Light Workout

1) Walked 1.12 miles (20 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.64 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Took it pretty easy today, as I had a busy night last night, and tomorrow's a 14-miler! That'll be the longest of the season for me. I'm meeting someone from my running group at 5 AM, as she's training for the same marathon I am! Others from the group will join us at 5:40 for some extra miles, and the rest will join us at 6:30. Crazy, but necessary in the July heat.

Low-Key Workout Today, Plus Running Shoes

This morning, I rode 8 miles (45:15 minutes) on the recumbent bike at the gym. No biggie, just staying active.

I have been having a challenging time getting new running shoes this week. Stores either don't have my size or have been too far away (AND closed too early) for me to get there on time after work! One response I got yesterday when I asked for a 10.5 in a women's running shoe: "That's big!" Charming.

Gonna try again this evening.

Switching Routes

I decided I needed another change of scenery this morning, so I ran on the American Tobacco Trail! It's a good bit flatter than the Umstead Park route I do, but it's still pretty, lots of trees. I even saw a turtle crossing the path this morning, and I thought, "Oh, that's me!" LOL Glad I was able to pass it! :)

My average pace this morning (16:50) was a little faster than Monday's (17:13), run/walking a total of 3.03 miles in 51 minutes.

Back Inside, Plus Butterflies

This morning I hit the gym, where I enjoyed the air conditioning and didn't miss yesterday's humidity!

1) Walked 2.01 miles (36 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.66 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Yesterday I plugged my Saturday long runs, including mileage, into my Google calendar, and could feel the butterflies in my stomach as I typed in the higher mileage. As George and I were getting ready for work this morning, I told him about it, and he didn't understand what the big deal is.*sigh* His response: "You're the one who wants to run a marathon, right?" Well, yes, but since it's my first one, I still get nervous about it sometimes! Am I the only one with the big mileage butterflies?!

Monday Run at Umstead

I had another nice run at Umstead State Park today, though it was humid!! I ran 3 miles in 51:40, a slower pace than last week, but I'm not fretting about it today. I felt pretty rested at the beginning of the run, but my legs felt a bit lead-heavy, and my hamstrings are still feeling tight like they did during the run. Hmmm.

Well, I'm happy to have this run under my belt!

Gym Bike Ride

I went to the gym this morning to ride the recumbent bike for a few minutes, and ended up riding for a whole hour (10.54 miles)! It wasn't a fast pace, but I did feel like I was working it hard at times. Eventually, I put the resistance up to 7, and did a couple of sprint minutes. Once I changed from podcasts to music on the iPod, I think that helped me go faster too.

One thing that kept me going longer is that I'm starting to think about doing triathlons, and what all that would take, in terms of training and equipment. Hmmmm.

I'm glad I stayed longer at the gym, because I got to see a former co-worker near the end of my workout. She continues to be one of my favorite co-workers, so I was glad to see her!

Today's Long Run

I've got another long run/walk in the books! Yay! Today we ended up going 10.42 miles in 3:13:01, an 18:31 average min/mile pace. It would've thought we were going faster, partly because I kept up with the group better today. Apparently it's because the group slowed down! Oh well. We did do something different today, something called "Indian runs," which is interval training for small groups. While we did the Indian runs, everyone in the pace group ran single file, and the person to the back ran to the front. Then the "new" person in the back ran to the front of the line, and so on. It was fun to do, and a nice change of pace.

It was a good run today, and now I'm ready for a nap! :)

Friday Bike Ride

This morning I hopped on the recumbent bike at the gym, and rode 6.23 miles in 35 minutes. Not a stellar performance, but I wanted to get a light workout in before tomorrow's 10-miler. My leg muscles are a bit sore, and I still have a bit of a cold, so tonight will be an early night (I hope!).

Speedy Gonzalez

Well, maybe I'm not Speedy Gonzalez YET, but I did go a bit faster today, a big surprise for me. I slept in a little due to this icky cold, so I ran a flatter course closer to home. I ended up run/walking 2.01 miles in 32:04, a 15:57 min/mile average pace, an average of 34 seconds faster than Tuesday's run. I did a 1:1 run/walk ratio, but did do some extra running at times.

Hope this cold is better before Saturday's long run! Surely...

Blah! Summer Cold!

I'd been planning to get another run in today, but when I woke up this morning, yesterday's sniffles had become today's stopped up nose. Ugh. So, I decided to head for the gym instead.

1) Walked 1.75 miles (30:07 min) on the treadmill, with up to a 1.5% incline
2) Rode 2.69 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike, pushing the resistance up to 7.

I've decided to try to make the gym workouts a little more productive, without overdoing it. Right now, I feel tired and a little sore. I'll try to get to bed earlier tonight, in hopes that I'll feel better for tomorrow's run.

Last night, George and I joined the Raleigh Galloway group for a Happy Hour at the Twisted Fork in Raleigh, and had a good time visiting with folks. It was fun trying out a new (to me) restaurant, too!

Back in the Gym

1) Walked 2.42 miles (40 min) on the treadmill, some at a 1% incline
2) Did a 12-minute fitness test on the recumbent bike. 1.93 miles in 12 minutes, VO2 max 31, fit level=medium
3) Rode 1.07 miles (6 min) normally on the reumbent bike

I decided to try to step up my gym workouts a bit, to see if it helps with the running. Stay tuned!

Another Umstead Run

This morning I headed to Umstead Park again to get a training run in. This place is such a gem. How nice that it's so close! I ran/walked 2.68 miles om 45:01, a 16:47 average min./mile. I'm thrilled to have broken the 17 min. barrier on this hilly state park road! (No horse flies were chasing me today, either!) I had my Gymboss set for a 1:1 walk/run ratio, but I did some extra running, which helped. Now I'm shooting to break the 16 minute mark on my training runs.

After the run, I stopped at the gym to ride 1.8 miles (10:11 min) on the recumbent bike.

(Yesterday, I walked 0.27 mi. in 5 min. on the treadmill, then rode 8.1 miles in 45 min. on the recumbent bike.)

Today's Long Run

I enjoyed this morning's 10 mile long run/walk with the Galloway group a lot. We had a planned route in Cary that's famous for little shade and much concrete (lots of sidewalk running), but our group leader (who's from Cary) decided to take us on a different route that included Bond Park. Very nice! I was able to keep up with the group most of the time, and it showed in my pace, the fastest average pace I've had in 3 weeks! I ended up with 10 miles in 3 hours, an 18 min./mile average pace. Yes, I know some people walk faster than that, so it's a minor victory, but I'm gonna take it and run! (Okay, maybe I'll run/walk!)

Our group leader invited us over to her nearby home for a pool party afterward, which was a treat! In addition to inviting our pace group, she included some other Galloway runners, and it was such a nice chance to socialize and cool off at the same time.

Friday Workout

1) Walked 1.1 mile (20 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.65 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Had a pretty easy workout today, hope it helps me to be more energetic tomorrow for my scheduled 10-mile long run with the Galloway group. My non-running workouts have been a little punier this week--though my runs have been good. I wonder if that'll make a difference.

I made it back to Yoga for Athletes on Wednesday night, and haven't been as sore as I was last week. Not sure if it's because I'm stronger and more limber, or if I didn't push myself as hard this time. We did work on some different moves, so it's hard to tell.

I started measuring and tracking my food this morning. It's a bit of a pain, but I think it'll be worth it.

UPDATE: Took a 17 minute (0.84 mile) walk break at work. I should do that more often!

Just the Bike

I went to the gym and rode 6.81 miles (40 minutes) on the recumbent bike. Between yesterday morning's run, last night's yoga class, and getting to bed at midnight, I'm tired this morning! I hope to get some walking in this afternoon, though.

Meanwhile, I need to figure out how to get George and me to bed earlier at night on a regular basis. Well, I'm not really responsible for George's bedtime, but it sure helps when we're in sync about going to bed. He's such a night owl, and I used to be, but I'm a lot more fresh when I get to bed earlier! Help!

Umstead's the Charm

Well, I decided to return to Umstead State Park for my run this morning, to see if going back would be enjoyable. I was a little wary of the bugs, since I have two big bug (horse flies, I think!) bites on my legs from Monday! I'm so glad I went back, as I had another good run, this time sans bugs, and I had an even better average pace today than Monday! Plus, I went a little farther! Can you tell I'm excited?!

I also listened to music instead of podcasts today, and I think the songs on my workout playlist helped me pick up the pace a little.

On my way home, I stopped at the gym and rode the recumbent bike for a bit. Final result:

1) Ran/walked 2.13 miles in 36 minutes
2) Rode 2 miles in 11:11 minutes on the recumbent bike

Back on the Bike

This morning I went to the gym and rode 5.27 miles (30 minutes) on the recumbent bike. I have a scratchy throat and am a little tired this morning, so I'm glad I took it easy at the gym. I hope the sore throat is nothing serious. Heading to work, will see how it goes.

Thanks, Umstead!

I decided to get one of my mid-week runs in this morning, eventhough I'm still a little sore from the weekend. I got in the car, and decided what I need was a change of scenery from the gym and my normal running route. So, I headed to Umstead State Park! Man, what a nice change of scenery that was! It had rained in the night, so the trees and plants had that nice, post-rain-uber-green look to them. There was very little car traffic, so I had the park almost to myself. I listened to music, which as a nice change of pace from the usual podcasts too. The only out-of-the-ordinary thing was that these big, winged buggy things started coming after me after I turned around. (I think a couple of them were tag teaming me!) I tried to outrun them for a while, and thought I'd succeeded, but I learned the hard way that there was one still one me when I sat down in the car! (Yikes!)

After I got Big Buzz out of my car, I headed for the gym, and got a 2.32 mile (13 minutes) bike ride to go with my run/walk (1.94 miles, 33 minutes) in the park. Ahhh, I'm feeling better today!

Walk Today

I woke up pretty tired and sore, so I did a leisurely 2.44 mile walk outside in 52 minutes. It was sunny and slightly windy, a beautiful morning that lifted my spirits!

Yesterday's Long Run

While I was out walking this morning, I realized I never got around to posting about yesterday's long run with the Galloway group. Part of it, I think, is that I'm starting to feel and sound like a broken record! I ended up at the back of the pack AGAIN! Man, it's discouraging! I did go 12.5 miles, but in 3:48:00. (Okay, it's a bit of an estimate--but a darn good one, based on several Garmin Forerunner comparisons. I'd forgotten to turn mine back on after a water stop once.) Average pace stunk again! *banging head against palm of hand* Okay, I'm pouting about it again! For a little motivation this morning, I pre-ordered a paperback copy of Dean Karnazes' 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days--and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!
Have any of you read it?

After the run/walk that lasted forever, George and I joined some of the Galloway group at the Panera on Six Forks Rd., and a guy walked by on these strange leg-things. (See the picture above.) We were curious, so we all ended up having a nice conversation with him. The leg things, it turns out, are called power risers, and he walks around on them for exercise! He was very trim, so he was a good spokesperson for them. Here's a video from YouTube, demonstrating them.

Just a Walk

I decided just to walk from my apartment complex today. No frills, low key, since I had an early doctor's appointment this morning. I ended up walking 1.56 miles in 32:18 minutes. Was a pretty relaxing walk. I'm still a little sore from Wednesday's yoga class, and tomorrow's a long run with the Galloway group. Got 7 hours of sleep last night, and feel a bit better overall. I plan to get to bed early again tonight!

Can I Have a Do-Over?!

1) Ran/walked ca 0.84 mile in ca 16 minutes outside
2) Rode 3.6 miles in 20:04 minutes in the recumbent bike

Today's workout was pretty much a wash! I woke up sore in the hips and right hamstring from last night's yoga class, but I decided to run anyway. It took me a while to get out the door, as I'm still pretty tired in general. (I got to bed a little earlier last night, but still need to do better!) So, I got to the gym and was going to run/walk outside first. I realized, as I was getting out of the car, that I forgot my Garmin Forerunner! I'd also forgotten to start the brown rice (in the rice cooker) for the day's meals, so I drove back home, walked up two flights of stairs to my apartment, took care of business, and returned to the gym to start my workout. (Way late now!) My Garmin said the battery was low, but I was hoping I could coax it through the run today. About 8 minutes out, it died for good. :( So, I turned around and run/walked to the gym. Bummer.

I went inside the gym and rode the recumbent bike then. It helped lift my spirits a little, but I'm missing the run. I think my hamstring will benefit from the lighter workout today, though. Need to let it recover before I injure it!

I feel like I've been complaining a lot about my workouts, especially my run-related workouts lately. Need to think on that! (I did have an interesting conversation about running with Susan after yoga class yesterday.)

Oh wait! I forgot to mention that I went to yoga class again last night! The regular instructor for "Yoga for Athletes" was there this time, and she was so impressive! Wow. Great instructional demeanor, remembered students' names and issues, wow. Look forward to more classes with her. BUT my hips and right hamstring are sore. Gotta do something about that. Great class, though!

Wednesday Walk

I just walked on the treadmill this morning, 2.21 miles in 40:01 minutes. I'm feeling a bit tired from yesterday's run AND two late nights in a row. I must do better about to bed earlier!!

John "The Penguin" Bingham had a blog post yesterday about running in the heat that really spoke to me, and made me feel a little better about slowing down this summer. Read Bingham's blog post here.

Tuesday Run/Walk

I headed outside for a run/walk this morning. Eventhough I drove to the gym, I ran from there, and never made it inside. It was a foggy morning, and nice to be outside in it. I set the Gymboss for a 1:1 run/walk ratio, but sometimes ran 2 minutes, then walked 1, hoping to speed up my average pace. Maybe I did, but I ended up with a 17:13 average pace, slower than usual for my mid-week runs. Okay, I know I shouldn't be discouraged, but I am! Can I blame it on the heat? The fog? :) At any rate, I'll keep running, and hope things turn at some point.

Final total: Ran/walked 3.5 miles in 1:00:16.

Monday, Monday

I'm feeling a little tired this morning, so my workout was a little slow.

1) Walked 0.54 mile (10:06 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 6.1 miles (35 min) on the recumbent bike
3) Stretched legs for about 10 minutes. Started with IT bands, and finished with a couple of yoga-pose-type things. My leg muscles are feeling pretty tight.

Got a nice boost from finding my race report from last year's Magnificent Mile race on the this year's race website. It helped remind me that I need to keep the speed thing in perspective. Eventhough I get grumpy sometimes about wanting to be faster myself, I get so much more out of running (including meeting great people!) than sometimes meets the eye.

Sunday Morning Workout

1) Walked 2.5 miles (45:08 min) on the treadmill, some of it at a 1% incline
2) Ran 0.37 mile (5:04 min) on the treadmill
3) Did 1 mile (12:15 min) on the elliptical
4) Rode 2 miles (11:10 min) on the recumbent bike

It felt good to shake the workout up a little bit this mornng. In other "shake up" news, I just registered for my first 10 mile race, the Anna's Angels 10 Miler on September 27. Come run with me!

Long Run Blahs

This morning I did a long run/walk with the Galloway group at Shelley Lake. The scheduled run was 10 miles, but I only did 8.43 miles in 2:32:00, about an 18:02 pace. Blah. Eventhough the distance was still the longest I've run this summer, I'm still pretty discouraged. I think I stopped short because the parking lot was close, George and Jacob had stopped at 6 miles and gone ahead to Panera, and most of the rest of the group was way ahead of me. Blah.

I did do a 1:1 run/walk ratio with the group for most of the first 6 miles, but walked a good bit of the last 2+ miles. Still, it was basically a fast walking average pace. Blah. And here I'm wanting to pick up my pace and be able to join and hang with the 13 minute pace group before the end of the season. Instead, I'm slippin' and slidin' back within my own pace group. Discouraging.

I think I need to work on an attitude adjustment, and remember the big picture. Building endurance without injury is key here. But when will speed come? I'm working on my diet, sleep, and hydration throughout the week, and I'm getting my mid-week training in. I must be missing something. Maybe it's just patience! ;>

On a positive note, we joined some other Gallowayers at Panera for brunch after the run/walk, and that was a treat! It's such an interesting, fun group of people who run with the Raleigh Galloway group!

Short Bike Ride

I went to the gym this morning and rode 5.3 miles (30 min) on the recumbent bike. I was still feeling kinda tired, so I decided to take it easy, since I have another long run scheduled for tomorrow. Still on vacation, I stretched out on the couch after I got home and fell asleep! A 30-minute workout usually doesn't wipe me out, but the nap sure felt good. Eventhough I've been on vacation from work, I've been busy with errands and stuff. Good to get things accomplished, but it's been kinda tiring.

Shelley Lake Run

Since I'm still on vacation, I slept in again, then put on my running shoes and the Garmin, and headed for Shelley Lake to run. I ended up run/walking 2.43 miles in 40 minutes, doing a 1:1 run/walk ratio. The pace is a little slower than I'd wanted, but I felt tired, probably from yesterday's long walk, a day full of errands, and a meeting last night. Maybe all of those are excuses, but they affected my energy level a bit this morning, I think.

Afterward, I stopped at the gym at rode 3.53 miles (20 min) on the recumbent bike, while watching Wimbledon.

Nice Walk Outdoors

1) Walked 3.37 miles in 1:06:00 outside, felt great to be outside!
2) Rode 3.05 miles in 17 minutes at the gym

I'm on vacation for the rest of this week, so I slept in a little, read a little, then went to work out. I was going to head inside the gym to walk, but decided to strap on the Garmin instead and walk for a while outdoors. Boy, it felt great! Caught up on several podcasts as well, an added bonus. :)