When I make "New Year's Resolutions", I usually not only break them by the end of January, but often completely forget what they were. This year I didn't make any resolutions, but I did set goals. At the end of every month, I'm going to revisit them and see how I'm doing and tweak the goals if needed.
1) Run at least three half marathons, with the eventual goal of a sub-2 hour half. Right on track for at least running three. Not sure about the sub-2 hour part. I have the Citizens Bank Caesar Rodney Half Marathon-2009 in Wilmington, DE in March. I've also signed up for the Marine Corps Historic Half in May and I'm looking at one of the Philadelphia ones for the fall.
2) Run races in at least three new states (but I'm aiming for 5).
Still looking good here. Delaware is ON. Unfortunately, the sign up for Maine starts at almost exactly the time I'll finish running the race in DE. Hopefully it will take at least a few hours to fill up. Florida will only be a 5K, but maybe I'll get a chance to re-do that one later. I still expect to do two other states, but there are too many variables right now to figure out which ones those will be.
3) Workout five times a week. Yep. This week was the first week that one of those workouts was not running. It was a much easier week. I have discovered that I HATE running on Friday nights after Beer Geek gets home. I'm just tired by then and running is not what I want to be doing. This week I tried running on Saturday morning instead and I liked that better. I guess I'll just have to play that one by ear.
4) Stop stressing about my weight and start lifting weights. I'm sitting a pound or two higher than I'd like, but my jeans are fitting fine, so I think I may actually be building muscle. I have a fat analysis scale, but it's been flaky as all heck lately. I have lifted weights almost every day. I only missed two days and I "made up" those days by doing two body parts on the day after the miss. I'm starting to see some muscle definition and my legs definitely feel stronger.
5) Run at least 8-10 races this year.
I'm doing great here. My first race is tomorrow, which wasn't a planned race for the year. I've also signed up for two halfs already and I have two races I always do, so I'm guaranteed five races without trying too hard. I should be able to find at least three more, no problem.
One of my "unofficial goals" for January was to run at least 20 miles each week and do 100 miles for the month. Despite travel and snow, I managed both goals. I think I'll aim for 21 each week for January and at least 90 for the month.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Picking a pace
As I mentioned earlier, I am running a 12K race this weekend. Several of you commented on what a weird length that is. I didn't realize how weird it will be for me until I started looking at my running log to figure out my goal pace.
12K is just under 7.5 miles. The only time I've run greater than 6 miles is as part of a long, slow run. I've only run a race longer than 6 miles three times - one 10 miler (9:30 pace), one half maraton (10:20something pace) and one marathon (11:20something pace). My 10K race pace is about 8:53.
I think I can do it at a 9:00 minute pace, but it's just long enough that I'm worried about not being able to hold the pace for that last mile or so. Normally I wouldn't stress overly much, but last year, it was a small race with fairly fast runners. I don't think I'll be dead last, but I'll definitely be bringing up the rear.
Oh well, if I'm lucky, tfh will wait for me at the end. ;o)
12K is just under 7.5 miles. The only time I've run greater than 6 miles is as part of a long, slow run. I've only run a race longer than 6 miles three times - one 10 miler (9:30 pace), one half maraton (10:20something pace) and one marathon (11:20something pace). My 10K race pace is about 8:53.
I think I can do it at a 9:00 minute pace, but it's just long enough that I'm worried about not being able to hold the pace for that last mile or so. Normally I wouldn't stress overly much, but last year, it was a small race with fairly fast runners. I don't think I'll be dead last, but I'll definitely be bringing up the rear.
Oh well, if I'm lucky, tfh will wait for me at the end. ;o)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Just once
Today's topic for "Take it and Run Thursday" over at the Runner's Lounge is the Marathon. I've only run one marathon and the plan was to do it "just once".
That was my mantra the whole time I was training for the marathon. Every time I needed to squeeze in a run instead of doing something else during my "me time", I reminded myself I was only doing this once. When I had Beer Geek take vacation days so that I could do my 20 milers on a Friday, instead of losing a chunk of our family time on the weekend, I told him "just this once." I honestly thought I'd never do another one. In fact, my first thought after crossing the finish line was "I never have to do this again."
Within a week, I was champing at the bit to run another one. I think that they must put something in the powerade that was served at the MCM, because I'm addicted. My goal my first time was just to finish. The fact that I finished under 5 hours was just icing on the cake. But now, I wonder how fast I could do it if I trained differently. I want that feeling of accomplishment and then some. I want to run a spring marathon so I don't have to train in the heat that is a Virginia summer. I was never athletic growing up, so it's a huge accomplishment to me to be able to run that far.
Will I do it again? More than likely. I tentatively have a plan to run one in the spring of 2010. By then, Shoo will be in preschool three days a week, which will give me time to train during the week. For now, I'll concentrate on the half marathon length, so that I go into training as strong as possible.
That was my mantra the whole time I was training for the marathon. Every time I needed to squeeze in a run instead of doing something else during my "me time", I reminded myself I was only doing this once. When I had Beer Geek take vacation days so that I could do my 20 milers on a Friday, instead of losing a chunk of our family time on the weekend, I told him "just this once." I honestly thought I'd never do another one. In fact, my first thought after crossing the finish line was "I never have to do this again."
Within a week, I was champing at the bit to run another one. I think that they must put something in the powerade that was served at the MCM, because I'm addicted. My goal my first time was just to finish. The fact that I finished under 5 hours was just icing on the cake. But now, I wonder how fast I could do it if I trained differently. I want that feeling of accomplishment and then some. I want to run a spring marathon so I don't have to train in the heat that is a Virginia summer. I was never athletic growing up, so it's a huge accomplishment to me to be able to run that far.
Will I do it again? More than likely. I tentatively have a plan to run one in the spring of 2010. By then, Shoo will be in preschool three days a week, which will give me time to train during the week. For now, I'll concentrate on the half marathon length, so that I go into training as strong as possible.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day
Or more accurately, ice day. Jones was off of school today because our county's schools were closed, as were most others in the region. We slept in late and had a lazy day, which would have been awesome if the boys hadn't been fighting all day. It wasn't that bad out (other than needing to chip the ice off my car - Beer Geek had to climb into the jeep through the rear door as it was the only one that would open), but Jones just wasn't feeling up to going out.
Needless to say, by the time Beer Geek got home, I was in NEED of a run. I hit the treadmill for 3.5 miles and felt like I could almost be civil by the time it was done.
I'm so ready for the winter to be done. I don't mind cold too much, but I hate snow and ice. The counties around here are not prepared for dealing with it, plus we get a lot more ice than snow, so I get stuck at home more than I'd like. (President Obama was poking fun at the area for closing schools today. Apparently he hasn't seen my neighborhood. You could have ice skated on my front lawn this morning.) I'm just hoping for school tomorrow.
I'm so ready for our trip to Fort Lauderdale and Key West in April. If anyone has any great suggestions for hotels in the Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach area, hit me with 'em. My head is spinning from reading reviews on tripadvisor.
Needless to say, by the time Beer Geek got home, I was in NEED of a run. I hit the treadmill for 3.5 miles and felt like I could almost be civil by the time it was done.
I'm so ready for the winter to be done. I don't mind cold too much, but I hate snow and ice. The counties around here are not prepared for dealing with it, plus we get a lot more ice than snow, so I get stuck at home more than I'd like. (President Obama was poking fun at the area for closing schools today. Apparently he hasn't seen my neighborhood. You could have ice skated on my front lawn this morning.) I'm just hoping for school tomorrow.
I'm so ready for our trip to Fort Lauderdale and Key West in April. If anyone has any great suggestions for hotels in the Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach area, hit me with 'em. My head is spinning from reading reviews on tripadvisor.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Nine snowy miles
This is what it looked like in my 'hood this morning. When we woke up, it was snowing and the boys were quite excited to walk to school in it. It continued to snow quite heavily on the walk to and from school, so I was quite surprised we even had school. After dropping Jones off, we walked home and then I drove Shoo to preschool. Today was supposed to be a long run. I do my long runs on Tuesdays as Shoo is in preschool for 5 hours. I figured I'd drop him off and then hit the treadmill. Thanks to my northern readers, I decided I needed to at least try to run outside. I don't have yaktrax and my shoes aren't screwed, but I figured I'd just see how it went. I wanted to do 11 miles and figured that any miles I managed outside would make the treadmill that much more bearable.
Other than the snow coming down and getting in my eyes, it was an awesome run! I felt so hardcore LOL! After about 8 miles, Beer Geek called me and told me the schools were closing early. That meant I had less than a half hour to get to Shoo's school, before we walked to pick up Jones. Darn! I was really enjoying the run. I ran one more mile, grabbed a quick shower, picked up Shoo and then we walked to pick up Jones.
Jones has a cold, so he headed into the house when we got home, but Shoo and I did some shoveling and snow playing. All told, I walked 3 miles, ran 9 (at an average of a 10:05 pace), and shoveled for about 45 minutes. I'm going to be sore tomorrow!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cross Training
I suck at cross training. I love to run, but I'm not a big fan of much else. I don't own a bike (although we may change that in the spring), I don't belong to a gym, and I don't currently have a good spot in my house to do a video. So, I've been running five days a week. And I've been getting burned out. It seems that four days a week is a much better fit for me.
Shoo and I started taking our exercise class again today. I LOVE this class (and I've never enjoyed classes much). I discovered that my fitness level is better even than it was in the fall while I was training for a marathon. Apparently the hill running and speed workouts are making a difference. I was able to do the most difficult version of every move today and, while I felt like I got a workout, I never felt like I couldn't complete a set or whatever. This class meets for 8 of the next 9 weeks, but then I'm going to have to find something new.
We are going to be buying a flat screen tv soon, so the current living room tv will move to the basement family room. This will allow me to workout in the basement, as our current basement tv is so old I can't hook up a DVD player. Really. And the treadmill is in front of the tv in the basement bedroom.
So, that was a long way of asking, "What are your favorite workout videos?" I know Jillian is a favorite, but I'd be interested in some older stuff that I could potentially get from the library to try before I buy...
11 miles planned tomorrow, hopefully before the snow starts, or I'll be doing 11 very boring miles on the treadmill.
Shoo and I started taking our exercise class again today. I LOVE this class (and I've never enjoyed classes much). I discovered that my fitness level is better even than it was in the fall while I was training for a marathon. Apparently the hill running and speed workouts are making a difference. I was able to do the most difficult version of every move today and, while I felt like I got a workout, I never felt like I couldn't complete a set or whatever. This class meets for 8 of the next 9 weeks, but then I'm going to have to find something new.
We are going to be buying a flat screen tv soon, so the current living room tv will move to the basement family room. This will allow me to workout in the basement, as our current basement tv is so old I can't hook up a DVD player. Really. And the treadmill is in front of the tv in the basement bedroom.
So, that was a long way of asking, "What are your favorite workout videos?" I know Jillian is a favorite, but I'd be interested in some older stuff that I could potentially get from the library to try before I buy...
11 miles planned tomorrow, hopefully before the snow starts, or I'll be doing 11 very boring miles on the treadmill.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Great run! and a retraction
We had an awesome time yesterday at the Monster Jam! The boys got to meet some of the drivers and then we had a blast watching the show. I ended my low carb eating (as planned) by having a couple of beers. Then for dinner we ordered Thai food and had more beer.
Today, my run rocked! I didn't really want to do it as I was in kind of a funk, but the temps broke 30 degrees around 2 pm, so I made myself do it. Sunday is usually my speed workout, so I warmed up and then did 4 x quarter mile with a little over a tenth of a mile as a break in between. I wanted to do 6, but my times for the four were 1:52, 1:57, 1:52, and 1:59 and I think that may have been a bit faster than I should have done. Not sure, since the only training plan I've even looked at lately is the one done by Lindsey for JoyRun LOL. I ended up doing a total of four miles at an average of an 8:54 pace.
So, Glaven, as much as I hate to admit it, you are right. Beer is not crap. Beer is apparently the best fuel ever. :o)
I just registered for the Capital Hospice 12K. It's a new distance for me, so an automatic PR LOL. tfh, if you want to email me at the address on my sidebar, I'd love to meet up.
Today, my run rocked! I didn't really want to do it as I was in kind of a funk, but the temps broke 30 degrees around 2 pm, so I made myself do it. Sunday is usually my speed workout, so I warmed up and then did 4 x quarter mile with a little over a tenth of a mile as a break in between. I wanted to do 6, but my times for the four were 1:52, 1:57, 1:52, and 1:59 and I think that may have been a bit faster than I should have done. Not sure, since the only training plan I've even looked at lately is the one done by Lindsey for JoyRun LOL. I ended up doing a total of four miles at an average of an 8:54 pace.
So, Glaven, as much as I hate to admit it, you are right. Beer is not crap. Beer is apparently the best fuel ever. :o)
I just registered for the Capital Hospice 12K. It's a new distance for me, so an automatic PR LOL. tfh, if you want to email me at the address on my sidebar, I'd love to meet up.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
I've met Viper and he IS all that!
Oh, did you think I meant this Viper? ;o)
Funniest moment of the show:
Superman flipped his truck and Shoo (the 3 year old) turned to me and said "Now, that's what I was talkin' about" I nearly spit out my beer (but that would have been wasteful LOL).
Friday, January 23, 2009
I hate running on the "beach"
No, not that beautiful sandy stuff near water (although I've never actually run on a beach). I hate running while following the South Beach Diet.
I needed to do something to break the sugar and alcohol binge I was on. I've done Phase 1 of the SBD a few times in the past and it's kicked my cravings down to a normal level, so I decided to do it again for three days. It seems to be working. I'm not constantly craving sugar and caffeine all day, which is pretty amazing, considering how little sleep I've had lately. It has also jumpstarted the weight loss that needed to happen. That wasn't the primary goal, but I'll take it.
Unfortunately, it kills my running. Yesterday I ran 6 miles at about a 9:30 pace. My legs felt like lead the whole time I was running and I was really fighting hard to keep going during the last mile. Today's 4 mile run felt a bit better, but by mile 2, it felt more like I was at mile 8. It was so beautiful out though (54 degrees!) that I just had to extend my planned 3 miler. Thankfully, I'm done with the strictest part (I never do more than a few days of Phase 1) and I'll start adding fruit and whole grains over the next few days until I'm eating my normal healthy way within a week or so. I can handle some "crap" each week - a few beers, the occasional granola bar, etc, but when I'm practically mainlining jelly bellies and I've started adding sugar to my coffee, I know it's time to step back.
In a quest to totally not blow my goals for the year in the first month, I need to run tomorrow morning. I already took two days off this week, so I'll have to hit the treadmill tomorrow morning. I hate getting up early on the weekend, but I'll be doing it. Why? Because our afternoon will be spent at "MONSTER JAM". Pictures and stories about that will be posted later for your viewing pleasure. :o)
I needed to do something to break the sugar and alcohol binge I was on. I've done Phase 1 of the SBD a few times in the past and it's kicked my cravings down to a normal level, so I decided to do it again for three days. It seems to be working. I'm not constantly craving sugar and caffeine all day, which is pretty amazing, considering how little sleep I've had lately. It has also jumpstarted the weight loss that needed to happen. That wasn't the primary goal, but I'll take it.
Unfortunately, it kills my running. Yesterday I ran 6 miles at about a 9:30 pace. My legs felt like lead the whole time I was running and I was really fighting hard to keep going during the last mile. Today's 4 mile run felt a bit better, but by mile 2, it felt more like I was at mile 8. It was so beautiful out though (54 degrees!) that I just had to extend my planned 3 miler. Thankfully, I'm done with the strictest part (I never do more than a few days of Phase 1) and I'll start adding fruit and whole grains over the next few days until I'm eating my normal healthy way within a week or so. I can handle some "crap" each week - a few beers, the occasional granola bar, etc, but when I'm practically mainlining jelly bellies and I've started adding sugar to my coffee, I know it's time to step back.
In a quest to totally not blow my goals for the year in the first month, I need to run tomorrow morning. I already took two days off this week, so I'll have to hit the treadmill tomorrow morning. I hate getting up early on the weekend, but I'll be doing it. Why? Because our afternoon will be spent at "MONSTER JAM". Pictures and stories about that will be posted later for your viewing pleasure. :o)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
13 has always been my lucky number
This week's "Take It and Run Thursday" topic over at the Runner's lounge is the Half Marathon. I'm not sure I can impart any great wisdom on how to run your best half, but I can probably tell you what not to do. ;o)
13 has always been a good number for me. My first "date" with Beer Geek was on Friday the 13th. We were married a year later on Saturday the 13th. My dad's birthday is on a 13. At one point, Beer Geek and I had a huge list of lucky 13s. Too bad I've misplaced it LOL.
I'm not exactly sure why I love the "middle" distance races. Probably because I'll never be fast enough to get an age group award at the shorter distances and at this point in my life, I just don't have the time to train for a full marathon again. I've only raced one half marathon and it was a horrible race for me, perhaps the worst I've ever had. Yet I came away from that race with the feeling that I'd found a great distance for me. Long enough to be a challenge, but not so long that my only goal would be to finish. My marathon training really cemented this feeling for me. I run without an ipod and I can easily do a 13-15 mile run without getting bored. After that point, I just want to be done.
I've already signed up for two halfs this year, with three more I'm considering. So, here's what I'm doing to prepare and what I won't be doing this time around.
Do's
1. Speed work - I really want to break the 2 hour mark this year.
2. Hills - Running lots of hills during marathon training made me stronger. I'd like to keep that up.
3. Max out at least 15 miles - Before my last half, I'd only ever run a few 12 milers. I'd never gone the full distance. I want to get to a point where I am strong for the whole distance.
Don't's
1. No going to the beach the day beforehand - starting a race already dehydrated is not a smart game plan.
2. Eat enough carbs in the days leading up to the race - I just plain didn't eat enough the day before my first half.
3. Get cocky - I was sure I was going to finish in under 2 hours last time, so I pushed hard at the start. Not one of my smarter moves.
My best advice? Respect the distance. It's not a marathon, but it's still a heck of a long ways, so put some thought and time into your training and it will be a fun experience.
13 has always been a good number for me. My first "date" with Beer Geek was on Friday the 13th. We were married a year later on Saturday the 13th. My dad's birthday is on a 13. At one point, Beer Geek and I had a huge list of lucky 13s. Too bad I've misplaced it LOL.
I'm not exactly sure why I love the "middle" distance races. Probably because I'll never be fast enough to get an age group award at the shorter distances and at this point in my life, I just don't have the time to train for a full marathon again. I've only raced one half marathon and it was a horrible race for me, perhaps the worst I've ever had. Yet I came away from that race with the feeling that I'd found a great distance for me. Long enough to be a challenge, but not so long that my only goal would be to finish. My marathon training really cemented this feeling for me. I run without an ipod and I can easily do a 13-15 mile run without getting bored. After that point, I just want to be done.
I've already signed up for two halfs this year, with three more I'm considering. So, here's what I'm doing to prepare and what I won't be doing this time around.
Do's
1. Speed work - I really want to break the 2 hour mark this year.
2. Hills - Running lots of hills during marathon training made me stronger. I'd like to keep that up.
3. Max out at least 15 miles - Before my last half, I'd only ever run a few 12 milers. I'd never gone the full distance. I want to get to a point where I am strong for the whole distance.
Don't's
1. No going to the beach the day beforehand - starting a race already dehydrated is not a smart game plan.
2. Eat enough carbs in the days leading up to the race - I just plain didn't eat enough the day before my first half.
3. Get cocky - I was sure I was going to finish in under 2 hours last time, so I pushed hard at the start. Not one of my smarter moves.
My best advice? Respect the distance. It's not a marathon, but it's still a heck of a long ways, so put some thought and time into your training and it will be a fun experience.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
So, about running in Texas
I'm a city girl. I run on streets and sidewalks. Even the trails near me are pavement. While in Texas, I had two options for running: run on Beer Geek's uncle's property or run on the paved country highway. Dogs and random men in pickup trucks scare me, so I decided to run on the property.
The first day, I decided to run the fence line. My only goals were to not break an ankle or meet up with any critters. I now have a serious appreciation for trail runners. I felt like I spent at least half of my energy just trying not to fall over. And I was just running across some heavily grassed fields, not on rocky or uneven trails. Beer Geek took some pictures while I was running.
Here I am at the far back of the property. Beer Geek had to use the strongest zoom on our camera (I think it's 12x) to even make me show up, LOL. This particular corner was difficult because I had to try not to step in mole holes. How fun!
I also got to dodge lots of fire ant hills. My garmin "path" looks like I was running drunk.
Trying to pick up the pace on the flat area near the house...
All in all, it was a great run. I ran the fence line twice for a total of four miles in 37:49.
On day 2, I didn't have as much time, so I decided to do a speed workout on their driveway. The driveway was not quite a third of a mile long. I ran out and back 5 times, most of it accompanied by their Weimaraner. He'd run ahead of me and then sit and wait for me, making me feel ridiculously slow, despite the fact that I ran the 3 miles at an 8:30 pace. Beer Geek didn't take any pictures of me running, but here's a pic of Shoo walking on the driveway near the house. What you can't see is the nice hill at the highway end that was, of course, accompanied by a strong headwind.
And the oranges in the pool? Well, aren't these just beautiful?
Well, they taste like a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit. (And everyone had to actually taste them to believe how bad they were.) So, the boys spent HOURS throwing oranges into the pool, fishing them out with a rake, and then throwing them back in. I was so sure I'd be jumping in after one of them that I spent the entire afternoon sitting by the pool without my shoes on. No sense ruining my good shoes when I went in to save a kid. Thankfully, no one fell in and they had a great time.
I haven't run since we got back and I am SO in need of exercise. And apparently Glaven was channeling my scale in the comments. The poor thing cried when I stepped on it. I didn't even know it was possible to gain that much weight in four days. Sigh.
The first day, I decided to run the fence line. My only goals were to not break an ankle or meet up with any critters. I now have a serious appreciation for trail runners. I felt like I spent at least half of my energy just trying not to fall over. And I was just running across some heavily grassed fields, not on rocky or uneven trails. Beer Geek took some pictures while I was running.
Here I am at the far back of the property. Beer Geek had to use the strongest zoom on our camera (I think it's 12x) to even make me show up, LOL. This particular corner was difficult because I had to try not to step in mole holes. How fun!
I also got to dodge lots of fire ant hills. My garmin "path" looks like I was running drunk.
Trying to pick up the pace on the flat area near the house...
All in all, it was a great run. I ran the fence line twice for a total of four miles in 37:49.On day 2, I didn't have as much time, so I decided to do a speed workout on their driveway. The driveway was not quite a third of a mile long. I ran out and back 5 times, most of it accompanied by their Weimaraner. He'd run ahead of me and then sit and wait for me, making me feel ridiculously slow, despite the fact that I ran the 3 miles at an 8:30 pace. Beer Geek didn't take any pictures of me running, but here's a pic of Shoo walking on the driveway near the house. What you can't see is the nice hill at the highway end that was, of course, accompanied by a strong headwind.
And the oranges in the pool? Well, aren't these just beautiful?
Well, they taste like a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit. (And everyone had to actually taste them to believe how bad they were.) So, the boys spent HOURS throwing oranges into the pool, fishing them out with a rake, and then throwing them back in. I was so sure I'd be jumping in after one of them that I spent the entire afternoon sitting by the pool without my shoes on. No sense ruining my good shoes when I went in to save a kid. Thankfully, no one fell in and they had a great time.I haven't run since we got back and I am SO in need of exercise. And apparently Glaven was channeling my scale in the comments. The poor thing cried when I stepped on it. I didn't even know it was possible to gain that much weight in four days. Sigh.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I think I need to detox
After drinking my weight in margaritas, beer, and wine this weekend, I think it's time to start treating my body better. I don't even want to know what the scale will be saying tomorrow!
Our trip to Texas was awesome. We had a great time with family and enjoyed celebrating Beer Geek's grandmother's birthday. In addition to the aforementioned alcohol, much barbecue and TexMex food was eaten. The boys had an awesome time with their cousins. They got to drive tractors, climb trees, and spend an afternoon throwing oranges into a pool (don't ask). And, of course, they had some great bonding time over the Nintendo DS and one of the Star Wars movies.
Our trip home today was a bit surreal. Because we spent most of the day en route from TX to DC, I felt like I missed a big party. We did see bits and pieces of the Inauguration and watched the news coverage this evening, but it was weird not seeing it live. When we got to the airport this evening, it was full of people heading home. Many of the roads around the area were still closed when we got home, but taxis were allowed on some and we were able to get home without any delays. It was absolutely bizarre to be on a major highway that is normally packed with cars and be one of only a few vehicles. We saw people walking home from the parade and the Pentagon full of buses, heading to pick people up. It felt a bit strange to be on the periphery of such an exciting day. Close to, but not actually a part of it. Still, I'm glad the day went smoothly (both on a national level and on our personal level) and am quite happy to have witnessed this day.
I did have two fabulous runs while in Texas and I managed to keep up at least some minimal strengthening exercises. I ran 4 cross country miles one day and 3 fast miles another day. But, I'm going to leave you all hanging and tell you more tomorrow, 'cause talking about them is "worthless without pictures" as some of my online friends say. ;o)
Our trip to Texas was awesome. We had a great time with family and enjoyed celebrating Beer Geek's grandmother's birthday. In addition to the aforementioned alcohol, much barbecue and TexMex food was eaten. The boys had an awesome time with their cousins. They got to drive tractors, climb trees, and spend an afternoon throwing oranges into a pool (don't ask). And, of course, they had some great bonding time over the Nintendo DS and one of the Star Wars movies.
Our trip home today was a bit surreal. Because we spent most of the day en route from TX to DC, I felt like I missed a big party. We did see bits and pieces of the Inauguration and watched the news coverage this evening, but it was weird not seeing it live. When we got to the airport this evening, it was full of people heading home. Many of the roads around the area were still closed when we got home, but taxis were allowed on some and we were able to get home without any delays. It was absolutely bizarre to be on a major highway that is normally packed with cars and be one of only a few vehicles. We saw people walking home from the parade and the Pentagon full of buses, heading to pick people up. It felt a bit strange to be on the periphery of such an exciting day. Close to, but not actually a part of it. Still, I'm glad the day went smoothly (both on a national level and on our personal level) and am quite happy to have witnessed this day.
I did have two fabulous runs while in Texas and I managed to keep up at least some minimal strengthening exercises. I ran 4 cross country miles one day and 3 fast miles another day. But, I'm going to leave you all hanging and tell you more tomorrow, 'cause talking about them is "worthless without pictures" as some of my online friends say. ;o)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Running from the cold
Or more accurately, flying from the cold.
Tomorrow morning, we head to TX to celebrate Beer Geek's grandmother's 100th birthday. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather, seeing family, and getting away from the chaos that will be Inauguration weekend. And man, what a huge milestone 100 years is!
I did another treadmill run tonight. So, I'm a wimp about the cold. Apparently I've spent too much of my life in warmer climate and my Wisconsin blood has thinned. It was a great run, though. I did 4 miles in 34:04!
tfh made an interesting comment yesterday about not wanting to ask what I did because it might be too personal. I found that entertaining, because anyone who knows me IRL knows I'm pretty open and will talk about just about anything. In regards to this blog, I won't give out any identifying details, mostly because I have kids. I also won't talk about anything that would embarrass Beer Geek (I'm not sure there's anything about me that I wouldn't share, but I know some of our friends read this blog on occasion). Other than that, I'm an open book. I'll be happy to talk about the Beer part of Beer Geek's name (he used to brew beer and now "collects" brewpubs to name just a couple of things), the Geek part (he also "collects" weird geographic stuff like "Point of Beginning" in Wisconsin), Shoo's homebirth (an awesome experience), librarianship (I really enjoyed my career), religion (Lutheran), politics (liberal, mostly Democrat)...
I talk mostly about running, because, well, that's why I started the blog. I've found more and more of my "life" slipping in, so feel free to ask questions. :o)
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! Stay warm northern people! I may get a chance to post from TX, but if not, "see" you after the Inauguration!
Tomorrow morning, we head to TX to celebrate Beer Geek's grandmother's 100th birthday. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather, seeing family, and getting away from the chaos that will be Inauguration weekend. And man, what a huge milestone 100 years is!
I did another treadmill run tonight. So, I'm a wimp about the cold. Apparently I've spent too much of my life in warmer climate and my Wisconsin blood has thinned. It was a great run, though. I did 4 miles in 34:04!
tfh made an interesting comment yesterday about not wanting to ask what I did because it might be too personal. I found that entertaining, because anyone who knows me IRL knows I'm pretty open and will talk about just about anything. In regards to this blog, I won't give out any identifying details, mostly because I have kids. I also won't talk about anything that would embarrass Beer Geek (I'm not sure there's anything about me that I wouldn't share, but I know some of our friends read this blog on occasion). Other than that, I'm an open book. I'll be happy to talk about the Beer part of Beer Geek's name (he used to brew beer and now "collects" brewpubs to name just a couple of things), the Geek part (he also "collects" weird geographic stuff like "Point of Beginning" in Wisconsin), Shoo's homebirth (an awesome experience), librarianship (I really enjoyed my career), religion (Lutheran), politics (liberal, mostly Democrat)...
I talk mostly about running, because, well, that's why I started the blog. I've found more and more of my "life" slipping in, so feel free to ask questions. :o)
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend! Stay warm northern people! I may get a chance to post from TX, but if not, "see" you after the Inauguration!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Aerobic filing and packing
It's COLD out there today! Low 20s and windy. I'm sure my northern friends would be happy to warm up to that, but for us Virginians, that's cold.
Today I had one absolutely must do on my to do list: stay at home and wait for our shipment of West Coast beer. (Yes, I do have my priorities straight LOL). I also needed to do some laundry, file, and pack for our weekend trip to Texas (aka someplace warmer than here where the Inauguration will not be taking place). To make the day go faster, I invited one of Shoo's friends over to play. Those of you with kids know that you can't leave two not quite and just barely three year olds alone for more than a moment at a time or you'll find the cat shaven and the book case on fire. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but with a house that also has a 7 year old, there are plenty of not age appropriate things for them to get into.
So, my day went something like this (remember, I live in a colonial style two story with the office and the laundry room in the basement). Run to the basement, throw in a load of laundry, run to the main level, check on the kids, run back to the basement and grab the suitcase. On the way up to the 2nd level, check on the kids. Run upstairs, set out suitcase, run back downstairs, check on kids, run to basement, file a few pieces of paper, check laundry, run to the main level, check kids.... Keep doing this until three loads of laundry are done, many papers are filed, and suitcase is packed. Since that wasn't enough of a workout, I did abs and then ran three hill interval miles on the treadmill after Beer Geek got home.
And the beer didn't actually get delivered until after we picked up Jones from school, so we really didn't have to spend the whole day at home, sigh.
And Glaven, you do wish I'd go back to work. Then you'd have someone cool to hang out with at library association meetings.
Today I had one absolutely must do on my to do list: stay at home and wait for our shipment of West Coast beer. (Yes, I do have my priorities straight LOL). I also needed to do some laundry, file, and pack for our weekend trip to Texas (aka someplace warmer than here where the Inauguration will not be taking place). To make the day go faster, I invited one of Shoo's friends over to play. Those of you with kids know that you can't leave two not quite and just barely three year olds alone for more than a moment at a time or you'll find the cat shaven and the book case on fire. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but with a house that also has a 7 year old, there are plenty of not age appropriate things for them to get into.
So, my day went something like this (remember, I live in a colonial style two story with the office and the laundry room in the basement). Run to the basement, throw in a load of laundry, run to the main level, check on the kids, run back to the basement and grab the suitcase. On the way up to the 2nd level, check on the kids. Run upstairs, set out suitcase, run back downstairs, check on kids, run to basement, file a few pieces of paper, check laundry, run to the main level, check kids.... Keep doing this until three loads of laundry are done, many papers are filed, and suitcase is packed. Since that wasn't enough of a workout, I did abs and then ran three hill interval miles on the treadmill after Beer Geek got home.
And the beer didn't actually get delivered until after we picked up Jones from school, so we really didn't have to spend the whole day at home, sigh.
And Glaven, you do wish I'd go back to work. Then you'd have someone cool to hang out with at library association meetings.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mama got a new pair of socks!
So, I've managed to keep up my weight workouts for two weeks. I'm seeing a bit of muscle in my shoulders and back and my legs feel a bit stronger. If I keep it up for two more weeks, I get to buy some new running tights. Hopefully that will be enough incentive to keep going and hopefully by then, I'll see enough body improvements to want to keep doing it for that. I am pretty excited by the new socks though LOL and Jones loves his new Brooks shoes (and Shoo seems to think that the 26.2 magnet I bought belongs to him LOL). All in all, a good trip to the LRS.
I did a 10 mile run yesterday and it felt pretty good. I averaged just under a 10 minute pace, with only one mile being over 10 (mile 7 where I hit two stoplights and ate a Gu). If I subtract that minute out, I did negative splits, so I'm pretty pleased. It was cold and windy and hilly, but it felt pretty good. Today I just did a 3 mile recovery run on the treadmill. I probably should have gone outside because it's supposed to be even colder tomorrow and Friday, but I just couldn't get motivated to brave the cold.
Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback yesterday. Sometimes I need to be reminded of how good I do have it. Also, unlike when I made the choice to become a stay at home mom (and last year when I made the choice to remain a stay at home mom despite the chance at my dream job), this time I feel like it really was a choice. In the other two cases, there were a lot of things going on that made staying home the best option for our family. This time, while it is still a great choice for our family, it was also a choice I made for me. Somehow, that makes me feel better about it. (Remind me of this when I'm considering offering the kids on e.bay, ok?)
I did a 10 mile run yesterday and it felt pretty good. I averaged just under a 10 minute pace, with only one mile being over 10 (mile 7 where I hit two stoplights and ate a Gu). If I subtract that minute out, I did negative splits, so I'm pretty pleased. It was cold and windy and hilly, but it felt pretty good. Today I just did a 3 mile recovery run on the treadmill. I probably should have gone outside because it's supposed to be even colder tomorrow and Friday, but I just couldn't get motivated to brave the cold.
Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback yesterday. Sometimes I need to be reminded of how good I do have it. Also, unlike when I made the choice to become a stay at home mom (and last year when I made the choice to remain a stay at home mom despite the chance at my dream job), this time I feel like it really was a choice. In the other two cases, there were a lot of things going on that made staying home the best option for our family. This time, while it is still a great choice for our family, it was also a choice I made for me. Somehow, that makes me feel better about it. (Remind me of this when I'm considering offering the kids on e.bay, ok?)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Balancing life and running
Before we had kids, I had a challenging job and a long commute. If I wanted to work out on a weekday, I had to do it during lunch. Thankfully, the gym was on the same floor as my office and I could schedule my day so that I didn't have many afternoon meetings (I'm very fair and get quite red in the face when I run. People get concerned if they see me after the gym LOL). On the weekends, I'd run and Beer Geek and I were always out hiking or walking around DC or just generally active. At the time, I thought I was seriously lacking in free time to get all the things around the house done. (I was obviously crazy).
Enter kids. I worked part-time until Jones was three. I could usually manage to squeeze in a work out on the days I worked and a run on the weekends. Various issues converged and I decided to "temporarily" become a stay at home mom. By my original deadline of one year, Shoo's arrival was imminent. Three more years later and I'm still at home.
Today I saw a full time job opening. In my career field. Minutes (as in I could walk) from my house. That's a perfect fit for my skills and work history. That I would have a better than good chance of getting. And I likely won't be applying.
I could say it's better for MY kids for me not to work (most of the time I do believe this). I could say it's better for Beer Geek's career for me to be able to take care of a lot of things, so he doesn't have to miss work for sick kids and such. I could say it's too difficult to find quality care for Shoo (which isn't really far from the truth around here). I could say a lot of things.
But the thing that's tipping the scale for me? Running. Right now running doesn't take time away from family time or making dinner or writing on my blog or really much of anything else. It fits neatly into the schedule we have (now that I'm no longer doing 20 mile runs LOL). I'm sure I could go back to squeezing it in, but I think I'd spend a lot more time feeling like I was at risk of dropping all the balls I have in the air.
I'm not sure if this means I've found a good balance or just that I'm selfish.
Enter kids. I worked part-time until Jones was three. I could usually manage to squeeze in a work out on the days I worked and a run on the weekends. Various issues converged and I decided to "temporarily" become a stay at home mom. By my original deadline of one year, Shoo's arrival was imminent. Three more years later and I'm still at home.
Today I saw a full time job opening. In my career field. Minutes (as in I could walk) from my house. That's a perfect fit for my skills and work history. That I would have a better than good chance of getting. And I likely won't be applying.
I could say it's better for MY kids for me not to work (most of the time I do believe this). I could say it's better for Beer Geek's career for me to be able to take care of a lot of things, so he doesn't have to miss work for sick kids and such. I could say it's too difficult to find quality care for Shoo (which isn't really far from the truth around here). I could say a lot of things.
But the thing that's tipping the scale for me? Running. Right now running doesn't take time away from family time or making dinner or writing on my blog or really much of anything else. It fits neatly into the schedule we have (now that I'm no longer doing 20 mile runs LOL). I'm sure I could go back to squeezing it in, but I think I'd spend a lot more time feeling like I was at risk of dropping all the balls I have in the air.
I'm not sure if this means I've found a good balance or just that I'm selfish.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I like to move it, move it
My weekend in reverse:
This afternoon we took the boys to see Madagascar 2. Jones really liked it, Shoo was indifferent, and Mama was entertained. Or maybe that's the beer talking. We saw it at the Cinema and Drafthouse, so Mama and Beer Geek got to drink a couple of Dominion Baltic Porters. Yum!
Before we went, I did my first ever "official" tempo run. My pace: 9:15 (warmup), 8:25, 8:35, 8:45, 10:30. As I suspected I might, I definitely did the first tempo mile too fast. By the end of the third mile of fast running, I was totally ready to puke and I had to slow down to a 10:30 pace to keep going. I think next time I'll try to aim for closer to 8:40 for tempos, at least for now.
Last night, Beer Geek and I went here. YUMMY food and good beer. They have an excellent wine list, but they had a stout and a porter on tap, so we couldn't resist those. Sorry, Girl on Top, I didn't wear stiletos. I did wear these jeans and a fitted turtle neck (I usually go for a bit of cleavage when we go out, but it was too frickin' cold for that) and high heeled boots. I told Beer Geek he should have taken a before and after picture because I'd spent the day in running pants, a HUGE sweatshirt (I wore these all through college/grad school, did I really think they were attractive?), and fuzzy pink socks. Quite the contrast from the "hot mama" look I was rockin' when we went out to dinner.
Yesterday was a rest day, so I just did abs (and today I did lower body), so I'm only three days from some new Thorlos. Good thing as I just noticed that Jones' shoes are getting too small. Since the kid wears Asics Nimbus shoes ($$$, but he stopped complaining about his feet hurting when we walked to school), that gives me two reasons to go by my favorite running store.
Disclaimer: any typos I blame on Dominion Brewing. Glavey, if you stick around and comment some more, maybe I'll dedicate a post to Beer Geek and how he got his nickname.
This afternoon we took the boys to see Madagascar 2. Jones really liked it, Shoo was indifferent, and Mama was entertained. Or maybe that's the beer talking. We saw it at the Cinema and Drafthouse, so Mama and Beer Geek got to drink a couple of Dominion Baltic Porters. Yum!
Before we went, I did my first ever "official" tempo run. My pace: 9:15 (warmup), 8:25, 8:35, 8:45, 10:30. As I suspected I might, I definitely did the first tempo mile too fast. By the end of the third mile of fast running, I was totally ready to puke and I had to slow down to a 10:30 pace to keep going. I think next time I'll try to aim for closer to 8:40 for tempos, at least for now.
Last night, Beer Geek and I went here. YUMMY food and good beer. They have an excellent wine list, but they had a stout and a porter on tap, so we couldn't resist those. Sorry, Girl on Top, I didn't wear stiletos. I did wear these jeans and a fitted turtle neck (I usually go for a bit of cleavage when we go out, but it was too frickin' cold for that) and high heeled boots. I told Beer Geek he should have taken a before and after picture because I'd spent the day in running pants, a HUGE sweatshirt (I wore these all through college/grad school, did I really think they were attractive?), and fuzzy pink socks. Quite the contrast from the "hot mama" look I was rockin' when we went out to dinner.
Yesterday was a rest day, so I just did abs (and today I did lower body), so I'm only three days from some new Thorlos. Good thing as I just noticed that Jones' shoes are getting too small. Since the kid wears Asics Nimbus shoes ($$$, but he stopped complaining about his feet hurting when we walked to school), that gives me two reasons to go by my favorite running store.
Disclaimer: any typos I blame on Dominion Brewing. Glavey, if you stick around and comment some more, maybe I'll dedicate a post to Beer Geek and how he got his nickname.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Hill hell
I ran the same hilly road tonight as I did last Friday, just a wee bit faster. My legs hurt! Is it normal for your inner thighs to feel it the most? Seems like a weird muscle to be feeling it in, but when I was pushing hard up the steepest parts, I was totally feeling it in the inner thighs. I think it may be a very good thing that tomorrow is a rest day LOL.
Today was a bit better day. Shoo and I went to a neighbor's house for coffee and snacks. He was the only non-baby child there, but he did really well. Most of the moms there had kids Jones' age or older, so their kids were all at school. The house was AMAZING. We live in an neighborhood that is a mix of 1930s houses (Sears houses and brick colonials) and newer construction that has replaced some of the older houses that fell into disrepair. It's an interesting mix of large new houses, older houses with large additions, older houses that are in good shape, but are on the smaller size (what we live in), and houses in disrepair that are ripe for remodel or demolition. This house was one of the newer, larger houses and I was totally jealous of the fact that the "entertaining" spaces were totally devoid of clutter and kid stuff. In fact, it motivated me to continue my decluttering and straightening. When Shoo and I got home, he did some water painting and playing at the sink, while I straightened a book case and sorted through some of the stuff cluttering our dining room. While our house will never be kid stuff free in the main rooms (too small of a house, too many kids LOL), I have a goal for 2009 of getting the house back to some semblance of what it was pre-kids.
The best news all day came in the early afternoon, though. Our babysitter called and said she's free Saturday night. Beer Geek and I get to go out to dinner! By ourselves! Without the kids! In preparation, I'm going to bed at 9:30pm tonight so I don't fall asleep over my glass of wine at dinner tomorrow LOL.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Today was a bit better day. Shoo and I went to a neighbor's house for coffee and snacks. He was the only non-baby child there, but he did really well. Most of the moms there had kids Jones' age or older, so their kids were all at school. The house was AMAZING. We live in an neighborhood that is a mix of 1930s houses (Sears houses and brick colonials) and newer construction that has replaced some of the older houses that fell into disrepair. It's an interesting mix of large new houses, older houses with large additions, older houses that are in good shape, but are on the smaller size (what we live in), and houses in disrepair that are ripe for remodel or demolition. This house was one of the newer, larger houses and I was totally jealous of the fact that the "entertaining" spaces were totally devoid of clutter and kid stuff. In fact, it motivated me to continue my decluttering and straightening. When Shoo and I got home, he did some water painting and playing at the sink, while I straightened a book case and sorted through some of the stuff cluttering our dining room. While our house will never be kid stuff free in the main rooms (too small of a house, too many kids LOL), I have a goal for 2009 of getting the house back to some semblance of what it was pre-kids.
The best news all day came in the early afternoon, though. Our babysitter called and said she's free Saturday night. Beer Geek and I get to go out to dinner! By ourselves! Without the kids! In preparation, I'm going to bed at 9:30pm tonight so I don't fall asleep over my glass of wine at dinner tomorrow LOL.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I am SO hardcore
I went running today in the snow. OK, so it was just flurries and well, there was no snow actually on the ground. And really, it was 36 degrees out, but still, I'm hardcore, right? (I can hear you northern girls snickering from here.)
After two days of 33 degree rain, it was dry and sunny today AND a friend took Shoo for a couple of hours. I was planning a 4 mile tempo run, but I've been having some stomach issues and I had a raging headache, so I decided to just do an easy 3 miler. I felt better as I ran and did manage to do 4.5 miles at about a 9:30 pace, but it was definitely not a great run. I also tried to use my heart monitor and I couldn't get the band to "talk" to the forerunner. Not sure what the problem is. Even if I can get that worked out, I need to figure out how to tighten the band more. It was barely tight enough when I had the band pulled as tight as possible and I'm afraid it will slide down when I'm running.
I've been feeling "off" lately. Not feeling 100% physically and in a bit of a slump mentally. Today's weather helped, but I'm still not quite myself. Several friends have gotten bad news lately (job layoffs and miscarriage) and I'm kind of down about that. I've also been feeling a bit guilty for not feeling 100% thrilled with my life, when others have actual negative things going on and I'm just tired and bored.
I signed up yesterday for the Marine Corps Historic Half in May. I haven't signed up for the National Half yet. I have two issues with that one. First, since I'm running a half the preceding weekend, Beer Geek will have already wrangled Jones and Shoo for the better part of weekend day. I generally try not to do that two weekends in a row. Second, and far more important to me, is that the National Half starts in downtown DC at 7:00am. I don't drive in the city (you can stop laughing now). I just don't. The metro won't be running that early, so that isn't an option. Beer Geek can't drive me in as he'll need to stay with the kids. I do have some friends running the full marathon, so I can probably get a ride with one of them and then metro home. We'll see.
Hills tomorrow (UGH!) and day 9 of toning/strength training. Over halfway to a new pair of socks!
After two days of 33 degree rain, it was dry and sunny today AND a friend took Shoo for a couple of hours. I was planning a 4 mile tempo run, but I've been having some stomach issues and I had a raging headache, so I decided to just do an easy 3 miler. I felt better as I ran and did manage to do 4.5 miles at about a 9:30 pace, but it was definitely not a great run. I also tried to use my heart monitor and I couldn't get the band to "talk" to the forerunner. Not sure what the problem is. Even if I can get that worked out, I need to figure out how to tighten the band more. It was barely tight enough when I had the band pulled as tight as possible and I'm afraid it will slide down when I'm running.
I've been feeling "off" lately. Not feeling 100% physically and in a bit of a slump mentally. Today's weather helped, but I'm still not quite myself. Several friends have gotten bad news lately (job layoffs and miscarriage) and I'm kind of down about that. I've also been feeling a bit guilty for not feeling 100% thrilled with my life, when others have actual negative things going on and I'm just tired and bored.
I signed up yesterday for the Marine Corps Historic Half in May. I haven't signed up for the National Half yet. I have two issues with that one. First, since I'm running a half the preceding weekend, Beer Geek will have already wrangled Jones and Shoo for the better part of weekend day. I generally try not to do that two weekends in a row. Second, and far more important to me, is that the National Half starts in downtown DC at 7:00am. I don't drive in the city (you can stop laughing now). I just don't. The metro won't be running that early, so that isn't an option. Beer Geek can't drive me in as he'll need to stay with the kids. I do have some friends running the full marathon, so I can probably get a ride with one of them and then metro home. We'll see.
Hills tomorrow (UGH!) and day 9 of toning/strength training. Over halfway to a new pair of socks!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
This run powered by caffeine
Shoo decided last night that sleep was for the weak. And apparently he's not weak. I didn't go to bed until my usual way too late bedtime and then he woke up before 2:00am and was up for over an hour. Since Jones is back in school, I had to get up at 6:30am. Needless to say, I was tired today.
To add to my fun, today was my day to co-op at his preschool. I didn't choose a co-op preschool, that just happens to be where he got in this year. (Getting into preschool around here involves applications similar to college and/or getting up at 4:00 am to stand in line. Seriously.) So, anyways, today I didn't get to have my one free day of the week. Instead, I got to spend it with other people's kids. Thankfully, at the last minute, I got moved from the nursery to the 2 year old room. I was still tired, but at least I enjoy 2/3 year olds. Babies, not so much my thing.
To stay functional today, I had three cups of coffee and two diet cokes. My usual is one cup of coffee in the morning and then either a second cup or a soda in the afternoon if I'm dragging. Surprisingly, I didn't get jittery from the caffeine increase, but I did run a nice fast run on the treadmill. LOL
3.5 miles in 30:30. I did intervals of 1 minute at 8.4-8.0 alternated with 2 minutes of 6.0-6.5. I think I could have pushed faster, so I think next time a do a speed session on the treadmill, I'll try to either increase the speed or the length of time I'm at the faster speed or both.
And, just for the record, if there were such a thing as "half marathon" maniacs, I don't think Beer Geek would be entirely thrilled at me joining. I haven't exactly told him yet that I already have two halfs I want to do this spring, in addition to the one I've signed up for and the one I plan to sign up for tomorrow.
To add to my fun, today was my day to co-op at his preschool. I didn't choose a co-op preschool, that just happens to be where he got in this year. (Getting into preschool around here involves applications similar to college and/or getting up at 4:00 am to stand in line. Seriously.) So, anyways, today I didn't get to have my one free day of the week. Instead, I got to spend it with other people's kids. Thankfully, at the last minute, I got moved from the nursery to the 2 year old room. I was still tired, but at least I enjoy 2/3 year olds. Babies, not so much my thing.
To stay functional today, I had three cups of coffee and two diet cokes. My usual is one cup of coffee in the morning and then either a second cup or a soda in the afternoon if I'm dragging. Surprisingly, I didn't get jittery from the caffeine increase, but I did run a nice fast run on the treadmill. LOL
3.5 miles in 30:30. I did intervals of 1 minute at 8.4-8.0 alternated with 2 minutes of 6.0-6.5. I think I could have pushed faster, so I think next time a do a speed session on the treadmill, I'll try to either increase the speed or the length of time I'm at the faster speed or both.
And, just for the record, if there were such a thing as "half marathon" maniacs, I don't think Beer Geek would be entirely thrilled at me joining. I haven't exactly told him yet that I already have two halfs I want to do this spring, in addition to the one I've signed up for and the one I plan to sign up for tomorrow.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Wee little run and a quick little post
Today I just did a 3 mile recovery run. I discovered I'm not very good at taking it easy. Thankfully, my legs are a bit sore, so that (c0mbined with lots of stoplights) slowed me down to about a 9:30 minute mile. I also did a lower body workout, complete with assistance from Jones and Shoo. (Who needs weights when you have kids? LOL) I'm planning some sort of speed work tomorrow, probably on the treadmill, thanks to some 34 degree rain. Brr!
In response to a couple of questions - No, we will not be anywhere near downtown for the inauguration. I went to Clinton's inauguration in 1993 and it was INSANE! I could not imagine dealing with that with kids. The metro was so packed my feet were barely touching the ground. Conveniently, Beer Geek's grandmother turns 100 the day before the inauguration, so we'll actually be in Texas that weekend.
And Marci, as far as the Suntrust Marathon goes, I haven't run it or the half, but I've heard really good things about it. If you want specifics, let me know. I do have friends who have run it. The one iffy thing about it is the weather here in the spring. It could be beautiful or it could be nasty. We don't generally get snow, we get 33 degree rain (see above). If you want to do it, let me know and we can meet up. I can also give you hotel and activity suggestions in DC. I might even run the half. Half marathons two weekends in a row are doable, right?
In response to a couple of questions - No, we will not be anywhere near downtown for the inauguration. I went to Clinton's inauguration in 1993 and it was INSANE! I could not imagine dealing with that with kids. The metro was so packed my feet were barely touching the ground. Conveniently, Beer Geek's grandmother turns 100 the day before the inauguration, so we'll actually be in Texas that weekend.
And Marci, as far as the Suntrust Marathon goes, I haven't run it or the half, but I've heard really good things about it. If you want specifics, let me know. I do have friends who have run it. The one iffy thing about it is the weather here in the spring. It could be beautiful or it could be nasty. We don't generally get snow, we get 33 degree rain (see above). If you want to do it, let me know and we can meet up. I can also give you hotel and activity suggestions in DC. I might even run the half. Half marathons two weekends in a row are doable, right?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Enjoying the Nation's Capital
Although there are things I don't like about this area (too much traffic and expensive houses to name just a couple), there are a lot of things I like about living where we do. One of those is that a decision to head into the city requires little more than grabbing my bag and a stroller and heading out the door.
Saturday was a beautiful day and we've all been going a little stir crazy with the boys being out of school. On a whim, we decided to go into the city and grab lunch and check out the train display at Union Station. We walked to the metro and hopped a train. Cool thing #1 - our metro cards from the day have Barack Obama on them in honor of the upcoming inauguration. I made sure we had a few extra cents on them so that the boys can have them as souvenirs.
It was lunch time when we got downtown, so we headed to one of our favorite restaurants - Capital City Brewing. They have good food and excellent beers. As per usual, they did not disappoint. Cool thing #2 - when you bought a beer, you could get a glass commemorating the inauguration. Obviously, we had to get a couple.
After enjoying our lunch, we took the boys to the train display, which was small, but entertained them for a bit. In order to avoid transferring trains on the way home, we walked past the Capitol building. As we were walking, Beer Geek asked me if I'd run on that particular road for the marathon. I honestly didn't know. I remember seeing the Washington Monument (or the big pencil as my boys call it), but that's about all I remember from miles 16-18 LOL. We snapped a few pics of the boys with the Capitol in the background and made a quick detour into the new visitor center to use the bathrooms (Gorgeous building, BTW. Hopefully soon we can do a tour).
A quick ride on the metro, a short walk, and we were back home.
Yesterday was a rest day, but I think I walked about 2 miles, plus I carried Shoo up and down a few sets of stairs. I also did a short upper body work out.
Today, I had an eight mile run on my schedule (the one I'm making up as I go along 'cause I haven't gotten around to choosing one). I decided to try to run by feel, rather than using Garmin's pacing. I wanted to see if I could run a decent run without being dead at the end. I wore Garmin just to track mile splits and distance, but tried not to pay much attention to it. At mile 6, I picked up the pace and ended up doing negative splits. Overall time - 1:18:00, with mile 7 being 9:16 and mile 8 being 9:02. Woot! My legs were still sore from the hill work and lower body strength training from Friday, so I was quite pleased. I did abs today, so I'm still on track for some new socks. ;o)
Saturday was a beautiful day and we've all been going a little stir crazy with the boys being out of school. On a whim, we decided to go into the city and grab lunch and check out the train display at Union Station. We walked to the metro and hopped a train. Cool thing #1 - our metro cards from the day have Barack Obama on them in honor of the upcoming inauguration. I made sure we had a few extra cents on them so that the boys can have them as souvenirs.
It was lunch time when we got downtown, so we headed to one of our favorite restaurants - Capital City Brewing. They have good food and excellent beers. As per usual, they did not disappoint. Cool thing #2 - when you bought a beer, you could get a glass commemorating the inauguration. Obviously, we had to get a couple.
After enjoying our lunch, we took the boys to the train display, which was small, but entertained them for a bit. In order to avoid transferring trains on the way home, we walked past the Capitol building. As we were walking, Beer Geek asked me if I'd run on that particular road for the marathon. I honestly didn't know. I remember seeing the Washington Monument (or the big pencil as my boys call it), but that's about all I remember from miles 16-18 LOL. We snapped a few pics of the boys with the Capitol in the background and made a quick detour into the new visitor center to use the bathrooms (Gorgeous building, BTW. Hopefully soon we can do a tour).
A quick ride on the metro, a short walk, and we were back home.
Yesterday was a rest day, but I think I walked about 2 miles, plus I carried Shoo up and down a few sets of stairs. I also did a short upper body work out.
Today, I had an eight mile run on my schedule (the one I'm making up as I go along 'cause I haven't gotten around to choosing one). I decided to try to run by feel, rather than using Garmin's pacing. I wanted to see if I could run a decent run without being dead at the end. I wore Garmin just to track mile splits and distance, but tried not to pay much attention to it. At mile 6, I picked up the pace and ended up doing negative splits. Overall time - 1:18:00, with mile 7 being 9:16 and mile 8 being 9:02. Woot! My legs were still sore from the hill work and lower body strength training from Friday, so I was quite pleased. I did abs today, so I'm still on track for some new socks. ;o)
Friday, January 2, 2009
*YOU* made me run today
I had three miles planned for this afternoon, but I really wasn't feeling it. I have real issues with getting into my running clothes when I'm already cold. I was tired from all the bickering that the kids had been doing all day (CAN NOT wait for school to start back up). I put in a DVD for the boys and escaped to the computer for a few minutes to read a few blogs. I started with the usual posse - all you awesome people know who you are. And voila, suddenly I wanted to run. Eveyone's 2008 wrap ups and 2009 goals got me motivated to get out there. So, thank you, all my RBFs!
Not only did I get out there, but I ran hills. There is a street in our neighborhood that is .45 mile long and has one huge hill and a few smaller ones. I ran it out and back twice (which really seemed to confuse the guy out walking his dog). My times were pretty consistent too - 4:04, 4:08, 3:55, 4:14. Combined with my warm-up and cool down, I did 3.25 miles in 30 minutes. Then I came home and did a short lower body workout - lunges, squats, and various leg lifts. I think I may hurt tomorrow. Good thing it's a rest day from running.
Not only did I get out there, but I ran hills. There is a street in our neighborhood that is .45 mile long and has one huge hill and a few smaller ones. I ran it out and back twice (which really seemed to confuse the guy out walking his dog). My times were pretty consistent too - 4:04, 4:08, 3:55, 4:14. Combined with my warm-up and cool down, I did 3.25 miles in 30 minutes. Then I came home and did a short lower body workout - lunges, squats, and various leg lifts. I think I may hurt tomorrow. Good thing it's a rest day from running.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
994 miles to go; 994 miles*
Ok, I jest. I don't actually have a mileage goal this year. I would like to run at least 15 miles a week, but I plan to do some cross training this year. I won't worry about total mileage until November. Then I'm likely to set a "stretch" goal so that I run a lot in December instead of sitting on my butt, eating cookies.
My final mileage for 2008? 1010.10 Yeah, I have a thing for numbers and if I wasn't going to end at 1000 total, I had to end at a cool number. LOL
Despite having a couple of holiday pounds hanging around, I woke up this morning WITHOUT my usual plan to immediately start a diet. It's amazing what a difference that makes. Usually on January 1, I am either throwing stuff out or eating more than I should so that I can start fresh on the Monday after the holiday. Today, I had a reasonable amount of leftovers for lunch and will have more for dinner. Whatever doesn't get eaten in time, but at a reasonable rate, will go in the freezer or trash in a few days. Of course, it helps that this year we have little in the way of desserts leftover.
I ran a lovely 6.5 miles this afternoon. It was about 30 degrees, but sunny with little wind. I ran at a comfortable pace and was pleased to discover that my easy run was at a 9:25 pace. Maybe I can do that sub-2 hour half soon. I also did 5 minutes of core workout. It's been so long that I really wasn't able to do much more. If I do at least 5 minutes a day for two weeks, I'm going to buy myself some new Thorlos running socks. If I can manage a whole month, with only one or two slips, I'm buying some new running tights. I'll continue to use "carrots" to get myself to do the strength workouts, but I'll make it more difficult to earn each thing. I just know how slack I am about that kind of workout, so I have to make it worth my while. :o)
Happy New Year!! I'm looking forward to sharing 2009 with all my RBFs!
*Sung to "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" and really it's only 993.5 more miles to go ;o)
My final mileage for 2008? 1010.10 Yeah, I have a thing for numbers and if I wasn't going to end at 1000 total, I had to end at a cool number. LOL
Despite having a couple of holiday pounds hanging around, I woke up this morning WITHOUT my usual plan to immediately start a diet. It's amazing what a difference that makes. Usually on January 1, I am either throwing stuff out or eating more than I should so that I can start fresh on the Monday after the holiday. Today, I had a reasonable amount of leftovers for lunch and will have more for dinner. Whatever doesn't get eaten in time, but at a reasonable rate, will go in the freezer or trash in a few days. Of course, it helps that this year we have little in the way of desserts leftover.
I ran a lovely 6.5 miles this afternoon. It was about 30 degrees, but sunny with little wind. I ran at a comfortable pace and was pleased to discover that my easy run was at a 9:25 pace. Maybe I can do that sub-2 hour half soon. I also did 5 minutes of core workout. It's been so long that I really wasn't able to do much more. If I do at least 5 minutes a day for two weeks, I'm going to buy myself some new Thorlos running socks. If I can manage a whole month, with only one or two slips, I'm buying some new running tights. I'll continue to use "carrots" to get myself to do the strength workouts, but I'll make it more difficult to earn each thing. I just know how slack I am about that kind of workout, so I have to make it worth my while. :o)
Happy New Year!! I'm looking forward to sharing 2009 with all my RBFs!
*Sung to "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" and really it's only 993.5 more miles to go ;o)
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