Broken Treadmill?

Well, I finally got motivated to run last night and got all of my stuff together and dressed in my running garb and went over to my apt's treadmill.

ERROR?  What the hell is a treadmill error?  So, I tried to turn it off, reset it and even unplugging it. NOTHING!  Frustrated I skulked back to the apartment, furious that my long awaited motivation was going to be left behind... so i decided to go for a run outside.

Sadly, mid-run I remembered why I don't run in the cold, it burns my lungs/throat and kicks my asthma into high gear.  I only ran about half of the time, making it 2.5 miles in 35 minutes.  (which for not running the whole time wasn't too shabby.)

So, this means yet again I'll be attempting Week 7 Day 3.  I just really would like to get moving on to the Milage build up plan, but just can't yet.  Sigh.

And she's back!

Today I attempted to run Day 3 of Week 7.  Two days ago, I attempted this, but could barely do 7-8 minutes of running.  I was very discouraged.

Today, I managed 21.5 minutes of running.  I was SO close to completing the 25 minute run and I really battled stopping, but I knew there was no way I could do it.

Instead of kicking myself, I'm celebrating.  I know that the next time I will be able to complete that run.  I'm hoping to go to Week 8 by Sunday.

I also lost 1.4 pounds this week.  Feeling good.   I ate when I was hungry, and with my activity I'm still under my daily quota by almost 400 calories.  (Which is good, because happy hour is Friday!  YAY MARGARITAS!)

Break done please?????

I've been on a hiatus from running, due to my surgery a  week ago.  My body is SCREAMING to go running, but I want to be oh so careful.  I probably will wait until at least Wednesday to try running again, as long as I'm feeling up to it.  I'd imagine the running will cause my stomach to move more than sitting/walking so we will see how much pressure that puts on my stitches.  But, I'm BORED, and I want to get on continuing my marathon training.

Portland Fit has added a Tualatin running group, which is about 5 minutes from where I live!  They are starting up in March, and I should know at that point whether I will be running the marathon this year.  (If I'm not pregnant, which would be a wonderful reason not to run the marathon!)

I've also added the "Lose It" application to my ipod, so I can carefully track my calories.  It cost a couple of bucks, but totally worth it thus far. My current goal is to lose 1.5 pounds a week, which is totally do-able.  Even since the surgery I've lost 1 pound, probably due to the fact that I don't have fertility drugs pulsing through my veins.  The app is fabulous, as it has a huge database of foods and you can adjust the amount.  Even if they don't have a food that's exact, you can adjust the amounts to fit the caloric intake you actually had (if you know exactly, like a popsicle from a box.)  I've been able to stay under my caloric intake requirements since I started a few days ago, so I'm expecting to see more on the scale.  You can also chart your exercise on  the app, and it will adjust your caloric intake/current calories for the day accordingly. We got fast food today (yuck) because it was the only place open during christmas, and we have a family dinner tonight which I have to remember to put in the app later.  I'm going to do my best to be good, but since I've got a few floating calories from the previous days, I'm going to indulge a little.  I know that this upcoming week I can run (I hope!) so I should be burning even more off!

Happy holidays everyone.  May this year bring you everything last year didn't!

Plugging right along...

It feels like this.

Week 7 of 54.  Ooof.  When I put it that way I've got a LONG way to go.

I'm moving on through Week 7, where I think I hit my plateau.  I need to push it harder to get past that wall.  I'm comfortable running at a 5/mph pace (with about 30 seconds at 4.5 in the middle), making my 25 minute runs just a bit over 2 miles. 







Those last 5 minutes of the run are brutal.  However, though I've battled with quitting in the middle of a run, I've not done it.  I wanted to get through Week 7 before I go in for surgery on Friday, and I know I can make it.  It's amazing to think that just a few short weeks ago I could barely get through that 90 second run interval.  And now, I'm running 2 solid miles!


   

Julia "Does Life"


I'm wearing my "Do Life" shirt, which I got in the mail from Ben Does Life.  It's weird how justa shirt can motivate you at times.  I look at the mirrored wall wanting to quit, and there is is a girl just doing life.  Then I'm able to look at the countdown on my Couch to 5K app, and realize that I can do anything for x amount of minutes. 

I worry sometimes because I'm not running as fast as they'd like me to... but I'm still running the time required.  Starting in a couple of weeks, I'm no longer running for time, I'm running for distance.  I figure the slow time will improve as I run more and more.  I'm looking at the next few weeks of training, and assuming I will miss at least one week of training, and might regress a week in the C25K, in just a few short weeks I'll be at the point where they will add around a mile a week.  A WHOLE MILE???  I'll be officially in the Mileage build up plan, really I'll be half marathon training!

Marathon Training- Week 7

I've started the Week 7 25 minute runs.  It's pushing me, but I've accomplished it.  I'm thrilled to have some accountability people within my work circle to keep me on track.

I have to take a week or 2 off because I am having surgery this friday.  I'm hoping by the start of the year to repeat week 7 and keep going.  A marathon isn't an option.  I will be doing it!

Ouch.

Last night was the first time since I restarted running that I quit a run.  I was totally not feeling it, and was starving due to my mismanagement of time. 

I felt ok about quitting it, but will need to complete the run tonight. I might need to run outside, as I'm sick of the view the treadmill provides.  I couldn't imagine running 20+ miles on a treadmill.  How boring would that be? 

In other news, I got my "Do Life" t-shirt!  Check this guy's blog out when you get a chance! 

I've gained some new readers in the past couple of days.  Welcome!  Glad to have you!

I feel like a Badass!

It struck me today that I'm officially marathon training. I'm not wishing, I'm not watching from the sidelines, I'm IN IT.

I've been running long enough that I'm starting to get addicted.  I crave my next run, that high I get when I finish something I never thought I could do. 

Rest days are almost torture, and to be honest, I might run on those days too, just at less of a pace for a short time. 

Running is an addiction, and I'm a druggie.  My treadmill is my suppl'ya. 

If you have a moment, and want to get inspired, check this video out, (at about minute 20) after you read this article.  This girl was struggling to finish a race, and needed to finish to clench the national championship for her team, and a coach who was very sick. 

Makes you think you can do anything.

Need more inspiration?  Check THIS GUY OUT!  He dropped 120 pounds and counting, by running.  He went from huge, to Ironman.  This guy... He's badass, and he really "Does Life."  (So much so, that I bought a shirt to wear when I run just to remind myself about how to really "Do Life.")

Rock it this week, readers.  Rock it.

Unpaid Review

Upon the suggestion of Haley, I purchased a Ta-Ta-Tamer Sports Bra.

I am not being paid for this review, but I wanted everyone to know.  Haley is a genius.  This bra was amazing!!  I have some girls, if you know what I mean, and bouncing is always an issue, making running quite difficult.

However, this bra was very supportive, comfortable and awesome!  I will be tightening the straps for next time, but I'm thrilled with this purchase. 

If you need some support for the girls while you run, I'd highly recommend this bra.  You can purchase it here in Portland at the Lulumon Store off 11th and Couch in the Pearl. (And Lulumon, you can feel free to send me free stuff, or things to try!  I need some running pants and a coat with a pocket for random items... oh, and a comfortable arm band for the ipod touch.

It's Official!

 

I've been putting off updating this blog until I really started my Marathon training.  So, here it is!


SHE'S BACK! 

I've set up a wonderful accountability system that has really helped me with the "wellllllll I just don't want to run today......!" feelings. 

I'm currently in Week 4 of the c25k Program, which will be continued into the milage build up plan and then the marathon training plan.  (See this entry for more detials on the exact plan.)

I've been updating my Daily Mile Account, so if you have one, please feel free to "friend me" there!

I need DESPERATELY to get a new Sports Bra that will really support me (read- Squish them so they don't... you know... bounce.  I'm well endowed!)  Who's got a suggestion for what to buy????

I'm going to do it, to prove that YOU can do it too!

Next year, I am going to run the Portland Marathon.

I have 360 days to build up to 26.2 miles, and I think I can do it.
The plan is this:

10 weeks- Couch to 5k (giving me one extra week, in case I have to miss a few runs.)
24 weeks- Milage Build up Plan (Extra 5 weeks put in)
20 weeks- Marathon Training Plan (extra 4 weeks put in)

Who will do this with me?

She's Back!

That's right folks, this girl is back again.

I'm starting the C25k program for the 3rd time! Jesus!

This time, I'm going to keep going after the 5K ending point to the next step!

So, today was the 90 Second Run, 2 minute walk and it felt pretty alright!

ChiRuning

Facinating Video on How to Properly Run!

General Update

Well, I've been slacking.

With our new puppy, I've not had the quality sleep that I need to be up to the running schedule I'd like to have.

In the meantime, I've switched into a concious food awareness. Here's what's been happening on that front.

While watching the Biggest Loser, they had one of those wonderful "This isn't a commercial.*but it really is*" (You know the ones, for extra sugar free gum.. or biggest loser powder gunk, or Ziplocks. What the hell does Ziplocks have to do with weight loss??) Anywho... One of the items they pitch is "Jennie O Turkey." Since Jon (Da Husband) and I loved eating burritos (or I did, until I learned how BAD tortillas are for you) we decided to try lettuce wrap tacos with Turkey meat instead of hamburger. Let me tell you, they were FANTASTIC. And healthy. I can't wait to have them again.

I have also discovered the wonders of Soy Milk. Much better for you, and it doesn't make me feel awful. Last night I made a Frozen Raspberry Smoothie with Soy Milk and Raspberries... and it was fantastic as well. If' you've not tried Soy Milk, give it a try.

Week 1 of Half Marathon Training Completed!

Well, *grumble grumble* I've completed this week's 1/2 Marathon Training.

I certainly feel off my game lately, and I'm trying SO hard to be getting better at it.

Currently, I've not run a straight mile in quite a few workouts... And stopped frequently for walk breaks. I'd like to say that it's all the fault of my location (a hilly area) but that can't be all of it. Thus, forward I go.

My new shoes are doing quite well. I recently got some feedback from REI, as I sent them a *grumble grumble* letter about my negative experience. Though I'm happy that it look slike they actually read my complaint, they really didn't give me much incentive to return to their store. I would then also advise my loyal readers to not shop there, due to their poor customer service. I would have loved to have a reason to go back and try them again, but alas.

I ran on Sunday afternoon, and since it was SuperBowl Sunday the roads were empty. I really wanted to do 4 miles, but as you can see I did not make it even close. I'm hoping with a few more 2 mile runs I can stretch it out to 4 miles by next week. Le Sigh.

On to the details!

Run Details
Time: 22:01
Distance: 2 miles
Pace: 10:59
Calories Burned: 256

Half Marathon Training, Week 1

I found out that I am terribly unmotivated and bored running those longer runs on the treadmill. I tried to do the 30 minute run on the treadmill, but felt defeated. I went back to the house, and then after a bit I needed to get back out.

So, I went running out on the road, which I'm not a fan of when it is cold, but I threw on a coat, and got it done. My pace sucked.. but I also attributed it to the fact that it had been 4 days since my previous run, so I cut my

Run Details: (2 runs combined)
Time: 36:21
Distance: 2.62 miles
Pace: 14 minute mile
Calories Burned: 340

History of the Marathon

While reading a fellow runner's blog, I got interested in the history of the Marathon... So, whether you want to read it or not, here are some quick facts!

• The Name Marathon came from a fabled greek messenger's run during the Battle of Marathon.


• The Marathon first entered into the Olympic arena in 1896, though the distance wasn't finalized until 1921.


• There are over 800 Marathons held a year.


• Olympic Record Holders (Female) 2:23.14, (Male) 2:06.32


• One of the more unusual marthons are held at 70 degrees north in Norway.


• For more interesting Marathons, google "The Big Five" Marathon


• The record for most Marathons in a year is Larry Macon- 105 in one year!


• Marathoning not enough for you? try Ultra Marathons (usually 50-100 miles) Ironman (Triatholon= 2.4 mile swim, 26.2 run and 112 miles biking.)


• Marathoning too much for you? Try the Half Marathon (usually 13.1 miles)

So, hopefully this quenches your thirst for knowledge about "The Marathon!"

Half Marathon Training, Week 1

I got some new shoes today from Dick's Sporting Goods. I was planning on trying out the Vibram Five Fingers but once I saw them, it seemed like the seams were not well constructed. If I'm going to change what I wear (shoes wise) AND how they actually function, I wanted a good quality shoe. As times goes on, I hope that Vibram makes higher quality, so I can try their shoe.


But, I digress. I decided on the Adidas Glide Supernova. I was able to spend $75.00 on a well constructed shoe that was given 4.5 stars on Amazon.




I also would like to comment that originally, I wanted to shop at REI. When I was looking at the Five Fingers, I went there. The selection of shoes was dismal, and so was the service. I would have rather give my business to REI, but I'm thrilled with the service I got at DSG. They were able to explain why certain shoes owuld be good for me, and certain other ones not.

For instance, I looked at my old shoes to see where the wear was, and it seems like I run on the outside of my foot. This means, that when I get a shoe I shouldn't get a stablizer, since it trains your feet to run on the OUTSIDE of your foot (you see the logic?) Thus, between Nike and Adidas, I chose Adidas. Nike's only advantage was that I could put the Nike+ sensor IN my shoe, instead of on the clip on the laces. However, since I've not had a problem with losing my clip, there was no reason to change it out.

I also splurged on new headphones as suggested by my Uncle Mike (who himself was training for a marathon.) I bought some Nike Sport Flow Headphones.

Ok, back to the show! Today I THOUGHT I was supposed to run 3 miles. So, I did. But, that was supposed to be next Sunday. Since I already did it, I thought I could go ahead and move to week 2 of the Half Marathon Training. The route I took was brutal, because the whole way there (the first 1.5 miles) was downhill, and all the way back was... well, you guessed it UPHILL. And it wasn't that really hard uphill. It was that brutal "I'm going to die" gradual uphill. However, I vanquished the run, and am happy to be done with it.

I do believe that I have a small amount of exercise induced asthma, and that it is more pronounced when I'm in the cold. So it goes.

Now on to the Run Details.

Run Details

Time: 34:27
Distance: 3 miles
Pace: 11:27
Calories Burned: 384

No more messing around...

Shifting into a new gear. I'm ramping it up a bit!

I'm officially starting the Half Marathon Training Program. (Jeff Galloway's)

I start tomorrow. Thanks jenny, for the link! I was pretty stuck in the couch to 5K, but I think this will challenge me more! This will have me at a half marathon in 14 weeks (putting my finishing the program around May 8th!) This will allow me about 4 months to increase to a marathon distance!

So, this upcoming week goes like this:


Saturday: off
Sunday: 30 min run
Monday: off
Tuesday: 25 min run
Wednesday: easy walk
Thursday: off
Friday: 3 miles

Run Report- Week 6

So, today I made the choice to run before dinner... which worked well, because I was able to really push myself. I was able to complete Week 6, the 25 minute run! WOOHOO!

It was rough, and at the 20 minute mark, I really wanted to stop and say "oh well, I completed 20 minutes!" However, I was able to stick it out and complete the 25 minutes. I was thrilled, but I'm hurting right now.

What got me through? The sheer determination? The desire to complete a great run?

No.



It was the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

There is a giddy little part of me (ok, a big part of me) that really loves The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Nothing quite makes a run great like rapping the theme song on minute 14 when you are really hurting. And yes, I know every word.

I was especially thrilled to see that it was the episode where Will Smith gets hypnotized and reverts to being 4 years old. The only way he can become normal again is if a bell goes off. Naturally, the sitcom places him in several places with bells, none of which are convenient to make a good impression on his cousin Nicky's potential private school evaluators.

So, this run is dedicated to the fine people who brought me "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."


Run Details
Time: 25:00
Distance: 2.31 miles
Pace: 10:47
Calories Burned: 296

Run report- Week 5, Day 3 remix

Ok, so this will probably be my last time doing Week 5, as I feel like I "could" do more.

Unfortunately, I didn't charge my ipod, so I got to my treadmill and realized that I couldn't track my run. Part of me wanted to just go back to my place and eat the wonderful wild rice casserole in the crockpot... but I ran. Thankfully, Law and Order SVU was on, so I was able to distract myself.

Jon made a comment when I came back last night from my run. He normally asks me how my run was, and I told him I went 1.5 miles. He says "wow, and you don't seem like you are really tired!" I took a second to evaulate this comment and realized that for running 1.5 miles, I didn't really notice that I WAS able to complete it with little after effects.

A big shout out to Bethany who made it to Couch to 5K, Week 2! I totally remember that shift the first time I ran, and it was SO hard to get past Week 1, so well done!

I had to guess as to my run details, but here they are:

Run Details
Time: 20:00
Distance: 1.5 miles
Pace: 13:00
Calories Burned: 200

Run Report- Week 5, Day 3 Remix

I'm not going to lie... last night's run was one of the hardest I had done since my remix of week 3. I had to stop twice, both times within the first 8 minutes of the run.

I did, however, get into a groove around minute 12, and was able to complete it with some gusto. My mind REALLY wanted to move to Week 6, the 25 minute run, but my body was saying no. That wall is so hard to push through at times, I really wanted to overcome that mental barrier. It wasn't in the cards last night, but I figure that since I had pushed really hard to get where I am, I could give myself a little grace to have a "bad" run.

I realized about halfway in that my left shoe was tied too tightly, which made my left ankle really sore, and forced me to run with more pressure on the inside of my ankle. I figured this out around minute 6, and corrected it. I think I'm going to put marks on my shoelaces to know how tight to pull them, as this is an ongoing issue. I was concerned, before I figured out it was a lacing problem, that I had my first injury of running season 2.0. Thankfully, after relacing, my foot seems to not hurt as much. I also don't hurt this morning, which is a plus.

I'm trying not to get down on myself for not completing week 6, but I'm still a good 4 weeks ahead of schedule, which makes me a feel a bit better. The countdown (found on the side of this blog) however, is screaming at me. ONLY 257 DAYS LEFT! It's daunting to think that I struggle with a 20 minute run and on a good day a marathon lasts like 4-5 HOURS. I'm going to do my best! However, I have to give myself a bit of props for my pace; 10:47.

I've also required myself to throw a rest day between runs. Rest days must have a "2 weeks behind" pace. (So, a rest day would be a non-run OR 5 minute run, 3 minute walk... week 3's schedule.)

I'm signing up for the Shamrock 5K Run here in Portland along with my friend Leslie (who started the c25k with me back in the original mix days, pre-summer) I'm thrilled to hear that she is starting the c25k again!

Anywho, on to the Run Details!

Run Details:
Time: 20:00
Distance: 1.85 miles
Pace: 10:47
Calories Burned: 237

Run Report- Week 5, Day 3

Ok, did Couch to 5K- Week 5, Day 3 again- the 5 minute warm up walk and the 20 minute run.

I was able to complete the run with minimal pain, and really only had a pain in my left foot because I think I laced my shoe too tight on my left foot, and too loose on my right foot.

I'm going to move to Week 6 on the next run.

I also was able to break the 11 minute mile barrier on this run! WOOOHOO!

Run Details
Time: 19:51
Distance: 1.84 miles
Pace: 10:47
Calories: 235

Rest Days

I've found that I am struggling. Not with the runs, and not really with the healthy eating...

I struggle with resting on the rest days.

I find that I'm so "high" after my runs that I want to keep going the next day. I struggle while I sit on the couch and think about "less than 100 feet away from where I am sits a treadmill SCREAMING for me." I realize that rest days are good for you, and that it's important to prevent injury as well... but I WANT TO RUN! I know that I could do another form of exercize, but I don't want to. I want to run.

I find that if I miss a day or two of running for the "rest day" I lose that craving to run.

Running really is a drug.
I ran a couple of miles last time.
I smashed in my 13 minute mile and am now in the 11 minute mile club.
I'm TRAINING FOR A MARATHON!



I'm addicted.

26.2 in 262 Days

Well, officially, I'd need to complete an addition of 1 mile to my run every 10 days to be at marathon distance by October.

I think this is a feasible and acheivable goal, but it's going to be difficult and really push me to the limits!

I've added a countdown to the Portland Marathon Widget to my blog in case anyone else is curious here in the Pacific Northwest about when it is.

Man, if I could do this, that would truly be impressive.

Now to find a Half Marathon around late May. Anyone have a lead on this?
I was thinking about the Sauvie Island Half Marathon (Maureen!! Are you doing this?)