Saturday, June 8, 2013

5 miles

Today- it hit me--- it takes me longer to get psyched up to go for a run than it does to run! My husband is right about that---- however going 5 miles today- it did take me longer to run :)

My goal was to run under 50 minutes--- I thought at first I could beat that easily-- WRONG! Mile 4 was a struggle. I honestly think it's because I knew where my 1, 2, and 3 mile markers were- but 4 I wasn't sure so I kept checking my time/distance on my phone---- then once I hit the 4 mile I still wasn't sure if I was going to go 4.5 or 5 miles. Well, 4.5 hit and I said to myself "I got this!" and kept pushing on.

So-
5 miles 49:09---- UNDER MY GOAL!


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Thursday

I didn't blog yesterday- but I ran a mile in the rain in the morning- it wasn't pretty, but my run streak continues! I also went for a bike ride yesterday- and not far into it, it starts to rain--- UGH! So it was only 13 minutes, but better than 13 minutes on the couch. My daughter wants to practice running a mile for her mile run in 4th grade- so her and I went out and ran most of it! I'm so proud of her!!!!


Today I can 2 miles. My legs are a little sore, but I invested in the rumble roller--- I used it yesterday, and it was NOT the most comfortable feeling, but afterwards- my body felt much better.

Today mile 1 9:12
           mile 2 9:04

Tomorrow I'm going to go for a light mile jog- maybe with my daughter if she wants--- but I'm going to try to take it slow because I'm pushing for my longest/farthest run on Saturday either 4.5/5 miles- I'm thinking I could skip the week 4.5 mile run on my 10K training program and hit 5 miles- We'll see when it comes time to run!!!!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Deflated

Looks like I got my run in just in time! We debated last night if I should run at 7 or 8 this morning. Usually I run at 5:30, but my husband had to leave early for work- so what was best for my oldest daughter to "wake up" enough to hear our youngest if she woke up- we decided 7- well I have been done for about 15-20 minutes because I went a little early and now it's a downpour!!

Yesterday, my brother kind of deflated my running desire and confidence/belief in myself. We talked about the p2p half marathon in our area in September- he said I should just run a 10K because then I know I'll be prepared in my training- I was really thinking I could do the half. I've done some reading and a lot says plan a half for 6 months- well I began running this year in March- so it would be 6 months from the half...... I guess now I'm doubting myself since it seems others are doing that.


Today's run

3 miles 18:03

Mile 1: 9:11
Mile 2: 9:22
Mile 3: 9:29

I really need to improve my times and keep up with my first mile pace- that's my next running goal--- I honestly think if I found a 5K race, I would keep pace- but running alone I set goals for times for mile 1- then what I want to be under for mile 2 and finish--- I make those goals, but it appears not so consistently-- so my goal for tomorrow's 2 mile run is to push the two miles hard and keep pace for both miles.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Decision Made

4 miles done!

Splits:
Mile 1: 9:19
Mile 2: 9:38
Mile 3 9:49 ( this doesn't surprise me as the slowest mile it was running straight into the wind)
Mile 4: 9:39
Total: 38:24


I'm very pleased with this run! Looking at the training program I'm excited to announce I'll be running a half marathon in September! Yes, that means a LOT of training this summer, but I believe that I'm up for the challenge. I don't have enough time between now and September 7th to finish my 10K training program and fit in the Half Marathon Training program, but I will maybe skip the weeks that repeat..... and have to look into how the half plan starts mileage wise--- maybe since it starts with running 4 miles for a long run, I'll move the week of 6 since I will have completed that already---- I'll know more when it gets closer to those runs. BUT right now, I'm excited to push myself to this goal.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Points Proven

Today I ran with a friend that hasn't been running for about a year. She is in SUPER good shape, and I know I held her back- her point of running is because she enjoys it. She's not out for any goals- just to get out there.

A couple points were proven today-
  1. I can push myself to run a little faster because I CAN DO IT! Today we ran 1.35 miles in 12:11. I'm happy with that time- because it proves that I can push my runs a little bit because I'm capable of handling it.

  2. Running is much better when you go with someone! I'd love to find a race to run now because I'd be running with other people and could see how I measure up compared to other runners. Maybe it would give me a positive outlook on my running times/abilities.


So Ashley- you gave me a whole new outlook on running and I now have new goals so that I don't hold you back everytime we run together!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thursday's run

Today was 2.0 miles- it was pretty windy on the run. Time 19:34
Mile one was .08 seconds faster than mile 2- I can't get over mile 2 being tough...... Oh well! The run is in the books and I did it!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

1.5

1.5 miles is in the books today! Normally, I just do cross training (Biking) on Wednesday's, but with the Run Streak I'm doing it was a short run this morning and I'll bike tonight.


Ran in 14:24 this morning- not my greatest time, but when I woke up I was only going to put in a mile because I was tired- so I went farther than planned and feeling good about that!

Mile 1: 9:34
1.5 14: 24 (after my first mile, I always slow way down! I MUST work on that!)

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Morning vs. afternoon

Today's run was 2.5 miles- My legs are quite sore- I'm not sure if it's because I can the last two days or what- but I'm hoping when I get up and run in the morning I'm not as stiff as today.

Mile 1: 9:17 pace
Mile 2 9:40 pace
ended with 9:44/mile and 24:24 for a time.

I'm not happy with the time, but there were times during the run I asked myself if I was even moving.


Today I ran after work- it was hotter and more humid than normal. I'm guessing this played into part of the run, but I don't want to make excuses. I have to get ready to run in the heat. I also know I need better running gear for hot weather-

Tomorrow at 5:30 am I'll be out for a 2 mile run-----

Monday, May 27, 2013

RUN STREAK

Today is day 1 of a 39 day run streak- the goal: Run at least 1 mile a day. I'm going to add a mile to my rest/cross training days.

Yesterday I ran 3.5 miles on the neighbor's treadmill due to nonstop rain. What a difference there is running inside vs. outside.
Today for the run streak challenge I was going to run 1 mile but it felt pretty good other than sore legs- so I can 1.5 miles in 14:00. I'm pretty happy with my run and time because without the "challenge" I wouldn't have gotten in a run of any kind today.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Funny GPS

Yesterday I biked 5.63 miles in 40 minutes- I had my 20 month old daughter in the bike trailer behind me-- So as I'm struggling on the bike ride during certain times- my legs were killing me, I thought how it would be without her going along- well 2 1/2 months ago I was 30 pounds heavier. Man I'm sure glad I'm not lugging that extra weight around anymore! It was a big reality check for me to keep going with the healthy lifestyle and the changes I've made.

Today's run was 3 miles. I finished in 28:31. The run felt amazing! I am very happy with the time but most importantly I'm happy I finished the run. I was dreading it when I woke up- but once I put one foot in front of the other- my mind was focused on the run.

I wore my Garmin watch to help me know my mile splits- but it was funny how the GPS on my Garmin and the GPS on my Nike Running app were different- I guess we'll see how it goes on Tuesday when I run again.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Up and out the door-

Today's 2 mile run felt awful! I had a side ache from about .5-2.0 miles. I couldn't get it to go away--- As I was starting the run, I noticed an awful smell- I don't know if someone was burning a tire or what- but I couldn't get that smell or the thought of my side ache out of my head! I tried! I noticed the beautiful trees that are in bloom, but that didn't help my mind stop thinking about my side.

Today's split
Mile 1: 9:23
Mile 2 9: 27
Total time 18:50

I'm pleased with the time as I was hoping for somewhere in the 18 minute range..... I made it! With a BIG push at the end- and that's not because I had a lot of energy left to give, it's because I wanted to beat my time goal!



Half Marathon in September? The thought is in my mind! I wanted to do it last year, but pushed myself too hard in a short amount of time! I don't have a lot of time to decide as the race is filling up fast! Maybe I can sign up for the 10K and if I'm ready for the half- I can change my race?

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Onto a 10K

And the training begins!

Today I went for a 2.5 mile run. It felt amazing!

Mile 1 9:17 when I heard my time I couldn't believe it! Is it my fastest? No! But I was happy with the pace I had going for the distance I was going to cover.

Mile 2: pace 9:20

Finishing time 2.5 miles 23:24.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with my run. During the run I thought maybe I could hit somewhere in the 22 minute range- BUT as I look back at other 2.5 mile runs, I beat my best time by over a minute. Thursday is a 2 mile run- I'm going push it to run it in the 18 minute range. My best 2 mile time is 19:02 so I definitely think my goal is reachable!

I have been doing a lot of reading about Fartleks--- I'm trying to add those into my runs more to help me get better.......

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sunday fun run

I got up this morning feeling like I should stick with my running day. I had no idea how far I was going to go. I was going to listen to my body and see how the run felt. With Kennedy by my side on her bike we took off on the nature trail. I hit the first mile and said Kennedy let's go another half mile and then turn around. It felt really good to be on the trail running today. We ended up going 3 miles and I wasn't going to stress about the time today I was just going to enjoy being out. I finished in 30:14.

Seeing peacocks, horses, and an oriole made the run enjoyable. I'm loving the nice weather and how I am handling each run.


10K training will start on Tuesday with Sundays being my long running days.... I'm excited to run to the new goal and start this next adventure.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

1 mile push

I set my Nike + running app to beat my fastest mile time. When I saw it was 8:58 I was a little nervous whether or not I could do it. I don't remember running a mile under 9 minutes- but I guess I have.

Today's time 8:48. The mile felt GREAT! I was really worried when I was on the way back because I was running into straight wind..... and I don't mean a little bitty breeze. BUT I pushed through and made it!

I haven't ran since Thursday morning- wasn't feeling great yesterday so I relaxed instead of going out and running- I'm not sure why but my legs were sore.

I'll start my 10K training this week---- I really have to look at what days running would be best for our schedule- BUT with only 3 weeks of school left I think I can keep my Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday schedule I just am not sure I want to keep my Thursdays as my long days with teaching until 4:45 then having a softball game at 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30......

I'm excited to say I'm officially back to being a RUNNER!!!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

New Route

Ran 3 miles today on a new route- I'm not sure how I feel about it- I knew where my 1 mile marker was and the next mile was tough. I am finding that I can get through my 1st mile fine but mile 2 is a mental struggle. WHY? You got me! When I heard on my app that I had one mile left I knew I was fine and could finish. I'm only running 3 miles so what is going to happen on my runs as I start running longer? In a few weeks I'll be running 5 miles. Is it going to be a mental struggle for miles 2,3,4? I'm hoping not!

Mile 1 finished in 9:43 with a 9:40 pace
Mile 2 time 19:51 pace was 9:57
Mile 3 time 29: 37
Run pace 9:51.

I beat Sunday's 3.00 mile run time of 30:40. I was hoping to be under 19 minutes today, but knocking off a minute and 3 seconds is something I am happy with too.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

5:30 am

Most people are still in bed at 5:30. Today I can say I was running. With a hectic schedule with working until 7:15 tonight and then my daughter's softball practice at 7:30 tonight, it was the only time to get the run in.

So two miles is in the books today!
2 miles took 19:02 with a 9:31 pace.

Happy? I was hoping to be in the 18 minute range but that means a 9:00 mile I'm not there yet so yes!! I'm happy with today's run.

My legs are sore and know tomorrows day of rest will be much needed

Monday, May 6, 2013

Monday-

Today was an off training day so since it was so nice out I got on the bike and took we went for a 3 mile bike ride- it was pretty relaxing- but man oh man do my legs ever hurt!!

I've realized today I haven't been getting in very much protein so I mixed up some protein bars-

1 cup Peanut butter
1 cup honey
1/2 cup flaxseed (I only had milled)
3 cups oatmeal
2 scoops protein powder--


Melt the pb and honey then mix in the rest of the ingredients and spread onto a cookie sheet.

Tomorrow morning I'll go for a 2 mile run- I'm hoping in about 17 mins- that would be my fastest 2 mile time. BUT with my legs being this sore I'm not sure I can do it...... 5:30 am is going to come sooner than I'd like it to.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

3.00

Well, I went for a 5 mile bike ride this morning with my daughters- one in the bike trailer. We were just on a relaxing ride so the fact it took us 47 minutes is a little embarrassing but it was enjoyable to spend the time with the girls.

As the day went on, I cleaned out the car and did some unending laundry.

Finally 5:00 came and I decided to go for a run- was thinking about waiting until tomorrow due to a hectic work schedule. Well, my daughter and her friends wanted to go- this was against all my better judgement.... BUT along they came on their bikes. WHAT A DISASTER! I had to call the neighbor to come pick up her granddaughter with a mile to go- she just couldn't make it. So I ended up having to take a break which really made me mad but I had a crying 6 year old that I couldn't leave.

All in all I finished the run with a time of 30:40- I KNOW I could have finished it in about 28- but had to slow up for the "bikers." Tomorrow is a rest day-- but may go on a short bike ride after work- 3 miles tops!

My legs are very sore tonight!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

2.75 mile run- DONE

45 degrees outside and drizzling-

Mile 1: 9:20 pace
Mile 2 9:27 pace
At the end my pace was 9:35

I finished the run in 26:27 which is 2 minutes faster than I finished the same distance last Sunday---

It felt great to be out running this morning after two days of snowing and cold weather- which I'm not brave enough to run in yet----

Today I ran the same route but ran around the lake the opposite way just to keep a little spice in the route- I like knowing exactly where my mile and 2 mile points are- but thought it would be ok to go a around the lake the other way--
I didn't mind this the first mile, but the second mile seemed long- of course from mile 1-2 has always been hard for me-WHY? WHO KNOWS!

Well, today's run is complete and I feel great! Hoping to go 3 miles and get back on my running schedule this week- Iowa weather permitting! :)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Spring vs. Winter

Well, May 2nd and snow is falling..... which means it is too COLD for me to run today. I can't believe I'm about to say this- but I am really bummed the weather didn't cooperate for me to run. Even though running doesn't come easy for me- and during the run I wish it was easier and I was better at it, I am enjoying my time running. 7 weeks ago when I started I knew that I could get back to being able to run 3 miles at a time. It's been an adventure and I'm looking forward to training for a 10K. I have definitely learned from my mistake last summer when I thought I could train for a half marathon----- well that seems quite more realistic this year as I'm training earlier and reading and learning as much as I can about running.


This blog- I know there will be no followers, but it's going to be my personal journal about my running- how it feels and just keeping track of how I feel after going for a run. I can say I wish I had someone to run with, but I'm running for ME and can't make anyone else go with me even though a lady at work is mad I don't ask her to run when I go. But when I run I have a goal in mind and I don't mind helping someone with running, but it will have to be on my off training days. I'm not going to feel bad for not asking- I am going to feel GOOD that I'm on the trails running because before the Hal Higdon 5K training program I was sitting on the couch.....

I hope to be hitting the trail again tomorrow- weather permitting......