This morning, I'm heartbroken.
I'm trying to will myself to stay in the game because mentally, I'm 100% in my training. Physically, I've never felt worse. EVERYONE (Kyle, my mom, etc) is mad because I haven't gone to the MD yet....but I kinda thought things would get better....sadly, they are getting worse.
I don't care that I'm losing two toenails. It doesn't even make me cringe to bleed through my socks on a lot of runs.
Every morning, I wake up feeling incredibly nauseous. Like, I have to move slowly or just moving too quickly is going to make me throw up. Some mornings I have dry heaves. Every day, my stomach just aches for at least two hours. Nothing about my digestion is right.
I was ok with feeling that way and just thinking that it was my body getting used to training.
This morning, I got on the treadmill and ran a quick mile. Then literally, had to get right off because I almost threw up right there. I tried to push through to finish my run, but no success.
I feel like such a failure because I want to do this run 100%, I know I have enough endurance to get through it, but I seriously don't know if I can feel this way for the next 25 days. It's hard to explain (and trust me you don't want me to go into all the nuances of this....TMI for this blog) but I've never been in so much pain.
The other thing is that I can't find anywhere that this has happened to people....so if anyone knows how to fix this so I can train, I'm ALL ears.
To me, this is just so weak because clearly I didn't have my stomach cut open and have to retrain from that. But, I'm pretty good with pain and I feel like I'm really hurting myself here somehow.
I'm devastated that I've already failed at Week 4, only doing 2 miles today instead of 4.....and not sure whether my mind or belly will win at this point.
Ouchie.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 98 - Pushing through...
When I woke up this AM, there was no way I was going for a run. I pretended I was by getting out of bed, but I was back next to Kyle within two minutes. He asked me if I really wanted to quit and I told him yes....so he let it be.
Fast-forward to my trip to Manchester, NH and I got my groove back! Walked into the hotel, got into my running outfit, and kicked ass at 3.5 miles. I ran it faster than my assumed race pace (don't get that excited, it's not like my race pace is anything awesome), but it felt awesome.
Apparently, there must be some changes in me as one of the women I work with told me that she thought I looked a lot more toned....and actually said (and I quote) "your arms look cut". Then, while I was running today next to a full length mirror (LOVE it) I could actually see the muscles moving in my upper arms and back. I was a little turned on by it....which is weird because usually I'm all about "skinny" and now I'm into "muscles"??? Strange.
Funny moment in the gym. As I open the door, this 38 year old man is literally groaning and grunting his way through pushups. I'm thinking he's really at the end of his workout for how much bitching and moaning are taking place. Then I start watching him....he's not even doing real pushups!!!!! He is faking his way through really shallow dips and keeping his arms bent. What a mess. I thought that was enough....but oh no, it gets better.
He goes over to the free weights section and tries to lift two 40 lb dumbells off the rack. He can't do it, so he brings one over to the bench and then makes another trip. He benches them for maybe three reps. Again, no full extension of the arms. He is groaning and then collapses on the bench to watch TV for five minutes.
THEN, he goes over to the free weights and picks up two 30 or 35 lb bells. He walks over right next to me (please note we have the entire gym to ourselves to spread out in) and cleans the dumbbells. Then he attempts to do a push press and almost drops one on his head. He can't get them higher than his shoulders. He shakes his head, takes a peek at me to see if I've noticed (I'm pretending I'm seeing none of this) and then goes over to get the 25 lb bells. He does maybe 5 of what I would call clean & press, but instead of doing the cleans, he is letting the bells fall down to his side and then trying to beast them back up with his arms. No wonder he can only do 5.
At this point, I seriously wanted to get off the treadmill, take the 2 25's and double his workout. It was so sad....and I thought it couldn't get any worse!!!! Never fear....it did.
THEN, he gets the 2 15 lb bells. I'm completely snickering inside because seriously, why is a guy using 15 lb bells. I use 15 bells for a light workout with a lot of reps! Then....think about what he did next....yep, you guessed it...that asinine exercise where you hold the two 15's above your head and extend your arms forward and back to work something...I think triceps? Either way, it's a completely pointless exercise that will do nothing for your physique. Mr. Gym Rat did 10 of them before he was completely beat.
He then took a towel to wipe off ALL the sweat from his excruciatingly tough workout and poured himself a large glass of water. Then he watched TV for 10 minutes and then he decided to do sit-ups. On the sit-up machine. Nothing weighted...just 15 to 25 sit-ups.
It took every inch of my self-control not to walk up to him and suggest he look into Crossfit or a local barbell club. The man wasted a good 35 minutes on nothing.
I've determined that is why America is overweight. You have people doing idiotic exercises that will never help you lose weight. Let's be honest, even if I work out for an HOUR on the elliptical machine as hard as I can...am I really breaking a sweat or struggling in the slightest? Not so much. I went to Olive Garden afterwards and they have only one or two items that can even be modified to be part of a healthy diet. I actually took a glance at the nutrition information online....even the chicken they advertise as "healthy" has over 42 g of carbs. Completely unnecessary.
I was pretty good...I got the mixed grill with all steamed veggies instead of the potatoes. I caved a bit at the end of the meal by having one breadstick and my after-dinner mint....but that was the best I could do!
In other great running news, I've been waking up every morning feeling really nauseous and it stays with me for hours....whether I eat breakfast or not. I'm not pregnant for the one smartass that will ask. Now, when I've run recently, the back of my throat and upper chest start burning and I start coughing. Acid reflux? I guess I'll go read my runners symptoms book again...if it's not one, it's another.
Fast-forward to my trip to Manchester, NH and I got my groove back! Walked into the hotel, got into my running outfit, and kicked ass at 3.5 miles. I ran it faster than my assumed race pace (don't get that excited, it's not like my race pace is anything awesome), but it felt awesome.
Apparently, there must be some changes in me as one of the women I work with told me that she thought I looked a lot more toned....and actually said (and I quote) "your arms look cut". Then, while I was running today next to a full length mirror (LOVE it) I could actually see the muscles moving in my upper arms and back. I was a little turned on by it....which is weird because usually I'm all about "skinny" and now I'm into "muscles"??? Strange.
Funny moment in the gym. As I open the door, this 38 year old man is literally groaning and grunting his way through pushups. I'm thinking he's really at the end of his workout for how much bitching and moaning are taking place. Then I start watching him....he's not even doing real pushups!!!!! He is faking his way through really shallow dips and keeping his arms bent. What a mess. I thought that was enough....but oh no, it gets better.
He goes over to the free weights section and tries to lift two 40 lb dumbells off the rack. He can't do it, so he brings one over to the bench and then makes another trip. He benches them for maybe three reps. Again, no full extension of the arms. He is groaning and then collapses on the bench to watch TV for five minutes.
THEN, he goes over to the free weights and picks up two 30 or 35 lb bells. He walks over right next to me (please note we have the entire gym to ourselves to spread out in) and cleans the dumbbells. Then he attempts to do a push press and almost drops one on his head. He can't get them higher than his shoulders. He shakes his head, takes a peek at me to see if I've noticed (I'm pretending I'm seeing none of this) and then goes over to get the 25 lb bells. He does maybe 5 of what I would call clean & press, but instead of doing the cleans, he is letting the bells fall down to his side and then trying to beast them back up with his arms. No wonder he can only do 5.
At this point, I seriously wanted to get off the treadmill, take the 2 25's and double his workout. It was so sad....and I thought it couldn't get any worse!!!! Never fear....it did.
THEN, he gets the 2 15 lb bells. I'm completely snickering inside because seriously, why is a guy using 15 lb bells. I use 15 bells for a light workout with a lot of reps! Then....think about what he did next....yep, you guessed it...that asinine exercise where you hold the two 15's above your head and extend your arms forward and back to work something...I think triceps? Either way, it's a completely pointless exercise that will do nothing for your physique. Mr. Gym Rat did 10 of them before he was completely beat.
He then took a towel to wipe off ALL the sweat from his excruciatingly tough workout and poured himself a large glass of water. Then he watched TV for 10 minutes and then he decided to do sit-ups. On the sit-up machine. Nothing weighted...just 15 to 25 sit-ups.
It took every inch of my self-control not to walk up to him and suggest he look into Crossfit or a local barbell club. The man wasted a good 35 minutes on nothing.
I've determined that is why America is overweight. You have people doing idiotic exercises that will never help you lose weight. Let's be honest, even if I work out for an HOUR on the elliptical machine as hard as I can...am I really breaking a sweat or struggling in the slightest? Not so much. I went to Olive Garden afterwards and they have only one or two items that can even be modified to be part of a healthy diet. I actually took a glance at the nutrition information online....even the chicken they advertise as "healthy" has over 42 g of carbs. Completely unnecessary.
I was pretty good...I got the mixed grill with all steamed veggies instead of the potatoes. I caved a bit at the end of the meal by having one breadstick and my after-dinner mint....but that was the best I could do!
In other great running news, I've been waking up every morning feeling really nauseous and it stays with me for hours....whether I eat breakfast or not. I'm not pregnant for the one smartass that will ask. Now, when I've run recently, the back of my throat and upper chest start burning and I start coughing. Acid reflux? I guess I'll go read my runners symptoms book again...if it's not one, it's another.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Day 97 - Things Happen for a Reason?
I've always told everyone that I believe things happen for a reason. But, could it be that deep down I don't really believe that or I try to circumvent the process?
It's amazing to me because there are so many things that have happened to me that truly did happen "for a reason"....most of them are deep dark secrets because why would I ever want anyone to see me as less than perfect.....but honestly enough there have been some real changes and disappointments along the way. I'm not quite ready to expose myself to all of them....but perhaps a few.
Here's some that I can remember.....and please don't judge me.....
1. I didn't really want to move to Ft. Wayne. Sure, I rated the job highly and thought it was an awesome opportunity, but I figured that somehow I'd really stay in Philly or one of the other jobs I wanted - I would get.
What happened: Probably the toughest and best learning experience on the job EVER, the career experience of a lifetime, learned how to be on my own and without a group of ready-made friends for a year, spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted, lost 20 lbs, MET MY HUSBAND, learned that I was a pretty good bowler, got to spend at least one weekend a month with my family and saved a lot of money
2. I was absolutely heartbroken about not being promoted last year even though I secretly knew I wasn't ready (although NOW I'm ready to kick some butt!) and took a lot of comments about why I didn't go for the team leader job.
What happened: Most of the team got laid off and I would have potentially been in a very tough spot.
3. I thought my life was so sad when my parents told me that I had to get a "real" degree from Northwestern instead of a theater degree (sorry to all my theater friends..they just didn't see it as useful!).
What happened: I got a lead in the Mainstage musical my freshman year and HATED performing....apparently it turned out I was a bit of a narcissist and only liked performing for audiences where everyone was my friend...I would have been a terrible professional!
I'm sure there is many more. I'm struggling right now between trusting in my own instincts at pushing forward....to believing that God has a plan and I fit into it somehow....or to take my friend's psychic who predicted eerily true things to find out where I belong.
All I know is that I'm being tested right now and hopefully a change is coming soon.
Is it in the cards for me to be a laid-back Southerner, with a new accent, a convertible, and dye my hair blond?
I guess we'll see shortly.
It's amazing to me because there are so many things that have happened to me that truly did happen "for a reason"....most of them are deep dark secrets because why would I ever want anyone to see me as less than perfect.....but honestly enough there have been some real changes and disappointments along the way. I'm not quite ready to expose myself to all of them....but perhaps a few.
Here's some that I can remember.....and please don't judge me.....
1. I didn't really want to move to Ft. Wayne. Sure, I rated the job highly and thought it was an awesome opportunity, but I figured that somehow I'd really stay in Philly or one of the other jobs I wanted - I would get.
What happened: Probably the toughest and best learning experience on the job EVER, the career experience of a lifetime, learned how to be on my own and without a group of ready-made friends for a year, spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted, lost 20 lbs, MET MY HUSBAND, learned that I was a pretty good bowler, got to spend at least one weekend a month with my family and saved a lot of money
2. I was absolutely heartbroken about not being promoted last year even though I secretly knew I wasn't ready (although NOW I'm ready to kick some butt!) and took a lot of comments about why I didn't go for the team leader job.
What happened: Most of the team got laid off and I would have potentially been in a very tough spot.
3. I thought my life was so sad when my parents told me that I had to get a "real" degree from Northwestern instead of a theater degree (sorry to all my theater friends..they just didn't see it as useful!).
What happened: I got a lead in the Mainstage musical my freshman year and HATED performing....apparently it turned out I was a bit of a narcissist and only liked performing for audiences where everyone was my friend...I would have been a terrible professional!
I'm sure there is many more. I'm struggling right now between trusting in my own instincts at pushing forward....to believing that God has a plan and I fit into it somehow....or to take my friend's psychic who predicted eerily true things to find out where I belong.
All I know is that I'm being tested right now and hopefully a change is coming soon.
Is it in the cards for me to be a laid-back Southerner, with a new accent, a convertible, and dye my hair blond?
I guess we'll see shortly.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Day 96 - What really matters
As I sit here, procrastinating from working on preparation for my interview on Tuesday, I've been thinking and dreaming a lot about the things that really matter. I tend to focus on the here and now and 100% go with my gut on things. I don't do a good job (at all) of appreciating the things that I have in my life right now that are wonderful and I'm always striving to be better, to have more, and to win at everything. Some people might say those are good characteristics, but if you're my family or my husband, you are probably annoyed and think that really, it keeps me from ever being truly happy.
I think one thing that I hope to accomplish this year is to find out what makes me happy. One thing I want to do to start the process is to make a list of things that are great about my life and to remember to read it when I think that the world is crashing to an end (yes, I'm slightly overdramatic at times).
So, here we go with the list.
1. I have a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what, who puts up with the crazy things I do, and realizes that I will always have fun with him, but really will never learn to clean up and put my clothes away. He is supportive, kind, and a truly nice person.
2. I have parents that I am very close with and growing closer all the time. They are alive, healthy, and love vacationing as much as I do which is definitely a benefit for us!
3. I have a job. I make money. I have benefits. Enough said.
4. I have a roof over my head that I own.
5. I can go out to dinner whenever I want and don't have to care about the cost. Same with shopping.
6. I'm getting closer with my sister, brother, and "new" married family all the time and really enjoy being with them.
7. If I wanted to quit my job tomorrow and go on a cruise around the world, I could do it. I probably won't because I'm a little neurotic about work, but I could if I wanted to.
8. My girlfriends are tried and true and I love all of them so much! I know they would be there for me if and whenever I need them.
9. Not only can I get out of bed every morning, but I can run a half marathon. I need to appreciate my fitness and muscle and stop worrying about being a size 2. It's just not me.
10. I am better off in the world than so many people and families and have financial independence.
I think it's time to stop and smell the roses or I won't appreciate being "one of the Joneses" in a few years.
On a less serious note, late last week I remembered why I told Sera that I would never run another half marathon after Disney earlier this year. Because I hate running.
Apparently I only do all this running to make myself crazy. But, I got through 6.5 today...it wasn't pretty, it was a lot of run/walk combination, but that's half the run that I know I can get through even with not a super fast pace.
In happy news, I did outfit myself with a brand new wardrobe of running attire yesterday. Hello 6 new running skirts and a bunch of new tops. At least if I am going to suffer, I'll do it in style.
This week is going to be tough to get my workouts in since I'll be in Boston Tuesday-Sunday. I think I'll run 3.5 miles early Tuesday AM, do some strength training Weds night at the hotel gym, skip my workout on Thursday (unless timing works out), and get up early Friday and do another 3.5 miles. Sunday I'm supposed to do 7.5 miles or so and I have no idea how that is going to work out. We'll have to play it by ear as I don't know if the second hotel has a gym...I would assume not.
Luckily the diet of a wholesaler bodes very well for running as I'll be eating steak and vegetables all week. I also have new rules....no more drinking and no more carbs (I accidentally typed crabs....and then snickered a bit....apparently I'm still 12 years old mentally).
Happy 1st wedding anniversary to me!
I think one thing that I hope to accomplish this year is to find out what makes me happy. One thing I want to do to start the process is to make a list of things that are great about my life and to remember to read it when I think that the world is crashing to an end (yes, I'm slightly overdramatic at times).
So, here we go with the list.
1. I have a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what, who puts up with the crazy things I do, and realizes that I will always have fun with him, but really will never learn to clean up and put my clothes away. He is supportive, kind, and a truly nice person.
2. I have parents that I am very close with and growing closer all the time. They are alive, healthy, and love vacationing as much as I do which is definitely a benefit for us!
3. I have a job. I make money. I have benefits. Enough said.
4. I have a roof over my head that I own.
5. I can go out to dinner whenever I want and don't have to care about the cost. Same with shopping.
6. I'm getting closer with my sister, brother, and "new" married family all the time and really enjoy being with them.
7. If I wanted to quit my job tomorrow and go on a cruise around the world, I could do it. I probably won't because I'm a little neurotic about work, but I could if I wanted to.
8. My girlfriends are tried and true and I love all of them so much! I know they would be there for me if and whenever I need them.
9. Not only can I get out of bed every morning, but I can run a half marathon. I need to appreciate my fitness and muscle and stop worrying about being a size 2. It's just not me.
10. I am better off in the world than so many people and families and have financial independence.
I think it's time to stop and smell the roses or I won't appreciate being "one of the Joneses" in a few years.
On a less serious note, late last week I remembered why I told Sera that I would never run another half marathon after Disney earlier this year. Because I hate running.
Apparently I only do all this running to make myself crazy. But, I got through 6.5 today...it wasn't pretty, it was a lot of run/walk combination, but that's half the run that I know I can get through even with not a super fast pace.
In happy news, I did outfit myself with a brand new wardrobe of running attire yesterday. Hello 6 new running skirts and a bunch of new tops. At least if I am going to suffer, I'll do it in style.
This week is going to be tough to get my workouts in since I'll be in Boston Tuesday-Sunday. I think I'll run 3.5 miles early Tuesday AM, do some strength training Weds night at the hotel gym, skip my workout on Thursday (unless timing works out), and get up early Friday and do another 3.5 miles. Sunday I'm supposed to do 7.5 miles or so and I have no idea how that is going to work out. We'll have to play it by ear as I don't know if the second hotel has a gym...I would assume not.
Luckily the diet of a wholesaler bodes very well for running as I'll be eating steak and vegetables all week. I also have new rules....no more drinking and no more carbs (I accidentally typed crabs....and then snickered a bit....apparently I'm still 12 years old mentally).
Happy 1st wedding anniversary to me!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day 93 - My first blister
Boo.
Today, after running three miles in the new shoes and wondering why my foot hurt so badly....I found my first blister on my heel. It's about the size of a quarter and I really have no idea what to do with it.
I thought somehow I would be the first runner ever to escape blisters. After all, I've already been lucky enough to experience my toenails falling off, skin chafing and a wide range of other lovely runner symptoms.
Now, in dancing, we always would pop the blister, expose it to air, and then douse it with Nu-skin to have a second tougher layer of skin.
Any thoughts on how to treat this blister? I'm not really excited about running 6 miles with it hurting like heck on Sunday.
I did get through the three miles and I tried Sera's news article way of sprinting intervals. I actually like it a lot better....I did 1.5 mi regular and 1.5 mi sprints. It was actually fairly amusing!
Good news is that now I can have fun with Qamara & Jen tonight instead of run, run, running....
Also, my coach is working on a crossfit endurance program to help me do more Crossfit and less long runs in order to still train for the half. We'll see what exciting things come out of that!
Today, after running three miles in the new shoes and wondering why my foot hurt so badly....I found my first blister on my heel. It's about the size of a quarter and I really have no idea what to do with it.
I thought somehow I would be the first runner ever to escape blisters. After all, I've already been lucky enough to experience my toenails falling off, skin chafing and a wide range of other lovely runner symptoms.
Now, in dancing, we always would pop the blister, expose it to air, and then douse it with Nu-skin to have a second tougher layer of skin.
Any thoughts on how to treat this blister? I'm not really excited about running 6 miles with it hurting like heck on Sunday.
I did get through the three miles and I tried Sera's news article way of sprinting intervals. I actually like it a lot better....I did 1.5 mi regular and 1.5 mi sprints. It was actually fairly amusing!
Good news is that now I can have fun with Qamara & Jen tonight instead of run, run, running....
Also, my coach is working on a crossfit endurance program to help me do more Crossfit and less long runs in order to still train for the half. We'll see what exciting things come out of that!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Day 92 - Not my favorite...
Yesterday, on Day 91, I completed a 3 mile run that was outrageously hard. It was my first run in my new Asics and it just sucked. I officially hated everything about it. That's the funny thing about running - sometimes, it's the best run of your life and sometimes you would rather be doing anything else.
The good news is that I sucked it up and got through it.
Today's workout was as follows:
Squats
45 lb x 5 reps x 2 sets
65 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
85 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
105 lb x 1 rep x 1 set
Work Weight: 115 lb x 5 reps x 3 sets
Presses
45 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
52 lb x 1 rep x 1 set
Work Weight: 54 lb x 5 reps x 3 sets
Weighted Sit-ups
15 lb x 10 reps x 3 sets
Met-Con
25 lb x 2 continental cleans
4 overhead lunges (2 Left/2 right)
The above for time x 10 sets
Time was 4:03.
I'm tired, and dirty, and smelly....but getting stronger!
The good news is that I sucked it up and got through it.
Today's workout was as follows:
Squats
45 lb x 5 reps x 2 sets
65 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
85 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
105 lb x 1 rep x 1 set
Work Weight: 115 lb x 5 reps x 3 sets
Presses
45 lb x 5 reps x 1 set
52 lb x 1 rep x 1 set
Work Weight: 54 lb x 5 reps x 3 sets
Weighted Sit-ups
15 lb x 10 reps x 3 sets
Met-Con
25 lb x 2 continental cleans
4 overhead lunges (2 Left/2 right)
The above for time x 10 sets
Time was 4:03.
I'm tired, and dirty, and smelly....but getting stronger!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 90 - Week 1 Complete!
Today was the major test of this week....a 5 mile run.
Because it was 90 degrees out with 95% humidity and isolated thunderstorms, I decided that in order to get through it, I did most of it at the gym (I know, somewhat of a cop out).
However, I was totally amused. The 5 miles wasn't really that hard. My arms didn't hurt, my legs didn't hurt, my skin didn't chafe.....actually, all was right with the world. The biggest problem I had was endurance - I was getting out of breath and working my lungs pretty hard.
This means I owe my coach one heck of a THANKS for putting muscle on me because when I was training for running before, my body always gave out before my lungs/endurance.
Today was a positive run, where the miles just flew by and I stayed incredibly motivated the entire time. Or maybe it was just that I was watching "The Parent Trap" on Disney and I'm not going to lie, I love that movie. Something about the happy ending coming true even when two people are apart for 10 years just gets me everytime. Either that, or little Lindsay Lohan as twins. Either way, a complete winner.
I think I did give myself a bit of a system shocker as I have a monster headache as I write this and actually feel slightly hungover. Is it possible to get a runner's hangover? I think I might coin the term, because I can tell you that's exactly how I felt after the other half marathon.
Let's do a report card for week #1:
1. Two short runs - that gets an A- as they were completed, but with a bit of whining and a bit of a short run on the second day due to my "organs jostling" (yes that is a scientific term).
2. One hour conditioning & strength training - A for effort and because we did longer than an hour.
3. 30 min conditioning & strength training - F because I was too hungover to do it.
4. 5 mile long run - A- because it wasn't done outside, but was definitely a winning way to finish the week.
Food gets a D and not drinking gets a C so I definitely have some things to improve upon this week. However, I sense that it will be a good week ahead.....particularly in my new running shoes that were obtained today.
In closing, ouch, my head hurts. 42 days and counting to 13.1.....
Because it was 90 degrees out with 95% humidity and isolated thunderstorms, I decided that in order to get through it, I did most of it at the gym (I know, somewhat of a cop out).
However, I was totally amused. The 5 miles wasn't really that hard. My arms didn't hurt, my legs didn't hurt, my skin didn't chafe.....actually, all was right with the world. The biggest problem I had was endurance - I was getting out of breath and working my lungs pretty hard.
This means I owe my coach one heck of a THANKS for putting muscle on me because when I was training for running before, my body always gave out before my lungs/endurance.
Today was a positive run, where the miles just flew by and I stayed incredibly motivated the entire time. Or maybe it was just that I was watching "The Parent Trap" on Disney and I'm not going to lie, I love that movie. Something about the happy ending coming true even when two people are apart for 10 years just gets me everytime. Either that, or little Lindsay Lohan as twins. Either way, a complete winner.
I think I did give myself a bit of a system shocker as I have a monster headache as I write this and actually feel slightly hungover. Is it possible to get a runner's hangover? I think I might coin the term, because I can tell you that's exactly how I felt after the other half marathon.
Let's do a report card for week #1:
1. Two short runs - that gets an A- as they were completed, but with a bit of whining and a bit of a short run on the second day due to my "organs jostling" (yes that is a scientific term).
2. One hour conditioning & strength training - A for effort and because we did longer than an hour.
3. 30 min conditioning & strength training - F because I was too hungover to do it.
4. 5 mile long run - A- because it wasn't done outside, but was definitely a winning way to finish the week.
Food gets a D and not drinking gets a C so I definitely have some things to improve upon this week. However, I sense that it will be a good week ahead.....particularly in my new running shoes that were obtained today.
In closing, ouch, my head hurts. 42 days and counting to 13.1.....
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 88 - A serious runner
First, my updates for Day 87. The alarm goes off at 6:00AM and already I'm annoyed because I'm tired. Then I think about the fact that a million others have already gotten up, completed their run, and that I need to remember what a lazy bum I am. Kyle (sweetheart that he is) looks outside and tells me to be careful because it rained during the night. It's summer, so I clearly automatically think that it is sunny and warm every day......maybe not.
I put on a really cute running outfit, I get my iPod & GPS watch, and I step out the front door. And start shivering. Then I realize it's currently raining lightly. For a second, I decide to wimp out, go back inside, get my gym pass, and do my run indoors on a treadmill. But then I remember that I'm a SERIOUS runner and a serious runner would run outside no matter what the weather. So, I take off and start running.
It was the exact opposite of my run the other day. The first mile was pure hell. My muscles were sore from the night before. My mind kept saying, "It's raining. You're crazy. Just walk the 13 miles. It's not that important." I'm sure I looked a bit like a crazy person in a nice running outfit muttering to myself in the middle of the street.
The first mile was almost like running in a dream. There was no one out and about. I was running through a hustling, bustling city without any hustle or bustle. Very surreal. After getting on the path to run along the riverfront, I was amazed at the true starkness of Philly early in the morning in the rain.
I ran a few steps and saw a homeless man sitting on a bench. He didn't even seem to be fazed by the rain (it was raining much harder by this point). I ran past two anorexic-looking girls who were so frail that I couldn't even imagine how they were running. No eye contact made by them as they were much too serious about burning calories. I ran past two little old ladies out for a walk. They were a little overweight and were power walking. The rain didn't seem to bother them as they were having a spirited conversation.
I ran past an amazingly attractive guy and gave him a quick smile. After all, I'm a serious runner, he's a serious runner - there's a connection waiting to happen. He made eye contact, looked me up and down and gave me a very strange look. I didn't put two and two together until I got home and realized my selection of a white running shirt in the rain made things a little "interesting". Clearly, I didn't think that one through so well....
I ran past a homeless man who was pushing all his worldly belongings on the drive. He made eye contact, smiled, and gave me a nod. He was probably the friendliest of all the humans out on the path.
As I was making it into the home stretch, I passed this little Asian man who was taking shelter underneath an awning. He smiled at me and actually told me words of encouragement as I was running. That was just one person....imagine what it is going to be like with hundreds of people. It feels so awesome!
Then, last night, I broke rule #1 and told Kyle I was going to be designated driver from the Northwestern University happy hour. Ha. Multiple drinks and multiple shots later, he just laughed and said he knew I wouldn't do it. Darn it. Did we really make friends with the owner of all of the Cavanaugh bars last night? And did I really make friends with all those animal shelter people and then abandon Kyle to talk to them? I'm pretty sure that at one point, there were at least 30 shots lined up on the bar. It's just so hazy.
So, that meant I failed miserably as I was supposed to get up this AM and do 35 min of strength training and conditioning. Hmmm...we'll see if that gets made up at some point today, but I realistically doubt it.
Other than that, Sera and I have been discussing our running outfits at length. I'm really excited that we're going to get shirts for people to wear who have supported us (more to come on this SOON!) and also have our own personalized shirts.
I'm signing off until Sunday as I'll be at the lovely New Jersey shore. Wish me loads of luck for my 5 mile run on Sunday morning...because I will need it!
I put on a really cute running outfit, I get my iPod & GPS watch, and I step out the front door. And start shivering. Then I realize it's currently raining lightly. For a second, I decide to wimp out, go back inside, get my gym pass, and do my run indoors on a treadmill. But then I remember that I'm a SERIOUS runner and a serious runner would run outside no matter what the weather. So, I take off and start running.
It was the exact opposite of my run the other day. The first mile was pure hell. My muscles were sore from the night before. My mind kept saying, "It's raining. You're crazy. Just walk the 13 miles. It's not that important." I'm sure I looked a bit like a crazy person in a nice running outfit muttering to myself in the middle of the street.
The first mile was almost like running in a dream. There was no one out and about. I was running through a hustling, bustling city without any hustle or bustle. Very surreal. After getting on the path to run along the riverfront, I was amazed at the true starkness of Philly early in the morning in the rain.
I ran a few steps and saw a homeless man sitting on a bench. He didn't even seem to be fazed by the rain (it was raining much harder by this point). I ran past two anorexic-looking girls who were so frail that I couldn't even imagine how they were running. No eye contact made by them as they were much too serious about burning calories. I ran past two little old ladies out for a walk. They were a little overweight and were power walking. The rain didn't seem to bother them as they were having a spirited conversation.
I ran past an amazingly attractive guy and gave him a quick smile. After all, I'm a serious runner, he's a serious runner - there's a connection waiting to happen. He made eye contact, looked me up and down and gave me a very strange look. I didn't put two and two together until I got home and realized my selection of a white running shirt in the rain made things a little "interesting". Clearly, I didn't think that one through so well....
I ran past a homeless man who was pushing all his worldly belongings on the drive. He made eye contact, smiled, and gave me a nod. He was probably the friendliest of all the humans out on the path.
As I was making it into the home stretch, I passed this little Asian man who was taking shelter underneath an awning. He smiled at me and actually told me words of encouragement as I was running. That was just one person....imagine what it is going to be like with hundreds of people. It feels so awesome!
Then, last night, I broke rule #1 and told Kyle I was going to be designated driver from the Northwestern University happy hour. Ha. Multiple drinks and multiple shots later, he just laughed and said he knew I wouldn't do it. Darn it. Did we really make friends with the owner of all of the Cavanaugh bars last night? And did I really make friends with all those animal shelter people and then abandon Kyle to talk to them? I'm pretty sure that at one point, there were at least 30 shots lined up on the bar. It's just so hazy.
So, that meant I failed miserably as I was supposed to get up this AM and do 35 min of strength training and conditioning. Hmmm...we'll see if that gets made up at some point today, but I realistically doubt it.
Other than that, Sera and I have been discussing our running outfits at length. I'm really excited that we're going to get shirts for people to wear who have supported us (more to come on this SOON!) and also have our own personalized shirts.
I'm signing off until Sunday as I'll be at the lovely New Jersey shore. Wish me loads of luck for my 5 mile run on Sunday morning...because I will need it!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 86 - Where's the motivation?
Today, as I was sweating through "Bad Luck 13", my coach realized that she didn't know what my motivation was. I didn't answer her - at the time, this was because I was breathing so hard I almost threw up. But, on the way home, I stopped to think for a bit about motivation.
I've always been considered by others to be "a very motivated person". I commit to things and I try to do my best at them. But, what actually motivates me? Why do I want to be the best at everything? Why am I motivated to show up and work hard at things? I'm not sure I have the answer to this. Is this an innate quality? I would blame it on being competitive and wanting to win at everything I do as a personality trait....but is that really all of it?
I'm not even sure what other people would say they think motivates them or me. What are the prime drivers of why we are motivated to do certain things and not others? Or in my case, why I have to be uber-motivated at things I do even if I don't really like or care about them? I'd love opinions on this to know if I'm alone on this.
Today's workout was pretty awesome - ask me on Friday how I feel.......
Squats
45 lbs x 5 reps x 2 sets
60 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
80 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
95 lbs x 1 rep x 1 set
Work weight: 110 lbs x 5 reps x 3 sets
Deadlifts
102 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
122 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
Work weight: 135 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
Weighted Sit-ups
15 lbs x 10 sit-ups x 3 sets
Pull-ups
2 negatives on the rings
3 negatives on the bar
Metabolic Conditioning - "Bad Luck Thirteen"
13 calories on the rower + 13 35-lb kettlebell swings + 13 burpees
3 rounds of the above for time
I don't know what my time was but i worked my butt off and this workout sucked hard.....
I've always been considered by others to be "a very motivated person". I commit to things and I try to do my best at them. But, what actually motivates me? Why do I want to be the best at everything? Why am I motivated to show up and work hard at things? I'm not sure I have the answer to this. Is this an innate quality? I would blame it on being competitive and wanting to win at everything I do as a personality trait....but is that really all of it?
I'm not even sure what other people would say they think motivates them or me. What are the prime drivers of why we are motivated to do certain things and not others? Or in my case, why I have to be uber-motivated at things I do even if I don't really like or care about them? I'd love opinions on this to know if I'm alone on this.
Today's workout was pretty awesome - ask me on Friday how I feel.......
Squats
45 lbs x 5 reps x 2 sets
60 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
80 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
95 lbs x 1 rep x 1 set
Work weight: 110 lbs x 5 reps x 3 sets
Deadlifts
102 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
122 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
Work weight: 135 lbs x 5 reps x 1 set
Weighted Sit-ups
15 lbs x 10 sit-ups x 3 sets
Pull-ups
2 negatives on the rings
3 negatives on the bar
Metabolic Conditioning - "Bad Luck Thirteen"
13 calories on the rower + 13 35-lb kettlebell swings + 13 burpees
3 rounds of the above for time
I don't know what my time was but i worked my butt off and this workout sucked hard.....
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 85 - The stages of running
I'm fairly certain that all runners go through stages when they run. Without fail, every time I lace up those shoes, a number of emotions and thoughts run through my head.
Here's some of those stages I got to, today.
Stage 0: Getting Ready
Somehow, I have to talk myself into actually getting out the door. I have to pick the perfect outfit, make sure my iPod is ready to go, get the GPS watch ready, and if a longer run, strap on my marathoner belt. From an emotional perspective, this is usually me on a teeter-totter. I come up with all these great reasons I shouldn't go running right now and then I just dismiss them. It amazes me that people walk out the door and just say that they'll run however long/far they feel like. For me, if I don't have a goal (really...an ending point), I don't think I'd ever make it out the door.
Stage 1: The first mile
Oh, it just feels so good. The sun is shining, I feel like I'm quite the dashing runner figure (aka look like I know what I'm doing), and I'm just zipping around the city. Life couldn't be better in the first mile. I'm not even looking at my watch to see my time or to see how far I've gone because I could do this all day. My music is pumping me up and all is well with the world.
Stage 2: The slow-down
I surreptitiously start checking my watch and am shocked at how long it takes for a tenth of a mile to tick down. I'm impressed that I was running faster than a 9 min mile, but then I start to wonder if maybe I was going too fast and now I'm spent? I will myself by sheer force not to stop running and to keep going. Now, I'm flipping through music on my iPod trying to find a song that is great to run with and of course, not having much luck.
Stage 3: The half-way point
A very dangerous point because now you're headed back for home and while most people would get excited about being in the home stretch, my non-runners psyche starts to tell me that I already worked hard enough and did a good enough job, so now I can just coast. Here is the lazyness that I didn't know I really had.
Stage 4: Sprints/the end....
I try to reason with a body that wants to give up and a mind that subconsciously does too. I make internal deals with myself....i.e. if you run hard for two minutes, you can walk for 30 seconds. Or, just run until the song is over. This, in my opinion, is pretty weird because really, who negotiates with themselves??? It's almost like the angel and devil are both sitting on my shoulder and trying to see who will win.
And that's the diary of a complete non-runner.
If I was a real runner, here's what my diary would have been like this AM, instead of having my mind completely clouded over with the above....
"Wow, it's so great to be outside this morning. I feel so happy to be able to be out and about on a beautiful morning. It's wonderful to be able to explore the city on foot and to run by all these neat little pubs and cafes that we've never tried. Oh, that one looks like a fun place to take Kyle on a date. Look at those men working so hard already over there. And look, there is a little Japanese lady at the waterfront doing tai chi. I think I'd like to get into tai chi to be more relaxed. How lovely my life is and how wonderful it is to be running right now"
Hmmmm.....how do I get to that point? Or even get to a point where I can think about things and clear my head while running vs the obsession with "getting through it".
I know it sounds like I went out and ran a marathon this AM....but 2.5M was more than enough when I haven't ran since May. 3 months of zero running is not exactly the best platform to start from.
In more positive news, I ordered my very own Abmat to do 15 lb weighted sit-ups, which should really help with some core strengthening. That is one thing that I do have in all of this crazyness - at least I currently am stronger and have more muscle in my arms and stomach than I have ever had (well, at least since the end of college).
Day 1 is complete for this 49 day trial.
Here's some of those stages I got to, today.
Stage 0: Getting Ready
Somehow, I have to talk myself into actually getting out the door. I have to pick the perfect outfit, make sure my iPod is ready to go, get the GPS watch ready, and if a longer run, strap on my marathoner belt. From an emotional perspective, this is usually me on a teeter-totter. I come up with all these great reasons I shouldn't go running right now and then I just dismiss them. It amazes me that people walk out the door and just say that they'll run however long/far they feel like. For me, if I don't have a goal (really...an ending point), I don't think I'd ever make it out the door.
Stage 1: The first mile
Oh, it just feels so good. The sun is shining, I feel like I'm quite the dashing runner figure (aka look like I know what I'm doing), and I'm just zipping around the city. Life couldn't be better in the first mile. I'm not even looking at my watch to see my time or to see how far I've gone because I could do this all day. My music is pumping me up and all is well with the world.
Stage 2: The slow-down
I surreptitiously start checking my watch and am shocked at how long it takes for a tenth of a mile to tick down. I'm impressed that I was running faster than a 9 min mile, but then I start to wonder if maybe I was going too fast and now I'm spent? I will myself by sheer force not to stop running and to keep going. Now, I'm flipping through music on my iPod trying to find a song that is great to run with and of course, not having much luck.
Stage 3: The half-way point
A very dangerous point because now you're headed back for home and while most people would get excited about being in the home stretch, my non-runners psyche starts to tell me that I already worked hard enough and did a good enough job, so now I can just coast. Here is the lazyness that I didn't know I really had.
Stage 4: Sprints/the end....
I try to reason with a body that wants to give up and a mind that subconsciously does too. I make internal deals with myself....i.e. if you run hard for two minutes, you can walk for 30 seconds. Or, just run until the song is over. This, in my opinion, is pretty weird because really, who negotiates with themselves??? It's almost like the angel and devil are both sitting on my shoulder and trying to see who will win.
And that's the diary of a complete non-runner.
If I was a real runner, here's what my diary would have been like this AM, instead of having my mind completely clouded over with the above....
"Wow, it's so great to be outside this morning. I feel so happy to be able to be out and about on a beautiful morning. It's wonderful to be able to explore the city on foot and to run by all these neat little pubs and cafes that we've never tried. Oh, that one looks like a fun place to take Kyle on a date. Look at those men working so hard already over there. And look, there is a little Japanese lady at the waterfront doing tai chi. I think I'd like to get into tai chi to be more relaxed. How lovely my life is and how wonderful it is to be running right now"
Hmmmm.....how do I get to that point? Or even get to a point where I can think about things and clear my head while running vs the obsession with "getting through it".
I know it sounds like I went out and ran a marathon this AM....but 2.5M was more than enough when I haven't ran since May. 3 months of zero running is not exactly the best platform to start from.
In more positive news, I ordered my very own Abmat to do 15 lb weighted sit-ups, which should really help with some core strengthening. That is one thing that I do have in all of this crazyness - at least I currently am stronger and have more muscle in my arms and stomach than I have ever had (well, at least since the end of college).
Day 1 is complete for this 49 day trial.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 84 - The emotional beginning....
In writing this blog, it has been straightforward, without a lot of emotion or "guts" or anything to really personalize it. Yes, I love to help people eat healthfully and am trying to be more fit, but there's a lot about myself that I'm hiding behind these workout times and eating logs. As you may have noted, it's very controlled and even somewhat censored.
One of my best friends in the whole world, Sera Fiana, went through what most people would view as a devastating time. She is brave, and kind, and tried to go through a horrific ordeal with as much strength and dignity as she could muster. I, on the other hand, cried about getting a migraine from having my wisdom teeth out and didn't exercise for four weeks with that as my excuse. She didn't even mind me complaining about something so menial because for a moment, it distracted her from the serious issues she was facing.
Sera is the reason I ran a half marathon in Feb/March of this year. It wasn't because I am a runner or an athlete or just plain crazy. Four girls who were friends with each other signed up to do this once in a lifetime trip to support a friend in need. Little did we know that it would be a trip that would change all of our lives, our friendships with each other, and our outlook on the future. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but I feel that it was a true connection. I know that sounds far-fetched, but it's true. Four girls with very different personalities decided to run a half-marathon. One of them realized it was too soon to be back on the horse and tried to be as brave and supportive as possible while the other three actually ran it. I will never understand how much she tried to be ok with not running it and watching us complete something she loved. Sera, I promise if you want to go back to Disney, I will suck it up and do it again. One of them realized she could open up about how she truly felt about a recent heartbreak and how to move past it. One of them became better friends with the three others and opened a door to let others in to her worries and hopes. And one of them (this one is me) realized that it was ok not to be the best at something and that doing things for the pleasure of doing them with other people was just as much of an accomplishment as always trying to win.
I will always be grateful to Sera, Allison, and Rachael for the amazing trip that we had that, in my opinion, really helped to form a support system for all of us.
Sera's story is something I hope everyone reads and understands and donates to in order to get more funding behind this rare and terrifying tumor. No, it's not mainstream like breast cancer or heart disease, but it is something rarer, similar to my epilepsy. There is not enough money or research or knowledge behind how to diagnose, treat, and prevent recurrence of this scary and painful tumor. Please, please, please....go to her website (part of my links) and also her donation page (part of my links) and if you can, give something in support of this effort.
Sera and I have a lot in common and a lot that is different and I'm going to take a page from her courage and start writing about the things that really matter to me. I'm not going to worry about who is reading this or censor it or worry about how people judge me. Because we are all human and we all have failures and it's ok for me not to be perfect (or so I've heard).
I'm going to run the Philly distance run. Maybe I'll have to walk part of it. Maybe my time will be worse than Disney. Personally, I couldn't care less. And I'm really excited about it. 7 weeks to go from running ZERO miles per day to running over 13. I am almost the type of person who needs to be put into crisis mode to actually do something because this must happen and I know that I can do it.
I'm running this race for Sera because I promised to run her first race back with her. If you had ever asked me if I would run a 5k, I would have groaned and told you I couldn't do it. But, I can do it and I will do it. The slight pain and agony of pushing myself to do 13 miles in 49 days is nothing compared to the ordeals that people are going through every day. One of my husband's brother's classmates was killed on Saturday at the age of 19 because she was unlucky enough to be sitting in the wrong seat. A girl was killed on the way driving home from her college graduation. It's so important to take advantage of the time that we have and spend it with the people we care about doing the things that we love. And I'm going to spend some time doing something that someone else loves in order to raise money for this tremendous cause.
I hope that anyone reading this, even if you don't know Sera, can take a minute to read her story and the tremendous battle that she went through. If you do know her, you know how much it took for her to post her struggles, and her constant pain, and how much it is taking to get back on that course. We are going to do this together. Quite frankly, she is going to kick my ass with her time and I'm totally ok with that.
Sera, I love you and I can't wait to run this distance with you. I can't wait to wear our team shirt and I hope that all of our friends will be wearing our shirts to cheer us on and to raise money for this devastating disease that you overcame - your spirit has touched me and everyone that is lucky to know you over the last year.
Here's to loving our ability to run and smile and hug those we care about - today, tomorrow, and as far into the future as we can see.
One of my best friends in the whole world, Sera Fiana, went through what most people would view as a devastating time. She is brave, and kind, and tried to go through a horrific ordeal with as much strength and dignity as she could muster. I, on the other hand, cried about getting a migraine from having my wisdom teeth out and didn't exercise for four weeks with that as my excuse. She didn't even mind me complaining about something so menial because for a moment, it distracted her from the serious issues she was facing.
Sera is the reason I ran a half marathon in Feb/March of this year. It wasn't because I am a runner or an athlete or just plain crazy. Four girls who were friends with each other signed up to do this once in a lifetime trip to support a friend in need. Little did we know that it would be a trip that would change all of our lives, our friendships with each other, and our outlook on the future. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but I feel that it was a true connection. I know that sounds far-fetched, but it's true. Four girls with very different personalities decided to run a half-marathon. One of them realized it was too soon to be back on the horse and tried to be as brave and supportive as possible while the other three actually ran it. I will never understand how much she tried to be ok with not running it and watching us complete something she loved. Sera, I promise if you want to go back to Disney, I will suck it up and do it again. One of them realized she could open up about how she truly felt about a recent heartbreak and how to move past it. One of them became better friends with the three others and opened a door to let others in to her worries and hopes. And one of them (this one is me) realized that it was ok not to be the best at something and that doing things for the pleasure of doing them with other people was just as much of an accomplishment as always trying to win.
I will always be grateful to Sera, Allison, and Rachael for the amazing trip that we had that, in my opinion, really helped to form a support system for all of us.
Sera's story is something I hope everyone reads and understands and donates to in order to get more funding behind this rare and terrifying tumor. No, it's not mainstream like breast cancer or heart disease, but it is something rarer, similar to my epilepsy. There is not enough money or research or knowledge behind how to diagnose, treat, and prevent recurrence of this scary and painful tumor. Please, please, please....go to her website (part of my links) and also her donation page (part of my links) and if you can, give something in support of this effort.
Sera and I have a lot in common and a lot that is different and I'm going to take a page from her courage and start writing about the things that really matter to me. I'm not going to worry about who is reading this or censor it or worry about how people judge me. Because we are all human and we all have failures and it's ok for me not to be perfect (or so I've heard).
I'm going to run the Philly distance run. Maybe I'll have to walk part of it. Maybe my time will be worse than Disney. Personally, I couldn't care less. And I'm really excited about it. 7 weeks to go from running ZERO miles per day to running over 13. I am almost the type of person who needs to be put into crisis mode to actually do something because this must happen and I know that I can do it.
I'm running this race for Sera because I promised to run her first race back with her. If you had ever asked me if I would run a 5k, I would have groaned and told you I couldn't do it. But, I can do it and I will do it. The slight pain and agony of pushing myself to do 13 miles in 49 days is nothing compared to the ordeals that people are going through every day. One of my husband's brother's classmates was killed on Saturday at the age of 19 because she was unlucky enough to be sitting in the wrong seat. A girl was killed on the way driving home from her college graduation. It's so important to take advantage of the time that we have and spend it with the people we care about doing the things that we love. And I'm going to spend some time doing something that someone else loves in order to raise money for this tremendous cause.
I hope that anyone reading this, even if you don't know Sera, can take a minute to read her story and the tremendous battle that she went through. If you do know her, you know how much it took for her to post her struggles, and her constant pain, and how much it is taking to get back on that course. We are going to do this together. Quite frankly, she is going to kick my ass with her time and I'm totally ok with that.
Sera, I love you and I can't wait to run this distance with you. I can't wait to wear our team shirt and I hope that all of our friends will be wearing our shirts to cheer us on and to raise money for this devastating disease that you overcame - your spirit has touched me and everyone that is lucky to know you over the last year.
Here's to loving our ability to run and smile and hug those we care about - today, tomorrow, and as far into the future as we can see.
Day 84 - Ok I'm obsessed
Ok, in 5 minutes, I've convinced myself I can do it. Here's a training plan....and also some rules that I am going to have to set in order to do this!
Week 1 (Week of August 3rd)
Tues: 2.5 M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 2.5M run
Friday: 35 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 5 mile run
Week 2 (Week of August 10th)
Tues: 3M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3M run
Friday: 40 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 6 mile run
Week 3 (Week of August 17th)
Tues: 3.5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3.5M run
Friday: 45 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 7 mile run
Week 4 (Week of August 24th)
Tues: 4M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 4M run
Friday: 50 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 8 mile run
Week 5 (Week of August 31st)
Tues: 4.5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 4.5M run
Friday: 55 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 9.5 mile run
Week 6 (Week of Sept 7th)
Tues: 5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 5M run
Friday: 60 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 11 mile run
Week 7 (Week of Half Marathon!!!)
Tues: 3M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3M run
Friday: Rest
Sat: Rest
Sun: Half Marathon (13.1M)
What are the rules????
1. Limited to no drinking
2. 30 weighted situps daily with ab mat
3. Healthy diet
4. No punking out on workouts....if I can't run it, I have to at least walk it.
Yikes. What will my decision be???
Week 1 (Week of August 3rd)
Tues: 2.5 M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 2.5M run
Friday: 35 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 5 mile run
Week 2 (Week of August 10th)
Tues: 3M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3M run
Friday: 40 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 6 mile run
Week 3 (Week of August 17th)
Tues: 3.5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3.5M run
Friday: 45 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 7 mile run
Week 4 (Week of August 24th)
Tues: 4M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 4M run
Friday: 50 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 8 mile run
Week 5 (Week of August 31st)
Tues: 4.5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 4.5M run
Friday: 55 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 9.5 mile run
Week 6 (Week of Sept 7th)
Tues: 5M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 5M run
Friday: 60 min strength training & crossfit
Sat: Rest
Sun: 11 mile run
Week 7 (Week of Half Marathon!!!)
Tues: 3M run
Weds: 1 hour strength training & crossfit
Thurs: 3M run
Friday: Rest
Sat: Rest
Sun: Half Marathon (13.1M)
What are the rules????
1. Limited to no drinking
2. 30 weighted situps daily with ab mat
3. Healthy diet
4. No punking out on workouts....if I can't run it, I have to at least walk it.
Yikes. What will my decision be???
Day 84 - Unbelievable progress....
Who knew that I would see such unbelievable progress.....let me direct you back to Day 18 of this journey.
400 m run
10 burpees
3 rounds for time.
On day 18, this was completed in 11:30 and I thought that was a pretty good time. Andrea suggested 10 min. The SAME workout was completed in 6:49 on day 82!!!!!!! I was booking it and working as hard as I could. Of course, it might be estimated at 400 m - might be a bit shorter, but the comparison stands because both workouts were completed in the exact same place at the shore. I'm truly amazed that I almost cut the time in half!!!!!!
In other news, I'm toying with the idea of running the ING Distance Run on Sept 20th....is it possible to train for a half marathon in 7 weeks? My gut tells me it is if I really put my mind to it, keep doing Crossfit workouts to train endurance, keep up with the strength training, buy my own ab mat and do sit-ups every day, and actually complete all long runs and cross-training as scheduled.
Thoughts, anyone????
400 m run
10 burpees
3 rounds for time.
On day 18, this was completed in 11:30 and I thought that was a pretty good time. Andrea suggested 10 min. The SAME workout was completed in 6:49 on day 82!!!!!!! I was booking it and working as hard as I could. Of course, it might be estimated at 400 m - might be a bit shorter, but the comparison stands because both workouts were completed in the exact same place at the shore. I'm truly amazed that I almost cut the time in half!!!!!!
In other news, I'm toying with the idea of running the ING Distance Run on Sept 20th....is it possible to train for a half marathon in 7 weeks? My gut tells me it is if I really put my mind to it, keep doing Crossfit workouts to train endurance, keep up with the strength training, buy my own ab mat and do sit-ups every day, and actually complete all long runs and cross-training as scheduled.
Thoughts, anyone????
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