The Prodigal Child Returns

This plays out a lot like a catholic confession in my head ... and not being catholic myself I can only use colloquial references in my imagery. 

But it has been quite a while since my last run ... it's been almost two years in fact ... and a lot has changed.

My last runs were about the time I graduated from my MBA in 2011 ... I was about to graduate and I wanted to up my running ... and then life, as it often does, decided it had other plans.

I met my soul mate ... married him ... and had the cutest baby on earth.  I am entirely the happiest woman on earth ... but the time has come, as it has more than once in my life, to reunite with my missing friend.

We shall pick up where we left off ... start again and build our relationship a new.

The time has come to run again.  

Never Leave the Site of a Decision Without Taking Action!

So, last night, I was so excited about my new training plan that I skipped my rest day but I was able to restrain myself enough to keep it at an Easy 3 Miler.  I am a firm believer that you should Never Leave the Site of a Decision Without Taking Action!  Doing so allows you to take advantage of your nervous energy and excitement to start making a dent into whatever it is you want to accomplish.

So, upon looking at my Excel Sheet Gone Rouge, I found that I will be completing 500 miles in what is left of 2011.  Total Score ;)

I do need to schedule some Strength Training ... not sure what I will be doing yet but I will keep ya'll posted!

Happy Tuesday!

An Excel Sheet Gone Rouge

So last week I started my training again.  It was a good first week back logging in almost 12 miles on the treadmill.  I'm not happy that they were all on the treadmill but I will take what I can get for now and work on changing it up some in the next few weeks ... though considering August is on the horizon, I may be seeing more of the treadmill than I like in the next few weeks.

So today, as I decided to listen to Anthony Robbins Get the Edge, something I like to do when I need a little motivational kick in the rear, and considering I just finished Grad School, I was hoping for a little bit of direction ... and as I listened ... I returned to thinking of all the things I was working on before starting Grad School.

Then I had an AH HA MOMENT!!!  I was training for the ING MARATHON!

Life and Grad School got in the way and I had a less than stellar performance then ...

But now, a google search and an Excel sheet later, I am thinking of going for the ING MIAMI in January 2012.  I had already set a Goal of doing the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale in November which fits well into the plan so why not?

I have penciled in last week to be Week 0 and will start some serious base building in the upcoming weeks.

I have 28 wonderful weeks of training ahead of me.

Wish me luck!

Back To It

Three weeks slipped away from me, between Final Papers and Exams, and the subsequent decompression required after such.

But I have returned to my training.

I have decided to go ahead and start training for the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale on November 13, 2011. 

Stats
Warm Up	0:05:00
4.09	1:00:00

On Deck
Tuesday 3 Mi @14:38
Thursday 4 Mi, inc Warm; 2x1600 in 12:17 w/800 jogs; Cool

Have a great day!

Another Hectic Day In Paradise

Monday totally got away from me, just as I expected, so when I had a premonition that Thursday was going to get away from me too, I took Lisa from Chasing Bunnies advice on Monday's post!  Thank you, Lisa!

So I woke up early and got to it!

Stats
.500	0:08:31
Mile 1	0:16:59
Mile 2	0:16:45
Mile 3	0:16:29
Mile 4	0:15:53

A little slower on the pace but longer on the distance, so I am still counting it as a win.

I think the easy run was just the thing.  I got REALLY sweaty and I feel terrific!  So much so, I wish I could do another one tonight ;)  hehe

On Deck
5 Mi Long Run @ 16:00 (Probably on Saturday night again ;)

Happy Thursday!!!

Tuesday Tummy Trouble

My goals for last nights runs were to try to push my pace until I found my limit.

Stats
Warm Up	0:05:00
Mile 1	0:13:38
Mile 2	0:13:02
.500	0:07:38
Mile 3	0:12:57
Cool Down	0:05:00

I think I may have found it and considering I haven't runing 18 months I think I am doing pretty good.  After my run, I did not feel tired or sore but I did feel like my stomach and I were no longer on speaking terms. 

I had planned to make Chili for Dinner (and leftovers for lunch) and even started cooking it but I could not eat it.  Instead I took some frozen berries from the fridge and 1 cup of Soy Milk plus a scoop of Protein powder and threw it in my Magic Bullet.  Then I took my smoothie and hung out on the sofa watching some TV till bedtime. 

I'm going to try to recreate the run tomorrow AM and see if that helps. 

On Deck
Thursday 4 Miler
Sunday 5 Miler (going to see if I can head out to the real world and do this one :)

Wish me luck :)

Monday's Have a Mind of Their Own

Most weeks, Monday's have a way of getting away from me.  In all the hustle and bustle of getting the week getting started and back in order, Monday's have a knack of having a mind of their own. 

This week's Monday has been sabotaged by 2 Online Class Sessions I forgot I had and Dinner Plans I forgot I made.   *Mental Note: Set Calendar reminders a little further out ahead of time in the future

As such, I will not be squeezing in 2 miler tonight or a Strength Session as I had hoped ... but maybe this is life's way of telling me another rest day isn't such a terrible thing. 

Goals for this week:

1. Run 3Xs
2. Strength Train 2Xs
3. Reduce Sodas to one a day/Start drinking Green Tea

 What are your goals for this week?



Have a wonderful Monday!

Week in Review: Week 1 of 23

I spent my Sunday relaxing and spending quality time with my Mom.  We watched X-Men: First Class and I was surprised my mom enjoyed it ;) who knew! he he

Looking back at the week I am rather pleased with myself.  In the last week I have set a great foundation for the next 22 weeks of training before the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale and have jump started my return to my Pre-MBA training.  I have not felt any soreness or undo discomfort and have thoroughly enjoyed the training.  

I am also evaluating some ideas for some strength training on my non-run days because I have 35 pounds to lose to reach my Pre-MBA running weight so I have some work head of me.  I have considered P90x Strength Training which is what I did on my off days before as well as the 100 Push Up, Sit Up and Squat challenge, but I am also hoping to mix it up.  Any suggestions? 


Stats
Ran 3 times
Strength Training  0
Worked out 3 times


Ran for 2:58:00 min (total time)
Ran 12 miles
Longest Run 4 miles

Weight Change - 6
Total Lost - 6

On Deck
Rest day Monday (but I will probably do some strength training or maybe 2 miles), 3 Mi @16:00 Easy Run Tuesday

Wishing everyone a great week!

Sunday Morning Long Run rescheduled to Saturday Night

I had a fun filled day strolling down memory lane.  We went to the Gun Range I worked at a million years ago some 10 years ago to shoot Pistols and Rifles. 

The Boys shooting the rifles

The Range is near the Everglades and there was a surreal glow in the distance in the horizon.

Fires in the Everglades

As soon as I got home, I sat down on the couch to relax but suddenly I could not resist the urge to get moving and decided to do my long run tonight instead of tomorrow morning.

Stats
Warm Up	0:05:00
Mile 1	0:14:26
Mile 2	0:14:55
Mile 3	0:14:16
Mile 4	0:13:59
Cool Down	0:05:00

I am still surprised I am not feeling any significant soreness in my legs.  Today I did start to feel some soreness in my core as I added Squats and Arm weights to the post workout.

25 Squats
10 Shoulder Press
30 Squats
10 Chest Flys
35 Squats
10 Hammer Curls
30 Squats
10 Tricep Curls
25 Squats

Now I'm off to drink my own weight in water ... Sooo Thirsty :)

On Deck
Rest day Sunday, Rest day Monday (but I will probably do at least 2 Miles), 3 Mi @16:00 Easy Run Tuesday

Have a great Weekend!

Proceed With Caution: Migraine Ahead

I am happy to report I have had a successful training day two.

I was a little concerned because I was starting to get a migraine but I reasoned that I have run with a migraine before and it has helped ... but then I've also run with a migraine and made it worse so I proceeded with caution.  

I had a tempo run@14:16 penciled in but decided not to push it, considering the migraine ...

Stats
Mile 1 15:49
Mile 2 15:34
Mile 3 15:06
Mile 4 13:54

I have to say it felt great!  It felt familiar and comfortable and wonderful!  The last mile in particular was TERRIFIC!  I am sad to say the migraine did not improve but it also didn't get worse either which I will add to the win column.  I was also surprised how I felt like I could run another mile and how I felt like the run wasn't "difficult" per se ... I sweat and I worked out but I didn't feel exhausted or anything ... I'm thinking muscle memory is a wonderful thing ... but we will see how true that is tomorrow ;)

I averaged a 15:05mm which makes me think I may need to revamp my training plan but I want to give it a little more time considering my last two runs were on the treadmill.  I want to do some real world runs before I make any pace adjustments.   

It may be too early but I'm thinking it is looking pretty good for making it to the A1A :)

On Deck
Rest Day Tomorrow, 4 Mile @16:05 on Sunday

Happy Friday!!!!

Thankful Thursday

Thankfully it's Thursday and this being Week 1 of Training I have a lot to be thankful for. 

1. I am thankful that I am training again.  I missed training.  I missed running.  I missed blogging. I missed the way I feel when I run regularly.  I missed not getting stress headaches.  I missed it ALL!!
   
2.  I am thankful that I have 16 days of class left.  It has been a long 18 months for this English Major turned MBA and I am very thankful that I am sending the end of the tunnel ;)
   
3. I am thankful for the people in my life :) They know who they are!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY???

Wishful Wednesday

Day one is in the bag.   A successful first day of training if I do say so myself ;) 

I am so psyched that I'm already day dreaming of races and goals ;)

I'm thinking the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale in November ... Five months away almost exactly ... but I will have to wait till I have a little more training under my belt to make a real decision on it.  It would be my 3rd Half Marathon but the first with only 5 months of training ... right now it's more like wishful thinking ;) 

Stats
3 miles
50:03 time
16:41 pace

On Deck
Rest Day Tomorrow, 4 Mile Tempo on Thursday

Happy

Time Flies

Hello out there in Running Bloggie World!  

It has been about 18 months since I have done any serious running of any kind.

It feels like a confession.

Forgive me Running Gods for I have sinned!  It has been 18 months since I have trained ...

I have had many ups and downs about the issue.  Beaten myself up for not getting up and going.  Gotten myself down in the dumps about the weight I've gained.  But a lot has changed in all areas of my life ... New Apartment, New Job, New People have come into my life, others have gone.

I've tried return to running and get started but failed and start again and failed again ... only to pick myself up and try yet again. 

I started telling everyone I would start the day after Graduation, less than 2 months away.

Then I started saying I will start the day school ends, as soon as I turn in my last assignment ... that's less than 3 weeks away now ... but the excitement is getting to me.  I feel it itching under my skin.

Today!  Why Can't I start TODAY!  No one can tell me not to!  No one has to know!

You guys will keep my secret, won't you? 

When is TODAY a good time to start again??? 

TODAY!!!!

On Deck
3 Mile walk


Have a OUTSTANDING day!

Not So Short but Sweet

Today I had my long run, 6 miles at where we stand ... no my longest ever but certainly the longest in 8 months.

No times to report as my Garmin died before I started the first mile.  Seems I forgot to turn it off on Thursday after the Turkey Trot.

Mom's wants to sign up for the Holiday Run 5k but I am pushing for a 10k, not sure if one is available but keeping my fingers crossed.

Keeping it short today as I am teaching a Firearms Course this afternoon, then a GNO with the BFF.

On Deck is a 2 mile recovery run.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!!!

Race Report: Turkey Trot

A year ago, at about this time, I was coming down from the major running high of My First Half Marathon in a rather respectable amount of time (2:35:58 for those that didn't click through) and I was thankful that Recovery Runs are Better Than Chocolate.

Fast Forward one year, after an 8 month sabbatical from running and 30 pounds heavier, i.e. yesterday, when I was just trying to survive a 5K. 

Which I did by I alternating running and walking the distance in 44:20.

It wasn't a PR or even a great run by the standards I held a year ago.  But looking at it in the perspective of this year and this time around, I've cut off ~4 minutes from my last race (The Waterford 5k about 2 weeks ago @ 48:52) and I am thankful for that!

On Deck is a 6 miler, I gott start building up my distance if I'm going to get through the half! :)

Hoping you all have a Festive Holiday Weekend!

Keeping on 'Troting

Ok, so last week wasn't such a great week.  The week before that was OK, not great but OK.  This week wasn't gearing up to be much better since I did nothing yesterday.

Lets be honest: Mondays aren't the best training day for me and I should probably work with that limitation and set it as a rest day.

But Today ... Today I got up and did something.  Nothing spectacular or out of this world but SOMETHING ... and I am taking that one as a WIN!

I was even inspired to start my race planning:

• I'm already signed up for the ING 13.1 Miami (I'm actually signed up for the 26.2 but I know I won't be ready) so I will be pacing the Mom's on her first Half Marathon attempt
• I'd love to hook up with some people doing the Key West Ragnar but I don't know if I will be ready.  
• My 13.1 race will be the 13.1 Miami Beach in March
• The Traditional 7 Mile Bridge (My Alternate will be the Aflac 15k in case I don't get in)
• My A-race will be the Corporate Run where I want to beat 32:00 minutes (with my ultimate goal being sub-30)

I am Thankful that I am able to "run".  I am Thankful that I can share this hobby with my mom which brings us together and gives us a lot ... MORE ... to talk about :) I am Thankful for my family and my friends and my co-workers who put up with all my running talk (even though I haven't been running in a while).  I am Thankful running has taken me back, like an old lover you never forget!  I am THANKFUL!!!

On Deck is some calisthenics and stretching for tomorrow, cause the Turkey Trot Tradition must be upheld!!!

Have you been Thankful Today?

Getting Over The Hump

Still trying see where I stand and build my base, today I had planed to do a 5 miler that was not meant to be.

It was probably a bit optimistic to try to get through a 5 miler running straight through this early in the game but what I am if not optimistic :P

I did manage to get through 3 miles using a walk/run cycle but I really need to work on my stretching pre-run because my legs were hurting from the get go. 

Mile 1   14:53.44
Mile 2   16:21.86
Mile 3   15:56.51

Nothing impressive but still feeling pretty good about my progress.

On Deck
3m Run

Happy Wednesday!

And Their Off!

Training has officially begun.  

Today I had a easy two mile run which I thought would be a great way to gauge exactly where I am considering I didn't try to run during the Waterford 5K and I kinda took it easy yesterday.

I had set a goal of hitting sometime between 14:15 and 15:36 which would land me in a respectable range. 


I ended up at:

Mile 1   13:55.21
Mile 2   14:42.66

... which I am rather happy with. 

I did cramp up ... ALOT ... which forced me to walk WAY more than I should have so there is still much tweeking to be done.

On Deck is some cardio and strength training for tomorrow, followed by a 5 miler I am hoping to run most of :)

Wish me luck!!!



Have a great day!

T-Minus 11 weeks or 77 Days till ING Miami Half Marathon Take Deux

Last week I realized we are 12 weeks out ... now 11 weeks out ... of the 2011 ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon to which I have been signed up for since last years ING Miami Marathon 2010.

The last few months have been rather eventful including:

• Reaching and passing the half way mark in my Graduate School Program and getting nominated to the Golden Key Honor Society
• Closing and moving into my own place
• A rather unexpected change in employment to a job I AM ECSTATIC ABOUT!!!!!

This eventfulness (is that a word?) has further gummed up the works in my Return to Running Plan.

Until ...

I just got out there an did it.

Last week was the Waterford 5k, a yearly run company's in the Waterford area take part in. 

Last week,  I also had an Epiphany.  I have a million reasons why I don't have time to run ... but all those reasons are in fact EXCUSES! 

So, when Friday came ... I had not trained ... I had not worked out ... But I had to run ... well I had to walk.   There was no reason why I shouldn't,  only excuses ... and I wasn't going to let an excuse stop me!

So I did, paced by a co-worker and did OK considering I haven't put on my work out clothes in about 7 months.

Saturday I rested ... I woke up with a dehydration hang over.  I hadn't had enough water in the days preceding race. 

Today, I followed it up by walking/jogging 5 miles which also went OK but made me realize I really have to kick up my training to get back to my fighting weight.  Mrs. Mom is doing it too but she has been training for a few weeks already so I have a lot of catching up to do.

For those of you who have been following me for a while might recall I pace Mrs. Mom or at least go back for her at the end of the race ... but either way ... I HAVE A LOT OF TRAINING TO DO!!!!

On Deck

2 miles @ between 14:15 to 15:36


Have a great day!

Pop By For A Visit

I will  be blogging about my experience with my the CMBA program at FIU.  Check it out at From English Major to MBA [http://fromlit2mba.blogspot.com/]

Have a great day!