getting you up to speed

Hi Blog,

Ok I know I haven't written in a while. But like I said I have been kind of busy training. I'll give you some of the highlights....

I ran my first 10 miles last Sunday on 10/10/10. How exciting is that. My time was 2:18:04. The average pace was 13:48 min mile with my max pace of 7:43 min mile. According to my Garmin i burned 894 calories. The run went very smoothly up to mile 6. At mile 6 I fell off the side of the road and twisted over on my ankle a little bit. I was terrified thinking I re-injured my poor ankle. However, after further evaluation I realized the ankle was ok. A little tender but ok... so I finished the remainder 4 miles to complete my first 10 mile run.

This week my training was not very good. I had a bad cold which had me in bed most of the week. I got some antibiotics and attempted the "Pumpkins In The Park" race last night. My time wasn't very good. 37:22 for a 5k. But considering I still had a stuffy nose and chest congestion I guess I did alright. It was a lot of fun and my friend, Nancy Wingo, made first in her age group.

Coach Bernie wants me to do another 10 miles tomorrow so I am going to rest today. I am hoping to better my time from last week. My ankle is ok but still a little tender and my right knee is a little sore. But I am hoping they will be rested by tomorrow morning. My goal is to do the 10 miles in 2 hours 10 mins.

Wish me luck.

8 mile run

Dear Blog,

Sorry I haven't written in a while but I have been sort of busy.... training or a maraton. :) Today was freakin' awesome. I ran 8 miles along the banana river. It was a little cool and a nice breeze. It took me almost 2 hours. But I made it. I am very happy with my progress. My friend, Hika went with me. She was only going to do 4 miles but I talked her into to doing 8 with me. Actually I think she really wanted to do 8, it wasn't very hard to talk her into it. We had a really fun run. We were the last ones back with the group, but it didn't matter. The important thing is that I ran 8 miles.

Last Sunday we met at Cocoa and ran part of the 1/2 marathon course. I did 6 miles, but it was still very hot and very sweatty.

Next week is 9 miles, But I have no doubts I can do it! :)

Training with coach Bernie

I ran 5 miles today with my training group. It is a beautiful run along the Banana River. The path is right along the river, I mean very, very close to the river. It is a really pretty run. I ran with a lady from our group. We are very close to the same pace. It was a very enjoyable run. we talked the whole way and made the time go by very quickly.

I was stressing a little about not doing more miles. Group 3 did 8 miles today. But Coach Bernie said in 2 weeks I can transition to group 3. Then from there I will probably need to add some extra miles to be ready for the full marathon in January. But I will talk to Coach Bernie about that once I transition to group 3 and am able to keep up with that. As the time gets closer I am feeling the pressure to up my miles, but I also don't want to mess up my ankle any more. I think it will all work out. I am trying to stay positive, I want to do this Disney marathon so badly. I would be very disappointed if anything went wrong now. I am lucky to be under coach Bernie. He is very knowledgeable and very patient with me. :)

If only I could see my results

Ok as you know my Garmin is really great. And after my run I was feeling really great. I was feeling 10 years younger and strong. I was really on a high. Then I went to look at my Garmin for my results.... and humbly reached into my purse to pull out my reading glasses so I could see the screen. Dammit. And I was feeling so good. If only my eyes worked as good as my legs. Oh and BTW. My Garmin does tell time. It is just so little at the bottom of the screen I didn't see it. LOL But with my Garmin and my reading glasses ... I can do anything. :)

I beat my last 5k by almost a minute!!!!!!!

That is right. You heard me. I beat myself. LOL Today I ran the Turtle Krawl, to help the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. My last 5K was on July 3rd, the Firecracker. My time then was 36:45.0 and my average pace was 11:50 minute mile. Today my time was 35:49.1 and my average pace was 11:32 minute mile. And according to my Garmin, my best pace during the run was 8:33 minute mile. That sprained ankle didn't set me back much on my time. Now I just have to work on distance.

The ankle didn't swell up too much... just a little. But I iced it good and took a nap. :) Tomorrow is my group run. Coach Rick says 5 miles. Lets see how I do. I am ready. I feel good. Hell! I feel great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

garmin on a bike

Ok today is my cross training day. So I took my bike for a ride. It was windy and cloudy, but no rain. And believe it or not a little coolness in the air. It was a nice bike ride. I would have gone longer but it started getting dark and I don't have a light. However, the garmin worked with amazing accuracy. It tracked my pace and distance. I love that little watch. A guy at work was teasing me about spending $150 for a watch that doesn't tell time. I said it will tell me how far I want and how long it took me to get there, it just won't tell me what time I got there.

But I don't care I LOVE my garmin.

Oh and my training???? 30 min bike ride, 5 miles. :) According to the garmin I used 500 calories. But I question that.

Afterward I had some whole wheat pasta, veggie sauce with soy sausage. YUM. :)

Garmin forerunner 305

Today was an exciting day. Today is the day I decided to buy my dream gps watch. The coveted Garmin Forerunner 305. After much research and months of debate I bit the bullet. I wanted so badly to use it on my run tonight. But when I got it out of the box the first thing the instructions said was to plug it in and charge it for 3 hours. So by 10:30 tonight it will be charged up and ready to go. But by 10:30 tonight I will be on my own charger (my pillow) and so not ready to go. So the anticipation will have to wait until the morning. I can't wait to get up. I won't run of course. But I can still use the watch. Yes I will use my fancy gps watch to map out the same mile I walk every morning. LOL

As for my workout today... This morning I got up and walked one mile. This evening I jogged/walked 4 miles in 1 hour 58 seconds. I did a little tempo running. 4 minutes of faster running along with slower runs and walks. My ankle seemed to be doing fine with the faster bursts. I think it is ready to start taking on a little more speed work. Of course I say that now as I get ready to ice it. We'll see how it does in the morning.

Sweet dreams. As for me I will be dreaming of my Garmin. :)

Oars and Paddles

Today was my group run at Oars and Paddles park. I got there at 7:00 am ready to run. About 10 mins into my run my shins started hurting like crazy. I was really discouraged. By the 2 mile mark I stopped to get a drink and rest a while. By then the shins were burning so I decided to turn around and head back. I was supposed to do 5 miles but I didn't want to push it and get stranded. The coach, Michelle said I may not have warmed up enough prior to the run. She was right because half way back to the park my shins stopped hurting. Once at the park I stopped by the restroom and then headed back out to finish that last mile. So I got 5 miles in. That was the goal for group 2. Group 3's goal was 7 miles. Coach Bernie didn't think I was ready for the 7 miles yet and he was right.

My ankle swelled up a little but not too bad. I have been icing it off and on today.

Tonight I went for a 2 mile walk, nice a slow. My lower legs are a little sore, but I guess that means progress. I am hoping to start picking up some mileage, but Coach Bernie says to be patient. Hopefully I will be with group 3 soon. And then somehow I need to start adding extra miles to the training to be prepared for the marathon. But I guess for now I need to be patient and take it one day at a time. Tomorrow is our rest day.

walking

Yesterday I traded my 2 mile scheduled run for a 2 mile walk. I just feel the ankle needs that little bit of extra rest. Today is a rest day. I am really hoping to do 7 miles on Sunday. But I also don't want to push my ankle too much. I want to get back on schedule for this marathon and I feel time is running out. 26.2 miles is a long way.

1 hour at the gym

today is my cross training day. I spent 30 mins on the stationary bike and 30 mins on the elliptical machine. My ankle did not swell after my 4 mile run yesterday. I think I am ready to push it harder. Sunday the group 3 is scheduled for a 7 mile run and group 2 is scheduled for a 5 mile run. I am going to push for the 7 miles. :)

4 miles

Well I let my training slip just a bit this holiday weekend. I spent a few days in the Carolinas. However I did manage a 3 mile run on the treadmill Saturday morning. And my ankle didn't swell. It did swell after my Thursday night fun run. All day in the car Friday it was swelling. But sitting in the car for 10 hours didn't help.

However today I got back on track. I ran 4 miles in 54:58. Not bad considering a few weeks ago I couldn't walk at all. :) and getting caught in a downpour helped with my speedwork for sure. :)

things are just swell

Literally swell. My ankle has been swelling up all day. I emailed my coach (it is so nice to have a coach) and he said that is normal for just starting to run. So I am icing it. Today I didn't do any jogging, just 1 hour on the stationary bike. I have been icing it all day. I am hoping I can do my group run tomorrow night.

a little swelling won't keep me down

OK as part of my training program I got up early this morning and walked for about 5 mins as a warm up. Then I did a 1 min jog followed by a 1 min walk 10 times. That took me to about 2 miles. in 29:20 mins. Afterward the ankle swelled just a little so I took about 10 mins to ice it before getting ready for work. Then this afternoon around 3:00 pm my ankle started swelling so much I could feel it. I had to actually take my shoe off and ice it. This hasn't happened at work for weeks. I'm thinking that is normal since I have been working more than ever since the sprain. I emailed my coach for some advice. However, that didn't stop me from doing 1 hour on the stationary bike this afternoon after work. I think the bike actually helped to get some circulation going. There is a 5 k coming up the end of the month I hope I will be able to run it. I mean really run it. I can't wait to run again... without a brace. But I am not going to let it get me down. I am going to just keep working towards my goal. Tinker Bell will see me through. :)

2 miles 27:47

Ok That is certainly not my best time ... in fact it might be my worst... But I am very happy with it. I really wasn't sure I would be able to run one mile today much less 2. But I did it. I probably walked half and jogged half. And I was the last one to finish. I beat four others.

My first group run with this training class was a lot of fun. I am very excited and pleased with the progress my foot is making. I think by the end of the month I will improve greatly.

But for now I need to take it slow. There are 3 groups to the training class. Group 1 is for walk/runners. Group 2 is for run/walkers. and group 3 is for runners. Right now I am in group 1 but the coach thinks I will be in group 2 in a couple weeks and in group 3 in a few more weeks. I am anxious, but am following my coach's orders. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience not only with running but with coaching as well.

The training is back in progress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 hour workout

Today I got in a good workout. I started out with 30 mins on the stationary bike at resistance level 9. Then I went on the teadmill. I walk/jogged at a 16:40 mile per minute pace for 2 miles. Then I got on the Elliptical machine at resistance level 9 for 30 mins. Then I finished up my workout with another 30 mins on the stationary bike at resistance level 9.

This was my first time on the treadmill since I sprained my ankle. At first it felt a little odd. The ankle did not like the jogging motion at first. I kept the pace at 16:40 at a very fast walk and every once in a while broke in to a light jog. I could only keep it up for about 5 mins at a time. But at least it is a start. I am slowly introducing it to the jogging motion. I am hopeful that within a week I will be able to do more jogging and less walking.

Tomorrow is my rest day and Sunday I meet for my first group run. We are going to have 2 mile timed runs. I know my time won't be very good but it will be interesting to see how fast I am able to go.

Of course all exercises are done with that silly brace on my foot. The dr. says to continue to wear it for another couple months when outside. I do it because I know I don't want to cause any more injury. God forbid I should roll over on it again.

short hair make you run faster

Well at least that is what I am telling myself these days. Yesterday I went to the gym after work and put 30 mins on the stationary bike and then another 30 mins on the elliptical machine. Then I went to get my hair cut. I figure if I am going to run in the park on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons in this heat I need to stay as cool as possible. So I got a really short spiky hair cut... because everyone knows... Short hair makes you run faster. :)

Today my brother-in-law celebrated his 70th birthday. So after work I went out to eat and had chocolate cake. I really need to run it off, but it is late. So I guess I will have to sleep it off instead. But I plan on hitting the gym tomorrow.

1/2 mile run

Yes you read that right... I said run. Ok actually more like a slow jog. But the point is I did more than a walk. I went to see my sports doctor today. I asked him when he thinks I could start running. He told me to run 1/2 mile tonight and see how is feels in the morning. If it's real sore then back off for a couple days and then try it again. If it is just a little sore (which is to be expected after not running for 4.5 weeks. ) Right now it feels ok and I am hopeful that it will be ok in the morning.

After my dr. appointment I did my normal mapped out mile. I walked abut 1/4 of it then slowly introduced a little jog. My ankle didn't like it too well so after a few steps I walked again. Then tried the little jog and got a little further. I did the walk jog thing for about 1/4 mile. Then I just took off and jogged (very slowly) the rest of the mile. I only took a couple short walk breaks. The doctor told me to slow increase my mileage and if the next morning the foot is a little too sore then to back off for a few days and work it again. He said that within 2 weeks I should be able to keep up with the 1/2 marathon training schedule. And in time I could add more miles to that.

I am very excited and eager to start my first group run, even if I will mostly be walking it. I know in time I will be running with the rest of them. :)

Kickoff to training camp

Tonight I went to a kickoff meeting for my running training camp. I got to meet the coaches and see my training schedule. My first long run will be this Sunday morning. I am looking forward to it, even though I can't run yet. The coach said not to worry the he will get me up to speed. I see my sports doctor tomorrow.... I hope I can start running soon. But in the meantime the elliptical machine will be my friend. :)

2 hour workout

This was my best workout to date I think... or certainly since I sprained my ankle. I put in 1 solid hour on the elliptical machine.. and I pushed it hard. I kept the resistance level between 11 and 13 the whole time. My rmp's were between 80 and 100. Then I got on the stationary bike and put in another hour. I took it a little easy on the bike keeping it at a steady resistance level 9. I am already sore.... but it is a really good sore. It's 8:30 pm and I'm off to bed. I worked hard and am going to sleep even harder. :) Oh first I think I'm going to ice my foot. It is just a little swollen and tender. but I think my workout today was good for it... it needs to toughen up and get with the program. ;)

Stronger ankle

Yesterday I walked one mile in 20 minutes. That was my fastest mile yet since I sprained my ankle.

Today I went to the gym and rode the stationary bike for 30 mins and resistance level 9. Then I got on the elliptical machine for 30 mins at resistance level 11. It was actually easier on my ankle to go at a higher resistance because it doesn't like to move fast yet. Then I got on the stationary bike and rode for another 30 mins at resistance level 11. My legs are feeling the workout and am sure they will feel it even more in the morning. However, I was glad that my ankle did so well on the elliptical machine today. I think in another week, with the level of progress I have been showing I will be ready to start running again. Or at least walk/jog... or... what I like to call "wogging". :)

I run for Pizza

No I did not have pizza today. It is not on my training diet. But the Running Zone sponsored a 5k today called "I run for Pizza". And no I did not run in the race. Unfortunately running is also not in my training program at the moment. :( However I did go see the race. My friend Rebecca beat her personal record. And David Kilgore, the son of another dear friend, won the race. It was the first time for me to watch a race... I am always running them. It was fun to see the winners reach the finish line and cheering on the other racers. However, I really wished I could be one of the racers. Running any race is just so much fun. But, soon I will be one of the racers again.

Today, after the race, I hit the gym. I had a really good workout. First I warmed up on the stationary bike for 30 mins at resistance level 9. Then after my muscles were nice and warm, but not too fatigued I decided to try the elliptical machine. I put it at resistance level 4 and took it nice and slow. I could only do about 15 minutes before my ankle started protesting and I decided not to push my luck. Then I hopped (literally) back on the stationary bike. This time I was determined to give it all I had. I pushed it hard for the first 30 mins alternating between resistance levels 9 and 11. Then the last half hour I took it a little easy at resistance levels 7 through 9. So the total workout was about 1 hour and 45 mins. Afterward I was exhausted and went home to a good nap.

I feel good about my progress today. I really put my ankle to the test with my workout and walking around at the race. I feel I should be ready to start running again in a couple weeks.

Physical Therapy

Yesterday I had my first physical therapy. It went really well. The pt put an ultasound heat on my ankle to help increase circulation and promote healing. It felt really good. she also showed me some exercises that I can do to stengthen the stabilzing muscles around my ankle. She told me to continue using thestationary bike and that I can also use the elliptical machine. I was excited to hear that. I hope to be able to run/walk by theend of the month... in time for my training classes with the Running Zone.

This morning I walked one mile. It took me over 20 minutes, but just walking a mile is ... well.. a milestone in my recovery. Tonight I stopped by the gym and put an hour on thestationary bike. After that I got on the elliptical machine for about 5 mins. I was ok on it, but it was a little uncomfortable. I think I will gradually introduce the elliptical machine, but am excited about being able to stat using the elliptical machine in my taining. If I can workout on the elliptical machine, I am confident that I can get back to were I was before my injury very quickly.

I am looking forward to a good workout tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. :)

First hard workout in a long time

Yes!!!! It felt good. I worked out really hard. Even though I was on a stationary bike, I felt just like I had a good run. I put the resistance up and pushed it with everything I had. I want to get my leg muscles strong for running again. And I think today was a good start. I am walking better each day which gives me hope. The ankle brace is a little uncomfortable.... but at least it doesn't beep when I leave the house... A definite plus. :)

As for my workout. I put the resistance on 11 and did 45 mins this morning and an hour this afternoon. :) And I worked it hard. The sweat was pouring off of me. When I stood up to get the sanitizer wipe to clean off my equipment I could see the beads of sweat falling to the floor. It felt good. My ankle is a little sore... mostly tender. and it is a bit swollen. But I worked it hard. Now time for a good nights sleep.

I must say it feels good to be this tired and know I worked out hard and strong. Although I am tired I also feel strong. I have the confidence to conquer this ankle and train for that marathon. :)

Sweet dreams.

2nd day walking

Today I slept in but did hit the gym tonight. I spent 1.5 hours on the stationary bike. It says I burned 750 calories. My ankle was just a little swollen when I got home. I had an egg and veggie omelet and a glass of skim milk. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep and another good workout tomorrow. :) I can tell my quads got a good workout. We'll see how sore they are tomorrow morning.

ankle brace

Today I woke up bright and early and got to the gym before work. I got a half hour on the stationary bike. I tried to do anther workout after work but my ankle was too sore and I didn't want to push it. I took my scooter to work today, but once I got inside the building I mostly walked to the restroom and breakroom. I think I might have walked on it a little too much today because by the end of the day it was sore and swollen a little. I think I might have had my brace on a little too tight also. It is almost 9:00 pm and I am ready to go to bed. I plan on another early morning at the gym. I am hoping this weekend to do a long, endurance ride on the bike. It is good to be back in training. :)

Sports Doctor

Yesterday I went to see the sports doctor. He said I should be able to walk completely on my own within a week. He wants me to start gradually walking a little more each day. He told me that I should be able to continue with my marathon training and all the scheduled events. I was soooo happy to hear that.

The doctor gave me a brace to wear with my shoe. He also wants me to do some physical therapy so I can learn some exercised to help strengthen my ankle. He told me I could use the stationary bike and that the exercise would actually help with the inflammation. He said that I should be able to do the half marathon in November but with my brace. The brace is a little bulky but not really uncomfortable. I just hope it won't bother me to run 13 miles in it. He said that by the Disney marathon I should not have to wear the brace. :)

This morning I went to the gym and did one hour on the stationary bike

Then I went with my friend to pick up another friend at the airport. It was my first day wearing a shoe and the brace. We stopped at a 7-11 and I walked in without the scooter. It was the most walking I did since the accident. But the rest of the day I used the scooter because I didn't want to push my luck and the ankle is still a little tender to walk on.

I go back to see the doctor in 2 weeks and start my physical therapy next week. It felt good to exercise again. It is good to know I can continue my training shortly and that I can train on the bike in the meantime. Soon I will be back to normal and I can't wait. :)

And of course with more training will come more posts. I'm back in the game. :)

Another setback

Last Sunday, July 25,2010 I fell and sprained my ankle. At first I was very discouraged. It swelled up immediately so I went straight to the emergency room. The doctor there was very helpful. The first thing out of my mouth was, "This can't be happening... I have a marathon to run." The Doctor asked me when the marathon was and I replied that it is in January. He asked me if I was doing the Disney marathon and I said yes I plan to, can I still do it. He said yes you will be able to run it by then, you have plenty of time. He just said I will have to train a little differently. He referred me to a sports doctor who is supposed to get me back on the road. However he did say it could take 6 to 8 weeks before I can run again.

So they wrapped my foot up, gave me some crutches and sent me on my way. I tried walking on crutches for 2 days and decided that crutches and I do not get along. So I went to the medical supply store and they hooked me up with the scooter you see in the picture.

The scooter is awesome because I have the freedom to move around better, but I sure do miss walking. I took my scooter to work and everyone had to try it out. One girl said, "no fair you get to use a scooter." I wanted to say, "No fair you get to walk" but I held my tongue.

If I have to be off my foot the scooter is the best way to do it. I go see the sports doctor this Friday. I'll let you know what he says. Wish me luck. I am eager to get back to training.

I got my Disney hotel information in the mail the other day. I am still excited about it all, but a little sad that I can't train right now. I hope I don't lose any progress I made so far.

do not run. no don't do it

Hi,

Yesterday I spent an hour on the elliptical machine. I put the tension up to 10 and gave it all I got. It felt good. Afterward I was a little concerned about my knee, but it was fine. Just a little sore for a while. I was sure to stretch good after my workout. I am tempted to try running on pavement, but am holding myself back. I want my knee to be completely healed and I want to be able to run the 10 miles by the end of the month. So although I am very tempted to run, I am going to control myself and continue doing my cross training. I feel good that my knee is making some progress. :)

2 hour walk

I decided since my 8 mile run I should take it a little easy with the running the next two weeks and just do cross training. I am hoping this will help my knee to heal a little. So today I just walked on the treadmill for 2 hours at a 20 min/mile pace. According to the treadmill that was 6 miles. My plan is to do anything but running for 2 weeks and then see if I can run 10 miles at the end of the two weeks. My cross training will consist of the following: walking on the treadmill, "running" on the elliptical machine, and bike riding. All of this is low impact and I am thinking the low impact training will benefit my knee. I am also concentrating on stretching after my workouts and building my quads and hamstrings so they can better support my knee.

I am also getting up early before work to walk at least a mile. This helps limber up my leg and allows me to sit all day without it getting stiff. This morning I walked one mile in about 21 mins.

P.S.

I MADE MY DISNEY HOTEL RESERVATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mickey here I come. :)

Just can't stop

Well my knee was sore through the night. When I woke up this morning it was stiff. So I went for a 1 mile walk, nice and easy because I knew I was going to be sitting all day at work. That helped to loosen it up a bit. When I got off work I stopped by the gym...I know it's like an obsession now. I did 30 mins of moderate/medium workout on the elliptical machine. And 30 mins of easy walking on the treadmill. When I got home I did some stretching of my IT band, hamstrings, calves, and quads. I'm hoping if I strengthen those muscles it will help support my knee better. Oh and I wore my compression knee bandage thingy all day at work and while on the elliptical machine. The knee is still a little sore but no worse than it was before I ran the 8 miles. I am still undecided weather to see a doc or not. But one thing I know for sure... no long distance running for a couple weeks at least. :( Can't wait to do those 10 miles though. Am I sick or what???

8 miles for the first time

Last night I stopped by the gym and put in a slow hour on the elliptical. I didn't want to push my knee too hard but it was feeling good and I wanted to get limbered up for the big run the next day. My knee was still a little sore last night but I decided to bite the bullet and take the 8 mile challenge today anyway. I got up at 4:00 am ... had some breakfast and was out on the road by 4:30am. I ran the whole 8 miles in 1 hour 58 mins and 24 seconds. The first 5 miles was problem free and I felt really good. In fact it was so good I was thinking I could do 10 miles instead of 8. Then at mile 6 the knee started protesting. It didn't want to go any more, but I was not going to let it win. I was determined to do the 8 miles. By mile 7 I had to take a couple walk breaks but I hung in there. Mile 8 was the killer. I took several walk breaks during that mile but I kept on going and by the time I hit my driveway I was more than ready to call it quits.

All I wanted to do was sit in a cool tub of water and soak my aching body. After that I made a cool refreshing fruit and protein smoothie and was ready for a long nap. :) After a good nap I feel good and am proud of myself for running the farthest I have ever gone before. I have been icing my knee. It is still sore and I'm thinking I may have to see a doctor if I am going to get this knee to do 26 miles by January.

But the thing I am most proud of is that even with a sore knee I still ran 8 miles for the first time in my life. Truly a milestone in my life. :)

compression bandage

Yes, It almost breaks my heart. My knee was too sore today and I know trying to run 8 miles tomorrow is out of the question. :( But I am not going to be totally discouraged. I am too determined to run this marathon. I am putting off my 8 mile race until Wednesday. Until then I am going to wear this compression bandage and just do some walking. I have decided that riding my bike may be too hard on the knee as well. So hopefully walking for the next 4 days will be enough to rest the knee and still prepare me for the 8 mile jog. Rest and a little pixie dust and hopefully I'll be good to go.

Here is a little video that keeps me motivated.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFOAmGRiHwe

Hope you enjoy it

takin' it easy

Well I had my first little set back. My knee was a bit sore this week and so I decided to take it easy. I would rather have a little setback now rather than keep pushing it and have a bigger setback later. So Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I just walked. No running at all. But today I decided to put the knee to the test. I got on the treadmill and did 4 miles in 1 hour. Not a very fast pace, but I am more interested in endurance than speed.

My knee got sore during the last 15 or 20 mins of the run, but I was determined. Afterward I did some stretching. I think that may be the key to keep from further injury. I am not very good at stretching after a run. But I think if I want to run a marathon I need to make stretching a greater priority. It's almost 2 hours after my run and my knee doesn't feel any worse than it did before the run... so I guess that means I didn't do any more damage.

The good news is that even with my little set back I am still ahead of schedule. And I think I have a good chance of making my ten mile goal by the end of July. I am hoping to run 8 miles this weekend. Wish me luck.

Happy 4th of July

Today I woke up and my knee was a little sore. So I decided that running was probably not a good idea and that I should take it easy today. So I went for a 30 mile bike ride. Hey when you are training for a marathon that IS taking it easy. :)

During the last leg of my ride my sister called and wanted to go for a walk on the beach. So I raced home, put up my bike. Took off my wet clothes, a quick shower, dry clothes and I was off. Oh I did have two hard boiled eggs and some red seedless grapes. We walked... um.... I'm guessing about a mile or maybe a mile and a half. Then we went out to eat. I had a veggie sandwich on whole wheat. After that I was wiped out and took a 2 hour nap. My knee is a little stiff and sore this evening. I walked a little bit to loosen it up and am putting some ice on it now.

Hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was awesome!!!!

I woke up at 4:30 am bright eyed and bushy tailed. So I started getting ready for the big day. I was too excited to eat, but luckily I had an energy bar to eat during the drive. I didn't drink too much water because I didn't want to have to pee during the race. I drank just enough to keep me hydrated. But after the race I drank like a horse. It was about a 40 min drive to the Auditorium where the race would start.

The weather was perfect and not a typical July morning. There was hardly any humidity, and even a cool breeze. It was overcast and quite comfortable. My friend Rebbecca ran with me. She is awesome and broke her personal record today!!!!

The day started out with a nice walk around the duck pond to the race. After about a mile into the race I met this guy who has a similar sense of humor. We stayed together for about 1.5 miles. We kept cracking each other up. It was a riot and helped keep my mind off the fact that I was running. Finally he slowed down and I kept going. But after a few minutes I came across another friend, Brooke. She gave me encouragement and we finished the race together. Half way through the race I saw my friend Kate in her car along the side of the road to cheer us on. It was soooo good to see her there. Her support meant a lot. With good friends to cheer me on, how could I not strive to do my best. And so I put everything into it...Oh and for my time??? 36:45:0 which is an 11:50 mile pace.

Of course in the same race a 69 year old woman ran the thing in 28:29:0. I would love to meet that woman... what an awesome person she must be.

After the race The Morning Star Cafe served us breakfast. baked oatmeal and fruit. It was the perfect meal after a run. Rebbecca didn't like it but I thought it was very tasty. But it was very, very sweet.

After I left the race I went to the gym. Yes you heard me right. But I'm not as crazy as you think. You see I was meeting a friend for lunch and the gym had a shower close by. But since I had some time to spare I couldn't pass up my favorite elliptical machine. So after 30 mins on the elliptical and a shower I was ready for lunch. My friend, Brenda, took me to lunch at Olive Garden for my Birthday. Then after lunch we did what we do best.... shopping. I even took her to the running zone because she wanted a pair of shoes. So after all the exercise and walking around the shops all day.... I think I will have a good nights sleep. I feel really good right now and just might go for an early morning jog tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

Running is expensive!!!!

Hi,

OK I spent a lot of money, and I'm still happy. This is a miracle in itself. I finally joined that gym and paid my first membership. BTW... I actually did have crickets chirping outside my window last night. That Damn Jiminy Cricket and the whole conscience thingy. I also paid for my race on Saturday. I paid for the Space Coast 1/2 Marathon. Now the marathon isn't until November... but why put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Or something like that. And I also paid for the 1/2 marathon training camp which starts the end of August.

The training looks like a lot of fun ( I have a loose interpretation of the word "fun"). Every Sunday morning we have a 6:00 am run. Which wouldn't be too bad unless you figure the run is at least a 45 min drive away. And then a group run every Thursday evening. Oh yeah 7:00 pm evening runs in Florida during the hottest part of the year will be... well... fun. :)

But back to the business at hand. The firecracker race. So no running tomorrow. I need to save all my energy for the race. Which means no posts tomorrow.... there will be nothing to tell. But please drop by on Saturday to see the race results. :)

As for today. I took it easy. 30 mins on the elliptical. The rest of my workout was spent writing checks. My hand is sore. But my legs and knees feel fine.

stop running to keep the car running

No running today, no gym. I had to take my car to the shop today after work. But no worries... I will hit the gym tomorrow. :) 2 days till my Firecracker 5 k!

1 hour of bliss

Hi,

Not much to tell today. I did one hour on the elliptical machine again after work. I love that little machine. I have been sleeping in though... and that is not good because I don't want to get in that habit. Since most races are in the morning. And I have that 5k coming up on Saturday.

My knee is starting to feel a little better though. :)

I think I joined a gym

I know how can I not be sure. You either join a gym or you don't. Well I got this 7 day free trial thingy. And So I decided what the heck. My knee has been bothering me and I decided this week to not run on pavement. I figure pounding my knee on asphalt every day may not be helping the situation. And the elliptical machine is basically no impact. So I dragged myself to the gym and fell in love. One hour on the elliptical and I was hooked. That one hour was pure joy and bliss. So I figure I'll take the gym up on the 7 day thing and see how my knee feels.

Now I have a 5K on Saturday. The firecracker race. I am so excited. I even talked a few coworkers to join me. So I have this little experiment. If I don't run all week and just do the elliptical and bike, lets just see what my time will be on the 5k Saturday morning. hmmmm. This will be very interesting. And the other experiment is to see if I can wear the compression shorts without getting arrested.

And yes after the 7 day trial period is up... I will join the gym. Or Jiminy Cricket will be chirping in my ear.

Oh and just for the record, my knee injury was not caused by running. It is a cubical injury. Yes you heard me right. You see I am stuck in a cubical for 40 hour a week, and I got into the habit of slouching in my chair and pressing my foot up against the back wall of the cubical under my desk. I know this is what caused the injury because I did this once before. I know its embarrassing. The only person I know to have a cubical injury, and although I am ashamed I didn't want you saying... "see running is bad for your knees".... because I think if you do it right and are careful you can run injury free. Working injury free in a cubical is another story.

Let your conscience be your guide Jiminy Cricket

In this case my body is my conscience. And my body is saying I need a rest day today. Well I did get up early and ride my bike for about 1/2 hour before church this morning. But then that was all she wrote. (well actually I'm still writing) Saturday zapped my energy and then I got the female thing going on. Usually I plan on Monday's and Fridays being my rest days... but I have learned to listen to my body. If I feel really tired I know not to push it. Because if I do I usually end up with a cold. And if I listen to my body and rest when it needs it I usually feel stronger the next day and have a really good run.

Now I am not saying that you need to rest every time you feel tired; sometimes you do have to push yourself. But you have to know when it is a case of laziness or if it is a case of needing real rest. If your body needs rest and you don't let it you will not give your muscles time to repair. You need rest to grow strong. But it is important to know the difference between really needing rest and just plain laziness. For example, I know I need the rest today because it is only 7:30 pm and I am planning on going to bed. Now, if I don't feel like working out tomorrow I will push myself because I know I had plenty of rest today.

So it is very important to push your self hard, but it is also important to rest and give your body time to repair. It is good to have scheduled rest days, but I have learned to be flexible to change that schedule so I can rest when I really need it the most. So sweet Dreams.... and yes I really do believe that dreams can come true. My dream is to run a marathon at Walt Disney World!!!

Almost half way to half way there

Ok that title really does have a meaning when you are training for a marathon. because Almost half of half way there is still a pretty darn long way. Trust me I just did it. Yep I ran 6 miles this morning. Ok I know 6.5 is really a quarter of a marathon, That is why I said "Almost". HELLO!!!! But anyway you look at it running 6 miles straight.... I'm pretty proud of myself. And my time??? 1:23:44:52 - No I'm not playing football.... this is my actual time. So round up to 1 hour 24 mins. This is a 14 min mile pace. You have to run at least a 16min mile to qualify for the Disney Marathon. So I'm in. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now what made my run a little more difficult this morning is the fact that I got up late. You see a marathon runner's night life ends at 9:00 pm EASTERN TIME. And some of my friends (although they live on the East Coast) are on PACIFIC TIME. So when I met them for dinner last night and they forced me to stay out late... Ok they didn't hog tie me or anything... and I had a wonderful time so of course I didn't want to leave. But still somehow (not sure how) but it is all their fault. Now one thing you have to learn about running in Florida during the summer is that you just simply don't run once the sun comes up. Trust me it is not a wise thing to do. But this morning I did run in the sun. (because my friends kept me out late and made me hit the snooze on my alarm clock) And by 7:00 am it was very hot and very, very humid. But with the wrath of the angry sun beating on my head I kept running.

So the way I look at it. Take my little 14 min mile pace; factor in the Florida heat and humidity and I'd say I ran about an 8 min mile. Wouldn't you???

fancy pants

Ok I learned a valuable lesson. Being so excited about my new running life I went to the local store and bought a cute little running outfit. You know the kind, the top with the matching shorts. Well my first run in them was a disaster. The first 2 miles were ok, But by the third my inner thighs were sore. The cute little shorts with the cute little stitched border around the leg was actually trying to see saw my leg. I mean there was blood and everything. So I researched online for jogging shorts that would not try to cut you in half. And I found out that many professional runners use.... Angels singing the Hallelujah chorus in the background... COMPRESSION SHORTS. So I went to the local sports store and tried some on.... Hallelujah chorus again. OK they are not and I repeat NOT cute. But then what is cute about blood, sweat and tears. They fit tight and are purposely made to show every bulge and wrinkle. But they are so comfortable. They are the holy grail of running shorts. They are expensive, very unflattering, obnoxious and the most wonderful thing I bought in years. Although they look hideous on they are truly a wonderful thing. So if you plan on running long miles or are overweight and trying to go for walks, look into buying some compression shorts. They will keep your inner legs from rubbing against each other and I promise no more chafing.

Ok now for my progress today. I got up early this morning but my knees were bothering me. I ran 2 miles in about 30 mins. That was all my knees would allow. Tomorrow, Friday, is my rest day. But I am scheduled to run 6 miles on Saturday. I'll let you know how it turns out. But you can rest assure I will have my compression shorts on. :)

P.S.

OK I guess I should tell you what I did today to start my 200 day journey. This morning I ran 3 miles. Now it took me 44 mins. So not a very fast 3 miles, but hey it WAS a 44 min workout. That should count for something. Then tonight after dinner I went on a 45 min heart pumping bike ride. Yep. I feel good. :)

200 day countdown

Hello,

Ok first let me give you a little background on how I got started on this crazy adventure. One day I was sitting at home feeling very fat. and sad :( And like a good couch potato I was on the couch watching tv. And like a very experienced couch potato I was flipping through the channels. Then I came across the Biggest Loser. But it wasn't just any normal Biggest Loser.... they were running a marathon. Yep... all 26 miles. Well like a slightly motivated and mostly curious couch potato I watched and thought... Wow!!! If they can do that so can I. And then I thought I really need to do something drastic because I am gaining weight daily. But then like most couch potatoes... after the show I went to bed. However, while I was laying in bed I Picked up a magazine that just happened to be about running (so unlike a couch potato). And as I flipped through the pages I saw a full page add about the Disney Marathon. And then I am not sure exactly what happened... but I blame it on pixie dust. Lets just say when I came to... I was in front of the computer with an email confirming my registration to the Disney Marathon and sure enough the charge already hit my card. Yep pixie dust is powerful stuff.

So... I thought, I guess I'm running a Marathon and went back to bed. I set my alarm to 5:00 am to run before work. That next morning the alarm went off and I tuned it off and went back to sleep. (yep still in couch potato mode) Later that day I decided that I needed to get serious. so I told everyone at work I was going to run a marathon. Well I'm not sure if they believed me or not.... but regardless the word was out. I paid money, told everyone I was going to do it. So I backed myself in a corner and had not choice. I have to do it.

So the past month I have been getting up at 5:00 am and running and cross training. I have been reading books and consuming myself with my marathon. And to tell you the truth I am scared to death. But I have to do it. I told everyone. I can barely run 4 miles but I have a lot of determination.

I decided to start this blog to capture this great journey, because one thing I understand. My marathon does not start on January 9th at the finish line. It starts now.. 200 days before. And I want to enjoy and savor every moment.

When it is over and I cross the finish line (which I will) maybe someone can read this and use some of my experiences as help or encouragement for your marathon. And then maybe some of of you will read this because you are my friends and coworkers and I have not given you the choice... YOU HAVE TO READ IT! In either case I hope you enjoy the next 200 days with me.