New Week, Old Month

I started a new running week this morning with a different run--I ran outside with my new Garmin Forerunner 205! I slept in this morning, so ended up getting my workout in just before lunch (as I have today off from work). The run itself was nothing fancy. I parked outside my gym and ran around the shopping center and its parking lot for 20 minutes, going 1.59 miles, according to the Forerunner. That's a 12:34 minutes/mile pace, not as fast as I'm used to going on the treadmill. It was a good reminder that things can be slower out in "the elements," though it was a beautiful morning! It was a little windy, and I was looking out for cars (and also staring at the Garmin on my wrist part of the time!).

After the initial 20 minutes, I went inside the gym and ran another 30 minutes for 2.93 miles, a 10:14 min./mile pace. That's a 4.52 mile total for the day and new week, and 72.65 miles for the month of December. I'm shooting for another 20 mile week this week.

Another 20 Mile Week!

I finished the week of running with a 15 minute treadmill run for 1.32 miles. That makes for 20.89 miles for the week! :) I'm not even sorry I didn't go for 21 miles, being so close. I'm having some aches and pains, so I'm trying not to overdo it. I did finish up with 10 minutes on the elliptical machine. 25 total minutes of exercise isn't very much, but it's something. I am tired this morning, after staying up until 2 AM! Not my usual bedtime, and I'm feeling it this morning. Still, I'm glad I got out and did something this morning, because it's a rainy (yay for rain!), dreary day here, and I might not have gotten out otherwise.

Tomorrow I start a new week of running, both for my online log at running2win.com, and for my new 2008 paper logbook, The Complete Runner's Day-By-Day Log and Calendar 2008. I used to use this log in my previous running life back in the 80's, and it was a good one, so I decided to reinstate it. Maybe I'm overdoing the logging thing, but I'm going to give it a try and see if it helps or is cumbersome.

Almost There

This morning was kind of a wimpy workout for me. Did a little over 6 minutes on the treadmill for .54 miles, when I paused the treadmill to look at my iPod (which I rarely bother to do during a running workout). When I was ready to go again, I accidentally hit the reset button rather than the restart button! Ackdsubjkfdsbk! I got another 15 minutes on running in for 1.37 miles. That's 1.91 miles for the day, and 19.57 miles for the week! So close to 20! I'm tempted to strap on my new Garmin Forerunner 205 and run around the apartment complex. If I do, I'll report on how it goes.

I must confess that I'm running out of running steam a little bit this week. It doesn't feel like a loss of motivation, just feeling tired from getting accustomed to the higher mileage. I guess this is why the experts suggest that you have 20 miles per week as a running base for quite some time before sigining up for a marathon. I'm really feeling that it'll take my body a while to adjust. In time, I'll probably have to adjust my runs so that I'm running my long runs on the weekends.

A Little Less Running

The plantar fasciitis in my left foot was bothering me this morning, so I pulled back on the running a bit. Did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, and 20 minutes on the treadmill for 1.86 miles. I'm right on track to finish the week with 20 miles under my belt, am psyched about that.

I took a break from podcasts on the iPod this morning and listened to music from my workout playlist. That helped me get through the workout. :)

Going the Distance!

I decided to commit to running a 10K road race this spring to help me progress toward a half marathon later this year, so tonight I registered for the Inside-Out Sports Classic 10K in Cary on March 30! One reason I signed up for this one is that there's also a half marathon, and I can't wait to see what a half LOOKS like, even if (maybe especially if) I'm not running in one yet.

Signing up for that 10K has helped me to refine my list of possible races on the right side of this blog. It's interesting to see the puzzle pieces starting to fit together. It helps to have a plan. The list was starting to get a little unwieldy.

Meanwhile, I've been having fun playing with one of my new Christmas toys tonight, a Garmin Forerunner 205. I've been wanting one for a while, and am psyched about getting one from my sis and brother-in-law. It just might help me get outside to run more in the winter, which I really whould do!

Morning Workout

Today I started with 15 minutes on the elliptical machine, then 45:06 minutes and 4.30 miles on the treadmill. Yes, the extra 6 seconds were so I could hit the .30 mark--a little easier to remember. :) Of course, having an easier mileage number to remember meant that I had to keep the extra 6 seconds in my head. :-P

Continuing the Run

This morning I ran for 45 minutes on the treadmill, and got in 4.18 miles. It was another workout where I didn't expect to go far, but felt good once I got going. Part of the motivation is trying to make sure I make it to 20 miles for the week. Once I get into the groove, I probably won't be as worried about it. I'm up to 11.5 miles for the week so far, not bad.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to sign up for a 5K in mid-January. Would love to see my progress, but will wait until closer in to see how the weather looks. (Yes, I'm a winter wimp!)

"Gym Alone"

The gym I belong to is open 24/7, 365 days a year, so I went this morning, though I didn't really feel like it. I thought I'd do 5 minutes to say I'd been, but ended up doing 40 minutes on the treadmill for 3.61 miles. I was a little slower than yesterday, but I know my training speeds will vary a bit. Since I'm still getting accustomed to this higher mileage, slower miles help too.

I was the only one at the gym the whole time I was there! Not used to that! It was a little creepy, so I was a little more aware, periodically pulling myself out of my running "trance" to look around.

More running

This morning I spent 40 minutes on the treadmill for 3.71 miles, then did 5 minutes on the elliptical. Since I'm off work today, I slept in a little and worked out after breakfast instead of before. I enjoyed sleeping in, but missed getting my workout over with early. It really gives me a feeling of accomplishment to get it over with first thing.

Short Workout

I'm feeling "whole body" tired this morning, even with a decent night's sleep, so I had a short workout: 15 minutes on the elliptical, then 5 minutes on the treadmill for .43 miles. Most of the time when I feel tired, it's just the early morning sleepies, and I can work through the tired and get energized, but today wasn't one of those days. Knowing that I had a big mileage increase this week, I decided not to push it too hard today.

I'm glad to have finished the week with 20.39 running miles under my belt!

Run and Weights

This morning I ran for 35 minutes on the treadmill for 3.25 miles! That's a quicker pace than I'm used to (under 11 minutes), so that feels good. I also did 10 minutes of weight training for upper body. I saw the 15 lb kettlebells today and tried to use them, but even that was a bit heavy for me. My legs are pretty strong but my arms are not! So I worked with the 5 and 10 lb. free weights this morning. I am generally tired from the workout, so I think I'm going to curl up on the couch with a book, and read and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

By the way, I've clocked 19.97 miles for the week now! If I'd realized that during the run, I would've gone a little farther, and perhaps given myself a deserved day off tomorrow. But now, barring some emergency, I've gotta go for the 20-mile week!

Combo workout

This morning I did 3.18 miles on the treadmill in 35 minutes, then did 25 minutes on the elliptical. It felt good-but tiring, to get back up to an hour of cardio. My quads have been a bit sore since my first 4+ mile run of the week. I'll be glad when the soreness goes away.

I'd been noticing two strange looking weights at the gym, and thanks to Jimmy and his blog, I now know they are kettlebells. Thanks to a video he shared from YouTube, I know how to use them! I actually tried to pick one of them up at the gym this morning, and it was, at 35 pounds, too heavy for me to swing very high. Now I KNOW I have some work to do on my upper body strength!




By the way, where did all these videos on YouTube come from?! There were A LOT of kettlebell videos, just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what all is out there. I'd heard of YouTube, but had no idea.....

More mileage

This morning I ran 4.08 miles on the treadmill in 45.01 minutes! This makes the second time this week that I've run more than four miles, and that feels good. Provided I stay injury free, I feel sure I'll be ready for the Coach Bubba 4 Mile Race in February.

My weekly mileage total is 13.5. Wonder if I can hit 20 miles by the end of the weekend. (My new online mileage log has a Monday-Sunday week.) 20 miles/week feels like a lot to me. I'm definitely feeling more tired--especially in the evening, with the extra running. I can see myself topping out at around 20 weekly miles for a while, until I get acclimated. Then I'll set my sites on hitting 5-mile and 10 km distances.

Morning workout

This morning I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, than 15:01 minutes on the treadmill for 1.35 miles. My left foot was tender this morning from the plantar fasciitis, probably from the long (for me) run yesterday.

I went to the podiatrist this morning because of a couple of sore places on the bottom of my left foot. Eventhough my diabetes is "in remission," the foot sores have still been a concern to me. I wasn't ready to curb my running much, since it's something I'm having fun with and improving on, but you do what you've got to do. Thank goodness, both sore places were just callusses, which the doctor was able to file down. Already, I can walk more comfortably.

The podiatrist also gave me a recommendation for an over-the-counter orthotic to help with the plantar fasciitis, which is a blessing. (Custom orthotics can cost several hundred dollars!) I can't wait to go shopping for it!

Longer Run

I ran 4.54 miles on the treadmill in 50 minutes! Had a little problem with the falling arches issue in my right foot (which translates into burning under the bridge of my toes), but it wasn't bad enough to stop running. I'm glad to be making progress toward running for an hour straight. I've gotten accustomed to doing cardio for an hour (usually on the elliptical, though, so no impact there), so it's just a matter of getting used to the treadmill and running, with the impact, for a full 60 minutes.

I played with the incline a bit, doing most of the run on a .5% and 1% incline. I also adjusted the speed a bit, starting slowly and picking up speed over the course of the 50 minutes. Sometimes I speed up too much and had to pull back.

Back to Running

I was back on the treadmill, running 3.56 miles in 40 minutes. I felt tired starting out, s it was a little slow going at first, but once I warmed up, it was a good run.

No elliptical today. It was kinda nice taking a break from it.

Shorter Workout

This morning I did 35 minutes on the elliptical, was all I coould muster after yesterday's run. I can tell I needed the rest today, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow's workout already, and starting a new week of running.

Finding Balance

I've been thinking more about the Disney Marathon in 2009, and my overall racing plans for 2008. With the expense of registration ($105 for the marathon, $95 for the half--higher than more local half and full marathons), plus travel and lodging, I think I'll opt for being able to run (and afford) more races within 2-5 hours of home, at least for the next year or so. I need to build my base mileage anyway, and a plus of running around here is that I'll get to know the local running community a little better.

Big Run

This morning I ran for 45 minutes on the treadmill for 4.15 miles! This is the longest time I've run in training, though 5Ks earlier this year took me longer to run. 4.15 miles is the farthest I've run in over 20 years, so this is a milestone, for sure! I followed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical, before going to breakfast at the Rice House.

During the workout I listened to a podcast called Phiddipidations, done by "Steve Runner," and it was the episode where he ran the Boston Marathon--don't recall if it was this year's or last year's. Still, it was really interesting to listen to as I ran and did the elliptical.

I'm up to 15.2 miles for the week, which is exciting for me! Definitely a high weekly total for the year.

Running to Win

Yesterday I tried out the online running log on Active.com, since the online log I've been using on CoolRunning.com is shutting down and moving over to the one on Active.com. I tell ya, I just didn't like it as much! It seems to have more clicking, and it seems harder to find things...more cumbersome. I did wonder if it was just me, being "resistant to change." Well, I googled online running logs and decided to try out some others. I think I've come across a winner for now, at Running2win.com. The data entry is easy, and it has some cool mileage graphs. The querkiest thing on it so far is that on its calendar, the running week (with weekly mileage totals) starts on Monday instead of Sunday.

This morning I ran twice on the treadmill, first for 15:01 minutes (1.32 miles), then a pit stop (rats!), then 25 minutes (2.22 miles). Over three and a half miles for the day--yay! Wish I could've done it continuously! My mileage for the week is over 10, first time in--I can't even remember when! I also did 11 minutes on the elliptical.

Talk About Planning Ahead!

I was just looking at info about the 2008 Disney World Marathon, which happens in about a month. I've heard it's a really fun race! Turns out that registration for the 2009 marathon opens January 14, about a year in advance. Wow! It certainly looks tempting! I wonder if I could train (and save!) with a year's notice. Talk about a great big goal--but exciting to think about! Hmmm....

Keeping Track

When I got back from the gym, I logged onto the computer to plug my workout into my online running log on Cool Running, and they've finally taken the online log down for transfer to Active.com. There's been a note on the webpage for several weeks, but no exact date that the cool running log would be inactive. I knew it was coming, but was hoping for some notice, like, "Tomorrow the running log will be going down as we work to transfer your information to Active.com."

Since I already have a log-in on Active.com (it's where I sign up for a lot of my races), I decided to go ahead and start my log there. Thank goodness I've tracked most of my workouts here on this blog. I may go ahead and start plugging in previous workouts into Active, as I don't know how the information transfer from Cool Running will go, and how long it'll take. Meanwhile, I've bought a spiral bound running log for 2008, and am looking forward to having that record, as well as this blog.

This morning I ran 25 minutes on the tradmill for 2.25 miles, then did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine.

Marathon Advice

I found a handy-dandy website today called MarathonGuide, which offers runner comments on various marathons. I especially enjoyed reading the nice comments written about the Outer Banks Marathon. Although I doubt I'll run a marathon in 2008, it's interesting to read about well-run marathons when I know there's an accompanying half marathon, as is the case with the OBX Marathon.

Am I Getting Hooked or What?

This morning I started with 45 minutes on the elliptical machine at the gym. I'd thought about going the whole 60 minutes, but I was just ready to get off. I thought I'd go 5 minutes on the treadmill, but 5 minutes turned into 20, for 1.85 miles! The pace is a little under 11 minutes per mile, thanks to the treadmill. :) I'm up to 8.5 miles for the week, almost a record for the year!

I wonder if I'm pushing myself too hard, or if I've been underestimating my abilities as a distance runner. Surely, the weight loss has helped.

Meanwhile, I've learned the 2008 date for the Cannonball Run Half Marathon in Greensboro, just an hour down the road. It'll be October 18. It's good to know there's a local option for my first half marathon. I love the idea of going out of town for races, but there may be an advantage of sleeping in my own bed the night before my first LONG (to me) distance race. Hmmm, something to think about. Advice, anyone?

Breaking It Up

This morning I split up my treadmill running, thanks to a pit stop, into two 15-minute increments--one for 1.30 miles, and the other for 1.31 miles. Then I did another 15 minutes on the elliptical machine. Feeling a little sluggish today, and the plantar fasciitis in my left foot is bothering me somewhat.

When I went to the Rice House this morning, I told Ryan about the Coach Bubba race, and she sounded interested in it as well.

OK, I Did It!

I just registered for the Coach Bubba 4-Miler in Durham this coming February, and it feels really good! It's a distance I haven't done in 20+ years (since doing a few 6.2 mile races in college), so I'm excited--and a little nervous! I bet I'll hit the 4-mile mark in training fairly soon, so I won't worry about it. It's nice to have an official goal to work toward again, though, something I'm committed to running on a specific date.

Monday Morning Workout

This morning I did 50 minutes on the elliptical, and thought that would be it. As I was passing by the treadmill lineup, I decided to hop on and go for , oh, 2-5 minutes, but I ended up doing 10 minutes for .89 miles. I'm happy that I did a whole hour of exercise, and glad I scaled back on the running today-but actually got a little bit in. It felt different doing the treadmill at the end of my workout.

I'm still trying to decide whether or not to run in a race this coming weekend. Part of me wants to see if I can keep peeling off time of my PR, but part of me wants to look ahead to the new year. Both races are at least an hour away....if at least one race were local, I'd do it for sure.

My weekly total mileage is up to 4 already, and it's only Monday. Funny that I'd be excited about that, huh?! ;-)

Even More Running!

I surprised myself this morning! I got on the treadmill, and apparently got into the groove, because I went 35 minutes for 3.11 miles, almost before I knew it! It felt good to get beyond the 30 minute mark, and it felt even better to hit the 5K mark in training. I felt strong enough to do 30 minutes on the elliptical machine after the 35-minute run, but now I've got the tired sleepies going on. I am missing caffeine this afternoon, that's for sure!

Normally, this would be a great afternoon for a nap, seeing as how it's Sunday and I'm at home. BUT, I've got a final exam to study for and take by midnight for my online computer class through Wake Tech. I'll be done with the class after taking today's final exam, and I'm excited about that. (It's been an interesting class, and I'm glad I took it, but I'm relieved it's wrapping up!)

Thanks to some encouraging post commenters of late (imagine me waving virtually to them!), I'm considering putting a half marathon on my to-do list for 2008. Since I turn 45 next December, it could be a great thing to accomplish in my 45th year, don't you think? Last night, I started scouting out possible halfs, and two appeal to me so far, BOTH scheduled for Nov. 9, 2008, and BOTH on the North Carolina coast! One is the Outer Banks Half Marathon, and the other if the Battleship North Carolina Half Marathon. I'll keep looking, and training. I would love to actually register for one pretty soon, so that I have that solid goal to work toward in 2008. There aren't many 2008 registrations up on the internet yet, though.

Meanwhile, I plan to sign up for some other races (and smaller distances) along the way. I need to be careful to take things fairly slowly, as overtraining could cause the usual injury problems!

Saturday Elliptical

This morrning I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. I'm still feeling some residual weariness from yesterday's 30-minute run, I think, as I got plenty of sleep last night. My body's a LITTLE more accustomed to running more during the week, but not by much, especially for that "long." (30 minutes is chicken feed to a lot of runners out there, I know!) I need to keep at it, and not rush into adding more distance at this point.

Back when I decided to get back into running (and started this blog), my initial goal was to train for a marathon. I googled marathon training, and was totally surprised. I knew I needed to scale back my goals, but quick! I appreciate marathoning even more now. I remember one marathon training program started with the assumption that the runner was already at a base of 30 minutes of running several times a week, probably a little faster than I'm running, to boot! I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be!

Getting Back on Track

This morning I ran 30 minutes on the treadmill for the second time this week, for 2.71 miles! It was easier today than earlier this week, partly because I got more sleep last night. I also think my body's getting used to the idea of running 30 minutes on a regular basis. I hadn't planned on running 30 minutes this morning, maybe 15-20, so I picked up the speed on the treadmill. It felt okay, so I just kept going. It seems easier sometimes when I exercise in 5 minute chunks.

I've hit my 5-mile running goal for the week, with 5.35 miles, which feels good. I'll stick to this goal for the rest of December, with extra being icing on the cake. I've been thinking about my next goal, and I'l probably shoot for 10 km (6.2 miles) a week next month.

I also did 21 minutes on the elliptical. Nothing like a good night's sleep to help me get more exercise!

Later this morning, I'm co-leading a class at the Rice House. Should be fun! I'm looking forward to hearing Andrea's story as well. I get the impression she's done quite well at home.

Dragging My Feet

Eventhough I got a little more sleep last night, I'm still dragging my feet a bit. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine this morning, and that was it. Perhaps I would benefit from taking a day or two off from exercise, but I haven't been able to bring myself to totally pass on the gym! I don't want to mess with my routine, being generally well and all--no fever, broken bones, anything like that.

I'm sure I'll get back on track soon.

More Elliptical

I did another 45 minutes on the elliptical this morning. I seem to be in a "tired" rut, and need to get some solid rest soon. While being busy and active are good things, I need to remember to balance all of my activities with taking care of myself. I'm starting to feel a little run down.

I think I'll find another race to sign up for soon. Some of this tired, "blah" feeling could be the result of post-race letdown after pushing for that elusive sub 40-minute mark for several months. New races and new goals await!

Official Times for the Jingle Bell Run Posted!

I just saw the official times for the Jingle Bell Run, and I finished in 38 minutes and 2 seconds! Yippee! That's two minutes and eleven seconds off my previous best time. My running buddy and I finished in exactly the same time, which is cool too!

I finished 461st out of 536 runners, and 33rd out of 37 in my age group. It's hard to be competitive against other runners when I'm THAT far back in the pack, but it's encouraging to see that the 2nd female finisher overall was 40. She's in my decade, at least. :-D

Shorter workout

I only did 45 minutes on the elliptical this morning. I'm feeling tired this morning, some of it muscle-tired, and some of it body-tired. Being another year older today, I could complain that I'm feeling older, but I don't think it's that today! ;-) I'm just tired, and need to get to bed early SOON.

30-minute training run!

This morning I ran 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.64 miles, first time I've hit the 30 minute mark on the treadmill in about 6 months! I followed it with 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, so I'm officially TIRED today. It felt good to push myself, but I don't think I've fully recovered from the 5K race on Saturday. So I feel tired on top of tired. I need to listen to that and make sure I get enough rest tonight.

Still, it feels great to be working on my stamina and endurance! My resting heart rate yesterday morning was 44! Sounds abnormal, doesn't it? The nurse who tested it said it was a nice, strong beat.

When I set the elliptical machine this morning with my age and weight (for a more accurate calorie display), it dawned on me that today's the last day I'll be able to put that age down. Wow, it's been quite a year for fitness (and other things!)!

Still waiting on offical race results. (I think I'm obsessing!)

The Day After...

This morning I did 60 minutes on the elliptical. I actually looked at the treadmills, then passed them by. I'm tired this morning after yesterday's race push, and could've done with a shorter workout, but oh well! I'm a little sore too, but mainly tired. (I got plenty of sleep last night, so I can't blame my tiredness on that.)

Still looking for offical results from yesterday's race, can't wait to see that the PR's official. :)

I was thinking about doing another 5K next weekend, but think I'll wait until the 15th now. There's a 5K in Fayetteville, a bit of a hike, but doable.

Jingle Bell Run 5K Race Report

This morning I ran in the Jingle Bell Run 5K in Raleigh, NC. It was a beautiful morning, but chilly! I wore a new pair of leggings, and a new longsleeve Duke t-shirt as well, so I felt comfortable. I got there early so I could be sure to get a decent parking space, and to walk around my old stomping grounds a bit. The race started and ended at St. Mary's School, where I graduated from high school! Much looks the same from the outside, but there have been some changes as well. I took my camera with me this morning and took some pictures. The picture on the left is one of the main buildings on campus. It's a pretty school.

There were some festive costumes out for the Jingle Bell Run! Although this picture is blurry, and I was on the wrong side of these people (the people in the boxes and the Santa), here's a sampling of what I saw outside the registration area!

The goodie bags for this race included a pedometer and some Burt's Bees Lip Balm (yay!), as well as a long sleeve t-shirt and bells for our shoes, a cute idea! They suggested we put the bells on the opposite shoe from the timing chip, and since one shoe already had my spare car key, I decided to go with just one bell, and that was plenty. :)

After I put my camera back in the car, I ran into not one, but two people I knew who were running as well! That's a first for me since I've started running again, so I was thrilled! I knew that someone on staff at the Rice Diet, who was going to try to make it with a friend of hers, and she did..ran into her in the restroom, of all places. (She was faster than I was, but yelled out to me whenever she passed me at turn-arounds! That was encouraging!) As I was leaving the registration area, I ran into a friend from the Junior League, whose blog I enjoy reading. I learned pretty recently that she's a runner too, but I didn't think to ask her if she was running this one. Of all the hundreds of people there, it was a treat to run into her without expecting to see her! I got to meet her hubby and a couple of their friends as well. (Wish I'd still had my camera!)

Near starting time, I went to the back of the pack, as usual. Lo and behold, my Junior League friend spotted me and encouraged me to come start the race with them. It was nice to have company for the pre-starting time stretching and chatting. As it turned out, S. (Jr. League buddy) and I were running in the same ballpark, as we ran mostly on Hillsborough Street, down to part of the Capitol area, then down to NC State and the Bell Tower, then back to St. Mary's School. She pulled out ahead of me at first, and I gradually caught up with and passed her. Then she caught up with me, and we pushed each other to the finish line! The official times haven't been posted, but we were right together at the end. It was a lot of fun having someone to run with, very serendipitous, since we hadn't traveled to Raleigh together, or even planned to meet and run together. We both had a really good race, finishing around 38 minutes! Turns out it was a PR for both of us!

My foot and knee aches and pains were pretty minor in this race, and for that I'm glad. The pf wasn't really a factor as I'd expected, since it was sore early yesterday morning. I spent some time massaging and icing it, as well as doing the ibuprofin thing. My right foot burned a little from the falling arches issue, and I felt some tendonitis on the right of my right knee, but it wasn't too bad. (I took at hot bath and some more ibuprofin when I got home, so I'm feeling much better!)

I feel relieved and happy to finally break 40 minutes! Now I'm looking to break the 35 minute mark, and branch out into longer races. There's a 4-miler in Durham I'm thinking about in February that's a good possibility! 10Ks, here I come!

When I know my official time, I'll post an update!