It wasn't meant to be ... or was it?

So last night, the weather nixed my run. As soon as I steped out the door it started to drizzle.

Not being one to be easily defeated, I decided I would do a few laps around the block and get a feel for the rain. By the time I finished the first lap, the downpour was starting and I ran inside and decided it would be a night for studying instead.

Today, I didn't really have a run on the schedule being that tomorrow is the Calle Ocho 8K but being that I've missed 3 runs (including yesterdays) over the last 10 days I wanted to get a few miles in. I promised myself it would be an easy run, no pushing myself and being that today I'd be visiting Mrs. Mom it would be on the treadmill ... but low and behold the set of running clothes I have stashed at Mrs. Mom's house was still in the washer (i.e. WET!)

I thought about taking this as a sign and I still might, but I tossed the clothes in the drier and am hoping to jump on the tready in the next half hour or so and get an easy run in. No goal on the mileage, just go with what I feel.

For now, I snuck in this blog post and a little review time while I wait.

No moment goes wasted :P hehe

Happy Thursday!

Race Countdown: T minus 3 Days

Unexpected huh?

I am always looking for new ways of keeping you on your toes! :D

I just signed up for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Tour de Broward 5K this Sunday! (If you'd like to make a donation the link it here)

My friend, who was once my boss, facebooked me asking me to run the race. Being the agile buisness woman she is, she now owns a Restaurant called Toss Up Salads and she is trying to get a team together so of course I was in!

I wasn't expecting to do a race this weekend and am considering how to squeeze in my long run and be rested enough for the 5k to possibly PR, while still getting my mileage in.

I will for-go my rest day tomorrow and do a long-ish run of 7 miles instead of my planned Saturday morning 9 miler (which was actually an intended 10 miler ... I am always trying to one up my training plan :) then on Saturday rest and be fresh for the Sunday 5K.

What do ya'll think?

Hump Day Already?

I was off on Monday, resting up after the Marathon Half-Marathon so today feels like Tuesday which is a beautiful thing because Friday will feel like it's coming that much faster.

I have lots of random stuff to go over so I'll try to keep it organized! :)

First of all:

I want to thank you all for your comments and positive vibes :) They are greatly appreciated.

Second:

I'd like to answer a question on how I got the fun clock pic of my time:

It's available Here

Click on your race, Search for your name and then click on it and Viola! :) From there I took a screen shot of it and saved.

I also used this to correct the time on my finish picture with the help of Photoshop ;)

Third:

Yesterday, I went on a Race Planning spree. I want to do one race every month this year and so far I'm doing fine.

• Already did my January Race
  
• Signed up for February 26th, Calle Ocho 8k
• I had already signed up for March 7th, 13.1 Miami Beach
• Applied for the April 27th 7 Mile Bridge Race, it's a Lotto race so I penciled in the April 15th 1040K race (just in case :\
  
• Penciled in the May 22nd Tour of the Gables
• Penciled in the June 6th Twilight 5k
  
• Penciled in the July 4th 5k

• 
  

Forth:

I complied my stats for January. They look something like this:

Miles Run: 69.66 miles
Times Run: 11 times
Average Pace: 4.68 mph
Time Run: 15:07:44
Cross Trained: 0 times - egad!
Biked: 0 times

Fifth:

I read listened to 3 Books this month

All three were excellent!

and Finally:

Yesterday's rain caused me to bring my run inside, first time in what feels like at least a year (but probably not that long) that I've run on a treadmill.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I plugged in my Ipod, started up Spirit of the Marathon and got going.

I probably could have squeezed out one more rest day but I was raring to go and couldn't wait to get started.

I kept it easy, at my 12:47 recovery run pace. I bobbed up and down during the first half mile of the run so much (trying to figure out the new tready) that I pretty much had to keep it 11:32 and 12:00 for the last three miles to break even at 12:41.

I loved the fact that I had more control over how fast I was going and how I could keep it even. Yes, I'm OCD like that! When I run outside I can usually keep the first mile on pace but every subsequent mile slows down considerably and I H.A.T.E. THAT!

Final stats:
Distance: 4.10
Time: 52:00:00
Pace: 12:41

On Deck for tonight is a 5 Mile Run with 3 of those miles at 11:08 pace. I'm not good at these types of runs but I'm just going to push on through.

Have a great Hump day!

Recovering & Looking towards the future

Thanks to all of you for all the wonderful comments on my post 13.1 Afterthoughts: A Moment of Doubt, I truly appreciate the faith and motivation. :)

--

I am feeling better today.

My post-RACE-um Depression is starting to subside and I can go up and down stairs without feeling like my quadriceps have been set on fire.

I've also done alot of MULLING over (the last two run-less days) about the 26.2 and being that the 13.1 (i.e. my A race) is now behind me I am looking to 2010 and pondering what lies ahead.

Potential Race Schedule:

January 31, 2010	ING 26.2 Marathon MY FIRST MARATHON!
March 7, 2010	13.1 Miami Beach
March ?, 2010	Mercedes Benz Cooperate 5K Run
April 17, 2010	7 Mile Bridge Run - LOTTERY
May ??, 2010	Tour Of The Gables
May ??, 2010	She Rox - Triathlon
July 4, 2010	4th of July 5K
September 26, 2010	Escape to Miami - Triathlon
October 31, 2010	Halloween Half Marathon
November 7, 2010	NYC Marathon - LOTTERY
November ??, 2010	Space Coast Marathon back up in case I don't get in NYC
November ??, 2010	Waterford 5K
November 26, 2010	Turkey Trot 10K

Wow! I'm getting excited just looking at it.

Wishing everyone a Happy Hump day!

Say Hello to My Little Friend

I recently rediscovered an old friend in my dinner arsenal.

His name is Squash, Mr. Spaghetti Squash and he is a dinner covert operative!

Very Mysterious and a little daunting for an urban cooking novice but well worth his weight in ... well, Squash!

He is very easy to prepare and accompanies many dishes beautifully!


My Current Favorite:

Covered in Spaghetti Sauce and accompanied by a crumbled boca burger with a little lite Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

HOLY YUM!

Easy and versatile and dare I say FREE ON THE WEIGHT WATCHERS FOOD SCALE.

Regardless of that though, it's very yummy and adding a vegetable to your meal is always a plus!

Ok, now moving right along:

Today is Thursday and I'm so excited about the upcoming two-fer race weekend I can barely think of anything else ... but I.MUST.!

Today I am thankful for:

• Mothers: I've said before and I'll say it again ... Mom's ROCK!
• Recreating yourself: I recommend you do it every chance you get. If something isn't working don't insist that it's part of who you are ... if you don't like it ... CHANGE IT ... AND NOW!
• Races and the wonderful Volunteer's who support them: The races wouldn't happen without 'em and then how would we get motivated to run Marathons and stuff! They are very important!

and still counting:

1 day till the Waterford 5K ... YES, IT'S TOMORROW!
3 days till the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale!

Also, update on the Food Journal is going really well! I'm feeling really good about it! Hey, I'm thankful for that too! :)

Also, I'm toying with the idea of going for 9 Races in 2009 since I have already decided that I will be going for 10 races in 2010. Which would mean adding 3 more races (after the two this weekend) in the next 6 weeks. Not a definitive yet, I will see how I feel after this weekend and once I check how my funding is doing.

Read My Breakfast and Have Some Blogs

First of all, I wanted to take a moment to Thank all the Veterans for their service to this country!


We are in your debt!

--

So this morning while I was having my breakfast and and catching up on some Blogs, I realized I have a 2 races this weekend.

Firstly, I will be taking part in the Waterford 5k with my co-workers. This a Corporate Type Run which everyone from the businesses in our office complex takes part.

I didn't want to miss it so I figured I would just take it easy and consider it a training run.

BUT, I can't help but set some goals for it.

My C-Goal: Beat last years time of 40:32
I had no excuse. I wasn't pacing with my mom or anyone else for that matter. I was running alone and had done a 36:26 seven months earlier. It was pretty embarrassing actually.

My B-Goal: Beat my current Personal Best of 36:26
I think I can definitely do this.

My A-Goal: Sub-35:00
I think this is possible and it's what I've been doing in my training runs.

My ULTIMATE-GOAL: Sub-30:00
I'm not here quite yet but I will be someday ... it's what I'm shooting for!

I've also been day dreaming about my goals for the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale



It's only 4 days away.

My D-Goal: Beat my training run time of 2:31:52
I think with the addition of adrenaline I will be able to beat this.

My C-Goal: Beat 2:30:00
I think I can definitely do this.

My B-Goal: Hit 2:22:00
I just love that number!

My A-Goal: Hit 2:15:00
That would be Awesome!

My ULTIMATE-GOAL: Sub-2:00:00
Like I said before, I'm not here quite yet but a girl can dream, right? :)

The countdowns continue!

2 days till Waterford 5K Redemption!

4 days till 13.1 Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon Glory!

Wishing everyone a Happy Veteran's Wednesday :)

Times They Are A Changing

Last night, I had an easy 5 Miler and I head out within minutes of getting home from work but due to Day Light Savings and the adjustment of the hour even starting at 5:15pm my run out lasts the remaining day light.

Mile 1	0:11:44
Mile 2	0:12:01
Mile 3	0:12:17
Mile 4	0:12:20
Mile 5	0:12:19
Extra .1 m	0:01:11

So this morning, I woke up at 5:55am and set out to shift my runs to the AM.

Mile 1	0:11:45
Mile 2	0:11:51
Mile 3	0:11:57
Mile 4	0:11:45
Mile 5	0:11:45
Extra .07m	0:00:44

My second run of the week is usually a little better than the first.

I think I could get to liking this running in the morning thing.

Tonight I have a date with a half finished replica of Lafayette's Afghan. I should get it finished in time for the next cold front :)

Can't forget the countdown:

T- Minus 12 days to the Half-Marathon.

and just for fun: The Top Ten Thoughts That Go Through Your Mind When Running The New York City Marathon



Have a great day!

Running Vac-ay Is Over

We are currently holding at a Level 0 - ALL CLEAR on the Migraine Threat Scale.

The running vac-ay is no over! HO-RAH!

Thankfully, my weight maintained stable over the 5 days (almost eerily so). No weight gain AT ALL ... even though I was comfort eating the ENTIRE 5 days. I kept looking for something to make me feel better and after Thursday's REBOUND HEADACHE from taking too much ADVIL (which is what almost forced me to go to the hospital) I turned to food (yes, I know, WRONG ANSWER!)

So it's been 5 whole run-free days.

Wednesday: A Planned Rest Day due to the Concert
Thursday: Migraine Forced No Run Day
Friday: Migraine Forced No Run Day
Saturday: Still had a mild migraine but was going to give a run a try but got majorly rained out
Sunday: Got caught up reading Club Deadby Charlaine Harris (Author of True Blood) ... Yes, I read the whole thing in one day! I was done by 6pm (I'm an English Major, Glad to see I've still got my reading chops!) which is my running window but it was cloudy so I started Dead to the World instead.

Half-Marathon Training Phase 2 is over and we are beginning Phase 3. Meaning that I've got 8 weeks (55 days) until my first Half-Marathon!

Today, I am scheduled for a Strength Training Day which I would much like to skip and make up my 6 miler from yesterday. But I know I probably shouldn't.

Considering this weeks schedule:

Monday: Cross/Strength Training
Tuesday: 4 Mile Run
Wednesday: 5 Mile Run
Thursday 3: Mile Run
Friday: Cross/Strength Training
Saturday: 45min Tempo/4 Mile Run
Sunday: 7 Mile Run

I think I will stick to the plan and push on ward!


In Review - Week of September 13th:
Half Marathon Training Week 4 of 12:

WORKOUT	DISTANCE	AVG Speed	TIMES
On the Run	4 Miles	5.32	1
On the Bike	0 Miles	N/A	0
In The Water	0 Meters	N/A	0
Strength Training	90 minutes	N/A	2

Total Running Time: 0:45:08
Total Training Time: 3:45:08

This weeks stats S.T.I.N.K.! I was so demoralized yesterday I even thought about bagging the Half-Marathon. I know this set back was due mostly to my migraine but I could have done more. Not to worry though I tossed that thought off the boat in a JIFFY!

ON WARD HO!

This set back will be double motivating to STICK to this weeks plan!?!?!

Wishing everyone a Happy Monday!

Registered: 13.1 Fort Lauderdale

I just registered for the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale with Mrs. Mom.


There is a special for the first 500 people who register in the next 24 hours. You register for the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale and you get to register for the 13.1 Miami Beach for $13.10.

Pretty Cool, huh!

Have a great day!

Testing Out A New Path

Yesterday, after work, I headed straight for the gym as I do most days.

I had completely changed into my workout clothes when I realized not only did I bring two different shoes (i.e. not a matching pair) but both were right shoes ... so absolutely no way of me working out. Mind you if they had been a left and right shoe I would have worn them with no shame even though they'd be un-matching just to prove to the Universe that nothing that silly is going to stop me from working out!?!

I was lividly mad the entire way home!

I got home and grumbled at poor undeserving Mr. Boyfriend and got my shoes on, tied on my Garmin Forerunner 50 ... fixed the little issue of the display and got it to show both my completed distance and my current speed (which is exactly what I wanted ... YAY!)

I had plotted a run from my front door to the Golf Course that covered 5.2 and took advantage to give it a test drive.

Turned out to be a great run!

Sceanic, running through Coral Gables (my absolute favorite area). Had a couple of run ins with clouds of nats but otherwise a spectacular path.

Mile 1: 09:47.7
Mile 2: 09:20.7
Mile 3: 11:20.4
Mile 4: 09:28.8
Mile 5: 10:40.5
.3 Mile: 03:14.7

Hit the 5k mark at about 31:30 ... if I do that good this Saturday I will definately hit a new PR.

I got a blister though ... another badge of honor ... but I didn't really feel it happening or even feel it now so I doubt it will cause me too much trouble this weekend. Putting lots of A&D ointment so should be healed almost completely by Saturday.

Today I have my challenge sets and will jog 1 Mile but plan to take it very easy so I can prep for the race on Saturday and being that tomorrow if the Observed Holiday for 4th of July we get to start the weekend!

Happy Weekend!

It's Friday, I must have lost a pound

Well, let me start by saying last night I had a terrific run.

I drove to Bermudez Park straight after work. I knew that if I didn't my run would not get done so I decided to stack the odds in my favor. I grabbed my gym bag which had been packed for over a week and made sure to grab my New Balance Running Shoes (they seem to produce the best/fastest/injury free runs for me) and headed out.

As I started my run, I was excited and after stretching, only moderately in my opinion, I jumped right in to running. It felt great to be running again ... but at the end of the first mile my knee began to falter and I faded back to a walk:run strategy which made me a little upset. I knew I should have been doing strength training exercises with P90X in my hiatus which I only did once over the last two weeks and I kicked myself for not doing more. But then, as I began my third mile a woman started to run past me. She wasn't going very fast and I decided to match her speed and noted she was going 5.0 mph (according to my Garmin Forerunner 50) which is the low-end speed I was running right before my injury ... so I decided to see how long I could match her speed. She was running on the inner loop and I was running on the outer loop so the curves gave me a bit of trouble keeping up with her but I stayed with her the entire way! I was soooo happy.

Run Stats:
Start Time: 5:00pm
Distance Run: 3.2 mi
Time: 0:50:15
Average Pace: 15:42
Temperature: 84
Fells like: 89
Humidity: 65%
Comfort Index: 6

After my run, I made a shake EAS-Premium Protein Powder and water but the taste alone wasn't so great ... I'm going to have to find something to mix it with.

But back to the title of my post: It's Friday, I must have lost a pound

Granted, I always seem to be a little lighter after I run. My trainer even noted that the exercise seems to suit my body well because when I run consistently I can see results rather quickly even though I am still considered heavy to be running. But yet again, it's Friday and again I am at my lightest weight.

I know why too! Because during the week I am able to eat healthy foods and make educated nutritional choices ... but some how as soon as Friday hits ... BAM! I become a nutritional idiot! By the end of the weekend, I will have gained 2,3 or even 4 pounds. I don't drink enough water, I eat ALL THE TIME, and when I do eat it's foods I would be disgusted by during the week.

Why is that? Does my brain suddenly shut down as soon as I go into weekend mode?

What do I do about it?

HELP!

T-3 Days :: Tour of the Gables 5K

T-3 Days and counting.

I am concerned.

I try to relieve my concern by thinking (1) it's just a 5K and that's only 3.1 miles, that is do-able (2) I can walk with my mom and just do a mother-daughter bonding time (3) my knee hasn't hurt in almost a week.

BUT ... then I think ... (1) you haven't walked/run/worked out in over a week (2) I am feeling like I was hit by a 16 wheeler for said period of the last week (3) my mom has been working out and is probably running at the race (4) I was hoping to get an accurate measure of my 5K PR for this race.

I hate that part of me. The part that counteracts any positive thinking I can muster throughout the day.

I read over my list of favorite quotes for inspiration and one sticks out.

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali

Have a great day!

Achy Breaky Joints

Since last night, my left knee has been feeling sore. I don't know if it's due to the nervousness of the race or the nervousness of that fact that after that race we are leaving on our road trip. I feel butterflies welling up in my stomach as I write :)

I iced my knee for the night and am wearing my knee brace now. I am going to double up on my Glucosamine Chondroitin & MSM dose (which I haven't been taking as religiously as I should). As far as I know you have to take it pretty consistently for over 30 days to really start getting the full benefit.

I haven't decided if I am going to go ahead and run the race as of yet. I will make my decision throughout the day. I am inclined to go ahead and run being that this is the second time I sign up and have yet to run the course. I have an abnormally high pain threshold which usually causes me to bite off more than I can chew. But rational may win out on this one.

My Next Race

I've hardly been able to catch my breath from all the excitement of the 7 Mile Bridge Race and I'm already off to my next Race: The Mercedes Benz Corporate Run on April 30th, 2009.

The whole company comes out for this one so I am anxious to show my co-workers what I've got :)

Yesterday I had a great run. Did 4.41 miles even though I had been suffering from a migraine all afternoon. I became a little worried being that we are currently suffering from outbreaks of Swine Flu and Meningitis and some of the symptoms are headaches and soreness of the neck but I trusted my gut and went with Occam's razor (Loosely put: The simplest explanation is always best) and decided to go for a run in hopes of releasing enough endorphins to quash my migraine.

It worked.

It did take me a while to get started. I walked almost a full mile before getting the urge to jog a bit and after that the rest is history. I maintained a steady 12 min mile pace the rest of the way.

Towards the end I picked it up a bit and passed a couple I thought I knew ... ended up being my cousins (on my mother's side) and we had a nice catch up session while we cooled down.

What a great run!

Training for the 7 Mile Bridge Race

The 7 Mile Bridge Run is steadily approaching and although I have cut 10 minutes off my time I am still nervous. I am cutting it close. I know that most of what I will be battling is psychological but still.

I am a slow runner. I know I just have to be patient and give it time but right now I am running an 15:00 min mile on my regular runs and not getting any faster. Once I ran a 13:00 min mile in one of my long runs followed by a couple of 13:30 min miles but after that it jumped right back up.

I'm nervous because you only have 90min to run the 7 miles and I really want to finish!