Planning vacation runs...

A plan is half of the battle!  So I am planning all of my vacation runes!  I ordered my jog stroller yesterday, so now, I am planning my beach runs!

Here is the 4 miler:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/46001110

The longest on schedule is a 6 miler:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/46012950

The 2 miles will be on the beach most likely!!

TR 26: CW-X = damn!

Momma had some time sand kids and she put it to good use.  House cleaning, car cleaning, and RUNNING. 

Ok, so I got my grove on.  It was under 70* (perfect running weather) with a little breeze that felt ohhh sooo good.  Put on an old jersery style top and my trusty stand-bys...cw-x capris and my brooks.  Nothing special...I promise.  I threw on my GOTR Bondi Band (upside down and all) and hit the road.

See?  Told you.  Why I even mention this is because at mile marker 4.00, a couple of dudes in a car, yell Damn!  Note, this is the second Damn! in less than a month.  Both times, I was wearing my CW-X, theory:  CW-X = Damn!  lol.....

But this run felt GOOD.  I was hitting it, going great, then about mile 5.5 the toe thing happens.  My middle toe on my right foot just kills.  I haven't figured it out yet...but I will.

Cliff Notes Version:  7 miles, 1:10 time, damn good run...and cat called.  What more can you ask for?

Hotter than Hades Virtual Half

Peer pressure strikes again!  I innocently go reading Rhonda's blog and the next thing you know I am doing a virtual half marathon!

All I have to do is run 13.1 miles between July 15th and August 15th (I have the whole month to complete 13.1 miles, there is no need to complete it all in 1 run)!!  To enter I need to publicize the race and then document my mileage!

So, here is my run down:

August 6th:  3.1 miles, Shermanator Triathalon, run portion 3.1 miles!  http://www.mapmyrun.com/s/routes/view/run-jog-map/michigan/augusta/6677848

August 8th:  4.22 miles, first training run back!  http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/45501886

August 10th:  ZOO 5k-ish:  Zoo Map

August 11th:  Momma gets a run in... http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/47301645

So I have definitely got my 13.1 miles in and I am way back in the saddle for my Park2Park half marathon training! :)

TR 25: Back in the saddle

One week to vacation, two weeks till I go back to work....so today, I wanted to spend time with the guys...but I also wanted to run.  How can I do both?  ZOO.  Our zoo, has some hellishly hilly trails (1.5 miles round trip) and it is nothing to do about 4 miles in a trip.  We never stay long.  We have a membership so I don't feel obligated to stay long.  We go in, get the boys some popcorn (bribe) and then mommy hits the trail!  We make it fun by "racing" the zebra tram.  I haven't done it with both boys in the stroller in awhile, but I did today and it was haaaaard!

We ran to "wild Africa" fed the giraffes, speed thru the monkeys, snow leopards, etc. and mommy got her 4 miles in.  It said the max speed was 13.3...going downhill, I imagine, and low speed was 0.0...stopping waiting for the tracker to kick off, with an average of 3.3 miles per hour.  Oh, and the best part of all, the kids loved it.

Well.....maybe not the best part of all for me.  I think that was when a mom that we passed on our way down to the tram station (where the hellishly hilly trail to Africa begins) who we passed again on our way out, said "wow!  you are quick"  Yep, we beat the tram there AND back :) 

So, as I have seen Rhonda put a price on a workout...this one cost about $19  ($4 for a train ride, $8 happy meals, $5 giraffe feeding, $2 ice cream)...LOL!  And the comment "wow! you are quick"  Priceless!  On a side note, the Shermanator is the first race I have been in that has done WOMEN's shirts, thus it is the first one I have gotten that fits!  So, I strutted my stuff in my TRI tech shirt today at the zoo.

NOTE TO SELF:  I really want to do the TRI on Labor Day Weekend....even if I still have a 10 year old mountain bike! :)

TR24: Why rest, when you can run!

So, I finished my TRI on Saturday, took Sunday off.....and then back in again on Monday!  Got my scheduled 4 miles in, in the middle of the day no less!  Brian got home early, the boys were napping and Mommy was RUNNING!  Yeah!  I was hot, but it was great to get a solo run in.

Got home, showered up and I was ready to tame the wild savages!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/45501886

Back on track....No rest for the wicked! :)

Shermanator Triathalon: I spell TRI like this TMI!

First TRI in the books....and I am stoked.  So here is the report, with a comical interlude.

0400 hours:  I am up, can't sleep, jacked on adrenaline and nerves.  Head down coffee, bagel, banana..carbed up

0500 hours:  I was taught by a Natzi Band Director, "if you are on time you are late" and I sure as heck didn't want to make Teri late, who was doing me a huge favor by racking my bike and hauling it up for me.  We planned on meeting at the carpool and heading.

0530 hours:  Got to the carpool.  Nerves are getting to me.  It's 5:32, Teri isn't there, we are at a public place within city limits.  I got to pee.  I look longingly at the pine trees...Teri texts me, she will be there in a few.  Perfect.  Pee Break....I actually spook up a deer as I bust into the tall weeds.

0548 hours:  On the road, I am jammering like an idiot.

0612 hours:  Sign up.  Body marked

We find out our heat, wave 6, we take off at 8:10am.  Freak out commences....

Into the water at 8:05, chilling till we take off at 8:10.  No joke, not even halfway thru the swim, I am at near panic attack.  I swear my joking about Jersey Shore Fist Pumping is going to karma bite me in the ass.  This is one thing I know:  open water swimming is NOT the same as pool OR lake swimming...holy crapola.

I honestly looked for the locations of the kyaks and boueys.  I said eff freestyle, I am going to do whatever stroke keeps my head above water.  Enter sidestroke, backstroke, breaststroke.  Alternating till I hit the halfway and then I was ok.  When I am just past the 1/4 way bouey, near middle of freak out zone, I hear the next wave go.  (big air horn)  I "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" til I see the place where we took off from, almost touching depth!  As soon as I can, I put feet to the ground and head.  Surprisingly enough, I can jog to transition!  I couldn't find a pic of the Sherm open water swim (that I could copy), but it did kinda look like this:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6694473

I was so happy to see my cheering section when I exited the water!  Brian, the boys, and Mimi!  All the people that helped me train in some way were there to cheer me on!

I get to transition, thankful for the happyface that told me it was the right rack.  All the while, I was able to keep my eyes on Teri or pass her, going the other way (all of the routes were out and backs) and cheer her on!  I get on my old ass, but working, mountain bike.  Haul on up the hill, I am shaking enough, that I loose my water bottle before the first mile is over.  SHIT!!  But there was no way I was stopping to get it....which made the 10 miles long, hot, and thirsty.  Oh, and did I mention HILLS.  Holy Hill Hell.  It was like Evansville all over again!  I distinctly remember one man barely moving up the hill as I coasted down the other way..I knew that one was going to be a bitch...and it was.  And all the other ones, that seriously would last for a half mile or so....ikes.  Not fun.  But honestly, I don't know how I did it.  My bike time was 42:42...that is an average of a 4:24 minute mile!  STOKED.  On a 10 year old mountain bike.  The pic is me getting ready to dismount.  I must say I was complemented on my dismount...must of done it like a pro, instead of a Tri virgin!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/14476920

I get back to transition, some hot shot dude has racked in my spot.  I am already sucking with the racks anyway, but offffff I go!  UPPPPP a freaking hill.  This hill stuff continues thru mile 1 and then down a half mile and then back up a half mile and then down mostly with another up the rest of the way....hills.  I hate hills.  The fact that I ran 3.1 miles in 31 minutes and it was 3/4 hills, I am ok with that.  Not to mention that I was AFTER I swam and biked (on hills)

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6677848

So, I cross the finish line...I looked kinda pissed.  This is one, because I was running my ass off and, two, because I just looked at the clock, which said 1:56:00 and I was pissed.  I was like, damn!  I suck!  But that was before I realized that that was from the first heat 7:45 and I didn't even take off in the water till 8:10.  So my official time was 1:31:07.  Not impressive when I say 21 out of 27, but seriously, I had the fastest wave, I swear!  When I was done...I was woozy to say the least.  I did manage to take some after race pics with my guys and my gal!

So, I left the tri, stoked with the outcome, proud to go to the store with my permanent marker tatoo (race number on my arm), and thinking about when I could do another (with a shorter swim) again!  If for no other reason, I am happy with my body strength and looks, all thanks to multisport training!

TR....kinda

As I mentioned, I am going light on distance until after next weekend.  I would have loved to do more today, but I know I have a heavy training session in for me tomorrow....mini tri.  So I will be swimming, biking and running.  But even typing this, I feel guilty :)

It felt to get out early and get my run in alone.  I needed the coffee and the endorphins to handle the day :)

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/45470212

TR23: wimpy run (mommy duty calls)

As I said, I am really trying to focus on swimming for the tri, I figure not drowning IS important.  But peer pressure strikes again.  It was a ver legitimate question...Heather, one of my virtual running pals who is coming to Holland to do the Park2Park Half Marathon with Rhonda and I in September, asked how my runs were going this week.  I looked, it was Wed and I hadn't ran yet.  Swam, yes..lots.  Biked, yep...that too.  Running...nada.

So, I did my extra time after Hydration Hustle and ran after getting my swim in today.  It was only 2.5 miles, but I got it in.  I would have done more, but I had to pick up the boys from day care.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/45342714

TR22: Hydration Hustle Virtual 5k

As time doesn't matter on this one, I invited a mommy gal pal who wants to get into running join me.  Like me, she struggles to find the time to do so.  We have 4 kids between us...a gorgeous day and a zoo with a 5k course.  Can you say perfect?  And FUN!?!?

We set out, took our time, visited exhibits, hauled butt to Africa (an exhibit that has a 1.5 mile walking or in our case running path with a huge hill in it)  She did great, the kids had fun and we got our 5k in in under an hour.  As she hasn't run in forever, or ever, not sure which is the case, we did kind of a couch to 5k style workout!

This was supposed to be my day "off" from training.  We did the zoo and then I took the kids for ice cream and the park.  As I was feeling guilty about the ice cream AND a little puppy was missing, the boys and I went on a 1.5 mile dog searching mission, so I got an additonal little run in :)

Momma freaks out

I am suspending the long runs for the half until I am done with the tri next weekend.  I am just very anxious about the swim portion and I need to focus on one thing.

When momma gets freaked, she gets busy.  Freaked pretty much describes how I am feeling about the swim portion of the tri.  The pool, I can handle; the lake is freaking me out.  How else can you explain how I can swim for 25 nonstop minutes in a pool and feel out of breath and freaked about the water in the lake?  I would say it is just easier, but I am using an endless resistance pool that is pushing water in my face continuously.  People freak me out, as do weeds, and of course the not being able to touch.

I have practiced swimming daily for the last three days and I am hitting the pool or lake again tomorrow.  Yesterday, I had an awesome pool workout and Monday was a nice 10 mile bike ride, down to the lake and back, where I struggled thru 750 yds of swimming.  I am guessing I will be in the water, during the tri, about 20 minutes unless I get an adrenaline rush or freak out. :)

Tri Panic Attack

Rhonda reminded me, I have 2 weeks till I become a triathelete.  This is both exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time.  I actually had a moment of panic/anxiety the other night.

But, today, I had a little bit of an epiphany.  While struggling thru a swim session, I have to hold on to Teri's quote: 

"this is me, not caring"

I think that quote is my new mantra.  Hell, I ran in short shorts and a sports bra in heat induced craziness on Thursday, I am owning it.

Why?  I will be swimming literally over my head against much faster/skilled swimmers.  I have no doubt I can

do the distance, but it will not be pretty.  I will be thinking,  "this is me, not caring" as I side stroke, breast stroke and back stroke if I have to those last 150 yards...

And...  I will be smiling as I roll thru the bike section (because the swim is done) AND thinking, "this is me, not caring" on my 10 year old mountain bike (with knobby tires) may actually be better suited for the delightful road conditions that we will encounter.  This pic is not an exaggeration of the road quality:

And I may even really get into the "this is me, not caring" mantra if I am spent at that point and I run ala JG style, with a run walk style.

With my half marathon, the goal was finish.  I am thinking that this first tri, the goal is similar!

TR21: Effin Hot

Work blew, needed to run, was scheduled to run.  So, at 4 pm, on the hottest day to record of the year, I ran.  It wasn't pretty, lost my breath pretty much, but I did it.  I felt better, but it took me about an hour, even after a cold shower, I was still sweating.  2.5 miles of hell.

TR20: WTF was I thinking?

This morning I made the mistake of running when it is good for others, not me.  I was supposed to do 8 miles.  There was no way in hell (as in that is how hot it was) that I could do that.  I was hoping to make 5, but, OMG.  I seriously had to walk to prevent from passing out/getting sick.  I ended up walking more than running in the end.

When I left the house, I swear the temp on my phone said it was 71*, when I got back, some 48 minutes later, it was 84*.  It was just plain awful.  I looked it up...not only was it 84*, but it was also 87% humidity...ugh.

TR19: Hot Three...

Today, I took advantage of the offer of a child-free run from Mom.  It was great.  Of course, it was later than I normally would have went, which of course made it hotter, but still got it done.  Followed by 15 minutes of lap swimming.

So I have a few observations from my run today:

Despite the fact it said 71* running at 12:40 is not for me.  Holy hotness. 

Athens, a small (redneck/hillbilly infested) blinker town, has no GPS signal (missing sections of my map showed me this)

I run so I can look like something a redneck/hillbilly might want to say "G Damn" to...yes, I guess he liked my Cw-X... lol  Only in small town USA would a shirtless dude working on a roof cat call loud enough that said small town can hear it....all over the town!

My runkeeper app went in and out so many times, it shows 3 separate entries on my activities page.  So I had to manually map it...here it is:

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/43226437

Note:  Corner of North B Ave and E Mill - catcall location

TR18: Back to Back Virtual 5ks (plus .8 miles) or a 7 miler, you pick!

I signed up for two 4th of July Virtual 5k's and I was so sore from my 5 mile run that I really didn't get into it until today...and what the hell, when you have 7 miles to do, that is at least two 5ks!!

Ok, so I got up EARLY this morning...left the house before 7am as we had family zoo plans today.  I was blessed that my hubby got up early too, so he watched the guys while I ran.  I have never been happy to be snubbed by my kiddos till today...when the little guy refused a stroller ride with mommy.  A solo run, the first since last week...made me smile!

First 5k:  I started out for a routine training run, 7 miles.  Doing my now standard JG program.  I had used mapmyrun to plan exactly where my first should end as well as my second would end.  When I hit the end of the first, the Freedom 5K sponsored by Running Mate, I paused my running app and looked.  Holy hell, 27:12.  For me that is HUGE.  I ran my fist 5k in May.  I finished at 31:01.  After that, the fastest I got was 29 and some change.  So, PR baby!

Second 5k:  After celebrating, dropping an F bomb and starting running again, I began my second 5k, The Independence 5k at 28:00 into the run, hosted by Let's Move it Mommas.  I tracked my run, all going great until about 6 miles into the run when I noticed my middle toe on my right foot throbbing like a new blister was forming.  UGH, why?  So after my super strong first 5k, my second was rather uneventful, with a 30:27.

But how many folks can say, "I ran two 5ks in one day"?  ME!  :)

It was a great run.  Jeff Galloway is rocking my times faster and faster...and I love his technique.  The overall time was 1:04, which I am stoked about.  I maintained my 5k/5mile time for 7 miles and that is awesome!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/40641580

TR17: Just not feeling it

Yesterday, I ran my 3 miles (should have been 4) but I couldn't get my head into it.  It was the first day running since my 5 mile race and the first day that I was feeling physically able to do it. My quads were so sore for two days there was no possible running.

I spent mile one cursing myself thinking "wow, this sucks", mile two thinking "when can this be done" and mile three thinking "I am probably mind f-ing myself by thinking all these negative thoughts".  It was pretty much ugly.

But the reason I have document the ugly along with the good is that even though I felt like it was a crappy run, I got the most supportive comments from other mommas who know how hard it is to just get a run in!

• "sounds like my run on Tuesday! Hoping for a better 4 miler today!"
• "At least you did it...good job!!"
• "This was totally me yesterday. So not interested. You will get back into it! Good job with the 3 mi! You inspire me to get back out there."

So I guess the moral of the srtory is, like I have heard a MRTT say "No matter how slow you run it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch. ..."

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/42319179

TR16: Firecracker 5 Miler

Just another training run...ummm, NOT.  That was the attitude that I had going into the race.  I was treating it as a training run.  I was going to use the JG program...even in a race.  I was going to do my own thing and have fun with it.  It's just a small town 4th of July tradition...when I looked around there were another almost 400 people around me, I realized, not just another training run!

I was a little intimidated because I was one of about 3 people that I saw with a hydration belt on...I said oh well, "I was going to do my own thing and have fun with it."  At mile 3 when I saw two guys, more avid runners than I, doubled over with medical attention, I was like, yep...glad I have it.  I was also intimidated because there were so many "obvious" runners.  I don't really look like a runner.  But it was good.  Doing my own thing.

Here is the route:

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=125868

They had timers at mile 2, 3, and 4.  Mile 2 split 18:something, Mile 3 medical emergency, Mile 4 38: something, Mile 5, finish 48:47 chip time (49:37 with starting lag).

As I said I used the JG plan.  Seeing it in a race made me see the value of it.  I explained it to my husband as this:  "with it, I beat "faster" runners."  I would pass them, they would pass me on the walk and this went on about 2-3 times (12 minutes) then they never passed me back.  I was able to pace my runs with men, who typically run faster than women.  I was able to run at fastest part of my runs 7.5+ mph at the slowest 6.5ish.  Both of these are faster than when I run 5 miles straight.  I usually average 6.2mph on a 5 mile run.

Was I the fastest out there?  Nope, but when I crossed the finish line and saw a sub 50:00 I was STOKED!  I literally came around the corner where I could first see it and said "holy crap"

268   312 Christi Young           36   F Vicksburg       MI   49:37   48:47  9:46

On other notes, I am sore as hell, my quads are screaming at me :)

TR15: Brought to you by Fla-Vor-Ice

This was probably one of the least relaxing runs I have had in awhile.  I had both boys with me, which not only means 75 lbs of dead weight in the jog stroller, but also the incessant chatter of a 5 year old with a bad sense of direction (which he gets from me).  He insisted that we were going away  from home, when we were on the way back.  Insisting in the form of crying, whining, and pouting.  Thank God that just about the time this began, I was hitting an endorphin rush.

It has been a long time since I have had 2 boys in the stroller, so I adjusted my JG ratio to a 2:30 min run to 1 min walk.  I ran just under 2.75 miles in under 28 minutes.  I ran/walked an under 9 minute mile the first mile!!!  So I am thinking that I swear by his method.

It averaged out to be about a 10:27 minute mile, which pushing a jog stroller with 75 lbs in it, it's good with me.  Not sure if it was the rush to escape the whining, trying to beat the impending storm (it was thrundering in the distance) or to get out of the 90% humidity....but I felt good and I know at one point in time I heard my speed announced at 7.2 mph (this was at the end when I was feeling drops)

The run was quiet for the first mile and for that, I would like to thank an unofficial sponsor, Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles...a perfect low sugar bribe to get my oldest into the stroller so I could run!


http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/41521935

Tri Training: Cylcing PR

Hit the road on the bike today!  First time without kid baggage in awhile.  I must say, I am always amazed how "easy" it is ride when you are not pulling anything!  I had a little of a time constraint, nap time and the hubs was home early waiting to get his work out in as well.  So I hit it and wow, did it feel good. 

It was my longest ride to date at almost 8.5 miles.  I know it would have been faster than the 36 minutes I logged it in, but I had a lot of side of the road riding because of the route I chose, which definitely slowed me down.  I was shocked when my speed was consisitently announced as 15-19 mph, and I distinctly remember a 23mph split.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/41318860

My experience with Jeff Galloway's Run Walk Program

OK, so a wonderful book sent me to check out Jeff Galloway's Run Walk Training Program.  Completely trusting the gals at Run Like A Mother, I googled, found it and went for it.  The philosophy behind it is that if you run and then walk for an interval you will in the long run, run faster and with less injury.  As I am currently training for a second half marathon and I got injured during training for the first, I was very open to sugestions.

Everyone who uses it will have a specific ratio based on their pace.  (See chart below)  When I run solo (no jog stroller) I typically am in the low 10's high 9's minute miles.  So when I run solo, I did the 4:1 ratio.  When I ran with the stoller, I did 3:1 (but 2:30 to 1 might be better)

Run-walk-run ratio should correspond to the training pace used:
8 min/mi—run 4 min/walk 35 seconds
9 min/mi— 4 min run-1 min walk (my solo ratio)10 min/mi—-3:1
11 min/mi—2:30-1 (my stroller ratio)12 min/mi—-2:1
13 min/mi—-1:1
14 min/mi—30 sec run/30 sec walk
15 min/mi—30 sec/45 sec
16 min/mi—30 sec/60 sec

How I felt:  The run segments felt much stronger and faster than straight running.  Think about it, anyone can run for 3-4 minutes; especially when you know that you will be walking for a full minute to recoop.  It changes your mindset and I found that I pushed myself harder for the 3-4 minutes and was able to recover and hydrate during the walk interval  And I didn't poop out at the end.

Runkeeper says:  Overall, my average time per minute was 9:45, I have never ran 6 miles at that pace.   Some of my fast running segments were around 8 minutes.   The runkeeper graph showed the intervals in segments representing what I felt:  first minute was fast and then progressively got a little slower toward segment 2-4.  The walk interval was only about 20 seconds slower than the run, so I mathematically I lost 1 minute and 20 seconds over the course of the run, but gained between 1-2 minutes per running segment because I was able to push myself knowing I got a break.  So that is how I ended up faster in the long run.

It was hard to find another 6 mile solo run, because lately, most have been with the jog stroller.  But here was one from Feb, which I know was solo:

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/41271798

And this is the one from this past Sunday: 

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/40928725

As you can see (and part could be from me just getting faster from doing it more) I am about 2 minutes per mile faster.  And when I was done, I felt amazing.  There was no fatique until about mile 5.

Rhonda, "Slow Mother Runner" also tried this method and she was on the treadmill so she could set her pace.  Here is her report.

Hope that helps explain it a little better!

TR14: If it blows...hit the trail

The weather report this morning called for 15-25 mph winds from the west.  The west is a flat field that offers NO wind protection whatsoever.  We dropped Greyson off at pre-school and then hit the trail in the 'burg.  It was sooooooo much calmer than at our house, as it is surrounded by trees. 

I adapted the JG run/walk method to the stroller, with a 3:1 ratio, which is pushing it a little, it is hard, especially in 15 mph winds!  As you can see, it really is pictureseque!

We parked at the local grocery store and ran to the trail and hit it.  It is about a 4.5 mile trek.

Here is the trail route:  http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/41216629

I did forget to mention, this was yet another therapuetic run.  I had insomnia last night, was actually awake and online when the mommy of a very special boy posted that he earned his angel wings, after that...no sleep.  I ran because I was emotionally spent, so as we said in Evansville, "running is my therapy" ;)

TR13: Jeff Galloway, I may love you

Ok, so today, I set out for my first 6 mile run in I don't know how long.  Actually, I can say the last 6 mile run I ran was sometime in March.  Yes, I ran longer than that closer to now, but 6 miles, was in March.  Today, I did the Jeff Galloway run/walk training method, based on a 9:30-10 minute mile.  That put me at a 4 minute to 1 minute ratio of walking to running.  I did six miles in less than an hour and I am pretty stoked about that, as is my hubby who watched the kiddos while I ran!

I did a 4:1 ratio, which means I ran 4 minutes, walked 1.  The time I ran, I felt stronger and faster than I have before.  The walk break re-energized me and I honestly didn't feel any real fatique set in until after mile 5.  I have to say that is amazing.  I looked uo my times, the last time I ran a 6 mile was in March and now I am 10 minutes faster, which is about a 9:44 minute pace, which again is just way faster than my times in March AND when I was done, I felt AMAZING!  I just may LOVE this man...

Here is my new 6 mile route, that I may never do again....http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/40928725

That pitbull on the invisible chain scared the crap out of me at about mile 2; I swore he was going to break the chain and get me...I LOVED the route, hated the dog.

TR13....will happen ????

One of these days....I will get to run when I want to.  Not when the kids want me to, not when the hubs want me to, but when I want to.  I am not sure if I will run tonight, which would be the best case scenario for wanting to have a glass of wine, but hot as heck.  Or tomorrow, where there is a chance of rain and 78% humidity.  I think tonight I have a better chance of a solo run...so we will see.

I have it all planned out:


http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/38755952

six miles....

TR12: I did not want to run

I have a two-year old.  He is technically supposed to be 22 months (thank prematurity) but however old he is, he is getting terrible.  He is soooooooooooooooooo busy I cannot keep up with his naughtiness at times.  So today, the day after my mini sprint, I DID NOT WANT to run.  But I HAD to run.  I needed a shot of the street legal high that makes being a mommy easier.  So, I got my almost 3 in while sweating my ass off in 20 mph winds that wouldn't even let the jog stroller's canopy stay down.  (Running into those on the way home...ugh.)

But when I was done, I felt better and even rehydrated with water (and a glass...or two...of wine)  Mommy all better.

TR11: 3 in a mini sprint tri session

Today, I upped the brick to a mini tri, backwards like.  I ran 3, biked 8.5 and then swam 500m.  I burned a buttload of calories and felt really accomplished when I got it done.  Here is the lowdown.

I had a sitter so I could actually take the hour plus it took to do all of it.  It was all inside, so it would be what you call "ideal" conditions.

I began with 3 miles on the mill.  I ran at about 6 to 6.5mph, got my 3 miles in for half training and the amount of running most sprint tris would require in.

I then jumped on the spin bike, set it on hills plus, so that it wouldn't be just flat race.  I managed to get 8.5 miles in in 30 minutes.  By this time I was sweating at hog status.

So, when I got in the pool, the water felt AMAZING...I swam in the endless pool for 20 minutes.  17.4 minutes is supposed to be .28 miles, so I was a little over a 1/4 of a mile.

I got done and was spent...totally burned off the peanut m&m's I had chowed down for energy!

No cool routes to post since it was all inside...

TR10: HOT (deception, like Rhonda said)

Who would think 68* feels hot?  Me.  When running 5 miles, pushing a jog stoller...yep.  Hot.  Not sure if it was the humidity or the sun or that I may just be a wimp, but it felt hot. 

A few days ago I read Rhonda's blog and she mentioned the trickery of the humidity.  How the temp guage looks doable, but the humidity can be cut with a knife.  I have to think that this was the story this morning.  I headed out before 8 and was done a little after 9am, normally, at this hour weather is acceptable.

I am just glad I got it done.  It has been awhile since I ran 5 miles and I really needed to get it done.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/39915878

Tri Training: Resistance Training

When the pedi tells you your 5 year old weighs 40lbs and is in the 25% for weight, you think, wow, that's pretty light....that is until he is in the trailer on your bike (along with the chunk-a-munk 2 year old)  Holy hell, that was hard.  I have been blessed to bike solo or only with Gunner in the trailer lately.  The two of them about killed me.

But, I got in 4 miles despite the HEAVY load that I was carrying.  It was slow, but I know that I am much faster alone, so I consider this resistance training.  Or dead weight :)

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/39754560

TR9: On the road again....

Tonight I hit the road, first time since the cold and the partied out weekend.  It felt good to run, but didn't have the time or stamina for the full four respiratory wise.  Not to mention on the days I work, I just don't eat enough to have the fuel to run at night. I feel out of energy and pushing a jog stroller didn't help. 

I also blew through the first mile and then had to run back...both ways in 12 mph winds.  Don't get me wrong, it felt good, but a jog stroller is kinda like a sailboat, catching wind and pushing me in the wrong direction.  Occasionally, on the way back the WNW would shift and let me feel more N than W,which gave me a little push, but for the most part it was much more W than N, which hampered my progress both ways.

So, was this run perfect or "great" no.  But was it forward motion in a faster pace than a walk...yep.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/39714345

TR/W8: All my respiratory system could take

After crapping out on Monday, doing nothing due to nastiness of health and feeling slightly better today, I  decided to "speed walk" my miles as opposed to running them.  I could barely breathe to sit on the couch, much less run, so I thought that was a wise idea.

Gunner and I headed out into the perfect weather...low 70's with a nice breeze and some sun!  I managed to walk my 3 miles in 44 minutes, so that put me at less than 15 minute miles.  Nothing that I would be proud of it I was running, but walking...at about 4+ mph, not bad.  I was literally doing the math...thinking, if I can walk this fast, I better step up the running.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/39442797

TE7: Any way you can get it in...

Apparently, Murphy has decided after raining on Rhonda's parade for the better part of a week, he might pay me a visit.  I have had a hell of an allergy season, haven't ever had to be this medicated to just function.  But now, on top of the allergy hell that I am living in, I have acquired a sore throat, congested ears and overall nasty summer cold.  Bites.

Thus, my 5 mile run that I planned became a 50 minute elliptical session.  I made it through it, but I am paying the price today. I am taking it easy, hoping to recoop and be ready to put some miles on the pavement tomorrow.

TR6: Tried for 4, Rained out...

I was inwardly cheering, "Yeah!  We beat the 60% chance of rain" until the last .5 miles...then little buckeroo and I got wet.  So we cut it a little bit short.  It was perfect running weather, 66* and overcast.  The 10 mph wind wasn't bad because of the route I chose, but it could have been a bear if I had went the straight, flat route right from my house that is my go to if in a hurry route.  I chose the more senic and shielded by trees route and it paid off with the wind!

The run with the stroller and wind felt good.  I think I am getting back into the groove!

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/38757472

TR5: 25/15

That's 25 minutes running (a little over 2 miles) and 15 minutes swimming. The endless pool took a bit to get used to, but I think I got it now. I think it simulates lake swimming more than a regular pool does. I have no idea how to gauge how I did, but I didn't drown. I swam 15 minutes at 300-400psi, which is supposed to be .27 miles. I don't know what that means. All I know is that I didn't drown and when I googled, I was right:

SWIM TRAINING IN AN ENDLESS POOL is like swimming in open water – no turns, no shared lanes, no stopping. By eliminating turns you get a better understanding of your true open water endurance.
 So it should be harder than a "normal" pool and it initially felt that way. Took me a bit to get back far enough that I wasn't getting a nasal cleansing from being too close to the waves. I actually had to turn it up, because to 300psi was too slow. I kept catching the current.

Here is what it looks like...

Tri/Cross Training: Solo bike

Whoo Hoo, I got to ride my bike by myself, without 75lbs following me.  I actually think the unofficial "resistance training" is helping me build muscle and speed and making it easier when I am on my own.  I have noticed it in the runs and now in the bike.  I was right around 4 minute miles for 6 miles, which means I need to kick it up a knotch to about 12 miles and drop my time by about 1 minute per mile.  The good news, I felt as though I could have done more, so I probably should have, but as always, mommy only gets so much time.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/38381734

Back on Track, First Brick Workout Tomorrow

I am putting it out there in cyberspace that I am committing to doing my first multisport workout tomorrow. I have been avoiding the pool like the plaque because a) it is diefferent and new b) I didn't have the equipment (which I am getting today) and c) had no time without kids (we won't even get into the undesireable view of me in a one-peice suit). Tomorrow, the trifecta of excuses is done-so. I will have the time, equipment AND now accountability so I will do it.

I am planning a 3 mile run followed by a swim session in the endless pools at the college. Now that I have publicly announced that, I have to do it. Today, I start the insanity of getting the house ready for the dual birthday parties we will be doing on Saturday. I forsee me doing enough house/yard work to be equivilent to running a half-marathon calorie wise!

TR4: Virtual Insanity 5K: Race one, Therapy

I planned on running this morning early to avoid heat and it is my little man's big day, he is TWO!!  Today he woke me up at 5:50, a half hour earlier than normal, when I planned on taking him for a birthday run...but he sweetly fell back asleep until 7:00am, which allowed Mommy a solitary run, that I needed so bad.

The time resonated with me, reminding me why I started running (a MOD benefitting race) and also as the time I would wake up in the morning at the hospital for a blood draw, morning monitoring, and attempting to get a clean catch of amniotic fluid to determine the maturity of his lungs.  He was born at 5:05pm so the numbers were significant as well.  We all fondly remember the birth of our children, but when you have a preemie, it is a bittersweet memory plagued with PTSD type memories of the whole situation.

I had been on bedrest for six weeks at the hospital when he was born by emergency c-section, about an hour after I noticed it wasn't just amniotic fluid I was leaking, it was blood.  So today, I am reminded of the mantra and slogan Rhonda came up with, "the NICU made me crazy, Running is my therapy"  And I really needed some therapy this morning on the bittersweet day of his birth.

Not to mention, I had a PR.  34 minutes for 3.8 miles, which put me at under 9 minutes for each mile.  But as I said, today was about therapy and mental cleansing, not time.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/38194846

TR3: For Kennedy

My sweet neice has been involved in Girls on the Run through her school. She has made such progress and is loosing baby fat like crazy! I am soo proud of her. I found out about this in March, and secretly planned on running it with her. I bought us matching GOTR bondi bands and was totally psyched. It was initially scheduled for the 26th of May, which ended in cancellation as it stormed.

We were all set to go on the 2nd, when Kennedy got a nasty stomach bug that put her out of the race. How sweet is this girl? The only thing she was worried about was disappointing me. So tonight, I ran for Kennedy.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/38272444

TR2: Road to Redemption

So the highlight of my memorial day weekend was having some other parents over after the storm and eating and drinking more than I should have. It was a lot of fun.  Today, it wasn't that much fun.  Thinking I could just get back on the horse and go, was a mistake.  I huffed, puffed and walked some of the 3 miles I did.  It was hell. 

It was about 85*, humid as can be, my allergies were out of control (which they still are...nothing is touching them), I had Gunner, so I had to push the jog stroller, and to top it off, the wind was gusting (warm but strong).  It wouldn't have been so bad if I wasn't a) dehydrated from alcohol and coffee and b) bloated from good tasting, but crappy for you food.  I was a HOT MESS.

But I think I needed that.  I needed to know you can't just put crap into your body and not get crap out.  That is exactly what I got out...crap.  3.1 miles in 37 minutes and it isn't even so much about the time.  It just was NOT pretty.  So if you saw my last post, you know why, I am on the road to redemption.

TR 1: Confessions of an Avoider

I have not been avoiding blogging because I haven't been exercising, although that is my normal MO.  If I don't do it, I don't write about it, think about it or talk about it.  I just don't do it and avoid it.  But honestly, I haven't missed a workout since I can remember or had a day off since I can remember.  That means on the exercise front, I am doing great.  I have ran, biked, rollerbladed or hit the elliptical for the last 3 weeks daily.

Those three weeks are important, because that is the time I have had off from work.  I have had time to exercise, but no real time for me.  I am home with the guys everyday, minus one day a week, and it is hard.  How a SAHM does it, I don't know.  They are busy, don't want to take naps, and are at the same time the loves of my life.  But the change from working mom to home mom has been hard.  During those three weeks, I have been eating and drinking as though I am burning about 1000 calories a day, when realistically, it's more like 300-500.  When Brian gets home I usually have a glass of wine and because I don't have to go to work the next day, will continue to do that.  So I am basically drinking or eating more calories than I am burning and I am steadily gaining weight.

WHEW...there went the confession.  I am getting heavier instead of lighter, despite all this exercise...and it pisses me off.  Thus, the avoidance.  Welcome, diet overhaul week.  I am doing a modified SB diet with more healthy carbs on running days.  Cutting alcohol for a week or two and keeping up with the butt load of exercise I am doing.  Especially since the endorphin rush reduces stress, which plenty abounds when I am home with rambuncious boys!  It is my only free moment of the day.

So wish me luck...and expect to hear from me now!

First 5k: Hearty Hustle

So, today, in backward fashion, I ran my first ever "official" 5k.  I ran a virtual one while in GA over the Easter weekend, but today was the first one I have ever ran with real other runners.  I was stoked.  It was slightly uneventful as I was running by myself.  I did find a friendly face that I chatted with before the race, she was wearing a "Running for Max" shirt, which hit me in a whole different place.  Max is the sweet 2 year old son of a good friend from high school.  He passed in a car accident last February.  He was near the same age as my oldest and it hit me like a ton of bricks to see that.  But we turned the mood to happy as we talked of her newest bundle of joy who is about 3 months old now.

I am not sure if it was that experience, hormones, or what that made me all emotional, but I found myself tearing up a little during the race; seeing hefty firefighters clapping us on, kids holding signs saying "go mom" (not even mine) and I just got a little misty.

I have no experience with running with people, passing people or knowing how to set my pace with other people around.  I didn't use my gps, which would have kept me aware of where I was, but I just really enjoyed the experience.  I tried to explain this to my husband, as I have never ran during our almost 10 year marriage.  I just rediscovered it last summer and fell in love with running.  At mile 1.5 I just escape.  That first one is always rough....but then I hit my groove.  This was true of today, that first mile felt like forever.

But, it is done.  I finished with an "official" time of 31:00 and had a 9:59 pace, which confirms my thought that it really did say 30:59 when I crossed the line.  Anyway you look at it, it was my first, which makes it a PR and especially if you count my virtual 5k, in which my time was 31:43.  I was middle of my age group, so not the fastest, but plenty of room to improve.

Jelly Bean...Virtual 5k

Isn't it funny how the romanticized ideal running experience gets turned into a "mom, when can I get it in" one?  Yes.  We traveled down south for the weekend, the highlight for me was to run in warm temperate weather.  Walking...yes, LOTS.  Running, not so much.  We had to pack light, which doesn't include a jog stroller.  So my running became hotel treadmill running.

However, it may suck, but it will get it done.  I ran a virtual 5k over the weekend.  My first ever.  As it was virtual, it didn't matter where you ran it, so the treadmill was ok.  I ran mostly at a pace of 5.7 - 6.0 mph. I really hoped to be at about 30 minutes, but my "official" time was 31:43.

It was my first, so I guess it is a baseline or PR for now.  Now onto the Hearty Hustle, a run to benefit the boys' schools, which I will be doing with a jog stroller, so no potential PR...but let's see what running with people can do! :)

PPW Run 1

So I ran for the first time since the half marathon today.  It felt good.  I ran a timed 3.1 on the tread mill, since I am thinking I want to do a lot of charity 5k's this summer.  They are cheap and the go to a good cause.  I get my adrenaline fix and a charity gets some funding.

So I ran most of it at 5.5 to 6.0 mph...then for the final .4 miles I kicked up to 6.5 (thanks to the skinny chick next to me who ran the entire thing at that rate....

So I did my first timed 5k in just over 30 minutes (our half pace was about 44 minutes)

20 pounds in 20 weeks

Rhonda and I are up to it again.  She said she wanted to loose 20 lbs before our next half marathon, which is on September 24, 2011.  That gives us roughly 20 weeks at a pound a week.  She thinks that it will help with speed.  I am sure she is right, if you weigh less it will take less to move it, right?  Makes sense.

So we are doing the pound per week challenge.  Tuesday (?) was weigh in day and now we move forward.  I am excited, because if I can use her to motivate me to do a half marathon, this challenge will be cake.

We are now linked on myfitnesspal.com and app, so we will be checking in on each other's progress...let the fun begin!

I like Rhonda am not a huge fan of publicly announcing weight, but I will post about my losses and hopefully not gains.

The Big Dance...

I cannot really beleive I am saying this, but I can now say, I have ran a half-marathon!  Holy cow. From Couch to 5K to half marathon finisher.  A little progress in less than 9 months I would say.  So in 9 months Couch to 13.1 miles.  Yikes.

We began training in January and completed the half marathon yesterday.  It was an all around amazing experience.  Our goal:  FINISH.  Goal accomplished. 

The weeks out I began stalking the weather.  I was so concerned about it.  When it came down to it, it was going to be warm and windy, but no rain.  First thought:  Woo Hoo, no rain...70's, love it!  Second thought:  I have not trained on HILLS, in HEAT (yes every outdoor MI run involved a ski cap) or that long in the wind.  Oh, boy.

Did we finish?  YES!  Was it rough going at times...you know it.  I am not sure either of us could have finished alone, but together, failure was not an option.  Was I stellar standout in my age class, nope.  Did I make an amazing friend, yep.  I wouldn't do it any other way than being there every step with Rhonda.

13.1 miles, 1 medal, 1 blister and some general soreness later, I am a half marathon finisher.

I am a success story!

My PT is writing a book about running through injury.  He asked me to tell my story since I a "success story"  I had fun writing it and because I like to overshare..her it is:

After running distance in High School, I took a hiatus from running.  I would do it to break through a fitness plateau, but didn’t do it regularly.  I fell into this pattern again during the summer of 2010.  But with two kids in tow, running became an endorphin escape.  In short, I got addicted; the endorphin rush made me more patient, tolerant and a better mom.  Work got hectic, I missed some runs and took some time off.

When a friend of mine began training for a fundraising half marathon, I got motivated.  We shared the passion of the March of Dimes, as we both had babies born too soon.  So the run for dimes fundraising effort put running back in my life.  So in essence, after taking years off from running, running half of a summer and then taking a few months off again, I was ready to become a virtual training partner for a half marathon.

Things were going great until about 2 weeks into actual training my right leg went numb and stayed numb.  This was disturbing to me as I was mentally committed. I saw a doc, an avid runner himself, who made my day with the advice "don't stop running."  He prescribed physical therapy and a gait evaluation at Agility Physical Therapy and Sports Performance.  When it came to getting runners back in the game that was where I wanted to be. He told me everyone there is great, but initially you need to see Scott. He can do an assessment and gait evaluation.  Best advice I ever got.

I had been told that I had "good form" which meant I don't run like a girl. However, the gait evaluation showed differently.  I had some issues that could be helped with good shoes and some with technique.  Scott gave me some tips that would really help with actual good form and got me into some good shoes. I continued to run intermittently, doing most of my training on the elliptical.  When I ran, I concentrated on my form. 

I felt like I had been physically sidelined and it was beginning to affect my mental state.  I began to doubt if I could actually do this.  Between the positive mentoring I was getting from my training partner and the PTA’s at Agility and a book, Run Like a Mother, which is written by mothers who run (and contribute to Runner’s World), I began to get out of that self-doubt slump and get back on track.

I also was given exercises to strengthen my core, glutes and hamstrings.  Ironically, the reason I was running (to raise money to fight prematurity) was the reason I was having issues.  The weeks I spent on bedrest and then being too busy to strength train had atrophied my muscles so much that I was overcompensating and causing the numbing issues.  As my strength increased my symptoms decreased and I was running more and more.  I started cautiously, but added more distance and times per week with the progress ok’d by Scott.  I spent about a month alternating running and elliptical use, religiously doing my prescribed exercises.  The techniques Scott gave me also helped to not exasperate the condition. 

Eventually, I felt comfortable with running according to the training program.  Scott re-evaluated my gait which confirmed how I felt:  I completely changed my running form and my core, glute, and hamstring strength made me feel like a different person.  In short, the doc was right.  Everyone at Agility is great.  I fully credit them for getting me back on the road.

TE/R39: I RLAM today...

RLAM stands for Run Like A Mother..  What does a mother run like?  Like you have to schedule your run around everyone else's sechedule, like you have to squeeze in a run when you can, not when you want to, when you have to bargain to get running time, or today's challenge...when you have a sick kid for the 6th day in a row (3 for each kiddo) and you are trying to not get sick yourself (as you have the first 1/2 marathon less than 2 weeks ahead of you) and you have to split a training session between your elliptical because you have to and the road because you want to.

I did 50 minutes on the elliptical while Gunner (the sick one now) napped and then did another 2 on the road while he chilled in the jog stroller (it was above 40 for the first time in like a week or two, so with the weather shield, I think we were ok) so I got my time in today.

I have a scratchy throat, so I am oding on vitamin C and green tea, hoping it passes!

TR38: Mom Run

All women have general things they think about when running, I imagine, maybe something like this (or maybe these are things I think):

holy hell, can I finish this?
That dog I hear barking, is it getting closer, or is it tied up?
Holy hell, can I finish this?
How many miles have I ran?
Oh, I need to go read a specific girl-related chapter in RLAM

Before I get to the thoughts of a mother runner, namely me, I have to mention the run itself, in order to happen, must be when she can do it, not when she wants to.  For example, it will be 38* (high for the day) around 2, at 9:30am it is a balmy (read sarcasm) 19* and a delightful 10mph NE wind.  But this is when the hubby, kids, momma stars (kinda) align and I can go (by myself, without a jog stroller).  So suck it up I do, and get out there because I can.

But the concerns of a mom on the run (at least me) are more like:

Is hubby handling the kids?  (he surely didn't seem like it when I left)
Is my two time puker, making a speedy recovery or is he puking again?
Will there be another case of explosive diarreha? (that I will certainly hear about when I get home)
Should I be running considering all of the above?

Yep, self-induced guilt...not so good for the running mojo, but par for the mother runner course.

All those deep thoughts aside, it was a "girl thing" not really a mom thing that stalled me a little shorter than I hoped, but I was so glad to get out and run, despite the cold weather and deep thoughts of guilt.  I would rather run outside any day of the week than hit the mill. :)

And of course, runkeeper's gps is giving me headaches, and I tried to plot my almost (so close) 9 mile run, but ended up with 10.10 some odd how...oh well, you get the idea!

http://runkeeper.com/edit/activity?tripId=29766676

TR37: Treadmill and I make up

I don't know if it was the good breakfast, filled with calories for fuel, the stress I NEEDED to burn off, or the new play list, but today, the treadmill and I made up.  I actually easily did the 5 and contemplated doing more...but didn't really feel the need to be a glutton for punishment.  In hindsight, I am glad of this choice, as my calf was sore for the first time in a long while and it would have been worse if I'd kept going.

TE36: Sick kids part one

Dang the MI weather.  And germs...right now they are both bugging me.  The best laid plans:  slower than normal workday + sneak in a 5 mile run = happy mother runner.  Reality:  Sick kid + elliptical (90 minutes) = par for the mother runner course...:)

Freezing weather and a kid that has a barking cough and fever shouldn't be mixed....even in a great jog stoller with the most amazing weather shield.  Thus, I opted to sow my wild oats on the elliptical and hopefully prevent another sick day (you know the kind, mom isn't sick, but she has to call in to hang at home with sick kiddo)

So I busted butt to the rockin new play list sent to me by the most amazing virtual training parter...thanks Rhonda!

Run stress

This week has been a struggle.  Time, weather, sick kids, all have hampered my running ability and desire to run.  I have been very busy and my time very consumed by work, MOD, kiddos, family...the list goes on.  All not good timing considering we are in the final days before the big dance.  Doesn't do wonders for one's ego or self confidence when the biggest and longest run is very close to being here. 

I have a new playlist that am syncing now...maybe it can help me break this funk.  About to hit it...

TR35: Speed work

As I really didn't have time to run, I did a quickie, which was not really what I wanted or needed to do...but I did three, pushing myself on speed and on an empty tank...but I did it.  Last mile was 9:35...I just kept thinking, Damn, Heather is fast.  I remember her early spring 5k done in under 30, like 27 and some change...wow.  Go, girl.

TE34: Road Block

You hear college guys casually throw around the term "cock block"...lol, I would like to quote urbandictionary.com with the following terminology:

1. To prevent a male friend or associate from getting some action.
Used in a sentence:

Damn, Johnny just totally cockblocked his roommate. Ass.

Cock blocker:  A person (male or female) who intentionally or unintentionally stops the progress of two others getting their game on.

 

I had this funny in my head as I continued to try to find a time that worked for me to run this weekend.  Saturday, I threw myself into a March of Dimes fundraising event that kept me away from home all day and Brian with the boys all day.  It would have been bad form to come home at 3 and then take off for a 90-minute run...so Sunday had to be it.  However, I completely felt "road blocked"...see below definition by crazymomma's running dictionary:

 

Road Block:  To prevent a crazy mother runner from getting some action on the road...

 

Road Blocker:  A person (male or female) who intentionally or unintentionally stops the progress of a crazy mother runner game on.

 

So morning...road blocked...by the hubs and boys.  Yes, I wanted to spend time with them, but did I want to run?  Hell yeah.  Night, rained out.  Not like sprinkling...but downpour and thunder with lightening...

 

So I felt I had to do something, so I settled for 90 minutes on the elliptical, to at least get a cardio rush in.  Running my ass off this week.

 

 

TR33: love this weather

Today I had to run, with 70* in March, I couldn't pass it up.  Even with 25 mph winds...I went on a paved trail surrounded by woods to help with the wind...the way back into the wind was a little harsh.  But it was amazing to feel warm when running (in a tech tank!)  lol, I can say that now after asking people what that meant last night...talking the lingo like I know it...

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/28809334

TR32: 5 on the mill

Still hate the mill.  But have to say, I hate rain more.  Rain rain go away, let me run outside today.  I am hoping tomorrow (very busy day) I can get in my second 5 and then my :::gasp::: 9 on Sunday (looks like a gorgeous day coming up.

It's official...

Dear Christi,
Congratulations! You are now registered for Southern Indiana Classic Marathon and Half Marathon. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://sicmarathon.com/

holy hell.

TR31: Country Roads

You know you are running on country roads when you see the following:

1. gorgeous creeks, lakes, small woodland creatures
2. small pocket sized booze bottles
3. more cans than what I raised by running
4. condom wrapper
5. roadkill and this squirrel hand (looks like the tailsman from an Edgar Allen Poe story...no joke)
6. dirty mag tossed out someone's window

Yep, that is country running...lol

just ran 8 miles...holy hell, 8 miles.  That is my new PR...I can't believe it, still in endorphin mode :) chilling with some diluted purple powerade, never tasted anything so good.

The route was gorgeous, the weather perfect, low winds, mild (40*) temps, rare cars.  Here is the route:  http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/28372825

Ok, since it went so well, here are things to note:

Nutrition:  Ate well last night (whole wheat pasta), had a good big breakfast (balanced protien and carbs) with some coffee, didn't run out of gas

Hydration:  Small water/powerade in pocket of running coat, just the right amount, didn't mess with pace, but had it when I needed it

Music:  Digging the new "8mile" play list I hooked up this morning, some of Rhonda's great selections and some of mine :)  Half the songs I am not sure what are since the names didn't come over on my media player, but they rocked.  I synced up 1:30 hours of music and didn't go thru it all :)

NOTE:  when feeling spent (which I was at mile 6.75) find 4th of July and play, it saved my run and mood :)  Perfect timing...thanks to Rhonda.

I have to check to see if they have smaller socks, mine are acting like they are too big and causing a blister potential on my second toe...

TR30: Dedicated to Rhonda

Yes, I am crazy...and I love it.  I am so crazy that I decided to snap a picture of me at mile 3...I was getting all slap happy because of endorphins, Rhonda's crazy faves and the fact that I know they have a closed system tv camera going and I was sure I was a silly one to be watching...lol

So another crazy similarity of Rhonda and I, we like to show off for old men (or in my case, any audience) and we both lip sync on the treadmill...yes, crazy.  I also do some almost Jersey Shore-ish fist pumping when the song gets me going or I hit a milesone...yep.  crazy.

Another?  She wears fall off my ass capris and I wear these show off my ass tight as hell compression capris.  It was hot in the gym, I was at that point the only one there, and I said, what the hell.

Guess that is why I get a shirt that says I am a crazy preemie mother runner...

In short, 5 miles on the mill.  All thanks to Rhonda's jams.  And if you think I am trying to step it up a little by going for 5, I just thought that is what I was supposed to... :)

TR29: Numbers

As I log in my run today, I noticed numbers.  I have officially put in over 100 miles into training for this event.  A girl who couldn't run 2 last summer.  I am beyond stoked and actually very proud of myself.

I ran my five today.  It wasn't bad.  It actually felt easy, but doubt or boredom can be dangerous.  I found that with a little distraction, when I was feeling a little done, I was able to knock it out.  I will remember that for my big one!

My amazing training partner is creative as hell.  She made this amazing shirt designs for our race....Corny as it may seem, we sure as heck are matching.  This is the shirt that I will be ordering myself on Friday, AFTER I complete my 8 mile run...

NO ONE would get this but a crazy preemie mother runner...the NICU is a crazy rollercoaster, you go up, you go down and you hope you make it out sane.  Most of us did, but it wasn't easy.  That is where something for yourself has to come in.  Running and the endorphin high makes it better.  It is indeed, therapuetic.  Well said Rhonda.

TR28: Holy hell, I need to work on pace

Seriously, I was at about a 9:30 to 10:00 pace for the first 5 miles.  Then I tanked.  It was raining, I was dreading the run due to that, I was trying to get it done...and you don't just get 7 miles done, like that at least.  So my excitement to be done won over pace is a good thing thinking and I wasted my energy too fast. 

The last three miles were ROUGH.  For the first time I walked during a run.  As I completed the 7 in only 7 minutes more than the 6 I did last week, which felt great, you can see that my pace was way off.  Doing a 5k would be a breeze now, since I can run at that pace, but certainly not for 7 miles!

Momma needs a reward...I am thinking something like this:

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/27527597

TR27: Stress + symptoms = need to run

So I busted out a quick 2 miles around campus before class...made the class a little more interesting on an endorphin high...LOL

The wind was ridiculous.  It was seriously about 14 mph...not too much fun.

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/27466285

TR26: I hate the treadmill

I just get sooooooooo bored.  Mile 2 and I am done.  But I crank the jams and keep going.  4.5 miles in 52 slow minutes of mindnumbing treadmilling...but it is done :)  Oh how I long for wind under 14mph!

TR25: Gunner wouldn't sleep

When Gunner won't sleep, in the jogger he goes, and he dozes in less than a mile.  So, Sunday, when he WOULD NOT NAP for his life...I decided it was run time.

He was out by 1, I went another 3.5.  Now that I have run with and without the jog stroller, I like without better, but it may have been wind or nutrition that sabotaged me a little.  I didn't plan on running, so I had a salad for lunch.  No carbs....and the wind was 9mph on the way back!

http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/27137143

TR24: My first 6

Today I ran 6 miles.  The first consecutive 6 miles I have ever ran.  I woke up this morning, damning the snow and had no plans or running today.  The promise of 39* tomorrow, I was sure that tomorrow was was the day.  Good buddy Rhonda's chipper post about her plans to run 6 got me thinking...My husband just asking "so are you going for a run" paired with the vision of the snow melting off the road, well I had to go.

So today, still some snow, I still see footprints.  I watch them as I run.  I assume they are male, by the size and stride.  I keep running...and running, as I said, 6 miles worth.  Today, was the first time that I actually saw people also running.  I have to admit I felt pretty cool just being seen by other runners, maybe much more veteran to the sport, but a quick smile, wave and a "keep going" from them made my day...

Here is my run, very senic and country-esque! 
http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/26975338

Running in Michigan

You know you are a Michigan runner when you are up at 6 am looking at the hourly forecast from weather.com to determine the best time over the next 36 hours to run....lol.  I am scoping out weather wise which is the best choice, Saturday or Sunday.  Then, as a mom, I also calculate in nap times and other required tasks, like grocery shopping and laundry...ugh.  Eats up the available hours of the day...

My adventures in shopping

Today my hobby got a little expensive.  My husband jokingly calls me the spawn of "Charlie Cheap @$$" so this was something unique. 

My new socks, which I am geeked about, they cost more than the two 10 packs (for 1 pair) that I just bought my husband.  And I won't even go into the tights I bought, but honestly, I really think they will help prevent injury, and from a gal who managed to score the entry into PT less than a month into running, it's a good investment.  I could actually feel them supporting my muscles.ght

Speaking of muscles...women don't compliment women often.  However, while I was trying on said tights, (that are really really tight) and manage to not hide thing, I was asking the uberhappy and supportive running guy (who literally pranced when I told him I was a newbie) if they fit right, an unsolicited comment from another female shopper made my day, in a wierd way.  I have thighs, not really fat thighs, but big thighs.  Always have, always will.  (Ask them how I can loose over 17 lbs in 5 weeks while pregnant, on bed rest, eating over 3000 calories a day...easy I am a freak of nature who has a lot of natural muscle.  Not using it, well then it atrophies, apparently really quickly) 

But cute, thin, has to be a runner girl (to be in said specialty store) says to me, "those look amazing on you...wow, look at your muscles"  This has to be the first time someone has commented on my legs (looking big) and me be like, wow, muscle is kinda cool.  Let's not talk about the fact that it makes the scale look worse than it should, but that was definitely a unqiue situation.

A random thought on snow.  Snow stinks, I hate it, even more, I hate running in it.  But the one very amazing thing about snow is that it shows footprints.  So even if you feel really alone on a very quiet road, you can see that someone was there before you.  Running, in expensive running shoes, often with a dog, and sometimes there is more than one set.  I can tell by the stride,  I am not as fast and probably didn't go as far....but I left mine.  And as you leave yours, you also make someone else not feel so alone.  Yes, random thought indeed.

TR23: Wet and wild

So I did my training run this morning...while my oil was being changed.  It was good, but wet.  With snow/slush covered or ice roads and some nasty drizzle to boot...I tracked on.  I am proud to say I have just ran the longest I have in my life at one point that I can remember AND lived to tell about it. 

I could have actually done the full six I was scheduled to do, but I was a little worried about the fact I could feel a little pain in my knee and I DO NOT want to regress as just a few weeks ago I was only ok to run 2 miles at a time.  I will not push this. 

But it was very amusing to feel that at 3 miles I hit that endorphin rush, when it used to only take a mile, this has to mean my endurance (or as the alcholics like to say, tolerance) is building.  So needless to say, I am excited that I am making it there...slowly, as in 12 minute miles, but surely.  :)  Yeah me.

Now I think I am going to invest in some cool running gear...

TR22: Treadmills make me nervous

As the seem to aggravate my symptoms.  I am trying it, but really hoping to be able to do most of my runs outside.  So I petered out a little and did 3 so I could have my long run be outside with the promise of low winds and a little milder (35*) temps.  3 on the mill...

TE21: Ice storm cometh

I guess I should be happy I had access to an elliptical (with power) as not everyone even had that after the wallop of an ice storm we got.  There would be run running outside to risk injury...so 4 on the elliptical it had to be.

TR20: What was I thinking?

I think it was a mixture of the pump from a MOD event, a small wine buzz (read, dont ever do it again) and peer pressure that made me think I couldn't not take advantage of what was going to be the best weather day on the horizon....yes, so out I went for 4 miles...duh.  But I finished it....in like 48 minutes..lol

TR19: 4 in 40

today, I ran 4 miles...4 miles.  That is the most I have actually  ran in this training session.  not only did I do it, but did it well.  Four miles in less than 40 minutes!  I threw runkeeper off, as it said I ran 12 miles at a pace of 2 minutes per mile.  This is  hugefor me.   Honestly, the time doesn't  matter.  it is just the fact I did it.  Without pain or numbness.  r

TR18: Snow, wind, peer pressure

At a "balmy" 31 degrees with 20 mph winds, inside my home ws a much more attractive place to be than outside.  But, I have a connection with my TP that won't let me let her suffer thru a killer of a 5K in near identical conditions, while I sit on a rear enjoying warm house and coffee.

So, I headed out this morning.  Cold weather and all.  Some realizations...I was not the only crazy one out there.  Apparently, there were at least 3 other crazy folks (and a 4 legged companion) by the footprints in the snow on my route.  Yes, there is still like 2 feet of snow around here and the roads are covered, my normal route drifted over...and I still ran.  Crazy to a new level.  It went well,  the first mile I kicked butt on a clear pavement street, 2 and 3 had lots of snow and I had to be careful...so I ended up with a near 3 mile run, avg of 11.22 minutes per 5.28 mph mile.

Here is the route (cause runkeeper is sooo freaking awesome):  http://runkeeper.com/user/clyoungsey/activity/25763081

Love you Rhonda...you seriously motivated me out of my chair and on the road.

PT Update: I love my PT

I am more firm of a believer that certain people are in our lives for a reason.  Today's person was my PT.  She is roughly my age, has kids, close to the age of mine, runs through injury and is currently training for our local half.

Talking to her was exactly what I needed today, after letting doubt creep in and be self-defeating yesterday.  She was nothing less than uber-supportive of my training, saying this was a bump in the road, not an end.  She has some debilitating injuries that she just knows how to train around...stuff that doesn't ever really heal...and she can run halfs and tris...so what am I griping about?  Heck, she even offered to run with me (despite the fact that I am way slower than her)  I may take her up on that in a week or so...

This is her jeep by the way...talk about a badge of honor!

TR16, 17: who says all dirty words have 4 letters?

DOUBT...five letters.  My run on Monday was the best I have had in weeks..you know since the numbness.  However, the craptastic way I felt after pt, which usually makes me feel me amazing, another story.  My back was killing me, which is a completely new, but unrelated thing.  On Monday, I felt amazing.  Like I was better.  Then Tuesday, the numbess returned..like a biotch.  I am so tired of just being not normal.  The doubt creeps in...should I be doing this and can I do it? (Not to mention calculating if I can do it in the allotted time in a walk/run combo and googling run/walk training)  Damn you, doubt.  A dirty, five letter word.

So I took Tuesday off and hit the elliptical at night.  Wednesday was a CT/elliptical day as well.  Today, I split my workout:  2 miles running (which also felt good and made me feel good afterward) and 2 miles on the elliptical.  Both went well.  I have more pt tomorrow, with may fave pters.  So hopefully I will be returning to the better like I was.

TE15: mach for babies, run for wine...lol

This morning, I had no desire to exercise.  I had to force myself to get started...I literally said "I don't want to do this"  But, this may be a bad confession...but I really wanted wine tonight.  So, the first 2 minutes were rough...but then I got into it.  And I just kept going..and going...till I got all 5 in.  More than I have ever done before.  ever.

But the best part about today, was that I (with very cautious optimism) am feeling better...you know, like normal.  There may be hope yet.  The only thing that keep resonating in my mind is...doubt.  I remember reading the passage of RLAM where Dimity was traveling to the marathon she trained for (mainly on the bike) and the feeling of doubt creeps in.  I am there.  Is the training I am doing actually equivilent to what I should be doing?  So I am thinking, because I haven't really been released for the training needed for this is to embrace a training method they mention in the book, which is close to the one I have been following, but it is a run/walk program.  That way I am training for the right distance still, but still listening to the docs.