T-7 Days to the Half Marathon

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Anyone who knows me knows I am an anxious mess, pretty much 24/7, over everything that occurs in my normal life. So, I bet you can imagine my growing freak-out as January 8th comes closer and closer. I have been checking accuweather.com and weather.com twice a day to figure out what my race weather will be like, and what my flying out weather will be like. I've made a deal with God/The Universe/Mother Nature that as long as the flying weather is safe and good, I will run in any weather without complaint. *fingers crossed*

I have started packing a few items I won't need between now and the race, like my watch and Clif Blocks and a sports bra, etc. I have a two-page list of what I need to bring, and I am freaking out that I will get to Florida and realize I forgot some crucial item. Contacts, my running shoes, my Wellbutrin, LOL... not that it' working.

I am trying to do the reverse-thinking that sometimes helps me. Instead of worrying bout everything, I am trying to hold onto the thought of how lucky I am to be able to do this race: financially, physically, time-wise, etc. It helps some, but not long-term.

One of the dictionary.com definition of anxious is "earnestly desirous, eager", so I am going to focus on that way of looking at this. WAHOO!

T-12 Days to the Half Marathon

HOLY. SHIT. This is getting really really real. I am starting to have a bit of a panic attack.

My 8 mile run on Christmas Eve suuuuuuuucked. I had no energy and I just felt blah. I am hoping it was a just a treadmill thing, but I'm nervous about how I'll feel on the road since I haven't run outside in several weeks.

HOLD ME

T-20 Days to the Half Marathon: Part II

I DID IT!! I did it, I did it, I did it!!

10 miles hammered out on the treadmill. It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes, so it's not like I'll be tearing up the road at Disney, but I know I can struggle through 3 more on the big day. The biggest thing today's run did for me was give me the confidence that I can finish the half.

I got up at 5:30am today and ate a dry untoasted bagel, unsweetened applesauce, and water. Then at 7:00am I ate half a banana, with more water. I started running at 8am and took in 3 Clif Blocks every 45 minutes, and drank about 20oz of water. I know that wasn't enough water, but I didn't want to get off the treadmill to refill my water bottle because I was afraid I'd lose it.

I did a 5 minute warm-up and cool-down that are included in my time, and I did a few breaks of 5 minutes of walking within the 10 miles. For the majority of the run, though, I stuck to the 5/2 ration of running/walking. It seemed to work really well for me. My legs stayed mostly fresh.

I had this crazy burst of optimism and energy at mile 7, and ran the full mile at my 12 min/mile pace, singing along to Ricky Martin (She Bangs) on my iPod and feeling super. Then from mile 9 to 10, I thought I was going to go shooting off the back of the treadmill. This shows me that keeping to my racing strategy and pace is very important. I think that will be hard at Disney will all the distractions.

What a relief. I have been so keyed up about this. Running is so, so mental. I mean, clearly it's physical too, because my feet and ankles are killing me, and my lungs feel all nice and big and clear, but my brain totally controls the mind over matter.

I realized that I need thicker socks to help protect my feet from my hard inserts, and a new (slightly smaller?) sports bra. I also will need to wear a super-lame wrist sweatband thing, because I really hate wiping my face with my hands and then my hands on my pants.

I cannot believe that 9 months ago I was gagging and struggling to walk for half an hour with small stretches of running thrown in. That makes me really proud, because running isn't something you can fake. I've put in the work. Overall, I will leave you with this gem that sums up my feelings: “Winners compare their achievements with their goals, while losers compare their achievements with those of other people.”

T-20 Days to the Half Marathon

Holy crap, this thing is getting really really real. 20 days until I line up at 5:40am to run 13.1 miles with 30,000 of my closest friends. *butterflies*

This morning is the peak of my training. I am headed to the gym to do 10 miles on the "dread"mill. It's quite gross outside as far as road conditions, and I'm still afraid that my back might crap out, so I'm going to keep it inside today. I am hoping for the best but expecting the worst, because that's how I roll.

I will update you all in cyberspace about how it goes. I bought two new songs (the "This or That" song from the KIA commercial, and "Bottles Up" by whomever... I hear it on 95XXX) for this occasion. That will make 8 minutes of running less painful.

T-28 Days to the Half Marathon

To add insult to injury, my back went out on Monday night. Oh, the pain! I have not done a thing since my long "run" last Saturday. My heels and ankles feel pretty good (BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO USE THEM), but my back is tight and painful and I don't know if/how I'll do my 6 miles scheduled for this weekend. I am so scared that after 9 months of work and focus, I am going to fail at the end of this running journey. It's horrifying.

T-32 Days to the Half Marathon

The shit is hitting the fan. My ankles and heels are worse then ever, and then today I threw my back out. I am so very, very discouraged that the closer I've gotten to the event, the worse I've felt. Maybe this is the way my body is forcing me to take rest this week? I literally can't do anything else.

I did 8 miles on Saturday, in 28*F weather and snow. I fell once on black ice, and got a couple hives on my thighs from the cold. Overall, I felt good, and clocked a 15 minute mile pace. Why so slow, you ask? Because I walked almost all of it. Between the slippery conditions and the pain in my legs, it just seemed like the smart thing to do. I still logged the "foot time", so I'm counting it.

I asked a few runner friends, and they said it's normal to get frustrated/bored/antsy at this stage of the training game, with the event so close. Still, I think I would be happy as a clam if my body would just cooperate. I love running; I had being in pain because of it.

To end on a positive note, I still try to hold the mantra "run with joy" in my head as I do my training. The shittiest day out on the roads is better than the best day in a sick bed. I am trying to be always thankful.

T-47 Days to the Half Marathon

I did a 7 mile long "run" today. I say "run" because I walked long chunks of it today. My knees were both hurting me- that's new. And I am recovering from a sinus infection/cold/something-or-other, and don't want to either make myself worse or lengthen my recovery.

Still, my average pace was a 13.5 minute mile, which means my running pace was probably quicker than a 12 minute mile when I was actually running. I feel good about that! I cannot believe that I really have just a little over a month until I head off for this half; it feels like I've been training forever!

Today I had two dogs charge me (a Chocolate Lab would was retrieved by his owner, and a cattle dog who responded to my command to "go home!"), and I had a runner pass me twice: once as he ran in the opposite direction I was, and once upon his return. He was a smooth, lithe, fast runner with great form, and a perfect footstrike. I am so grateful that I have never seen myself run; I'm sure I'd have quit if I had.

I went to two jewelry shows yesterday and today. I have to start thinking about what jewelry I will wear for the half. Should be the least of my worries, yes, but nonetheless. I want the earrings to be light enough to not bug me, but cute for pictures. Necklace? I've never run with one on, but all the Olympic sprinters do, so it must be possible. I'll wear my wedding and engagement rings only, because my fingers swell as I run and that can get uncomfortable. Decisions, decisions.

T-54 Days to the Half Marathon

I've been busy helping with our school's fall musical: "Willy Wonka". It was a huge success, and the concession stand I coordinated raised $935!! That's a huge help for covering expenses, so I feel good.

I also feel tired. It is getting increasingly harder to squeeze my runs into daylight hours, and these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break are hard on a teacher. For one thing, the musical. This coming week is parent conferences. The kids are getting nutty. It just adds up to energy needed > energy available.

I have been bugging a few friends about Disney. How much will meals cost? If I do only one park, what should it be? How long is the shuttle ride from the airport to my hotel in the park? I am bugging myself. Luckily, now that the play is over, I will just ask my co-worker Jerry. He was the director of "Wonka"; he is also the biggest Disney fan I know. That's his license plate, even. Time to pump him for some information.

I have a pair of running capris and a personalized singlet ready to be purchased online. I just need to pull the trigger. Half marathon outfit- WAHOO!

T-62 Days to the Half Marathon

I did the 5K "Halloween Hustle" today with my friend and co-worker Jen D. The course didn't have any mile markers, so I wasn't sure how my time was or how much longer I had to go in the race at different stages. My ankles and heels were giving me a lot of trouble, and it was very cold! However, we finished in about 36:30, which is where I usually am. My endurance was actually pretty good; the pain from mid-shin down was all I wasn't really happy with as far as my performance goes.

I am getting pretty anxious/excited for the Disney Half- as of Monday, it's only 2 months away! My other friend and co-worker Jenn S. is running the NYC Marathon tomorrow with the LiveStrong team. Then I have two friends and co-workers doing the Disney with me. I am so inspired by other runners, and I also like to know we are all suffering together, HA!

The podiatrist said that my symptoms align pretty much with plantar fasciitis. He said I can continue to train and race, but that I should take time for non-impact activities and rest once the half marathon has passed. No problem- I think I'll be ready for a bit of a break by then. I wish there was just a pill he could give me so I was pain-free, but next to that, this was the best news I could receive.

All my $20 co-pays are really adding up, though! I should run Disney as a fund raiser to reimburse myself!

T-69 Days to the Half Marathon

I did an 8 mile run today. That is the longest I've done yet. I would rate it an A-. I averaged a 13 minute mile, and combined 5 minutes of running with 1 minute of walking. When I had about 1.5 miles to go, my legs were feeling really heavy, but I was overall doing ok. Which isn't to say I wasn't glad to stop!

I had a very large dog, a St. Bernard mix I believe, charge out at me pretty early in my run. I had carried my pepper spray, which I rarely do, and I had my hand on it. As the dog ran at me growling, I stopped, turned sideways, didn't look in his eyes, and froze. His owner called him back once, and I started to move, and he turned around a ran at me again. He was less than a foot from my thigh. The second time his owner called, he went back home, thank goodness. I was a little freaked out, because the dog was huge and its tail was NOT wagging.

I had to pee today on my run (I think that's a good sign as far as hydration?) so I climbed down into a ditch and did my thing. No biggie. I felt like "real" runner, dropping trou and doing my thing.

I also tried Gu for the first time on my run today. I took half of one at first, to see how my system liked it. I really didn't enjoy that taste in my mouth as I was working so hard. I folded the remaining half packet of Gu and stuck it in my little baggie I had with me. When, 45 minutes later, I tried to take the rest of it, the bag would NOT open. Thankfully my husband drove by then, returning from getting groceries, and I could hand him the mess. Kind of a fail, I think. I will need to look for sustenance beyond Gu.

The most fun part of the run was my surprise cheerleaders. I had a co-worker yell encouragement at me from her house (thanks Lisa!) and a former co-worker give me a thumbs up as he drove by. I guy I don't know drove by me in a truck and said something I couldn't understand, but he was smiling so I'll assume it's positive. Then, at the end, when I really needed it, the mom of a former student drove by and slowed and rolled down her window and said, "Great job Emily!" It's really nice to get the encouragement. No one cheers for you when you're "just" walking. And though I still sometimes feel that I get cheers out of sympathy, as in "Oh my God that poor thing looks half alive. I better give her a shout out, because I might be the last human contact she'll ever have." Whatever, though. I'll take it.

Sooooooooo. I see a podiatrist on Monday about my feet/ankles. I am hoping that he'll say it ain't no big thang, but that I'll need to rest to fully heal it. That I can deal with- I'll rest come January 9th.

T-74 Days to the Half Marathon

Today I contacted my trip coordinator (she does it for free b/c she's officially employed by Disney) to make sure the Magic Express bus will be picking me up at the airport and bringing me back. That makes this race seem even more real!

I have see a PT twice now- once Friday and again today (Monday). She is doing ultrasound on my feet, and laser. Both are meant to stimulate cells to heal themselves. I am also doing a few strengthening exercises (towel scrunches with my toes, heel lowers) and icing. I am wearing orthodics in my shoes. I got NEW running shoes, so I can alternate pairs. My IBS nutritionist lady said I should drink ginger tea, because that will help sooth my GI system and maybe help the inflammation in my heel as well.

I mean, honestly, is running really this complicated?? As a child I did it so effortlessly, without ever thinking consciously about it. John "the penguin" Bingham talks about that, I think. How we used to run for joy and just because. Then, it becomes work. Now it's almost all I'm thinking about.

Even having said all this, I am already thinking about doing a full marathon in 2011. Maybe the MCM in DC in October. Maybe our local KBVCM in Burlington in May, though I doubt I'll be healthy enough. It's funny, isn't it? My life would be a lot easier without running, but I think it would feel a lot emptier too. I may have officially become a runner.

T-81 Days to the Half Marathon

...and I am up shit creek without a paddle. I used a program to train up from the couch to a 5K. Then I used a program to train up from the 5K to the 10K. Now, it's time for me to train up to a half marathon, and I am pretty sure I'm injured.

It started at the beginning of September with pain in my heels. That has continued, and gotten worse. Now, the tops of my feet up through the upper part of my ankle gets excruciatingly tight every time I run. I start to almost lose contact/feeling with my feet. I did 3 miles today as my first day of half marathon training, and I had to walk twice. My breathing was ok, my body from the knees up felt strong. My ankles downward hurt so bad I was almost in tears.

I have an appointment with a podiatrist on November first, but I may try to get into the physical therapist I used before for my knee sooner than the first. I am so very discouraged right now. I have 12 weeks until the Disney Half, and I am so afraid that I will be sidelined for awhile b/c I'm hurt. I almost don't want to know. Come hell or high water, as long as I can move forward at a 16-minute-mile pace, I will be doing that half marathon.

Race to the Top of Vermont: August 29, 2010

Here's what I can say about this race- there was no "racing" about it for me. I ran maybe 10 minutes of the entire climb, if that. Those 4.3 miles that rose 2,550 vertical feet with at 10% grade were much more grueling than I had anticipated.

Usually I sell myself and my athletic abilities short. This time, I overestimated my fitness. My legs were burning, and I was exhausted by the time I reached the summit, a full 1:34:30 after I left the start. I know this timing is accurate, because this was my first race with timing chips.

Adding insult to inury is the fact that my racing shirt is too small. I ordered a large, which has been plenty big in other races, but this time it is much too tight. Too damned bad- this is a shirt I would feel like wearing around to brag that I even survived this race.

A big positive that came out of this, though, is the fact that I had to push my body harder than I ever have on one of my runs, or my 5K races. I was panting, and my legs were on fire, and I literally thought I would fall over from exhaustion. Yet, I pushed on and finished. I think this encourages me to work harder in my training, and it gives me a better idea of how deep I can dig when I need to.

When I reached the summit of the race (the second to last runner to finish, by the way), they were out of water. I sat in the shade, very thirsty, and hungry, and started to get quite faint. I rode down the mountain in a big van with other racers, and I sat in the passenger's seat, because I was going to have to throw up out the window. I did not, luckily, but I really felt extremely weak and ill. At the BBQ aftewards, I grabbed 3 drinks from the beverage line and headed home. I drank all three, and my waterbottle full of tepid water, before I made it home- a 40 minute car ride. THEN I started to feel more like myself.

I loved the friendliness of this race, the beautiful weather, the views from the top, and the atmosphere of joy and goodwill. However, I cannot say that the memory of the agony of Sunday will have faded enough in my mind by next August to again sign up for the Race to the Top of Vermont.

Taking A Little Break

Hi all. I know some of you loyally follow my blog, and I can't even tell you how much that means to me. Thank you all.

As school starts up, and since I'm fostering cats which make me really busy, and because I am embarking on a new training program that has less running and more cross training, I am going to take a break from blogging here.

I will blog about how my August mountain run goes, and the 10K in October, and then pick back up again when I really get into my half marathon training in mid-October.

Time to Regroup

This is going to be brief, because I am quite busy. The top of my right foot has been hurting, my hips are off, and I've just been tight all over. I did some searching on the Internet and found a Hal Higdon program that trains for a 10K in 8 weeks, and is much more conservative as far as distance. There are more strength and cross-training days worked in.

As of Monday, I will be 8 weeks from my 10K race, so I will start his training program then. It seems like perfect timing, so it's meant to be. I plan to visit Fleet Feet soon to talk about another pair of shoes so I can rotate what I wear to run in, and I also need to commit to a stretching program. Hopefully this will keep me on a good path all the way through to the half marathon.

Wednesday I walked/ran 3 miles, and I took yesterday off. Our foster kitten was very sick, and he ended up dying, so I wasn't in a place where I wanted to get out there and work out. Today I did 3 miles of all walking. I'll do whatever feels good for Saturday and Sunday, then the Higdon program starts Monday. I hope this is the magic bullet!

Week 7 Day 1 of 10K Training

Today was 5 miles. I took Sunday AND Monday off because I was feeling so sore. Well, as usual, after running today I feel better overall. My hips don't hurt as much. I can feel that my hamstrings are tight, and my Achilles/calves are tight too. I need to make sure to stretch out now that I'm warmed up.

I am worried about my heels, though. The very back of my foot, like where my heel strikes the ground, is incredibly painful. I don't think it's plantar fascitis (sp?) because I don't have that tight/tearing feeling. It is more like a bruised bone feeling- that repeatedly hitting the ground heel first is causing residual pain. It is worse when I first get out of bed in the morning, which is a hallmark of plantar issues, but I just don't know.

I have only 150 days until the WDW Half Marathon, so I have to get this solved. I will probably head to Fleet Feet later in the week and see what they think.

Week 6 Day 4 of 10K Training: 5K Race

My body is sending me signals, and I better listen.

I did the Fairfax Egg Run today. The weather was beautiful, my intestines and cardiovascular system and joints felt good. My feet/ankles, however, were in sorry shape, and my leg muscles all felt tight. I ran with my brother Tim, and we went out at a blistering pace (for me) of about a 10:30 minute mile. Just before the halfway point, the tops of my feet/ankles were so tight and burning that I had to walk. I told Tim to go on ahead, but he is a sweetie and stuck with me.

At two points on the return, I had to stop and walk. I wasn't too out of breath (although I was breathing hard b/c our running pace was quicker than my normal) but I just couldn't stand the pain in my feet.

I finished in 36:23, which is only 7 seconds slower than my 5K in June when I ran the whole thing as quickly as I could. That makes me feel good- it means I'm more fit overall. Still, I was disappointed in myself that I needed to walk. THREE TIMES.

It was wonderful to run a race in my hometown. I had friends and family and former students and future students and co-workers all cheering me on. The atmosphere was very friendly. And, of course, there were omelets at the end, (hence the name the Egg Run), though I didn't partake. The thought of eggs and cheese at the end of a race gags me. I did have a chocolate chip banana muffin and orange juice- that hit the spot!

I am taking both tomorrow and Monday off from any type of physical activity. Since I did a race today, tomorrow was supposed to be only a 3 mile run, so I'm skipping it, and then Monday is my scheduled rest day. That means I pick up again on Tuesday with a 5 mile run. I am hoping the rest does me worlds of good, because my lower half is seriously crying uncle.

Week 6 Day 3 of 10K Training

I took yesterday (Thursday) off, even though it wasn't my normal rest day. There were three reasons for this:
1. It was really hot and humid
2. I was feeling pain
3. I read somewhere to never take the day before a race off completely from running, and I have a 5K tomorrow.

So, I got up and did 4 easy miles this morning, with much of it walking. My left hip hurt and my pinky toes and my quads (that's new), and my instestines weren't happy either. I don't know what's been up lately, but it's really pissing me off.

I am going to hydrate well today, and eat some good carbs, and hope for the best tomorrow for the Egg Run. Though I hate this expression, "it is what it is" and we'll just have to see how it goes.

Week 6 Day 2 of 10K Training

Ugh ugh and blah blah. I have a wrecked left pinky toe and my left hip hurts and my feet hurt and I just feel like I need a week off. I really cannot afford to do that, since I am ramping up for the 10K in October, but after the 5K this Saturday I may take Sunday and Monday off just to rest up. I think my body needs a break.

I did 5 miles on the treadmill this afternoon, because it was too hot to be outside and this morning there were thunderstorms. I walked all but a mile of it. It felt ok, but I just didn't want to push things. I also did a round of weights. Good enough for me today.

Just as an aside, I have to give a plug to the NPR podcasts. I listen to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and Car Talk and The Splendid Table and others as I remember them. They just make the time pass so much more quickly.

Week 6 Day 1 of 10K Training

Today was a 4 mile run, but I only ran half of that and then walked the rest. Yesterday I did not hydrate anywhere near enough, and I was out late, and my hips were sore, and my toe hurt, and it was wicked humid, blah blah blah. Anyway, I didn't set the world on fire, but I kept it at about a 14 minute mile average, so I'll live with that. I'm just glad I got the run out of the way before the severe thunderstorms that are due later today.

Today's excitement was that I saw a pair of panties by the side of the road. They had a navy blue background, then had little red cherries on them. All the rest of the way home, I constructed stories about how the panties got there. None of them are appropriate to share here.

Week 5 Day 5 of 10K Training

I've never really written about all the steps it takes for me to get out the door and start my long run. It's a very complicated process:

1. Go upstairs to put on running shorts, sports bra, and running singlet.
2. Pull hair into ponytail, slide on headband, clip the loose hairs up that fall out below the ponytail.
3. Put on deodorant.
4. Go downstairs with socks in hand.
5. Grab Vaseline, a paper towel, moleskin, and scissors, and grab sneakers from the hall.
6. Cut and attach moleskin to the pinky toes of each foot.
7. Smear Vaseline around all the toes on each foot. Wipe hands on paper towel.
8. Put on socks.
9. Put on shoes.
10. Smear Vaseline under the band of my sports bra to prevent chafing (or, should I say, MORE chafing).
11. Wash hand and fill water bottle half full of water.
12. Fill the rest of the space in the water bottle with Powerade.
13. Put water bottle in Fuel Belt, and add a paper towel and my cell phone.
14. Grab iPod, headphones, Nike +, and arm band.
15. Call to husband that I'm ready to leave, so he can drive me miles away from home and dump me in the middle of nowhere so I can run back.

I didn't list the steps in here of setting the alarm the night before so I have time to get up, drink and eat, go to the bathroom, and gear up so I actually get out of the house before noon. It's a miracle I ever actually make it out the door at all!

Today's run was excellent, excellent, excellent. I had to do 7 miles, so I go up and ate breakfast- I figured that was too far of a run to do without fuel. Justin drove me towards St. Albans/Fairfield today, and I ran home. I sought out a course that was mostly dirt, because this past week I had unintentionally run on almost exclusively pavement. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Perfect.

I warmed up with a 10 minute walk, then ran for 35 minutes. I took a 5 minute walk/drink break, then ran for 30 minutes. I took a 5 minute break, then ran until I was 5 minutes from the house, when I stopped to cool down. All in all my pace was about a 13 minute mile, which I'm very happy with, considering how much of my run was actually running, and the fact that 25 minutes of my workout were actually walking.

I darnk blue PowerAde today, and it was the 0 calorie kind. I guess it was fine. I didn't throw up, pass out, or crap myself, which is basically my definition of success.

I started out with a lot of pain in my feet. The bottoms hurt, and the inside of my left foot hurt. That muscle that runs along the top of my foot/ankle, that activates when I point my toe, was extremely painful and tight; this was the muscle that bothers me usually only when I run on the treadmill. My knees hurt a little too. By the middle of the run, though, all the kinks seemed to have worked themselves out, and I was feeling fairly smooth and comfortable.

I have noticed that every time I stop for a drink break, it is harder for me to start back up running again. My first few trotting steps are stiff and feel awkward, but then I get into a rhythm. It makes me not want to stop to drink, though I know I need to. It's almost like it take more energy to get going at running speed again than it would to have never taken a walk break in the first place.

Tomorrow is a well-deserved day of rest, and then next week is less mileage, though I do have a 5K race on Saturday. WOOT!

Week 5 Days 2, 3, and 4 of 10K Training

This week has been sort of bizarre. I think I will just enumerate the work outs and summarize the best I can.

Day Two: I ran on River Road in the morning before summer camp started. I ran 2 miles and walked 2 miles, and it was fine. Nothing red-letter, but it was a beautiful morning.

Day Three: As I did on Day One, I did weights at the gym and then ran 5 miles at the Collins Perley. I could not have cared LESS about running that day. It was a little hot because I was running at 4:30pm, but I just didn't feel like moving my body. I ended up walking a little under half of it. My pinky toes was killing me and I am having chaffing under my sports bra and it was just ick.

Day Four: Friday was supposed to be my rest day, but it was gorgeous out, so Justin and I hiked Mt. Philo. It was only 2 miles, so I thought it could still count as a rest day. However, going up was definitely a cardio work out, so I thought I could count it as a run, LOL! As it turned out, I counted it as my rest day, and did 4 miles this morning. I goofed, though. I thought only 1 of my sports bras was in the washer (which I turned on this morning), but all of them were. I had no sports bra to run, and these puppies NEED a sports bra. So my work out this morning was walking. I kept the pace under a 16 minute mile, which was comforting because that is the cutoff pace for the Disney Half.

Tomorrow I am ready to do 7 miles, and run as much of that as possible. I've been taking it easier on myself lately because my body has been a little drained, but I am going to need to start practicing pushing through the ho-hums. Great news, by the way: I ran 97 miles in July!

Week 5 Day 1 of 10K Training

I took Tylenol PM last night, because I've been sore and also have not been sleeping well. That stuff really helps me stay deeply asleep, so I did not get up to run this morning. Still, I was scheduled to do 5 miles. So after summer school finished today, I headed to St. Albans.

I went to the gym first, and did 2 sets of all my weight machines. I wanted to hit the gym first, because after I run I am so sweaty that I leave huge ass and back prints on the seats of the machines, and that is gross and embarrassing. After I did weights, I went to the Collins Perley.

I started running about 2:30pm. The sun was still mighty high, and although there was supposed to be low humidity today, the temps were supposed to get around 85. It felt it. I walked the first and last miles, but ran all three of the middle miles together. I wasn't going too quickly, but I ran them all. I wanted to string together 3 miles to prove to myself that I can, because next weekend I have a 5K. I at least know now that I'll survive it.

I am nearing the middle of my 10K training program, so my mileage is increasing. My long runs are getting longer, and my normal weekly days are getting longer too. If I could run a 9-minute mile, then I'd be done my 5 mile runs in 45 minutes. No biggie. As it was, it took me 67 minutes to do my 5 miles today. JEEZ! That is a lot of time on a work day, and right now it's summer, so as a teacher, I'm not even working full time!

I have decided that lemon-lime Powerade is less gross than fruit punch Powerade. I don't see myself trying orange or grape. I might try the neon blue one, if I get brave.

Week 4 Day 5 of 10K Training

Gross Factor: dead yellow finch with a broken neck
dead smashed field mouse in a big smear
Startle Factor: a chipmunk ran out of the grass in from of me
a long snake was curled at the side of the road
Scary Factor: two pit bulls ran barking across the road to me, but were friendly

Today was supposed to be a 7 mile run, but I did 6, because last week was supposed to be a 6 and I did a 7. It was actually between 6.2 and 6.5 miles, and I ran it between a 13 minute mile and a 13.5 minute mile pace.

I am SLOOOOOOOOOOOW! I hate how slow I am. However, my multiple running books have taught me two things. First, I know what speed workouts are, running around a track and sprinting hard, and it does not interest me at all. Second, a runner should never try to increase her distance and her speed at the same time, and I'm working on distance. So, I'm trying not to let it bother me that I top out at the same speed as a flea. http://www.lonympics.co.uk/relativeanimalspeeds.htm

Today's run was ok. Justin drove me into Fletcher and then I ran home through Fletcher, Fairfield, and Fairfax. I felt fine during the run, though by the end I was very tired. I am afraid my feet are really going to bother me, but the good news is that my pinky toe seems to have survived nicely. I wrapped it in moleskin and wore my best socks. I think I have to visit Fleet Feet for another pair or two.

I smell TERRIBLE, though. I need to shower up. Then, maybe a nap.

Week 4 Day 4 of 10K Training

After a wonderful trip to Montreal (that included too much junky food and too little water), I knew I had to run today. 4 miles was on the schedule, so I did 4 miles. I went to the treadmill, though, because I wasn't ready to run until about 11am (I had to hydrate, eat, wake up, etc) and it was terribly humid outside by then.

I did ok. I worked between 4 and 5 mph for the whole run, which is a comfortable place to be for me. More importantly, it's a pace I can maintain and still be able to finish the Disney Half.

I didn't feel terrible as I ran, but I felt myself fatiguing. I am going to try to push the fluids for the rest of the day, not eat too much pizza at my mom's birthday party tonight, and get to bed early. Tomorrow I have 7 miles scheduled, but I may do "only" 6, since I ran 7 last weekend when I was only scheduled for 6. We shall see.

I can't remember if I posted this or not earlier in the week, but I bought my JetBlue tickets to the Disney Half. It is official- it's really happening!

Week 4 Day 3 of 10K Training

I was feeling a little lackadaisical this morning. I trotted along at a very slow pace for my 4 miles. I think I could've gone faster, but I just didn't care to. I know tomorrow is a rest day, but I will run 11 miles total on Saturday and Sunday, so I already feel like I need to be conserving energy. And, I ran less than 12 hours before I took off this morning, so I really had the feeling of deja vu.

As I ran this morning I tried to look around. The sides of the roads are really lovely this time of year. I saw Queen Anne's lace and red clover and some lovely purple flower. There is hay cut in the fields, and cows and horses watched me as I moved through. As I ran over a small stream called Mill Brook, I saw a blue heron flap up out of the water and fly away. It was so big and beautiful, and its blue-gray color was gorgeous. I really love where I live, and I love Vermont.

We head to Montreal today to spend a night, so it is very convenient that my rest day is tomorrow. I am ready for a day without the pounding on my muscles and joints.

Week 4 Day 2 of 10K Training

You know what I've realized? Running is a sneaky bastard. My hip and feet have really been hurting me when I get out of the car or out of bed, or basically anytime I have to move around after being still. You know when my body doesn't hurt? AFTER RUNNING! My muscles are all loose and warm, and my body has those stupid endorphins or whatever. Running is trying to trick me into running MORE so my body hurts LESS. Very tricky, running, very tricky.

Now, a complaint: if you are on a treadmill, DON'T HOLD ON TO THE RAILS!! I ran at the gym tonight (3 miles) because it was raining and thunderstorming outside. There was a lady who was walking SUPER fast, but gripping the handrails with everything she had. Then she sped the treadmill up to a running pace, and ran for at least twenty minutes, clinging to the rails for dear life. It is super annoying to me. There are a million articles about how slowing down and letting go of the rails is a much better workout than clinging to the 'mill. I don't know why I can't mind my own business about this, but it drive me nuts.

Tonight's run was very slow. I took it incredibly easy, because I am sore and I have less than 12 hours between tonight's run and tomorrow morning's run. I hope that I can muster enthusiasm tomorrow at 5:30am, and that the storms have all blown over.

Week 4 Day 1 of 10K Training

I was nervous about my run this morning. I did 7 miles on Sunday, and yesterday totally rested. However, I felt GREAT during my 4 miles today! There was fog so the sun wasn't burning me up, and I finished the last 3 hills feeling strong. No lactic acid build up, no huge gasping breaths, nothing! The beginning of the run I felt stiff and slow, but as time went on, I felt better and better! This THRILLED me, truly. It makes me feel like I've earned the pedicure I'm going to have later today. NO removing calluses, though; I need them to protect my poor toes/feet. The blister is a tiny bit better.

My right Achilles/calf is really tight, and was as I ran. I am sure it's related to the long run I did on Sunday, and the greater number of hills I have been doing, but UGH. It makes me nervous. The right hip is still tight too. They are probably related.

Roadkill count for today: 5 dead frogs, 2 dead birds, 1 dead mole, and the same smashed woodchuck, almost totally a part of the pavement now.

Week 3 Days 4 and 5 of 10K Training

Yesterday I was scheduled for a measly 3 miles run, so I set my iPod to a 5K. I went to the sports complex to do it, because I wanted to go to the gym after to lift. The run was MISERABLE. My legs felt like lead and I literally had to stop to walk. Not, "oh, I'm a little tired, I'll walk to freshen up". No, this was, "I need to slow to a walk or I may fall over." I am not sure exactly what went on, but I was so embarrassed and discouraged. The only good thing I can say about it was that, although I had to stop and walk for a big chunk, I still finished only 1 1/2 minutes slower than the 5K I did at the end of June. I think I'm running a little faster, and walking (when necessary) a little faster. That's a good thing. The ONLY good thing.

Today I was scheduled for a 6 mile run. Justin went to a birthday party in Montreal last night and didn't get home until 3am. I knew he wouldn't want to get up and drive me 6 miles from the house to dump me off, so I drove to Minor's (a local corner store) and parked, and then ran home from there. It was 6.9 miles according to the tripometer on my car, but 7.5 according to my Nike +. I don't know which is right, but I know for sure that I got my 6 miles in. I walked 12 minutes and then ran 24 minutes, so it worked out to about 1 mile walked to every 2 run. I was out there for and hour and forty minutes. I didn't feel terrible by the end, although I did feel quite tired. The best part, for me, was that my pace was the same as yesterday, when I ran less than half the distance. Also, I ran the two hills at the very end of the route. Sloooooooowly, but I ran them.

I wore my Fuel Belt for the first time today, which wasn't as annoying to have bouncing around on my waist as I had anticipated it would be. I mixed half PowerAde and half water in the bottle part, and then squeezed my cell phone, car key, a paper towel, and a BandAid into the tiny zipper pocket. There was a little leaking from the bottle, but it was super handy.

My pinky toe is very, very sore. There is a horrible blister under a callus, and nothing is really healing it or helping it from getting worse. I am glad I have a rest day tomorrow- I really don't want to see a doctor about a blister, but it's gnarly. I am tempted to post a picture, but I'll spare you.

The weather today was perfect! Party sunny, not too hot, not too humid, and just so so so nice. I loved running today. It was hard, but worth it.

Week 3 Days 1, 2, and 3 of 10K Training

I am slacking! It seems that when I get back from a run, I remember to log my workout into Nike +, but I forget to visit my blog and post an update.

Tuesday's run was 4 miles, and I did it late in the afternoon. It was hooooooot. I walked the first and last miles, and ran the two in the middle. To me, that was a decent compromise. I felt decent before, during, and after the run. However, I had napped before I ran, and I couldn't shake the mentally groggy feeling. Anyone who runs can tell you it can be almost as much a mental game as it is a physical one.

Wednesday's run was only 3 miles, and I did it at the gym. I had to do weights anyway, and it was humid outside, so I ran on the treadmill. I walked the first half mile and the last half mile, and ran the 2 in the middle. I am sure this is an overshare, but it is that time of the month, and I was just not feeling it. I did plod along at a 5mph pace, but I left the 'mill on no incline. I will say that for the last quarter mile of running I ran at 6mph. I felt good about that. It sucked, but I could do it, LOL!

This morning I got up early to run. It was so nice out! Dangerously foggy though- I ran with one ear bud from my iPod out of my ear, so I could more clearly hear cars. I wanted to be able to dive in a ditch if I needed to. However, the air was somewhat cool, the fog was hiding the glare of the sun, the roads were mostly abandoned, and the cows flicked their ears in greeting. I did 4 miles; like on Tuesday, I ran the 2 middle miles and walked the first and last. The anti-highlight of this run was the roadkill that was smashed so flat that I didn't see it until I was upon it. I think it used to be a woodchuck. Literally, it was completely flat, except for its teeth and two front paws. I tried to leap over it, and I am just going to believe in my heart that I succeeded. It was nasty.

I have 3 miles on my plate for tomorrow, so I plan to go to the mostly flat Collins Pearly sports complex and do a 5K and push it and time myself. I have the Egg Run coming up in a couple weeks, and I really want to beat the time I posted in my last 5K.

Week 2 Day 5 of 10K Training

From Friday through this morning we camped on Burton Island. I used yesterday (Saturday) as my rest day. The camping was very good. The weather cooperated, there were s'mores, and the sites were pretty. I got a lot of bug bites, but these were from mosquitoes instead of my usual horseflies, so it felt like a refreshing change.

Today's run was 5 miles, and I thought it went fantastically. It may have been the total rest day I took yesterday. It may have been that I ran without music or my headphones in with my Nike + telling me how far I had left to run. It may have been that I had Justin drive me 5 miles away and then I ran home. It may have been that the humidity and heat have finally broken, and, thought it was hot out, (82ish), the air was breathable.

Don't get me wrong; the run was difficult. There were flies and a surprise dog ambush (he was harmless) and the setting sun was warm and my hip and knee hurt. I walked pieces of the 5 miles- 2 big hills and one flat shaded part. But I wasn't exhausted by the end. I could have kept running if I needed to, and I kept a steady pace: between an 11 and 12 minute mile except for the walk breaks. This just feels hugely successful for me.

I do believe the research that says running- well, exercise in general- it good for humans' mental health. I was bumming as I headed out the door for my run because I have to teach 4 weeks of summer school starting tomorrow. I was also in a funk because I had just finished a confusing and depressing novel. In addition, I had a bit of the post-vacation let down. Now, I feel hopeful and confident and capable. Just a little added benefit.

Week 2 Days 3 and 4 of 10K Training

Yesterday I did 3 miles (.5 extra to warm up and cool down) running without stopping on the treadmill. That was somewhat affirming, because I've been needing to take walk breaks a lot outside in this heat and humidity. I sweat buckets, but I felt good.

Today I ran at home, and did 3.76 miles (.5 warm up and cool down, .25 walk break in the middle). There was a little breeze for the first time in days, and it is a really pretty morning. I sometimes forget to look around me as I run, and enjoy the beautiful place I life. I am thinking about faster, harder, distance, etc. The run itself didn't feel great, but I knew I was pushing myself as much as I could at the moment, so that made me feel good.

We are leaving to camp today, so I'm taking tomorrow as my rest day. Then Sunday I have a long run- 5 miles. I may have Justin drive me 5 miles away and then run back home. We'll see. The book I'm reading right now says that to finish a half marathon or marathon (when you don't care about finishing time) "time on your feet" is the most important thing. So, moving for 5 miles is the crucial thing, not making sure I am actually RUNNING all 5 miles. That makes me feel a lot better.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR MY REST DAY! My hip, ankle, pinky toe, middle toe, and hamstrings are so ready for a little break.

Week 2 Day 2 of 10K Training

I ran yesterday- Wednesday- but I didn't post about it. I'm not sure why; I think the heat has burned up my brain and I just forgot.

I ran at 7:15am, before the heat and humidity got too oppressive. Still... ick ick ick. It was my first time drinking water as I run, and that went ok. It made me feel a little bit sick, even though I was only taking small sips. I could dump water down my back and over my head too, which was very nice.

My time was quite slow, and I walked 2 of my 4.5 miles. I guess that's something I just have to deal with in the summer. I feel like I am losing fitness though, even though that's probably not true. I am so unsure of myself as a runner still, and the half marathon is exactly 6 months from today!!! Anxiety is my default setting in life, and it's rearing its ugly head.

I am going to do only 3 miles today, and I'm doing it inside. I'm sure that will be plenty hot, and I hate the treadmill, but at least the sun won't be beating down on me.

Week 2 Day 1 of 10K Training

Well, we are officially in a heat wave here in northern Vermont. The local weather guy said a heat wave is 3 or more days when the weather gets about 90. We are supposed to be in the 90s until Saturday. I know a lot of the eastern part of the country is going to be extremely hot this week.

Heat exhaustion involves sweating profusely and cramps and nausea and excessive thirst and headache. I have all of those things after a normal run, so it's hard to tell if I actually had a small go-round with heat exhaustion today. A way to check would have been to see if I had a "core rectal temperature above 100*F", but I wasn't willing to go that far.

I do know that it was a very uncomfortable 4.5 miles out there. I had chores to do this morning so I couldn't run early. That meant running late. So, I didn't head out the door until 6pm. The sun was kind of going down, and I soaked my running hat in water and stuck it in the freezer before heading out. I guess both those things kept it from being worse, and I actually felt ok for the first 2 miles. Then my legs started to get very heavy and I felt like I couldn't breathe in deeply enough, even though I wasn't out of breath. My intestines started to cramp, as did my calves. At points when cars went by me, I had an urge to lean out into the road. Ostensibly it was to catch a breeze as the vehicle blew past me, but in my secret heart I may have been hoping the car took me out so I could relax, laying in the ditch until the ambulance came.

I came immediately into the house, filled a water bottle, and got into the shower. I stood under the cool water, drinking and breathing deeply and trying not to faint. I have definitely felt worse before in my running life; probably even a few months ago, when I was first running 5 minutes a pop, I felt sicker. However, I haven't even felt this HOT.

I will either run at the gym tomorrow, or take it as my off day. It depends how I feel. For tonight, I am going to go sit in our air conditioned bedroom and be thankful my run didn't come down to rectal temperature-taking.

Week 1 Day 5 of 10K Training

I survived Week 1 of my 10K training..... barely. Here are the things that went wrong with today's run:

1. Horseflies- they were all over, biting and buzzing. It was making me nuts!
2. Heat- the sun was already burning hot, and our thermometer read 78 when I got back to the house at 8:20am. SUCK!
3. Dehydration- yesterday we were on a road trip for 9 hours, so I didn't want to drink too much.
4. Bad food- again, road trip. Applebees and Wendy's in one day? *gag*
5. Hip- still tight and painful. FML

The good things about today's run were that even though I had to stop and walk a lot, I never walked for more than a quarter of a mile at a time. I set a goal for myself today of 4.5 miles (as per the training plan), and even despite those 5 negative factors, I made it. I also am proud I got up and ran, rather than bagging it BECAUSE of those 5 factors.

The best part of today's run, though, by far, was The Man in the Green Subaru. I was almost halfway through my run when a green Subaru drove by me, headed in the same direction that I was running. After the car went by me, as it slowed to turn the corner, I noticed the driver put his hand out the driver's window, and he gave me a thumb's up!!! He was a man with white hair, and I didn't recognize him or the car. It was such a boost, though. Really awesome.

I'm off to enjoy a day swimming and bonding with family. Happy Independence Day to everyone!

Week 1 Day 4 of 10K Training

Today was supposed to be a rest day, but since Justin and I are on a road trip tomorrow to his dad's mom's side of the family reunion, I decided to take a rest day tomorrow and run today.

I did a run/walk combo for 4.5 miles, not pushing too much because my hip is still really messed up. It hurts whenever I use my right leg (which, in running, is quite a lot) and is totally excruciating when I get up from sitting in the car, or sitting on the couch. I decided I will ice it after every run next week, and do an Advil regime. If it's still not better, then I go to my PT. BOOOOOO.

I saw a coworker at the track today where I was running, and we chatted for a few minutes when I walked alongside her. It was really nice. I realized that I might actually enjoy running with someone, as long as it's not my husband. I need someone who is as slow a runner as I am, and is willing to let me spurt out sentences in short bursts as I gasp for air.

I got my Runner's World today, and there's an entire focus article on successfully running a half marathon. I will read that tonight while icing my hip. I am quite looking forward to a day tomorrow with no running in it.

Week 1 Day 3 of 10K Training

I saw my first mammalian roadkill up close and personal today. It was a raccoon. I first saw him on the opposite side of the road as I was running out. I could smell him a little (eeeeewwwww). On the way back, I cut back over to the other side of the road- otherwise I would've had to jump over him, and I wasn't up for that. He was laying on his side and looked rather peaceful. Still, it was a lot to ask of my stomach at 7:30am.

I also ran past a giant manure pit this morning. It is a clean farm, and I'm very used to the manure smell, having lived in Vermont and abutting farms my entire life. However, when I am sucking wind and have an empty stomach, it was a little gaggy. It was garbage day as well, so really, everything this morning was offensive to my nose.

I had a cute little vole run out in front of me as I ran today. He was brown, and his little legs were moving so quickly! He ran out from the side of the road to the yellow double lines, then turned around and ran back. He was well in front of me, so he didn't really startle me, but I was really hoping as I ran by the spot he disappeared into the field that he wouldn't reappear. I didn't want to be startled, and I REALLY didn't want to step on him (barf)!!

My Nike Plus told me that I sent a new record speed for the mile: 10:18 minutes. I didn't feel like I was hauling it today, but I felt good! I ran my entire 4 miles with the .5 warm up and cool down. There were hills, but they felt ok. I am glad I've had two decent days in a row- I needed the encouragement desperately.

Week 1 Day 2 of 10K Training

I felt GOOD today on my run! It's been a darn long time since I finished a run not feeling spent and cranky, so that is good! I did 3 miles, per my program, and did .25 to warm up and .25 to cool down. So, I know this wasn't a long distance, but my speed WAS a little faster than it has been, AND I felt good. I'll take it!

I ran 58 miles in the month of June, so that makes me feel good too! I really needed this, so I'm glad. I hope the miles I have to do tomorrow feel as good!

Week 1 Day 1 of 10K Training

I ran on a treadmill yesterday morning for Day 1 of my 10K training program, starting at about 5:10am. It was a very very busy day, so I didn't have time to post about the run. I went 4.5 miles total yesterday, and .75 of that running. I walked .25 to warm up, .25 to cool down, and then about .25 in the middle. My hip, ankle, and foot were uncomfortable right after the halfway point in my run, so I walked for one song on my iPod.

It is hard for me to admit that sometimes I need to slow down a bit, now that I've been actively running for four months. However, I don't want to get injured and I need to listen to my body. I realized on my long 6 mile run two weekends ago that taking a quick walk break can actually make the rest of my running feel better. It is my secret dream to run the whole half marathon, but is it better to be able to say that, or finish feeling good?

Let me tell you all a secret: I am very tempted to try to run the Vermont City Marathon in May 2011. The thought is both intimidating and invigorating. I did the math- I can do the half marathon in January and rest for most of the remained of the month, doing just easy runs and long walks to stay conditioned. Then I can train February, March, April, and most of May for the full marathon on Memorial Day. It sounds perfect to me- and I'd only have to drive 40 minutes to compete! We shall see. I need to focus on the task at hand.

Working Up to the 10K

Below is the schedule I plan to follow (more or less) to get to the point of completing my 10K in October. I probably will stop around Week 8 and switch to a half-marathon training program, because at that point I'll be 16 weeks out from the Disney Half, and a lot of half-marathon training programs run 16 weeks.

I took out the fartleks and hills, because I don’t care about getting faster yet. I just care about finishing and feeling ok. I am not sure why this program has me running more in the middle of the program than the 6.2miles that make up a 10K, but oh well.

Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.

1 Off 4M 3M 4M Off 4M 4M
2 Off 4M 4M 3M Off 3M 5M
3 Off 4M 4M 3M Off 3M 6M
4 Off 4M 3M 4M Off 4M 7M
5 Off 5M 4M 5M Off 4M 6M
6 Off 4M 4M 5M Off 3M 5K Race or 7M
7 Off 5M 3M 5M Off 3M 8M
8 Off 5M 3M 4M Off 3M 5K Race or 7M
9 Off 4M 3M 6M Off 4M 6M
10 Off 5M 3M 5M Off 4M 5M
11 Off 5M 3M 4M Off 3M 5M
12 Off 4M 3M 3M Off 2M RACE DAY

Women Helping Battered Women "Run for Empowerment" 5K and 10K

It was a cloudy, humid morning. It is great that the sun wasn't scorching me, and also nice that the rain held off until after I was done running. I slept fairly well last night, although the dog woke me up for the first time at 4:30, and I never really got back to sleep.

I had my normal pre-run breakfast (unsweetened applesauce, English muffin with a little PB, water) in plenty of time to let it settle before start time at 9am. I drove to Burlington and had to stop on the way (a 40 minute drive) to pee! I guess I hydrated well yesterday!

I found parking on the street, which was way cheaper than the parking lot with the attendant ($8?!? No way!). I got out of the car, made sure I had my car key and proof of registration, and walked down to the tent. I had pre-registered, and the line for "M-Z Last Names" was very short, so checking in was a snap. I got a t-shirt, bib and safety pins, and entered a raffle. I located the bathroom (again), and then cheered on the little kids who did the 1 Mile Fun Run. I saw several people I graduated from high school with, and some other acquaintances, and chitchatted with them. Bonus!

Then, a lady came over the bullhorn and told us all to line up. I went waaaaay to the back of the pack: just after the elderly women and just before the stroller pushers and dog walkers. It was here, as I tied my car key onto my shoe laces, that I realized I had never put money in the parking meter. Oh well- I couldn't do anything about it at that point! When the siren went off, I stood in place for a moment before the crowd got moving. I hit the timer on my stopwatch as I crossed the start line, since I was a little bit behind the actual race clock.

The path was lovely- mostly flat (two hills), right along Lake Champlain, and staffed with volunteers to ensure runners didn't go the wrong way! They also cheered on our efforts, which was nice, since parts of the course were quite isolated. I was only doing the 5K, of course, but about 1 1/2 miles in, the 10K people peeled off to go on a longer route, and we did a turn around to head back to the start. My strategy of starting at the back of the pack worked really well. I was very rarely passed, and I passed quite a few people who went out too quickly. It made me feel like I was running my own race, which is of course the entire point.

When I rounded the last corner and saw the straightaway to the finish, I looked at my watch. I already knew I wasn't going to get under 34 minutes as I had hoped to. Still, I tried to push it, but my legs felt really heavy. There was a small crowd along the last 50 feet, cheering loudly. Since I didn't cross the line with anyone else, I knew all the applause were for me :-) The time on my watch was 36:16. That's about my 12 minute mile pace that I've been clocking on average. I can live with it, but man, I better get faster, otherwise I'll be out running my half marathon for nearly two hours!!!

I tore off the bottom of my race bib as I went through the chute, walked to get some water, and then watched a few more people finish- including the first 10K finisher who crossed at just over 40 minutes. Sheesh. There was a gorgeous array of homemade baklava, empanadas, and bread for finishers, but I was worried my stomach wouldn't look kindly on a lot of rich food. Still, I snuck in one yummy treat. I didn't linger after the race, however, because I was afraid I would be greeted with a ticket on my windshield when I got back to my car.

God must've taken pity on me, though, knowing I was doing a race to help battered women this morning, and a walk to help cancer survivors and cancer research tonight. No ticket! I traded my shoes for flip flops, opened my second bottle of water, and drove home.

I have mixed feelings about this race. Of course I'm proud that I finished it, glad I didn't need to walk at all, amazed that 3 months ago I never could've done this, and happy that I saw friends and acquaintances all out exercising for a good cause. I was also a little sad, though, that I didn't set an amazing time. By default, 36:16 is my PR, because I haven't done another 5K race, LOL! But, hopefully in August I will set a better time. Just gotta keep plugging along.

For some reason Blogger won't let me upload a photo right now, and it won't let me do a hyperlink either, but here is a link to my photo on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=13039453&l=a328aeaaba&id=543035360

Whine Whine Whimper

It was humid tonight, and pretty hot. I wasn't well hydrated. My right hip is very tight. STILL. 36:43 to do a 5K on a fairly flat course?!?! I am really discouraged. My legs felt like lead and I was exhausted by the end. I did the same distance 2+ minutes faster on Monday. My race is Saturday. Ugh ugh ugh.

I have realized that whatever my new aching body part is, it trumps the one that was formerly hurting "the worst". First my right knee was "the worst", then my left knee, then my right Achilles, then my calves, then the bottom of my left foot, and now my right hip. Each new complaint makes me feel like a wuss for whining before, because this time is hurts really bad.

I am just in a dark place tonight. I would expect things to only be getting easier the longer I've been training, but they aren't. It makes me doubt that I'll be able to handle the Disney Half in six months. My apologies to those of you who have told me that you follow this blog for running inspiration- you won't get any from me tonight.

Oh Deer!

Sorry about the terrible pun, but the highlight of my run this morning was certainly seeing a beautiful white-tailed deer no more than 10 feet from me. It was drinking in a small stream off the road to my left, and I didn't see it. It certainly heard/saw/smelled me, though, because it flagged its tail and took off. It was so lovely, graceful... and about 10X more energetic than I was feeling. A rough approximation of what I saw:


So, what can I say about today's run? The outside of my right hip (the muscle/tendon you can feel engage if you jut your hip out like a model) is really sore, and has been since my run on Saturday. I took yesterday totally off, hoping it would help, but it hurt on the run today, which is new. Usually it only hurts afterwards. I think I'll be icing that today.

My first 5K race is on Saturday, so I thought I'd run a 5K today and time it, to know roughly what I can expect on race day. With a few small hills, my time was 34:33. That means I was moving faster than a 12 minute mile, which is good, and I certainly went faster than I would've 3 months ago. I just hope that in the race I'm not last!!!! I also hope my hip starts to feel better.

I think Wednesday I'll go a bit longer (4 miles?), then a really easy short run on Thursday then my race Saturday. We'll see how it goes. I feel like if I go more than 2 days without running, I'll lose all my fitness and desire.

I want to take it easy this week because on Saturday after my 5K I am doing the local Relay for Life. I don't know at what time or for how long I'm walking yet, but I know I will need whatever energy reserves I have left after my race to do that. Therefore, I don't want to push it this week with my other runs.

On a slightly related note, my parents bought me a half-POUND block of a cheese I love when they were in Montreal yesterday. I am in heaven, but this cannot possibly help my running speed.

SIX MILES!!

Well, hot damn! I decided that this morning would be my first really long run. I have done 5 miles once (with some walking), and have been doing 4 and 3 mile runs on a regular basis. Justin and I got up early (5:40am) and headed out to the local 1 1/2 mile paved path to run. Obviously 4 loops would equal my 6 mile goal. I should've known that Justin wouldn't keep pace with me. It didn't work before when we ran together, and it didn't work this time. So, although I had the suspicion we wouldn't actually run and chitchat, I left my iPod headphones at home. I had the iPod on with my Nike + so I could track my mileage and speed, but no way to listen to music once Justin left me in the dust. So as if it weren't impressive enough that I did 6 miles, I did 6 miles without music or podcasts!

I walked .25 miles to warm up and .25 miles to cool down. I also walked about half a mile in the middle of the six miles, because I needed to drink some water, and my legs were feeling really heavy. But I ran the rest! I felt a little slow, but at least I was jogging. I am very proud of myself and satisfied with my effort. And since we're hitting the beach today with chips, hot dogs, and beer, I really needed to burn those calories.

Jenn S., are you reading this? I was attacked by a red-winged blackbird on my running loop. Obviously she had a nest in a tree near the path. I ran under the tree and felt a tug on the hair on the top of my head. I thought I had brushed my head against a branch, but when I raised my hand I hit a bird! I jogged on, looking back at it hovering by the tree. Then, as I turned back to look in the direction I was running, the little shit attacked again! I could feel her claws (talons? digits? what do you call little bird feet?) pulling at my hair. Let's just say that in the moments shortly following this attack, I hit one of my peak speeds on my run.

I didn't have very much leg or foot pain at all today, and my breathing was pretty good. I just got tired/heavy legs in the middle. I got a bit of a sunburn yesterday, so maybe I was a little dehydrated. Or maybe it was just that this was my longest run yet. I'm not sure. At any rate, I feel somewhat reassured that I ran *almost* a half of a half marathon today.

Runner's Haiku(s)

It is garbage day.
It is also raining out.
It smelled like dead fish

On my run today.
4.3 miles of stink,
And slugs everywhere.

Pouring so hard that
When I breathed in through my nose
It felt like drowning.

At least it's over.
To get rid of chills and stank,
Hot shower needed.

June 15th- School's Out!

Today is the last day of school for the year. My 8th graders already graduated, but the rest of the school finishes today. I am going out to breakfast with my co-teachers, then cleaning my classroom and having meetings all day. Thus I figured I'd better run this morning, since I knew the weather would be nice, and I figured I wouldn't feel like it this evening.

My first mile and a half I felt SO GOOD. No pain anywhere, beautiful sky and sunshine, cool temperatures, and a quick pace- I could tell. Then I couldn't sustain it. My time overall for a 5K today was 38 minutes, which isn't so terrible, considering I did 10 minutes total of warm up and cool down walking. Looking at the graph, though, I can see that all my speed was in the beginning, then I tapered off. I need to get a little more consistent, or learn how to regulate my pace. I was told about a website that will convert your running pace (say, 11 minute mile) into a beats per minute pace, and give you a list of songs that will keep you are the right pace/beat. I think I need to look into that.

Food Fight

I last ran on Thursday, which means Friday was not a scheduled run day. Friday was, though, the day that my 8th graders "graduated" from middle school. That meant a field trip during the day (potato salad, cookies, Rice Krispie treats, Cheez Its), a ceremony at night (strawberry shortcake), and an after-party at my house (3 beers, bean dip, cheese). That meant that yesterday morning- Saturday morning- when I woke up, I was not feeling especially energetic. "Sluggish" would probably be the word. Luckily for me, it was raining, so I couldn't head right out on my run. Then I got my last injection in my right knee at 9:15am, so I wasn't allowed to run for the rest of the day.
Yesterday's meals involved leftover bean dip and cheese, as well as some Ben and Jerry's. It's sinful to waste food, right?

But this morning, I KNEW I had to get up early and run before church, because we are meeting my parents for brunch afterwards. This weekend has been nothing but bad (good) food, and I needed to at least attempt some calorie burn beforehand.

Speaking of SLUGGISH: I counted no fewer than 50 slugs on my run this morning. The rain yesterday brought them all out, and part of my run involved avoiding stepping on the disgusting little orange things. The rest of my run involved gasping for breath and wishing my right calf and left heel would just relax. 3.66 miles in 45 minutes (with 10 of that warm up and cool down) isn't anything to celebrate with bean dip or anything, but at least it's done.

Nothing to Report

I ran today. 3.5 miles. At the gym. It's done. My heel didn't hurt during the run, but does now that I'm done. I sweat like a hog. The end.

Tricky...

I think my body is very, very tricky. During the first almost 2 miles of my run, I felt like dog crap. True, it was an early morning run, and true, I had pizza for dinner last night, but still. At this point I've been a runner for going on 3 months, and I feel as if I'm entitled to go for a 3.5 mile run without wishing a car would take me out.

After I hit the 2 mile mark, I started to fall into a rhythm. It wasn't the best running I've ever done, but my breathing was regular and my ever-present right Achilles/calf pain faded into a dull throb. It is possible that mentally at that point I knew I was over halfway done and so I psyched myself up. It is possible that at 2 miles I was fully warmed up on this chilly morning and therefore running better.

However, my hypothesis is that my body prefers almost ANYTHING to running. It would rather sleep, eat, deal with the stomach flu, be attacked by a dog... ANYTHING. So, it refuses to cooperate at the beginning of a run, hoping I will give up and go home. "She won't want to be this miserable for 4 miles," my body thinks. "She will pack it in." But I don't. And I won't. So hopefully my body will give up its tricks and release the good vibes from the start.

Purple Rain

Well, it was just rain, really, but a lot of it. It's humid here, and yet sort of chilly. I just couldn't bring myself to run outside, but I knew I needed to run. So, I packed up and headed to the gym to use the treadmill. 4 miles later- suckity suck suck suck.

I was pouring sweat and my dog-attacked wrist started hurting as I ran, although it was fine on Friday. I also felt really tired, really quickly. I ate a big breakfast, but 2 1/2 hours before. I slept ok, but woke up feeling overtired. I don't exactly know what was up. I do know that it's boring as hell to run inside on a treadmill, though, and not as "fresh"; I could distinctly smell sweat (not mine) and just a carpet/inside/metal sort of scent.

I wore my Nike Plus and also, of course, was looking at the treadmill read out. The 'mill said I was at a 12 minute/mile pace, but my Nike Plus said I was at a 10:30minute/mile pace. Is the truth somewhere in the middle? Maybe the reason I got tired quickly is because I set the treadmill at a 12 minute/mile pace, but that's faster than I actually usually run? Or what the treadmill said was 5mph was actually closer to 6mph? Anyway, WHEW!

I am off to a retirement party now, in this wet and dank weather. BOOOOOOOOO

Dinner Dance

A big victory for me today in my run was that I did it at all. I had a meeting after school, then a quick appointment, then I had to run home and feed the pets and shower and change before I went back to school to chaperone a dinner and dance for my 8th graders. I knew I wanted to run... kind of. More like I knew I'd feel guilty if I didn't. So, I did a quick 45 minute venture, including warm up and cool down. I went 3.66 miles, and maintained an 11 minute mile pace for all three miles, which is super great! I was sweating like a hog and feeling a little faint by the end. I hadn't hydrated well today and it was pretty warm out. Still, it's done and I feel good about it.

I hate black flies and horse flies, though. They are the bane of my existence. There was one horse fly that followed me for about a quarter of a mile near the turn from one road onto another, and then he was there WAITING for me when I circled back around to that spot. Bugs are so annoying and distracting. Whine whine whine whimper.

I have noticed some lingering pain my right Achilles/calf again, and I'm just not sure what's up. It's fine when I'm not running. I will do what I'm best at and ignore it for now, LOL!

Enumeration

Lots of stuff to report, so it's number time.

1. I got my tattoo touched up as a reward for successfully completing the C25K program. I think it looks great. Thanks Brenna @ Tattoo Works!

2. I ran/walked 5.3miles today. That is almost all the way from school (work) to my house. I felt really proud of that. Justin came to pick me up before I quite made it home, because it was getting dark, and thunderstorms were threatening.

3. Even though I was dragging (stomach cramps b/c I ate less than 2 hours before, and I didn't hydrate enough today), I maintained a 12:30 pace average, which includes my walks.

4. I saw a very dead, very flat raccoon on my run. Icky.

5. I spoke at a beginner's running class today. Dave V. invited me to talk to the group he's coaching, and I told them all about my experience and process through the C25K program. I said something I really liked, even though I hadn't consciously thought it or planned to say it ahead of time. I observed that I am someone who tends to exaggerate problems and lump all my troubles together until they overwhelm me. I never take things one step at a time. Tonight I said that running helps me because "you can't run mile 3 before you've run mile 4". I saw people nodding, and it really resonated with me.

6. As I was running tonight, I felt the need to spit. As I move along, my mouth dries out and my saliva gets gross and thick, so I spit it out. This was around mile 5, and I was starting to drag. I lethagically turned my head to the left and the saliva left my lips, but without the power required to make it onto the road. It landed on my left wrist, against my watch. Sweeeeeet.

7. If you sweat profusely enought, it is hard for black flies to latch on and bite you. I discovered this tonight as they slid right off me as I ran.

Smoooooooke, on the Waaaater

Well, more like smoke EVERYWHERE! There are huge wildfires burning in Quebec, and the wind is blowing gobs and gobs of smoke into Vermont with no regard for the border between our two countries. Justin and I were at a campfire last night with Charlie, so when we woke up we assumed the smoke we were smelling was on his fur or in our hair. Then we stepped outside and knew it was something more; the morning news filled in the details.

I went 5 miles today on my run. The first and last half miles were warm up and cool down, but the 4 in the middle were actual running! I went out on a fairly hilly course, but my cardiovascular system felt really, really good, if you don't count the smoke burning my throat. I was about an 11:30/mile pace overall, but a little slower sometimes. But I felt so good!

I did have my first "dive in the ditch to use the bathroom experience". I have just been waiting for the other shoe to drop with my IBS; I hadn't had an attack yet on a run, but I felt it was only a matter of time. Last night I ate heavy food and drank alcohol and didn't get a full night's sleep. All those things make a perfect storm to trigger an IBS attack.

I had ran out my 2.5 miles and was on my way back home when my tummy started to rumble. The road I was on has quite a few houses, so when I felt the cramping start in earnest, I jumped off the road, pushed through some leaves and grasses, paused my Nike +, and found a tree to lean against. As I was attempting to get situated, I looked down and saw a tick on my pants. Justin had a tick in his leg last year, and Charlie has had several, so I knew what I was looking at. I was so freaked out and startled that I slapped the tick away and ran up out of the ditch and back onto the road. I guess it was the opposite effect of being scared shitless, because I made it back home without incident. MUCH to my relief, and, I'm sure, to the relief of the motorists on the road and the neighbors who may have been looking out their kitchen windows.

Justin and I then went for a hike in Johnson, which was fun and lovely, but I burned up my calves, hammies, and glutes powering up those hills. We'll see how that feels tomorrow, after also taking my body out on its longest run to date this morning.

Run With Tim

There's nothing like a dog attack to wake a person up on a Saturday morning. Charlie (my Golden) and I were attacked by a huge mastiff-type dog as we walked on the road this morning. Charlie was on leash, and this dog charged. We are both ok, but the dog took me out and my wrist really hurts, and I"m scraped. Nevertheless, I am a RUNNER now, and the show must go on.

So, I drove to my brother's house and ran my normal loop on River Road. This time, though, I took said brother with me. We ran a 5K, chit-chatting with each other, and I wore my Nike + but didn't listen to music; I just did it to record my pace and distance.

When I got home, I promptly dropped my iPod on the floor, so I'm worried I may have damaged it. Though it seems to be working ok, it won't upload my workout to the Nike + website. However, when I try to load the Nike + website, it won't load correctly or log me in. So something is screwy. Therefore, I can't really report the stats of my run, but I can tell you I was sucking wind. Partially because I was talking, I'm sure, but I think also partially because I was hauling ass. The workout summary on my iPod says we kept an 11 minute mile pace, so I'm happy.

I had a moment of delirious joy when I looked at my iPod readout and though we run a 7:30 minute/mile pace. Holy smokes! I thought. I'm a contender! I thought. Then I realized that since I'd programmed my Nike + to track a 5K, it gave my pace in km/hour, not miles/hour. Bummer.

Couch to 5K- Week 9 Day 3: I DID IT!!!!

I am now officially a C25K graduate! I am so very excited, and proud of myself. I actually stuck to something, and I feel very successful. I look forward to just sticking around 3-4 mile runs for a little while, and enjoying my new status as an official runner.

My run this morning was great. It was a cooler morning than the last 3 have been, and I just felt good. I didn't get out of breath. I didn't slow down on the hills. I wasn't constantly checking to see how much time was left. I just went out and did it. It was a really nice way to end this training program.

"It is not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves." ~Sir Edmund Hillary

"Winners compare their achievements with their goals, while losers compare their achievements with those of other people." ~Nido Qubein

Couch to 5K- Week 9 Day 2

We are in the middle of a big heat wave- temperatures in the 90s. So, I got up at 5am to run. It felt ok; I slowed down about a minute per mile because I ran the hilly course, but I did it. I knew I wouldn't want to run at 4pm with the heat and humidity. In other news, I also narrowly avoided stepping on a dead bird. Or rather, half of a dead bird. *gag*

I am so excited that I am only 1 workout away from being a C25K graduate!!

Couch To 5K- Week 9 Day 1

Scouting Report: Run at 7:40am on Sunday, May 23

Animals Seen:
*4 dogs (all friendly)
*1 cat (sunning on a woodpile)
*1 turtle (still dead in the ditch, as per an earlier blog post)
*1 woodchuck
*numerous robins and other birds

People Seen:
*6 runners (5 female, 1 male. 4 waved back at me, 2 did not)
*1 walker (female, waved)
*1 biker (male, waved)
*4 fishermen (yes, all men. 2 in hip-high waders)

I ran along River Road this morning, enjoying the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells. It was truly gorgeous, and I felt GOOD! This was my first 30 minute run, and it was awesome. I wasn't panting, I didn't really hurt, and I didn't totally overheat. I am glad I was done running by 8:30am, though- it's supposed to be well into the 80s today, totally sunny, and humid.

Nike Plus says that I was at a 10:29/mile pace for the first mile, then 10:59/mile pace for the second mile. At the third mile, I was at 15:00/mile, but I had just slowed to my walk after the 30 minutes of running. So counting my 5 minute warm up walk, I did a 5K today in about 35 minutes. That's great!! It was on the same course exactly as my town's 5K in August, so I'll be excited to see how much I can improve my time on that route before then.

I think the reason I ran more quickly today was that the course was flat, and it was still cool. On Friday I ran an hour later, and it was hot and the course was hillier. I will continue to run hills because I know they make me a better runner, but I do loathe them.

I am so very pumped!! I am going to run just 30 minutes again on Tuesday or Wednesday, and then on my last day of C25K I will run 3.1 miles, however long it takes me. WOOT!

Couch To 5K- Week 8 Day 3

It is a beautiful, sunny morning, and I took a sick day to go to a few doctor's appointments. I decided to sneak in my run first, before it hits 80*F as it is supposed to today. It's hard for me to believe that I only have 3 runs left before I've completed C25K!

Today's run was great for the first half, and hard for the second. I felt it get warmer as I ran, I did a course with hills, and I also fatigued myself in the first 19 minutes. Today I ran at just under a 12 minute mile pace. I was running to the beat of the music on my C25K Week 8 podcast. It was steady, so I was steady overall. That was a small victory, since I usually speed up and slow down throughout my run. On the first half of my run that pace seemed a little slow- I wanted to gun it, and felt like I could move more quickly and still be comfortable. Then by the end of my run, I was running that pace but I was quite tired, with heavy legs. I can tell that as I go on, my battle will be to find a pace that my lungs and legs are comfortable with, but that I can also sustain for 3, 6, 10, and 13.1 miles.

I am happy to report that 90 minutes of running from now, I will be a C25K graduate!!

A Thought for Today...

I was reading a few posts on the Runner's World forums, and I came across this quote from a runner:

"Stop trying to build your run into something you can't handle..."

I think that really spoke to me because I start every new run that has added mileage with the thought, "Oh my gosh, I won't be able to do it." I should psych myself up, not down.

Couch To 5K- Week 8 Day 2

Well, I have to pat myself on the back. I got up at 5am, did some morning chores, and then headed out on my run. I LOVE that by 5:30am it's nice and bright outside, and I can just take off. I listened to my podcast of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" from NPR, and looked at the dew on the grass and the cows in the field, the sun coming up and the birds scrounging dead worms off the road (ew). It was such a nice way to start the day. I never though I'd say running for 28 minutes was a nice way to begin a morning!

According to my Nike Plus, I ran 2.97 miles in my 38 minute (28 of them actually running, 10 of them warm up and cool down walking). At Mile One I had a 11:08/mile pace, and at Mile Two I had an 11:31/mile pace. That is not only faster than I've been going recently, but also more consistent that I've been. At the end of Mile Three my pace was 14:07, but I was walking uphill and on my cool down by then, so that's still good. I feel really proud!

I also did the work out at my home, where there are the hills. I hadn't eaten before I ran. Last night I didn't sleep great. It seems like a lot of things were against me, but this is the best I've felt on a run in a long time. I'm not sure what made the difference. Maybe just that it was right off in the morning, so I was somewhat peppy and the day hadn't dragged me down yet? Whatever it was, I'm glad I feel good running at 5:30am, because that's about when the Disney Half take off...in a little over 7 months!

Injection Three

WAHOO for my vascular system. Today's injection hurt very little and I felt totally fine during and after. Before, I was freaking out, thinking about what happened last time. I was so cranked that my IBS really flared- lucky me.

I talked to the doctor, and he basically said that the more the injection hurts, the more likely my body will have a strong reaction. When I react to pain, my heart starts to pound and there is a build up of pressure in my nervous system. My brain thinks, "Uh oh, Emily's having a stroke!" and opens all of my veins up wide. This causes my blood pressure to drop, and then I have fainting symptoms like I did last time, with tingling, nausea, dizziness, etc.

Knowing what happened and why is interesting and all, but I am so very very thankful that I didn't get to experience this miracle of nature again today.

Couch To 5K- Week 8 Day 1

It was another beautiful day today, so I was eager to get out running. At least mentally. I knew I'd had 2 days of rest, and I knew the weather was perfect, and I knew I was starting the second-to-last week of the program. Plus, I had a new running tank on- bright pink. Oh la la.

Physically, however, I was not eager for my run. It really felt like a "morning after" work out. I did have a bit of a "night before"; I went out to the Upper Deck Pub with four friends, and had three drinks over three hours. I also ate brunch and supper out last night, which means I didn't consume the healthiest foods. I felt a little sluggish when I hit the path at the sports center at 9am.

Still, I ran my 28 minutes total, and with warm up and cool down I went 3.5 miles. My knees hurt when I started up, but that faded. My Achilles area hurt on both ankles today, for a nice change of pace (pun intended), but that stopped when I stopped running. Overall, I think it was "good crappy day" as Dave V. would say.

I bought a foam roller last night. There are different stretches that this roller facilitates, and Lord knows I might as well put my ample body weight to good use. I tried it briefly this afternoon after my room, and I felt foolish. And it *hurt* a bit. I'm going to keep at it, though. My friends with foam rollers give them rave reviews.

Today's run was the first time I've truly believed that I am capable of running for 30 minutes straight. I ran 28 minutes, so I KNOW I can sustain another 2 minutes of running. A very cool moment for me, because I am certain that 8 weeks ago I could never have run 30 minutes without throwing up or passing out. I was struggling to run 90 seconds. This gives me a very real sense of achievement.

I think once I finish C25K, I will work on improving my distance. So, I'll run for 30 minutes, but work up to being to run a full 5K in that length of time. I average a little over a 12 minute mile pace, so it would stand to reason that I'd finish a 5K in about 36 minutes. I'd like to get that to running a 5K in 30 minutes. We'll see. I'll have a month to improve before the WHBW race. After that, I'll start training up to the 10K distance. I would love to do a 10K in the late summer/very early fall. That will still give me a good 16 weeks to get from there (6 miles) to the 13.1 mile distance I need to be able to run for the half-marathon.

I get my next injection tomorrow, and frankly, I am shitting bricks. It hurt so very much last time, and I felt just terrible for about 15 minutes afterwards. I am going to tell the doctor all this, and hopefully we can find some way to avoid it this time. Blerg.

Couch To 5K- Week 7 Day 3

I ended up taking Wednesday off from any kind of physical activity, except a brief walk with the dog. So yesterday, I decided to finish off Week 7 of C25K. The weather was SO gorgeous that I was actually itching to get outside.

I ran my 25 minutes at the sports complex the next town over. Between that and the 5 minute warm up and cool down, I went 5K! I am well on my way to being able to run a race. I actually signed up for a 5K in Burlington at the end of June. Women Helping Battered Women (WHBW) is holding a 5 and 10K race to benefit their shelter and program. It leaves from ECHO, and will follow a lovely route along the lake. I have paid my race fee and committed, so it's nice to know I will (hopefully) more than just survive it.

The run went fine; it was warm but not to hot, and breezy but not too windy. There were people on the path and a few cute dogs. Students were playing lacrosse and practicing the high jump. A few home owners who live along the path were cutting their lawns. It was just nice.

I am making a concerted effort when I run to not think "How much time is left? How far have I gone?" It makes the run stretch on and on, and whether I'm 1/8 or 7/8 through my run, I will still finish. So what does it matter? Still, I can't help thinking this way, even when I'm enjoying my run. I don't know why. I think I like the sense of achievement I have after completing my workout. I am also very task oriented, so checking "complete Week 7 C25K" of my to-do list makes me feel very productive.

Couch To 5K- Week 7 Day 2

Today was another 25 minute run, with a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down. Justin and I were both after school late tonight, so when we got home a little after 5pm, we decided to run together. My idea. Idea FAIL.

I averaged a 13 minute mile pace, which takes the 10 minutes of walking into account. That' s not bad for where I'm at. Justin was good overall and kept the pace with me. Then, he sprinted ahead and jogged back to me. He did some Monty Python "Ministry of Silly Walks" around me. He skipped. He danced.
I think he was just having fun, but I also think he was getting bored running at my pace, although he's too nice to say so. The frustrating thing is, Justin doesn't run. He does other cardio, and some weights, but he isn't a runner. I've completed almost 7 weeks of a training program, and I'm way slower than he.

I know I'm a much better runner than I was 7 weeks ago, and I know it's a losing game to compare myself to other runners. Especially a male who is 5 inches taller than me and at healthy body weight. Still.

Today didn't feel good overall. My lower back (left side) hurt, and my left knee hurt, and my right Achilles hurt. It has been a very stressful week at work so far, and it's only Tuesday. I am going to do weights/cross training tomorrow and then probably take Thursday completely off. I think my body is saying it needs a little break.

Second Injection

Yesterday I had a vascular reaction to the shot I received in my knee. That means my body has a big "Holy Crap!" moment when a chemical is injected, or when a big amount of pain is experienced. This has never happened to me before, and I've been pretty badly injured, and given blood, and had many shots.

When I received my injection yesterday, it really hurt. Some of the worst pain I've had in my life, actually, and that's saying something since I had my entire abdomen cut open to remove a 10lb ovarian cyst. It only lasted for about 10 seconds, if that (the length of the injection). After the doctor had withdrawn the needle, I all of a sudden got very hot and shaky. My hearing started to fade, and I got extremely nauseated. As the doctor walked me to the door, I couldn't really understand him. I made it into the lobby and took a few deep breaths. I checked out with the receptionist, and then got to my car and bawled. By then my knee wasn't hurting and I was feeling better, but I had scared myself.

I didn't tell the doctor, but I will before I get my next short next week. Yesterday was injection two of five, and they're all a week apart. Of course, now I am dreading the next one, which is going to flare my anxiety, which has been kept pretty well in check lately. Not only am I now dreading the shot- and I have never had a problem with needles- and the pain, but now also the horrible feeling afterwards.

I have several people I know who are currently undergoing very intense medical treatments, which are very painful. I know what I went through was very brief, and hardly matters. It certainly isn't comparable to what these people are going through. I am doing this really by choice, to alleviate knee pain. This morning, I feel totally normal. I need to count my blessings, and I realize that. I just had a hard time focuses on that fact yesterday as I gagged in a carpeted waiting room that smelled like feet.

Couch To 5K- Week 7 Day 1

Sooooooo. Today was a 25 minute run. Straight up, no intervals. Which turned out to be a good thing, since when I got out on my warm up walk, I realized that the Week 7 podcast for C25K hadn't uploaded to my iPod. Oh well. I fired up the Nike Plus and told it I wanted a half hour work out (5 minute warm up walk included) and turned on my music and took off...

...into the fourth ring of Hell. Well, not Hell, because Hell is supposedly hot. It was disgusting outside today. Snowing and 40*F and very windy- gusts up to 40mph. I had to run today, because tomorrow I am getting another shot in my knee, so that means no running until Tuesday afternoon at the earliest. I got up at looked outside, and almost threw in the towel. But I don't want to fall behind, and I felt like running in crappy weather would help me earn my street cred as a "real" runner. So off I went, in long capris and high socks, a long sleeved t-shirt, a yellow windbreaker (with hood pulled up) and a baseball cap. I'm sure I was quite the looker.

I was afraid my asthma would flare up in the cold weather, but it didn't. I coughed a little afterwards, but felt fine lung-wise as I ran. I think it helped that I'm now fit enough to control my breathing and breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth as I run- it warms the air, I think. Small victories.

I ran the course from my house, because today is Mother's Day and I had to be at my parents' by 11am. That means hills. Those blasted hills. The hills, combined with the weather, made today's run much less pleasant than Friday's run, although they were of the same duration. I ran more slowly and felt ickier by the end. BUT. I. DID. IT. I think that is going to be my refrain throughout my training. This sucked, that sucked, but I did it.

Couch To 5K- Week 6 Day 3

Today's run felt really good! Here's what I did:

Brisk 5 minute warm up walk
Run 25 minutes
5 minute cool down walk

I ran a new route along the river in town, and it was a cool and sunny afternoon. I kept my breathing even the entire time, and at the end of the run I felt like I could've gone on. My left knee hurt, and my right Achilles/ankle/something hurt, but as I ran on, the discomfort faded away. This run was encouraging.

Nature did rear its ugly head again this run, though. Or, should I say, its ugly ass? The rotten, dead turtle I saw in a ditch near the road had no head. Its shell was shattered, and it's back end was all crushed. As I approached the ditch I thought, "What is that thing down there? It looks like a dead turtle." As I ran on, I wasn't sure what I'd seen. Then, just a liiiiiitle bit beyond the ditch, I got a whiff of said turtle. Definitely a turtle. Definitely dead. I guess my stomach got a little upset because I burped for the next minute or two, but no real harm done. Well, at least to me. There was DEFINITELY harm done to the turtle.

Next week's plan is to jog 25 minutes each of the three training days. I know I can do it physically- it's the mental game I think I'm getting into now. Not getting bored, not doubting my abilities, and not borrowing trouble (as in, "You're this sweaty after half an hour? Imagine two and a half hours!!).