Today's stats (before measurements in parentheses):
weight 128.4 (131)
hips 37.5 (38)
r) thigh 22 (22)
r) knee 13.5 (13.75)
r) calf 12 (12.25)
l) thigh 21 (21.5)
l) knee 13.5 (13.5)
l) calf 12. (12.75)
r) arm 10 (10.5)
l) arm 10 (10)
neck 12.25 (12.25)
BMI 22.1 (22.3)
BF % 26.7 (27.7) yay!
Lean Body Mass 94.1 (93.9)
I am in total love with my Get In Shape Girl program and after just one month I am seeing results! I havve progress photos but I don't want to put them online. Believe me, results!!!
On to July and it's going to be a great one!
Until next time...
Toodles!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Marathon Training Week 4 Day 3
I decided today's run would be at a Tempo run pace so I can work on mentally getting through more difficult pacing for me. I also felt like working for negative splits which would be awesome. I was up at 5:15am and out the door by 5:30am which really isn't all that bad this time of year with so my daylight.
The first mile felt good with no muscle issues and the knee that I boogered up during my Sunday evening fall wasn't even noticeable at all. The only thing that bothers me with it is when I am on my knees doing exercises or looking for missing toy parts under the furniture LOL.
There weren't every many folks out but it was gorgeous and not as muggy as I thought it would be. It was unbearably hot yesterday but not so bad this morning. The sweating was doable and felt good. All in all it was a great run and very enjoyable.
Stats: 40 mins; 3.45 miles; 325 cals torched
Splits: 11:49, 11:44, 11:43, 11:10 (Looks and smells like negative splits to me!!!!!!!)
Yet this morning I will do my Friday GISG arms workout, rest day tomorrow and 14 mile run Sunday morning.
Until then...
Toodles!
The first mile felt good with no muscle issues and the knee that I boogered up during my Sunday evening fall wasn't even noticeable at all. The only thing that bothers me with it is when I am on my knees doing exercises or looking for missing toy parts under the furniture LOL.
There weren't every many folks out but it was gorgeous and not as muggy as I thought it would be. It was unbearably hot yesterday but not so bad this morning. The sweating was doable and felt good. All in all it was a great run and very enjoyable.
Stats: 40 mins; 3.45 miles; 325 cals torched
Splits: 11:49, 11:44, 11:43, 11:10 (Looks and smells like negative splits to me!!!!!!!)
Yet this morning I will do my Friday GISG arms workout, rest day tomorrow and 14 mile run Sunday morning.
Until then...
Toodles!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Marathon Training Week 3 Day 3
This morning was my scheduled weekday 40 minute easy-ish run for fun (as I like to call it). Since hubby is home for the day I was able to ease out the door at leisure. I love that!
The thing I haven't mentioned is Sunday evening I fell in the basement cuz my nammies got tangled up with a walk thru baby gate we have up because of our dog. I fell hard on the floor and my upper chin landed on the gate. The first thing a runner does is QUICKLY evaluate the legs LOL. I hurt and almost passed out. BUT BUT all is well and there is just soreness with no bruising or swelling.
That made me a little nervous for this morning's run since it was the first since falling. After the first 1/2 mile I felt assured that all is good in my running world. Whew!
It was a gorgeous morning with a wonderful breeze. Folks wre heading to work and I was well...out running on a vacation day. Giddy!
I ran with my usual 2/1 intervals and it felt so easy. I was able to happily crank out about 3.2 miles which is pretty typical for me.
Stats: 3.2 miles; 40 mins (2/1 intervals); 12:35 av pace; 300 cals torched
Splits: 13:02, 12:08, 12:33, 12:23 (0.2 mi)
Next up another easy 40 min run early Friday morning. Love that! After that? 14 mile long run Sunday
Until then...
Toodles!
The thing I haven't mentioned is Sunday evening I fell in the basement cuz my nammies got tangled up with a walk thru baby gate we have up because of our dog. I fell hard on the floor and my upper chin landed on the gate. The first thing a runner does is QUICKLY evaluate the legs LOL. I hurt and almost passed out. BUT BUT all is well and there is just soreness with no bruising or swelling.
That made me a little nervous for this morning's run since it was the first since falling. After the first 1/2 mile I felt assured that all is good in my running world. Whew!
It was a gorgeous morning with a wonderful breeze. Folks wre heading to work and I was well...out running on a vacation day. Giddy!
I ran with my usual 2/1 intervals and it felt so easy. I was able to happily crank out about 3.2 miles which is pretty typical for me.
Stats: 3.2 miles; 40 mins (2/1 intervals); 12:35 av pace; 300 cals torched
Splits: 13:02, 12:08, 12:33, 12:23 (0.2 mi)
Next up another easy 40 min run early Friday morning. Love that! After that? 14 mile long run Sunday
Until then...
Toodles!
Marathon Training Week 3 Long run
It is the EARLY morning after my 5k and I am ready to roll at 5am for my 12 mile long run for week 3 of marathon training. This week I am opting to stay close to home as opposed to group run since our grandchildren our here for the week and I want to stay close to them.
The only problem is there are thunderstorms in the area moving our way. So, off to the streets I go to get what I can done. My legs were like lead the first mile as I knew they would be but they loosened up nicely after that. What is that I hear coming closer? Yep, thunder. At this point I am at mile 3 so lets crank out another one. It's now 6am and plenty of time to get all of my 12 miles done...yet today LOL. At mile 4 there are flashes of lightning and that is when i head back to the house. I don't do lightning.
After feeding the grands and my newly diagnosed diabetic husband while still fully decked out in running gear (and wearing an apron LOL) I check the radar and there is still a while until I can get back out. We still aren't even getting any BADLY NEEDED rain but it is starting to dribble.
It is not 10 am and I can hit the streets again to finish out my 12 miles. That is easily done and in the end I felt like I could go even further. That is exactly the feeling I want. Score!
Stats: 12 miles; 2:35:59 (2/1 intervals) 13:00 av pace (perfect); 1075 cals torched
splits: 13:00, 12:48, 13:07, 12:57, 12:55, 12:58, 13:17, 13:05, 12:52, 12:32, 13:07, 13:15
Next week with training group...14 miles. I will get up EARLY and crank out about 4-5 miles before heading over to group so I don't finish up so late since I am one of the slowest runners. It totally works for me!
Until then...
Toodles!
The only problem is there are thunderstorms in the area moving our way. So, off to the streets I go to get what I can done. My legs were like lead the first mile as I knew they would be but they loosened up nicely after that. What is that I hear coming closer? Yep, thunder. At this point I am at mile 3 so lets crank out another one. It's now 6am and plenty of time to get all of my 12 miles done...yet today LOL. At mile 4 there are flashes of lightning and that is when i head back to the house. I don't do lightning.
After feeding the grands and my newly diagnosed diabetic husband while still fully decked out in running gear (and wearing an apron LOL) I check the radar and there is still a while until I can get back out. We still aren't even getting any BADLY NEEDED rain but it is starting to dribble.
It is not 10 am and I can hit the streets again to finish out my 12 miles. That is easily done and in the end I felt like I could go even further. That is exactly the feeling I want. Score!
Stats: 12 miles; 2:35:59 (2/1 intervals) 13:00 av pace (perfect); 1075 cals torched
splits: 13:00, 12:48, 13:07, 12:57, 12:55, 12:58, 13:17, 13:05, 12:52, 12:32, 13:07, 13:15
Next week with training group...14 miles. I will get up EARLY and crank out about 4-5 miles before heading over to group so I don't finish up so late since I am one of the slowest runners. It totally works for me!
Until then...
Toodles!
Adoption Option 5k June 23, 2012
Running 5k races are not my most favorite things to do but there are a few that I do run. One of them is Adoption Option 5k right here in my hometown of Coal Valley, IL. The race course consists of streets I frequent often and it does involve some pretty challenging hills.
The race director is a young man that is adopted and has grown up with WONDERFUL parents. I befriended the family who happens to own a local garden nursery and because of that I am always awarded Bib No. 1. I deem it an honor to do so.
It takes a whopping 5 minutes to get to the race start and the race runs pretty much by our house. If it weren't for the hills at the very end I would rock this race but alas I poop out at the end just like alot other folks.
This year our grandchildren Addison and Evan are spending the week with us and so Addy ran the kid's race while I hammered out the 5k.
The race director is a young man that is adopted and has grown up with WONDERFUL parents. I befriended the family who happens to own a local garden nursery and because of that I am always awarded Bib No. 1. I deem it an honor to do so.
It takes a whopping 5 minutes to get to the race start and the race runs pretty much by our house. If it weren't for the hills at the very end I would rock this race but alas I poop out at the end just like alot other folks.
This year our grandchildren Addison and Evan are spending the week with us and so Addy ran the kid's race while I hammered out the 5k.
Trying my best to crank up The Hill
At last!
Addy and myself before her race
At the starting line
Addy coming in for her finish!
Addy's finishing bling!
My finishing time was 32:32 which is just about right for my 5k finishing times. I am rather attached to them LOL. The next morning...12 mile marathon training long run. Hope my legs aren't like lead after today's run!
Until then...
Toodles!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Diabetes has entered the building
So, the other day I was grocery shopping with our two grandchildren Addy and Evan (will blog about that next) and I receive a call from hubby Jim. This was in the produce section. He tells me that the nurse called him and informed him he has diabetes. Okay. My stomach did a little flop and I dropped a tomato. Jim had been VERY TIRED lately and we wanted to find out why so he had a physical done along with bloodwork.
That batch of results came back with everything normal except elevated glucose and low Vit D and calcium level. Next step, take supplements for the calcium and vit D. Easy enough. He is also to have the 3 hour glucose test with the icky poo super sweet beverage. Jim has that done and felt pretty good afterwards until later that afternoon when he started to feel like utter crap.
A few days later is when I was in the produce section dropping my tomato. Okay, so I hang up from talking with him and I call daughter Julie to tell her this newest development. That was by the tuna section. She states...well crap, yet another crappy family gene to add to the ever growing list. I then call son Matt and that is in the bread aisle. He has pretty much the same reaction as sister. I then proceed to text daughter in law Emily because I always dump my frustrations on her. Oh and I text my coworker Leanne because I dump on her too. That was the frozen foods section.
After finishing up with checkout I head to the car, load my groceries, get kids in carseats and head home.
What the heck do I Google first I ask myself. I will gladly take this diagnosis over several others because this one is VERY doable and fixable. I have hounded Jim about his crappy diet for a while now and FINALLY he is going to deal with it. That in itself is a great relief. Helping him wrap his brain around this is going to be a challenge. Being a southern boy he likes his fats, sweets and general crap. A salad? Ack. Eating three sensible meals instead of perhaps one giant mess of whatever in the evening? Absurd.
So as you can see this is going to be challenging. He made an appointment with the doctor as instructed but the receptionist put him out 2 weeks and that is with our doctor's PA. So Jim is supposed to continue to feel like crap for two more weeks with no instruction on what to do? I don't think so. He will call the nurse back tomorrow and try and get in sooner. Until then, we will do what we can to clean up Jim's diet and I will try and support him while he gets used to the idea of changing his lifestyle...FINALLY!!!
Until next time...
Toodles!
That batch of results came back with everything normal except elevated glucose and low Vit D and calcium level. Next step, take supplements for the calcium and vit D. Easy enough. He is also to have the 3 hour glucose test with the icky poo super sweet beverage. Jim has that done and felt pretty good afterwards until later that afternoon when he started to feel like utter crap.
A few days later is when I was in the produce section dropping my tomato. Okay, so I hang up from talking with him and I call daughter Julie to tell her this newest development. That was by the tuna section. She states...well crap, yet another crappy family gene to add to the ever growing list. I then call son Matt and that is in the bread aisle. He has pretty much the same reaction as sister. I then proceed to text daughter in law Emily because I always dump my frustrations on her. Oh and I text my coworker Leanne because I dump on her too. That was the frozen foods section.
After finishing up with checkout I head to the car, load my groceries, get kids in carseats and head home.
What the heck do I Google first I ask myself. I will gladly take this diagnosis over several others because this one is VERY doable and fixable. I have hounded Jim about his crappy diet for a while now and FINALLY he is going to deal with it. That in itself is a great relief. Helping him wrap his brain around this is going to be a challenge. Being a southern boy he likes his fats, sweets and general crap. A salad? Ack. Eating three sensible meals instead of perhaps one giant mess of whatever in the evening? Absurd.
So as you can see this is going to be challenging. He made an appointment with the doctor as instructed but the receptionist put him out 2 weeks and that is with our doctor's PA. So Jim is supposed to continue to feel like crap for two more weeks with no instruction on what to do? I don't think so. He will call the nurse back tomorrow and try and get in sooner. Until then, we will do what we can to clean up Jim's diet and I will try and support him while he gets used to the idea of changing his lifestyle...FINALLY!!!
Until next time...
Toodles!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Marathon Training Week 3 Day 2
My two weekday runs are usually 40 minutes in length and today that was more than enough. I planned on running today's on the treadmill since its so stinkin hot outside but I decided to buck it up buckaroo and run outside. I donned my skimpiest running clothes I have, geared up and grabbed my handheld filled with ice water. At first of course it wasn't bad and I high tailed it down the road because I wanted to run this at a faster pace. I did pretty well and stopped in the shade when I had to as I was watching my heart rate.
After 2 miles I was home again and stopped in to cool down and fill my bottle again. I was back out and still had about 15 minutes to go. That is when the heat was starting to catch up with me. After perseverance I did it and finished pretty strong considering.
Stats: 3.37 miles; 40:05; 11:54 av pace; 302 cals torched
splits: 11:58 11:52 11:49 12:06
starting outside temp: 89 with 95 heat index winds gusting to 30 mph...acky poo!
I glistened and Jim said I also smelled LOL LOL
Next up for tomorrow is my Get in Shape Girl legs workout and it look like a good challenge. I am looking forward to it!
In other news, I took my measurements after 2 weeks with Kyra and I like what I see. Here's the scoop: starting stats in parenthesis:
weight: 129.8 (131)
waist: 28.25 (29.5)
hips: 38 (38.5)
r) thigh: 22 (22.75)
r) knee: 13.5 (14)
r) calf: 12.25 (12.5)
l) thigh: 21.5 (21.5)
l) knee: 13.5 (14)
l) calf: 12.75 (12.75)
neck: 12.25 (12.5)
r) arm: 10.5 (10.75)
l) arm: 10 (10)
BMI: 22.3 (22.4)
Body fat%: 27.7 (29.6)
Lean Body Mass 93.9 (91.8)
That is just after 2 weeks, people!! I love it! My strength training is MWF for about 35 minutes and that is perfect. They can be pretty intense but I love the shorter time. Then my cardio is T Th Sun and that is running. Kyra wants me to stick with just running for cardio as she wants me to add muscle. After my marathon she will add another day of strength training. Yes, ma'am !
Another item of note is my running partner (and daughter-in-law) FINALLY registered for Goofy today. Disney World, are you ready for us again come January??? You better be!!
Bring it on, babee!!!
Until next time...
Toodles!!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Marathon Training Week 3
On this father's Day I ran week 3 of my marathon training with my Cornbelt peeps for a distance of 12 miles. I have run this distance countless times so it was just another run for me. The only thing I was nervous about was not getting lost like I did last week. I studied the map so I was prepared except the coaches changed up the route and we ran west instead of east. Doh!!!! They were so awesome though and had a map of the training course. THANK YOU, coaches! You rock! I studied that map and felt pretty sure I would not lose my way. I did not.
This week I did my best to keep up with everyone and it was fine for a mile or two or three. At that point, I was feeling winded and knew that I was running way too fast for MY training pace. I toodled along the best I could and finally found a fellow runner in the group that was running slower. I hooked up with her and I was still running too fast. Dang it! I need my running partner badly!!!! Oh Emily!!!!!!!!!!!! I did have a great visit with today's running partner however so that made the miles tick away faster.
At one of the water stops I was chatting with a group of fellow training gals and evidently they came early and cranked out some miles before the actual run started. The lightbulb went off in my head as I was saying duh to myself. I did this a few years back when I trained with the Geneseo group since that was a MUCH smaller group and I truly was the slowest. I will decide this week where I will start that run and I may just do it in our neighborhood before heading to the group run.
Back to today's run, I broke away from my running partner today towards the end to finish out my 12 miles and finally found my pace. I finished up and there were a few runners left at the picnic shelter including the coaches. I gobbled up what grapes were left and downed some more water. It was a relief to be done.
The coaches brought a scale which provided us as a tool to make sure we took in enough water during the run. I weighed before and after and found that I am actually hitting it about right. I know that I am a very smart runner with my hydration and this was proof. Yay me!
This week I have three strength training sessions plus two 40-ish minute runs. I actually have a 5k next Saturday and will use that as one of the runs with the 13 mile long run the next day. It's doable. My other running day will be Wednesday with me and hubby's planned running date after work. One day this week will be a complete rest day.
Today's stats (way too fast):
12 miles
2:31:47
12:35 av pace
1104 cals torched
splits: 11:56, 12:04, 12:44, 12:10, 11:53, 13:35, 12:4, 12:03, 12:35, 12:26, 13:10, 13:37
My splits are just all over the place and I felt it so I will definitely start early so I don't feel rushed trying to keep up. That should work wonderfully. Heck, I don't sleep all that great anyway so i might as well just get up and run.
That's it for now and to all the dads out there including my awesome Dad...Happy Father's Day!!!
Toodles!
This week I did my best to keep up with everyone and it was fine for a mile or two or three. At that point, I was feeling winded and knew that I was running way too fast for MY training pace. I toodled along the best I could and finally found a fellow runner in the group that was running slower. I hooked up with her and I was still running too fast. Dang it! I need my running partner badly!!!! Oh Emily!!!!!!!!!!!! I did have a great visit with today's running partner however so that made the miles tick away faster.
At one of the water stops I was chatting with a group of fellow training gals and evidently they came early and cranked out some miles before the actual run started. The lightbulb went off in my head as I was saying duh to myself. I did this a few years back when I trained with the Geneseo group since that was a MUCH smaller group and I truly was the slowest. I will decide this week where I will start that run and I may just do it in our neighborhood before heading to the group run.
Back to today's run, I broke away from my running partner today towards the end to finish out my 12 miles and finally found my pace. I finished up and there were a few runners left at the picnic shelter including the coaches. I gobbled up what grapes were left and downed some more water. It was a relief to be done.
The coaches brought a scale which provided us as a tool to make sure we took in enough water during the run. I weighed before and after and found that I am actually hitting it about right. I know that I am a very smart runner with my hydration and this was proof. Yay me!
This week I have three strength training sessions plus two 40-ish minute runs. I actually have a 5k next Saturday and will use that as one of the runs with the 13 mile long run the next day. It's doable. My other running day will be Wednesday with me and hubby's planned running date after work. One day this week will be a complete rest day.
Today's stats (way too fast):
12 miles
2:31:47
12:35 av pace
1104 cals torched
splits: 11:56, 12:04, 12:44, 12:10, 11:53, 13:35, 12:4, 12:03, 12:35, 12:26, 13:10, 13:37
My splits are just all over the place and I felt it so I will definitely start early so I don't feel rushed trying to keep up. That should work wonderfully. Heck, I don't sleep all that great anyway so i might as well just get up and run.
That's it for now and to all the dads out there including my awesome Dad...Happy Father's Day!!!
Toodles!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Early morning run before work
I have to be honest that I have not run in our neighborhood like forever. Due to my busy HM racing schedule in 2012 and the recovery that comes after wards and the various 5k races the only training runs have been at our favorite bike path here in Moline.
Since I now have a regimented marathon training schedule AND a strength training program with the The Get in Shape Girl I am finding my way back to the basics including two 40 minute runs during the week. So far, I am loving it and I have found my mojo again. Welcome home, Mojo! I missed you so.
So this morning I was on our street by 5:30am and it was wonderful from the beginning. This is my roots to my running and it's like comfort food. I ran an easy 3.2 miles in 40 minutes time and every step was enjoyed greatly. What a way to start off a work day! I fully plan on doing this once a week along with the running date that Jim and I have set after work on the other weekday.
This Sunday morning at 7am sharp will be my second marathon training group long run with a whopping 12 miles. Let's rephrase that...JUST 12 miles. After running 19 Half Marathons things begin to feel routine. Thence, my hardcore desire to take on a Full marathon September 15 at the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patt AFB located in Dayton, OH. That will be one monumental weekend. HUGE! More on that in a later post.
For now, I have tomorrow as a complete rest day in order to be fresh Sunday morning with my fellow Cornbelt Running buds.
That is it for now since your eyes are starting glaze over and THANK YOU if you have reached this far. I appreciate it!
Until next time...
Toodles!
Since I now have a regimented marathon training schedule AND a strength training program with the The Get in Shape Girl I am finding my way back to the basics including two 40 minute runs during the week. So far, I am loving it and I have found my mojo again. Welcome home, Mojo! I missed you so.
So this morning I was on our street by 5:30am and it was wonderful from the beginning. This is my roots to my running and it's like comfort food. I ran an easy 3.2 miles in 40 minutes time and every step was enjoyed greatly. What a way to start off a work day! I fully plan on doing this once a week along with the running date that Jim and I have set after work on the other weekday.
This Sunday morning at 7am sharp will be my second marathon training group long run with a whopping 12 miles. Let's rephrase that...JUST 12 miles. After running 19 Half Marathons things begin to feel routine. Thence, my hardcore desire to take on a Full marathon September 15 at the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patt AFB located in Dayton, OH. That will be one monumental weekend. HUGE! More on that in a later post.
For now, I have tomorrow as a complete rest day in order to be fresh Sunday morning with my fellow Cornbelt Running buds.
That is it for now since your eyes are starting glaze over and THANK YOU if you have reached this far. I appreciate it!
Until next time...
Toodles!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
This butterfly has emerged from the funk cocoon!
Finally, after weeks if not months of being in a constant state of a funky funk I have emerged like a butterfly. I am in the brightness once again and I am embracing it. At least this time it started in the latterpart of winter as opposed to the entire winter last year. I was in tiptop toned shape around the time of Princess HM end of February and then boom...I let it all go to waste. All that hard work back to damned flubber and it's all my fault.
It did not help that I went back on my long-acting anxiety meds as it tends to zap your motivation. BUT I am feeling better with no anxiety attacks. Yayness!!! The reasons I had anxiety issues will not be blogged in public but it has been a work in progress for about 18 months now. Nuff said. All of that mess is behind me/us and life is good. God has truly taken charge and I will listen from now on.
I started marathon training with the Cornbelt Running Club and I have a strength training program with The Get in Shape Girl. It's a complete package and I am loving being in control of me again. I do best when I have a set plan with goals. I want more than anything to finish a full marathon upright and even a smile on my face. I want to have a healthy body that is fit and fab so I can get through the rigors of marathon training and the race(s). I want to look and feel good. I want to be happy and I am on my way...again LOL.
Yesterday, Jim and I had a running date at the bike path after work and it was gorgeous! I was so sore from the ST early in the week and that worked itself out after I started running. We both agreed on a finishing time of 50 minutes. I set off and worked the lead out starting out with 2/1 intervals. After mile one I went to 1/1 intervals. Much better.
I finished up at 52 minutes for 4 miles and truly enjoyed the river, ducks, geese, runners, walkers, bikers and life. Life IS good!
Stats: 4 miles, 52:00:00 12:55 av pace, splits: 13:04, 12:53, 12:41, 12:54 and torching 360 cals to boot.
That was yesterday. This morning I did GISG arms, chest and core workout and oh boy. I will not go into detail exactly what the workouts are because I paid for them. They are soooooo worth it. I LOVE Kyra and she is so patient, firm, understanding and very knowledgeable. This morning I was swearing at her as my arms turned to jello and I was dripping with sweat and pleading for mercy. Dang you, GISG!!!!!!!! Thank you by the way. I love you!
So, I shall ponder what tomorrow's cardio will be and enjoy the evening.
Until tomorrow...
Toodles!
It did not help that I went back on my long-acting anxiety meds as it tends to zap your motivation. BUT I am feeling better with no anxiety attacks. Yayness!!! The reasons I had anxiety issues will not be blogged in public but it has been a work in progress for about 18 months now. Nuff said. All of that mess is behind me/us and life is good. God has truly taken charge and I will listen from now on.
I started marathon training with the Cornbelt Running Club and I have a strength training program with The Get in Shape Girl. It's a complete package and I am loving being in control of me again. I do best when I have a set plan with goals. I want more than anything to finish a full marathon upright and even a smile on my face. I want to have a healthy body that is fit and fab so I can get through the rigors of marathon training and the race(s). I want to look and feel good. I want to be happy and I am on my way...again LOL.
Yesterday, Jim and I had a running date at the bike path after work and it was gorgeous! I was so sore from the ST early in the week and that worked itself out after I started running. We both agreed on a finishing time of 50 minutes. I set off and worked the lead out starting out with 2/1 intervals. After mile one I went to 1/1 intervals. Much better.
I finished up at 52 minutes for 4 miles and truly enjoyed the river, ducks, geese, runners, walkers, bikers and life. Life IS good!
Stats: 4 miles, 52:00:00 12:55 av pace, splits: 13:04, 12:53, 12:41, 12:54 and torching 360 cals to boot.
That was yesterday. This morning I did GISG arms, chest and core workout and oh boy. I will not go into detail exactly what the workouts are because I paid for them. They are soooooo worth it. I LOVE Kyra and she is so patient, firm, understanding and very knowledgeable. This morning I was swearing at her as my arms turned to jello and I was dripping with sweat and pleading for mercy. Dang you, GISG!!!!!!!! Thank you by the way. I love you!
So, I shall ponder what tomorrow's cardio will be and enjoy the evening.
Until tomorrow...
Toodles!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Marathon Training Week 2
This is officially week 2 of my marathon training and it feels very odd to even write that. I am training with our local AWESOME running club and I feel very lucky to have such great resources available right here. This training is really set up for the Quad Cities Marathon which is September 23 and my marathon is September 15 (Air Force Marathon). The two coaches are working with me to set up the longer long runs to coincide with Air Force. They seriously rock.
My partner in crime, Emily, will be joining me (Thank God) mid-July when we start to reach our new distances and I canNOT wait until she joins me. Seriously!!!
Yesterday morning was going to be a new thing for me and being a Virgo that is a challenge because we don't do well with change. At all. However, I have wonderful friends in the Cornbelt Running Club and they are super duper supportive and so sweet. Emily and I were very lucky to join this group on a bus trip to Madison, WI last fall and we had a blast!!!! OMG! I don't think we have laughed that hard in a long long time. That was just the first 5 minutes on the bus.
I digress. The first challenge was to find the park where we meet up and start our run. Done! Then the next difficult part for me...getting out of the car and...gulp...mingling. Remember everyone when I said I am shy? Well, it is times like this that it comes out with a vengeance. I scan the group for peeps I know and head over to chitchat with them. I love you guys!!!
I then chat with the coaches and they indeed remember me from email chats. They are wonderful and very accommodating with my particular needs in my Air Force training. After announcements, we are ready to roll. It's now 7am on Sunday.
It does not take me long to see who the fast runners are with their long "slow" runs. Seriously people? Are you sure you are running at a training pace? Anywho, I find myself in the very back of the pack. Freaking out here! I don't have Emily to calm me down. My old insecurities are coming back. Then i start to calm down and just enjoy MY pace. Piss on everyone else, they are doing their thing and I am doing mine. I start to toodle along nicely and enjoying my happy place.
This is a new bike path to me and I have no clue what lies ahead. I assume I know the route and happily run at my 13-ish m/m pace. All of a sudden I see no fellow CBRC peeps with me. Dang! I took a wrong turn and I don't know where I am! Crap! Breathe. Repeat. I go forward until I reach my 4 mile turn around. I finally see where I turned wrong and made mental notes on that.
I am now rejoining my peeps...the fast peeps! Again, my insecurities are surfacing and I am dealing with that in my mind. Meh. It's all good. It is what it is and I must not forget MY training pace. I have worked hard for that and I shall be proud of what I have accomplished.
I finish up and head for the grub. Cornbelt Running Club knows how to eat and drink! There were the staple nanners, cookies out the whazoo, things I didn't see, Popsicles, water, Gatorade, pop and BEER! Oh yea, this IS Cornbelt! I want you to know that at 9am on Sunday I did NOT reach for the Busch Light.
So, all in all I survived my first 8 mile long run in my marathon training. Next Sunday, 12 miles with my peeps! This time I WILL know the route!
Stats: 8 miles, 1:43:30; 13:00 av pace; 716 cals torched; splits: 13:30, 12:44, 12:35, 12:51, 12:34, 12:56, 13:18, 13:49
One last thing I forgot to mention. CBRC has water and Gatorade on the course at certain points and that is awesome!
Last but not least the important part...the training shirt!
My partner in crime, Emily, will be joining me (Thank God) mid-July when we start to reach our new distances and I canNOT wait until she joins me. Seriously!!!
Yesterday morning was going to be a new thing for me and being a Virgo that is a challenge because we don't do well with change. At all. However, I have wonderful friends in the Cornbelt Running Club and they are super duper supportive and so sweet. Emily and I were very lucky to join this group on a bus trip to Madison, WI last fall and we had a blast!!!! OMG! I don't think we have laughed that hard in a long long time. That was just the first 5 minutes on the bus.
I digress. The first challenge was to find the park where we meet up and start our run. Done! Then the next difficult part for me...getting out of the car and...gulp...mingling. Remember everyone when I said I am shy? Well, it is times like this that it comes out with a vengeance. I scan the group for peeps I know and head over to chitchat with them. I love you guys!!!
I then chat with the coaches and they indeed remember me from email chats. They are wonderful and very accommodating with my particular needs in my Air Force training. After announcements, we are ready to roll. It's now 7am on Sunday.
It does not take me long to see who the fast runners are with their long "slow" runs. Seriously people? Are you sure you are running at a training pace? Anywho, I find myself in the very back of the pack. Freaking out here! I don't have Emily to calm me down. My old insecurities are coming back. Then i start to calm down and just enjoy MY pace. Piss on everyone else, they are doing their thing and I am doing mine. I start to toodle along nicely and enjoying my happy place.
This is a new bike path to me and I have no clue what lies ahead. I assume I know the route and happily run at my 13-ish m/m pace. All of a sudden I see no fellow CBRC peeps with me. Dang! I took a wrong turn and I don't know where I am! Crap! Breathe. Repeat. I go forward until I reach my 4 mile turn around. I finally see where I turned wrong and made mental notes on that.
I am now rejoining my peeps...the fast peeps! Again, my insecurities are surfacing and I am dealing with that in my mind. Meh. It's all good. It is what it is and I must not forget MY training pace. I have worked hard for that and I shall be proud of what I have accomplished.
I finish up and head for the grub. Cornbelt Running Club knows how to eat and drink! There were the staple nanners, cookies out the whazoo, things I didn't see, Popsicles, water, Gatorade, pop and BEER! Oh yea, this IS Cornbelt! I want you to know that at 9am on Sunday I did NOT reach for the Busch Light.
So, all in all I survived my first 8 mile long run in my marathon training. Next Sunday, 12 miles with my peeps! This time I WILL know the route!
Stats: 8 miles, 1:43:30; 13:00 av pace; 716 cals torched; splits: 13:30, 12:44, 12:35, 12:51, 12:34, 12:56, 13:18, 13:49
One last thing I forgot to mention. CBRC has water and Gatorade on the course at certain points and that is awesome!
Last but not least the important part...the training shirt!
Front
Back
Until next time...
Toodles!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
My new AWESOME Bibfolio and it's PINK!
From the first race I ever ran way back in August 2009, I have collected (hubby calls it hoarding) my racing bibs with the safety pins still attached (my OCD LOL). The bibs have been stacking up to the point of embarrassment on a closet shelf. Finally, I relented and ordered my Bibfolio from Gone for a Run. I love it!
http://www.goneforarun.com/Running_BibFOLIO_Race_Bib_Display_s/705.htm
http://www.goneforarun.com/Running_BibFOLIO_Race_Bib_Display_s/705.htm
The fantabulous cover
The bibs in the Bibfolio pages
I started with the oldest in the back working my way forward. The only bib I cannot find is my first Disney Princess bib and I know it's in the house somewhere. When I find it I have the page ready for it.
Tomorrow in National Running Day and Jim and I are heading to our favorite Mississippi River bike path. The weather is supposed to be G O R G E O U S . I canNOT wait!
Toodles!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The best invention ever for runners!
I tried this product for the first time ever and I am SOLD!!! The areas that I had chafing badly did not rear their ugly head today during my Half Marathon. Score!!!!
Galesburg Half Marathon Express ~ June 3, 2012
After running a hard run 5k last night I knew today would be a challenge at the inaugural Galesburg (IL) Half Marathon Express...#19 for me. This HM all of a sudden appeared and I knew I wanted to run it as it is only 45 minutes from home. The medal looked awesome and I wanted one!
It took like forever for me to get calmed down after the 5k so the night was short. It was almost drudgery getting up but my body knows what to do so out of bed it was. Emily stayed the night in the brand new Hotel Rose and she was greeted by Lucy, our 7 lb. guard dog. Ems was in bed before we got home but I still had to turn on the light and show her my new hardware. She was slightly annoyed I could tell LOL.
Anywho, Jim was running the 5k and Emily and I ran the Half this morning with a start time of 8am. We arrived in great time and scored a prime parking spot. Off to packet pickup and we were greeted by great swag! So far, we felt good with this first race. Things were very well organized so far and the volunteers were wonderful. This was only the packet pickup!
Back to the car we went to get bibbed and chipped up. That was out first look at the shirt. AWESOME!!!!! We even received a drawstring bag with goodies inside. We were stoked!
Time to gather at the start and boom...we were off.
OMG! My legs were like L E A D from the 5k last night and I was starting to think this would be a very long day. This in the first mile, people! Fortunately, this was going to be a training run anyway (meaning slow pace) because as of this morning our first marathon training session was happening back in the Quad Cities. It's all good, I told the coach about the HM. Slow pace it was.
By mile 3 my legs were loosened up and awake and Emily was feeling good too. Whew! Again, we noticed that the volunteers an police force controlling the race course were AWESOME!
The miles clicked away and Emily and I visited ALOT which was fun. This race started in town but ventured out into the rural areas around Galesburg. It was warm in the beginning of that portion but towards the end the sun was to our back and the breeze in our face.
I also need to mention that there was just one runner behind us but that didn't matter at all to us. I also want to mention that I did NOT check my Garmin once during the entire race. Ask Emily, that was HUGE!
At every water stop, there was water, GU Brew AND Gu! I have never ever run a HM that had that much GU! Needless to say that since we were the tail end, we were packing away the Gu any place we could stuff it. Did I mention that the volunteers were awesome?
As we meandered back into town and at about mile 11 we were ready for this party to end. It was at mile 13 that Jim met up with us taking our photos and running with us for the end. You know what he was sporting around his neck? Bling!!!! We had no idea that the 5k runners received bling! e was a very happy boy.
Since we were towards the last of the finishers, we had the finish line all to ourselves except one thing. Every volunteer wearing their bright green shirts were all there!!! Never ever have we seen this before. At some HM's they were even starting to dismantle the finish line. Not here! The announcer was hilarious and Emily and I milked it for all it was worth. We were having so much fun!!
We received our medals and headed over to the food and food there was. each runner received an great food box from Buffalo Wild Wings including a very tasty chicken wrap, Sun chips and Powerade. It was so scrumptious and welcomed.
I wanted to make sure I found the race director to congratulate him on a wonderful racing experience. The only thing that they could do next year would be to add another water stop in the rural area where it is open with minimal shade. but that is it! Everything was perfect and YES...we are running this again nest year.
To my local running friends, PLEASE keep this race in mind for next year. you will not be disappointed.
Running stats: 13.1 mi; 2:56:44 (training run folks); 13:25 av pace (our true training pace), 1200 calories torched
It has been a great running weekend!
Toodles!
It took like forever for me to get calmed down after the 5k so the night was short. It was almost drudgery getting up but my body knows what to do so out of bed it was. Emily stayed the night in the brand new Hotel Rose and she was greeted by Lucy, our 7 lb. guard dog. Ems was in bed before we got home but I still had to turn on the light and show her my new hardware. She was slightly annoyed I could tell LOL.
Anywho, Jim was running the 5k and Emily and I ran the Half this morning with a start time of 8am. We arrived in great time and scored a prime parking spot. Off to packet pickup and we were greeted by great swag! So far, we felt good with this first race. Things were very well organized so far and the volunteers were wonderful. This was only the packet pickup!
Back to the car we went to get bibbed and chipped up. That was out first look at the shirt. AWESOME!!!!! We even received a drawstring bag with goodies inside. We were stoked!
Time to gather at the start and boom...we were off.
OMG! My legs were like L E A D from the 5k last night and I was starting to think this would be a very long day. This in the first mile, people! Fortunately, this was going to be a training run anyway (meaning slow pace) because as of this morning our first marathon training session was happening back in the Quad Cities. It's all good, I told the coach about the HM. Slow pace it was.
By mile 3 my legs were loosened up and awake and Emily was feeling good too. Whew! Again, we noticed that the volunteers an police force controlling the race course were AWESOME!
The miles clicked away and Emily and I visited ALOT which was fun. This race started in town but ventured out into the rural areas around Galesburg. It was warm in the beginning of that portion but towards the end the sun was to our back and the breeze in our face.
I also need to mention that there was just one runner behind us but that didn't matter at all to us. I also want to mention that I did NOT check my Garmin once during the entire race. Ask Emily, that was HUGE!
At every water stop, there was water, GU Brew AND Gu! I have never ever run a HM that had that much GU! Needless to say that since we were the tail end, we were packing away the Gu any place we could stuff it. Did I mention that the volunteers were awesome?
As we meandered back into town and at about mile 11 we were ready for this party to end. It was at mile 13 that Jim met up with us taking our photos and running with us for the end. You know what he was sporting around his neck? Bling!!!! We had no idea that the 5k runners received bling! e was a very happy boy.
Since we were towards the last of the finishers, we had the finish line all to ourselves except one thing. Every volunteer wearing their bright green shirts were all there!!! Never ever have we seen this before. At some HM's they were even starting to dismantle the finish line. Not here! The announcer was hilarious and Emily and I milked it for all it was worth. We were having so much fun!!
We received our medals and headed over to the food and food there was. each runner received an great food box from Buffalo Wild Wings including a very tasty chicken wrap, Sun chips and Powerade. It was so scrumptious and welcomed.
I wanted to make sure I found the race director to congratulate him on a wonderful racing experience. The only thing that they could do next year would be to add another water stop in the rural area where it is open with minimal shade. but that is it! Everything was perfect and YES...we are running this again nest year.
The post race grub!
The fabulous tech shirt and bling!
The bag and goodies inside (tilt your head LOL)
To my local running friends, PLEASE keep this race in mind for next year. you will not be disappointed.
Running stats: 13.1 mi; 2:56:44 (training run folks); 13:25 av pace (our true training pace), 1200 calories torched
It has been a great running weekend!
Toodles!
June Bug Jog 5k ~ June 2, 2012
I usually hate 5k races and I make no bones about it. I do NOT like the burning lungs AT ALL...but there is a 5k race that is a must do for Jim and I and that is our local June Bug Jog 5k in Hampton, IL. That was last night starting at 7pm. It is a smaller race but very well organized by the Rock River Striders which is one of the two racing clubs I belong to.
Last year it was HOT but this year the weather was very nice. This race course starts on part of our favorite bike path along the Mississippi River with the race HQ at a very nice nature center. The course is also very flat. Yay!
Last year I came in second in my age group with a blazing time of 33:58. This year I wanted to beat that time so I was getting stoked up to do such a thing.
I am a slow(er) runner and very proud of it. I do not do speedwork because the one time I did it I became injured and almost burned out on running. It was literally sucking the fun out of running. That is NOT what I wanted. So, that is the reason 5k's are not my fave nor am I speedy.
Jim and I both registered for this race like last year and June Bug is one of his favorites as well as myself. We arrived at the race later than last year and the timing was perfect. This gave me time enough to warm up. Jim does not warm up LOL. He's such a diva. We all lined up at the start and we were off.
I purposely left my Gymboss at home and simply ran until my lungs pleaded to walk, took a SMALL break and blah blah blah. I felt very good and was holding a pace of 10:15-ish which is unheard of for me. I was doing this thing and actually passed runners towards the end!
Still, breaking a 30 min 5k was not in the cards BUT I did beat last year's time at 32:14. I was VERY VERY happy as this gave me first place in my age division. Last year I was second and this year I was numero uno!!!
Last year it was HOT but this year the weather was very nice. This race course starts on part of our favorite bike path along the Mississippi River with the race HQ at a very nice nature center. The course is also very flat. Yay!
Last year I came in second in my age group with a blazing time of 33:58. This year I wanted to beat that time so I was getting stoked up to do such a thing.
I am a slow(er) runner and very proud of it. I do not do speedwork because the one time I did it I became injured and almost burned out on running. It was literally sucking the fun out of running. That is NOT what I wanted. So, that is the reason 5k's are not my fave nor am I speedy.
Jim and I both registered for this race like last year and June Bug is one of his favorites as well as myself. We arrived at the race later than last year and the timing was perfect. This gave me time enough to warm up. Jim does not warm up LOL. He's such a diva. We all lined up at the start and we were off.
I purposely left my Gymboss at home and simply ran until my lungs pleaded to walk, took a SMALL break and blah blah blah. I felt very good and was holding a pace of 10:15-ish which is unheard of for me. I was doing this thing and actually passed runners towards the end!
Still, breaking a 30 min 5k was not in the cards BUT I did beat last year's time at 32:14. I was VERY VERY happy as this gave me first place in my age division. Last year I was second and this year I was numero uno!!!
Yay me!!!
I LOVE the shirt!
Jim also did better than last year and he was happy with his time. He is starting to train for his 10k at Air Force marathon so his cylinders were fully running. Overall, a great evening out!
In the back of my mind this evening was the knowledge that bright and early the next morning I would be getting up early to run HM #19. Stay tuned!
Toodles!
My first post! Woot!
First of all...WELCOME to my blog! This is my first stab at blogging so bear with me as I learn the in's and out's of it. I have a story to tell and this is my chance to share where I started with my running, where I have been and what I have learned and what my future plans hold. Strap in, hang on tight and let's let 'er rip!
I have bored so many of my family and friends with my story but I will tell it AGAIN in a nutshell. I was a band nerd in school and was always picked last in gym class. Being an athlete was not even on my radar screen. It was at the age of 50 that something went wonky with the wiring in my brain LOL.
Because I lost my Mom to breast cancer on April 21, 2008, I decided that I had better get a grip on my own health since now I have this breast cancer cloud hanging over my head. I joined SparkPeople in 2007, used it to lose weight and did very well...until I gained the weight again. My blood pressure was getting higher, my cholesterol levels were getting off the charts and I was mentally crappy. Not a good situation at all.
April 2009 I finally kicked it in gear again and restarted with SparkPeople with good nutrition and a fitness program. I walked and walked and walked until one day in June 2009 I decided I would break into a little jog or wog as I like to call it. The rest is history! I came home and made the announcement to Jim that I wogged!!!!
I faithfully added a little more mileage to my runs and then one day in July I decided to register for my first 5k...the Eager beaver Fun Run in my hometown of Wilton, IA at the end of August.
To make a story short, after that one single race my life changed forever. I fell in love with pinning on race bibs and collecting those bibs. I still have each and every bib I earned...and MANY tshirts LOL.
It was then the Spring of 2010 that I made the decision of training for my first Half Marathon and that would be the Quad Cities Marathon at the end of September 2010. I trained hard (to the point of burnout) that summer and successfully (barely) finishing my first Half marathon. I felt bigger than life and again, fell in love with the HM distance of 13.1 miles.
As of this morning, I finished HM #19 and officially kicked off my marathon training...GULP! I feel different somehow. Can't explain it but it's there and I am GIDDY!!!
That is the reason for this blog. I want to tell my story as I am about to take on one of the biggest challenges I have elected to take on. I am excited, nervous, excited, scared, excited and above all...READY!! It was at the starting line of the 2011 Quad Cities Marathon that the light bulb literally turned on in my brain. I WANT to train for and run a Full marathon. Up until that moment that I said to everyone that would listen that I would NEVER EVER want to run a Full. It's pretty funny how life happens, huh?
Not only do I want to share my story, but it is my hope that I can inspire someone with my journey. If I can do this, folks, you can too! Trust me!!!
Until next time...
Toodles!
I have bored so many of my family and friends with my story but I will tell it AGAIN in a nutshell. I was a band nerd in school and was always picked last in gym class. Being an athlete was not even on my radar screen. It was at the age of 50 that something went wonky with the wiring in my brain LOL.
Because I lost my Mom to breast cancer on April 21, 2008, I decided that I had better get a grip on my own health since now I have this breast cancer cloud hanging over my head. I joined SparkPeople in 2007, used it to lose weight and did very well...until I gained the weight again. My blood pressure was getting higher, my cholesterol levels were getting off the charts and I was mentally crappy. Not a good situation at all.
April 2009 I finally kicked it in gear again and restarted with SparkPeople with good nutrition and a fitness program. I walked and walked and walked until one day in June 2009 I decided I would break into a little jog or wog as I like to call it. The rest is history! I came home and made the announcement to Jim that I wogged!!!!
I faithfully added a little more mileage to my runs and then one day in July I decided to register for my first 5k...the Eager beaver Fun Run in my hometown of Wilton, IA at the end of August.
My first race finish!
I was such a dorky runner but I quickly learned!
It was then the Spring of 2010 that I made the decision of training for my first Half Marathon and that would be the Quad Cities Marathon at the end of September 2010. I trained hard (to the point of burnout) that summer and successfully (barely) finishing my first Half marathon. I felt bigger than life and again, fell in love with the HM distance of 13.1 miles.
At mile 6-ish and feeling strong during HM #1
My glorious first HM finish!!!
Tears of relief and joy (really! LOL)!
It's all about the bling and the beer, baby!!!
As of this morning, I finished HM #19 and officially kicked off my marathon training...GULP! I feel different somehow. Can't explain it but it's there and I am GIDDY!!!
My bling and earned each and every one!
That is the reason for this blog. I want to tell my story as I am about to take on one of the biggest challenges I have elected to take on. I am excited, nervous, excited, scared, excited and above all...READY!! It was at the starting line of the 2011 Quad Cities Marathon that the light bulb literally turned on in my brain. I WANT to train for and run a Full marathon. Up until that moment that I said to everyone that would listen that I would NEVER EVER want to run a Full. It's pretty funny how life happens, huh?
Not only do I want to share my story, but it is my hope that I can inspire someone with my journey. If I can do this, folks, you can too! Trust me!!!
Until next time...
Toodles!
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