Running to Nowhere

Starting January off right

2012-01-03T05:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I did a 45 minute cardio workout from P90X

Breakfast:
1 banana with 1 Tblsp Almond Butter and 1 Tblsp. wheat germ:

Lunch: 1 salmon burger on top of black beans and roasted corn, 1 navel orange, and 5 crackers

Then I had a Trader Joe chocolate Chunk bar after work because I was teaching really late. Little did I know, the mother of the boys I teach offered me a freshly made butterscotch brownie and I was not going to turn that down. Good news though: I didn't eat dessert after dinner, which I probably would have had I not had the brownie.

Dinner: Huge salad with chopped up green beans, carrots, hearts of palms, feta cheese and walnuts with drizzled balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Dinner the night before was a bowl of homemade butternut squash soup and 20 shrimp cocktails:

November 1, 2011

2011-11-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

The pup-pup woke us up at 5:30 this morning, oy!! But since Chris is going to walk her for a while so she can get more comfortable with him, I got to get in a 3 mile run at the gym! Walked and left there in the dark...daylight savings time cannot come soon enough!

Miles: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 119.56

Sunday, October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

Did 5 miles on Sunday, it was a gorgeous day!

Miles: 5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 116.56

Thursday, October 6, 2011

2011-10-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

I ran two miles last week and 3 miles on Tuesday and Three Miles yesterday. And I'm GOING to run 3 miles tomorrow so I'm even putting it in here prematurely so I can be sure to get up and do it!

Miles: 8
Total Miles Run for 2011: 111.56

September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ran 5 miles today! It was cold at first, but ended up being the perfect weather. I have pretty much been awake since 4am - had a horrible night's sleep! Not sure how I'll manage through the day, but the run helped make me feel better at least!

And looky there...I have FINALLY broken 100 miles for the year! It's about freaking time!

Miles today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 103.56

Monday, September 12, 2011

2011-09-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 12
Getting back into the swing of things..overslept but still managed to squeeze in a 3 mile run. It was gorgeous out today, I'm glad I went out. I find if I can run on Mondays..I'm usually pretty good. I did 3 miles in 29:15...really gotta do a good 5 miles tomorrow morning to get back into running and if nothing else..to clear my head.

Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 98.56

September 4, 2011
This was a harrrrd run! I'm outta shape!

Miles today: 7
Total Miles Run for 2011: 95.56

September 2, 2011
Interval training day! Worked myself really hard- had shinsplints for the weekend!
Miles today: 2.25
Total Miles Run for 2011: 88.56

September 1, 2011
Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 86.31

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

2011-08-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

My garmin died in the middle of my run today and I forgot to bring my charger to work to charge it and to upload the run information from Friday...sigh. But I did my normal route from last year that I know is 4.7 miles. Hopefully back into the swing of things this week. Eeek!

Miles today: 4.7
Total Miles Run for 2011: 83.31

Friday, August 26, 2011
Got out of work early and didn't have to teach piano, so I got a 5 miler in before Hurricane Irene hit for the weekend. Only run for the weekend...eek I am so behind..I should be up to 7 miles by now!

Miles today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 78.61

Thursday, August 18, 2011

2011-08-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today I did a great 3.5 mile run. My ipod has been dead this week and I keep forgetting to charge it so I've been without music for the past three days! I actually don't mind too much because I have a lot to think about anyway during my runs so I don't even realize I don't have music sometimes. Last week I was already 2 miles into my run before I realized that I had my ipod and headphones in but had never turned it on. However, I do need some music soon to help me step up the pace.

Today I ran 3.5 Miles in 33:32. I'd like to really try and get my 5K time to 30 minutes or less so I think that will be a goal of mine over the next few weeks. I kept an average pace of a 9:34 minute/mile. and my average heart rate was 117bpm.
Here are my stats:

Pace and Heart rate stats:

Miles today: 3.5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 73.61

Wanna know something interesting? By this date last year I had already run 486 miles total for the year!! I think I was a crazy person...What's interesting to me though...is I'm the same weight whether I run 486 miles or 70. So what this has taught me over the past year that even though working out and being healthy is obviously important...weight really primarily has to do with what and how you eat, and that I don't have to run like a crazy person just to keep my weight down.

August 17, 2011

2011-08-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Interval Training Day!!
I warmed up for 1/2 mile then did fast 1/4 mile laps. My stats for the run are as follows:
Each lap was a 1/4 mile running as fast as I can-

Lap 1: 1:45 (Fastest)
Lap 2: 1:54
Lap 3: 1:51
Lap 4: 2:01
Lap 5: 1:55

Lap 6: 2:03 (Slowest)

= Average fast pace of 1 minute and 68 seconds for a 1/4 mile.

Is it any surprise that my fastest time was the first lap and my slowest was the last? And by 18 seconds, which is kind of a lot! I kind of like these interval training days. They're rough, but I like being able to take breaks every two minutes!

Miles today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2011: 70.11

August 16, 2011

2011-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I felt so bloated and dehydrated from my dinner last night when I got up today.I thought for sure that it was going to be a rough run but it actually was pretty great, and just what I needed to relieve my stomach ache. I ran for exactly 35 minutes, which came to 3.61 miles. I was keeping a pretty slow pace throughout this...but not too much slower than normal. I averaged a 9:41/mile and my average speech was 6.2mph. Not bad...but I can do better. I also need to wake up earlier!! UGH!

Miles today: 3.61
Total Miles Run for 2011: 68.11

Sunday, August 14, 2011
I was supposed to run 6 miles today, but it was raining cats and dogs and I had no access to a treadmill so I did an hour on my parent's elliptical machine. Oh well...maybe I'll get to 6 miles next weekend?

Friday, August 12, 2011
I had an AWFUL run on Friday. I guess I started too late in the morning and the heat got to me, but I had a side sticker for pretty much the last 1 1/2 miles, which SUCKED. I almost just gave up at 2.5 miles but just kept myself going at a slow pace..I was determined to get to 3 miles. I hate when I have days like this...but these days will happen.
Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 64.5

August 11, 2011

2011-08-11T12:24:00.001-07:00

Ran 3 uneventful miles today. Forgot my power cord to my garmin so I can't upload my stats, I think it was just over 28 minutes. Trucking along...trucking along...

Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 61.5

August 9, 2011

2011-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today was interval training, I had to run 1/4 mile for as fast as I can with breaks in between, and do this 5 times. At first, I thought that I had to do this for 1/2 a mile before realizing that 400 yards if actually a 1/4 mile and that was all I needed to do. Thank goodness! My first fast half mile was ROUGH.

Thanks for my garmin, here are my stats for the run:
Warm up for 1/2 mile: 5:16
Lap 1: Running at a fast pace for 1/2 mile - 4:09.18
walking cool down
Lap 2: Running at a fast pace for 1/4 mile - 2:07.50
walking cool down
Lap 3: Running at a fast pace for 1/4 mile - 1:54.57
walking cool down
Lap 4: Running at a fast pace for 1/4 mile - 2:09.14
walking cool down
Lap 5: Running at a fast pace for 1/4 mile - 2:01.42

My total stats:
Total Distance: 2 miles
Total Time: 18:01.15
Average Pace: 9/mile
Average speed: 6.7
Max speed: 9.3
Total Calories: 225
Average Heart Rate: 118 bpm
Max Heart Rate: 187 bpm

Miles today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2011: 58.5

August 8, 2011

2011-08-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

Terrible run today! Absolutely awful...maybe I pushed myself too hard in the beginning since I was running to a paced podcast, maybe it was the heat/humidity, maybe I'm still sore from Saturday's 5 miler, but I had to stop at 2.5 miles and walk the rest of the way home. Here's hoping tomorrow's run is better.

Miles today: 2.5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 56.5

Saturday, August 6, 2011
Did 5 miles in Pennsylvania today while my parents went for a bike ride! It was surprisingly pretty easy..it helped that it was a little cool and the sun wasn't out too. My dad took me to a different trail than I usually run at home, so it was nice to have some change of scenery for this one. I did the whole 5 miles in 49:20! Felt very good after this run!

Miles today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 54

August 4, 2011

2011-08-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Good run today! I ran 3 miles in 28:32...I'm really loving finally using my Garmin Forerunner for training purposes. I got this last Christmas and it's been slow-go for me to learn how to use it. I finally sat down and figuted out how to use it and even ran with the heart-rate monitor today for the first time ever!

I don't really know much about heart rate...what it should be? what zone should I be in? what's my resting heart rate? etc. etc.... But from what I'm reading online, it seems like my physical activity heart rate today was supppper high, and I don't know if that means I pushed myself too hard or not. I'm going to have to do some research about how to use this heart rate monitor thing. Looking at this graph it's funny cause the three places where my pace spikes to much slower are so obvious and I know exactly what happened at all three places. 1) I re-tied my shoe 2) Stop light 3) Another stop light

Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 49

Slept in yesterday, but ran 2 miles on Tuesday.

Miles today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2011: 46

August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well.....my time has arrived. It is time to train for another half marathon!!! I have to say....i've been dreading this. I haven't really run at all since April, I'm soooo out of shape and I just don't know if I have it in me to start training for another half marathon. But I have to say...getting up this morning for a 3 mile run before work was fantastic, and I really hope that this time, I'm back for good. I just feel 10X more accomplished and happy on days that I get up to work out before work, plus it was a gorgeous morning! I usually hate missing getting ready with Chris in the morning but when I came back...he was just waking up!

Here's my motivation for training this time: The Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Half Marathon. It's a gorgeous trail near my hometown and I know that on October 23rd, it's just simply going to be the most BEAUTIFUL race I'll ever run, with all the Fall leaves and cool weather. I can't wait to see the beautiful PA countryside on this run. My partner in crime this time around will be the lovely, Christina!

So I did 3 miles in 31 minutes. I used my new Garmin Forerunner and I'm so mad I forgot to bring it with me today because I wanted to upload my stats and start tracking things. I def. was keeping a slower pace than normal and my knees were bothering me by the end of the run. I'm going to need to ease into things for a few weeks while I get back into shape and make sure that I build up my leg muscle again so I don't put too much pressure on my knees. According to my schedule I didn't need to run today, but I wanted to get a good start to my week, and see how I could handle 3 miles to begin with.

Here's my running calendar for the month.

Miles today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2011: 44

Tuesday, April 26th

2011-04-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've run 7 miles over the past 2-3 weeks. Got up this morning and ran another 4! I feel like Spring is finally here!! That puts me at 41 miles for the year. Last year at this time, I was at 279 miles!! The interesting thing about this is I haven't gained any weight, my clothes all fit the same. I've really realized it's not the amount of miles you run, it's about eating healthy and maintaining a good balance between eating, cardio and weight training. That is what my focus has shifted to as I head into this summer.

Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 41

March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ran outside both days this weekend!! Felt fantastic! (though....I'm out of shape. The first mile was really really rough both days.) I was finally able to try out my garmin forerunner! Despite a big start up time...it takes about 4-5 minutes to locate a satellite, it was very helpful and very interesting to see what my average pace was. I'm loving that Spring is here and I can do runs like this on the weekends again!!

Sunday, March 13
Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 30

Saturday, March 12
Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 25.5

March 9, 2010

2011-03-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'mmmmmm baaaaccccckkk!!! Spring is coming and I am burrsting at the seams to run again., especially since I received my very own Garmin Forerunner for Christmas from my parents and I can't wait to try it out!


revelsport.com

I was supposed to meet with my trainer today, but when I got to the gym I just wanted to RUN. So I did 3 miles on the treadmill and it felt really good. He's very flexible with my schedule so I'm going to meet with him again tomorrow. Even though I haven't been logging my miles on the blog here, I've done a teeny tiny bit of running over the past 2 months and am now at 21 miles for the year. (Which is peanuts considering I was at 136 miles by this time last year!!)

So here's my plan: Those half marathon training schedules I've done before are 12 week schedules. I'm now 11 weeks out from my wedding. So, I'm training for a half marathon again....except the Half Marathon..is my wedding. The only time I've stuck to a specific running plan was when I had this schedule in my calendar and stuck up on the fridge. If I did it before, I can do it again, and I'm really not going to be too hard on myself if I miss a run here or there, because it's not about beating a time or anything. My biggest concern is not keeping up with the weight lifting and ab work that I've been doing. Last time I trained, my endurance was great, but I lacked muscle because I didn't keep up with my weight lifting.

So here's to training for another Half Marathon! (only actually...not)

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 21

1/3/11

2011-01-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

I was really surprised there wasn't really bad "January Gym" this morning. Usually the gym at the beginnign of January is waaay packed with people trying to kick off their new year's resolutions. Well..today it was pretty empty, which I was happy about! Although, many people may still have off today, so perhaps tomorrow it will be bad!

Anyway, I'm on a roll with startin' the year off right! Ran 5 miles this morning and it felt great! I'm 9.5 miles ahead of where I was on this date last year. But, I'm sure that will quickly change...

Miles Run Today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 9.5
What I ran on this date last year: 0

1/1/11

2011-01-01T22:19:00.001-08:00

Startin' the New Year out right! Ran outside today...ran 4.5 miles in 45 minutes, then walked for another half an hour after that. Good to get outside!!

Miles Run Today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2011: 4.5
What I ran on this date last year: 0

2010-12-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've been working out I swear!!!! It's just been harder to write out since I'm doing much more combination of thiings.

I think I only ran ran 2 miles last week...I did the elliptical , DVD's, and workouts with my trainer instead. And so...I'm rounding out the year of 2010 at 662 miles. Not to shabby if I do say so myself! Now I have a frame of reference to make some goals for myself next year. However, I don't know if I'm going to do more miles next year because I'm focusing more on weight training and other types of workouts and only plan on training for one half marathon. However, I got a GARMIN FORERUNNER for Christmas and I CANNOT wait to use it! This will help me keep a much more accurate count of my miles and my progress. So, with this new handy device, it just might motivate me to run more than ever!!! We shall see what happens, hello 2011!

Miles Run Last Week: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 662

2010-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Today:
Did abs and legs after a 3 mile intense interval run. Warmed up for one mile at 6-6.3 mph. Then for the next 20 minutes or two miles, alternated between running 8-8.5mph for one minute and walking at 3.8-4.1 for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. I know interval training is the best way to burn fat fast so I'm trying to really focus on interval running this week.

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 660

Tuesday, Decmeber 14, 2010
Did free weights for 30 minutes before the run. Warmed up for one mile at 6-6.3 mph. Then for the next 20 minutes or two miles, alternated between running 8-8.5mph for one minute and walking at 3.8-4.1 for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 657

2010-12-13T06:52:00.001-08:00

Good 3 mile run today!

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 654

2010-12-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 12/8
Total Body conditioning session again today. Walked a mile afterward.

Tuesday 12/7
Total body conditioning session today! Ran a mile afterward.

Miles Run Today: 1
Total Miles Run for 2010: 651

Monday 12/6
Lifted weights after my run

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 650

2010-12-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

I did a Gillian Michaels 50 minutes metabolism blast DVD last night! I can't tell you the last time I've worked out AFTER work! It was great...though I was starrrrrving by the end of it.

For dinner I had 2 pickles, 1 boca burger and half a cup of butternut squash risotto. Today is the third day I've been keeping track of my weight watchers points. I'm feeling a new sense of motivation lately and I hope I can keep up with tracking my points throughout the day. Hopefully this lasts longer than my small 3 days tweetwhatyoueat obsession.

This morning I had my small group training session from 7:30-8:30 and this one really kicked my butt today..well...really, kicked my arms. My arms were screaaaaming by the end, but I loved it!

Hoping to squeeze in some cardio tomorrow for a total 5 days of working out this week. Then, doing some light dvd work over the weekend.

2010-12-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

Lazy today..but planning to do a workout video when I go home tonight! Here's what I did the past week:

Tuesday Nov. 30th:

Hardcore interval training again today..amaaaazing workout. But it really kept me hungry all day! Did some free weights after for 30 minutes.

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 647

Monday, Nov. 29th:
Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 644

Black Friday: 6 miles on the elliptical
Thanksgiving: 6 miles on the elliptical
Wednesday 11/24: Total Body Small group training session

2010-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Did some hardcore interval training today!

Miles Run Today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 641

2010-11-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

My foot hurt me a lot this week, so I took it easy. I had my 2nd group training session today, which was actually a personal session because the other guy was on a business trip. It was great!

I love this:
9-5-2-1-0 Zip Code to Your Health.” On the back it broke down the zip code for kids.

9 – Get 9 hours of sleep each night.
5 – Eat 5 fruits and vegetables every day.
2 – No more than 2 hours of screen time a day.
1 – Exercise at least 1 hour each day.
0 – 0 sugary drinks!

2010-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Did 7 miles yesterday! had a slight nagging side sticker pretty much the entire time. Walked the last mile home, and had major intestinal problems all afternoon....uggh. But it was a beautiful Fall run!! Amazing weather!

chris and I did an Back and Arms P90X DVD video on Saturday and I did some more weights and abs this morning after a 20 minute elliptical work-out!

Miles Run Today: 7
Total Miles Run for 2010: 637

2010-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have 70 more miles to run by the end of the year if I want to reach my goal of 700 miles!! That's an average of 10 miles a week...which is totally do-able for me..buuutttt I'm not sure if I'll reach it.

Tomorrow I have my first small group training session for the next 8 weeks. One hour, total body conditioning 7:30-8:30 with me and about 4 other ladies. I'm super excited to learn some new things!!

Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 630

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Miles Run Today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 627

Monday, November 8, 2010
I had a weird annoying side sticker today...just wasn't feeling the run...I really did .5 miles but I want to get rid of this stupid .7 so .3 it is. Then I did elliptical for about 15 minutes.
Miles Run Today: .3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 623

2010-11-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Did 5 miles on the treadmill yesterday! It's been a looooong time since I've done that many miles on a treadmill...I'd say since last Feb. or March? But, now that's it's getting to the dark dreary months, it's time to get used to logging miles on a treadmill. This was surprisingly easy for me and I felt like I got a really great work out!

This morning I did level one and level two of Gillian Michaels' 30 day shred. I went to bed way too late last night, it's raining out today, and I have a bunch of running around to do this afternoon and I really didn't want to have to carry my backpack with me. Same thing for tomorrow...because I'm going to a show after work, I'm going to try and work out at home in the morning so I don't have my stupid gym bag.

I've decided my goal miles for the year will be 700....I want to make sure I get to 700 before January 1, 2011...I think I will easily hit that.

Miles Run "Yesterday": 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 622.7

2010-11-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Just did a one mile warm up before lifting weights and doing leg exercises.

Miles Run Today: 1
Total Miles Run for 2010: 617.7

Beautiful Fall Day!! Did my normal 5 miles run by my house, loved it and it even made my aching leg actually feel BETTER!

Miles Run Today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 616.7

2010-10-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Great day today!! Ran outside...wanted to do more than 4 miles, but really wanted to have time to do abs. So, ran 4 miles, then did 15-20 minutes of abs.
Miles Run Today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 611.7

Wednesday:
Ran for one mile, then did free weights and leg exercises for about 40 minutes.
Miles Run Today: 1
Total Miles Run for 2010: 607.7

Tuesday- I did 45 minutes of spinning..it was intense. But Brittany's Circus album got me through it!

2010-10-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Ran one mile, then did free weights and worked on arms and legs, then closed out with another one mile run.
Miles Run Today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 606.7

Friday, October 22, 2010
Miles Run Today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 604.7

30 Day Shred

2010-10-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Woa Folks...Gillian Michael's is kicking my BUTT. I am seriously so sore,and my calf muscles are super tense. Day 2 of level 1 and 2 of "The 30 day Shred" I don't know if I can do this again tomorrow because I'm so sore! I think I need a day to recuperate! Is that allowed? I'm not sure what to do!

I'm also STARVVVVING. Because it focuses on interval training, I def. feel my metabolism kicked up and my hunger is out of controoool. Trying to eat healthy, high protein things to keep me full. But feeling good!

Biking!

2010-10-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

I've been woefully inactive since the race. I'm embracing it and telling myself it's ok..but seriously, I need to get back into a routine now. I can't become lazy especially with the holidays and the "winter slump" coming up...not to mention my wedding dress fitting in January! I've decided for the remainder of the year, I will devote this blog to my "work-outs" and not focus soley on my runs or how many miles I did. I still plan on running and hope to adapt to running in the colder weather. But I realize just how good of a workout I can get doing other things, too.

This morning I FINALLY woke up early and did levels 1 and 2 of Gillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD. It was frickin fantastic! I was sweating so much and I can tell my metabolism is spiked because I'm so hungry today!! It felt great to get up even with it still being pitch black out, not have to rush to the gym and get my work out done at home. For 3 years straight, I went to the gym before work. Each night, I packed up my bag, packed breakfast AND lunch, got up the next morning and rushed to a 6:30am train. And....I'm just kind of done with it. I've been so embracing getting my work outs done at home. I can make breakfast on the fly and not spend time the night before packing up my gym bag. I just wish I had more equipment to get even better work outs. However, I do think I've decided it's time to cancel my gym membership, or at least put it on hold. I haven't gone there in about 2 months now!

In addition to this morning's work out: This past weekend I was home in PA and did some pretty awesome bike rides with my dad. Seriously, my dad NEEDS to create his own blog with all the best biking trails in our area. He knows all of them, the best time to go, how long they are, how hilly they are, etc., etc., etc. This weekend's weather was beautiful and perfect for a bike ride.
Sunday afternoon we rode in Walnutport

So gorgeous! We rode right along the water

Waterfalls

On my mom's fancy new bike!

All in all on this day, we completed 16.04 miles and rode for 1 hour and 33 minutes!!

On Monday we got up at 7am to go for another brisk Fall morning Bike ride before my dad headed out to work. We did another 11.5 miles in 54:22!! I felt this ride a lot more, there were more hills and since I already knew this trail...I felt more comfortable going at a faster pace.

I can't wait to try out some more bike trails with my Dad as he discovers more and more. I'm home again briefly this weekend, and hope I can get myself out of bed early enough on Saturday to do another ride!!

DIVA Half Marathon!!

2010-10-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

The weekend I had been training for for the past 12 weeks finally arrived! My dear friends Mandy, Kate and I ran the inaugural DIVA Half Marathon in Eisenhower Park on Long Island. I trained really hard up until the last 2 weeks. I got lazy for some reason, and found it hard to get up in the morning now that it's dark out! But, no matter what...that couldn't stop me from running what I signed up for months ago, trained really hard for 10 weeks, and paid $75 to do so! We met up on Saturday to get our race number, race t-shirt and score some freebies!

Afterward, we went back to our house with my parents where we had an "Around the World" meal prepared by Chris' mom of grape leaves, spring rolls, dumplings, and ZITI!! I was mostly excited for the ziti so I could get my carbo-load on before the big race. After dinner we three girls went for a walk to help digest a little bit, watched some tv, went in the hot tub to relax and all of us were in bed a little after midnight! Not too bad for a Saturday night!

At 6:00 Mandy's alarm went off our in our living room and I literally popped wide awake. My alarm hadn't even gone off yet, but I was up and ready to go! My anxious nerves kicked in immediately. We quickly got ready and went out to my car to drive to the park. It was freeeeezing and still rather dark outside.

When we got close to the park the traffic was terrible! It was backed up for what seemed like miles! (I was one of "those people" who drove up to the front and then cut in...yea...deal with it.)This was intimidating to be behind as we were waiting to park:

We finally parked and had about 20 minutes to get warmed up for the start. Lots of people were walking to the start line:

We took our places. We all heard that 4000 women were running but it apparently was only 2080. Still a good number, but it wasn't nearly as packed as I thought it was going to be, which was nice. What was miraculous was not only did the race start right on time..but we were pretty much right up front and started about 30 seconds after the race actually started!

Throughout the race a number of things crossed my mind. Firstly, I felt great. It was soooo cold that morning, but it actually was the perfect temp. in which to run a race. I had to take my brand new (thanks mama!) green running jacket off by mile 2, which proved a bit difficult since my number was pinned to it! Little lessons learned. But as soon as the race started, I could tell that I was going to be in the zone for this one.

I was glad that I took my electrolyte jelly beans before the race and I had one gu packet at about 6.5 miles. This was good for me and helped give me the energy I needed. I only took water from 3 water stations along the route...and that was in the last half. I didn't have any water until after 6 miles. If it was hot, I definitely would have needed more...but that was what I did during training and so that's what I did with the race. I didn't want to get bloated, or have water sloshing around in my stomach. Plus, I can't drink water and run at the same time and I didn't feel like stopping to drink water unless I really needed it. I looooved listening to my 175 beats per minute podcast. It's a 6.5 mile session and listening to it twice took me through the whole thing. It kept me on an even pace the entire time and definitely helped me achieve the time that I did. I'm addicted to these podcasts!

I got my feather boa and tiara a little before mile 12 and tried so hard to power through the last mile but my knees were hurting me so badly by then, it was really hard to concentrate on anything else. I usually stop to stretch my knee once or twice but they really didn't bother me until the last 3 miles and I figured at the point..I could just power through it. I put majooor strain on them doing this race, mainly because my quads aren't as strong as they should be. Next race, that has to be my main focus so I don't completely wreck my knees at the tender age of 25. I crossed the finish line at 2:03:36 but my official time was 2:03:06 because I didn't start immediately with the clock. My goal was 2:10 and I am so happy! This also give me a new goal: to break 2 hours! I can def. do it, I was so close!! Kate and Mandy both did amazingly well and I think it's safe to say that this will not be their last half marathon. They've both got the bug!


Mandy finishes!

After the race we were greeted by firefighters who handed us roses (and I got a hug from mine!) champagne (no thank you), our huge DIVA-esque medal (picture coming soon) and brown paper bags to fill with bagels, bananas, luna bars, popchips, wheat things, fruit bites, etc., etc. I downed my bagel and it was soooo amazing. We got our picture taken for our medals and then waited and waited for Chris and Billly to arrive.

Unfortunately, Chris and Billy had quite a bit of trouble finding where the race was. They actually walked about 4 miles of the actual half marathon trail in order to find us. It was a bummer...but we can't say they didn't try. And they got a nice morning walk in! Nick DID get there in time to see Kate finish, brought her a blanket to warm up, AND a Jelly doughnut. Major props to that kid!

All in all it was a successful day, we're all still feeling the repercussions of putting our bodies through that. My quads and knees really hurt, Kate has a huge blister on her foot, and Mandy is at Duane Reade getting a bandage for her foot as I type this. It's true we're DIVAS through and through, but hey! We just ran 13.2 miles...Booyah!!

We did it!!

I reached 600 miles for the year!
Miles Run Saturday: 13.2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 601.7

2010-09-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept. 26
This run was harrrd. clearly my quads are not where they should be. My buddy John who I always see out walking, was near my house walking and I welcomed the excuse to stop 1/2 mile from my house and chat with him for a bit. I'm bothered by the fact that it's not just that these 12 miles were tough...it's that it was really tough after 6 miles which is normally easy for me. My knees were really bothering me today and they haven't bothered me in months! Why now?? I had a nagging sidesticker...not enough to stop me completely, just uncomfortable, and I was just counting dowwwwwn the time for it to end after 6-7 miles. Luckily, this is my last long run before next weekend...one more long run and then this is overrrr!! I've enjoyed the process, but i'm anxious to get back to strengthening and toning.

Miles Run today: 12
Total Miles Run for 2010: 588.5

Saturday, Sept. 25
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 576.5

2010-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Still Slacking...BUT I had a great 9 mile run on Saturday before getting ready for the wedding. I didn't run yesterday and I didn't run this morning because I'm still recuperating from my lack of sleep over the weekend and didn't go to bed until 12:30 last night! I plan on pushing through this week with some good long runs, closing out with a 12 miler on Saturday or Sunday and then tapering off before the race in 2 weekends!! It's getting close, and I do feel ready. I just need to keep my head in the game for this last hard-core week.

Miles Run today: 9
Total Miles Run for 2010: 570.47

2010-09-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like this always happens to me in the last two weeks before a race. I get lazy. I think "well...I can't get much better by this point anyway..so what's the point? what's done is done!" Plus, it's sooo dark outside at 6:15 when I set my alarm..I think "I can't run in the dark!" But the race is 2 weeks away!! 2 weeks!! I HAVE to stay on target. I've done pretty well so far...just two more weeks of early morning runs and then I can switch over to some DVD's and get back to weight training.

I slept in this morning...again...and only had time for 3 miles, even though I was supposed to run for 55 minutes as my schedule told me. So I did 3 miles...I power-housed through the last half mile. It was HUMID this morning and I was dripping with sweat by the end of the run, which believe it or not, is pretty unusual for me. Anyway, tomorrow I am running for 2 hours, which should equal about 12 miles if I stay on pace. I need to do this by 10:00am because my friend is coming over at 11:00 to do my makeup for the wedding I'm going to and I'll need a good hour to shower and cool down before that. That means I have to be out the door by 8:00 tomorrow..can I do it?? The answer is: I have to.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 561.47

2010-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today I did my interval speed training. The same routine I did last week.
My times for each 1/2 mile fast run were as follows:

1. 3:33
2. 3:37
3. 3:39
4. 3:41
5. 4:11

so my first three were faster than ALL of my times last week, and my 4th one was exactly right where my first one was last week. I was surprised I knocked 8 seconds off my time for my first run! However, during the 4th run...my left hamstring was really bothering me. And, I could tell my legs were going to be reallly sore again, so I needed to take it easy for my last fast 1/2 mile. So...I just kind of jogged it out at my normal pace and came in at 4:11. All in all, I ran 3 miles this morning with warm up and cool down.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 558.47

2010-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

My legs were reallly sore after last Friday's run. I'm supposed to run 4 fast miles with a break in between this week...but honestly, I think I'd rather do the same routine I did last Friday again. I think I need to do more shorter sprints on my own, instead of on a treadmill before I move ahead to fast miles on my own. It's amazine what different muscles you use sprinting than from regular jogging. So, I didn't run on Saturday...but I was also in Vermont and didn't know where to run.

But even worse than that....I didn't run on Sunday. My long run :( It was cold and dreary by the time we came home on Sunday and I used that as an excuse to not run. Just like I used the dark, dreariness as an excuse not to run yesterday, too. Boooo, I've been bad. And after my amazing 10 mile run last weekend, I really wanted to have a repeat run like that again!!

I'm going to attempt 10 miles before I leave for the wedding I'm going to on Saturday. I have to get up at 8 if I want to do it, because I have a friend come over to do makeup at 11, so that's a little ambitious but I can do it!! I will!!!

This morning, I felt realllly refreshed. I was in bed before 11 last night, which NEVER happens lately and got a full 7 1/2 hours of sleep. Glorious!! Got up a little later than usual, but still fit in my 4.86 mile run.

Miles Run today: 4.86
Total Miles Run for 2010: 555.47

2010-09-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Crazy hard run this morning. I realized yesterday that I didn't do my interval training this week..so I had to do it this morning. I mapped out a street in the neighborhood across the street from me that's exactly .5 miles from start to finish. I had to do 5 fast 1/2 mile runs with a cooldown in between each one.

Here were my times for each 1/2 mile run. I realllly wanted my best one to be my last..but I couldn't do it. The first two were the fastest, for obvious reasons.

1. 3:41
2. 3:41
3. 3:46
4. 3:46
5. 3:51

This was HARD. It was the first time that I did an interval training on my own and NOT on a treadmill. Keeping up the pace was entirely up to me, and it is such a mind game to keep yourself going fast. I will def. be trying this one again next week to see if I can improve my time. It's also amazing the different muscles you use sprinting..my legs are extremely sore today!!

Miles Run today: 2.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 550.61

2010-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

So I thouuught I had been running 5 miles, but mapmyrun actually tells me it's 4.86 now. :( Close enough..but I'm going to keep an accurate count of miles and so below I am actually putting 4.86 miles for today. Call me Crazy...it's ok. LOVING this cooler weather :)

Miles Run today: 4.86
Total Miles Run for 2010: 548.11
<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ny/new-york/130127991211860268"&amp;gt;Morning 4.5 mile run&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ny/new-york"&amp;gt;Find more Runs in New York, New York&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>

2010-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Ran to a faster podcast this morning that I couldn't keep up with a few months ago. Did 5 miles in 46 minutes which is faster than my usual 10 minute mile pace. Great way to start the week!
Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 543.25

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Had the freaking best run of my entire life today. Got up early (8:30) was extremelllly well rested. The weather was perfect. I stopped ONCE at 5 miles to drink and have my gel packet but that was the only time I felt the need to stop. My knee didn't hurt, I didn't have to stop 1200 times to stretch it out. I listened to two podcasts back to back, I thought about wedding planning the whole time, and I was more than in the zone. I actually loveeed this run and may remember it for the rest of my life.The last mile was the toughest, but that's what makes me think it's so much in my head. I knew it was the last mile..and so mentally I was thinking "ok..this is over" so I was psyching myself out. I want to do this exact run next weekend ...I'm loving this cooler weather!

Miles Run today: 10
Total Miles Run for 2010: 538.25

2010-09-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

HOLY COW! We are one month out!! One month away from the big day!!

Me, Kate V, Mandy L., and Mal S. have been training hard for the half marathon on October 3rd. I will admit, I'm getting a little nervous, especially since I've missed TWO of my long runs now, but I'm so excited to run this particular race, and I'm very excited to share in the experience with three really awesome girlfriends.

I allllmost went back to bed this morning after getting up. Almost. But I knew that it was going to rain this afternoon and if I didn't do it now...it definitely wasn't going to happen. As usual, once I got out the door, I was grateful that I did. I had a good run...did some interval running with the help of my motiontaxx podcasts. I did the 3 miles that I was supposed to do on Wednesday.

I decided to do my long 1:45 run tomorrow morning (yikes! i'm nervous!!) and then 3 miles on Sunday and 5 miles on Monday. I hope with the wedding I'm going to this weekend I can fit this all in!

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 528.25

2010-09-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Took yesterday off...I seem to be taking my break days on Wednesdays instead of Fridays lately. I enjoy Friday runs and it's nice to get a day off in the middle of the week.

But I was back to the pavement this morning! I ran around the neighborhood...the weather has been great in the mornings..I just hate how much darker it's getting early on now! It's depressing but I LOVE Fall, so I really can't complain.

Today I did 50 minutes as instructed by my trusting training schedule! I used a new MotionTrax podcast to run to which kept me at 175 bpm the entire way. I was surprised that it was an easy pace for me, and it kept me right on target. I think this weekend when I run my 1:45 long run, I'm going to use this one plus the :43 minute upshift podcast I usually listen to, and that should be exactly the length of time I need to run! I'm so hoping I can get in a 3 mile run in the morning before Hurricane Early greets us in the early afternoon!

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 525.25

2010-08-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

Warmed up for .25 miles at 6.0 mph
Ran 1 mile at 6.8-7.3 mph
Cooled down walking for .25 miles
Ran 1 mile at 7.0-7.5 mph
Cooled down walking for .25 miles
Ran 1 mile at 7.0-7.8 mph
Cooled down walking for .26 miles.

All in all, traveled 4 miles.
Ran 3.25 miles.

Miles Run today: 3.25
Total Miles Run for 2010: 520.25

2010-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 30:
Today was my first run exploring the east side of the city near my new job and new gym. I wanted to run along the East River and see if I can get a new, steady path down in the city that I know I can do in the mornings. It took quite a few tries to try and get over there...I realized the only place I could actually enter was at 63rd street and York...All the others places were either complete misses (only a few feet long..more dog parks than anything), or completely locked up parks. I ran along the East River but there was zero shade, and I didn't wear my sunglasses so I was getting blinded. It was a good trial run and I have a much better idea of where to start off with running tomorrow..it was neat to explore a new part of the city. But, I do miss the park :( I ran for an hour..but stopped a lot along the way to try and figure out where to run and I walked at a few points and it was also very hilly!!! sooo I think I only did abou 5.5 miles today. If I'm feeling very ambitious, I may log another 3 miles tonight after work. But that's a big IF.
Miles Run today: 5.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 517

Saturday, August 28
Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 511.5

Friday, August 27
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 506.5

Thursday, August 26
Miles Run today: 2.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 503.5

I hit the 500 mark!

2010-08-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 24th
I was supposed to do interval training today: 4 fast 1/2 mile runs with a cool down in between each section. However, it took me an hour and a half to get into the city today. The LIRR is a mess this week because of a track fire near Jamaica station yesterday. I waited 20 minutes for a train this morning. I actually didn't mind that much because I was able to watch a full episode of Dexter and it's getting sooooo goood! But, I did have to modify my work-out. I did my 3 miles today that I'm supposed to do tomorrow...and tomorrow I'll do the interval trainig. I prob. could have fit it in today, but I wanted to be safe knowing that I can do a quick 3 miles and still get to work on time.
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 501

Monday, August 23rd
I didn't run my 9 miler for the 2nd weekend in a row. This is a problem. So, I did 6 on the treadmill this morning! Oy! It was really hot in the gym, but it was a good steady paced run, and I felt great afterward.

Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 498

Saturday, August 21
It was a lot hotter out than I thought it would be today, but it wasn't too bad. I also started out this run not so great...my legs felt weird, almost like I was getting shin splints and I also got a slight side sticker at the start. I guess that's what happens when you don't run for However, once I ran a mile it all started to fall into place and I felt back to my normal running self again. I felt like I could have run longer than my 6 today..but we had plans and I got a later start to my day than I wanted (per usual)
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 492

Tuesday, August 17
Interval training today! It went very well...these are intense!
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 486

2010-08-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today, Monday August 16, 2010
I was a slacker and didn't post for almost a week! But I remember my work outs:
I didn't run at all this weekend. I was supposed to do 90 minutes yesterday but I was in AC for the weekend, and had a 5 hour drive home yesterday. By the time I came home, I had so much to do to prep for my week, I just couldn't bring myself to run. Plus, a bad storm was heading my way. So, I compromised and ran 6 miles in Central Park this morning. I was looking forward to it, because it would be my last long run in the park before I started my new job and went to my new gym which isn't near the Park. So..it was one final harrah. It was MUGGGY out today. I was drenched way more than usual when I was done. But, i still did it in 60 minutes flat!
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 483

Friday, August 13, 2010
I love friday morning runs! I did my normal run that usually takes me 45 minutes or 4.5 miles..but I finished it in 40 minutes today..so now I'm wondering am I getting faster? or was I just slower before, and it's really 4 miles? I dunno, but I"m gonna put down for 4 miles.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 477

Thursday, August 12
I wanted to run 4 or 5 miles but I just wasn't feeling it after mile 3. Well..before mile 3 but I told myself to at least get to that. Then, I did 20 more minutes on the eliptical to make up for lost time.
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 473

Wednesday, August 11
Had jury duty today! Ran around the neighborhood when I came home, cause I didn't have time in the morning.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 470

2010-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I went to my new gym today for the first time!! Still a NYSC but over on the East Side now that I have my new job. This gym is MUCH more crowded than the one on Columbus that I used to go. On Columbus, I'd often be the ONLY person in the locker rooms in the morning getting ready. Now, this one was packed! Busy and bustling, but I didn't mind it. I think the locker room is nicer at my new gym. I think it's bigger, too....though it's hard to say. I wish it was a little brighter....I felt like it was pretty dim everywhere I went..and this was in the summer with lots of windows! I can't imagine how dark it's going to feel in the dead of winter. But whether I like it, or not, this is my new gym and I'm giong to embrace it. It was a welcome change of scenery and I'm excited to feel more comfortable here. I have many familiar faces at my old gym...some people I even talk to on an almost daily basis! But, I will have to bid them farewell and carry on...ce la vie.

My run today was intense. I ran 8 quarter mile hills at an incline ranging from 8-10 at 6.5 mph. By the 8th hill I was in one word DONE. I cooled down in between each hill walking for about .10 to .15 of a mile. All in all, I traveled 3.5 miles.
Miles Run today: 3.5

Total Miles Run for 2010: 470.5

2010-08-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

3 miles at the gym. I really wanted to do some abs and weights, so I cut this one short. I was going to run 6 miles to make up for not running yesterday. But, figured the weights are really important, too. Anyway, instead of running yesterday, I was all set to do a 9 mile bike ride. Instead, I got a major flat tire on my bike a mile and a half into it and had to walk back. Thank goodness Chris was with me. We strolled back weaving in and out of the neighborhoods and then we dropped our bikes off at the house and walked for another half hour or so. All Together, we were out for an hour and 10 minutes! Sooo surely that made up for the 30 minutes I was supposed to run.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 467

Saturday, August 7, 2010
This morning was beautiful. We woke up at 9:00 and I felt sooo refreshed and great after a relaxing Friday night at home. Chris went outside after we got up, came back in and said "You're doing your long run outside today." Sure enough, I went out and it was soooo gorgeous and perfect out I figured you know what, why not get it over with on Saturday and relax a little on Sunday? We didn't have any pressing plans, we were up early (for us) and all signs pointed to "yes". So at 10:15 I headed out for my long 90 minute run. I did my usual run to Alley Pond Park and then picked up the Brooklyn/Queens Parkway trail for a few miles. The last time I did a 90 minute run..I ran out this same way for 45 minutes, then turned around and came back, which was exactly what I planned to do today. But this time, when I got to the spot that I had turned around at last time, I still had another 10 minutes to go!! Did I run that much faster?? I certainly didn't feel like it. I felt really sluggish for the first 2 miles. So, I kept running another 10 minutes before I turned around. I had to stop and walk a few times during this run which kind of upset me, because usually I don't have to. I was having some stomach issues (perhaps from all the pizza I ate for dinner on Friday?), my knee was acting up as usual, and when I had to stop for a stop-light on the main road, I was sooo thankful. So, because of these stops...I decided to actually run 3 extra minutes to make up for some lost time. So today I ran for 93 minutes, or about 9 miles. In the last 3 minutes, I passed my old man friend who is out walking every day near me. I usually pass him on week day mornings, and he always gives me the thumbs up sign. Chris's mom thinks that he was a much heavier guy who had a heart attack a few years back and now walks every single day, no matter the weather, to stay fit. I saw him across the street when I was just about ready to give up. He smiled, gave me the thumbs up and shouted "You're looking great!! I'm serious!" and gosh darnit if that didn't keep me going for the last extra 3 minutes!!

Miles Run today: 9
Total Miles Run for 2010: 464

2010-08-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Friday night and I had to go home to run. It was an easy 3 miles, and it was actually good after the crazy week I had.
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 455

I had a side sticker for the first and last mile of this run. I ran after dinner, which was the first problem. BUT it was nice to have a night run for once.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 452

2010-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Did interval training yesterday. had a good 3.5 mile run. Didn't run today :( but getting up to run before our engagement pictures tomorrow!!

Miles Run today: 3.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 448

2010-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

OK, I was really bad this weekend. I hadn't run since THURSDAY!! I was supposed to take one day off this weekend and then do a 10K race (or 6.4 miles) on Sunday. But I was so busy this weekend and couldn't get my butt out the door yesterday morning. BUT!! I did an amaaaazing 11 mile bike ride with my dad on Saturday and I think that MORE than makes up for the 3 mile run that I was supposed to do. So...I really only missed my long Sunday run. To make up for that, I did 6 miles this morning in Central Park! It was a GREAT run...it had been a while since I had done the whole loop in Central Park and I needed a good Monday morning long run. I had a nagging side-sticker in the beginning, which was weird because I haven't had that in awhile. But, it went away pretty quickly and I was able to keep a pretty steady pace throughout the whole run. The 6 miles took me exactly 1 hour...which is pretty standard, but I was hoping that my speed had increased at least a little.

Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 444.5

2010-07-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

I was really sore yesterday from my intense run on Tuesday. Plus, I was out late Tuesday night and didn't have a chance to pack my gym bag..so I took Wednesday off from running. That means instead of having Friday as my break day this week...Wed. was my break day and I have to run tomorrow. I'm actually glad because for some reason, I LOVE Friday morning runs. There's something great about knowing it's the weekend and you're starting it off with a good run. I did some more interval running today...but not as intense and more gradual. I was only supposed to run 3 miles today and tomorrow but I was feeling good and went for 4.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 438.5

2010-07-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

I was itttching to do some hard interval training today. I was supposed to do another 7x400 hills but I just wanted to do some speed-work because I haven't done that in awhile and I read a blog post yesterday about how important HIIT is (high intensity interval training). Today, I warmed up at 6mph pace for 5 minutes, then I ran 1 minute at a 7.5-8.2 mph pace (I went up incrementally each time) with either a 1 or 1:30 minute rest in between walking at 4.3mph. At around 20 minutes, I did 30 second sprints at 8.2 mph with a 30 second walk at 4.0mph. Then at 25 minutes, I ran for 5 minutes at 6.3mph. At 30 minutes I had run/traveled exactly 3 miles...and then I walked to cool down for 5 minutes.

It was harrrrrd but really great. I feel like I really spiked my metabolism for the day.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 434.5

2010-07-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 26, 2010
3 easy miles in Central Park this morning. The humidity has FINALLY broken! It was nice to be back in CP again. Did free weights for 20 minutes after the run.
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 431.5

Sunday, July 25, 2010
Today BLEW! I was supposed to run for 90 minutes like last Sunday. This should equate to running roughly 9 miles. Well, it was really hot and rainy outside this evening..so I soon realized that this would HAVE to be done on the treadmill. My biggest mistake was that I stopped. I ran for 50 minutes (5 miles) and then decided to take a quick break..go refill my water bottle..and then I'd come back and finish out with 4 more miles. Well....coming back to it was NOT fun. I somehow managed to squeeze out another 2 miles after that, but my stomach was not having any more running beyond that. I could just tell that my gastro-intestinal system was screaming at me. (lovely right?) So, after 75 minutes of running...I was discouraged because I just had 15 MORE MINUTES to complete the workout. I decided to do 15 minutes on a stationary bike so I could at least say I did 90 minutes of cardio. But, I was only able to actually run 7 miles. Oh well, we can't always have on days. I think if I had been able to do this outside, I would have been better.
Miles Run today: 7
Total Miles Run for 2010: 428.5

Saturday, July 24, 2010
Went to the Gym...WAY too hot outside to run. Had a great 3 mile run followed by an hour of free weights/abs/legs.

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 421.5

2010-07-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

I enjoy running on Friday mornings. I think it's a great way to end the week, a great way to start the weekend and if I'm really tired..who cares? It's Friday! Had a great run this morning around the neighborhood.
Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 418.5

Wednesday July 21, 2010

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 414

Mallory Sweeney - Laura, to answer a question you had previously posted: generally, most runners I know log their total mileage for the day, including any warm-ups and walking (that's what we used to do for XC I think...). Sometimes, people will log miles run and then total miles including ones walked. Mainly though, it's good to keep track of all/total for your shoe wear...that way, you know LITERALLY how many miles are on your shoes and (besides the obvious feel!) it is easier to know when to get new ones!!
LOVE YOUUUU. Mandy and I ran today...can't wait to run with you!! I didn't do hills yest., just sprints...booo

2010-07-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today was my crazy hill run day! ahhh!!! My calves were SCREAMING at me this morning. I think that my 9 mile run from Sunday finally hit me today for the first time and this was just residual muscle soreness from that run. So today I did 7 hills at a 10 incline on the treadmill for .25 miles each with a walk at 4.0 mph in between each one. Meh....It was ok...it felt harder today than last week, prob. because I'm sore but I was very happy when this was over. So..this was mixed walking and running but all in all, I traveled 4 miles so I'm going to count it.

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 411

2010-07-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

After my long run last night, I wasn't feeling another 3 miler this morning...so I did one mile on the treadmill and then 20 minutes on the elliptical instead...still cross training, still fine. And, I know that I'll be back on the treadmill tomorrow for my hill work out.
Here's my workout for the week:
Tuesday: 7X400 hills
Wed: 3 miles plus weights
Thurs: 45 minute tempo run
Fri: rest
Sat: 3 miles
Sun: 90 minutes

Miles Run today: 1
Total Miles Run for 2010: 407

2010-07-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday night is the new Sunday morning! And by that I mean, running on Sunday evening was soooo fantastic and I may reserve my long Sunday runs for nightime instead of first thing in the morning . Chris and I both slept in till noon which I was pretty mad about. I did not want to sleep that late, but I guess we needed it. So, it was way too hot by then to go running outside and I did NOT want to do my 90 minutes run on a treadmill today. So, we went about our day (lunch with James and Maria, Despicable Me! which was soooo good, and grocery shopping) and then I set out for my run at 7:18. I thought that it would still be too hot and that I'd prob. just do an hour run and try and make up the miles throughout the week. But, something wonderful happened as I was running. I felt GREAT! I felt like I could run all night, the temperature was perfect and it was just a beautiful Sunday evening. I decided to keep running until I ran for 45 minutes and then turn around. That way...I'd have no choice but to run the whole 45 minutes back home and it would be my 90 minute run. Before I even realized it, I had run an hour. I would be lying if I said I did't look at my watch every 30 seconds during the last 10 minutes of the run. But, for most of it, I was feeling fantastic. I'm so so so happy that I did the full 90 minutes I was supposed to and I'm also really glad I did it at night because even though I slept 10 hours last night, I am sooooo ready to just pass out right now.

Happy after my first long run of my training!

Miles Run today: 9
Total Miles Run for 2010: 406

Saturday July 17, 2010:
Did a nice 3 mile run on the treadmill at the gym....I watched "cooking for Real" and learned how to make empanadas and chicken and cheese stuffed potatoes. OMG the empanadas looked sooo good and I bought everything I need to make them this week! After my run, I did weight/abs/legs for another hour. It was a fantastic day at the gym!
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 397

2010-07-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Running on 5 hours of sleep is NOT fun. I got home late last night from a Sting Concert at the Met (amaaazing) and went to bed at 1am. I was supposed to get up and meet my coworker to go running in the city with her this morning. Luckily, she texted me around 6:20 saying that she didn't get much sleep and wasn't going to be able to meet me. "YES!!" this was my out!!!! But Chris's alarm clock kept going off and I was laying there in bed going over and over in my head "should I run? should I run it tomorrow? but I wanted a day off tomorrow...should I run tonight? No..I can't run tonight...should I get up?" Finally, I said this is ridiculous, I'm obviously not falling back asleep so I got up and sludged (is that a word?) through a 4 mile run around the neighborhood. I almost gave up around mile 3 but I persevered. Luckily, the humidity wasn't too bad either. I'm realllly happy I got up this morning despite being tired. Having the pressure of training and knowing that your friends are training, too hanging over your head is the perfect motivation that I need and was lacking for the past 2 months!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 398

2010-07-14T10:13:00.003-07:00

Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 394

2010-07-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

PHEW today was HARD! I was over-zealous with my hill run and learned real quick that running hills is a lot harder than I thought it would be. On my agenda for today was to run 6 400 meter hills with an equal distance walk in between each hill repeat. Honestly, I thought today was going to be pretty easy...6 hill repeats..in, out, done. I was WRONG!

I warmed up with a run at 6 mph for one mile. Then after a mile, I set the treadmill to an incline of 10 and put the mph at 7.0!!! What was I thinking?? I ran it for prob. 2 minutes before I realized there was NO WAY I was going to keep that up. I lowered it to 6.8....6.5...and finally settled on 6.3 as I finished out the 400 meters (or .25 miles) that I was intended to run at this incline.Then I walked for another 400 meters at 4.0mph. The next hill repeat, I set the treadmill at an incline of 10 again and went right to 6.3mph. This was much better buuuut realllly hard. I was able to run the full 400 meters but had to hold onto the handrails on the treadmill (a bad habit that I have even when I run normally...I seriously CAN'T run without holding onto the treadmill..it's like a fear or a safety that I have when on the treadmill). But I realize that holding on, especially with the hill repeats, was cheating because I was using my arm to pull me along. Today, I was just concerned about actualy getting through these hill repeats no matter how I had to do it. Hopefully as I do more of these, I won't have to hold on, today: it was a must. As I said before, this was significantly harder than I thought it would be but I like it! It was a great mind over body challenge. As I'm reading Marathon Woman right now about the first female Boston marathoner, I'm realizing that I need to challenge myself more and that half of what limits me, is just in my head.

I'm conflicted as to whether or not I should write 4 miles, or 2 1/2 miles because I walked a lot of today's run for my cool-down in-between each hill repeat. But all in all....I was on the treadmill for about 50 minutes, sweating like K-R-A-Z-Y and it was a damn good workout. So, I'm going to put myself down for 4 miles today.

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 391

When keeping track of miles? Do you include any walking?? What about during speed training when you walk in between speed drills? Do you include that mileage?? I don't know!

Half Marathon Training Begins!

2010-07-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today starts my 12 week training program for the October 3rd Half-Marathon!! I'm sooo excited to be back to some sort of regime, though I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy kicking back for the past 2 months and just running as I felt like it...which...was still about 3 times a week typically. But, it's time for me to get back on track with this. Mandy has now signed up for the race as well so me, Mandy and Mal are all in this together and it's very motivating! I was supposed to run 3 miles this morning, but the loop in Central Park that I run is 1.7 miles so I just did that twice and ran back to the gym for a total of 3.5 miles to kick off my trainig! After that, I did a ton of free weights and leg excercises. I was sweating like a bandshee this morning!
Miles Run today: 3.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 387
Here is my training schedule for the rest of July (but you can click on the arrows to see the full 12 week schedule):

Saturday I went for a run with Ben and his mom on the Cape!! It was sooo nice. His mom joined us for the first 3 miles, which was all Ben and I planned on doing. However, after 3 miles, we felt good and felt we could do one more mile. Well, 2 miles later we got back to his parent's cape house just as the sun was coming out and it was getting HOT!! Ben hopped right into the pool...I decided to shower first before doing that. I hate going in the pool with clothes on..I needed my swim suit! It was really beautiful running through these neighborhoods, and I'm so glad we made ourselves go out. Some of the houses were amazing and along the marina or on the water. It was so peaceful and serene, and I can't even imagine what it must be like to live in such a peaceful, calm, beautiful place. I felt like I was truly on vacation, running and all!

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 383.5

2010-07-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Monday 7.5.10
I was sooo bloated and gross from the weekend. I could NOT run, plus it was on a treadmill because it was too hot outside and I just wasn't feeling it. I gave up at 2 miles, did the elliptical for another 20 minute and then the stair-master for 5 minutes.

Miles Run today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 378.5

On Saturday I did the 6 mile Trek to the gym that I was so excited about. It didn't exactly go as planned though. I left the house at 10:00, but it was just starting to really heat up at that point. After about 40 minutes, I really just didn't feel well. My knee was fine, I didn't have a sidesticker..but dehydration was really kicking in. I even brought my coconut water with me leftover from the Corporate challenge run and I was sipping that the whole way! Buuut I also sort of wonder if the coconut water was just a little too much for my stomach to handle in the heat? Cauuuse I felt a pain that I honestly very rarely feel when running. Sooo rather than make myself miserable, I walked the last 1 1/2 to 2 miles to the gym, which was still a fabulous, sweaty workout! But, as a result..I'm only going to put 4 miles down for running today, even though I was all psyched to do 6 :(.
BUT it was a great trail and I'm def. going to make sure I master this 6 mile trek as soon as possible!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 376.5

mapmyrun.com

2010-07-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

i am SO EXCITEDDDDD!!! I didn't run today..BOOOO BUT I really want to get in some great workouts this weekend and I needed to feel excited about my run. So, this morning I thought "I wonder how far away my gym is from the house?" So I came in, went to mapmyrun.com and mapped out a back-road run from my house to the gym and it's exactly 6 miles!! That's perfect! I can run to the gym, do some weight lifting and run back if I'm feeling incredibly inspired, or have Chris pick me up and take me home (which is far more likely an option). I'm so excited by this and can't wait to try out the route tomorrow!!

check out my route:

<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ny/new-york/233127808289774551"&amp;gt;Backroad Run to the Gym2&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ny/new-york"&amp;gt;Find more Runs in New York, New York&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>

2010-06-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Ran in Central Park with Meghan this morning. I was feeling sluggish again, but it was still a good run and it was GORGEOUS outside today.

Lifted weights for half an hour after:
Regular arm curls            12 10Lb.       3 sets of 12
tricep over the head         10LB.           3 sets of 12
Back work on ball            5 LB.           3 sets of 12
arm raise on ball              10 LB.          3 sets of 12
push ups                         body weight   3 sets of 12

Side plank on extended arm, 20 seconds on each side, 2 sets.

What I decided today: I'M WEAK!

Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 372.5

2010-06-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have good news! I finnallly signed up!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You are confirmed as a registrant for the 2010 Divas Half Marathon™ or Girl's 5K! Congratulations for making the commitment to participate in the Diva’s Half Marathon! Have you thought about how you're going to train for it? We have teamed up with Active.com coaches to provide online training plans for our race. The available 12 week programs range from beginner to advanced and from runners to walkers. Included with your training plan is an online calendar, reporting tools and calculators, a mapping tool, daily emails, and much more! Preview the plan that is right for you by clicking here.

My official training for this race will begin July 12th. So I have 1 1/2 more weeks to do my own thang. I was sooooo comfortable in bed this morning. I seriously could not move. The pillows were perfectly positioned, the sheets were perfectly placed on me...it was glorious. Buuut I finally got myself out of bed in time to at least allow myself to run for 1/2 an hour. It was a nice morning, too!! So...just 3 miles for me today.
Miles Run today: 3
Total Miles Run for 2010: 368

2010-06-25T10:43:00.001-07:00

Ran around the neighborhood today.....on a FRIDAY! WAHOO!! Great run, it was a beautiful morning!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 365

2010-06-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ran with Meghan again this morning! We ran along the Hudson River, which I've never run before! It was such a nice change of scenery and I seriously felt like I was on vacation at the beach and didn't have to go into work in 2 hours! Unfortunately, I was realll sluggish this morning for some reason, I hope I didn't hold Meghan back too much! At least there was the occasional nice breeze off the water. It was really humid out and I just didn't know if I could run the full hour...so I ran 45 minutes (which is pretty much what I'm used to running these days) and then had to take a break. We were fairly close to where we were going to split off anyway, so I told her to just go on ahead and I'd see her at work later. I walked/recovered for 2 minutes and then ran another half mile to round out my run today at 5 miles plus 48 steps that I ran up leading to the road from the River. I had hoped to do 6 miles...but I'm just fine with 5 and happy I have some new options when doing my morning runs!

I also decided that I'm going to register for the DIVA Half marathon in October this coming weekend (when I have a new Credit Card billing period because it's $75!!!!!) But that will be the only way I will be able to stay motivated with running plus, I'll finally be able to run a half marathon with Mal since I bailed on her this past April. I'm going to create my 12 week training schedule this week...I think that would begin in 2 weeks already!!

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 361

2010-06-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 21, 2010- First day of Summer!
Ran after work today around Bellerose and it was actually quite nice!! I did the same path that I run in the mornings and it took me 45 minutes. I came home to an amazing, delicious cheese stuff hamburger that Chris' brother made on the grill and it was divine!
Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 356

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
.5 mile warm up in the morning when I lifted weights and then a 3 1/2 mile JP Corporate Challenge run in Central Park= 4 miles total.
I am so happy with my time for the race!! I ran with my coworker Katie the whole time and we kept each other going and motiviated. It was really humid and there was no air at some points, but all in all..it was a pretty easy trail and I'm extremely happy with my timing of 32:48!!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 351.5

Thanks Meghan!

2010-06-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

You know it's bad when the people who work at AND attend the gym in the morning see you after a month hiatus and go "where the heck have you been?!?!" At least it's nice to know that I was missed and that it didn't go unnoticed. But it was also slightly embarrassing because there are a small handful of us that are at the gym every morning at the same time...and we just get used to seeing each other in our daily routines. So, now all those people know that I've been a slacker while they've been slaving away working out every morning. They feel abandoned, betrayed, let down....actually they don't care, but I did have to explain myself to some!

I took about a month and a half hiatus from the gym for a few reasons.
1. I got lazy
2. Now that it's light out earlier in the morning...I can do my runs by my house and not have to lug my huge backpack into work.
3. It's cooler from 6:30-7:30 (when I run at home) rather than from 7:30-8:30 (when I run in the city) soooo I'd like to get the run in earlier rather than later.

But today I had plans to meet and run with my friend Meghan at the entrance to Central Park at Columbus Circle and boy did I need this extra boost of motivation!! I actually missed my earlier train ride in (which is less crowded and much quicker), the weather was gorgeous and running in central park is so much prettier than the trail I take out by my house. Soooo thanks to Meghan kicking me into gear, I feel back in the game. Hopefully we can make this a little Tuesday morning ritual for us! Plus...for some reason, I have more time when I run in the city and I was able to get in a fabulous ab workout afterward. Then, I weighed myself on the scale in the locker room and though it's higher than I want it to be...it was less than the last time I weighed myself and I really thought it was going to be more. So, those things combined make for a very happy Laura today.

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 347.5

2010-06-10T14:28:00.001-07:00

Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 343.5

2010-06-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Did the same run today that I did yesterday, just a little modified to make it longer. For the second day I passed this cute little old man power walking. As I passed him both days he gets a huuuge smile and gives me two thumbs up. I think I could get used to this daily dose of "You can do it!" from this cute, little, old stranger! It's been absolutely gorgeous running weather this week. I never want it to end! (the weather not the week)
Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 339

2010-06-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to establish "my morning trail" in my neighborhood...I really want to have a defined running trail with a clear beginning, middle, and end rather than just running aimlessly for 45 minutes. I like knowing "ok..this is the halfway point..and I know what lies ahead of me" I ran 22 minutes out over to the Brooklyn/Queens Parkway, but for some reason it went so much rather coming back and I was home sooner than I wanted to be..so I just kind of weaved in and out of the streets by our house for 5 minutes. I'll plan accordingly to that for tomorrow's run, but all in all I liked this better than my run on Friday.

Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 334.5

2010-06-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ran 4 miles!! WAHOO!!! I don't know if it's that I didn't run for a week or the heat..but this run was a bit ROUGH!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 330

WW Points today:
Cereal: 4
Cheese: 3
Apricots: 2

weight watchers calculator

2010-06-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't been running this is so bad!! i will start up again, I will start up again!

Ok I'm hard core gonna get back to weight watchers for the summer.
I am allowed 20 points a day with 35 flex points per week. This week, I will save my flex points for Saturday, because I am going to a picnic. This is a lifesaver. With all the ways you are able to get points for food online..there is no reason to pay weight watchers anymore for their materials!

http://www.calculatorcat.com/free_calculators/weight_watchers_calculator.phtml

Today:
Breakfast:
6 apricots- 1 point
kashi bar- 2 points

Lunch:
Cereal 1 cup honey clusters- 2.5 points
milk- 2 points
cheese- 3 points

Dinner:
Salad-

2010-05-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ran in Central Park again....really wanted to do the whole 6 mile loop...but I guess that was too ambitious for this morning. It was pretty humid, and by the 5th mile, my stomach was really not feeling well from dehydration, so I walked the last 6th mile back to the gym. Oh well...still a pretty good Tues. morning run.

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 326

2010-05-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 23, 2010
On a whim...ran 9 miles today!! Ran 2 miles out to the Brooklyn Queens Parkway...ran 2 1/2 miles out, turned around and came back! Pretty good run all around, glad I went!

Miles Run today: 9
Total Miles Run for 2010: 321

2010-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ran at home today before coming into work!I didn't have time/didn't feel like packing my backpack last night. Plus I'm working at an event at the NY Public library tonight and didn't want to have my big backpack with me. It's finally sunny and warm enough out in the am's for me to have my morning runs at home! It felt really great! I was totally ready to do 5 miles..but my stomach got really grumbly after 45 minutes and I just couldn't do anymore. So 4.5 miles for me!

Miles Run today: 4.5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 312

Diva's Half Marathon

2010-05-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm really thinking of doing this race: http://www.runlikeadiva.com/Divas_Half_Marathon.htm

It's on October 3rd and it's women only. They give you tutus, pink necklaces, and tiaras while you run it...real girly I know.
It's close to me out on the Island, I actually passed this park on Sunday with Chris and remarked how nice it looked.
It's $70.00 to register!! That would be the most I've paid to race....and that's a lot of $, but I kind of don't want to put a price on my health and motivation because that's so much more important in the long run, so though $70 is a lot, I kind of don't care.

I'm trying to get Mal to do it with me, and maybe if we're lucky Mandy will join back in with us this time!?

2010-05-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

I was soooo tired and sooo comfortable when I woke up today. I'm always exceptionally tired in the mornings during weeks where I have my special "once a month friend". But I'm proud of myself for still forcing myself out of bed and once I got there, had a GREAT workout. I kind of wanted to switch things up today...so I ran one mile on the treadmill, did one mile (ten minutes) on the eliptical and then ran another mile on the treadmill for a total of a 3 mile workout or 30 minutes. I'm only putting 2 miles down here because that's how much I actually ran. I'm really incorporating weights and abs back into my routine and I feel so much more rounded out with my workout routines.

2 things that annoyed me today:
1. This woman kept ridiculously coughing in the locker room as she was preparing to shower and change. Like, hacking up a lung, continuously. It was so disturbing to listen to, and since we were all getting ready in such tight quarters it just made me feel dirty and sicky.

2. There is a girl who I saw yesterday and again today who is a BEAST when she works out. I mean this girl WORKS IT, she burns those calories. Anyway..the reason I know this is because she sweats more than any person I've ever seen sweat before. I mean she is literallllly dripping from head to toe. Yesterday she was doing abs on the mat and it looked like she had just gotten out of the shower she was drenched all over. Is it just that she sweats more than the average person or is she really working that hard? She was on the stairmaster today and hunched over trucking it up those steps..she was continuously dripping from her chin all over the machine for a good solid 10 minutes. The worst part: She didn't wipe it down after she was done!!! If you're going to be a crazy sweat machine, at least wipe it down! This poor woman who wanted to use the machine after her had to take a towel and compleeetely wipe down the entire wet machine before using it. DISGUSTING! Seriously??: Learn some manners.

Miles Run today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 307.5

2010-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Monday May 10, 2010
The Treadmill groaner was back today!! Seriously, what is his deal?? I was so annoyed...here I am, minding my own business, running on the treadmill watching my beloved morning TV (GMA and TODAY) and every minute or so I get distracted by this loud grunting, groaning, beast of a man...."SIR!! If you have to groan that much while running YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG!!"
Anyway..it was a gorgeous morning out, and I really would have loved to run outside. However, I waited 15 minutes for a stupid subway after getting to Penn Station and got to the gym later than I wanted to and I really wanted to make sure I fit in some abs today. It's so amazing how much a difference 15 or even 10 or ever 5 minutes make in the morning. So alas, the treadmill it was.
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 305.5

Saturday, May 8, 2010
I'M OVER 300 MILES!! I need to up my mileage again...I made it to 200 miles so quickly..and just to get another 100 took me almost 2 months. I had a great outdoor run this morning. The kind of run that I hope I can get in every Saturday. I ran around Queens....kind of exploring and trying to get a sense of what I want "My run" to be ya know? I had a 4.7 loop in Astoria that Ben and I had figured out last year when we would go running and it was perfect. Took us from Broadway over to Ditmars, down through the Astoria Park and back up to our apt. on Broadway. that was "my run"...but I've been just running wherever the wind takes me around Queens, which is really nice...but I like to know where my "end" is. I like to know what I have in store for me before I head out. Especially...on a day like today where I totallllly face planted on the sidewalk. I hope this is my "3 times I'm DONE" fall because this is the third time I've fallen running on sidewalk and have come away with some battle wounds. This particular fall left my right knee scraped, my left elbow scraped and a small scrape on my left knee as well. (Add those to the nice bump on my head from standing up from the fridge when the freezer door was open and I'm QUITE the mess this morning) I'm very careful when I run around here...I know the sidewalk is often uneven so I'm always looking down and ahead of me....today I started thinking about something for 1 MINUTE and down I go. But that's the zone I WANT to get in. I love when I can just get into my mind and I don't even realize I'm running...then it's not hard work. So I shouldn't have to constantly worry about tripping. So...I think I'm going to start running in the street. If I stick to side roads, there aren't many calls and it will just be honestly...safer for me. I also ran over to the Brkyln Queens Parkway which was about 2 miles...so if I ever want to do a 6-10 mile run...I can run there and back and then just do a few miles on the parkway.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 301.5

Thursday, May 6, 2010
Good run on the treadmill today. Anxious to get back out in the sunny springtime again!
Miles Run today: 4.25
Total Miles Run for 2010: 295.5

2010-05-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Great interval run today!!
Miles Run today: 4.25
Total Miles Run for 2010: 291.25

Tuesday May 11, 2010:
Did a Spinning video today on the bike.
Miles on the Spinner: 12 miles/43 minutes/500 calories

2010-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back!!!! I took about 2 weeks off for various reasons. It was interesting..it was nice to have a break, and not worry about fitting in running every day. But I have to say I do think that I just didn't feel as "good" in the past two weeks. I felt slightly anxious, run down and not as productive and I think that it's because running and/or working out really does make me feel that much better Chris forced me out of bed yesterday to go for a run because he knew that I really wanted to, and that I was just being lazy and putting it off. I was annoyed at first...but by the time I came back I gave him a huge sweaty hug and thanked him for getting me out the door because I felt great!
I want to get to over 300 miles this week.

Today I ran 4 miles on the treadmill
Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 287

Ran around the neighborhood for 40 minutes. Mapped it out on mapmyrun.com and as I figured, it was 4 miles.

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 283

I didn't do it:

2010-04-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Welp...I didn't run the half marathon for a few reasons. I will explain as soon as I can. But here is my current mile count:.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Miles Run today: .75
Total Miles Run for 2010: 279

Miles Run today: 2
Total Miles Run for 2010: 278.25

2010-04-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

5 days till Half Marathon!!!

Ran around Melissa's neighborhood today. I didn't want to stray too far because I dont know my way around, but it was a nice run. I ran for 10 minutes, with her dog Geno, then put him back cause he was lagging behind and then I got him again for the last 5 minutes. It was very different running with a dog.

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 276.25

Discovered the Brooklyn/Queens Parkway today!!! So much to say about it (will finish this later)
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 272.25

Ran around my neighborhood for an hour. Up and down, up and down each long street by our house/apt/basement/whatever it is we live in.
Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 261.25

2010-04-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 255.25

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 250.25

2010-04-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is why I love my dear friend Mallory:

"Hey buddy you need to know you are def. a great runner and I am so proud of you! I read your blog entry and I don't want you to be nervous etc. I am so nervous because even in high school the pressure of actually "run" day killed me a lot. Anyway I am so proud of you....I think you are a really good runner, you are in excellent shape, and you eat way healthier than I do. so you def. have lots of advantages and I guess I just wanted to say I'm so proud of you! love you xoxoxo"

<3
Whenever I get discouraged or worry that I can't do the race...I'll reread this!

2010-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm getting so close!! Only one week and 4 days!! I don't know how I feel about it. I'm excited...especially because my parents will be here to meet me at the end this year! I'm nervous...I'm nervous that I won't get a better time than last year, or even that I'll get the same time...because the goal after all is to always strive for improvement. I'm nervous I'm going to trail so far behind Mal that I'll feel discouraged...even though I know going into it that she is a much better and faster runner than me. I'm nervous that I'm going to get so little sleep the night before because the Duni's are throwing a party at their house. But really...right now I mostly feel indifferent. I am excited for the pressure of training to be over, however I'm nervous that I'm going to slack off...because I already feel myself starting to slack. I have consistently been running for the past 3 1/2 months. What will it all be for if I don't keep up with it?? I know that I will continue to run, because the bottom line is that I actually LIKE to run...it'll just be nice to have a few other options (my 30 day shred video, my Total Body Conditioning classes, spinning in my mornings). I'm also anxious to plan accordingly to get back to weight lifting so I can tone my arms a little bit before Mandy's wedding.

My biggest concern right now is finding a 12 mile trail to run this weekend. I've been doing my long runs at home for the past FOUR weeks now...and we have a great 5.5 mile loop near my house that's perfect for training. But this weekend I'll actually be in NY and need to find a place to run. The obvious place would be Central Park...but I really don't want to have to come into the city again on Sunday (I'm coming in to work an event on Saturday night already) AND ANNNNNDDDD the LIRR isn't running to the city this weekend from my house because of track work being done, so it's doubly hard to get in and out of the city.
I'm gonna miss these good old cement kilns that I pass on my trail in PA:

Anyway, onto today's run: I'm still sore from Sunday...my legs are just a little bit tight. I was supposed to do 5 miles today, but I was on the treadmill cause it was kind of crummy and cold outside, plus I've been having total GMA and Today Show withdrawal lately. I ended up doing some speed training runs, partly to keep things interesting, partly because it's easier to speed train on a treadmill and I figured I'll prob. be back outside tomorrow, and partly because I wanted to mess with my metabolism since I've gained back the 2 pounds I *thought I lost. So perhaps I'll do some speed training outside again tomorrow, but I will def. be doing 5 miles to make up for not doing the full 5 today. Plus, it's supposed to be gorgeous tomorrow!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 245.25

Sunday, April 11, 2010
I have lots to say about today's run: OK so today I got to run with Ben and Mal which was a real treat for me. We had been out at a bar until 1:30ish last night, went to bed at 2:30 and got up at 8:30 to run. I was NOT looking forward to this. Anyway, I was pumped to run with the two of them on the gorgeous Ironton Rail Trail that I've come to know and love over the past few weeks. I think it was within the first mile where I said "I'm running with REAL RUNNERS!!!! I feel like a real runner!!!" Well, I kept up with them fine in the beginning, but I slowly started to trail juuuust behind them. Which...in all honesty was better for me anyway because I could kind of get in my "zone" and run "with" them but not "with" them, and not feel pressured to talk which I just cannot do while running. However...my good old friend the Side Sticker crept in, (and I didn't even eat breakfast!!) and I had to take a quick break to monitor my breathing. Well that was it for me...just a 20 second break to breath put me far enough behind that I just couldn't catch up. I ran at a reasonable distance behind them for the rest of the loop...about another 3 miles or so. They were the carrots dangling in front of me to keep me going though..and even though I felt like I was running at snails pace compared to them...I actually was keeping really great time. They doubled back to me for the last mile of the first loop (mile 4.5 to 5.5) and we ran that to the end together. Then we stopped real quick while I downed some water and had a gu packet and we were on our way again. The second loop was pretty much like the first. I started out strong with them..and then slowly started to trail behind. I was at a reasonable distance until halfway through around mile 3 or 2.5 (really 8 to 9.5). At that point, my knee started to hurt and I suddenly realized that I hadn't stopped to stretch my right knee once throughout the run, and I usually have to do that around mile 6. It started to feel really tight and I thought I really had to stop and stretch it out. So..I stopped to take care of that and before I knew it, Ben and Mal weren't even in site in front of me.

At that point..I had a little over 2 miles left and I just figured..just get the heck through this. I put on Beyonce's "I am Sasha Fierce" and finished out in my own little world. It was perfect that the very last song as I rounded the last half mile was "All the Single Ladies" which is just great to run to! They doubled back again to meet me for the very last 2 minutes of the run.

I really wasn't discouraged today. Because...for me, it's about finishing it and I KNOW that 11 miles is impressive and the mere fact that I did it and that I'll do it again is great! BUT I can't help but feel a little disheartened that I couldn't keep up. My body just wasn't built to be a great runner (and I eat too much food)..but I'm very grateful that I can run and that I still did this entire 11 mile run in 1 hour and 45 minutes...with stops!! I have one more long run this weekend before the actual race...so I think it'll be a good "get in my zone" run by myself this Sunday.

I know why I couldn't keep up with them though. At one point I said:
"Maan I realllly shouldn't have had that diet coke and greek salad at the bar last night" At least I keep my sense of humor through long runs!!

I was probably more tired Sunday night that I have been in a LOOOONG Time...Chris and I went in the Hot Tub when we got back to NY which was glorious..but between the lack of sleep from my exciting weekend, my 11 mile run, sitting in a car for 4 hours then the hot tub..I was pretty much a vegetable. I face-planted into bed by 10:30 and slept like a BRICK.

Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 241.25

2010-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how something that throws your day off course or something that you're so used to doing or having every day suddenly changes, throws you off course, and then happens to be for the better.

For instance..today I forgot a hair tie to put my hair back for a run. Thank GOD I brought my Met Opera hat because I was able to put it through the hole in the back of the hat with some bobby pins. I really really REALLY didn't want to wash my hair today but I thought I might have to because I had sweat so much during my run and my hair was matted down from the hat. However...I played around with the bobby pins and was able to quickly do a quick little french twist today that looks so cute!! I'll def. being doing this hairdo again soon, especially on days I have to run and don't have time after to fix my hair. This was something I never would have tried had I just had my regular old pony tail holder and done the same thing I always do.

Crummy example..but here's a better one: I was really, truly, 100% dreading running today. I was exhausted, I was falling asleep on the train on the way in, my stomach was bleh, I'm still having this pain on my right side, and then on top of it all..my ipod died as soon as I went to start my run!!! I contemplated running on the treadmill so I could watch the morning TV that I know and love so well...but it was just too nice outside not to run in central park and I really wanted to try and do the full 6 miles loop today. So, I ran it without any music or my running podcasts...just me, and the sounds of Central Park (which are actually quite nice!).

I ran the full 6 miles in 56 minutes!! That's 4 minutes faster than my usual 10 minute mile pace that I just can't seem to break. When I did this same run last week with my MotionTraxx podcast...it took me a little over a full hour to complete, which perplexed me. I think that this particular podcast I've been running to is actually slowing me down!!! I think in an effort to make sure that I'm staying on the beat..I've actually been taking shorter strides. Today I was able to set my own pace depending on how I was feeling and depending on my current terrain. Central Park is hilly...So if I slowed down a little going uphill, I could easily increase my pace going downhill to make up for any lost time. These podcasts are also designed for an average person of 150 pounds..which presumably is someone taller than me, and with a larger stride to begin with. So, the stats that he gives for each episode, are a bit different for me. What I learned today is that there is a constant give and take to running. It's great to be able to keep an even keel pace, especially during a long run...but it's the ebb and flow of pacing and stride that will ultimately be how I'm able to shorten my time in any long distance racing.

I really don't think there is any way I'm going to knock 11 minutes off my time from last year. I went into this hoping I can do the half marathon in 2 hours. As long as it's better than last year's 2:11, I'll be happy. I feel much more prepared this year, particularly for outdoor running and the terrain, so I think that will work in my favor. I also need to make sure I take less and/or shorter breaks (for water and stretching out my right knee, though they both will have to happen at some point). But, all in all I'm so excited for the 25th. I feel like I'm just beginning to lose some steam and the longer runs are starting to take a bigger toll on me. I have a bad shin splint in my left leg, which I'm not sure HOW I got, and my right side pain is soooo annoying. But, I have to remind myself that I'm sooo close to the race, I've kept up this training schedule for the past 3 months straight, and that I've learned a LOT about running, my body and myself in the past year.

Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 230.25 (I gotta get this damn .25 outta here)

2010-04-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I overslept this morning. I WILL RUN TONIGHT!! I WILL!!

Tuesday April 6, 2010
Ran in the park..beautiful morning. Still having my sidesticker pain. Passed a girl that I work with on my run which was funny. We may run together some mornings when I'm not being crazy about my training.

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 224.25

2010-04-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 4, 2010.

Ok..this run was 10 times better than last week's run, but the first 5 miles were killer. I had a side sticker again, I was very dehydrated, and my left leg felt like I was getting shin splints for the first 2 miles. I almost started crying at one point because I was so frustrated. The ENTIRE first 5 miles all I could think about was how I didn't think I could do the full 11. I was going to just stop at 5 and do the 11 tomorrow. But once I got done with the first loop 5.5 miles..I took a quick break, drank a bit of water and took a gu and thought "ok..I think I can do another loop" and you know what? It was so much better than the first loop and not so bad.

My stomach was pretty messed up for the rest of the day. It was reacting very well to anything I was eating but I also was eating a LOT because it was Easter and my mom made such good food!! My stomach was still messed up today (Monday) I think from the run. I'm glad that I don't throw up when I run...but I def. feel bad aftermath after runs. I need to take some more gu or elektrolyte jelly beans before my runs now that they are longer than 10 miles. I'm nervous that I won't have time to do my run next weekend being home w/ the boys. I'm hoping Ben may run with me.
Miles Run today: 11
Total Miles Run for 2010: 219.25

Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wanted to run around the neighborhoods by my house. So ran what I thought was 3 miles out and then back. I came back home and went on mapmyrun.com to double check how many miles I ran....exactly 6 miles!! Unfortunately, I had to stop and walk a few times on this run...this permanent side sticker is just NOT leaving. VERY annoying.

Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 208.25

2010-04-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Did a speed run today. 9x400 meters at 8.0mph with a cool down in between each one....I broke 200 miles for the year!! 200 miles in 3 mo...so I'm averaging 66.66 miles a month, wahoo!

Miles Run today: 4
Total Miles Run for 2010: 202.25

2010-03-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

You think I would have learned from my mistakes on Sunday but NOOOOO. Laura had to go and eat 3 chocolate chip cookies last night (they were home-made, a new recipe, and AMAZING...can you blame me???) Buuut wow did my stomach hurt this morning. I felt awful coming into the city for the gym. I did 5 miles...it was alright. It's pouring out today so I was back on the treadmill, which I kind of loathe now, running outside in beautiful spring weather is so much more fun! But it's supposed to be sunny and 60 tomorrow and gorgeous the rest of the week so I'm excited to get back out and running in central park!! My quads still really hurt from Sunday's run. BUT I do have to say that my stomach feels much better now that the run is over. I think I would have felt fat and bloated all day if I didn't work out this morning. Sooo I
MUST limit my cookie intake tonight. This is a lesson to me!

Miles Run today: 5
Total Miles Run for 2010: 198.25

Sunday, March 27, 2010:
3 words: Worst.Run.Ever. and I was so mad because it was my first time running with my half-marathon partner-in-crime Mal! I had been reading on running message boards that if you run for longer than an hour, you should eat something before the run to help sustain you throughout the entire thing. Well...it didn't work out so well for me last week when I ran..I had a cramp for the first half and it ESPECIALLY didn't work out for me this week. I had a piece of toast with peanut butter on it as soon as I woke up on Sunday, which was 45 minutes before I actually started running. I got a stomach cramp almost immediately after I started running and burped up peanut butter for 6 of the 10 miles. My body can't digest its food while running at the same time...it's just not that smart. It's like patting your head while rubbing your stomach...some people can do it..some can't. My body clearly can't do two things at one time. Finally by mile 2, I just told Mal to go ahead and I was gonna try and walk it off. The next 8 miles I did on my own (with Mal not even a speck in front of me, she eventually got a mile ahead of me!). From mile 2-5.5 I jogged at a pretty easy pace, just keeping my side sticker at bay and pacing myself. When I got to 5.5 I took a short1 to 2 minute break...I had to stretch out my right knee, which always starts killing me halfway through a run, and I drank half a bottle of Gatorade (I had forgotten my gu!). Then, with 5 miles left, I put on my 5 miles running podcast that I've pretty much been listening to for every run I do because it starts at a great 6mph pace and works up to a 7mph pace. The second half of my run was MUCH better for me. I think I "breaked" a total of 3 or 4 times during the 10 miles for various reasons: knee hurting, stomach cramp, various other pains. But every time I broke..I walked in a circle around the same spot I stopped...because I wanted to actually run a full 10 miles...not run/walk it. I got to the end..but holy cow that was a rough one. My legs are still killing me today and it's 2 days later! I met up with Mal at the end, who had a nice long time to rest due to my slow tempo, but it was still nice to begin with her and drive home with her....I forget how solitary running can be sometimes. We'll prob. run together 1 or 2 more times before the big day!

Things I learned due to this run:
1. I CANNOT share a plate of nachos and drink a glass of beer at 10:00 at night the night before a big run. I think this was a HUGE factor in my overall performance. aaaa duh!
2. I was really excited to run with Mal, but I've never had to talk while running before, and I wasn't very good at it. I think I kind of need to stay quiet and get in my zone while running. BUT I should get better at talking while running so I can at least run with friends SOMETIMES.
3. I can't eat anything before a run. period. I may try eating some electrolyte jelly beans before my run this weekend. I did eat those last year before the half marathon and didn't have a problem with that. But peanut butter/orange juice (Gives me heartburn)/ hard boiled egg/toast are OUT.

Miles Run today: 10
Total Miles Run for 2010: 193.25

2010-03-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Wow...I've never run that much before work before. I wanted to see if I could run the entire 6 mile loop in central park this morning. Let me tell you, running 5 miles in the am is one thing...running 6 miles in the am..is entirely another. I was really shaky and weak this morning. I felt better after lunch..but I had severe heartburn, my quads hurt and I was exhausted. But I did half of the half marathon!! And if it wasn't for my quads and knee hurting so much..I could have kept going. BUT I def. have a long way to go in training before April 25th.

Miles Run today: 6
Total Miles Run for 2010: 183.25

2010-03-24T08:36:00.001-07:00

I did some speed runs...7 .25 runs at about 7.8 or 8 mph. with a cool down jog in between each one. I slept in today and didn't get to the gym until after 8:00 so I had to really do an abbreviated run...I hope I can run outside again tomorrow!!

Miles Run today: 3.25
Total Miles Run for 2010: 177.25

Yesterday I span for 12 miles or 40 minutes. It was cold out and I didn't feel like running on the treadmill.