Mantra: Run STRONG!!!
Yesterday the plan was this: To run 9 miles. On the treadmill, not ideal but with the wind ( I really really REALLY hate running in the wind) that was my plan. 3.78 miles into my run ....out went the power! I thought for sure it would be right back on so while waiting a couple minutes I swept the kitchen floor and dusted the family room coffee table. Still no power. So I windexed the french doors, fridge, stove, and cloroxed the kitchen sink. Still, no power. It was off for well over an hour. I really wished I would have just bucked up and went running my last 6 outside. But I didn't. When the power did finally come back on my running mojo was no longer there. I did do some core work and hey, got some extra house chores done. 9 miles for sure tomorrow! Right? Nope.
Instead of running 9 inside today and 6 outside on Friday, I flip- flopped my running schedule. The weatherman says its going to snow 6-12 inches on Friday. And today was GORGEOUS!!!! No wind at all. A little chilly, but a couple of miles into my run and I was wishing I didn't wear my 2nd jacket. it truly was an ideal running day. My time was off a little, didn't go as fast as I had hoped but all in all I would say I had a really good run.
The 9 mile run is still looming over me. I really wanted that completed YESTERDAY!!!!! 9 miles will be the longest distance I run so far. I'm not gonna lie, I am a little anxious about it.
I read this quote today on Facebook (love the Facebook) "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go"---T.S. Eliot
So, heres to Friday and my first ever 9 mile run. It's really only 1 little mile longer than 8.... Right?!?!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
One Foot in Front of the Other
Mantra: I just gotta run.
Some runs are so much more enjoyable than other runs. In general, I love running, pretty much always. But some runs are just more challenging than others. It's not always easy to find that steady pace that just carries me through the miles set for that day.
I read this on another blog that I LOVE "There are days unfortunatley, that I do not run as far as planned, but then there are days I go further". Running for me is such an eb and flow thing. There have been days during this training period that I simply just ROCK at and then days where half the distance I normaly run seems so far away. But I do it. I complete the days run, and I go right back out the very next time.
Running is my "happy place" I enjoy it even when it sucks or I suck, I still truly, cross my heart, enjoy it! I have seen gorgeous sunrises and spactacular sunsets. I have seen foxes playing. I saw a family of skunks scurrying off the trail, and until that moment I had never once given a skunk any thought other than P-U but baby skunks chasing their mama ....so so cute. I was lucky enough one day to see swans just lazily going up the river...It was beautiful. I love running near water so I always get to see ducks and geese. In the spring when their ducklings are swimming with them, well, I just simply love it. It's never old to me. So far my most favorite sighting was the day I was out running late Fall. A snow storm was coming in that evening The sky was so dark it was a deep deep navy blue. The sky was promising to let loose a fury of a snow storm. I had to hurry if I wanted to get my run in for the day, so about 4 o'clock I hurried out. I took my little running buddy, my boxer, Josie. Running around the bend on the lake was probably 2 or 3 HUNDRED seagulls (I swear it was that many) my little boxer noticing all of those little white birds,that she so desparatley wanted a "play date" with yelped and all at once those white birds took flight. The contrast of the dark navy blue sky and the hundreds of white birds! Oh my! I was in my very own snow globe! It was so amazingly beatuiful I didnt once consider the huge possibility that at any given moment I could have been a canvas for all of their bird "droppings". I was in AWE! It was truly such a gorgeous sight! And it was all around me. Like I was an actual part of a beautiful piece of art work. It still gets to me just thinking about it now.
How could I not love running, when this is what happens, when I simply put one foot in front of the other.
Some runs are so much more enjoyable than other runs. In general, I love running, pretty much always. But some runs are just more challenging than others. It's not always easy to find that steady pace that just carries me through the miles set for that day.
I read this on another blog that I LOVE "There are days unfortunatley, that I do not run as far as planned, but then there are days I go further". Running for me is such an eb and flow thing. There have been days during this training period that I simply just ROCK at and then days where half the distance I normaly run seems so far away. But I do it. I complete the days run, and I go right back out the very next time.
Running is my "happy place" I enjoy it even when it sucks or I suck, I still truly, cross my heart, enjoy it! I have seen gorgeous sunrises and spactacular sunsets. I have seen foxes playing. I saw a family of skunks scurrying off the trail, and until that moment I had never once given a skunk any thought other than P-U but baby skunks chasing their mama ....so so cute. I was lucky enough one day to see swans just lazily going up the river...It was beautiful. I love running near water so I always get to see ducks and geese. In the spring when their ducklings are swimming with them, well, I just simply love it. It's never old to me. So far my most favorite sighting was the day I was out running late Fall. A snow storm was coming in that evening The sky was so dark it was a deep deep navy blue. The sky was promising to let loose a fury of a snow storm. I had to hurry if I wanted to get my run in for the day, so about 4 o'clock I hurried out. I took my little running buddy, my boxer, Josie. Running around the bend on the lake was probably 2 or 3 HUNDRED seagulls (I swear it was that many) my little boxer noticing all of those little white birds,that she so desparatley wanted a "play date" with yelped and all at once those white birds took flight. The contrast of the dark navy blue sky and the hundreds of white birds! Oh my! I was in my very own snow globe! It was so amazingly beatuiful I didnt once consider the huge possibility that at any given moment I could have been a canvas for all of their bird "droppings". I was in AWE! It was truly such a gorgeous sight! And it was all around me. Like I was an actual part of a beautiful piece of art work. It still gets to me just thinking about it now.
How could I not love running, when this is what happens, when I simply put one foot in front of the other.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
If at First you don't Succeed.....
Mantra: Try Try again
My speed has not really improved theses last 6 weeks. I cant seem to get less than 11 min miles. I have been discouraged by this. Until I thought about some other improvements that are just as important.
Running 5K has been "my thing" for several years. To pepare for the half marathon I needed to double my miles,and my body tried to rebel. A little. After 5 miles my knees were sore all day and into the next. My calve muscle got a small tear which resulted in pool of blood that caused a lump that required a steroid injection and doppler ulta sound to rule out a blood clot. All is fine. At mile 6 still the knee pain, but only the day of, not the next. Mile 7, chest pain so intense I went to the E.R. All is fine. I owe 3000 bucks, but my heart is just fine. Mile 8, ahhh, and on my 40th birthday, I did it! I ran 8 miles in 95 minutes. So great, right?
I COULD NOT WALK ALL DAMN DAY LONG! Litterally! I hobbled to my birthday lunch. Barely. BUT the next time I ran 8 miles, I could walk just fine! No more knee pain, leg pain, chest pain, nothing, nada! THATS improvement! THATS progress! I have been conditioning my body and its working!
6 weeks left until the half and my goal is to add 1 mile a week to my runs.
It is tricky with the air quality here, so I have been relying on the treadmill for training. I know its not the same. I am running on a incline. It does help, but just a little. Going outside today and, fingers crossed, I am hoping the incline has helped.
Boy, I am loving this. I really am. I LOVE how my legs feel strong. I love that I keep trying. I love that on discouraging running days, my resolve strengthens and I get right back out there. I am going to run this half marathon, maybe not as fast as I would hope, but I feel, without a doubt, my little legs will carry me all 13.1 miles. I will finish the race and I WILL finish STRONG!!!!
My speed has not really improved theses last 6 weeks. I cant seem to get less than 11 min miles. I have been discouraged by this. Until I thought about some other improvements that are just as important.
Running 5K has been "my thing" for several years. To pepare for the half marathon I needed to double my miles,and my body tried to rebel. A little. After 5 miles my knees were sore all day and into the next. My calve muscle got a small tear which resulted in pool of blood that caused a lump that required a steroid injection and doppler ulta sound to rule out a blood clot. All is fine. At mile 6 still the knee pain, but only the day of, not the next. Mile 7, chest pain so intense I went to the E.R. All is fine. I owe 3000 bucks, but my heart is just fine. Mile 8, ahhh, and on my 40th birthday, I did it! I ran 8 miles in 95 minutes. So great, right?
I COULD NOT WALK ALL DAMN DAY LONG! Litterally! I hobbled to my birthday lunch. Barely. BUT the next time I ran 8 miles, I could walk just fine! No more knee pain, leg pain, chest pain, nothing, nada! THATS improvement! THATS progress! I have been conditioning my body and its working!
6 weeks left until the half and my goal is to add 1 mile a week to my runs.
It is tricky with the air quality here, so I have been relying on the treadmill for training. I know its not the same. I am running on a incline. It does help, but just a little. Going outside today and, fingers crossed, I am hoping the incline has helped.
Boy, I am loving this. I really am. I LOVE how my legs feel strong. I love that I keep trying. I love that on discouraging running days, my resolve strengthens and I get right back out there. I am going to run this half marathon, maybe not as fast as I would hope, but I feel, without a doubt, my little legs will carry me all 13.1 miles. I will finish the race and I WILL finish STRONG!!!!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
How Robin Got Her Groove On
Mantra: Bring it!
Yesterdays run was not so good and I am putting that mildly! But todays run was really great! I set my goals for todays run and domminated!!! I love how if you just keep trying at something, no matter what that might be, you truly do improve!
I ran indoors today because its still too icy to run outside, for me anyways. I am a clutz without the ice.
I have a room in my house set up with treadmill, weight bench, exercise ball and mat, and my favorite the T.V hooked to the wall so its at perfect eye level while running away on the treadmill. My cute hubby did all of that for me several years ago. So, I GET to run watching, my favorite running show, MUSIC VIDEOS!!!! I switch between CMT and VH! Lady Antebellum to Buck Cherry, Taylor swift to P!nk, Keith Urban to well, I never switch when he is on he is my most fave! ha ha
It keeps me going. It makes the time go by fast. I always stick around for the #1 song in the top 20 count down, which never happens just around the house.
Running outside is the BEST but running to my music videos is a really close 2nd!
Yesterdays run was not so good and I am putting that mildly! But todays run was really great! I set my goals for todays run and domminated!!! I love how if you just keep trying at something, no matter what that might be, you truly do improve!
I ran indoors today because its still too icy to run outside, for me anyways. I am a clutz without the ice.
I have a room in my house set up with treadmill, weight bench, exercise ball and mat, and my favorite the T.V hooked to the wall so its at perfect eye level while running away on the treadmill. My cute hubby did all of that for me several years ago. So, I GET to run watching, my favorite running show, MUSIC VIDEOS!!!! I switch between CMT and VH! Lady Antebellum to Buck Cherry, Taylor swift to P!nk, Keith Urban to well, I never switch when he is on he is my most fave! ha ha
It keeps me going. It makes the time go by fast. I always stick around for the #1 song in the top 20 count down, which never happens just around the house.
Running outside is the BEST but running to my music videos is a really close 2nd!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Mmmm.... Pasta
So here's the scoop! Just found out that when training for a half marathon, and your running 8 to 10 miles several times a week, that you should eat AT LEAST 2500 calories EVERY DAY!!!! That is so much food!!! AND 60% of that should be complex carbs!!!!! I am truly in heaven now!!! I love pasta and have always steared clear of my starchy love, but not any more. After this post I will immediatley retreive all new pasta recipes from my favorite food web sights.
Eating healthy is important to me. I am not, by any means, a perfect eater. I do love my potato chips. I have always been a consistent healthy eater. I make all my meals from scratch. I am not a fan at all of pre made meals. I gave up soda years ago. Occaisionally I will have a small diet Pepsi but thats rare. I do eat out and I dont hardly ever choose from the "lighter fare" menu selection but I make extra sure that the next few days I am even more carefull with healthy meals, sort of balance out kind of theory.
I do view food as fuel for my body. I don't want additives or greasy artery clogging agents in my body. I want food that my body will use and feel better after I'm done eating. I absolutley HATE that horrible sick feeling after a high fat meal.
I will never, never, never drink wheat grass juice or rely on protein meal replacement bars, but I will always choose whole wheat bread over white bread and ask for steamed veggies over deep fried. So I feel like I am on the right path to staying healthy.
I need to. I want my body to always be able to move in the direction I need me to go. I want to always be active. I want to always be ABLE. For me, for my husband, my kids, my family and friends, but mostly for me.
Eating healthy is important to me. I am not, by any means, a perfect eater. I do love my potato chips. I have always been a consistent healthy eater. I make all my meals from scratch. I am not a fan at all of pre made meals. I gave up soda years ago. Occaisionally I will have a small diet Pepsi but thats rare. I do eat out and I dont hardly ever choose from the "lighter fare" menu selection but I make extra sure that the next few days I am even more carefull with healthy meals, sort of balance out kind of theory.
I do view food as fuel for my body. I don't want additives or greasy artery clogging agents in my body. I want food that my body will use and feel better after I'm done eating. I absolutley HATE that horrible sick feeling after a high fat meal.
I will never, never, never drink wheat grass juice or rely on protein meal replacement bars, but I will always choose whole wheat bread over white bread and ask for steamed veggies over deep fried. So I feel like I am on the right path to staying healthy.
I need to. I want my body to always be able to move in the direction I need me to go. I want to always be active. I want to always be ABLE. For me, for my husband, my kids, my family and friends, but mostly for me.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Excuses
Mantra: Just freakin' do it!
Today I just didn't want to train! I woke up tired, my to-do-list was longer then the day before, I had a head ache....I was so full of excuses. I finally gave in to my own numerous reasons. Picked out a movie from On Demand, pushed play and was already to be comfy on the couch and veg through Social Network. But then I remembered how much I want to be prepared as best I can for the upcoming race. On March 19th I am going to ask so much of my body. I am going to want my legs to run 13.1 miles. Something they have not done before even close to that length. I need to do right by my little ole' legs to condition them as much as possible for the big day. I owe that to my gams!
I feel so much better for sticking to the plan. I didn't have that all day nagging feeling of knowing I didn't train. I felt re energized and even more ready for my long to-do-list! Which I completed! Yeah for me!
Sometimes you need to "Just Freakin' Do It"
Today I just didn't want to train! I woke up tired, my to-do-list was longer then the day before, I had a head ache....I was so full of excuses. I finally gave in to my own numerous reasons. Picked out a movie from On Demand, pushed play and was already to be comfy on the couch and veg through Social Network. But then I remembered how much I want to be prepared as best I can for the upcoming race. On March 19th I am going to ask so much of my body. I am going to want my legs to run 13.1 miles. Something they have not done before even close to that length. I need to do right by my little ole' legs to condition them as much as possible for the big day. I owe that to my gams!
I feel so much better for sticking to the plan. I didn't have that all day nagging feeling of knowing I didn't train. I felt re energized and even more ready for my long to-do-list! Which I completed! Yeah for me!
Sometimes you need to "Just Freakin' Do It"
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Round Table
Mantra: "I run because I can"
I work Mondays at a Dr's office and at lunch, a group of girls and I were discussing the reasons we run.. One girl was running to be heart healthy, another girl runs because her husband does and its something they do together on a regular basis, my favorite reason from this other girl, it was quite simply, so her pants fit. We all have our own reasons for running. Mine is more than one reason. Sure I do love that my pants fit and that I am thin. I have never struggled too much with weight issues. I run because I need to be healthy and I need to be STRONG. I have Cerebral Palsy , it is mild and I have never thought too much about it. Untill my late twenties. I was just to weak to pick up my own babies. I wasn't tired, didn't feel run down, I felt good. I just had no strength. Household chores that should not require effort did. Like lifting laudry basket or pushing the vaccuum. But what really broke my heart was having a difficult time picking up my babies, helping them get in their car seats or booster seats or just picking them up because they wanted to be held by mommy. I would have to sit down let them climb on my lap and then I could hold them. And THAT is not OK! I went to a small gym, hired a trainer to learn to lift weights the correct way. To stregthen my muscles so I could just do normal mom things. In just weeks I noticed a difference.
I have to stay in a work out routine. The times that I have stopped for whatever reason, my muscles go back to their weak ways. I stay pretty true to my work out routine. I accidentally fell in love with running along the way.
Running keeps my head clear and de stresses me. The trail I run on is peaceful and beautful. So it truly is my "happy place". And I feel STRONG when I am running.
I saw a quote just the other day on the blog "Runner dude" which by the way, the more I read the blog, the more I love, but it was this "I run because I can!" in a nutshell thats it for me. "I run because I can"
I work Mondays at a Dr's office and at lunch, a group of girls and I were discussing the reasons we run.. One girl was running to be heart healthy, another girl runs because her husband does and its something they do together on a regular basis, my favorite reason from this other girl, it was quite simply, so her pants fit. We all have our own reasons for running. Mine is more than one reason. Sure I do love that my pants fit and that I am thin. I have never struggled too much with weight issues. I run because I need to be healthy and I need to be STRONG. I have Cerebral Palsy , it is mild and I have never thought too much about it. Untill my late twenties. I was just to weak to pick up my own babies. I wasn't tired, didn't feel run down, I felt good. I just had no strength. Household chores that should not require effort did. Like lifting laudry basket or pushing the vaccuum. But what really broke my heart was having a difficult time picking up my babies, helping them get in their car seats or booster seats or just picking them up because they wanted to be held by mommy. I would have to sit down let them climb on my lap and then I could hold them. And THAT is not OK! I went to a small gym, hired a trainer to learn to lift weights the correct way. To stregthen my muscles so I could just do normal mom things. In just weeks I noticed a difference.
I have to stay in a work out routine. The times that I have stopped for whatever reason, my muscles go back to their weak ways. I stay pretty true to my work out routine. I accidentally fell in love with running along the way.
Running keeps my head clear and de stresses me. The trail I run on is peaceful and beautful. So it truly is my "happy place". And I feel STRONG when I am running.
I saw a quote just the other day on the blog "Runner dude" which by the way, the more I read the blog, the more I love, but it was this "I run because I can!" in a nutshell thats it for me. "I run because I can"
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