Running Punch

Last night, I had 11.5 miles on my schedule. In the beginning of the day, I was really excited. I couldn't wait for this run! As it got closer, I wasn't looking forward to it.When it came time for me to change into my gym clothes, I didn't want to go. I was trying to find any reason not to do it. I couldn't come up with anything that would be a good enough excuse (especially with my half marathon just over a month away). I needed to run this. 

I got changed, drove into the gym parking lot and got front row parking (which never happens, especially if it's raining, like last night). That was a good sign. I walked into the cardio area and my favorite treadmill was open (at the end with a fan directly above it, it's always taken). Another good sign. I put my things down, warmed up and started in. 

For about miles 6-8, I had this 20 something guy next to me (running, not just standing there) and while he was running, he would punch the air, really, really high. It was almost above his head. I've never seen anyone do that before. 

After some time had past, I looked down at the information displaying on the treadmill and it looks like I accidentally ran 12 miles (instead of 11.5). I guess I was really enjoying my long run! I hope that happens on race day. 

When I home, I just wanted to rinse the salt off my face and shoulders. I started the shower and shed my clothes. Here's my outer skin. 

Immediately after I got dried off, the first thing I put on were my compression socks. You  better believe I put on my lime green compression socks under my pj's. It's a must do after my long runs!

I have a pretty busy next few weeks. Every Saturday, I have a run date with my friend and we hang out afterwards. On Sunday, Jason and I are going on a day date, which should be fun! The first weekend in Feb, I have my first race of the year, a 10k. the following weekend is my second race, a 5k with my friend. And, finally, the first weekend in March is my first half marathon of the year. I'm also doing the Color Run 5k this year, again. 

Do you do the running punch (inside or outside the gym)? How far do you have to run before you put on your compression socks? What's your race calender look like?

Ten

Well, after a lot of time off of blogging, I am back! The break was nice and much needed. I'm in the middle of my half marathon training, but over the holidays, I didn't get a single long run in. I was weak and caved to the temptation of lazily lying around on the couch while I stuffed my face. I did manage to make  date runs with my friend (I think it was just because I had someone counting on me, which always helps).

Since all of the activities are over and I'm getting back to a normal schedule, I feel so much better about myself and have stopped eating so much crap (a little crap is ok, in my books). The cookies are gone, the fudge bowl is empty and only nasty candy is left (which will take some desperate times for me to eat), and I'm back to the gym. Last night, I did my first long run of the year (I know, very sad when I'm in the middle of my training). Well, I successfully completed my 10 miler. 

I was so determined to start and finish it. I was starting to feel ugly (it's a girl thing) and really needed this run. I had been having a headache all day long and it hurt to even walk too fast. I beat the pain and challenged it (and took breaks when needed) and finished the tough 10 miles with a smile on my face. 10.5 miles is on the schedule for next week (but I have other workouts in between)!

I am trying something new out. I want to try to fuel with some stuff I have in my pantry (to use up some old things) and see what works for me. Right now, I'm using graham crackers. They're working great. I don't need that much. For example, I had ~1 1/4 crackers on my 10 mile run last  night. My stomach did great and it fueled me as I needed it to!

I have been taking care of my nutrient needs lately and have been eating a lot of these:

I've also been finding healthy versions of some of my favorite meals, like Sloppy Joes. Veggies and beans, yes please! I ended up going back for seconds. 

Tonight, I have legs weights and 60 minutes in yoga (hopefully my headache doesn't come back because downward dog wouldn't be fun), then tomorrow, I have a 5k and a 60 minute spin class. Finally, Saturday I have my run date with a friend. I'm really looking forward to this week. I'm feel like I'm myself again!

Do you fuel with anything from your pantry, or the standard GU and things like that? Have you ever taken time off in the middle of training (for a race)?

The Best Yet

This is the best my feet have ever looked during half marathon training (don't zoom in, trust me)

They're not prefect, but they do look good, from a distance. I'm not pushing myself as hard as I did in 2011. But, I am pushing myself. After every workout, I'm dead. I always make sure that I've left everything at the gym. 

On Monday, I ran my speedy (for me) 5k (32:53) and then headed over to the last ripped class of the year (don't worry, I'll continue January 7th). It was really difficult, but so much fun. The room was packed and the lady next to me would run right, when we were suppose to go left (and always ran into me). I think she apologized ~50 times (not exaggerating) for running into me that night. It was getting really old, though. I'm not perfect when it comes to my ripped class (I have no coordination), but I've never ran into anyone (especially 50 times in one class). 

Well, I have my long run tonight, then I don't have another one planned until Jan 3rd. So, this is my last long run of the year. Since I'm off of work all next week (I have 11 days off...in a row), I'll be doing some shorter runs around my house, to get more familiar with the new(ish) neighborhood), and some other, at home workouts to keep i shape while I eat a million cookies and other sweets. 

If you paint your toes, what color are they now? Do you have any coordination? When is your last long run of the year scheduled? What are you training for?

The Long Run that kept me Hungry

After work, on Thursday night, I headed out (to the gym) to run 7 miles (my long run for the week), on the treadmill. I knew not to use the one I broke the night before (it's still there). I settled ion one that was on the far right side, away from everyone. Soon, they were all filled and I got a lot of strange looks, as I normally do when I run for more than 45 minutes on the treadmill. See, my gym doesn't have many people training for running races here. They seem to be here for their own fitness goals, but I rarely ever see anyone running for more than 45 minutes.

The first handful of miles just flew by. I couldn't believe it. before I knew it, I was on mile 5. Only 2 more miles to go. Mile 6 came. Mile 6.25 came and stayed for a while (it seemed). It took forever to run the last mile. It felt like that mile took longer than the other 6 I had already ran. My legs were tired, my brain was tired and my body was tired. I just wanted to finish. So, the only other way to finish faster, was to run faster. That's what I did. For the last 3/4 mile, I ran at 7.5 (I usually run at 6-6.2). It did seem to take longer, but I know I finished faster than I would have running slower (I'm a smart person doing math here).

For the next day or so, my stomach gave me problems, as it normally does when I run further than 6 miles. I guess it really hates being jostled for so long. I've tried out different food methods and this is just how my stomach is. I've learned to deal with that. One thing I real hate about training, I'm always hungry. When I think I've had enough food, I'm just hungry in a few hours. No matter what I eat (peanut butter, or pasta, or veggies and fruit, yogurt, chicken, or anything else...I've tested that too). it's just a running thing. 

Do you get any GI issues while running? Who ran CIM this past weekend?

So much Love for the Long Run

Last night, I completed a 1/4 marathon!!! My long run was 6 1/2 miles. How I plan my long runs, that I up each long run (once a week) by half mile. I loved every minute of this run. I hope this streak keeps coming. I love that I'm loving this training cycle so much. 

Ignore the thrown down gym bag and the freaky glowing eyed cat next to me. That's Scouty, she's my little girl and what I call my "cuddle monkey".  She's actually sitting next to me as I type this. She loves watching me type and the keys make noise. 

The miles just kept ticking by. I just wish something better was on tv. My gym only gets a few tv stations and that's how I keep sane on the treadmill. 

Today is my last day at work for the week. Yay for a 4 day weekend!

What are your plans this week? How have your runs been going?

Happy Legs with a Side of String Cheese

My "go-to" snack, while at work, I've been going crazy over pears and string cheese. The thing about pears is that the more bruised and beat up they are, the juicier and more flavorful they are. Love them!

Last night, my ripped class kicked my butt. Exactly what I needed before Thanksgiving. I think she pushed us more because the holiday where you eat as much as possible is around the corner. I'm so glad!

I'm really feeling it right now. Can't wait until this afternoon (enter sarcasm). My legs haven't been this happy since my last long run, last week. 

I have my long run tomorrow. I need to kick out 6 1/2 miles before Thanksgiving and tomorrow is my only day to do so. 

How are you prepping for the holiday? How many miles are you running per week, right now?

New Training Plan, Sweating Buckets & Dinner

Last night's workout was a killer. I was sweating so much. I started with my 5k, then headed over to the weight section of the gym. When I was on the bench press, my legs got stuck to the rubber of the machine. It was sopping wet, but hurt when I tried to peel myself off. After this hour workout, I still had an hour ripped class left for the night. Ripped always goes by so fast! Almost too fast! We jammed through the class, we were able to go through a quick ab routine. When I got home, I desperately needed a shower to wash off all my salt. It felt great once I was clean.

Dinner is such an important part of training. My dinners may not always be the best choice (healthy wise), but they always taste great! This week, I've been eating chicken in a basil cream sauce. So good! So not healthy for you!! I had it with garlic toast and green beans. 

Now, for what you've been waiting for...my new training plan:

I've noticed that some things didn't work with the time/schedule I already have. I don't want to wake up before the sun (except Saturdays) to workout. I still want a life and train at the same time. Last year, I didn't have a life and didn't get to spend a lot of time with Jason. I think falling asleep at 7:30pm will not work for me this year. 

Monday: 5k on tm (too dark, right now, outside), leg weights and 60 minute ripped class

Tuesday: 20 minutes (minimum) on stairs and 60 minute yoga class

Wednesday: 5k (on tm once again), leg weights, and 60 minute spin class

Thursday: long run (I'm starting at 5.5 miles since I'm so out of shape)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 5k + outside with friend

Sunday: REST

What's your dinner looking like? Are they always healthy? Do you ever change your training after you've started it?

Training Day One

Saturday morning, I started my new training plan. I got up early (for a Saturday morning), at 6 am to meet my new morning training partner. I met my friend, Jenny at the park that is by my work. 

The run went well. It was so dark, and cold, but it was great! Here are some pictures from the morning run:

I love how all these people were out running, too. I think people are  more friendly in the weee hours of the morning. So many more people said hi.

We run through the park and saw that some kids were playing baseball (youth baseball). I can't believe that people (kids) get up this early to play. Wow!!

Back on the road again:

I love all the fall colors

We ran over a peaceful creek

It was so cold, my nose was red the entire run. I must remember my running beanie and gloves next time!

When I got home, I got my post-running shoes on (warm, fuzzy slippers).

The best post-run breakfast: scrambled eggs (I only eat my eggs scrambled and hard boiled), toast with butter and jam with some coffee.

It was a great 5k (I'm training my friend). Just have to remember to dress warmer than this weekend. I've adjusted my training plan since last time I mentioned it. I will announce it tomorrow. 

How do you eat your eggs? What's a great post-run breakfast for you? How do you dress for those cold runs?