something to do, but you never really get anywhere?!"
Well, you get the picture.
Quote of the day: "Running is like a box of chocolates--not every one is going to be your favorite, and each one is a surprise; but all in all, you'd rather have the box of chocolates, right?!"
http://get-fit.fitsugar.com/Running-Like-Box-Chocolates-21203703
PS. I can't wait until summer, so I can bike outside and enjoy some good looking scenery!
Day 15 was a somewhat monumental learning day. Since I'm hoping to not be the slowest person out there on race day, I'm obviously working on increasing my running speed, as well as distance. In order to avoid getting injured, you are supposed to increase only one variable at a time. During the week, I only do short runs because I really don't have time to be at the gym for hours on weeknights (yet), so my short runs are a good time to work on speed.
So far, I've been successful when I've increase the speed at the end of a run--it's the "finish strong" mentality. It also helps the run go by faster. This run, I decided to try to run a little faster from the beginning or as a "getting started" mentality. I figured I'd always have the option to slow down. What a disaster it was to start at a faster speed! I felt like I was "catching up" for the entire first mile--not the best way to mentally start a run. I was soon ready for it be over, especially since that's what my body has become accustomed to. My mind and body were thinking, faster speed equals almost done. Wishful thinking. On the up side, I was able to impress my running neighbors early on--until I got to mile 2 and slowed down to catch my breath. I kept my pace, though, and never stopped to walk. I'd like to say my finish was strong because I increased the speed again, but this time, my mind and body were thinking, last time you got our hopes up, it was a trick. Sorry mind and body. I promise I will never do it again, for a while, at least.
Aside from taking over my life, running has also taken over my thoughts. You know it's sad when everything in life is comparable to running. I find myself thinking and saying these things:
"Cleaning is like running because you are always dreading it, but you are happy you did it when it is over."
"Grading papers is like running because it always seems like it's going to be more work than it really is."
"Eating is like running because sometimes you have to just stop yourself."
"Waiting in line is like running because sometimes it feels like it takes forever!"
"Complaining is like running on a treadmill because it gives you something to do, but you never really get anywhere?!"
Well, you get the picture.
Quote of the day: "Running is like a box of chocolates--not every one is going to be your favorite, and each one is a surprise; but all in all, you'd rather have the box of chocolates, right?!"
http://get-fit.fitsugar.com/Running-Like-Box-Chocolates-21203703
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Days 12-14: 16 weeks until race
Today (day 14) was a physical rest day, but I was running in spirit, alongside the Iditarod dog sled teams. I've never seen such happy dogs in my life! I wish I could share their joy. I'll have to remind myself to be thankful for warmth during my next few runs. Those teams will be racing in the middle of nowhere Alaska for the next week and a half to two weeks (over 1,000 miles). Here's to inspiration!
Day 13 consisted of a long run, which I was dreading all day! I always regret not getting to the gym first thing on the weekends. Knowing that I have to run at some point during the day is like having a grey cloud follow you around everywhere.
The run was pushed back to later in the day with good reason. I decided to get some much needed sleep instead of heading downtown to watch the Iditarod ceremonial start. Sad, I know, but my body needed rest, and I would get to see the running dogs soon enough.
After getting a few things done during the day, we headed downtown to do our third "Running with the Reindeer!" Nathan set up his camera towards the end of the run--ladder and all, so he could see above the crowd. This year, I decided to make my way to the front since I am actually in decent running shape. The only problem was that I made it halfway to the end before I was able to see any reindeer passing me. (They always give humans a head start.) The run itself was pretty challenging because there's been a ton of snow (we're about to beat a snowfall record) and I was wearing all my snow gear. The thin, cold air made it hard to breathe, as well. This all confirmed to me why we're training indoors.
After all the excitement, I couldn't deny the fact that we were about to spend another weekend night at the gym. I was feeling very anxious that I wouldn't be able to do it. That's what I get for letting my brain get the best of me all day. As I ran, I mentally cut the 5.5 mile goal into pieces, taking it one mile at a time, sometimes even five minutes at a time. I knew once I got halfway that I'd be set. If I can run 2.75, I can run 2.75 more, I kept telling myself. It was the last mile that was most dreadful, especially the last few minutes. I can't deny the fact that the STOP button was calling me name! I didn't let myself give in though. And how proud I was at the end! The most excitement comes when I realize I won't have a long run for at least a few days. Yippee!
Day 12 was a cross training day. I did the thirty minute circuit at the gym, as well as the stair master. Not an especially exciting day. Possibly notable, however, is that we spent our Friday night at the gym...this is taking over our lives!
Quote of the day: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart" -Confucius quote; campaigned by Iditarod musher DeeDee Jonrowe, breast-cancer surviver and record holder for fastest female finishing time
Day 13 consisted of a long run, which I was dreading all day! I always regret not getting to the gym first thing on the weekends. Knowing that I have to run at some point during the day is like having a grey cloud follow you around everywhere.
The run was pushed back to later in the day with good reason. I decided to get some much needed sleep instead of heading downtown to watch the Iditarod ceremonial start. Sad, I know, but my body needed rest, and I would get to see the running dogs soon enough.
After getting a few things done during the day, we headed downtown to do our third "Running with the Reindeer!" Nathan set up his camera towards the end of the run--ladder and all, so he could see above the crowd. This year, I decided to make my way to the front since I am actually in decent running shape. The only problem was that I made it halfway to the end before I was able to see any reindeer passing me. (They always give humans a head start.) The run itself was pretty challenging because there's been a ton of snow (we're about to beat a snowfall record) and I was wearing all my snow gear. The thin, cold air made it hard to breathe, as well. This all confirmed to me why we're training indoors.
After all the excitement, I couldn't deny the fact that we were about to spend another weekend night at the gym. I was feeling very anxious that I wouldn't be able to do it. That's what I get for letting my brain get the best of me all day. As I ran, I mentally cut the 5.5 mile goal into pieces, taking it one mile at a time, sometimes even five minutes at a time. I knew once I got halfway that I'd be set. If I can run 2.75, I can run 2.75 more, I kept telling myself. It was the last mile that was most dreadful, especially the last few minutes. I can't deny the fact that the STOP button was calling me name! I didn't let myself give in though. And how proud I was at the end! The most excitement comes when I realize I won't have a long run for at least a few days. Yippee!
Day 12 was a cross training day. I did the thirty minute circuit at the gym, as well as the stair master. Not an especially exciting day. Possibly notable, however, is that we spent our Friday night at the gym...this is taking over our lives!
Quote of the day: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart" -Confucius quote; campaigned by Iditarod musher DeeDee Jonrowe, breast-cancer surviver and record holder for fastest female finishing time
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Days 10-11: 16.3 weeks until race
Day 11: Today I ran on the other side of the gym, apparently the side where all the novice runners like me run. I was actually running faster than the people next to me, for once! The hardest part today was getting to the gym. It's pretty much routine for me now; sometimes I get there without really realizing it until I'm halfway through my run. It's like not having to think about brushing your teeth in the morning. So, today, by the time I got to the gym, I had already won the battle against myself. Of course after every mile, I tried to find an excuse why I only needed to run one mile or two miles. Still, I went ahead and completed three miles, which is what I had in mind in the first place. It was nice knowing I could've continued to four or five miles like my last run, but tonight just wasn't the night for that. In fact, one of the ways I tricked myself to getting to the gym was by thinking, "It's like my five mile run from two days ago, except I've already run two miles--only three left." Somehow, the logic worked.
Day 10 was my favorite running day of the year, mostly because I didn't run, and I had two good reasons. My first good excuse was that I had just run five miles the day before. That was a great reason! My second reason was that February 29th should never be a running day. In fact, in most running plans, this 366th day of the year is not even included. It's like an extra credit day, and all I'm going for is a passing grade. I almost think February 29th should be considered a holiday since it only happens every four years. We made a celebration out of it by going out to dinner instead of running :)
Quote of the day: "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" -Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner
Day 10 was my favorite running day of the year, mostly because I didn't run, and I had two good reasons. My first good excuse was that I had just run five miles the day before. That was a great reason! My second reason was that February 29th should never be a running day. In fact, in most running plans, this 366th day of the year is not even included. It's like an extra credit day, and all I'm going for is a passing grade. I almost think February 29th should be considered a holiday since it only happens every four years. We made a celebration out of it by going out to dinner instead of running :)
Quote of the day: "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" -Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner
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