I'm a Graphic Designer, I guess

I've been thinking a lot about my career the past months. It usually stems from cramming in time to draw, lamenting over how I'm not good enough yet, wondering how I can make it all work, what blog I can start to showcase my yet to be revealed talent, how I want to write more, etc etc etc.

The other day, I thought about design. Like the fifth or seventh kid of an over-crowded family, it hasn't been getting much attention lately. And, well, my parents paid a lot of money for me to go to school for 5 years for it. And I've been doing it for about 11 years...maybe I should look again at this career of mine.


I began thinking about what I really like to do in design, benchmarking those thoughts and feelings off of what I really like to do with drawing. A bit how they compare:

1. I like clever ideas/subjects with drawing  ---  I suck at anything clever with design. No really, I despise coming up with concepts and very much enjoy the work-horse part of projects over conceptualizing.

2. I like silly subjects with drawing  ---  There is nothing silly in design. Unless you get to use an illustrator.

3. I like to use color, form, space, texture and especially line weights in my drawings to communicate and get things just how I want them to be  ---  I took color, form, and space in college for design.

4. I like to organize things a LOT...charts, tables, clean and clear layouts...think of a redesign of a voting ballot. That's weird. It's the most non-glamorous design job out there. But I think it's important and needed.  ---  There isn't much organizing in illustration except with files. However I do notice I work very systematically, which is probably because of my design roots, and which could probably be pretty helpful for an illustration career.

5. I am not an artist as much as I am a communicator.  ---  I am not an artist as much as I am a communicator.

6. I feel my self and uniqueness and true me come out through what I draw.  ---  There is nothing of me in my designs. I'm not sure if this is just the nature of the trade or if I'm doing it wrong or I am just bad or if it even matters. I just really enjoy projecting myself the way drawing allows. I feel like I'm contributing rather than just being another monkey.


Then there's the partner thing. I'm stuck with a controlling, moody partner. I regret ever having done this partnership, except that, well, you always learn from your mistakes. However, I don't know how to get out of it.

Money is always a motivator, unfortunately. We make good money. I like that, but know that I am not afraid to take a pay cut. I am not sure what would happen if I were to leave. I think I'd lose out and it would be bad for me. So, the only thing I can think of to do is work part time and make my fortunes elsewhere.

This has been consuming me for quite a while. But I finally think I have some ideas on what I want to do. I still need to learn how one makes a living in illustration. That is a mystery to me.

Dec 4th

This morning I ran...despite feeling pretty terrible this morning after a horrible night's sleep. Last night I rode for 45 minutes on my bike on the indoor trainer. That was fun, kinda. It's just so not outside, nor a spinning set up. But I'll make it work, it's calories. Didn't do yoga tonight, so I'll have to do it tomorrow so my back doesn't suffer.

I have a silly notion to loose 5 pounds before my birthday. We'll see!

It's December

Yep, the last month of the year. I am optimistic it might be a good one!

I'm trying to do something every single day of this month. Not running, necessarily, because I'm finding that is a bit lofty of a goal for me, which is fine. I'm trying to alternate running with strength. I think that's a great goal.

Dec 1st I did nothing. I have a little cold, more effecting the energy levels rather than the chest or nose so far. I rested a bunch.

Dec 2nd I ran 3 miles. It started off great! And then, well, I have a cold... I faded fast :)  But I am glad I got out there.

Dec 3rd. That's today. I woke up feeling awful. I slept like crap - restless and nauseating headache. But now that I'm at work, up and moving, I feel a little better. So hopefully this 70 DEGREE DAY HOLY CRAP I can get out for a walk and do some strength.

Fuel

Today I went to Fuel with Greg for the car gathering. I had their home made biscuit and sausage gravy along with my latte. It was the best I've ever had.

We walked around and I observed everyone chatting about cars. One man arrived in a Pantera and was immediately heckled by his friends/peers as he climbed out of the car. Another guy arrived on a motorcycle, doing a wheelie right as he was in front of Fuel, for all to see. His bike was...I don't know what it was. It looked like a bunch of bikes had been pieced together to make his. We talked with a New Zealander about his new Subaru, which he really really loves. I was astonished by how much comparison information he was full of, talking about all the types and engine sizes and tuning you can do, wheel sizes, HP, etc etc etc.

People are so fascinating, with their interests and knowledge of what they are interested in. I love moments like this, when I can reflect on aspects of people.

I took a picture of an MG, that I simply found cute. Since I got the water colors out the other day, I've been wanting to play around with them more. I would like to draw it on the beach, maybe with a beach babe next to it. :) That one would be about colors. Then I'd also like to draw it with giant stuffed animals somehow. That one would be from my quirky illustration head and because it's a cute car.

Oh and I look forward to running in the warm weather today. Even though I think I'm getting a cold.

It's Almost December

It's been a slow time getting back on the running horse. I tried to not beat myself up too much about it over Thanksgiving. Just tried to enjoy myself, and have a relaxing holiday. But the truth is I just feel better when I exercise, so I'm not so sure I did myself much of a favor :)

I ran Monday for the first time in a long time. It was cold, and my lungs hurt very bad. But, that will just take a few runs and I'll be more used to it. I wanted to run today but chickened out. Then, as I could only expect, work got carried away and I am still at the office at 5:45 with a dark sky waiting for me outside. Soooo maybe some abs tonight. How many times do I need to tell myself that the morning is the only time? Instead of thinking I'm going to somehow be able to pull off an afternoon run, I need to look at it as if I don't run now, I'm not running today kind of thing.

C has been working off-site all week. It's only Wednesday and I feel like it should be Friday. The days are really long without her here. I have been very productive though.

In between productivity, I've been perusing illustration sites. I feel very inferior and dumb in my pursuits. What the hell am I doing? It's almost the end of the year, and I am not so sure what I have to show for it. I feel like something has got to change with this; I'm at a cross-roads with my dream. I have tried to squeeze drawing in here and there. I have a meager website up that I won't even announce to people yet because I'm not sure it's good enough. The only thing I seem to be doing right is putting sketches on facebook and getting "likes" from all my friends/ acquaintances. (That word has a C in front of the Q - that took me forever how to figure out how to spell!).

I really think I have potential. But I don't know for what. I'm completely overwhelmed with the ideas I have that I am not able to even try because there just isn't enough time in the damn day. All I read is to get better you have to draw draw draw draw, and I can't even seem to draw.

Truth is, I might not be talented enough anyway. But, I feel I might also be very talented. I'm thinking I'm tired of waiting and wondering and I just need to fucking do this. I feel like I can do this my way and it's going to be different from the "just another artist trying to make money" thing. There are so many unsuccessful, super talented artists out there, which is really hard to stomach.

I'm rambling.

Putting stuff on facebook has shown me a couple things:
1.  People like looking at drawings. (Maybe it's because its from their friend/aCquaintance, or maybe it's because they have a reaction to them - not sure but it seems that it's enjoyable for people.)
2.  People don't see drawings unless they are looking on facebook or other sought out places on the internet. I spend a LOT of time looking at art all day. But I bet people who see and 'like' my stuff do not in fact spend time looking for illustrations on the internet.
3.  My drawings on facebook are unsolicited by the facebook audience. I do them and throw them on there. However, they all still look at them. One person even told me he looked forward to seeing them. !!!!!!!!  That is not something I ever thought possible.
4.  There's something to all of this.........I just haven't figured it out yet.
5.  I clearly want people to see my work. There is a HUGE boost from knowing people saw it, liked it, or made a comment on it. HUGE. Sometimes it makes me so happy all I do is look at the names who liked it for a while. Maybe I'm assigning too much value to their 'like.'
6.  The only other thing I can figure out about illustration and how to get work is exposure. There are way too many talented people out there for it to be based on that alone. But that is where I go back to the "do it my way" idea and believe I am unique and can really do this...this...something.

So what would get me exposure? Maybe that's what I need to focus on?

I've said I wanted to be the next Dr. Seuss.

I'm really really really frustrated. I mean, so much that I feel like I either need to figure out illustration or give it up altogether. I'm sure I'm not the first person out there to feel this way.

So in summary, I need to shit or get off the pot, become famous, and make people happy by making awesome drawings for them. Somehow.

A Quick Way to Loose 5 Pounds

So yesterday I spinned and it was great! And then I ate lunch.... And then...I had food poisoning!

I had my business partner's lentil soup for lunch. It was chock full of curry and I originally thought that it was the curry that wasn't agreeing with me. I had been mildly sick from curry burgers in the past. But...and this is too much detail probably...the diarrhea soon turned to water...and then I was shivering...and that's when I was pretty sure I had food poisoning.

I was stuck at work. I missed a charity bowling even and a dinner with friends. Greg picked me up, as I couldn't drive. We waited for a bit before leaving, to time it so I wouldn't be puking in the car. I had a nice round in the bathroom on the toilet and while holding the trash can (multi-tasking is so great when you're sick).  I was so weak I started choking on my vomit because it just wasn't coming up well. That was scary as shit.

After that, I had Greg pack up my stuff and we made it to the car. The drive home was nerve wracking. We made it home in time for me to run to the bathroom for some toilet time, but I refused to puke again. I got up as quickly as possible and got horizontal in bed. I was so cold. My stomach hurt so bad. That is why food poisoning is worse than the flu; there is a large amount of pain involved. I was shaking and couldn't get warm. I tried to sleep, as I was exhausted. But I kept being woken up by the nausea. I had one more bathroom stint, again, trying very hard to not puke, and then I slept for maybe an hour while Greg went to get himself some food.

When Greg got home I felt like I was probably not going to puke anymore...but every time I moved that safe feeling went away. So I just laid in bed, sipped some coke and water, and tried not to move.

This morning I woke up very dehydrated of course, and had a headache. I took some Advil and drank water like crazy, as I was pretty certain I wouldn't be throwing it up or having it come out the other way anymore.

After a hot shower and a piece of toast with strawberry jelly on it, I am not at work again. I'm weak, dizzy and slightly nauseous. I have to get stuff out to some clients. If possible I'm going to make it a half day.

Food poisoning is terrible. But I think I got off easy this time.

Spinning Allowed Today

So LA Fitness bought Urban Active and now LA Fitness doesn't have me in their files. I was told "they're working on it" again this morning. Hell I don't care as long as they keep letting me spin.

Spinning! Yay! It's now a 55 minute class under LA Fitness. Fine by me, but it was noticeable today! We did intervals...and honestly I don't even remember what they were. Some increasing surges and seated climbs and standing climbs with surges... it just felt like we were all over the place.

I wore the heart rate monitor. It was interesting. I don't know if there is something wrong with me or if people's bodies can just be really really different. It is sooo easy, and common, for my heart rate to be above 170. I made it get to 180 once in class. During hard pushes, especially on hills, it was at 178/179. Now, it does drop fast. But, based on my age and general heart rate calculations, my max heart rate is 185. 70% is 129. 85% is 157. 90% would be 167. Um....I'm usually at near max. 97%ish.

So what does this mean? It sounds like all of my work is anaerobic.

It's something that's been in the back of my head for a while. I've checked my heart rate on treadmills before. Usually I'm around 182 or 185 when pushing. So is that bad? I'm NEVER at 160. I can't possibly push less.

Today I wanted to check out the biking side of it, since I know I'm always maxed out when running. I wondered if it was just running, or other cardiovascular. I certainly am not at 178 the entire class, while I bet with running I'm at 180 the entire time.

I guess I'll look a little more into this and also go running with the heart rate monitor for comparison.

Watchless Wednesday

I decided to run sans watch this morning. Just wanted it to be by feel. But dammit if I don't get disappointed as I'm running because I'm sure that I'm running faster than I have been...and if only I could know how fast...

So maybe every Wednesday I just don't wear the damn GPS. In fact, maybe I only wear the GPS for a speedy midweek run and for a weekend long run, when I need to stay on pace. Maybe less watch and more effort is better. I know I'm a broken record about watches and pace.

I am also wondering if running every other day is better for my body. I felt great today! And I hadn't ran since Sunday. I did yoga last night but wasn't sore from it (finally). I'm adopting that schedule for a while and we'll see how it goes.

Another boring running post logged.

Treadmill Running - first of the season

Saturday we drove to Cleveland for Greg's cousin's wedding. It was a long, bumpy trip. My car has oil in a couple cylinders and needs a new valve cover seal, so we didn't take it. It's not crazy nice or anything, but just more comfy for long trips. The miata is fun. I love it. But for a longish trip across northern ohio roads, it's terrible. We blasted Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me podcasts on the way up and a comedy channel on Pandora on the way back. Talking in the car is a tiring shouting game.

The wedding was a lot of fun. It was HUGE...something like 400 people. We visited with family and drank Great Lakes Christmas Ale that one of the bars at the reception had on tap. Awesome!

Sunday morning I got up early, as usual, and headed down to the hotel gym while Greg snoozed. I ran 3 miles while watching VH1's One Hit Wonders: 1986 Prom Edition. It was nothing short of terrible. However, I did end with Club Nuveau's Lean On Me, which wasn't a bad song, as the bpm fit my cadence. The run was decent. I started slow and kept upping the 'mill's speed in order to just get it done. I never got too winded so that was nice.

Today I'm resting. Maybe will hop on the bike tonight, but we have to fix my car too, so that might be the entire evening. Maybe I should just focus on weights. Tomorrow is going to be tricky. It's election day, I have a 9:00 meeting downtown, I'm crazy busy with work, and then there's yoga. Maybe I'll have to run at lunch. Yep, I'll plan on that.

A Good Start

I got up and ran this morning. It wasn't easy. I didn't sleep well. I didn't feel well. But running makes me feel better, so I did it anyway.

And it was a terrific run! I went what felt easy, and the first mile went by in 9:47. I didn't expect that to last because I was having some serious asthma issues. I was wheezing on the exhale and inhale. My throat was tight. I had to think about breathing a lot. I stopped at the half way point, convincing myself this was ok, to catch my breath. After all this was just the second run after the marathon and I spinned hard yesterday and had tight hammies.

On the way back, I watched as my pace dropped. I thought the hill would really end it, but somehow it didn't either. I quickened my steps and huffed up it. I tried my best to smooth out my stride in the last half mile.

My average pace dropped from 9:47 to 9:38 by the end. And my splits were: 9:47, 9:42 and ...9:26! That was with an uphill (and yes a slight downhill in the end).  But I am super happy that I pulled those paces off without really trying, and having not run in so long.

It is very encouraging. :) :)  And now I think I'm going to start making some little goals.

Next goal:  run 3 miles with all miles under 9:40 pace. 

Season Change

Ah it's that time of year again...when the temperatures drop (perhaps drastically) and the mornings and evenings are dark. I struggle through it every single year: how to work out when it's dark and cold in the morning and dark and slightly warmer in the evening. I must figure it out. It's barely November. There are many days ahead...

Some ideas!

1. HTFU.
Always a good mantra for most situation, harden the f up and pretend like it's not actually 20-whatever degrees, windy and cold. Or, at least just don't dwell on it. Get the warm stuff on and go. It's not going to kill you.

2. Change Workout Time to Lunch.
I could conceivably run at lunch. Right now I have a gym just down the street, but that only lasts until the end of the year. I could still just run and deal with sweatiness by taking a spit bath at the office. I could turn the other bathroom into a more workable getting ready bathroom. By doing this, I could just get up and go to work earlier. But, it involves packing a bag every day, which I kinda despise (not sure why).

3. Change Workout Time to After Work.
I don't run well after work. I am in wind-down mode, or go hang out with friends mode. The only successful runs I've had after work were because I absolutely had to do them...and they were usually not after most people's work...I have the flexibility to leave early and run at say 3:30. If I could make that work every day, it would just entail getting up early so my hours would shift.

4. Stop Running in Winter.
Not an option to stop running.


So...those are my options. And now the pros and cons for all.

1. HTFU.
- PRO: It's simple. Just do it, it really isn't a big deal. Don't think about it.
- CON: I might get to work a little later than normal, but that's OK.
- PRO: The workout is done right away and no chance for it to be side-tracked later with work or tiredness.
- CON: I hate being cold and the house is so cold in the morning.
- CON: Stuck running around my neighborhood only.

2. Lunch Workout
- PRO: Can just get up and go to work early.
- CON: Showering and then working out later without a shower is weird. I'd have to shower in the morning because I wouldn't be able to shower at lunch. Getting ready and then getting stinky and having to get ready again is kind of dumb.
- PRO: Breaks up the day. Could make the days longer at work, but I like being home as much as I am.
- CON: Work gets in the way, as do lunch plans. I'm trying to make more lunch plans because I'm so lonely. I don't know that I'd want to have such long lunches every day (running, changing then food that isn't convenient around here, though I could pack).

3. After Work.
PRO: Can get up and do my day without lateness or interruption. This is like a rest day, I already know it's a nice schedule...except....
CON: I'd be worried about getting my workout in all day. What if I have to work late? What if something after work comes up that's fun?
CON: I want to do yoga and strength in the evenings. That'd be a lot of evening stuff to try to fit in.


Soooo, the results? I'm kind of glad I wrote all this out! It is a lot easier to think about now. It looks like #1 HTFU is the way to go. I just need to get up and deal with the weather. I'm happiest after running in the morning. And a plan to make it happen will indeed shift my schedule slightly. But here's an idea. I could get up early and draw! Have a piece of fruit, draw, take care of the dogs. Then, when I'm awake and it's light out, I could go for the run. Then go to work. Then, I'm getting in some drawing time also! (which has been a really hard thing for me to do recently). Also, I could sprinkle in a lunch run on days I work from home, and I could drive to Sharon Woods or something. It doesn't have to be rigid. But I think for the most consistency, I need to plan on mornings for the core of my runs.


A possible schedule. I'm beginning to feel a wee bit obsessive about all this, but I just need to write it out/work through it - I've got goals, dammit! :)

Sunday: rest
Monday: 3 miles a.m.
Tuesday: 3 miles a.m. / yoga p.m.
Wednesday: 5 miles a.m. or at lunch?
Thursday: spinning / strength p.m.
Friday: 3 miles a.m. or rest
Saturday: 6 - 10 miles a.m. / lifting a.m.

Ambitious schedule perhaps. I'll give it a shot. It's only 20 - 24 miles a week. One rest day, one cross-training day. I got really good at consistency with the marathon training. This shouldn't be too hard with a little more dedication!

Plan this week

There will be wind and rain this week, but hopefully I can still sneak in some short miles.

Saturday I ran 1.5 miles...the first run since the marathon. It went fine. My pace ended up being 10:15. My legs felt tight and stiff, but I wasn't surprised. I didn't run Sunday. I hope to maybe run tonight before it's dark? Unless it's raining sideways. Not sure what kind of fringe rain we'll have from hurricane Sandy. I know gusts are up to 45 mph.

The rest of the week I want to alternate running with strength. Maybe it will look something like this:

Monday: 2 miles
Tuesday: strength and yoga
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: strength/abs and spinning
Friday: 8-9 miles
Saturday: 2 miles
Sunday: rest or run in Cleveland...we'll see...

Yep 8-9 miles for Friday. If I'd like to do the redemption run, aka Mason Half, I need to do something long. Maybe 6 would even be enough. I'll see how I feel/how it goes. It is going to be hard because we have to leave for Cleveland early Saturday morning, so there won't be time to really run then.

Back to...something!

Wednesday I went on a successful walk at Sharon Woods with J. It was a very slow walk, but there was no limping or joint pain! Hurray! It was good for both of us, as J was sore from all of the traipsing all over Columbus they did.

And Thursday...was...SPINNING!! I hadn't seen Erin in so long. It was nice to catch up with her. And, crazy Melanie, our instructor who had a baby like 5 days ago, was back for her first class teaching again. Really, she had the baby like maybe 6 weeks ago? She must have popped it out and then hopped on a bike to teach a class to the staff at the hospital. Whatever the minimum is, that must be what she took as time off. Crazy-fit-woman. Love her.

The class was all intervals of 15-15-15 or 30-30-30 where we added two gears and then either sprinted or did jumps for that last 15 or 30. It was a great class to get back into it. There was a small amount of recovery, which was nice. It went really really well. I was surprised. My legs didn't hurt much at all. And of course spinning is easy on the joints, so that was good. Also, maybe the third or fourth song in was Gangnam Style. It was so awesome...I almost started crying thinking about the marathon and seeing our fantastic cheering crew dancing, especially when we saw them at mile 25.

After spinning, I went to Sharon Woods again to walk and take pictures of fall. That park is so damn beautiful in the fall. I could have spent the entire day there. It was warm, and slightly breezy. The leaves were constantly falling off the trees in a lazy, peaceful manner. And the colors - all the gold and browns and oranges...Spectacular.

It felt really good to do something cardio again. I'm a little surprised by how anxious I am to get back to running. Maybe it was because the marathon didn't go as planned so I'm anxious to "prove" something. I thought I'd just want to do nothing for a couple weeks. But I am having a hard time making myself not run. It's kind of a nice feeling. I'm excited and motivated to start working again and look forward to improving more. I know I can.

Resting

The rest continues. It's day 2 after the marathon and I'm finally able to walk without zombie-like jerks or limping. Woohoo! I also was able to move around in bed comfortably last night, though I woke up at 3:30 and didn't get back to sleep until some time after 5.

I'm happy my body is starting to recover!

And then...I was thinking about the Mason half marathon this morning... (teehee).  I am not committing to it, but I thought about how it could be a nice "redemption run".  I'm still not disappointed with the marathon or anything. But it could be fun to try again to see what I could do with all of that hard work we did for 22 weeks!

We shall see. For now it's walking walking walking in this wonderful fall weather!

Columbus marathon race report

Well...we finished.

We had a much faster race in us, but it just didn't work out on marathon day. That's kind of a difficult thing to stomach when you've spent so much time training and knew a better race could have/should have happened. But at the same time, that was also a nice thing to remember. The training was real and good. And improvement was marked. Those accomplishments don't change just because of the race not lining up for us on the day.

The beginning of the race was super. We easily clicked along at 10:30 - 10:25 pace. My breathing was effortless. Everything felt pretty good, though I can't say I felt really ready for the race. I was tired and felt heavy/sluggish. I also was having a hard time concentrating on running. But I figured if we could hold that pace, we'd be set up pretty well for making it around 4:30. Our spectators were awesome. Shawn, Greg and Jannelle had a boombox and were dancing Gangnam Style when we saw them. It was so fun - everyone loved them. I was relieved they were having so much fun and helping to make  the day great for so many people.

Somewhere in German Village, my knee started hurting. I kept finding the flattest parts of the road to not put extra strain on it. It was a very faint "hey...I'm here" kind of hurt. I was worried though. By mile 13, it was a full on, debilitating hurt, like the way it hurt at the end of our first 20 miles. I was really mad. Why now? I expected it at mile 20 and I was fully prepared to suffer for 6.2 miles. But at the half? My mind was yelling at me: you can't limp for 13 miles. So then I just decided to ignore it. I thought, the pain is here, but there's nothing I can do about it except pretend it's not, so let's see if that works. It didn't really work. I stopped to stretch, and while stretching felt good, it didn't help the knee. Grimacing and wincing, my pace slowed. I was so mad and disappointed. And I was upset to slow down Casey and Jenny. I resolved that I'd walk every water stop, but that wasn't enough. I tried different shuffling/running strides to try to make my knee loosen up, but it never did. There were just waves of it hurting more at some times than others. On top of that, I had a weird nausea thing happen. My jaw and neck tightened up as if I was going to throw up. I shuffled along wide-eyed, thinking about what it would be like to vomit in front of all the people along the course. Then my stomach cramped and I tooted a bit...and totally thought I did more than toot. Ug. Soon after that, my hip tightened up, from all of the limping/odd running stride I had taken on thanks to my knee.

Meanwhile, Casey's chest cold started to wreak havoc on his breathing. He had to stop to walk to catch his breath, and it just got worse. I imagine there was a lot of pain and uncomfortable struggle to breathe properly. And I can't imagine what it was like trying to run 26.2 miles with that cold! I wish he had been able to go into the marathon feeling a lot better than he did.

And so we continued our slow trek to the finish line :)  I remember wanting to drop out. I remember also thinking that there was no way I could go another mile back at mile 13 but realizing I had made it 3 more at mile 16. And what finally brought me to my senses was the thought of crossing the finish line. Eventually we started playing the running walking game. Let's run to that stoplight. Ok now let's walk to that traffic cone...  This got us through a couple of miles. Then we saw Shawn, Greg and Jannelle around mile 25. Shawn ran with us, carrying the boombox blaring Gangnam Style. That lifted spirits a lot. But we still had to stop before the final half mile. I think we ran the entire final half...I remember getting to 26. Only 2 more minutes... :)

Thankfully the final stretch is downhill and lined with people. My name was still sticking to the front of my shirt in medical tape and quite a few people yelled it. They sounded so genuine...I think people do have a sense of what the 5 hour plus marathoners are going through! We shuffled our way down the hill at what felt like a decent clip and finished in 5 hours and 21 minutes. That was way off my 4:30 goal and slower than my first marathon that I was less prepared for. But. We finished a marathon. That's a huge accomplishment!

I am in more pain now than I've ever been in post any race. I can't walk far before I start limping. Everything in my legs hurts. But I'm sure it will get better soon. I'm hoping to spin Thursday...easy. I was hoping to convince Jannelle to walk with me tomorrow instead of yoga but I'm not even sure I'll be able to do that, which is crazy. This race really beat me up.

Casey, me and Jenny...the marathon finishers!

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But of course, because I'm me, I'm already thinking about what's next.

I thought I'd want to do the Pig in the spring. I feel like I'm in such great shape right now and thought I'd just keep it up. I do...but in a different way. This race has kinda made me want to work on some other running things rather than distance right now. I'm not saying I'll never do another marathon. But I want to get faster right now. That's what has been so fun. Throughout the 22 weeks, I have gotten quite a bit faster. Figuring out the asthma was huge, as was my calf knots. I didn't really work on speed during the marathon training. I worked on consistency, and that in turn made me a better runner who got faster. Well...now it's time for some work on speed within that consistency. I'd like to see what I can do. Maybe even race some people :) I am so competitive...I'd LOVE to be able to be competitive doing something I love!

So...first rest rest rest. The remainder of the week will be trying to be able to walk again. And then hopefully spinning easy on Thursday followed by more walking.

Next week I'll see about running a mile. I don't want to injure myself like I did after my first marathon. It took a few months to get back to it after that which was horrible. I'll try a mile and see how that goes. Then make it up to 2. Then 3. Once I feel normal running again, I'll run 3's consistently for a while.

Then, maybe by December, I can start some speed work. Maybe I'll do a 5K test to use as a benchmark. Map out a 3.1 mile run and run it as fast as I can one weekend, or do the Jingle Bell run. Also what I KNOW will be key is I need to do strength. Must must.

So that's the loose plan for now!

The marathon... it was a fantastic time, despite its challenges. Another wonderful marathon memory has been made, and it's a very very happy one.

Week 22 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 0
Monday - 0
Tuesday - 3, 9:40 pace
Wednesday -
Thursday - 2 easy
Friday - rest
Saturday - rest

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 5 miles.

Week 21 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 0
Monday - 0
Tuesday - 3 miles, 9:57 pace
Wednesday - 0
Thursday - 0 travelling for the wedding makes it rough
Friday - 0
Saturday - 4 miles on trails in a park in Maryland :)

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 7 miles.

Week 20 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 8 miles, 9:41 pace.
Monday - rest
Tuesday - 0
Wednesday - 4 miles, 10:00 pace.
Thursday - 0
Friday - 3 miles, 9:51 pace.
Saturday - 14 miles, 9:55 pace.

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 29 miles.

Week 19 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 20 miles, 10:27 pace.
Monday - rest, 1.5 mile walk.
Tuesday - yoga
Wednesday - 4 miles, 9:32 pace.
Thursday - massage...
Friday - 3 miles easy. No watch.
Saturday - rest

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 27 miles.

Week 18 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 8 miles, 9:53 pace.
Monday - rest
Tuesday - 3 miles.
Wednesday - 4 miles speed work (half mile repeats: 4:18, 4:17, 4:13, 4:10)
Thursday - spinning. 2.5 mile walk at Sharon Woods with Jannelle.
Friday - 3.5 miles with a bonk. 9:45 pace, somehow. And high-fiving with some kiddos.
Saturday - walked 2.3 miles with Dexter.

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 18.5 miles.

Running Makes Me Stronger.

I have used running as my crutch. Every morning I wake up sadder than the morning before. And so, I usually run. While I'd like to attribute my consistency to dedication, the real motivation is coping with anxiety. And while no circumstances change because I run, I do feel stronger.

My running cannot solve the deep problems of any of the many people around me that I care deeply about who are having the worst times. But, it does make me stronger, physically and mentally. And that is what I need right now, so I can be strong for everyone around me. I don't know what else to do.

Week 17 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - rest...quite sore from the 20. Mostly my joints.
Monday - 3 miles 9:22 pace. (9:41, 9:21, 9:06).
Tuesday - yoga, 1.5 mile walk at lunch
Wednesday - 6 miles 9:44 pace (9:56, 9:39, 9:36, 9:41, 10:08, 9:27), walk at lunch 2.5 miles
Thursday - Spinning.
Friday - rest
Saturday - allergy attack. rest before Greg's b-day party. Not really...just lots of prep work.

Planned:  miles.  Actual: 9 miles.

Week 16 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 8 miles 9:52 pace (10:02, 9:53, 9:55, 9:52, 9:57, 9:47, 10:14, 9:19)
Monday - nothing. Renaissance Fair
Tuesday - yoga
Wednesday - 8 miles 10:30 pace (10:34, 10:15, 10:45, 10:30, 10:22, 10:17, 11:01, 10:41)
Thursday - strength - core stuff and some self prescribed hip therapy
Friday -  3 miles 9:42 pace (9:45, 9:47, 9:23)
Saturday - 20 miles! 10:29 pace!

Planned:  22-27 miles.  Actual:  39 miles...but the long runs days are goofed up.

Core session 1

I feel like I need to write this down because it's still random to me.

Planks (elbow) = 3 x 15 sec
Planks (palms) = 3 x 15 sec
Superman = 3 x 15 sec
Metronome = hurt back so stopped
Bridge = 3 x 15 seconds. Added one legs too at the end.
Standing Side Bend = 20 each side
Standing Side Leg Lifts = 20 each side (this is for my hips mainly)
Crunches on ball = 3 x 10 reps. (These make me nauseous. It sucks.)

6 more weeks

There are approximately 6 more weeks until the marathon. That's about 4 weeks of hard training and 2 weeks tapering. And it's about 6 more weeks to get my core in shape.

I have hit a plateau with my pace. I got a lot faster all of the sudden, but now every run is the same. I'm happy I'm faster, but I know I can get better too.

I have realized how weak my core is...and conversely, how important a strong core is for running. At least that's what I've read from blogs I follow and random Runner's World articles. I believe it. And when I think about my physique and my running ability...well those two things add up to my lackluster speed. I can't hold a plank very long. I can't really do more than about 2 pushups. That's really weak! So...maybe, just maybe...if I got some strength in that area, I'd be a stronger runner. If nothing else, I won't be hurting so bad come mile 22 of the marathon.

So I've started doing some exercises. I took all the vinyasas in yoga on Tuesday (they have a pushup built in). I did planks this morning (bent elbow and straight arms like in yoga): 3 x bent elbow for 10 - 15 seconds each. And 3 x straight arm for 15 seconds each. That was hard. I tried a side plank but really just couldn't do it without hurting myself. Guess I'll do some standing side bends to help there.

The difficult part is knowing how much to do. I have no clue. I guess I'll just do stuff every day and see what happens.

Next up is some ball stuff and the exercises below. The Superman is kind of done in yoga (holding verses just repeating). I know for a fact that that one has helped my back.

Week 15 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - nothing. Still letting my back rest from crazy spasm injury.
Monday - 4 miles 9:52, 9:21, 10:15, 9:38 (9:46 average)
Tuesday - 3.1 miles 10:15, 10:16, 10:06 - took it easy (10:12 pace)
Wednesday - 5 miles at Sharon Woods (10:10 pace)
Thursday - spinning
Friday - rest - did some strength exercises for the first time in a long time. Arms, legs, core.
Saturday - 2.5 easy. Knee hurting so didn't want to overdo it for 8 the next day.

Planned: 30-33 miles.  Actual: 14.6 miles.

Week 14 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - nothing. Went to the Indianapolis Moto GP race - awesome stuff.
Monday - 3 miles ALL UNDER 10 PACE! :) 9:42, 9:29, 9:08.
Tuesday - 4 miles, mile repeats. 9:47 warmup. 8:14, 8:55, 9:09. Rough!
Wednesday - 5 miles. Started off great...got slower. 9:55 average.
Thursday - rest. Went karting...nightmarish back spasms.
Friday - rest. Can barely walk.
Saturday - rest.

Planned: 23-26 miles.  Actual:  12 miles. Thanks to a back injury.

Week 13 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 18 miles!  10:59, 10:52, 10:44, 11:07, 10:55, 10:51, 10:33, 10:53, 10:44, 10:38, 10:35, 10:36, 10:31, 10:30, 10:32, 10:46, 10:55, 11:08
Monday - rest. ouchie legs. Took a 1.5ish mile walk, slowly.
Tuesday - rest.
Wednesday - 5 miles. 10:11, 9:38, 9:42, 9:30, 9:40 (9:45 pace average)
Thursday - Spinning! And I walked 4 miles in the evening.
Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - 8 miles. 10:14, 10:14, 10:!6, 10:18, 10:00, 9:41, 9:58, 9:22 (10:00 average)

Planned:  33-36 miles.  Actual:  34 miles.

8 miles with bad sciatic nerve pain

I think a combination of already tight hips and a spinning class on Thursday that had way too many and too quick of jumps in it has caused my piriformis muscle to tighten up even more. My sciatic nerve is being pinched pretty good. Yesterday's 3 mile run was painful. I stretched and stretched last night and this morning, finding a small amount of relief.

I met Jenny at the trail at 9. The weather was perfect - gorgeous and no humidity. My back/nerve hurt in the beginning but nothing more than it had already. As long as it didn't get worse, I knew I would make it ok. To my surprise, it actually ended up getting better by the end!

Buuuuut, then after I stepped out of the truck when I got home, the pain was nauseating. It hurts worse now than it has- to the point where the only comfortable position I can be in is pigeon pose. More stretching is on the schedule for me today! :)

The run was great. Shade, cool temps, and no humidity were a good recipe for a 10:00 pace average over the 8 miles.

10:14, 10:14, 10:16, 10:18 -- water stop
10:00, 9:41, 9:58, 9:22

And I felt I could have gone at least another mile at that last miles's pace.

18 miles

This marathon training is going better than when I trained in 09. Here are some reasons why:
1. I'm "wiser" about my body. I recognize when things start to hurt and can take preventative measures to try to avoid setbacks.

2. Kind of along the same idea as number 1, I've been through PT a few times now, which helps me to know how I have to work on my body, not just run run run.

3. I'm being consistent. For perhaps the first time since I worked at Giv, I'm running or biking 6 days a week, most weeks.

4. I'm cross-training, even if it's just walking. Time on the feet is important.

And probably the most important:
5. I'm running my long runs with Casey and Jenny. I trained all by myself the first time, running partial long run miles with someone else but never the entire distance. This is a huge mental boost and I've pushed or kept running when I would have stopped or chugged if solo.

We ran 18 Sunday and I'm hurting pretty bad. I think it's time to get serious about the strength training. Upper and lower body. My joints hurt so bad and my left knee is mega-tight. Even my calves were in a pseudo-flexed state this morning. I am going to take a little walk and hope that helps some. Then hit the weights.

I'm really getting both excited and nervous about the race. Excited to do better than last time. Nervous I won't be able to keep up with Casey and Jenny and they'll have to ditch me, which will be the worst feeling ever. All I want from running is to be able to run with people. I have never been able to run with my friends at races. I have come so far, but will it be enough. It's a huge motivator.

Week 12 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - Ultimate Frisbee tourney in place of running 8. 
Monday - 15 mile bike ride.
Tuesday - 4 miles at 9:32 pace. Wow. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - rest. Body hurts.
Thursday - rest again...storm came and I didn't run.
Friday - 5 miles at 9:34 pace.
Saturday - 14 mile bike ride.

Planned:  23-26 miles.  Actual:  9 miles + ultimate.

Week 11 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 14.85 miles at 10:33 pace. 
Monday - rest. 1.5 mile walk.
Tuesday - 4 miles at 9:48 pace. And rolled over to 101 miles for the month of July.
Wednesday - 3 miles at 9:59 pace. Ultimate Frisbee.
Thursday - 3 mile walk.
Friday - 3.5 miles, 10:13 pace.
Saturday - rest, but lots of walking downtown.

Planned: 32 miles.  Actual: 24.5 miles.

100 miles for July

I track my mileage on logyourrun.com. It is not a pretty site, but it's simple and graphs and lets you see your data in many ways. It works for me. I have tracked it here ever since my first marathon in 2009; it is probably safe to say during that training is the only other time in my life I've ran as much as I am running now.

I entered miles into my log this morning: Friday's run and our long run over the weekend. I am currently at 97 miles. :)  The only other time I've ran this much was August of 2009...which was 98 miles.

I might run a little tonight (though I think I might just walk to keep my knee ok, which has been a little achy). I will definitely run tomorrow...which will put me at a nice even 100 miles for the month of July 2012.

In running universe, and especially marathon universe, that's probably not considered too many miles. But since getting miles in has always been my struggle, I feel like it's a nice accomplishment. In fact, it's a pretty big accomplishment for me. I suppose I should be proud of that.

Week 10 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 8 miles at 10:00 pace!!! The last 3 were all sub 10s!!!!
Monday - rest. Walked 3 miles in the evening.
Tuesday - 4 hilly miles at Sharon Woods. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - Ultimate. It was hot. Game sucked.
Thursday - Spinning - 45 minutes of intervals.
Friday - 3 miles easy, 9:57 pace. (10:14, 10:02, 9:37)
Saturday - rest

Planned: 23 miles.  Actual: 15 miles.

8 awesome miles

Today's long run was fantastic. Paces are getting better and I'm feeling stronger doing them.

Mile 1- 10:15
Mile 2- 10:24
Mile 3- 10:03
-- drop off Max --
Mile 4- 10:05
Mile 5- 10:07
Mile 6- 9:36
Mile 7- 9:53
Mile 8- 9:41

Total, 10:00 pace overall.
Awesome!!!!!!!! I am so crazy happy about this.

30 mile bike ride

I rode 30 miles this evening. Why not. 30 miles...arbitrary. Last ride I did ('roid ride) was 22.5 miles. This seemed like a decent increase.

I feel fine. The ride was fun. I went at a moderate pace, picking it up here and there when I felt like it. I was definitely getting tired by the end. And my butt/nether region was getting pretty uncomfortable. I think I might invest in some Monkey Butt (chamois cream).

In terms of happenings along 30 miles...because that is quite a distance...it was relatively uneventful. Right away I was stung by something on my back. That was annoying, but it didn't itch, just hurt. I forgot my water bottle. But I started at the Train Stop which had water. Then Morrow had water, 9 miles up. Then I had another 6 to make it to 15 and turn around, and got water again at around 21. Then it was back to the start at 30, where water was waiting. I only falsely grabbed for my bottle that wasn't there twice :)

I really almost hit a squirrel. I yelled and braced myself for the crunch. It was that close. The little guy was on the right side of the road, and then decided to run across in front of me. It was so close, it was visibly under my tire from my perspective on the bike. I am still amazed I didn't run over it. And I'm glad I didn't because it probably wouldn't have killed it instantly...ug.

I was pretty tired when I got back, but my legs feel great. Good cross training. I think I'll take the day off tomorrow and run a little Saturday. Sunday is scheduled as 8. I'd like to try somewhere else besides the trail. I'm afraid I'm getting burned out on it already. Maybe just leaving the long runs there will be good.

Dexter works out

I took the dogs to the vet yesterday. Everything checked out well with them, except the usual concern about Dexter's weight. It's always been a "well watch that beagle's weight...he could lose a few pounds". But this time, Dr. LaCompte, who also has a beagle, straight up said "let's see of we can get 3 or 4 pounds off him."

That seems like a big percentage of weight for a 35 pound dog. We don't over feed him or give him table scraps. He's lazy (doesn't exercise himself like Harley does). And therefor he doesn't get any exercise at all.

Soooo I'm taking the challenge of getting him back to his shape when he was 2. I think he'll feel better and play more, and Harley will be happier if he plays more. Honestly, when I think about it, I think he's behaving like a fat miserable dog.

Today we started with a 2.3 mile walk at Symmes Park, a park with a hilly 1.5 mile trail. He was really tired by the ed, but it was also quite warm. Overall, he did well, and we bonded. After all, he's a dog. And walking and pleasing me by walking well is very enjoyable to him.

I am going to try hard to walk him every day. It will be good for both of us.

Week 9 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 15 miles!!! The farthest Casey has ever ran! It was a great run.
Monday - 3 miles.
Tuesday - 2.3 mile walk with Dexter. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - 4 miles. Ultimate Frisbee, played entire game.
Thursday - 30 mile bike ride.
Friday - rest, some walking
Saturday - 3 miles averaging 9:47 pace. :)

Planned: 30 miles.  Actual: 25 miles.
Wow...25 miles... I am happy about that.

Lung learning

Today I ran 3 miles, after having ran 15 the day before. I felt great. My knees hurt later, and told me to take Tuesday off, but I learned something about my body.

Sunday's long run was at what is now an easy pace for me. I was barely huffing for most of the run. On our way back for the last 4, we did speed up some, and the last 2-3 had my breathing elevated. But the rest of those miles were cake for the lungs. I think it is a case of not realizing how bad I felt until I felt better. My lungs and chest felt great. I wasn't short of breath at all Sunday or Monday.


So, I guess what I've learned is that I can over-do it for the lungs the same as I can overdo it for the legs. Typically, I've felt short of breath the entire day of the long run, and a bit into the next day. Short of breath = winded when I get up - feeling out of breath, feeling like I need to bend over and catch my breath or hang onto something after I walk a bit, and a general discomfort. 


I once again chalked it up to being out of shape and not quite up to the endurance level I need to be at yet. But, perhaps this is asthma related. I guess I don't know for sure if others have those symptoms after a long run. But since I was able to truck along at 10:50 pace like it was nothing, for at least 11 of the 15 miles, where before I was struggling to go that pace, I think it's an asthma thing. 


So now I know a little more about how pace effects me right now. That's not to say I shouldn't push the pace! I think it's just that now I know I might need to treat myself later with some more inhalers. Or at least I know what to expect.

15 miles in the bank!

Today we ran....15 miles! And it was great!!

Jenny joined us again. Maybe it was because I remembered my watch, or maybe it was because Casey could be there this time to help with the pace, but it was much better. We went out slow. Eventually our pace was averaging 10:50 for many miles. At 11, our last stop, we were at 10:50. But then, for those last four miles, something I never thought would happen happened: negative splits. We sped up.

So, turns out pacing slower, having a few good consistent weeks, and cooler weather can go a long way to make a long run awesome. 15 miles at 10:42 pace. I'll take it.

Afterwords, we had some post-run recovery protein drinks that Casey brought, and then I had to have an iced coffee. It was all a delicious end to a fantastic run. And this was the farthest Casey has ever ran!! And, after a terrible couple weeks of getting back pain figured out - pretty awesome.

I might just be excited, and those 15 miles still might have just been an amazing combo fluke thing, but I really am beginning to think that I am getting better. We are 99 days out from the marathon...and I just ran 15 miles that felt like I ran 6. Amazing!!

Week 8 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 7ish miles. Not sure of the pace because I forgot my watch.
Monday - rest primarily. 1.5 mile walk at lunch.
Tuesday - 4 miles, yoga.
Wednesday - 3.2 miles.
Thursday - 45 minute spin.
Friday - 4 mile run.
Saturday - rest

Planned: 23 miles  Actual: 18.2 miles.
Nice consistent week.

Keep on truckin'

I'm not sure where that phrase comes from, but I think that's what I'm doing this week.

Today I spinned for the first time in a few weeks. It was a good interval class. I was hoping for better music though. It was all 15-30-40 second chunks of different things- hills, sprints, climbs out of the saddle, surges in general.

I have been pretty consistent lately and I'm really happy about that. Today at the gym I thought about weight training again. (It's hard not to while sitting outside of the spin studio, facing the weight lifting area). I am mushy and weak. This isn't my first realization, of course. But the idea of working weights into my schedule again presented itself.

I think I can do it. I haven't been running on Mondays because of our Sunday long runs. And Thursdays are my only day at the gym. Maybe I can do weights Monday and Thursday before spinning if I'm not at work in the morning. That would be two days, which I think is reasonable and won't stress the load of running days.

I think I'll give it a shot. I am doing well not making excuses and prioritizing my runs. Now let's see if I can better round out my fitness. Oh no, not round! That's the wrong word choice! Chisel! Chisel!! :)

Sore...

I'm not sure why I'm so very sore, but I am. I suppose that part of it is yoga, and for some reason the 4 miles on Tuesday? Maybe it's all yoga. I ran 3.2 last night then played a game of ultimate. Now I feel like I feel out of the back of a truck :) Legs, butt, shoulders, neck. Going to spin this morning; we'll see if I can take it easy...

It's a good sore. I think this has been a good workout week so far.

Not quite 8

Today's long run has left me feeling conflicted. There were ups and downs to it, or good and bad I guess. A big good is that it was really fun to run with Jenny! She is so pleasant and fun to talk with. We had some good laughs. I'm enjoying getting to know her.

The bad is I ended up falling apart and kinda quit at one point. Had to walk for quite a while. In hindsight, I think I started out too fast. Jenny's really fast, but was happy to go whatever pace I wanted too. However, I never settled in to my own pace and probably let her pull me along more than I should have. I forgot my watch, so I had no idea what my pace was. We chatted. It was constant talk, more getting to know you conversation and stories shared from both of us. Four miles went by pretty quickly, but I was done at 4. I felt bad, I was hot, and I knew I wouldn't be able to run that pace for 4 more miles. And here I was with this person I barely know, trying to hide it. I was trying so hard to act like it was all fine, while in reality, I was suffering. I didn't want to slow down. I wanted to hang with the pace. I wanted to feel good. But I felt awful. I wanted to suffer through by myself, but there was no way that was happening. I felt awful and exposed- and like she'd see I really wasn't a 'real' runner or something.

Even though I know I cause Casey to slow down when he doesn't need to, and our pace is quite easier for him than me, it is different somehow. I guess I feel more like we're in it together, that it's about getting through the tough spots if they arise, and finishing. He knows where I'm at, he's known my struggles, and I'm not at all embarrassed by it.  Plus he's said that he wouldn't be running much faster by himself. It has made me feel like our pace really is OK. I have been struggling towards the end, but I hope it gets better. Today with Jenny, I don't know what happened, but I felt like the fat kid who couldn't participate because I was too tired, exposed for all to see. It is hard to explain this without it sounding like I didn't enjoy running with Jenny, or that she was somehow being judgmental or projected herself in such a way that brought these feelings on. She absolutely did not, and was nothing but supportive. She has nothing to do with my feelings of inadequacy that busted to the surface today. I really really enjoyed her company, and she was fine with walking the long distance we walked, probably close to a mile :( Maybe it is that I felt like I needed to impress her, make her see that I am a real runner? But the more I think through it all, it's more that I was disappointed that I didn't feel like a real runner. I think the main thing is it was a revisit to the fact that I really can't hang with people, like when I was struggling so much running in the winter with Greg and Casey and my stupid asthma. What happens now- I hold TWO people back on these long runs? Can I expect that they'll stay with me being this slow?

I've been making great progress. But I can't run 8:00 or even 9:00 minute miles yet, and certainly not for 15 miles. Perhaps I really was going fast for those first 4 and that is what did me in. Maybe I would feel better about it if I knew I went 9:30 for 4 miles and then of course I would be tired and I should have paced myself better. I guess I don't know for sure since I didn't have my GPS.

So anyway... It was a very nice time with Jenny. But now I'm worried about what 15 miles will expose of my running abilities next weekend. I went from feeling so great about my progress to realizing that I'm still not "one of them". I suppose I shouldn't focus on it. In reality there isn't much more I can do...I really feel I am doing better with the training/consistency/weightloss front. And honestly, this crappy feelings kind of motivates me to want to train harder so I can finally feel like a real runner, run with anyone and feel cool and good and fit.

3 hot but quick miles

It's just hot out. There's nothing more to be said.

I ran 3 miles at a really good pace. First mile was 9:48. Second was 9:32 (there is a downhill in there). Third was 9:56. THREE MILES ALL UNDER 10 PACE!!!!

I'm pretty happy.

Week 7 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 13 miles! at a 10:26 average pace. Started off 10:05 for the first 9 miles. Last 4 were rough for me. So glad my Ultimate injury didn't effect the run.
Monday - 22.5 mile 'roid ride.
Tuesday - 3 mile run @ 10:01 pace
Wednesday - rest. Did something to my back and neck while sleeping.
Thursday - 5 mile run at Sharon Woods. Hilly and hot. 11 pace.
Friday - rest.
Saturday - 3 mile run at 9:46 pace. Wooohoo!

Planned: 29 miles  Actual: 24 miles. Not bad!!

5 hilly miles, and a blogger app!

We're having a lot of heat here in the Midwest. It's like when we get snow...it becomes a dominating conversation regarding weather. Of course it is way better to run in the morning when temperatures are way into the 90s later in the day. But I have been having some neck and back issues after buying a new pillow. I feel like someone punched me in the kidneys, it's kind of a nauseating feeling. And my neck feels like it has had a clamp on it for days. Unpleasant, but by yesterday afternoon, the pain wasn't too bad. So I decided I'd get my run in at Sharon Woods, where it's shady. It's also hilly.

The path is 2.5 miles. I started out very conservatively, a light jog really. Going up the hills I got a little winded, but wow- I have improved with running since the last time I've huffed it around this loop! That made me happy. After 2.5 I climbed stairs to the top where the water fountain is. Took a few drinks, dumped water on my head, and then went back down. I certainly felt the heat when I stopped. But I wasn't overheating.

For the second loop, I ran less conservatively but still took my time. I felt great going through all the hills again! I was very happy with myself for 1) being fit enough to run in a 100° heat index and 2) being able to listen to my body.

I didn't see many people out while I was there, not surprisingly. A couple other crazy runners and some people walking. I had made a poor choice in runner shorts. My shorts were soaked through. I looked like I had dunked myself in a pool then ran. They kept creeping up because they were so heavy and wet. I thought it was fine, just kind of annoying. I was keeping skin from rubbing skin. However, apparently the wetness was chafing the crap out of my legs. I didn't realize this until I got home, got in the shower ad wooioooookeeeeeeeeeoooohhhh! Ouch ouch ouch. I've never been chaffed like this before. I had to sleep in tight shorts to keep the tender inflamed skin parts from ever coming in contact again! Hopefully today it will scab over!

So, that's my hot hilly 5 mile run. I am pretty happy about it all. It was just one of those runs where I had some more pleasant insight into me as a runner.

And...this post is brought to you by google's blogger app on my phone! It's great! Before it was too hard to try to use the website and HTML yadda yadda while on my phone. This is pretty cool. Maybe I'll do more frequent posts. You can even upload pictures easily.

22.5 mile roid ride.

So this should be my last day of the Prednisone. I'm miserable today. Last night, despite having ran 13 miles in the morning and then hanging out with Greg's cousins all day, I never napped or stopped and was wide awake at 2 a.m. and couldn't sleep. I read a comic on my Kindle, played games on my phone, read some more on my Kindle and itched. I am not sure what time I finally ended up falling asleep, but it wasn't a good night.

I woke up and put away all my clothes from the laundry. Went to work, cleaned everything...my computer, the office, we got a new coffee maker, I emailed and struggled with the internet (I couldn't email so had to come home). I drew, I worked, I ate and ate and ate. Then I decided I should go on a bike ride so get the energy out. It's not all positive energy though. I really feel like crap. I want to pace. I feel so anxious and like there's something bad about to happen. I am nervous and agitated. I am not grumpy at all, and it's not like something going wrong sets me off like the Hulk or anything. I'm JUST NOT MYSELF and it's pretty much driving me insane!!!!

So I went on a bike ride. My plan was to just take it easy and go for a long time. Maybe 30 miles. But once I started going fast, I couldn't stop. I cruised along at 18 mph like it was 15. I wasn't ever out of breath unless I was climbing a hill. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the medicine or if I was just hyper and maybe more fit these days. I made it 22.5 miles.

At any rate, I enjoyed cruising along, dodging the sticks and really having the trail to myself. It was too early for the after-workers to get out there. The trail maintenance people were out though, cleaning up from the storms. If anyone ever wondered if they drive vehicles on the trail, they do.

Now... to survive the evening and take the last of the pills. God I hope I feel better tomorrow. ARGH!!!

13 miles

Last week was pretty rough. I am covered in bug bites and have been for 2 weeks. I called the doctor after an Rx cream didn't do anything for them and am now on steroids. They make me feel not stellar. I pretty much just don't like myself and am agitated by everything. Just a couple more days of those...but the bug bites seem to be going strong still.

At Wednesday's Ultimate game, I got kicked in the lower right leg hard enough to make a nice, instantly-swelling contusion that was super painful. I looked everything up online that night. It's a common injury with soccer and martial arts, so finding out what to do for it was easy: R.I.C.E.  After a very painful evening, it was manageable the next day, but I was still limping really bad. I stayed home from work and elevated and iced all day, while watching some Arrested Development. It was actually a very enjoyable day of doing nothing.

I was concerned I wouldn't be able to run long on Sunday. But every day, with the icing etc, it seemed to be getting better. Saturday morning, I considered a test run, but decided to bike instead, avoiding impact. I think that was a good decision. I went on an 18 mile bike from the house and my leg didn't hurt at all.

Sunday morning Casey and I started out for the 13, and I was very happy to have no pain. I didn't know...it was possible it was just going to hurt too bad. It hurt a little towards the end, when the trail was slanted such a way that my side muscles were taxed a little more. But it is absolutely fine.

I panicked Wednesday night for nothing :) I have just had such good momentum going with my training...I'm getting faster, getting fitter...I was so saddened to have to stop. And I certainly thought I was going to be out for a week at least. I think taking Thursday off was critical in getting it better quicker.

So...today's 13 miles were pretty fantastic. We started out around a 10 to 10:05 pace, bouncing around that, for the first 9 miles. But after the break for more water at the Train Stop Inn's area, I was hurting. My hip hurt (same leg as the contusion, so maybe there was some compensation happening) and I just didn't feel like I could keep the pace without really huffing and puffing. We slowed a bit and then the last 3 miles were pretty rough for me. I shuffled along.

Mile splits:
mile 1-- 10:08
mile 2 -- 9:54
mile 3 -- 10:08
mile 4 -- 10:00
mile 5 -- 10:07
mile 6 -- 10:13  (took a break at 6.5)
mile 7 -- 10:16
mile 8 -- 9:53
mile 9 -- 10:20 (took a break after 9)
mile 10 -- 10:46
mile 11 -- 11:16
mile 12 -- 11:26
mile 13 -- 11:12

Look at that. Only 3 miles over 11 pace. And two under 10 :)

I suppose I lasted longer at the pace we wanted to run than the prior long run's pace. So overall I am still very very happy about the pace!!! When is the last time I've ran 9 miles that fast!?  Today's half marathon was faster than my Pig race by, something like a half hour maybe??

So... good good run. I'm excited to be getting up into the higher mileage now. And as always, thanks to Casey for being an awesome running partner.

Week 6 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 10 miles at a 10:30 average pace. Started off 10:07, but the end got rough for me.
Monday - off
Tuesday - 3.75 miles at what was sure to be around 10s, but I didn't take my watch. Felt great. Also did yoga.
Wednesday - Ultimate Frisbee that didn't end well. Lower leg contusion.
Thursday - rest rest rest. Rest Ice Compression Elevation. Please let this be OK.
Friday - more resting and icing and progress on the contusion.
Saturday - 18 mile bike ride.

Planned: 27 miles  Actual:  13.75 miles.  The Ultimate injury clearly threw this week off. But I'm glad I got out for the 18 mile bike ride. I don't feel like I hurt myself any with the rest.

Week 5 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 8 miles at a 9:46 pace???? I don't believe it...
Monday - off
Tuesday - 3 miles at 9:55 pace... ?!?!?!?!? It wasn't cake, but it wasn't bad.
Wednesday - 3.2 miles, Ultimate Frisbee
Thursday - Spinning 45 minutes
Friday - 0
Saturday - 0, yard work.

Planned: 22 miles  Actual: 14 miles

And another sub 10 paced run

3 miles Tuesday morning. At 9:55 pace.

Huh.

I'm planning to run a little this afternoon at a local park. I'm not going to plan to do anything under 10 though, because it's a very hilly park. And it's already really hot outside.

I just need to run.

8 at 8 under...10?

Sunday's schedule called for 8 miles. We made it to the trail at 8, just after a thunder storm passed through. The air was cooled a bit and the trail wasn't as crowded.

Saturday I clipped out 10:07s for a three mile run. I was surprised. I also didn't feel I could have kept that pace up much longer. I haven't been able to run faster than 10:30s for any amount of time recently.

I forgot my watch, but Casey had his phone. We clipped along and decided to go to 4 before turning around. Ah the trail is boring. Casey kept picking people in front of us (walkers usually) to work to pass. Of course we would eventually. I think he was trying to make it entertaining.

At 4 miles, we were at a 9:52 pace. Huh. Well, it is relatively flat, and I did have Casey to keep pushing a pace. I was cautiously happy. But I didn't want to think about finishing that fast. I let my imagination get the best of me and tend to get all happy and plan out what I'll write on this blog, trying to anticipate the amazing feelings of a run gone well. But when it doesn't I'm so disappointed. So I tried to not think anything about it. I just wanted to know where we were when.

The last couple of miles weren't easy, but they weren't agonizing either. I was feeling it in my legs, and my breathing was getting rough. But this run had really good breathing in general, especially considering how quickly we were moving compared to how slowly I've been moving! I would struggle from time to time, but we would slow down and I could recover.

The last mile I focused really hard at trying to feel like I felt in the beginning of the run: smooth, quick, light and easy. And I tried to ignore the pain. It wasn't really much pain, but I didn't want it to get me down.

When we finished, that set of 4 miles (Casey had restarted the app) was a 9:40 pace. Huh.

So we averaged around 9:46.

Huh.

That's kind of all I can keep saying. I don't know what has happened. I have lost weight and maybe that is enough to really increase one's pace. 8 miles. When is that last time I've ran 8 miles under 10 pace? Hell, when's the last time I've ran THREE miles under 10 pace???

I'm still very cautiously optimistic.

I had a little cry in the car on the way home, telling myself not to get too excited until it happens again. Then, as I've already imagined and planned out in my head, I will jump for joy and be soooo incredibly happy that I'm finally getting back to the runner I was 2 years ago. I cannot explain how happy that would make me.

Until that happens, the protective bubble is up.

Week 4 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 5 miles and a lot of yard work again
Monday - off
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - 3 miles, Ultimate Frisbee
Thursday - Spinning
Friday - walking
Saturday - 3 miles, at a 10:07 pace. Strange!! Then a bunch of yard work again.

Planned: 22 miles  Actual: 14

Spinning!

Melanie went to a spinning conference at the end of May and has apparently come back with some awesome cycling workouts. I missed last week, but made it this morning. We did some sort of interval training that had a name I think, but I missed what it was. I want to write this workout down because I think it was great heart rate training and great strength/endurance training.

5 minute warmup with some surges to get the heart going.

GROUP 1: seated flats with added gear.


1st set: 50 seconds each. 
1.) Flat at 80 - 100 rpm
2.) Add gear, keep cadence 80 - 100 rpm
3.) Add gear, keep cadence 80 -100 rpm
4.) 60 seconds to recover before 2nd set at same rpm.
** each interval should add 10 - 15 beats to the heart rate.

2nd set: 60 seconds each.
1.) Flat at 80 - 100 rpm
2.) Add gear, keep cadence 80 - 100 rpm
3.) Add gear, STAND in 3 AND RUN, keep cadence 80 -100 rpm
4.) 90 seconds to recover before 3rd set.

3rd set: 120 seconds each.
1.) Flat at 80 - 100 rpm
2.) Add gear, keep cadence 80 - 100 rpm
3.) Add gear, STAND in 3 AND RUN, keep cadence 80 -100 rpm
4.) 2 minutes to recover before next group.


GROUP 2: hill climbs with added gear.


1st set: 50 seconds each.
1.) Seated hill at 60 - 80 rpm
2.) Add gear, keep cadence 60 - 80 rpm
3.) Add gear, keep cadence 60 - 80 rpm (I think we stayed seated)

2nd set: 60 seconds each.
1.) Seated hill at 60 - 80 rpm
2.) Add gear, keep cadence 60 - 80 rpm
3.) Add gear, STAND in 3, 60 - 80 rpm

3rd set: 120 seconds each.
1.) Seated hill at 60 - 80 rpm
2.) Add gear, STAND in 3, 60 - 80 rpm
3.) Add gear, STAY STANDING, 60 - 80 rpm


SPRINTS.


Did a total of 3 times the following:
1.) 15 seconds slight road, 100 rpm
2.) Add gear 15 seconds out in 3 run
3.) 15 seconds seated with no changing of the gear
4.) Back down with a little recovery before doing 2 more times.

Spooky Loop

I ran a 1.5 mile loop from the office twice, getting the mileage to my planned 3. It involved two streets with Spooky in their name, so I'm calling it the Spooky Loop.

The route was Montgomery - to Findly - to Spooky Ledge - to Spooky Hollow - which becomes Cooper. The direction I went had a long downhill and a long uphill. I think next time I'll reverse it and see if the other way is worse. I didn't stop ever on the hill, so I'm pretty happy with myself about that.

In the evening, we won our second Ultimate Frisbee game! 19 - 8 I believe. Or they might have had 10. I'm not sure now. It was a pretty fun game. Only three girls, so that made it hard to push much. I think I'm just going to have to get used to that though. Amanda's ankle is not doing great, so I would expect her to not be able to play future games. Bummer.

Today is spinning...it's been a couple of weeks! I'm ready for Melanie to kick my ass!

Threes

I think threes are the theme for this week. Monday I took off. Tuesday I ran 3. Today I'm planning to run 3 (and then there's Ultimate later). Tomorrow is spinning...but I could also run three. Friday I should run 3. Then Saturday I'll take off so Sunday can be a long run. I feel like it's been a a little too long since I've had to use a gel.

All those threes will put the weekly mileage at 17, which would be excellent. I am not sure about Thursday though. Given how my knee has been feeling I should probably just stick with cross-training.

We shall three. I mean see.

Loveland bike trail 5 out of 10

This past weekend Casey had a crazy work schedule. He had to do disaster recovery at his office Saturday night. So he went in to work at 7 p.m. until 11ish. Went home for a nap and was back at the office at 4 a.m...then went home around 8ish. Amazingly, he attempted our scheduled 10 in 80+ degree heat and on a whacked out tired body.

We made it 5 and that was fine :)  It was warm, but not humid. There was a breeze from time to time which really helped.

Overall I didn't feel too great. Our pace wasn't good like it was the other weekend we ran on the trail. I had to stop a few times. I don't really get why I'm struggling so much to bounce back to normal running. One day I feel like I'm definitely getting back to normal and then I'll have a shitty run and feel like I haven't made any progress at all. But there is still a lot of time and Ultimate has started so maybe that will benefit my legs some by adding some power. I think something else I really need to do is add strength.

On the flip side, I did yard work before our run (just about an hour) and then the rest of the afternoon after our run. So, that's a good sign. We only went 5, but still. I'm happy to not have felt the need to nap the afternoon away like I have in the past randomly. 

Week 3 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday - 5 miles and a lot of yard work
Monday - off
Tuesday - yoga
Wednesday - Ultimate Frisbee
Thursday - 3 miles
Friday - 0
Saturday - 0

Planned: 18 miles  Actual: 8 plus Ultimate. Not too good...

Ultimate Frisbee has started

Wednesday nights will be a sort of cross-training or variety of running I suppose. Ultimate Frisbee is underway!

We won our first game, 19-10? I forget the score now. It was a pretty good game. But I was worn out quickly. And after one long point session, my breathing got out of control. I forgot my inhaler, so I will be sure to remember it next time.

My left knee suffered a bit and in general I was more tired. I'm hoping the game helps in the speed department.

Monday off, Tuesday yoga.

Well, the week's not shaping up to be very consistant, but maybe it will end with more running since it hasn't started that way.

After all the rock moving Sunday, I was sore. Even my legs were sore from lifting. I think my back was less sore, so maybe I was lifting the correct way! Bring on the semis...I'm ready for Strongest Woman Contest.

I walked a little Monday but that was it. Oh and worked a lot. If only that counted towards training. Tuesday...that's today...working is all I've been doing. I got away for yoga. It wasn't a very good class for me, but the new mat I bought is awesome sauce! Then we ate wings and now I'm going to work more. Booooo.

Tomorrow is going to be another crazy crazy day. I hope to get up and run and then get my illustration stuff off to Jamie. But the running thing might have to happen later... Ug. I need more energy.

5 out of 6 ending with issues

Beautiful morning for a run! The run was...eh...not as beautiful as the day :)

Just one of those days...I never felt good. Even at 2 miles, I knew it was going to be rough to go 6.

After turning around at 3, I took a big break (not the first). Back up a hill and then another quick break, sighing, and wondering why I felt so crappy.

Another break at 4.5 and I decided to walk. Speed walking would be more fun at this point, rather than slugging up slight inclines.

I walked off and on, totaling a little over 5 miles of actual running on the 6 mile route. I picked it up during a downhill at the end, only to have a wee bit of an asthma attack. I couldn't breathe in quick enough. My arms went up to my chest and I shook a hand in frustration. Not sure why, except it was just a reaction of my body since it wasn't getting what it needed. It didn't last long, but was restriction. It sucked.

Then while sitting on the deck cooling down, I noticed a spot in my vision, just off center. I couldn't "look" at it, kind of like a floater. If I tried to look at it, it was always just out of the middle. It was flashing, blurry, like a watermark. It was constantly moving around its edge. First I thought there was something on my contact. I closed one eye then the other, and finally both only to always see it there. I went in a took my contacts out anyway, and flushed my face. By then I was walking funny, and appeared dizzy to Greg. I was getting pretty scared since it wasn't my contacts. I had been nauseous on the run, and worried that something else might be wrong. So I got my laptop out and started searching. Meanwhile, my crazy vision got crazier. The flashing was really bright and the space it covered was larger. I couldn't see very well while looking on the computer - there were areas of my vision that were completely not there. It was hard to type and search... Then I finally happened upon a vision site that talked about ocular migraines. The descriptions were exactly what was happening to me. By that point, it had subsided and I was beginning to see normally again.

So apparently, they're harmless and only effect the retina communication, lasting from 15 - 30 minutes. I wonder if the asthma stuff brought it on, or what. It was certainly scary, but now that I know what it is and that they're harmless, it's no big deal. I certainly hope they don't happen a lot because that could be disruptive. I can't imagine trying to drive while one happened.

The rest of the day I did yard work...finishing another area of landscaping and planting. Woohoo!

Here's to a good week. Ultimate Frisbee starts this week, and I'm looking forward to that.

Week 2 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

Sunday:  8 miles at 10:20 pace on the trail
Monday: Cross-train 2.75 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile run | yoga
Wednesday: 3 mile run
Thursday: 45 minute spinning
Friday: 0
Saturday: 0

Planned: 23 miles. Actual: 13 miles. Doh.
I did at least have walking and spinning in there as cross-training. So, even though not great, it was better than last week. So next week...even...better?

Spinning at the gym

The gym...it's been a while. I hadn't been to a spinning class in two weeks. I've ridden my road bike within that time, but that is different.

Linda subbed for Melanie today, who was out somewhere doing a spinning conference. It was a pretty good class. She had a new playlist that I thumbed up when she asked, but really, wasn't too motivated by it. I'm just a bit sick of the poppy stuff right now. Bleh.

We did some warm-up jumps and then a couple climbs. Then we did a climb with fast cadence "downhills" (about 27 cadence on whatever cadence scale they use). That was different. More climbs and then sprints at the end.

The class felt rough to me. I just felt tired, but it was OK. Good class, I feel worked, and I have refueled with a #12 Beach Club no mayo unwich from Jimmy Johns :)

The gym usually has some person or event that makes me giggle while I'm there. Today it was the woman in the locker room who I haven't seen in a while. She's probably in her late 50s, has white hair, smells of cigarette smoke and usually brings her mother in to do some training with the trainers. They're cute :)  But today...she was 80% darker! Guess she's hit the tanning beds hard core! I came around the corner from the showers to see her putting on some sort of girdle? All that was covering her leather-colored skin was some black granny panties (I honestly didn't know they made black granny panties), and the girdle contraption.

Ah, the gym. :)

3 miles from the studio

I was pretty tight and sore when I got up Wednesday morning. So, since the weather cooled off, I decided I'd do a lunch run from the studio. But work was pretty crazy...and I sat around in my running gear all day...until about 4 when I was finally able to escape.

I did 3. I started off pretty quick, but a little over a mile, my calf tightened up. I'm not surprised since I basically ran out of the office and didn't stretch at all. So I stopped and stretched then kept going. It wasn't pretty. Mile 1 was 10:34, mile 2 was 11:08. I stopped at the half way point and stretched some more. I felt sluggish.

On the way back I tried to pick it up a bit. Mile 3 was 10:24, so I did manage to pick it up somewhere in there.

So this 3 mile run was way slower than the 8 done Sunday. I am not sure why I can't get my shorter runs faster. Maybe it'll just be some more time.

Twosies

Monday cross-training consisted of a 2.75 mile walk. All day long I felt like crap. I was tired, dizzy when I got up, and my chest felt heavy. I tried to take it easy, but there was stuff to do.

After watching a few Game of Thrones episodes, I figured since I wasn't feeling better, moving around might help. So a 2.75 mile walk got me moving and the blood flowing. I still felt like I had little energy, but it was better than sitting around. Not sure if it is acclimating to the heat we had or something else.

Today I was looking forward to a nice morning run. I slept horribly and it was hard to wake up. But I went anyway, thinking it would all shake out after a bit and I'd wake up. A storm was approaching and I was barely jogging, so I decided to turn around. The approaching storm actually did put a bit of a kick into my steps :)  I didn't want the shoes I was wearing to be soaked in a downpour. I finished the two miles and walked a bit to cool down.

I'm trying to be consistent. I know some people say those 2 miles I ran would be "junk" miles since they weren't much of a workout. But I burned calories, got my heart rate up for 20 minutes and partook in what I'd like to be my morning routine involving running, so I think it was very valuable even if I didn't grow any muscles :)

8 miles at 8 a.m. in 80+ degrees

It suddenly got hot here in the midwest. 90s hot.

Sunday we were scheduled for 10, but coming off 6 we decided to do 8. We went to the bike trail at 8 a.m. to avoid the heat. It wasn't too hot in the shade. And all the people – bikers, runners, people just out and about – made it a fun environment. The bike trail is nice...but it's easy to get sick of it. I wanted a flat run though. So that and the shade made it a good choice.

The first two miles out, my breathing was erratic and I was wheezing pretty bad. There wasn't restriction in my chest so much as just a grating kind of feeling - raspy and strained a bit. It was pretty annoying and I felt tired. We turned around after a quick break to let me catch my breath. Going back was the same. I felt like we were running so fast, but it was just around 10:20s. That's not what my breathing said. So for the last 4, the pace was dictated by my breath. And it turns out we only slowed down about 20 more seconds, for 10:38s. I felt sooooo much better. It was how a long run should feel. When we turned around for the last two I still felt good. I wanted to keep the pace and not fade away. With about a mile and quarter to go, I had to really focus on my breathing but it was OK. I think we had sped up. We finished with a short, strong kick and ended up with a negative split for the last half, putting the final average pace time at 10:18.

8 miles at 10:18 pace. In the heat. With asthma issues to boot. It took at minute for that to really sink in. Great run!!!  My 3 miles runs haven't been at that pace. I'm sure in a few more weeks of consistent running, I'm going to be feeling better.

So here's to a consistent week this week. Today is another over 90s day. Greg just got back from a 1 mile run (he's trying to prevent Ultimate from being so shocking when it soon comes in June).  I think I will lift weights today and just avoid outside. We'll see. The rest of the week is supposed to cool down back into the 70s, so that will be a nice change. We need a bit more time to actually acclimate to the heat! Geesh!

Also...important to note: NO LEG PAIN!!! 

Week 1 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)

I put (Steph) in the title in case Casey wants to track his stuff too. That was one of the best ideas I had when I did Columbus the first time. It is fun to reflect on, see how things progress, and it made this time's training plan easier to develop.


Overall, it was a decent first week for me, but a lot of what was planned was missed. The week before was actually more consistent. But it was decently consistent on the running, and I was fighting my body most of the week.


Sunday - 6 miles
Monday - off
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - off
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - off
Saturday - off, but some "cross training" doing yard work :)

Planned: 21 miles  Actual: 13  And I didn't really cross-train. So, that's not great. But it's OK. Next week will be better!

Wednesday off, Thursday 4

Wednesday I didn't intentionally not workout. I slept horribly and took a bit to get into work. I figured I'd run in the evening before the patio estimator came to the house. It would be a good time-killer between not working and eating.

However, those plans changed when Greg set up an impromptu go-karting trip in the afternoon! Awesomeness. I rode my motorcycle over from the house. It is a very nice drive. I was kind of stressed out about getting lost though.

By the time we were done and I was back to the house, it was 7...when the estimator arrived. So no workout.

Today I got up pretty early even with little sleep. I need a new pillow maybe and I don't know what else. I go to bed wide awake and fall asleep reading, but that doesn't last for long. I toss and turn all night, waking fully about every hour. It's getting old. Anyway, I started working in the "office" with the idea that I'd go to spinning at 10:15 then run afterwords then go in to the studio. But I was in a much needed groove with work and I just didn't feel like going. So instead, I opted for a 4 mile run outside at about 1:00. It was nice and sunny by then. The air was warm, but there was at least a breeze. This weather is so nice. I love it. Windows open, birds chirping, frogs croaking (we have a lot of frogs this year)...I'm trying to soak it all up before the 90s and humidity are upon us.

My run wasn't too great. I felt sluggish right away and my legs were tight. I know I need to stretch more tonight. I stopped a few times to stretch or just walk. I just didn't feel right. Meh. At least I got the miles in I suppose. But I'm thinking tomorrow I might opt for a bike ride in the morning instead of running. I'm pretty sore from karting though...mostly in my back. So maybe biking isn't the best idea...hmmm.

Three day weekend ahead. I'm happy about that. I'm looking forward to yard work and finishing the path off the deck. Just when my back stops being sore, I should make it sore again! ;)