Routine? What Routine?

It's been a while since I last posted here...sorry...

Last week I took a week of vacation from work and had the opportunity to run during the daylight hours! Still as early as we could get out without frittering the morning away. It was NICE. Then I was back to a partial routine this week...but I just couldn't get myself to get out the door. The motivation to run during a cold, wet morning was not appealing at all. Go figure - if it's light out and wet it's okay...ha!

This morning I had the opportunity to get out on my own around 6 - still dark, but I needed to get out and run the past few days have been a little stressful and I needed to clear my head. It was a good run! With so much on my mind that running was quite easy because I wasn't totally focused on whether or not I was running like an idiot or if something was hurting...just got out and ran. Those ar the best runs to have.

So, now I'm trying to decide if I want to go out tomorrow and try to get back on track with my days or just wait until Monday. The two days off sound good, but I kind of feel like I have a little momentum. Hmmm...

Here's a strange change of attitude...Tom declared not too long ago that he wants to continue running and doing more running events rather than doing all the cycling that we have been doing. I can see how his attitude would change - there is so much more that goes into cycling and getting ready for cycling events. Even just for a ride around the "neighborhood" takes some time to get ready. We usually wear our cycling clothes and our cleated shoes and then there's the bike. Gotta make sure that the bike is ready to go, check the tires, make sure that there is a patch kit and/or new tube and some sort of inflating device whether it's a pump or a cartridge. Oh...and let's not forget the water bottle. Also, we ALWAYS make a stop at a Starbucks before coming home so cash or a Starbucks card is good have too.

TOO MUCH!

Running is way easier. Running clothes - which really is just lycra capri's or shorts, and a nice breathable top for summer or long pants and jacket for winter/spring. Right now we are sporting hats and gloves along with headlamps for our early morning runs. Don't have to check the shoes for anything so that's always good.

So, as we get ready for a brand new year Tom and I both are looking forward to more running events to challenge us and to help keep us healthy. Running does a body and mind good.



This is probably what people see when I run early in the A.M.

I AM A RUNNER

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far. I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

John Bingham, author and runner

Hot Buttered Run

This past Sunday was Hot Buttered Run day! Our first 12k and a "PR" to work with for next year.

A 12k is just about seven and a half miles and I was a little nervous about this day because I have never done a run over 6.2 miles maybe 7 miles. Once I decided that it's only another mile and a half, I felt better.

It was a nice challenge and I felt sooo much better than when we ran Run Like Hell a month ago. RLH was wet and cold - a not so good combination - there was some wind in the mix too, but I actually ran my goal time, so it was all good. Once I got an idea of where things were going (as far as the route) I was feeling more confident that I might hit my goal time for this run.

A few of the spots that were on the route were the fort...the old apple tree, along the Columbia River and through downtown and back through the park at the Fort Vancouver National Historic site.

When we started I knew that I had started too fast, but that's what happens when you get caught up with the people around you. I tried to slow it down a little and settle into a nice pace so to  have a good strong finish and not stop so many times to walk - we ended up stopping at both water stops and several other spots along the way. Once we reached the park I was determined to continue running because I knew that we were not far from the finish and part of the last half mile was downhill...I do like me a downhill run :)

In the end my unofficial time was 1:35:37, but if you look on the results website it will have 5 minutes more. We ended up having to stop at a railroad crossing :( I missed my goal time by a minute and a half, but it's all good. I was just that close! I'm psyched!!

All in all, I'm enjoying running more all the time and am looking forward to going into maintenance mode until it is time to start ramping up again for the 2013 Shamrock Run.

The START

run, Run, RUN!

Hello?

Tom's Run Bib

Barefoot running?

Aaah...there's Tom...

Bad Runs Happen...

but in my world not that often. Yesterday was completely demoralizing. It was raining off and on and there were slimy, slippery leaves all around and a different route to run.We hadn't been running more than 30 seconds and I knew...it was going to be rough going.

So many things were off yesterday that I don't even know where to begin...let's give a go shall we?

1. Tom wanted coffee first thing...it was a holiday and running in daylight is a TREAT!
2. I skipped the Gatorade Prime - 3 miles is a piece of cake right?
3. There was NO chocolate milk in the house...
4. I wore my pants instead of capris
5. A short sleeve tech tee under my fleece - whew...a little warm!
6. The route we did is usually a route that is the last half of my 4 mile run which has a slight downhill to it. Going in the opposite direction is very noticeable.
7. Rain - we haven't really had a rainy run yet...some wet ones, but none where it was actually raining. Booo.

At the turn around Tom went ahead of me and I quickly realized that I would not be able to keep up a swift enough pace to keep him in my sights. So I just quit trying and just plugged along. Then I got tired of doing that and I started walking.Seriously, I never feel like just walking...when I finally did start up my running again it was time to go down and then up the dip over the creek...booo.

I decided that about a 1/2 mile left I think I can at least kind of do something like running all the way home. That was some slow running and it felt like the second run of a Duathlon. You know - after having a decent first run and then going all out on the bike...yup...the second run just plain ol' sucked!

Yeah, I'm a whiner, but I got out and did it. It hurt, but I made it.

Tomorrow is a 4 mile tempo run. OYE...it better not rain and I better get my capris out...no hat and definitely going to wear the magic running skirt!

9 Training Runs

Tomorrow will be the first of 9 training runs that I have on my schedule before Tom and I do the Hot Buttered Run here in Vancouver. Piece of cake right? Well, sure...but we are doing the 12k distance and that equals to just under 7.5 miles. NONE of the runs on the schedule go longer than 5 miles - Huh?

Well, Tom is convinced that I can do this...I'll just look at it as another training run, but with LOTS of other people running around us, well for a while anyway.

The other day Tom and I went out and ran 3 miles in the early hours of day. It was dark and a little wet and I'm REALLY glad that we have those nifty headlamps. They work well enough to illuminate our route so we aren't tripping up over something - although I did stumble a couple of times on a couple of apples or walnuts on Monday. Later after I had gone off to work, Tom decided that he wanted to run a little more - go for it right? He called me from the Felida end of the Salmon Creek trail to let me know what he was planning. When he was done he called me to tell me just how far he had gone - which I had to map out. He is a crazy man! He ended up running a total of 9.5 miles add that to the 3 miles that we did together...can anyone say ROCK star?So cool! Seems to me that he just might be 99% back to normal, or it could be his brand new shoes.

Last year I did my first 10k slightly unprepared - could this 12k turn out to be the same kind of experience? At least I'll be able to say that I have a new 12k PR :)

run, Run, RUN!

RUNNING ROCKS!

I may have mentioned on this blog how I have "dabbled" in the sport of running on and off since forever. For some reason it stuck this year. With Tom's accident in the Spring getting back on my bike has been slow going (still working on it) and running has become my activity of choice in the past few months.

At the end of May after having Tom home and convalescing for a few weeks I decided that it was time for me to get out and do something. Running would allow me to get out for 30 minutes or so without the hassle of getting into my cycling clothes and getting my bike ready to roll blah, blah, blah...

Not much is needed to get ready for a run - a decent pair of running shoes and comfortable clothes to run in. I prefer to run in lycra capri's and a tech top of some sort. About a month ago I got myself a cool run skirt from Sweet Spot Skirts and I've been running with that too. I am a bit modest. OH a really good supportive athletic bra is key - it pains me to see another woman on the road who is obviously running while wearing a not nearly supportive enough run bra.

The next thing that is so great about running is that you can do it anytime. Since my chemo days I have become quite the morning person so I prefer mornings. I try to get out as soon as the sun starts to come up - these days it's a little later, but I am able to go to work a little later so it's all good. We also invested in headlamps which we used for the first time this morning. Once I get used to having a lamp on my head I think I'll do alright with it. It does help to have a little something to help illuminate the way. Oh how I already long for more daylight in the mornings!

Training for a 10k is doable with the time that I set aside for running. My special training plan which I created on Runnersworld.com had my longest weekday run at 4 miles. Very doable for me as it would take me anywhere from 50-55 minutes depending on the route and workout. Long runs are always on Saturday and the longest is 6 miles - just long enough for me to actually do it and not get all funny about it because it is 6 miles afterall.

The eight week plan that I had for Run Like Hell was perfect! I enjoyed every run and stuck to the plan except for when we were in Bend and I had to cut the run short (the air is a little thin there) and I skipped a long run day because I thought I might be getting sick. Otherwise, I'm good with relatively short plans. Right now I have a maintenance plan that goes all the way to the Shamrock and the distances are 3 and 4 miles for all that time. I'm pretty sure that I'll change that when we are about 8 weeks out from the Shamrock Run. I'll get a new plan for the 8k distance and really try to pick up the training then.

This morning while we were out on the road I thought about staring up some pilates or yoga or some strength training with my hand weights on the days I'm not out on the road running in the dark. I know that if I build some strength that I'll be a better runner. I'm just lazy...so yeah, I'm going to make an effort to change in that area. We'll see what happens!

Not too shabby for taking a week off!

Still Runnin'

I haven't been here for a while...have been a little busy since we were on vacation and I have no idea how or why.

My running has been pretty consistent since vacation though. I have had to change up the time I go out now...it has been very dark in the mornings for the last month. Fortunately, working where I do allows me to be a little flexible with my start time.

So I am 3 runs away from doing the Run Like Hell 10k. I have not done a 6 mile run yet and hope that tomorrow will be the day. I skipped out on my long run last Saturday because I was feeling a little sickly, not running seemed like a good decision. I'm 99% sure that I'll be able to run that distance without too much of a problem. We'll see how it goes tomorrow when we go and run the 6 mile route that I have mapped out. Should be fun - the route is mainly pieces of other routes that we have done in the past all mooshed together, so no surprises!

The only thing that might slow me down is that it will rain. I am not equipped for wet weather running - not yet anyway. I should be after all these years, but no so much. I guess it's because I spent a lot of time running on a treadmill during the rainy season...which is probably what I'll be going back to sooner than later.

I'm really not looking forward to treadmill running, but that will have to be my safe and dry option for the rainy months to come.

Until I actually go in that direction all I have left is 6 miles on Saturday and a Tuesday & Thursday run. Race day is the 21st!

Feeling Superhero-ish...

Catching Up

runningahead.com

Back from vacation and back at it! Tom and I spent a few days in Bend/Sunriver last week and I was pretty smart and did my Monday run before we left town and then tried to do my run on Wednesday (4 miles), but could only really do 2 miles because of the cold, dry air and elevation. Asthma girl was not happy with the lack of oxygen :( I knew that there would be an elevation change, but since I only run here at home, I didn't know what to expect.

All was good and Saturday got out and did my long run (5 miles) and Tom ran with me until he turned around at 1.5 miles while I continued on my route. I'm so proud of his progress! He actually ran the whole way and felt pretty good. He was so excited that he wanted to get a new battery for the hand-me-down watch that I gave him over a year ago so he could track his times and figure out his pace. He'll be ready for Run Like Hell - no problem!

Yeah, so I'm lovin' my run charts...it shows consistency and I'm a visual person, so every time I see my chart it just makes me want to get out and keep up with my running!

Looking forward to the start of Fall - probably my most favorite time to run. I love running when the air is cool and crisp - it's very refreshing. As much as I like running during the summer months, the heat can mess with the morning temperatures - I enjoy starting my runs with the temps in the 50s. Those are the days that I feel my best!

Two events are on my agenda for the next couple of months and then I think I'll go into "maintenance" mode until the beginning of the year. THEN I'll see if a 1/2 marathon will be a possibility for 2013.

Run - Baby - Run!

Running Skirts

For the past couple of year I thought that it would be nice to add a running skirt to my athletic wear. These little guys are seriously expensive! So I have held off...until I did the Every Girls run on August 19...

Every Girls Run Event

I saw the display of these cute little things and was holding one when the owner came up and pretty much grabbed the skirt out of my hand and whipped that thing around me! OMG - SO COOL! That was it...I was sold. I wanted one! She then went on to tell me that the skirts are $69. Hmmm...that's a bit much. So I held off. 

Until yesterday - we went to Sweet Spot Skirts located in downtown Vancouver at 6th and Main - near Smith Tower. With so many to choose from I had a hard time deciding which one I wanted. I decided that this one would be my best bet...and all the skirts are reversible, so really, it's like getting two skirts in one! 

My run this morning seemed more fun this morning, plus since I was covering up my caboose, I didn't feel so self conscious about wearing my lycra pants. Take a look!

Got my own skirt now!

As I run I end up thinking about a lot of different things - I don't run with an iPod or anything, I just don't feel like that is a safe thing to do. So, I think...sometimes I pray...sometimes I think about songs that we have sung at church. A lot of times I have to repeat short phrases when I'm feeling a little not so great just to get done with the run. This morning I thought about how easy my runs over the past couple of weeks were feeling and that the distances over 3 miles don't feel as daunting as they once did. My goal is to keep up with my running so I'm not "starting over" again in the spring. We'll see how that works out during the rainy months.

I'm a Runner!

Run Stats as of September 9, 2012

Commuting...

The mornings are not as light as they were a month ago so it's time to start re-thinking my morning runs. I was able to get out on Monday, but it was a route that was pretty close to home and I didn't feel terribly freaked out by running from home then. I have a nice 4 mile route that is basically little loops that incorporate Autumn Trace quite a bit...good times!

Yesterday was another 4 mile run and I wanted to do something different. So I decided that running to work would be fun. Okay, not all the way from home, but close enough. Tom and I parked the car in Felida - not far from our "good friend Jenni's house" which was the beginning of a nice little route that goes along roads that are not that heavily traveled - with the exception of Lakeshore Avenue. Fortunately the traffic on Lakeshore was mostly going south, so it wasn't that big of a deal. I ran most of the hills and actually enjoyed them! With one very brief walk break I would have to say that this run was one of the best I have had this summer! Since I stashed some work clothes in the ladies room the day before, I was good to go!

None of my runs on my current training plan go past 4 miles during the week, so I may be able to continue to do most of the runs over the next 7 weeks from home, but it's nice to know that I could actually run to work.

Commuting by running...now there's a concept!

COLORFUL

Runningahead.com

I'm liking the variety of colors that my run chart is sporting these days! This is a very encouraging thing for me to look at - it keeps me motivated. Maybe this year will be the year that I keep up this running routine and I won't have to start over again in early Spring.

Today was an easy run - 4 miles. Tom joined me for the first mile and then I finished the remaining 3 miles on my own. I figured out a nice route that keeps me close to home, but I get the challenge of running a short hill on 3 separate occasions. Today was a real challenge for me because I wanted to NOT do 4 miles very badly. My 5 mile run on Saturday was still with me and my legs were feeling a little tired. I managed to win the battle with my negative self talk and finished - my fast 4 mile run to date!

Wednesday is a tempo run - Tom wants to run part of it with me. So to keep it a little more interesting than the track, I'm going to have to figure out where exactly my mile warm up ends and my mile cool down begins. So he can join me at the end of the run OR he could run with me in the beginning and then turn around when I have to increase my speed. That kind of sounds funny to me, because I certainly don't feel speedy...hehe.

As I was looking ahead on my training, which I should NEVER do, but my longest run before Run Like Hell will be 12 miles! That is like double the distance that I'll actually run during that event. I guess after I run 12 miles, everything else will be easy by comparison!

I'm not going to jinx myself again, but really...I do like this running thing that I've got going on!

Speedy

Tried to run a proper Speed Work session today. I was mostly there and only gipped myself less than a 1/2 mile. Today's workout was 3x800m's at a pace that I'm pretty sure that I did not hit and 400m jogs in between - warm up and cool down. If I had done my first recovery properly, I would not have shorted my distance for the day. Otherwise, I feel pretty good about doing the work today - although I have to admit that I'm a little sore and I'm feeling some tiredness.

So, yoga tomorrow, maybe a ride on Friday then my long run on Saturday morning :) Rest on Sunday - YAY!

I love me a training plan :)

Girls Only!

(moxierunners.com)

Had a fun day yesterday! Started off by running a 5k that started at the Amphitheater and basically went around and through the fairgrounds.

Have been working hard at sticking to my training plan and switched it up last week - changing it from a 1/2 marathon plan to a 10k plan. Had to make the training hard to get it to match where I was in the 1/2 plan...and also because the 10k that I'm planning to run is in October - so CHOP CHOP!

Tom likes to ask me if I am excited about whatever event I'm going to do. My usual response is "Not really" which I want to say is weird, but it's how I feel. I guess I just don't get hyped up like some people do. When I get to the event I look forward to things getting started, but excited? Not so much.

The race started shortly after 7am and off I went with more than 200 other ladies - various shapes, sizes and abilities. That's kind of a nice thing. It's one thing to run a coed event where I just get passed like crazy by a bunch of guys. I guess this is the nice thing about a women only event, I pass and get passed probably equally throughout the run. Kind cool.

So, here I am running by myself and can't wait until we get to the point where the 1/2 marathoners go their way and the 5k'ers go their way.  It's at this point that I can figure out who exactly I'll be hanging with and probably finishing pretty close to and just enjoy the morning.The route went past the Public Safety Center and then down to Delfel road and into the fair - down the main alley way and out where Gate G is and back up to the Public Safety Center - and finally back to the finish at the amphitheater.

At about 1.5 miles from the finish there are a couple of gals that are running together and one of them made a comment about passing - again. I would run for a while, pass them and then hit a point that walking was the better thing to do and start walking. Then they would pass me and this went on for about .75 miles. At the water stop at 179th Street, I decided that I would take on some electrolytes and then start running back to the finish - which for the most part was downhill. After a while I encountered another woman who I was "leap-frogging" with and we went back and forth with passing. I finally had enough of all this back and forth stuff and decided to just go for it and started picking up the pace and passed the two gals and then the older woman, who by the way had a pretty good pace going.

In the end, I passed these ladies and kept going...finished strong AND beat my 4th of July run time by 2 minutes - my 2012 PR! My finish time actually calculated out to a 12:30 pace - which for me is pretty swift! With my shorty legs, I'm sure that won't run a sub-12 minute pace, but hey, at least I know I can do it! Even if it almost kills me!

Go HERE for some photos.

It's Just Too Hot

There just is NO way that we will ride the VBC Time Trial tonight and not die of heat stroke! Riding in the heat is one thing, but our other option would require us to sit and bake in the heat. So no Velodrome tonight either. I do believe that a climate controlled restaurant and a walk around another climate controlled store is in the works for this evening.

I would like a little less summer...please.

Starting Anew

It's not like I'm starting over with my running, just a new plan. I had been working on a 1/2 marathon plan since the end of May. I was on track until I around my birthday and ended up with a cold or something. So that set-back cost me a couple of weeks and I have been off track ever since.

This week I decided since I would not be running a half this year (foiled again) I probably should go to runnersworld.com and create a new plan for a 10k distance. Even though I'm already running 4 miles most of the time, I have not wanted to run 4 miles during my runs this week. So I gave myself a break and only did 3 miles on Tuesday and today. Sunday is the Moxie Runner's All Female run; which I'll do the 5k.

Next week I'll be back on track and follow the plan - unless something else comes up! I'm trying to be more flexible, but still do what needs to be done so that I don't lose what running condition that I have built up so far. I don't want to start over, that's the point I'm figuring out after all these years!

Tom has started running again - a couple of weeks ago he was doing a 1/2 mile this morning he ran about 1.5 miles...walked a lot at the track too. So he's getting back into it. Slowly but surely, he's getting there.

Looking forward to a couple of days of rest and then a nice early run on Sunday! Woo hoo!!

Motivators

I believe in using races as motivators. It's hard to keep an exercise program if you don't have a significant goal in sight. Bob Greene, Fitness Instructor

This is definitely me. If I don't have something to work for I would probably not do anything or much of anything. It really is much easier to not do anything...sit around, watch TV, play on the computer etc.

With that, I have two events coming up. The first one is Moxie Runners - All Female Run.  This one was out of the blue! It happened to be a Groupon deal last week and I couldn't pass up a 1/2 price run! So this Sunday I'll be running a 5k which will be just around the corner and down the street from our house!

The second event is the Run Like Hell! Weeeee!!!! I gotta get my cape out...or make one - SUPER HEROES BABY! I'm REALLY looking forward to this one. I'm planning on the 10k again this year and I'm psyched! Should be fun!!! If Tom can run a 5k - which he should be able to by then, we'll be there together!

What motivates you?

Tom is on the Run!

Yes! Tom joined me this morning for the very last part of my run! Helen (his PT) okay'd him to run about 1/2 mile to start. Okay, so we stretched it out just a little, but hey, he's back at it!

After running alone since the end of May it's nice to have a running partner again...and a partner that was once a faster run who is now running closer to my pace if not slightly slower - YAAAAY!

Seriously though, this is great progress for Tom. He's been looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and we started that routine by going to our first Time Trial of 2012 and getting slammed by the wind! Good times! Of course, when he reported back to Helen what he had done since his last visit she was a little taken aback. I don't know how she can be surprised, after a few sessions, I would think she might have an idea of the type of person Tom is - MOTIVATED!

All I can say is that she needs to be a little more specific about what he is allowed to do according to how he is progressing with his physical therapy. I'm just sayin'!

A Little Tired

Did all of my runs this week as well as the VBC Time Trial Thursday evening. So, 13 miles of running and 11 miles doing a time trial....yeah - I'm a little tired!

One day to rest up and then I'm back at it on Monday....bright and early. Well, early at least :)

Stay cool and don't forget to HYDRATE!

As of August 2

I like what I'm seeing...

chart from Runningahead.com

Daily Double

Yesterday was a fun day! Went for a 4 mile run in the morning - a run that did not feel horrible...YAY!  Then after work Tom and I rode our first 2012 VBC Time Trial.

The Time Trial season starts in April and between Tom being in the hospital and the constant rain, I didn't have an opportunity to go and ride on a Thursday night. Which was fine, because it would not have been the same without Tom.A couple of weeks ago Helen (physical therapist) gave him a go ahead to ride as hard and as far as he is able...WAHOOOOOO!!So after work Tom picked me up from work with the bikes nestled in the back of the pick-up and off we went to ride faster less leisurely ride.

Now that there is some sort of construction going on near the Port offices the start line has been relocated about 2.5 miles down the road. Which is cool because it's not far from Frenchman's Bar and past that point the traffic is mostly light. It still is mostly windy, but with no cars to contend with, it makes for a very pleasant ride! We signed in and then went to warm up a bit.

So, 6:30 rolled around and we lined up - I was #1 and Tom #2 - which is how I mostly like it. That way, we get going first and then we are getting back around 35-40 minutes later. Which is good because I don't like to get home too late which makes dinner later...blah blah blah.

Anyway - it's been a year since we last rode a TT, so I totally forgot about how nervous I am with the first couple of TT's of the season. I quickly got into a mental groove and tried to keep my head down and just pedal as much as possible to get through the wind. As usual, Tom passed me after about a mile or so and then a few others. I'm never bummed when I get passed because that just means there are now people for me to look at to keep me motivated!

Around 2-2.5 miles into the course I was passed by #3...FINALLY. I was able to kind of keep that rider in my sight most of the way to the turn around so that was enough for me to not slow down too much, you know, fight the wind a little harder! I knew the turn around was coming up because I saw some of the people that passed me earlier on their way back - which of course included Tom and he gave me some encouragement as we passed.

So, I see the cones and I'm relieved because riding into the wind was getting pretty old. #3 was still ahead of me and I was getting a little closer...then he made the turn around....without going around the cones which were still down the road a little bit!

WHAT THE HECK?!  YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

I was slightly annoyed by that and considered not pursuing this cheaty-cheaterson. Then the #11 rider passed me and she continued on to pass the cheater. After a minute or two I decided that I could reel this guy back in...so here we go, head down! It worked, after spending about 5 minutes trying to catch him, I passed and kept going.

NOW - once you pass it's gotta be a pass and keep going because you don't want to be passed by the person you just passed...right? So, there was enough of a tailwind that I could just get into a big gear and GO! I don't know what my finish time was...all that matters is that I finished ahead of the cheater. HA!

Yeah...I don't like cheaters.

Prime

Gatorade G-Series drinks

So it's been a full 3 weeks since I got myself back out and running on the road...and it took that long to feel good about running again. In the big picture, it took 10 runs, but then again...it took 10 runs.It's very discouraging when you get to a really good place doing anything and then have a huge set back.

I was almost feeling a little desperate trying to figure out how to prepare better for my runs, which in reality, I suck at big time! I'm never really well rested, hydrated or fueled. It's no wonder things were going downhill - fast! Then, the Saturday we took a trip to Alpenrose we stopped at Fred Meyer to pick up some goodies to bring to the races and I grabbed a big ol' Gatorade Perform. Because I ran that morning I decided I needed something with some electrolytes. Then after I drank half of that bottle I decided to check and see if Fred Meyer had the other drinks that are in this drink series. (FYI - I did find the Prime Pouches at FM this past weekend).

My first search was unsuccessful, which was a little bit of a bummer. So I didn't think of it again until Tom and I were walking around Target on my lunch break one day last week and I found the "G series" there. So I grabbed myself one Prime (Mixed Berry) and one Recovery (Berry). I'm not that good at fueling myself for activity, so this would be an interesting test.

This past Saturday morning I was up bright and early and getting ready to run my 4 mile run - so I got my Prime out and dumped it into a glass just to see what I was putting in my body. It wasn't half bad. It was easy to down and there really isn't a whole lot so it was perfect. Then I waited for 15 minutes and took off.

I spent the whole run wondering if I actually felt different, I did feel better and not achy or anything. Oh, just a FYI, this run was also after a day of not hydrating well, didn't necessarily get a good nights rest OR fuel that great...we went to Alpenrose the night before and stopped at Albertson's to get some Fried Chicken and Jo-Jo's. Yeah, that's good nutrition! Anyway, with all that information floating around in my brain, I was wondering how I might feel.

Oh, another thing - the purpose of the long run is to run it slow...very, very slow...but steady, not walking slow, but almost. It's hard to run really slow...try it sometime...it takes a lot of thought to keep the pace down.

Anyway, here I am making my way down to the new intersection at the Library by Fred Meyer and I'm realizing that I'm feeling really good. Craziness...How long will it last? When should I plan to stop and walk? Do I need to stop and walk? I decided that I was feeling so good that I probably could make it to the light, then make a decision.  I get to the light and my goodness, I'm STILL feeling really good. Not possible. Is it because of the Gatorade? Because really, that's the one thing that IS different and I'm actually feeling really good.I figured at one point that I would start to get tired and achy, so I decided to wait until that happened and then take a walking break. I'm chugging along and I'm more than half way back to our house and I'm STILL feeling really good. Very interesting...okay, I'll keep running. You know, you get to a point where it's just silly to stop and walk because the finish (home) is so close. Well, I got to that point and decided it would be wimpy of my to stop and walk because I was within a mile of our house - I know that running that distance isn't that hard so I continue to plug along.This was nearly unbelievable because I actually ran the whole route. The week before when I did the 4 mile run for the first time I finished a minute faster (with walk breaks), but I felt not so great when I got home. On Saturday I felt so good! It was amazing! Now I'm just plain giddy - I had a really great run and had a decent time.

Time to recover. So I pull out the Gatorade Recover drink and the first swig I took was NAS-TEE!Okay, so I drank half the bottle and decided that it was just too gross to finish. Blah. I then decide that I'm going to switch back to Chocolate Milk. Best recovery drink...EVER!

I have to ramble on just a little more - this morning I did a 3 mile run and had a Fierce Grape Prime which was blue (grape is purple in my book) and Chocolate Milk for recovery - and felt really good again! As I was running today, I had a revelation. I think in 3 weeks of running consistently, my body and finally decided to cooperate with my mind and let me become a runner again - also, I like to think that the Gatorade Prime is helping that much more!

It feels good to be improving instead of standing still or going backwards. I'm looking forward to the running events that I have in mind to do this year. At some point I think I'll actually think more about nutrition and all that other good stuff. Right now I'm just happy to be doing something at all!


That's my story and I'm sticking to it

I like the way this looks...consistency is EVERYTHING!

Just What I Need...

Another bike...

Fuji Classic track bike

This oh so basic bike is a cool $549 (MSRP). It's a fixie, no frills, no nothing. It's pretty much what you see is what you get.

I'll need one of these too...

Alpenrose Velodrome - Portland, OR

We've got some space, I wonder what the permitting process would be for a velodrome. Hmmmm...

Discouraged

Now that I'm getting back into the swing of things, I'm finding that it has been very difficult getting back into my running mojo. I was doing pretty good before I was way-laid with my allergies and cold...now I'm just having a hard time getting back into it.

I need to remember to cut myself some slack. I'm starting with the week that I left off with and my running condition suffered slightly being under the weather. Also, I kind of started up my training where I left off. I'm not so sure that was a good idea or not. So, last Monday was 2 miles - then a RACE in Ridgefield...YIKES!

So, since then my legs have been tired...and somewhat rebellious! Saturday was so-so and today I just felt plain ol' discouraged. My times are getting worse because I'm so out of it! The good thing is, my pace is still well below my target training pace. So that's something. It is just so hard getting back into a running routine - hoping that this funk doesn't last too long.

Run, Run, Run!

Wise Words...

The best way to become a mentally tough runner is to believe that you're a mentally tough runner. Ryan Hall

Tortoise and the Hare

(GOOGLE IMAGES)

I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I'm getting slower (it is a SLOW process). Not that I was fast to begin with, but still...my run times are slower now than they were 4 years ago. And all that I have read about slower run times as you get older...well, that's pretty much true. 

Since I started participating in running events it seems like my times have been pretty consistent. My first 5k was at Livestrong 2008 and I finished in 39:37/12:46 pace. My PR for a 5k was at Blue Lake 2009 Run #1 36:28 run time/11:45 pace. My 8k PR is the 2010 Shamrock at 1:01:00 for a 12:12 pace and my first 10k last year was 1:23:56/13:31 pace. There have been several other events that I have entered and finished strong, but slower than I would like. Many of my times have been hovering around the 13:30s. Not horrible I guess.

So, as I make peace with getting slower, I'll continue to try to stay consistent. Like not getting so slow that I'm walking....or that the walkers on the course pass me while I'm running. 

Oh yeah, so now that I'm on THAT subject...yesterday I did the Ridgefield Independence run and did a decent run. It's a hilly course, but a good challenge for me to do every year! Anyway, there was one race walker that I just could not catch up with! When it got to the point that running up hill was not feeling good I stopped and started walking. Then this woman just goes blasting right past me...walking!!! I don't know when, but at one point I ended up in front of her and once again I stop to walk the last hill before heading back into town and Miss Speedy-Speederson goes zippin' past me again! Show off! I'm going to blame my short legs for my inability to keep up with her...hahaha. Seriously though, that kind of hurts my already fragile ego... ;)

So, now that I am finally feeling well enough to start running on a regular basis, I'm back to my training plan. I decided to pick up where I left off in June. So I am a couple of weeks behind now. Hopefully I won't lose too many other training runs. I'm pretty sure that the Run Like Hell 1/2 marathon is going to be the Run Like Hell 10k again this year...{sigh}...maybe next year.

I'm starting to wonder if maybe running just isn't my thing...or maybe my 47 year old body is trying to tell me running isn't supposed to be my thing. I'm not going to listen. 

Onward!

I should have known...

That if I write a post about liking running that things will go down hill...and quickly.

This week was not so great. Have been a bit under the weather pretty much since Saturday. At first I thought I had allergies (which I think I may have) and then it seemed that those symptoms morphed into a bit of a cold. Yay for me.

So, I'm coughing and dripping all over the place and hoping that maybe on Monday I can re-visit my half marathon training plan.

This week...I miss running, but then I've really liked all the sleep that I got the past few days!

Today...

I like running.


So I am nearing the end of week two of my Half Marathon training plan. I have to admit that I am actually enjoying this activity that is running. Crazy!

Monday was 3 miles, today I ran 2 and Saturday and do another 3 mile run. Each week I will be increasing my weekly mileage by at least one mile. I haven't looked too far ahead, but I do know that on the 30th my long run will be 4 miles. Normally that would just freak me out, but as I mentioned before...I'm enjoying my runs!

With the 4th of July coming up quickly, I'll need to start getting out and running on some hills! Ridgefield is not exactly flat land running...OYE.

Tomorrow and Friday are rest days or cross training if I choose. Maybe I'll do something on Friday, I am thinking sleep will be good tomorrow morning!

In A Groove...

A fierce competitor!

So, this year has been crazy! Started the year with a little running, did a lot of swimming and made some goals. Then Tom went and got in an accident and everything came to a screeching halt! Then I had some MRI issues and that didn't help matters much.

In April I started a crazy challenge for myself, but after a week, that ended. On April 11th, Tom was in his accident and I spent a lot of time going back and forth to the hospital and just hanging out. Even after Tom was able to go home, I was busy doing stuff for him, doing stuff around the house AND still going to work full time. So, very tired!

I think at the beginning of May I decided it was time to start doing something physical...so I got out and started running again. I managed once a week for a couple of weeks and then the next week I think I did 2 runs. THEN I actually had a 3 run week! Woo Hoo!!

When I got to that point I thought about how much I miss running (even though I suck at it) and thought about the events that I knew were coming up. My plan is to run the Ridgefield 4th of July run and then continue training for the Run Like Hell...possibly the 1/2 marathon, but most likely will end up doing the 10k like I did last year. So, I'm following a 1/2 marathon plan, but it will work for a 10k in a pinch!

The VBC Time Trial season started about a month ago...I'm hoping to get out there a few times this summer...even if Tom is there just watching.

I've decided to save my triathlon efforts for when Tom will be able to compete in the Duathlon again - so 2013 will be our year back into multisport!

I miss having Tom with me on the road and I have missed riding my bike, but there are other things that I need to pay attention to, but I know that in time, we'll be back out there tearing up the road together!

Challenge Delayed...

My challenge came to a screeching halt 3 weeks ago after I posted about my 30+ miles of activity on Tuesday.

On April 11, Tom was on his way home, on his bike after going to the gym, and was clipped by a car that was drifting into the bike lane. If that wasn't enough, the driver did not stop. This is what happens to a person that is trying to keep up their physical condition. Tom had surgery to repair his fractured pelvis. Two and half weeks later, he has less pain and is healing up day by day. His follow-up appointment this week was good as he had his stitches removed and demonstrated for his doctor what he is able to do just 2 weeks past his surgery. He is on track with healing up and should be out and about in no time! We hope...

With that, my challenge is on hold indefinitely and I will start-up again once the man has sufficiently healed from his surgery.

36.49 Miles

So, since starting my new challenge on Thursday I have either, run, walked, rode my bike or swam a grand total of 36.49 miles. I'm ahead of my challenge of 4.61 miles a day so I'm kind of taking it easy today. Also, I am having a little bit of an issue with my lower back, but that didn't stop me from walking across the street for my lunch break. I may still get out later on on my bike, just a nice leisurely jaunt around the neighborhood. I'm finding out that I'm a little weird about this challenge ;)

I think the bonus day was actually on Easter. Dinner at the Wisner's was changed from 1pm to 2pm so that gave us a little extra time to get out and ride after church! It was so great to be on the road, riding into the wind at the start and having an awesome tailwind on the way home! Also, it gave us a little bit of a go ahead to pig out later on - hee hee.

Next week the Vancouver Bicycle Club time trials start up again and I'm looking forward to getting out there and riding like crazy again!

Move Baby Move!

Day 2...

I'm on a roll! Yesterday after work Tom and I got out on the bikes to complete my Day 1 quota. Last night I was ahead of the game at 7.96 miles to start off this silly endeavor - all I need to do is get at least 4.61 miles a day to stay on track. That is completely doable!

This morning was a bike commute of 5.91 miles and a walk to Target during my lunch break that added another .47 miles. After work we are heading to the gym for a swim. Hopefully I'll get another 12 laps in today. We'll see - I was a little tired this morning and my ride time was a little slower than my bike commute last week.

This is a fun challenge which breaks up the monotony of actually following a training plan like for a triathlon or a running plan. Now that I have some extra miles in so early in the game I'll be able to take a rest day when needed and not feel bad about it. Also, I'll have the freedom to throw in pilates or yoga or weight training (GASP) when I feel like it.

I'm not sure what I would like to do tomorrow, but my activity may include running - which I haven't done for a couple of days and perhaps a errand to Fred Meyer on my bike.

Once I've got my stuff done I'll be back to post my mileage again!

2012 Challenge

Okay...so we are already in April and I'm thinking challenges. I'm slow - leave me alone!

So, I was surfing around for a picture to post here and as I was going through the photos on Google Images the following pic caught my eye...

Let's face it, I like the word Challenge - granted my last effort kind of flopped, the whole, I think I'll try to run a half-marathon didn't happen - the reality is that running isn't my everyday passion, but that's a different post.

Three years ago I challenged my self to do a DUATHLON and did it. Also, in the same year I decided to that I wanted to RIDE A CENTURY. When you think about it just one crazy hard event in a year is not enough...which reminds me, Robin and I did the ALL WOMENS EVENT that same year as well. Oh...that was the year that we got our first taste of TIME TRIALING (thanks Vancouver Bicycle Club).

Oh yes, I better get back on track here...

So I'm looking around for a picture and find the one above and the word Challenge just gets me a little curious. Of course I have to check out what this craziness could be...it's basically a fundraising thing in the UK where participants choose their activity of choice or several activities and cover 2012 KM - I'm guessing in a certain time period, like a year, maybe? That's like 1250.198 miles...a long ways to go if you are an average-don't-do-much-in-the-way-of-exercise type person.

So starting today, April 5, 2012 I'm going to make it my CHALLENGE to do at least 2012 KM or 1250.198 miles this year doing running, riding, swimming and other miscellaneous equipment that measures distance. With there being 271 days left in 2012 that equals 4.61 miles a day. That's doable right? We'll I guess that will be determined.

I'm already half way done with my daily quota...just need another 2.52 miles to be done for the day. This morning I got into the pool, hopped on the elliptical and then the bike! This might be a quick ride around the neighborhood deal just to get it done!

With this fun new challenge for the year, I'll try to post here more often with my daily activity and what thoughts I may have had during those activities...hopefully.

WHY do I have to like Challenges?

Vroom-Vroom Season

TT Bars on my Fuji - they actually are now on my Trek!

Time Trial season is JUST around the corner! It has been a slow to start cycling year so far, but we plan to do the first time trial IF it is dry. It will be good to have something to look forward to since our financial situation is pretty much a road block for anything that we might be interested as a couple. Event registration fees are expensive! The good thing about the time trials is that it's FREE for VBC members...SCORE! $2 per person is still $2 and we get to pocket that for coffee or whatever!

Hoping that the rainy weather will move through and give us sunny blue skies on April 19!

VROOOOM!

New Goals

A triathlon in June may not be in the cards this year...I'm making my peace with that, but I am continuing with my quest to improve my swimming! As I was at the gym and getting ready to leave to go home an acquaintance from my former hair salon came in and was getting ready to swim. We chatted a bit and she mentioned something about the Roy Webster Cross-Channel swim that happens during the Labor Day weekend every year.

Being slightly foolish, I decided to take a look at this particular event. It starts at the marina in Hood River, but participants are "ferried" over to the Washington side via the Sternwheeler. Once on the other side swimmers jump into the river and swim back to Hood River.

That's like a mile across...I think...OMG...CRAZY?!

Maybe, but like I have mentioned before, I like a challenge and if a triathlon isn't my future, maybe just a mile long swim...across a river...the Mighty Columbia...

I was informed that this is a low stress swim and relaxed event. Well, my acquaintance doesn't realize that I'm not THAT great of a swimmer and that anything that spans more than a quarter mile just might be a stressful thing for a novice swimmer such as myself ;) BUT - now that I have that fancy-dancy wetsuit, maybe I should consider this swim. There wouldn't be any buoys to go around (thankfully) and it is a straight shot across the river.

Hmmm...well, I do have a few months to get into shape for this swim. Maybe I should find someone who wants to swim it with me...

Here's to crazy sounding events!

Shamrock Run 2012

Some of the 32,000+ people that ran or walked today!

Today's run was nearly perfect...it kind of spit rain earlier when we arrived, but mostly it was just cold. The 5k start time was 9:20, but I think I actually got going around 9:40 or so. The best part of the day is that I actually ran the whole route, with the exception of stopping for water and actually ran up Broadway...which I don't normally like to do, because I don't like hills...my final time was 41:16 which to me is a pretty good time for not really training that much. I didn't run at all this week and I had spent a lot of time in the pool. This gives me some hope that going into the running and multisport season I might actually do better than I thought I might. Getting back into the pool this week, but tomorrow I think I'll go to a mat pilates class at the gym just to try it out. 

Goofing off at home

My buddy Kim - what an amazing organizer of BIG events!

Me & my sweetie getting ready to head home

NEW NAME

Today I decided it was time to change the name of this blog. When I started it way back when, it was my way of keeping track of my Duathlon training. Now that I find myself entrenched in the world to Triathlon, I thought it was time to make that change. Makes sense, I have been swimming more, so I best be changing things up a little right?

At some point today I'll be going for a run...until then I'll be doing a PartyLite shindig...then possibly the run or I'll be cooking, then eating dinner. This evening I'll be picking up my Shamrock Team stuff from Kim at Starbucks! She's such a rock star organizing such a huge event! So I'm excited about that for sure!

If the run doesn't happen today - I'll catch it tomorrow.

104 days.

Swim, Swim, Swim!

I feel like this some days - trying to keep my head above water!

The past couple of mornings I have gotten into the pool. Yesterday's swim was not good at all. I could tell right away that things would not go well. I only managed 4 laps yesterday...ugh! Today was much better and I was able to do 6 laps! I stopped after six because I didn't want to scare away my swimming mojo...going back tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow I'll do 50% more! Working on distance right now, time will have to come later.

Right now I want to get into the pool as much as possible to get back into the routine of going to the gym in the morning again. My goal is to get to the gym as much as I can - there are triathlons to do!

With the daylight lasting a little longer into the evenings, it will be easier to get out for runs on the road. I am not a fan of the treadmill - I may have mentioned that a time or two, so I'll be getting out on the road after work. If for some reason my schedule doesn't allow that I'll have to run on the treadmill at work :(

After I get home from work today Tom and I are going to get out for a run. I don't know what to expect - it may not be good or I might be surprised and have a spectacular run. Maybe I should run in my new shoes...hmmm...

106 Days.

Yoga

Standing Forward Bend

So last week Tom and I got back into a yoga routine of sorts. This deceptively easy pose actually caused some soreness and I'm thinking that not doing yoga for months and months and months isn't a good thing. Maybe tomorrow won't be AS impossible!

If we do yoga in the AM tomorrow then I may just schlep running clothes with me to work and run on the treadmill during my lunch break. It will be good to get back into it after having this cold that has slowed me down these past few days.

115 days baby!

Shamrock 2012

As of today I have got 25 people registered for the Fire District 6 team!!! Very exciting...the crazy thing is that nearly half of these people are not connected with Fire District 6 - they are kind of - through one of our former members.Tracey lives in LaCenter and she is fortunate to live in a neighborhood that has quite a few runners. How cool is that?!

Anyway, just need to collect money for two more people and we are ready to go!

This year will be AWESOME!

If you want to join the team I won't be turning in everything until Feb 6th or 7th.

Go to www.shamrockrunportland.com, print the entry form and get it to me with your registration money and you'll be part of the fun!

Resolutioneers

I feel this way each day I show up at the gym to either run or swim.

Oh please newbies who aren't going to stick with this, please get a clue when I give you the stink-eye!

What Is My Problem?

It's February 1 and my training for January was VERY pathetic - although with my back giving me a problem early on, it makes sense that my training is messed up! There have been quite a few mornings that I have felt too tired to get out of bed to go and work out.

This must change NOW!

This is the month that I'm going to try to get back on track and get as much running and swimming in as much as possible. We made it to the gym early this morning and got into the pool. It was a decent swim session - YAY! Need to build up my swim time though today was a very brief swim, so I need to get on it! With 128 days until Blue Lake, I think I can make it...Sprint Distance here I come! Also need to get on my running too...Shamrock is in a month and a half  and I am planning to run the 5k - very doable!

The other thing that has been slowing me down is the fact that there are more people at the gym so I gotta get on the ball if I want to get into the pool early in the morning or if I want to jump on the treadmill. The past few weeks have been very frustrating, with so many new faces at the gym. One morning ALL of the treadmills were being used and that's just plain wrong! Lots of people on the elliptical machines too. I am just hoping that the "new year's resolution newbies" will figure out that the gym isn't for them and figure it out soon!


I like the start of a new month though, gives me a chance to re-assess my training from the previous month and then adjust my schedule accordingly. I tend to over think my training - it's time to do it!

A Little Snow

So there was snow on the ground early this AM so Tom and I decided to stay put. Who knows what kind of not so great drivers are out before 5:30 in the morning? Besides it was cold and I was nice and comfy under my blanket :)

Looks like tomorrow we'll be back at the gym. For some reason I'm not letting these set backs get to me. Well, not too much. It's so early in the year and to try to get all dialed into a training plan is going to take some time. Although, I don't think I should dilly-dally Blue Lake will be here before I know it! ANYWAY, it would be best to get back on track after having my tweaked back last week and today's snow. All things considered, I did get a decent run in on the treadmill (first time since tweaking my back) and did a little time on the elliptical, which by the way is an acquired taste that I'm still trying to acquire.

Soon we'll sign up for the Shamrock and I will HAVE to get going on my running! 32,000 people...COOL BEANS!

I LOVE IT!!! Swim, Ride...RUN!

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Falling Hearts Valentine's Card

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