Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Color Run Recap

OK - this may be a little lengthy so I will apologize in advance...

My gift request for Mother's Day was to run with my hubby and our friends in the Color Run downtown this past Saturday (May 11th, 2013).  I was determined not to psych myself out and get nervous which is pretty unavoidable but overall I think I went into the "race" with a good attitude because I knew I would be able to at the bear minimum walk it without a problem.  I just knew it would be hard when my Plantar Fasciitis came back 2 days before the race...boy was I right!

We started well and I ran a bit but not as much as I wished I was able.  Beth took off like a shot (just like I knew she would) and Jim was with us until I was not able to run any longer and then we lost him as well.  I continued to walk run for a little bit until my right leg went totally numb.  Figures...so...I continued with my numb leg getting worse as we went further and further.  At least when the leg was numb the shin was not hurting from the shin splints!

I felt really bad because the entire time leading up to the race I had been encouraging my husband who was doubting his ability to make good time.  I simply knew he would be better than he gave himself credit for and I was right.  I was holding him back because he simply wouldn't go on without me.

I finished the race pretty bummed over what I felt was a stinky time and really mad that the course was short and was not a full 3.1 (probably because I had cut the corners not purposefully but subconsciously trying to just get it over with because my legs hurt so badly).  There was not space to keep going as you were corralled at the end with a mob of people so I settled for 2.78.

Eric and I met up with Beth and Jim and we had a great dinner all messy and runny with color.  I went home and uploaded the time on the Garmin...

Mile #1 time was 13:41 pace...not bad.  Mile #2 time (yuck) was 15:19 pace.  Last .78 mile was 17:13 pace (let me just say I had issues breathing etc which made me forget to stop the watch as I staggered around on bad legs searching for water - and yes I am saying this to make myself feel better about that HORRIBLE time).  But...the average was 14:26 which is somewhat of a relief.  My best time (from 3/5/13) being a 14:13 average for a 5K.  Considering how crappy I felt I guess it wasn't all that bad!

What have I learned...
1.  Blue dye is hard to get off and yes it does leak through your clothes.
2.  I am in bad shape...but I did pass people so there are some who are in worse shape than I am (YAY!)
3.  Big races are crowded and hard and I hate trying to weave around people - it's irritating!  They need to get out of my way.

The whole race my husband was upset with the time we were making so I know he REALLY wanted to just go but he didn't because he loves me...don't ask me why...I'm not nice.  But he did come back and tell me to sign him up for the Father's Day race with Jonathan so at least he has a renewed sense of self confidence and he knows he can beat me in any distance race (sprinting is still questionable - I just have to catch him quickly).  I am happy I could give that to him!

All in all it was a fun race to do with friends.  I think I liked the small race better in reality - more personal and not as much traffic.  Maybe I will sign up for one of them soon to try again.  I have read a lot on the leg issues etc and I think I have to work to gradually build and stop beating myself over the head.  One check off the bucket list...yay me!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Weekly Recap - Week Ending 4.28.13 and plan for the upcoming week!

This past week was a low mileage week.  I ate some things I really shouldn't have.  Got lazy when I shouldn't have.

Not all was negative...I did do something worthwhile this week!  I researched clean eating.  I read up on the different levels and variations.  I have heard much about the new eating style and like every other "diet" (I use that term very loosely) I wanted to see what the masses were saying.

Clean eating is truly more of a eating plan and less of a diet.  Those of you who know me know that I had a ton of success on a low carb diet about 7 years ago, however, 6.5 years ago I became a vegetarian.  That makes low carb dieting extremely difficult as most meatless protein sources contain carbs (I do eat eggs and fish but you get sick of them after a while!).  I do remember that when I was on the low carb regime I ate small frequent meals and it seemed like I ate all the time!  This diet promotes the same timing with smaller meals to keep you full throughout the day.

My obstacles will be:

1.  I must plan my meals (I get LAZY!)
2.  I must make sure I get enough protein
3.  I must eat enough (I tend to under pack lunches and end up starvin' marvin'!)

I think this plan has variations from the extreme to what I dub to be "realistic" and I am going to try to make the majority of my eating fall into the "clean" category but not fault myself if I have some "non-clean" items in a day.  There is only so much you can do!

I know I feel better when I am juicing - why??? - because there is no crap in my food...because it is healthy...because I end up eating more then I normally do when "dieting".  I am anticipating the same from this plan.

I will not give up my coffee or my wine.  Sorry folks - there are just some things that need to stay close to the heart!  I will give it a week and re-assess to see where I am...and I will not obsess over the scale while I am in my week phase (I didn't say I wasn't weighing in but I won't cry when I do.)

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Weekly Inspiration 4.24.13

Yesterday was my birthday!  While I would love to say that I have rocked so far this week in terms of mileage that would be a big fat lie...  What I can say is that I am making time where I can to do what I can in the midst of parties, dinners and bingos in celebration of...ME!  YAY!

this.
 
 
I am not perfect but I am happy with what I have accomplished so far and proud of what I have achieved.  I am trying to increase the amount of each  run segment  and focusing less on total mileage and mile times - that will come in time.  The race is not too far away and I need to be semi ready... but I said I was going to have fun, spend time with family and friends doing something absolutely awesome...and that is exactly what I am going to do!  I can't wait to be rainbow colored - it is going to be awesome!!!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Weekly Inspiration 4.18.13


Over the past 2 weeks my knees have felt better and I have not had the pain in my shins.  I have backed off a little on the mileage but have also increased the distance of my run segments on our runs.  Jonathan signed up for cross-country and I am so happy as he seems to love it.  I must say that I have been pretty happy and am looking forward to more good things to come!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Goal Update 4.15.13

So my goal for this week is to take a step back, look at my crazy life and develop a good plan.  Not just for workouts but to make time for everything. 

Life has been hectic with my husband starting back to work, kids changing daycare schedules, kids sports changes, etc.  I need to make sure there is a balance in my life between stuff for me, stuff for kids, home responsibilities, and date time for my hubby and I.  Of course I will make sure to get in some run/walks and keep some mileage on the logs.

Good news has been that my knee is feeling better (despite me twisting it yesterday when I was helping my daughter with her crafts).  I think giving it a little rest and making sure it is taped has been helping.

I am also planning a visit to Charm City Run to get fitted for a new pair of kicks.  As my birthday (UGH) is coming up I figured I would get something I would definitely use...and I LOVE shoes of any kind!

I have just been very disconnected and feeling like nothing has been getting done - the organization will definitely help with that!

Weekly Recap - Week ending 4.14.13

So I ran 6 miles last week and added in a little elliptical to up the mileage.  It has been a hard transition from frigid to hot but I know I can do it!  Hoping for some good weather over the next week.

The upcoming week will be busy as Cross Country practice will be starting.  Although my younger son said he is just trying it out I know he will love it and be making new friends so I am already planning on another 2 days (min) of practice for him.  My older son wants to join Baseball (after being asked 4 times and him declining...) so I have to see what can be done to get him signed up for this year (figure in another 2 practices).  I need a solid plan.  And the dear little girl with her dance/gymnastics...how do mom's do this stuff???

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Weekly Inspiration 4.3.13

 
 
I failed last week because I failed to plan.  I allowed myself to fly by the seat of my pants.  I can't beat myself up over the past week - I think every now and then you need to be impulsive but this week I need to make sure I make a plan and stick to it so that I can be proud of what I have done.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Goal Update 4.1.13

Fitness: The mileage last week stunk so I need to make it to the 15 mile minimum goal this week!  I will keep my goal at the minimum of 15 min per mile.

Hydration: I need to drink water!!!

Vitamins: Still need to remember to take those vitamins!  I was doing soooo good and now I am seriously slacking! 

I was very dissapointed with my workouts last week and I will use that to motivate myself to do better this week!

Weekly Recap - Week ending 3.30.13



The week stunk in terms of workouts.  Between the days out of the office at meetings, the Easter holiday and the weather the workouts just didn't happen.  I am chalking it up to a bad week and moving on.

The weather is still cold and windy.  I desperately need the sunshine!  Apparently the upcoming week is supposed to be just as nasty.  I am determined to get the miles in though.  I was so depressed this past week with the laziness and I can't do that again!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Goal Update 3.25.13

Fitness: Upped my mileage last week like I wanted to.  Since I have been consistent with the "over 10 mile goal I will try to up my mileage to a minimum of 15 per week (combo of the elliptical and runs).  Time will still be a minimum of 15.

Hydration:  Still am not in the habit of drinking as much as I should.  I will still need to force myself to drink up!

Vitamins:  Another crappy week of vitamin taking.  I need to do better!

Good week all in all but I need to focus on the little things as I seem to be getting in the habit of the runs/elliptical.

Weekly recap - Week ending 3.24.13


Last week was good - I almost doubled my minimum mileage.  Put in a ton of time on the elliptical therefore no sore knees.  Even though everyone "says" it's spring it really doesn't feel like it.  I can't wait for the sunshine to motivate me to get back outside.  As I type this the snow is falling.  We've gotten about 5 inches so far.  Next week will be tougher. I am off work on Monday and will miss my lunch run on Tuesday so I will have to work hard at home to make up for the missed days.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Inspiration 3.20.13


I have neglected my elliptical for a while now and I forgot how much I loved it.  It doesn't hurt my knees and it has always been a great way to improve my cardio.  Since I have limited time to get outside and run as the weather has been very unpredictable I am making time by adding new things to my routine.  Instead of trying to "find" time I am going to make the time and fit in what I can - even if it means multi-tasking and working out while catching up on my favorite shows.  It is important that I not let my aching knees sabotage my wrkout and that I find other ways to keep pushing myself!

I am also hoping that the increase in my cardio/mileage will help things to start moving again!  It would be a pleasant surprise!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Goal Update 3.18.13

Fitness: Seriously slacked last week - I CAN DO BETTER!  I still think I need some time off between runs but I need to do other things and make it one day...no more.  My times were OK last week but not great.  I need to get them back up again.  They were still under 15 but barely.  The weather looks yucky and I have a day off work this week.  I am telling myself to work out on my day off work and not lay around at home!

Hydration:  Stunk at drinking water but the coffee consumption is still better.  I need to drink more (typing as I am gulping!).

Vitamins:  Stunk at this too.  Ignoring the alarm.  Very bad.  Need to do better!

All in all I had a poo week.  I guess we are all entitled to a low mileage crappy week due to life's other challenges (whatever they may be).  Still - in looking back - I am not satisfied so I guess that is a good thing.  I know I can do better and I am determined to do just that!

Weekly recap - Week ending 3.17.13


So...I was not as happy with my progress this past week as I have been in the past.  Feel like the dude in the picture above that just la-di-da'ed his way through the weekly workouts.  Copped out more times than I care to mention but I still made my minimum miles for the week.  I can't beat myself up too badly as I did accomplish my goals but I feel like I did the bare minimum.  Total mileage for the week =10.4 (some of that was elliptical due to the weather).  I I think I am bummed because I know I can do better and I have seen myself do better.  The weekend was very busy and I am super pissed that I didn't get a chance to go out and do Saturday and Sunday because I missed my weekend warrior trophy on earndit!  Now I have to do it all over again!  But I know I will and I can!

This week will be better!!!!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Inspiration 3.12.13


Today's inspiration is in part the pic above and in part my little girl.  The mantra above reminds me that we all progress at different rates...we run at different paces...we eat differently...  No matter what progress we see we must be thankful for it no matter how small.  I have been so proud of the improvement in my mile times and I am sticking with it.  I had a mile a few days ago that was under 13 minutes!  I was soooooo happy!


My little girl is at times a fashion trainwreck but she rocks her style and is happy as can be.  She is proof that we are all unique!  She has reminded me not to compare my results to others and to be happy with my accomplishments as that is all that matters.  She is her own person - as we should all be!  I am thankful that I have such brilliant children!  They are wise beyond their years!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Goal Update

Fitness: The day off between runs seems to be working.  This week will be hard as I am also working around the weather and other peoples schedules.  I will do my best to get the days of work and the days of rest (or at least another activity) in the mix.  In reviewing my mile times over the last few weeks I have been somewhere between 13:30 and 15:00 per mile.  I will work to maintain that level and be shooting for the lower numbers!

Hydration:  Drink water!!!  I have found myself drinking more water and less java.  I need to keep it up!

Vitamins: There are good days and there are bad days...Still working on remembering these consistently but I am doing better.

Weekly Recap - Week ending 3.10.13


I feel good about my workouts this week.  I snuck in some workout time on the weekends and tried to run every other day to give myself a rest.  I have seen my mile times improve significantly over the last few weeks and have been able to keep my run times around 14 if not lower which is awesome!

Still no progress on the weight...those last few pounds are stuck and happy where they are.  At least I can see the changes in my shape and that keeps me going.

I still have the nagging pains when I run but I feel better about the length of the run sections and have been trying to increase the frequency. 

Fingers crossed for another good week!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Inspiration 3.6.13


I am still fighting the pains in my legs but amazingly enough I have improved my time.  It has shown that even though I hurt like hell I can still do this!  So - I will continue to push and if I have to stop and stretch then so be it!  I still rock and I am still getting better at this.  My day off on Monday was good and I loved the bike on Sunday as itgave my achy legs a break (while still getting my butt off the couch!).  I need to make weekend plans as this week looks gloomy - pray the snow melts fast!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Goal Update

Fitness:  Focus on giving myself a day of rest every now and then and continue to work to improve my mile time.  Keep running miles under 15 minutes per mile.

**Forgot to add that I am focusing on drinking water...2 glasses down so far today**

Vitamins:  Apparently I am bad at taking these on the weekend especially so this week I will make a conscience effort to remember.  Those darn games get in my way sometimes!

Weekly Recap - Week ending 3.3.13



I am happy with my progress last week!  I got out every day and although Idon't think that will be possible every week it certainly felt awesome. I did a trail run and got my best mile time - even though it was a short run it felt good to see that number.  I will keep pushing this week!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Inspiration 2.27.13




 
I have recently felt as though I am trying to go slower so that I am able to run longer...part of me doubts my ability to run and it holds me back.  I pushed hard early this week and felt really good.  This weeks focus is to trust my ability and eliminate the doubt in hopes that my body will do what it needs to and it will know it's limits.  I'll do as much as I can for as long as I can.  I do, however, need to make my brain listen to my body when it's tired...but that's a goal for another week - LOL!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Thanks to my girls-I love you dearly!

I am so thankful for my run buddies. At work I have been encouraged to make the most of each days' workout and received so many compliments on how great I have been doing and how good I look. At home I have found another girl to get me moving on the weekend. That is awesome! This weekend we hit the trail for a 5.3 mile walk/run (she ran-yes I'm jealous).

I would not be able to do it without my gentle nudges to get up and move. I love you both.

My sister has been wonderful as well and gives me encouragement for every run I post...and reminds me I'm a bit nutty sometimes. Love ya sissy! Xoxo

You guys are awesome!

Goal status



Fitness:
10 mile per week minimum - been hitting this for the past 2 weeks. Trying to focus more on improving my time per mile so I can bump up the miles.

Vitamins every day - managed to take my vitamins every day with the exception of one :(. Set a reminder on my phone to help. Yay!

Friday, January 18, 2013

January in review (so far...)

Juicing -

I completed my week of juicing and felt wonderful.  I had really good intentions of continuing it for an additional week but the grocery store just didn't make it into my schedule.  When you run out of veggies you eat what's available...

I will consider adding more into the coming week as I really love the energy it gives me.

Running Progress -

It is funny...up to this point people have stopped me and asked if I ran.  My reply was always no as I never considered the minimal amount of running I did as real "running".  Over the past few weeks I have started to reply with more "yes" than "no".  It's funny but I don't know what has changed.  I am not sure if it is becuase I am pushing myself each week to do more.  Maybe it is the amount of miles I see myself doing each week.  Whatever the change is I'll take it.  I am thankful for the support and encouragement that I have been getting and the praise for my looks.

Today is a day off and I think I deserve it.  I have worked hard and need to give my aching body a rest.

At least I am thinking of working out on the weekends.  Not that I will do it...but the thought is there!

Here's to an awesome weekend!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Juicing - Day 3

Day 3 of my juicing.  Still feel good and my face seems to be clearing up - YAY!  I added some pages to this blog with some recipes, health benefits of certain juice ingredients etc.  I will add more recipes as I find some I like and will also rate the ones that are there eventually...  I try to go back on the juicing every now and then for a quick cleanse and health boost.

My co-worker and I are planning a run for tomorrow as it is supposed to be a nice week.  Hopefully I will be able to get in some miles while the weather is nice.