...til the end of my college career, woo hoo! One presentation and two finals to go.
Nothing terribly new going on lately..Oh, except for that tomorrow is our 3-year anniversary! BBQing Tri-tip, sweet potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Mmm, and cheesecake for dessert...Yum! I don't want to know how much I'll have to run to burn that off. Ignorance is bliss in this instance.
My brother and I got to go to the Sharks game last weekend. I finally understood why he got so intense about it all these years. The atmosphere was intense, to say the least. Took some great videos courtesy of my iPhone. Now we eagerly await the series to start against Chicago. THAT will be some good hockey!
Looking forward to the Rock N Roll Half marathon in Seattle in June. I've never been but I hear it's a great city to run in. The atmosphere of the race is supposed to be pretty amazing as well. A PR would be nice but I don't want to jinx it.
Love that we're getting spring weather. Makes running absolutely fabulous in the evenings after work. Soon will come the days where I will be relegated to running in the dark because the days will be too hot to go out any other time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Counting Down
Alas, one more thing to do rather than homework- I'll update my blog! With only a few weeks left of school I'm in total "senioritis" mode. Combine that with my teams that are realizing that deadlines do in fact exist beyond the syllabus, it's been a whirlwind of studying, emailing, planning, and willing time to just..move..a little...faster.
The Parkway Half marathon and 5K is coming up on Saturday. Since I've been working on my running technique & fixing my injuries, I'm hoping for a faster time as a result. If not for this race, hopefully by the time Rock N Roll Seattle comes around at the end of June. A PR is in my sights either way. With school wrapping up, running will definitely take more of a priority.
Feeling inspired, I started a meetup group a couple of weeks ago. It's the Sacramento "Back of the Pack" runners, geared towards those of us who are little slower, and don't always want to run alone as we watch our faster comrades pass us on the trail. So far lots of members have signed up, alas, only 2 showed up to the first one on Sunday. It was only the first one so I can't complain.
The Parkway Half marathon and 5K is coming up on Saturday. Since I've been working on my running technique & fixing my injuries, I'm hoping for a faster time as a result. If not for this race, hopefully by the time Rock N Roll Seattle comes around at the end of June. A PR is in my sights either way. With school wrapping up, running will definitely take more of a priority.
Feeling inspired, I started a meetup group a couple of weeks ago. It's the Sacramento "Back of the Pack" runners, geared towards those of us who are little slower, and don't always want to run alone as we watch our faster comrades pass us on the trail. So far lots of members have signed up, alas, only 2 showed up to the first one on Sunday. It was only the first one so I can't complain.
Monday, April 12, 2010
"If Onlys" and Mantras - aka my 12-mile run
Yesterday I completed a 12 mile run, my longest in a while. Considering the setbacks I've overcome, I will knock on wood that I'm not jinxing myself for another venture at 12+ miles again this weekend.
There were several "If Only" moments throughout that run:
If only...I had charged my iPhone a little longer, it would not have died a mile and a half from finishing. On the upside, at least it wasn't during a race. Not only did I lose the audiobook I was zoning out to, I lost tracking of the run on RunKeeper. When I finally got the phone charged enough to turn it on, the route and pace of my run was quite eschewed. This led to another hour lost, spent editing it back to a more realistic pace and finishing time. Perfectionist by nature, I am.
I had never been one for using a mantra while running, although I've read about their success on more than one occasion. However, I found myself repeating a few choice words to keep my mind on something other than the ache in my right knee. It started off as "I am strong, I am fast, I am powerful, I am able" as I tried to time it with my cadence and breathing. I needed some sort of mental distraction to keep me from caving and walking the rest of the way back. After a few minutes, it had been wittled down to "I am strong, fast, power, able." I was surprised that it actually worked, helping keep my pace and pass the time until I was able to get back to my car. Maybe "they" were on to something...?
If only...I had started the run a little sooner. I procrastinated quite a bit that morning about heading out. The clouds, grey skies, and wind were not exactly motivating. It had started raining about 10-15 minutes before I finished...it would figure.
So...here's to a fully-charged phone and better weather this weekend.
There were several "If Only" moments throughout that run:
If only...I had charged my iPhone a little longer, it would not have died a mile and a half from finishing. On the upside, at least it wasn't during a race. Not only did I lose the audiobook I was zoning out to, I lost tracking of the run on RunKeeper. When I finally got the phone charged enough to turn it on, the route and pace of my run was quite eschewed. This led to another hour lost, spent editing it back to a more realistic pace and finishing time. Perfectionist by nature, I am.
I had never been one for using a mantra while running, although I've read about their success on more than one occasion. However, I found myself repeating a few choice words to keep my mind on something other than the ache in my right knee. It started off as "I am strong, I am fast, I am powerful, I am able" as I tried to time it with my cadence and breathing. I needed some sort of mental distraction to keep me from caving and walking the rest of the way back. After a few minutes, it had been wittled down to "I am strong, fast, power, able." I was surprised that it actually worked, helping keep my pace and pass the time until I was able to get back to my car. Maybe "they" were on to something...?
If only...I had started the run a little sooner. I procrastinated quite a bit that morning about heading out. The clouds, grey skies, and wind were not exactly motivating. It had started raining about 10-15 minutes before I finished...it would figure.
So...here's to a fully-charged phone and better weather this weekend.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time Flies
My consistency is lacking in the writing of my running exploits...wish I had better things to write about but most things good and happy have to start from somewhere less so. The last few months have generally sucked, running-wise. As such, my priority this year is going to be to run pain free and I think I'm finally on the right track (haha, no pun intended).
Starting last week I started receiving treatments at Elite Spinal and Sports Care and am feeling rather hopeful that I will actually be able to run without pain in the near future. After attempting the standard treatments - ice, rest, stretching - I realized that my efforts were futile when the doctor revealed that my right leg is slightly shorter than the other. Eureka! this explains everything! all of my running issues - IT Band, shin splints, knee pain - have been on my right side.
Now all I have to do is endure some rather uncomfortable, dare I say painful, treatments (A.R.T & today the Graston technique was utilized) as I try to learn how to walk, and run, all over again (it's not as easy as it sounds, believe me). All I can say is this: If you have unexplained pain(s) during running that don't seem to respond to standard treatments, new shoes, etc, I highly recommend finding someone who works with runners and certified in A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) who knows that simply "not running" is "not an option."
On that note, my goal of running a half marathon in May will probably have to wait but at least I know when I do run another race, I won't be running in pain.
Starting last week I started receiving treatments at Elite Spinal and Sports Care and am feeling rather hopeful that I will actually be able to run without pain in the near future. After attempting the standard treatments - ice, rest, stretching - I realized that my efforts were futile when the doctor revealed that my right leg is slightly shorter than the other. Eureka! this explains everything! all of my running issues - IT Band, shin splints, knee pain - have been on my right side.
Now all I have to do is endure some rather uncomfortable, dare I say painful, treatments (A.R.T & today the Graston technique was utilized) as I try to learn how to walk, and run, all over again (it's not as easy as it sounds, believe me). All I can say is this: If you have unexplained pain(s) during running that don't seem to respond to standard treatments, new shoes, etc, I highly recommend finding someone who works with runners and certified in A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) who knows that simply "not running" is "not an option."
On that note, my goal of running a half marathon in May will probably have to wait but at least I know when I do run another race, I won't be running in pain.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Long Time No See...
Wow, it's been awhile. Didn't realize how long until i saw the date from my last post was from January.
Since then, I've started school (hence the lack of posting) and now the semester is half over. This week was spring break and I can't say I used it all that productively, except for working out. Which leads me to spending this entire weekend catch up on all that I should've been steadily working on. Procrastination at it's finest!
I ran my 4th half marathon back on March 16. I can say I'm rather pleased at the result - a new PR! I ran it in 2hrs 21 minutes, for a 10:48 pace, something I didn't think possible when I ran that race the first year.
I've also found out in the last month or so that my brother's girlfriend is pregnant. Normally this would be good news but my brother is only 20 yo, lives at home while working part time and going to school, and his g/f just barely turned 18, never had a job in her life, and just lost her golf scholarship to sac state. I think the shock has worn off and a very very small part of me is excited to know that I could be an aunt. Scary, yes..but gotta make the best of it.
The funny thing is my parents had a joke years ago about which of the 2 of us would have a child first. I don't know who should've been more insulted - me or my brother, but alas, I don't think it was what anyone expected. We are planning to have children after i'm done with school sometime next year but our situation is only slightly different. Ok, a lot different - I'm married, 31 years old, and my husband and I have steady jobs with good salaries.
I fully intended to run one race a month but the last few weeks my motivation has been lacking. I still love running but I think the structure of training for the half has me burnt out on having to run by a schedule rather than just doing what I want. So, one race a month (approximately), is what it has become. My next one will probably be May 3rd - the Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run. It's a 5-mile race in Fair Oaks, complete with aptly named hills - Grand Daddy Hill, Hernia Hill, The Beast and Last Gasp. Bring 'em on!
Ok time to get back to work..hopefully it's not another 2 months before I post again but I make no promises. Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Enjoying the peace that is a quiet Sunday morning.
The last few days have been uneventful which is fine by me and running is back to being kick-ass as opposed to mediocre - woo hoo!
Started the half-marathon training group yesterday and I'm definitely excited. I feel like the coach has a lot of wisdom to impart which I'm looking forward to as well. Although, I think her Louisiana accent helps quite a bit, too. It's just fun to hear her talk, haha. The run itself went well - 6 miles total. No pains to speak of but I definitely need to remember Kleenex in the future. It's amazing how much your nose can run, even if it hadn't been running when you started.
The company I work for has started their own "Biggest Loser" contest a couple of weeks ago. I can't say I'm impressed with my results so far (a .5lb over a week) but I guess I can admit that I haven't been trying all that hard - pizza one week, nachos another - combined with a lackluster week of running definitely showed on the scale. Ah well, a loss of any amount is better than a gain, that's for sure.
It's also got me following the actual "Biggest Loser" show on television. I think part of it is seeing the success stories of the participants and the other part is seeing Jillian Michaels kick ass. If I ever have a trainer, she's the type I'd need. Not only does she get results physically but she really helps them address the emotional side of why they got to where they are, which is usually more of an issue than just eating and not exercising. For those who might be interested, she does have a radio program that you can either listen to live online on Sunday mornings, or download to your mp3 player - KFI On Demand. Highly recommend it.
The New Year got me thinking about setting new running goals. I've seen a lot of improvement over the last few years and I can only attribute that to the things I've learned since I've started. I remember one of my first runs and oh my gosh, it was awful!
I had tried to do 5 miles with some people I knew and I can't think of many things I did right - ok, maybe one-I had gotten good shoes. But everything else was so far off that if I could go back and slap myself, I probably would. I wore the wrong clothes, didn't bring anything to drink, and did I mention this was one of my first runs - hello, 5 miles? Wow..I'm amazed I can run today because I didn't kill myself then.
But I guess my point is that you learn a lot of things along the way - both in running, and life in general. You realize your mistakes, learn the lesson(s), and grow as a person. So, stay with your goals and make the most of the new year, taking all the opportunities you can to learn along the way.
Started the half-marathon training group yesterday and I'm definitely excited. I feel like the coach has a lot of wisdom to impart which I'm looking forward to as well. Although, I think her Louisiana accent helps quite a bit, too. It's just fun to hear her talk, haha. The run itself went well - 6 miles total. No pains to speak of but I definitely need to remember Kleenex in the future. It's amazing how much your nose can run, even if it hadn't been running when you started.
The company I work for has started their own "Biggest Loser" contest a couple of weeks ago. I can't say I'm impressed with my results so far (a .5lb over a week) but I guess I can admit that I haven't been trying all that hard - pizza one week, nachos another - combined with a lackluster week of running definitely showed on the scale. Ah well, a loss of any amount is better than a gain, that's for sure.
It's also got me following the actual "Biggest Loser" show on television. I think part of it is seeing the success stories of the participants and the other part is seeing Jillian Michaels kick ass. If I ever have a trainer, she's the type I'd need. Not only does she get results physically but she really helps them address the emotional side of why they got to where they are, which is usually more of an issue than just eating and not exercising. For those who might be interested, she does have a radio program that you can either listen to live online on Sunday mornings, or download to your mp3 player - KFI On Demand. Highly recommend it.
The New Year got me thinking about setting new running goals. I've seen a lot of improvement over the last few years and I can only attribute that to the things I've learned since I've started. I remember one of my first runs and oh my gosh, it was awful!
I had tried to do 5 miles with some people I knew and I can't think of many things I did right - ok, maybe one-I had gotten good shoes. But everything else was so far off that if I could go back and slap myself, I probably would. I wore the wrong clothes, didn't bring anything to drink, and did I mention this was one of my first runs - hello, 5 miles? Wow..I'm amazed I can run today because I didn't kill myself then.
But I guess my point is that you learn a lot of things along the way - both in running, and life in general. You realize your mistakes, learn the lesson(s), and grow as a person. So, stay with your goals and make the most of the new year, taking all the opportunities you can to learn along the way.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Back to what I know...and love
Well, I finally broke down. After a year or so without a gym membership, I finally caved and joined one (befitting with the true theme of "new years resolutions"). I loved having access to a gym when I canceled our membership (our implying my husband went once the entire year we had it) but the gym itself left a lot to be desired.
So this time, I decided to raise my standards and pay a little more for somewhere better. It's only been a few days and I can say I'm impressed and am anxious to utilize everything they have to offer. I'm also hoping it helps my running since I'll have access to more/different avenues of exercising and keep me from being bored as well. I'm sure I'll have more to say on that when I've been there awhile.
On the running front, things are better. I've resolved to run a race every month this year so that has me excited, too. My first will be next weekend, a 10K benefiting the ALS (I can't remember what it stands for) or better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Tomorrow I'm going to do a 5-miler to ensure things are ok and I am ready. Then, in February, I'll be doing a 4-miler on Valentine's day, and March will be the ShamrockN Half Marathon the weekend before my birthday. So far so good on the resolution front.
I've also ordered new running shoes to kick off the new year. The Asics 2140, an update to a shoe I have and love so i'm hoping these are just as good. Hopefully they didn't change too much. That also reminds me that it's time to clean out the closet of shoes past...oh what exciting times.
So this time, I decided to raise my standards and pay a little more for somewhere better. It's only been a few days and I can say I'm impressed and am anxious to utilize everything they have to offer. I'm also hoping it helps my running since I'll have access to more/different avenues of exercising and keep me from being bored as well. I'm sure I'll have more to say on that when I've been there awhile.
On the running front, things are better. I've resolved to run a race every month this year so that has me excited, too. My first will be next weekend, a 10K benefiting the ALS (I can't remember what it stands for) or better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Tomorrow I'm going to do a 5-miler to ensure things are ok and I am ready. Then, in February, I'll be doing a 4-miler on Valentine's day, and March will be the ShamrockN Half Marathon the weekend before my birthday. So far so good on the resolution front.
I've also ordered new running shoes to kick off the new year. The Asics 2140, an update to a shoe I have and love so i'm hoping these are just as good. Hopefully they didn't change too much. That also reminds me that it's time to clean out the closet of shoes past...oh what exciting times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
