Welcome Spring

Yesterday was the first official day of Spring!  Since November I have been slacking on my workouts.  With the Summer season becoming ever closer, it is time I again ramp up the workouts.  I have began walking (with some jogging mixed in :) ). I have also started a push-up challenge because...back fat sucks and so do saggy boobs!  So far:

Tuesday - walked 1/2 hour

Wednesday - walked 1/2 hour (2 miles), walk/jog .75 miles in evening, 2 sets of 5 push-ups and crunches

I am planning on going out in a bit and will post the mileage. Co-workers are charged with keeping me accountable.

I have also started reducing the caffeine.  Wish me luck.  I typically drink 3 pots per day.  So far I have about 2 cups of half caf and the rest of the day I am on decaf.  No headaches yet (surprisingly). 

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!

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.)

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!

 

 

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!!!

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!

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???