Ok, so not my ideal 4-day weekend but it'll work. I ended up having to work today since I used my optional holiday on Presidents Day back in February (still can't figure out why, must've been school-related or something). But, I was able to get a lot done even if it didn't involve a run..
The Run to Feed the Hungry was great yesterday. Ran with my friend Kate and set a PR for that distance - woohoo!- despite some stomach cramps and a knee injury. We finished in 1:08, for a pace of about 11/min mile.
Probably do an easy run tomorrow, then another 6 on Sunday with the group I've found through meetup.com called the "Java Joggers"...they've been a fun group to run with even though most of them are way faster than I am.
Hope everyone had a great holiday...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday's Randomness
Nothing special going on today. Preparing for an office move tomorrow, sooo not looking forward to that (other than the free food, I guess).
Had a nice easy run this evening after work. Wanted to go longer but alas, it was getting dark again. I got stuck at work longer than I thought. Each post-marathon run is feeling easier so I'm excited. I'll be doing a thanksgiving day 10K so it should go well.
Not a lot else going on today. Simply unmotivated right now, tired, I think. I think tonight's an early night...kinda sad for a Friday, hahaha...
I got this quote in my email from Runner's World today: "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." Roger Bannister
Let's leave it at that for tonight.
Had a nice easy run this evening after work. Wanted to go longer but alas, it was getting dark again. I got stuck at work longer than I thought. Each post-marathon run is feeling easier so I'm excited. I'll be doing a thanksgiving day 10K so it should go well.
Not a lot else going on today. Simply unmotivated right now, tired, I think. I think tonight's an early night...kinda sad for a Friday, hahaha...
I got this quote in my email from Runner's World today: "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." Roger Bannister
Let's leave it at that for tonight.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Am I glad tomorrow's Friday?
Usually I'd say I'm glad tomorrow's Friday, and for the most part I am. However, I have to go into work on Saturday to do our annual clean-up day combined with moving into the new office (not entirely new as it's only across the hall) but this earns me an "I-don't-have-to-use-a-vacation-day-on-Boxing-Day" pass at Christmas. The company I work for is based out of Canada so we have things like "Boxing Day" on our list of holidays. I still have no idea what it means. Maybe one of these days I'll go to Canada and ask someone.
Today was a crazy day. I forgot until just before I left for work this morning that I was training a new admin from another office. It was good to know I will no longer be the sole person from 3 offices formatting documents that take more time than they usually allow for. So that was the upside -the downside is my throat is killing me because I spent the entire day talking. At least, that's what I'm hoping and not coming down with a cold.
Had to sit through some more speeches in one of my classes today. The only reason I go is because I know most of those people had to sit through mine and I figure it's bad karma if I don't. Got B-'s on both my last individual speech and our group project. I can live with that. One more speech left and I've got a month before it's due. Totally a procrastinator's way of looking at it but I've got enough other school-related crap to keep me busy so that's ok.
Did the Abs Diet 2 Workout again because I ate like total crap for lunch today and was trying to work it off. I wasn't hungry again for like 8 hours after that lunch of chicken teriyaki and tempura (mental note: no tempura next time, ick) - I can only imagine what that was doing to my digestive system - bleh!
Back on track tomorrow, even though my husband and I have an impromptu (is it impromptu if we know it's coming?) date night tomorrow. I'm hoping for Jack's Urban Eats because one of their steak salads (hold the croutons, sub feta for the blue cheese, and light on the dressing) sounds soooo good. My husband usually let's me pick so that shouldn't be a problem.
Hoping to squeeze another "I'm not using any gadgets but my ipod" runs tomorrow, maybe a little longer than half an hour. It's Friday so hopefully I can get out of work early enough to not worry about it getting dark while I'm out. I'm not too worried about the neighborhood but I am more aware of stupid drivers as a pedestrian/runner since people usually aren't expecting runners when they happen to be crossing an intersection and have to stop longer than a millisecond before continuing. I definitely pay more attention to my driving now that I've seen the other side of it.
For example, there's an intersection near my house that I always pray there's no one waiting to cross. There are 2 right turn lanes and as soon as (usually before but I like to be optimistic) the light turns green, people start turning. I am really good about looking before I turn because I've seen way too many close calls. If I see someone turning that doesn't see the pedestrian I usually honk so either said pedestrian or the driver are actually aware of the other. I cross my fingers that I never have to cross there because the majority of the driving population is generally unaware (aka stupid) and thinks they are the only one on the road, much less someone on foot or on a bike.
On another note, I'm excited to read that the Asics 2140 is coming out. I've like the 2130's and since I'm due for my bi-monthly shoe update (yes, i know that's way too often but I like having options). Lately I've been liking my Nike Air Triax 11 since they are actually made in a wide Nike is notoriously narrow, per my experience of 4 years working in a shoe department at REI. So between those, and my Saucony Pro Grid Guide, I will have a well-rounded collection.
I just know that because I've enjoyed all these shoes, most or all will be completely different when the next update comes around so I have to enjoy them now. I should actually buy other shoes that I, in all practicality actually need but that will come later I guess.
Today was a crazy day. I forgot until just before I left for work this morning that I was training a new admin from another office. It was good to know I will no longer be the sole person from 3 offices formatting documents that take more time than they usually allow for. So that was the upside -the downside is my throat is killing me because I spent the entire day talking. At least, that's what I'm hoping and not coming down with a cold.
Had to sit through some more speeches in one of my classes today. The only reason I go is because I know most of those people had to sit through mine and I figure it's bad karma if I don't. Got B-'s on both my last individual speech and our group project. I can live with that. One more speech left and I've got a month before it's due. Totally a procrastinator's way of looking at it but I've got enough other school-related crap to keep me busy so that's ok.
Did the Abs Diet 2 Workout again because I ate like total crap for lunch today and was trying to work it off. I wasn't hungry again for like 8 hours after that lunch of chicken teriyaki and tempura (mental note: no tempura next time, ick) - I can only imagine what that was doing to my digestive system - bleh!
Back on track tomorrow, even though my husband and I have an impromptu (is it impromptu if we know it's coming?) date night tomorrow. I'm hoping for Jack's Urban Eats because one of their steak salads (hold the croutons, sub feta for the blue cheese, and light on the dressing) sounds soooo good. My husband usually let's me pick so that shouldn't be a problem.
Hoping to squeeze another "I'm not using any gadgets but my ipod" runs tomorrow, maybe a little longer than half an hour. It's Friday so hopefully I can get out of work early enough to not worry about it getting dark while I'm out. I'm not too worried about the neighborhood but I am more aware of stupid drivers as a pedestrian/runner since people usually aren't expecting runners when they happen to be crossing an intersection and have to stop longer than a millisecond before continuing. I definitely pay more attention to my driving now that I've seen the other side of it.
For example, there's an intersection near my house that I always pray there's no one waiting to cross. There are 2 right turn lanes and as soon as (usually before but I like to be optimistic) the light turns green, people start turning. I am really good about looking before I turn because I've seen way too many close calls. If I see someone turning that doesn't see the pedestrian I usually honk so either said pedestrian or the driver are actually aware of the other. I cross my fingers that I never have to cross there because the majority of the driving population is generally unaware (aka stupid) and thinks they are the only one on the road, much less someone on foot or on a bike.
On another note, I'm excited to read that the Asics 2140 is coming out. I've like the 2130's and since I'm due for my bi-monthly shoe update (yes, i know that's way too often but I like having options). Lately I've been liking my Nike Air Triax 11 since they are actually made in a wide Nike is notoriously narrow, per my experience of 4 years working in a shoe department at REI. So between those, and my Saucony Pro Grid Guide, I will have a well-rounded collection.
I just know that because I've enjoyed all these shoes, most or all will be completely different when the next update comes around so I have to enjoy them now. I should actually buy other shoes that I, in all practicality actually need but that will come later I guess.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Starting Over
It's been a little over two weeks since the marathon and I almost feel like I'm starting over... with a head start.
I started running again last Friday, approximately 12 days after the end of the marathon, just to test the waters. I had a strain, per my doctor, in the back of my left leg, in the area where my hamstring and calf connect near the back of my knee. It made life interesting for a few days, limping around, wondering if I'd ever walk normal again, much less run. I did just enough on that first one to wake up the muscles without reminding them too much of what I had done to them the last time.
That first run went well, albeit it was only 20 minutes but it was enough to get to me to try again a few days later. Today was my third run and I felt good. No pain, no soreness, & finished feeling like I could've gone a lot longer (I probably would have but it was dark).
On those few runs, I've been listening to the Podrunner Intervals, by DJ Steve Boyett. Not to actually run intervals yet but the workouts are short and I have a basis for how long I've run without having said GPS. When I actually start "training" again, the interval workouts will be a welcome change to steady state runs. The music is a house/trance/drum n bass style without being so heavy that it gives you a headache. There are also fixed-BPM mixes, simply called Podrunner. You don't need itunes and the music is free so it's a great deal if you want good music without the cost. What can I say - a little distraction on a run is sometimes a good thing.
I think the biggest step of this starting over for me has been running without my Garmin. Normally I'm all about the numbers for which this gadget-- and my personality is totally designed - Heart rate, pace, elevation - all the stuff a runner wants to know at the touch of a button. It's felt good not having it but I have no doubt I'll soon succumb to my OCD and start running with it again, analyzing the data and hoping for either the slightest of improvements.
Part of this starting over has come with the acknowledgment that my diet needs to change to improve myself, not only running but my over all health, and of course, my vanity. I've been eating better the last few days, with concerted effort and it feels pretty good. I can't say I'll never have another pizza or cheeseburger but they will be fewer and farther between with the realization that I'd like to see my abdominal muscles sometime in the near future.
I've been attempting to follow the principles of the Abs Diet, (albeit loosely but I'm workin on it a little each day).
This is one of the few eating programs I think is designed for people who prefer not to starve while they're trying to lose weight/improve fitness. You do need energy to workout so I don't understand those diets that give you so few calories you start to hallucinate and still have to workout 6 days a week.
You get to eat good food and you eat frequently. One meal a week is a cheat, and the others should be based around the "ABS DIET POWER" 12 foods , including smoothies (YUM!!). With an acronym like this, how can you go wrong?
And the workouts...WOW. I have one of the DVDs courtesy of Netflix that I'm considering buying my own copy of. This is a great workout if you want to work hard but are short on time. Strong core muscles are a key to better running so that motivates me along with a smaller jeans size and bathing suits. The Abs Diet Workout: 2 is the 2nd of 2 of their DVD's and it kicked my butt (and my arms, and my legs, and of course, my abs).
The moves are basic, it's only about 20 minutes long, and the instruction is good. You can customize your workout within the DVD based on how often you work out during the week. Here's a sample of what one of their workouts looks like. No frills and very effective.
One of my other favorites is the Jari Love Ripped! Series but her workouts are more than I have time or the strength for at this point - they're very challenging so I'll go back to them when I'm better recovered from the race and back up to more or less normal, probably in a few weeks especially since the holidays are around the corner.
Now lately, things have been crazy as far as time goes. School, work, household stuff, the occasional time spent on the couch with my husband. A friend of mine introduced us to this program called Dinner My Way and it's been a LIFESAVER. The food has been phenomenal, it's fairly inexpensive, and because everything is pre-made - TA-DAAA - instant portion control.
You see, when I cook for us there's usually way more than we need so I end up eating way too much and this eliminates that problem. It also takes all the time spent preparing and shopping for all of these meals myself. I have yet to be disappointed and I have a lot of fun picking out our meals.
I signed up for the local running stores training program for my next half-marathon so that has me stoked. I've done it the last 2 years and have had great success. The coaches are great, the knowledge is worth-while, and it gets me out the door on a run when I may not otherwise (the program runs from January to March - cold, rain, wind - I've run in it all as a result). I'm hoping to cut a few more minutes off my last years time - cross your fingers!
School is about half-way so I'm counting the days. Things are just crazy lately and I'm ready for a night when I don't have to worry about what homework needs to be done or what project needs to be turned in.
Some days the burnout is worse than others but one day at a time, one step at a time, just like the marathon in a lot of ways. I think I'll manage just fine.
I started running again last Friday, approximately 12 days after the end of the marathon, just to test the waters. I had a strain, per my doctor, in the back of my left leg, in the area where my hamstring and calf connect near the back of my knee. It made life interesting for a few days, limping around, wondering if I'd ever walk normal again, much less run. I did just enough on that first one to wake up the muscles without reminding them too much of what I had done to them the last time.
That first run went well, albeit it was only 20 minutes but it was enough to get to me to try again a few days later. Today was my third run and I felt good. No pain, no soreness, & finished feeling like I could've gone a lot longer (I probably would have but it was dark).
On those few runs, I've been listening to the Podrunner Intervals, by DJ Steve Boyett. Not to actually run intervals yet but the workouts are short and I have a basis for how long I've run without having said GPS. When I actually start "training" again, the interval workouts will be a welcome change to steady state runs. The music is a house/trance/drum n bass style without being so heavy that it gives you a headache. There are also fixed-BPM mixes, simply called Podrunner. You don't need itunes and the music is free so it's a great deal if you want good music without the cost. What can I say - a little distraction on a run is sometimes a good thing.
I think the biggest step of this starting over for me has been running without my Garmin. Normally I'm all about the numbers for which this gadget-- and my personality is totally designed - Heart rate, pace, elevation - all the stuff a runner wants to know at the touch of a button. It's felt good not having it but I have no doubt I'll soon succumb to my OCD and start running with it again, analyzing the data and hoping for either the slightest of improvements.
Part of this starting over has come with the acknowledgment that my diet needs to change to improve myself, not only running but my over all health, and of course, my vanity. I've been eating better the last few days, with concerted effort and it feels pretty good. I can't say I'll never have another pizza or cheeseburger but they will be fewer and farther between with the realization that I'd like to see my abdominal muscles sometime in the near future.
I've been attempting to follow the principles of the Abs Diet, (albeit loosely but I'm workin on it a little each day).
This is one of the few eating programs I think is designed for people who prefer not to starve while they're trying to lose weight/improve fitness. You do need energy to workout so I don't understand those diets that give you so few calories you start to hallucinate and still have to workout 6 days a week.
You get to eat good food and you eat frequently. One meal a week is a cheat, and the others should be based around the "ABS DIET POWER" 12 foods , including smoothies (YUM!!). With an acronym like this, how can you go wrong?
Almonds and other nuts
Beans and legumes
Spinach and other green vegetables
Dairy (fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese)
Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored)
Eggs
Turkey and other lean meats
Peanut butter
Olive oil
Whole-grain breads and cereals
Extra-protein (whey) powder
Raspberries and other berries
And the workouts...WOW. I have one of the DVDs courtesy of Netflix that I'm considering buying my own copy of. This is a great workout if you want to work hard but are short on time. Strong core muscles are a key to better running so that motivates me along with a smaller jeans size and bathing suits. The Abs Diet Workout: 2 is the 2nd of 2 of their DVD's and it kicked my butt (and my arms, and my legs, and of course, my abs).
The moves are basic, it's only about 20 minutes long, and the instruction is good. You can customize your workout within the DVD based on how often you work out during the week. Here's a sample of what one of their workouts looks like. No frills and very effective.
One of my other favorites is the Jari Love Ripped! Series but her workouts are more than I have time or the strength for at this point - they're very challenging so I'll go back to them when I'm better recovered from the race and back up to more or less normal, probably in a few weeks especially since the holidays are around the corner.
Now lately, things have been crazy as far as time goes. School, work, household stuff, the occasional time spent on the couch with my husband. A friend of mine introduced us to this program called Dinner My Way and it's been a LIFESAVER. The food has been phenomenal, it's fairly inexpensive, and because everything is pre-made - TA-DAAA - instant portion control.
You see, when I cook for us there's usually way more than we need so I end up eating way too much and this eliminates that problem. It also takes all the time spent preparing and shopping for all of these meals myself. I have yet to be disappointed and I have a lot of fun picking out our meals.
I signed up for the local running stores training program for my next half-marathon so that has me stoked. I've done it the last 2 years and have had great success. The coaches are great, the knowledge is worth-while, and it gets me out the door on a run when I may not otherwise (the program runs from January to March - cold, rain, wind - I've run in it all as a result). I'm hoping to cut a few more minutes off my last years time - cross your fingers!
School is about half-way so I'm counting the days. Things are just crazy lately and I'm ready for a night when I don't have to worry about what homework needs to be done or what project needs to be turned in.
Some days the burnout is worse than others but one day at a time, one step at a time, just like the marathon in a lot of ways. I think I'll manage just fine.
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