I ran the marathon!!

I did run the Baltimore Marathon last Saturday!!!  I'm proud of myself for finishing, not happy with my finish time but I'll get over it and I can always run another marathon in the future.  I'll update more in the future.

Me happy



Me in pain, I did something to my adductor muscle...



Maybe....

For those that still follow... I think I'm going to run/jog/walk the Baltimore Marathon this Saturday... wish me luck!

No more marathon (at this time)

Its been awhile since I've blogged and I don't really feel like going into what the last few weeks have been like but here is my current facebook status:

Marathon Update: I have decided it is in my best interest not to run the marathon I have been training so hard for in October :(. This decision took lots of thought and input from many people but ultimately it is what is best for me. I have decided to run the Elizabeth DiNunzio Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk at the Mount that weekend so I will be at Mountfest.
http://www.msmary.edu/give-to-the-mount/giving-opportunities/race.html
Maybe I'll update more later.

Fail

Annapolis 10 miler this weekend = cancelled

First week back at work (without kids) and running = fail because i was so tired

Plan to run this weekend = expecting to fail

fail fail fail.... teaching and training are not going to go well together

Goal = Finish

16 miles complete!!!!!!!

wouldn't it be nice to look like
this at a marathon finish line?

I would have liked a faster time but I need to just realize that my goal is to FINISH the marathon!!  Over the past year (and even further back) my body has been through complete hell!  I need to realize and accept that while I think its cool that my body is able to train and do this less than a year after "brain" surgery, that does not mean it still doesn't have needs and issues.  I cannot and should not be pushing it too hard, maybe when training for a future marathon I can.  But for right now, my goal is to finish with a smile.  I need to stop comparing times and I need to focus on me.  My body is amazing and I am so glad that I have recovered from my surgery without complications and I am so lucky that my whole tumor was removed.  I've also has nutrition issues in the past and I think its cool I'm doing well with that too.  My mood is amazing and I'm just all around feeling well.  I do have my tired and not motivated moments but I think that is normal for everyone during periods of life.  I am happy overall but I'm not happy every second.  There is an overall and long term happiness that I think I have and then there is an in the moment happiness and I think no one can say they are happy all the time.  Anyways, I just need to get my priorities for the marathon in line and not let anyone or myself believe otherwise.

Annapolis 10 miler next weekend!  I am so excited that my mom is coming with me!!!!!  I am beyond excited actually!  It means a lot to me that she is coming, words can't describe my happiness surrounding that.

First day back at work tomorrow after summer vacation.  Professional week this week and then the kiddos come next Monday (the 29th).  I am so excited for this year!



Motivation is low again...



So this week hasn't been so great training wise.  I ran 4 miles on Monday while home visiting my parents but then went on a 3 day mini-vacation with my best friend.  We did soooo much walking around Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg but I did no running.  I set my alarm both mornings to run but just didn't want to.  Then I was going to run Thursday when I got home but no, I was too tired.  Friday I told myself would be a rest day regardless of what running I did because I was planning to get up and run 16 miles this morning.  Well, that failed because I reset my alarm and then eventually turned it off.  I ended up jogging/walking a slow 7 miles in the afternoon.  Tomorrow I will attempt the 16 miles again but honestly my body is just insanely tired and I don't exactly know why.  I think it has entered anxiety and stress mode with the start of the school year coming.  I wonder if I should have skipped getting an early set up of my classroom and ran with my running buddy, Nicole, instead on Friday.  Ultimately my job matters more to me than the marathon.  Or rather, not being stressed out about my job means more to me and so setting up my classroom early was important for that.



this is not what i want to be
when my students arrive
for the new school year...



I really am just tired which is a not so fun way to start the school year on Monday.  I see one of my doctors Monday night so I'll try to remember to get a lab slip so I can make sure all the normal stuff is alright (ie. electrolytes and other random stuff).

14 miles! My longest run ever!

Yesterday I hit a new milestone and ran my longest distance ever - 14 miles!!!  And I basically ran it solo.  Prior to this, the longest I've ever run was 13.1 at the Harrisburg Half Marathon in September 2009.

Ok, he wasn't that old and
I didn't actually look too closely
at him but he was at least
25 years older than me

So, my 14 miles run.... I was at my parents' house so I ran on a trail near there.  A change of scenery is always nice.  Its actually a trail that I would have to do Saturday runs on for cross country in high school.  So anyways, it didn't start too well and mentally I just wasn't into it.  The first half I did in like an hour and 15 min which wasn't impressive.  I walked some.  Then it started to rain so I got paranoid and had to make a phone call home so my parents could rescue me if it thundered.  It didn't but I still hate rain.  On the way back I did my best to run but mentally I wasn't feeling it, not until mile 10 when an older man passed me as I was walking up a hill, he told me to pick it up and that I could do it.  So I started running and just stayed a little behind him.  When I would fall back just a little, he'd look back and make a motion with his hand to keep up.  So I eventually started running next to him.  So part of mile 10 to mile 13 I ran with him.  We talked and it was very nice.  He gave me tips for marathon training and it was just nice to keep running.  The fact that I could talk at that point shows that my walking issues are all mental and that physically I should have been running.  At some point he told me that I could go ahead if he was slowing me down and I said "no, you go ahead if i am slowing you down." He said I was actually speeding him up so we slowed down a bit.  Somewhere in our convo we asked each other how far each of us was running.  Its weird where I started on the trail and stuff but anyways, he tried convincing me to run 2 extra miles with him so I could hit 16 miles instead of 14.  I kindly said no (which I know regret).  So for the last mile he told me to eat a gu and go ahead.  I did but I waited at the mile marker I finished at and as he passed it (cuz he was still running further), he gave me a fist bump and wished me luck.  I don't even know the guy's name but it was so awesome to have him.  I keep thinking I should have stuck it out and done the 16.  O well.

So I did the 14 miles in 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 7 seconds.  Basically 11 min/mile.  My legs didn't hurt when I stopped and I wasn't wobbly like I was with the 13, I so should have pushed harder.

This week I'll be on vacation so hopefully I am able to get out and run.  I will tell my friend she needs to make sure I run.  I'm planning to do 16 on Saturday but it looks like I'll be doing that solo again, boooooooooo!  I need cheerleaders.

Running and Wipe Out

So I went into a funk Saturday night and stayed in bed most of Sunday and Monday which means I didn't get my 7 miles in on Sunday.  I was a little disappointed in myself but really I knew that getting out of that depression was more important.  I did get out last night and did 3 miles on the treadmill and then came home and ran 4 miles outside.  I just didn't feel like running on the treadmill so I just stopped.

Today I could have run during the day but I like my Tuesday night gym treadmill runs too much.  Why? Because Wipe Out is on the TVs!!  I love watching Wipe Out and running, lol.  I've been mixing up the treadmill workouts though.  I've been doing the hill and random workouts. And the TV distracts me which is ok once in awhile.  I know I need to be in tune but its nice to just zone out on the TV.  I ran 5 miles tonight.

Goal for tomorrow is 3-4 miles.  Cross on Thursday or Friday and the 14 miles solo on Saturday.

Feeling Up!

So my previous posts have been kind of down-ish.  Or at least prior to this week, that was what I was feeling.  Prior to this week I was debating whether the marathon was really a good idea for me and whether I could really do it.   Well, this week I've run 3, 4, and a 13 mile run!!!  They have all been really awesome.  I really had to push myself for the 13 but I didn't walk, only stopped half way to eat a gatorade fit mini bar thing (very good), and stopped twice to tie my shoe and wait for Nicole to tie her shoe.  I am so glad I have her to run with because it was my wanting to stay with her that kept me going yeseterday for the 13 miler.  I pushed myself to always keep her in my sight.  I did lose her with 1.5 miles left, she went over a bridge and disappeared but I figured with only 1.5 miles left that was not an excuse to walk. So it was a good week!  I did cross today and am hoping to get 7 miles in tomorrow.

Things that helped me this week:

1. Heat was down!!!!!!!!
2. My calories every day have been between 2500 and 3000 (closer to 3000 really, no lie).
3. I've been drinking gatorade mixed with water A LOT!!  I've been trying to replace my diet soda with it.
4. Overall mental state has been better - self doubt has been lowered.  And I've been using my CBT skills (google it) to get through my worries of "what if"s regarding running and other life things
5. Loving where I now live - adding to overall life happiness

This coming week I am planning to do 3-7-4-14.  Nicole and I might not run the 14 together though so we'll see how I do with that by myself.  I think it will be a good to try it by myself though.

On the 28th I'll be running the Annapolis 10 miler.  A friend of mine transferred her registration over to me.  I am very excited and my mom is going to come!!!!!!  That makes me very happy.  My mom has run a few marathons and I think its cool that she's supporting me through mine.  I can't wait, she'll also be at my marathon as well.  The 10 miler will also be a good mid distance run like 6 weeks before the marathon.  I just hope it isn't too hot.

Finally!!! A good run!

So I came home from babysitting today and was totally tired.  So I took a nap but I set an alarm to get up and run around 7:30pm.  Of course the alarm went off and I didn't want to get out of bed so I just reset it for later.  But after lying there and thinking I realized that:

1. if I continue sleeping I won't sleep tonight
2. i'll probably feel more up to run if I get out of my comphy bed

Yay for me!  I ran 15 minutes (and a few seconds) one way and 15 (and a few seconds) the other way.  I was fairly confident with my pace that I would be at least 3 miles in.  I got about 3.25 in a little over 30 minutes.  That was good, I'm happy.  The weather is finally a bit better outside.  Hopefully it just keeps getting better.

So, this weekend I went on Operation Hydration and I think it was successful.  I drank tons of gatorade and water (and caffeine free soda).  And I ate pretty regularly.  My body is showing physical signs of being better hydrated and my run tonight went really well.  Maybe this will help with my running rut.  Operation Hydration caused a 4 pound weight gain but I know it was mostly water and I think it is what my body just really needed.  If I am really going to run this marathon, I need to stop caring about the number on the scale.

Drained and Tired

I suck at updating this thing now.  I've been so busy.

I'm so drained and tired honestly and I don't know if its the move, lack of sleep, motivation, or nutrition issues (I don't know how to get more calories in).  I'm in a rut.  I'm running with my friend this weekend though so hopefully that helps.

This feeling cannot last....

And my calorie intake must improve.  I'm between 2500 and 3000 calories daily and I can't keep my weight up.  Maybe I shouldn't be training... I don't know...

Nutrition

I love this game!!
(and it kind of fits the topic)

Ok, I'm eating the amount of calories suggested by the nutritionist I've been seeing but I think its not enough because the last two workouts have killed me.  And I've been waking up ravenous in the middle of the night.  Yay, more food!  There is a bit of sarcasim there because I feel like I'm eating tons.  But at the same time it is nice to just be free to eat.  I don't know.

I can't get my lazy butt out of bed in the morning to run and with the heat it is too hot at night to run outside while there is still light.  I went to the gym and used the treadmill yesterday and today.  Yesterday I ran 3 and today I ran 6.  Tomorrow is a rest day and then on Thursday, my friend and I will wake up insanely early to run 13 miles.  Then somewhere in my packing and moving this weekend I'll get in 3 more miles.

My entries are boring, I apologize.

8k

44:26

Not was I had hoped for but I'm still proud.  I beat the goal of 46 minutes which I originally I set.  It was only when I looked up my 2009 time that I wanted to be under 42 minutes.  So yea.  Considering how hard I'm doing marathon training and all that my body has gone through this last year of my life... I'm going to give myself a break and keep running hard.

My week and my Prophecys (probably not the correct spelling but that's ok)

So, its been a good week running for the most part.

Tuesday: 3 miles on the treadmill.  I think it was something like 25:30 with no incline
Wednesday: 6 miles outside.  I confess that I went out at 10:30 and that was stupid.  It was so hot and sunny.  I ran 3, walked 1, and ran 2.  It took me an hour and 9 minutes which isn't too bad considering I walked one.
Friday (today): 3.4 miles outside in 30:24.  It was so good to get on a hilly route.  The trail I run on is hilly but not like this run so it felt good to get out there and do it.

Tomorrow: Rockville Twighligher 8k!!!  I'm excited!!!  I promise to try my hardest to make an entry tomorrow night or Sunday.

So now the AWESOME news.  For my birthday, my mom bought me the Mizuno Wave Prophecys.  I've been wearing Mizuno for like 7 years now so I'm so excited.  They came in today!!!  I'm kind of bummed I can't wear them tomorrow (because I haven't tried them out) but I'm excited to start using them next week!

Here's the description for the Mizuno Website:
"The result of seven years of intense research and development, Wave Prophecy is our most advanced, most dynamic shoe ever. Our engineers designed Wave Prophecy to match your running gait and the natural spring rate of your muscles and tendons. Whether you land on your forefoot, midfoot or heel, Wave Prophecy’s full-length Infinity Wave plates propel you forward with a smooth ride mile after mile. No matter how far and how often you run, you’ll always have the ride of your life. " http://www.mizunousa.com/running/feature/mizuno-wave-prophecy-running-shoes

12 miles Yesterday and 2009 Race Times

My friend Nicole and I did an awesome 12 mile run on the Capitol Crescent Trail starting in Bethesda.  We were chatty for the first 6 miles, very chatty.  Then from mile 6-9 we talked but not as much and not as in depth.  Then mile 9 we were silent except for motivation to keep up with each other.  Then at mile 10ish, Nicole left me.  I was so amazed I stayed with her that long and I am so impressed.  I did 12 miles in 2 hours 4 minutes and 46 (I think) seconds!!!!  That's awesome!!!!!  My last mile was basically 12 minutes long so I was keeping a really good pace until the end when I couldn't maintain it.  I was secretely hoping to do it in under 2 hours but thats ok, I'm still happy.

I went looking for my 2009 summer race times:

6/20/09 - 10k - 56:(?seconds)
7/18/09 - 8k - 42:10
8/9/09 - 20k - 2:22:53
9/13/09 - Half Marathon - 2:05:46




I didn't race in 2010 because I was sick and I haven't done a race this year.  I have the 8k on Saturday.  I was amazed looking back at my time.  I ran 8:30 min/miles.  I hope I can do that again this year but I don't think I can.  I'm going to try though.  I remember the 20k, after traveling back from Hawaii 2 days before I hadn't run, it was hot, and I was just tired.  That race was miserable.  I made up for it in the half marathon.

Today and Other Stuff

Yesterday was my birthday so I babysat and went out to dinner with friends.  I did not run because I didn't sleep well the night before and didn't want to get up early (I am not a morning person).  But that's ok, it was my birthday and it was a great day.  It had moments of not being a good day but my quick thinking made it a great day and so did my wonderful friends.

Today I did cross training at the gym.  Not too exciting but cross seems to be the thing I am lacking.  I did an hour.  I don't put my cross training on dailymile because I like knowing the total miles are running miles and the time it calculates is just from running.

The thing I hate about the gym is it highlights the areas of my body I need "fixed".  I know I'm thin-ish but there are certain areas I wish I could just lose fat in.  The main area is the muffin top (love handles) in the back.  I doubt they are that obvious but I notice them.  I'm running this marathon not to lose weight or alter my body, if happens fine but its not my goal.  My goal is to finish the marathon and show that my body is strong.  My 24th year of life was spent a lot in the hospital, in fact, I turned 23 in the hospital.  Having brain surgery and being in an ICU is scary.  I feel so blessed and lucky that I've had no complications and I'm doing this well.  This marathon is not about the way my body looks but what it can do.  I want my 25th year of life to be a healthy one.  However, like most women, today is just one of those days I wish the love handles would go.  I'm glad that my next round of hard core blood tests, my MRI, and appointments with my neurologist, endocrinologist, and neurosurgeon are all scheduled for November and December.  If I get bad news then at least I will have already ran the marathon.

not me (obviously), just thought it kind of fit my discussion of a strong capable body that can run, climb (the mountain), etc.

Tomorrow, my friend Nicole and I will be running 12 miles.  The most I've ever run in my life is 13.1 miles when I ran a half marathon in 2009.  Its crazy to think that my personal runs will be longer than that soon.  Then next week is semi-easy.  It'll be a 3-6-3-and then an 8k race.  I had to alter my running schedule to fit this awesome 8k night race in.  I have to take a class next week that is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  And I babysit all day Wednesday.  Then I have a meeting Tuesday night and appointments Wednesday night.  And I'll have homework in this class.  So I'm hoping I can get it all in.  And I have moving and packing on my mind.... Ahhhhh!  Its a lot.

Well, I gotta get back to cleaning my bathroom... boooooooooooooooooo!

Another Awesome Run!!

I am very fortunate that I have awesome health insurance but sometimes it disappoints me.  Today was one of those days so I did not go to my Wednesday doc appointments.  I was mad at the time when I was dealing with all that drama but tonight I saved a lot of money in gas and I was able to get in my 5 mile run.

I went out at 7:30 tonight but it was still 90 degrees outside.  However, the sun was setting and I drove to someplace with trees but still close to major roads (for safety).  My mind was totally focused on running, I don't think I thought about anything else which is very different for me.  Normally I think about day to day things and run at a leisurely pace.  But I was determined to run in less than 50 minutes.  My total time was 48:26 Miles 3 and 4 were a little over 10 minutes but miles 1, 3, and 5 were awesome!!!  It was HOT!  Normally with this temperature I'd go to the gym but I toughed it out.  I was beyond soaked in sweat and dripping.  It was sooooooooo gross but at the same time I could tell that I worked hard.  I wore my water belt which was good because I needed water.  I am very happy with my time.  Now I don't have to worry about getting a run in tomorrow (its my birthday tomorrow and I have babysitting all day and my bday dinner at night).

I usually just like running for the fun of it.  I'm kind of getting into running for faster times.  I just don't want to get obsessed and I still don't want to aim for a marathon time, I just want to finish and do my best.

the content turtle now wants to run faster

Next Saturday (the 16th) I'm running an 8k and I'm hoping to get under 46 minutes.  I can't remember my exact time from 2 years ago when I ran this race but I'm hoping for less than 46 min.  Its a night run so we shall see, I won't have the sun but it'll be hot.

Awesome run on the treadmill

I don't have time to post but I ran 3 miles on the treadmill in 24 minutes and 49 seconds!!!!!

Boooooo for rain

I was supposed to run 5 miles today.  Since I was still sore last night, I decided I would do my 5 miles tonight.  I was waiting until 7pm so it would still be light but not as hot.  Kind of a fail.  I was dressed and just waiting for the temperature to drop a little more when I heard thunder and looked outside and I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"  The sky was getting darker but it hadn't started to rain and the temperature had really dropped.  So I just darted out the door and started running.  I couldn't do the loop I had planned near my parents house because I wanted to stay close so if it did start pouring I would be able to get back home asap.  I made it to about 38 minutes before the drizzling rain came and the thunder got louder.  So I rushed home.  I got 4.4 miles in so I'm not too upset.  I could have easily just not have gone, I was thinking about it.  Rain wasn't the big issue, it was the rain + thunder.  It was a good run, just wish I had left like 6 minutes earlier so I could have got the whole 5 in.  O well, I gotta do ab work tonight so I'll just work harder on that.

Sore.... very sore!

So my awesome 10 miler yesterday left me waking up in a world of pain and soreness.  I felt like I couldn't move, not fun.  I did get up and run/walk 3 miles but that was painful.  I slept like 12 hours last night and took a 3 hour nap today.  Wow, the sun and running are killing me.  I'll run 5 miles tomorrow night so hopefully my legs will have some rest.

My friend put this video on my facebook wall so I thought I'd share.



If only it were that easy.... but I'm glad its not because it would take away a lot of the excitement on training and completeing it.  If it were easy, people wouldn't frame their medals and put stickers on their car.

Uphill both ways

10 miles today with my friend Nicole!  We did AWESOME! especially compared to the last time we tried 10 miles.  It took me about 1 hr 45 min.  I did the first half in 51 min and the second half in 54 minutes.  The whole time we were running the first half, I kept saying that I though we running uphill on a small incline, Nicole told me it was flat.  I said the same thing on the way back and that is where I got my entry title.  Basically, you had to be there.  I had so much energy at the end, I totally should have tried to keep up with Nicole.  But I'm of the mindset that if I am going to spend close to 2 hours or more running, it should be enjoyable and not a killer.  The reality is that I am not an extreme or professional runner.  I am a girl who wants to run her 1st marathon and complete it.  I'm getting the distance in without stopping and I'm proud of that.  I'm not too concerned with my time come marathon day, I just want to finish and be proud that I did. 

I ran 3 miles on Wednesday.  It was awesome because I babysit during the day but this week the girl wasn't there and the boy had golf camp in the morning.  I was able to drop him off and run and get paid!  Sweet.  I wish I had done it yesterday too like planned but instead I took a nap.

3 miles tomorrow (slow) and 5 on Sunday.  I'm moving at the end of July so I'm mighty stressed, I hope it doesn't impact my running.



couldn't find a good picture with a woman



So today I saw my doctor about my kyphosis (basically I slouch) and how it is effecting my running.  She referred me to a physical therapist and then told me that not all body types were meant to run marathons.  She was excited that I was doing it though and when I left she told me good luck.  I'm very confused, except for that one comment, she seemed totally cool with the marathon and that is why she gave me the referral which she said she normally wouldn't be allowed to do since my case is mild.  I can't get in until August though so that sucks.



9 miles!

My friend Nicole and I ran 9 miles this morning!  I am so glad we ran together because she keeps me motivated (she is faster than me so I have to work hard to stay with her) and because I probably would have stayed in bed.  Overall we did awesome!!!  My mile pace was like 10.5 min miles which isn't so bad for a long run.  Its weird to think that on the program I am using to train, 9 miles will eventually become a medium run.  I hope I can do it, sometimes I think this marathon quest is too big for me but I'm going to keep going.  My goal is to finish.  The girl I babysat yesterday asked me if I was trying to win the marathon, I laughed and said no, that's not why you run a marathon unless your a very top elite athlete.  My goal is to finish for myself and to say I did it.

my cool water belt

Eating before longs run has been an issue for me but today it really wasn't.  I left my apartment at 7am and drove to where we were meeting.  So at like 6:45 I had a granola bar, an energy gel, and 12oz of gatorade and I was fine.  I used my cool new water belt on the run so I at some gummy energy chomp things half way through and I had gatorade and water ready whenever I needed it on the run.  So I guess my plan of waking early to eat a whole meal wasn't a great plan.  We'll see, I think it all depends on the heat and whether.  My new fuel belt was awesome though, good investment.  Nicole had one too so we looked hardcore (or dorky depending on how you look at it) together.

not my tank top but i needed a picture

On Wednesday I had to drive the boy I babysit to golf camp and kill 3 hours while he was there.  Well, I went to the outlet mall!!!  I basically spent most of my money I made babysitting there but I guess thats how life works.  I love how they have a reebok, nike, adidas, and under armour outlet store there.  I went to all of them but Under Armour had so much I liked.  I've never really worn Under Armour products but after my run yesterday and today, I am in love with their heat gear clothes (and underwear).  I had on a cute matching outfit today (mostly pink).  My clothes weren't drenched in sweat like normal.  However, with my fun sunburn my arms looked weird in the tank top but whatever.  I don't have to drive him back there for like 3 weeks so I'm hoping they have new stuff when I go back.

I'm glad I got my 20 miles in this week!  Now off to pack for Chicago.

Easy 3 miles and Sunburn

I started babysitting yesterday and boy am I tired.  Its not the babysitting thats tiring, its all the driving and then last night I had doc appointments.  But even though I'm tired, I still gotta fit my runs in.

No, its not this bad

Before I get to my run, I went to the pool today with the kids I babysit.  They are both in middle school so I was able to just sit and chill while they played and swam with their friends.  It was very cloudy out so what did I forget to put on? SUNSCREEN!!!!  So my legs and arms are burned (its a moderate burn for me) in a weird pattern (I had my legs crossed and my arm was resting on one of my legs). 

Well, I tell you this because it is no fun to run with sunburned thighs and knees... I did an easy 3 miles on the treadmill today.  I could have pushed harder but I am running 9 miles at 7am tomorrow and I don't want to be over tired for that.  I'm running with my friend which is good because I have to get up and I'll run faster with her (or I won't stop and walk).  I hope my sunburn is better tomorrow, its going to be a miserable night sleeping.

So, 9 miles tomorrow and then I'll be in Chicago Saturday through Monday.  I hope to get in cross training while there and I'm bringing running clothes just in case theres a moment when I can get out.

100 miles of training done!

According to Daily Mile I have completed 100 miles of running since starting to train for my marathon!!!!!  My 2011 miles are actually higher but since starting dailymile at the start of my training, its 100.  My excel spreadsheet shows me at 97 but I round down on that so for example 3.4 miles on dailymile is just 3 on my excel sheet.  So yay for me!!!

I did 5 miles today.  It was slow but I got it done.  The humidity was so awful and I thought it was going to pour rain at any time (it did 5 minutes after I got back to my apartment).  I almost stopped at 4 miles right before a big hill but I pushed myself to finish what I had planned.  So yay for me!

I got up at 8am this morning and was actually already dressed to go running (yes, for motivation, I sleep in my running clothes so I am more likely to run when I get up) but did I go?  No, my hair looked fine and I knew if I went running, I'd have to shower and do my hair again.  And I couldn't be bothered.  But after my errands at 2pm it was way too hot to go running.  So I took a nap and ran at 7pm.  I wonder what my time would have been if I had just run in the morning when it was nicer out.  I like running in the evening though.  Live and learn, I'll eventually figure it out. 

morning or night?

Back in the groove

I did my 3 mile run today!  Yay!  I could definitely feel that I had lost some of the endurance I'd built up though.  But it was less than 10min miles so I was happy.

Tomorrow will either be a 4 or 5 mile run depending on how I feel.

Calcium Rich Foods



Dark Leafy Greens



I saw a nutritionist today.  Not sure if it was a waste of time or not.  She was more concerned with iron and calcium so she wrote me a list of calcium rich foods and a list of leafy green vegetables.  I honestly just wanted to know for my height and weight how many calories do I need to eat to run well and maintain my current weight (I'm under orders not to lose any weight while training).  But I guess I never really came out and asked that.  She said I wasn't eating enough for my activity but chose to focus on calcium and iron.  I was once diagnosed with osteopenia but I reversed that in college and in March I was vitamin D deficient.  For the vit D issue I was put on prescription doses of vit D and had my levels checked today.  Hopefully they are better.  And while I've never been anemic, I guess she was concerned about iron and energy.  I thought I would get advice like "eat more carbs", "eat more protein", "add calories here", "stop eating this junkfood", etc.  Instead I got the usual, "eat dairy" "add iron".  I agreed to see her again in July.  I wanted to email her some more questions but her email on my insurance's website isn't working so thats annoying.  O well.  I went out and bought brocolli, celery, raisins, yogurt, and string cheese.  Those items were all on my follow up sheet.  Anyways, I guess it was helpful but when I left I was very thankful I don't pay for much under my health insurance plan, nutrition is free.



I hope to get a good run in tomorrow.  Wednesday is rest. Run on Thursday and Friday.  I'm going to Chicago for the weekend but I should be able to get in walking or my relatives have an elliptical machine.

Past week = :(

So this past week was the last week of school and I did an awful job running....

Monday starts hard core following of my running plan!

Today

I woke up today and my back was soooo sore.  My back has never been sore from running, not during high school cross country, not while running in college, not training for my half marathon in 2009, and not really recently.  My dad said it is probably left over from my back injury at work a few weeks ago.  This is not good.  I know I have mild kyphosis (basically i slouch) and so my running form is not as it should be but its never made my back hurt like this before.  Also, I don't think it can be the kyposis because it is my lower back that hurts, not the upper back.  So booooo for my work related back injury, I hope it doesn't happen again.  Also, my friend and I ran on a dirt trail with some rocks so the terrain might be playing into this.  Because I was fine a week ago on my 8 mile run and 2 weeks ago when I ran 9 miles.  I'll keep monitoring it.  Tomorrow is field day at school.  I hope my back is still not sore.

I'm bummed I didn't get my 21 miles in this week.  Today I ran 3 miles slow on the treadmill and did the elliptical for 30 minutes.  My body was fine on a low level on the elliptical but wanted off the treadmill so badly.  This is yet another crazy week so I hope I can fit in my 4 runs and 1 cross session.

Fail

So, my friend Nicole and I attempted our 10 mile run.  It was so humid outside and it felt like we were runnign through a sponge.  I guess the title of this entry is a little wrong because we completed the 10 miles (and probably more) but I ended up having to walk some and our legs were beyond sore when we were finished.  Our 8 mile run last Saturday was so good that this run was a bit depressing.

This week hasn't been good all around for training.  I was supposed to get two 3 mile runs in and a 5 mile run.  I only got the 5 mile run in on a treadmill.  I had 2 doc appointments this week over an hour away after work on Monday and Wednesday.  Then I was just so emotionally drained from work and the third anniversary of my best friend/college roommate's death. 

Live and learn.

This coming week is a step back week.  The long run is only 7 miles so thats good.  Its a 3-5-3-7 week.  Its the last week of school though so we'll see if I get it all in.

Well, I have to babysit in 30 minutes and I'm hanging out with my best friend later tonight, I guess I'll get some rest in tomorrow.

Long over-due Update

This week in a nut-shell

Monday: 9 mile run/walk.  Average of 12 min miles.
Tuesday: cross (too hot outside and I can't run before work)

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: 3 miles treadmill, a little over 9 min miles
Friday: short 2 mile run

Saturday (Today): 8 mile run - 1 hr 23 minutes - average 10:22 min miles

Today was supposed to just be a 4 mile run but the friend I am running the marathon with asked if I wanted to go on an 8 mile run.  So I dropped a mile on yesterday's workout.  I know I run better with someone with me to hold me accountable and I wanted to see if it was my motivation or the fact that it was a morning run that make morning runs so hard.  I got up at 4:30 and ate a peanut butter sandwich and drank 12 oz of gatorade.  45 minutes before the run, I had a granola bar.  I did ok for the first 6 miles but all of a sudden at mile 6 I was so hungry or thirsty.  My stomach wanted something in it so that made the last 2 miles hard.  I can't run if I'm hungry.  As the long runs get longer I'm going to have to play with more food 2 hours prior and then water/gatorade on the run and gels (which I hate).  My friend has her facebook status saying 133 days until the race so I've got that long to figure some of this stuff out.

My legs are no longer sore the next day or later in the day (if I ran in the morning).  I am over that hump of getting in shape to run.  Thats good because it makes running so much more enjoyable and fun.  I'm really laid back about training.  I want to get my runs in and I have an excel sheet totaling miles and shoes and plans and other stuff but I'm don't want to kill myself to meet this goal.  I'm not sure if that is the right attitude but its the one I've got.

I do have a 4.5 hour drive out of state today and then back tomorrow.  That probably won't be fun for my legs.  At least I'm not driving the whole way, I hope we switch off.

This is a picture of me.  I like seeing what people look like when I read blogs so I can put a face to a blog.  Just thought I'd randomly share.  I should get a pic of me in my running clothes.

Dumb



no, this is not me,
 just how I feel



So I hurt my back on Tuesday.  But I didn't know I hurt my back until Wednesday.  So, that awesome 4 miles run on Tuesday probably did me more harm than good.  Well, I got the ok to go back to work and so I assumed I was all healed.  Yea, NO!  Running yesterday and today was not such a great idea and I only have myself to blame.  But I am so gung-ho about this marathon I don't want my training to slow down.  We'll see if I'm up for the 3 miles run I have planned for tomorrow.  I also realize I am breaking the rules I so clearly outlined to the doc I thought wouldn't approve of this marathon idea.  Blah!  I promise if my back hurts tomorrow, I will not run.

Morning runs are hard for me.  I woke up, ate an apple and peanut butter sandwich that I made the night before and placed next to my bed.  Then I went back to sleep for an hour and then watched TV for an hour.  I also drank about 12 oz of water (probably not enough).  Then I drove to the trail.  I had to walk some of the last mile of my 5 mile run so my time was slow.  I don't know if it was the heat, my food, or that my body is just used to evening runs.  Also, I ran last night around 6pm so I had less than 24 hours to recover.  I gotta figure out this morning run stuff.  If I feel well tomorrow, my 3 miles will also be done in the morning. 

Injury

Injured at work... boooooooooooooooooooo!!!  I'm on leave until next Tuesday but hopefully I am better earlier so I can run.  I just strained muscles in my back, upper arms, and shoulders.

Good run... hard day

I had an AWESOME run today!!!  I decided to bring my running clothes to work and just go running right after work.  It was great since it is right on a trail (a trail that crosses interesections so thats not fun but still cool).  I ran 4 miles in 38 minutes!!!!!  I am proud of that.  I was so beat red though when I walked back in the school building (to wipe my face and get a drink).  It was in the 80s though so I guess thats why.  Today was a stressful day at work so it was nice to be able to just use running to de-stress.  I got a workout at work today but it was lifing and holding heavy things (can't say more but it was hard, stressful, and frustrating).   So....

NOTE TO SELF:

1. bring workout clothes to work and run right after if weather permits
2. use your stressful and tiring days to fuel a good run

Update

I want to start off with GOOD NEWS.  I see many doctors for various health issues I have.  There is one doctor I was sure would not agree to me running a marathon but guess what?!?!?!?!  He never said yes to running a marathon but he never said no.  He listened to my reasoning and the precautions I have in place and he respected it.  At the end of the appointment I told him I knew he would say no and his response was "I'm not saying no".  I think professionally/ethically he can't say yes but its good to know that he hasn't squashed my dreams.  Honestly, I wasn't going to listen to him if he said no but its good to know he isn't against it.  When I have more time, I'll list out my precautions for training and running the marathon.

So, I had to run on the treadmill Thursday night (3 miles).  I had a doctor appointment and didn't get home until 9pm.  So it was too dark to run and while I live in a well lit area, I also live on major roads.   I went to the gym instead where it was safe.  However, the run was miserable, I think it was just late and I was tired from being in the car for a total of 4 hours getting to Towson in rush hour and then coming back.  So my 3 mile run wasn't fun but I got it done.  I was also interupted by my brother calling so getting back on was hard.  Normally I ignore my phone but he was having a medical procedure on Friday (which went well) and I wanted to talk to my brother.  It was way more important than my run.

Friday was a rest day which meant I went to work and then lied in bed until I woke up Saturday morning.  Not good.

I got up Saturday morning to do my 7 mile run.  It went ok.  There is trail which goes around the city nearby.  It still has intersections but not big ones and there are a lot of people on the trail.  I've learned I should drive to the trail instead of running to it.  I ran 2 miles to the trail but hit so many red lights on  major roads.  Then I ran a nice 3 miles on the trail and then had to run back.  My long run this week is only 5 miles but the following week is 9 so I will make sure I just drive to the trail.  It was warm and sunny on the run, my face has a pinkish color from it.  I was definitely worn out from it and my legs are still sore.  It seems that when one area of my legs stops being sore, a run makes another area sore.  It didn't help that I babysat two girls overnight last night so my legs were constantly forced to go up and down stairs and from sitting to standing a lot.

Today I made it to the gym and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and 45 minutes on the bike.  It was nice because I read a lot on my kindle.  I have started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.  Very good series so far.  I've seen the movies so I know the basic plot but reading while exercising makes time go fast.  However, I am probably not getting as good a workout as I would if I were not reading.  O well, when I was in college, I did my best studying on the elliptical.

So, I am gaining weight since starting to train.  I won't list numbers because it might bother some of my readers but it is stressing me out.  I think I am just overeating junk.  With the money I made babysitting I went to Giant (yay for gas points) and bought a ton of good food.  I am not the most healthiest eater.  I have a nice lunch packed for tomorrow and I have a lot of food I can cook.  I usually eat out or microwave food but now I need to get my butt in gear and get my eating under control.  I am not trying to lose weight and gaining weight isn't bad for me, I just gotta make sure my eating is what it should be to run a marathon and have energy.  I see a nutritionist June 20th.  We shall see what s/he says.

My schedule this week is crazy.  I am going to try for 3 miles tomorrow, 3 on Tuesday, rest on Wednesday, 4 on Thursday, rest on Friday, 5 on Saturday, and cross on Sunday.  We shall see how that goes.

In Training

I got my "In Training - Baltimore Running Festival - 10.15.11" Under Armour shirt today!!!!

So of course, I took it out of the package, changed out of my work clothes, put the shirt on and went for my 3 mile run!  It was so awesome running with it on.  I went on an outdoor run because all the rain had stopped by the time I got home.  I chose a new route, it was nice to change things up a bit.  All the roads, trails, and side-walks are all hilly so I didn't get away from that but this run wasn't too bad.  I always run slower when I am unsure exactly where roads are. 

Ankle is doing ok.  I had no problems with it at work today which was good.  This week our community trip was bowling which was so much fun.  I love my students, they truely make me happy.

I cancelled my weekly doc appointment this week because I have another tomorrow and I just didn't think it was necessary to go.  It is so nice being home on a Wednesday night (normally I leave work right after my kids and then don't get home until 10pm).  It is 7:30 and I've run, had a nice dinner, did some work, watched TV, and am about to get into the bath and read.  I have to figure out how to make all my training weeks set up like this week.  I do have to go to my doc office tomorrow but I won't be there for hours.  All my apppointments are complicated.  I'm hoping over the summer I can work it more nicely into my schedule.  Basically, it is nice to be home and it was nice to run.

New Week

I want to start off by saying how AMAZING the orchard chicken salad sub is at Subway!  That was my dinner after my run today.  I got the $5 footlong and always intend to save the other half but never do, whoops.

My ankle has been bothering me a little.  I tried KT tape only to realize my skin doesn't like it and the red dots have finally gone away.  I wore an ankle brace all day at work and when I ran.  I will see how the ankle feels tomorrow.

The weather here in Maryland is weird at the moment.  I couldn't decide whether to run outside or go to the gym because of the chance of rain and the wind wasn't too pleasent at work.  Well, when I finally decided to go for my run I decided to use the treadmill at the gym but it was so glorious and nice outside so I ended up running outside.  I did the same 3 mile run I've been doing (tomorrow I will mix it up).  It was nice, a little windy but overall perfect.  It rained a little but it was a nice rain.  With the brace on, my ankle didn't bother me and its not bothering me now, yay!

I got my second pair of running shoes today.  I am a bit bummed, they look ugly on me.  My roommate informed me that I need to wear black socks with black shoes but the socks I like (see previous post) don't come in black.  O well, I'll save these shoes for runs outside alone.  When I go to the gym or run with a friend then I will wear the pretty pink ones. 

I'm signed up for the Rockville Twilighter in July!!!  Its an awesome race run at night through Rockville, MD.  I ran it in 2009 but couldn't last year because I was sick.  It's an 8k.






Here's me before the race in 2009



Here is me after the race in 2009

Tomorrow and Thursday I'll be running 3 miles.  Rest on Friday.  7 miles on Saturday.

Sore

So the 6+ mile hilly run yesterday has left me sort of sore.  Well, actually my only real complaint is my right calf muscle.  That makes me nervous since I'm not really sore anywhere else....

I did an hour of cross training today at the gym on the elliptical.  I probably could have gone hard but I went easy and read my kindle.  I'm reading The Girl Who Played With Fire, good series! 

Tomorrow is a day of rest which I think my right calf desperately needs.  I am a hypochondriac so I am very paranoid.  It is likely my primary care doc will see me every other week while training and she'll just tell me to rest and chill (like always).  She has to put up with me though because after being diagnosed with a rare condition and having brain surgery... she can't easily write me off.

I went to the Leesburg Outlets today!  I bought some new running shirts and new running socks.  I am very particular about my socks when running.  I know its cool to have the not showing crew socks but not for me during running.  My socks must be thin, light and come higher than my shoes.  I'm cool.  I bought two tanks with the bra already in them, and then I bought two light weight shirts.  I also bought this other shirt that was on clearance.  I am mad though because I thought it was a medium but at home I read the tag and it says small.  Smalls are extremely tight on me.  I'm definitely not fat but being 5'9'', smalls don't really work no matter my weight.  I also saw my friend who lives in Leesburg!  We had Iced Chai Tea Lattes and walked around, it was very nice.

6 mile hill filled run

Last night I finished my treadmill run around 8:30pm-ish.  And then this morning, I wake up (around 10:30am) to a text message from my friend Nicole (the one I signed up to run the marathon with), she wanted to know if I wanted to run 6 miles with her in 30 minutes.  I was actually very excited because having someone to run with does two things for me 1) it keeps me social and 2) it pushes me to run harder.  I met her at her house and we went to a nearby regional park.  I should have realized that when the name of the park contains "hills" in it, it would be hard.  I think in total we ran more than 6 miles but we don't have high tech gizmos and gadgets and I can't map out the route on map my run.  The hills were a killer and this was a realization that my marathon dreams will be hard to obtain.

Nicole was ready and trained to run the Frederick half marathon last weekend so I shouldn't really be comparing but she seemed to have no problem with the run while I was struggling.  I'm glad she was with me though.  We differ in our goals for the marathon.  She wants a good time, I want to train, have fun, and finish.  I care about time but for my first marathon it isn't too important.  I am running it as a gift to myself.  in 2010 I spent about 4 months in various hospitals for seizures, surgery to remove my pituitary tumor, and other health issues.  It was a scary and painful year for me, my friends, and family.  Now that I am healthy and have the ok to exercise, I want to run this around the one year anniversary for my brain surgery.  I think it will be cool to look back on the day of the marathon and think "this time last year I was recovering from brain surgery".  The type of surgery was hard core for surgery but not hard core for brain surgery so please don't think I am some brave person for surviving.  But for me, it was a huge deal and a life-changing (and traumatizing) experience. 

So today was good.  I am glad I have Nicole to train with.  Tomorrow will be cross training and then rest on Monday.

3 mile runs

Booooo for this site being down last night when I wanted to post.  O well...

Yesterday: I ran 3.4 miles in about 34 minutes.  10 min miles is basically my normal non-race pace.  I would like that to be faster but this is my first week really running outside that I just let my body feel comfortable and enjoyed the run.

Today: I got home after a LONG day at work and was so not in the mood to run.  So I did what I normally do, I took a nap.  It was really gross out and my motivation was lacking.  So I took a nap until 6:30ish.  Then I watched Law and Order and then somehow I decided I should just go to the gym and get 3 miles done on the treadmill.  I love the treadmill!  I'm actually in pretty good shape so 3 miles isn't hard.  I'm nervous though when my motivation is lacking on long runs.  I got myself out of bed because I knew it would just be 30ish minutes.  I love running but only when I'm in the mood to run.  Hopefully I can work through that.

Here's the results of my treadmill run.  Not fast but thats ok.  It was on a .5 incline (not big).

Thoughts: This week is going well so far.  2 outdoor runs and one treadmill run.  This weekend I'll do cross and a 6 mile run (hopefully outside but I hate gross weather).  At work we've been eating like crazy.  We had 3 catered lunches this week!  I've gained 4 pounds in the last week so I really wanted to run and go to the gym more but I'm sticking to my training plan so I build up to long runs and don't hurt myself.  I'm seeing a nutritionist in June so hopefully I can get my diet in check to run a marathon.

I'm going to the outlets this weekend to buy new running clothes!!!!!!!!  and my second pair of running shoes should be coming in the mail soon.  I've been wearing Mizuno Wave Riders for years.  I bought a pair of Wave Rider 14s 2 months ago and LOVE them!  So I ordered another pair so I can alternate shoes.

Current Shoes:

Second Pair:

Start

Welcome to my random marathon training blog!  I started this more for my own sake to keep me accountable.

I am running the Baltimore Marathon on October 15, 2011 which means I have 23 weeks to train.  Sounds like a lot but in reality it is closer than it seems.

Background:  I first fell in love with running when I ran cross country in high school.  I am 23 now so that wasn't too too long ago.  I was not fast however, my PR for 3.1 miles was 23:55.  I remember that day, I was so excited to break the 24 minute mark.  Anyways, throughout college, I mostly just stuck to the gym.  i went for myself and wasn't competeing.  My junior and senior year in school I taught a weight lifting class (nothing intense, low weights to music).  At the end of my senior year, I ventured outdoors again and started running.  After graduating, in the summer of 2009, I started running a lot.  I ran a 6k, 8k, and 20k that summer.  And then, in September 2009 I ran a half marathon in 2:05:08.  That time for the half marathon is pretty good considering I started my first teaching job 3 weeks prior and only ran once or twice in those 3 weeks.  Well, then teaching took over my life and I stopped working out.  In January 2010 I got sick and spent 2 months in and out of the hospital.  In May 2010 I had my first seizure which led to me being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor.  So, I did not run or exercise the summer of 2010.  In September 2010 I had brain surgery to remove the tumor.  It was a very successful surgery but left me out of work until November and I couldn't exercise until January 2011.  But I was so busy with work.... anyways, it was only a month and a half ago that I decided to start running again.  It was a gift to myself.

Registering for the Marathon:  It was my friend's 30th birthday and she was really sad about turning 30.  She tried convincing her friends that she was now more seceptible to new diseases and infections.  She also complained about her body.  Anyways, somehow that led into her wanting to be in shape and making it her year.  Someone then suggested we run a marathon.... to make a long story short, that night, my friend and I registered for the Baltimore Marathon.  I think it will be a cool gift to myself after making it a year after brain surgery.

The program: I have decided to train using Hal Higdon's training program.  My only problem is that his schedule does not fit my schedule.  Unfortunately I have lots of doctor appointments and a job.  So I have kind of modified it (which I know I shouldn't do).

Today:  I have mostly been running on treadmills up until today.  Today I ran 3.4 miles in 35 minutes.  Not too bad considering I haven't been outdoors in awhile.  I am happy with my time.  The hills were a killer but I did not walk at all!  I am having trouble with cramping on my left side but that isn't new.  It is just hard to work through.

Tomorrow: I have to go to Towson after work for doctor appointments so I won't be running but I might try and take a short walk between appointments.

Thoughts: I'm excited at the idea of running a marathon and I don't forsee any problems now and over the summer.  However, the start of the school year in September will be hard and thats when the workouts will be harder.  We shall see how training goes then.  I'm just going to try my hardest and if worst comes to worst, I have 7 hrs to complete the marathon.  My friend and I put our expected finish time as 4:30:06 (don't ask why we put 6 seconds).  I am hoping that I can do that. 

Anyways, I hope to continue posting.  Again, its more for my sake.