Yes, That's Right, I'm Running

2008-05-25T13:46:00.001-04:00

Bad News: Since the half, I have not run at all. AT ALL. It's horrible. I've been really busy and stressed at work so I have trouble mustering the energy to run after I get home. But enough excuses -- I really need to get back out there and I think that pretty soon I will have that motivation.

Good News: I went hiking/camping Friday and Saturday and I GOT ENGAGED!!! I'm so excited!!!! But with the engagement comes so much fun planning and we're actually looking at tying the knot in Oct. of THIS YEAR. So, I will be quitting my job in a few weeks and moving back home to plan before joining my future husband (weird) in Greenville, SC.

Not working will give me a lot of time to run :)

Loving the way the next several months are looking!!!

Official Dismal Swamp Stomp Results

2008-04-26T12:53:00.003-04:00

Time - 2:27:25
Overall Place - 819 (of 1129)
331 of 557 females
29 of 37 20-24 yr olds

This race was hard, but I was so proud of myself when I crossed the finish line. Just a few days earlier I was worried about finishing in the 3:30 time limit because my knee was hurting so bad. I did 10 miles the Wednesday before because I needed to know I could do it. It took me 2:45 to walk/run 10 miles. My knee was killing me.

It still hurt very bad at the race, but I ran through it. And I finished and met my goals... it's a pretty awesome feeling. I got a (finisher's) medal too, something I've never gotten before!

They don't give out medals in ballet.

Next Race ...

2008-04-25T21:44:00.002-04:00

I just registered for a 10K in Richmond. It's May 18th... 3 weeks. I need something to keep myself motivated before marathon training starts at the end of June.

Looking forward to it!!

2008-04-22T22:35:00.002-04:00

I DID IT!!!

I ran the Dismal Swamp Stomp Half-Marathon. I had 2 goals: run the whole time & finish in less than 2:30. I did both!! I only stopped twice to stretch, but ran the rest and my final time was 2:27:25. I am so proud of myself. It is one of the hardest things I've done, but I did it :D

I'm kind of hooked on racing now. I'm already looking for races this summer... ;)

2008-04-07T18:52:00.002-04:00

I ran the Monument Avenue 10K!!
It was so much fun. I was amazed by all of the runners and spectators. It's definitely a race I would run again. Plus, I feel a lot better about the half in 2 weeks.

My official results:
Time: 1:06:21
Pace: 10:40.6
Place: 11,808 (of 24,055)
Age Place: 847
Gender Place: 5035

I was only 5 minutes behind C which is awesome ;)

2008-04-03T21:13:00.002-04:00

Soooooo it's been a long time since I've posted and I honestly haven't been running very much. I'm way off my schedule for the half, but I'm ready for the 10K this weekend.

After I got over my knee issue, I had a foot problem. It was pretty painful and hard to walk on at times. Finally got over that and I've been trying to catch up.

I ran 6 miles on a treadmill today (only time I've run on a treadmill in like the past 5 years). I finished in 1 hr. 12 min. with 3 walk breaks. I didn't want to overdo it since I'm racing in 2 days. I think I can finish the race in an hour. I'm getting excited!!

2008-03-10T19:24:00.002-04:00

M convinced me to do another run tonite. Glad he did. I ran 3.4 in about 35 min. I walked for 2 minutes and stopped the clock for 2 stretch breaks.

Got a little taste of the runner's high again -- been awhile since I've felt that.

Knee, like yesterday, was only mildly uncomfortable. Hoping this means if I keep it steady I won't experience excruciating pain anytime soon.

2008-03-09T19:40:00.002-04:00

Today I wanted to run 5 miles. I ran 3.5. It was a good reminder that I can't just wake up on April 5th and run a 10K like it's nothing.

The knee is feeling better and for the most part it's only mildly uncomfortable at times.

I need to get back into a better schedule with more frequent work outs if I want to be ready for the half in 6 weeks (eeek!)

2008-03-07T20:39:00.001-05:00

Didn't run or work out Monday-Wednesday.

Ran about 3.1 miles on Thursday night. Took a different route so it was fun and different.

Tonight I'm going to do my strength workout on the exercise ball. Not sure what I'm going to do about the long run tomorrow. I have a busy day. Maybe I'll just switch it to Sunday.

We shall see...

2008-03-02T16:34:00.007-05:00

Last Wednesday (2/26) I did my strength workout with M. I can tell I'm improving on this stuff so it's exciting. Thursday I did a 3 mile run. The knee hurt somewhat, but not as bad as in the past. I think the knee strap is helping.

Friday I didn't do anything training related, although resting is probably helpful for the knee. Saturday (yesterday) M and I did a 3.4 mile hike to Angels Rest. It was an amazing hike because the higher elevations of the mountain still had snow! My knee felt okay until the steep downhill parts of the hike. Totally worth it though:

Today I did a 4 - 4.5 mile run. The weather is beautiful and I couldn't pass it up! My knee killed at certain times of this run. I found that if I relax my hips and abs, and just let my hips twist as they naturally do when I walk, there is less knee pain. stretching when I got back helped a lot too. :)

I will conquer this

2008-02-25T18:38:00.002-05:00

Next attempt at being able to run with a lame knee problem: buying a brace thing. M and I looked at a bunch of differnt supports and braces. We decided that maybe the problem is not my IT band after all. This was based on a chart we saw at a sports store that described pain up the outside upper leg. Most of my pain has been right around the knee and down into my shin and calf more than upwards. So we went ahead and bought a knee strap that goes under my kneecap. Perhaps my pain is most in the knee cap and tendons, or something etc.

Tried it out today. As soon as I put it on my knee felt stronger and this seemed like a good sign. So I went for a run. Ran/walked about 2.5 miles. I always feel good for about the first mile, and then the pain kicks again. About the same this time, but now the pain is in different places in my leg. Ironically I felt pain on the outside of my upper leg. And now there's pain in the back of my knee too. Wondering if I should get one of those full knee supports that works on everything.

Icing my knee now and then heading to dinner with M where I will discuss my latest type of pain and decide what to try next.

Luckily this knee strap was only $7 at Walmart and the full knee supports are about $10-$12.

On another note I realized today that there are not many weeks left until the 10K and only two more in addition to that before the half... Lord help me!

crazy

2008-02-20T11:33:00.002-05:00

So I ran again on Monday. Just a short route. Knee still hurting. I'm sad. It still hurts today, just when I walk. I'm going to go to the sports store to get a strap they make for knee pain. Maybe that will help. M looked at some stretches and stuff online and said he was going to add to my routine some things that will help.

It's strange but somehow I'm not so freaked out about the races in April. Like for some reason I think I'm just gonna be able to run 13 miles even though right now I can't run any.

Someone tell me I'm crazy...

sad face

2008-02-14T19:54:00.002-05:00

I should change the name of the blog to "Just Kidding, I'm Not Running". That would be because my knee pain became unbearable. I believe it's my IT Band and everything I see online says to rest. LAME.

I actually miss running and when I see people on the street, I'm jealous. C says I'm a real runner b/c real runners hate being told to rest. I've also looked up some stretches and other ways to help the pain. Hopefully by next week I can start some runs. Work my way back up slowly.

I hope...

H-M TD 10 & 11

2008-02-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was a rest day and good thing because I was at work for almost 12 hours.

Today was run 2 or cross. I ended up cross-training at the gym with M. Rode the bike again, this time for 20 min at a more intense level. Felt good. Ready for the 3 mile run and strength training tomorrow. M's gonna do the strengthening with me again. I'd never get thru those damn wall sits and planks without him doing them with me :P

H-M TD 08 & 09

2008-02-04T18:50:00.000-05:00

So this weekend, M and I bought an exercise ball & 10 lb. weights. He made me do a horrible strength work out that made me want to cry. But it was kinda fun on the ball. Kinda. I do feel like I'm getting stronger and even used some of the crap I put myself through during my run ("Remember doing that horrible wall-sit? Remember how you almost cried? Running is cake compared to that!!") That was Sunday.

Today I ran 3 miles in 33:05. Pace = 11:01. That's my best 3 mile yet. Yay :) The weather was rainy and a comfortable cool. I was able to run longer before taking my usual stretch break.

Feeling good at the beginning of Week 2 of training. Also excited about a rest day tomorrow :D

H-M TD 07

2008-02-02T15:48:00.000-05:00

I SURVIVED THE FIRST WEEK OF TRAINING!!!

Ran close to 4 miles today (like 3.85) because I forgot one little leg of my route, but it wasn't enough to make too much difference. Time was like 40:55 (with 1:30 stetch and fix my hair and take off my fleece break). Pace was about 10:37. The weather was beautiful and M met me at the pond with D, our friend's dog who we are watching today. So much fun.

Today wasn't nearly as bad as I thought and I just kept telling myself, it's only 1 mile more than a 3 mile day. And I'm sure next week I'll be saying the same about the 5 miler... it's only one mile more than the 4 mile day.

I could feel all the muscles I have been working, like in a good way. This is pretty cool, I have to admit. I think I'm finally getting a taste of the runner's high!

Tomorrow... stretch & strengthen... can't wait!!

H-M TD 06

2008-02-01T19:04:00.000-05:00

Cross training day. Good thing too because we had freezing rain and ice last night so everything was all slushy and wet and gross.

I was M's guest at the campus gym since I'm old and no longer a student. Rode the bike for 30 minutes while M erged. 6.4 miles at a moderate pace I guess. Wasn't killer but wasn't easy either. Then M showed me how to erg. It's... interesting. Not sure I could do it again on my own without him showing me the right form again first.

Ready for the long run tomorrow... 4 miles. M and I are thinking about a 4 mile hike. I know it's not the same, but it's gotta be kinda close to it and it's better than doing nothing. We'll see. I may end up just doing the run.

Week 1 almost done!!

PS I'm sore

H-M TD 05

2008-01-31T19:21:00.001-05:00

3 mile run tonight. 35:53, pace = 11:57

Pretty happy with myself for making it through 5 days of training. I'm never feeling super excited about running after work, but I'm proud for motivating myself to get dressed and out the door. Thought today about what is so great about running b/c there are plenty of times while I am actually running where I'm like "this totally sucks. Why the crap am I out here?" But I'm just now remembering those few golden times during tonight's run where I'm thinking "this feels really good" or "wow I feel great, this is a nice run". So I guess it has its moments.

Did my first strengthening schedule made up by M. Um thanks for making me feel like dying. New goal in addition to not dying while running: not dying while strength training. I did okay on some of the exercises, but omg some just killed. I'm clearly going to have to work up to some of this. Lame. But hopefully it will help with my overall goal (not dying).

Tomorrow is cross training and I'm actually excited about it b/c I plan to sit my butt on a bike and pedal. It will hurt, but I will be stationary. And that is something I'm used to :D

H-M TD 02, 03, 04

2008-01-30T18:39:00.000-05:00

Monday (TD 02) ran 3 miles on my current trail/route of choice. Time was about 35 minutes and pace about 11:39. My knee hurt pretty bad after that run.

Tuesday (TD 03) rest day. My knee still hurt a little but by the evening it was fine. M and I looked at camelbak water bags online. I want the kind that goes around your lower back/butt. M is convinced that is a bad choice and I should get a back pack. No thanks, I want the jiggly butt one.

Wednesday (TD 04) 2 mile run or cross train. Since I currently have no where to cross train, I ran 2 miles. I kept telling myself "it's just 2 miles". And it was, except that it was so cold this evening that it was hard to breathe at first. My eyes water and my nose ran and my face was so cold for the first 5 minutes. After the warm up I started feeling great! Time: 20:10!! That's a 10:08 pace!! I was super excited about that.

M is supposed to help me come up with a little strength training guide so I can do that part of my training schedule. Tomorrow I'm supposed to run 3 miles and strengthen. Wish me luck!!

Half-Marathon Training Day 01 (H-M TD 01)

2008-01-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

Sunday

Half-Marathon Training officially started on Sunday. I was supposed to stretch and strengthen. I did not. I went to M's house this weekend then to my house and then drove back here. It was a long weekend BUT

Saturday:
M took me running on a trail that is a 5K. We ran together for a bit, but my stride is super short and my pace is super slow. After awhile he went on ahead of me. I also seriously wanted to die b/c this trail was not flat and I have not run any big hills like at all. I had to walk a lot of it, but I ended up finishing in around 30 minutes.

Important lesson learned: Never be lazy again. I did nothing the entire week before. It was bad.

So back to the training schedule... 3 mile run tonight and I'm gonna do it. :)

crap

2008-01-24T18:07:00.000-05:00

Ugh. I haven't run since last Friday. I have a million excuses... none of them are very good.

Half-Marathon training starts on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it but I think I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and get a temporary gym membership. It is blowing snow right now. I know I will use that excuse everytime.

Time to re-motivate...

2008-01-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

FRIDAY

MILEAGE: 2.7
TIME: 30 min. 30 seconds
PACE: 11:17
OTHER: I think I like running in the cold much better than when it's hot.

It snowed a lot earlier in the week and the snow was still covering a lot of the ground. It was really pretty and peaceful. Happy to have a faster pace. I'm stil feeling really good everytime I run. My week total is 8 miles which is exciting. I love knowing that I am capable of getting the mileage up there. Feeling a lot more confident for next week when Half-Marathon Training officially starts!

Who knew...

2008-01-17T23:02:00.000-05:00

WEDNESDAY
Got home from work and immediately starting getting ready to run. Listened to my ipod to keep motivated. An even longer run tonight (where is this coming from??) I think I'm finally starting to enjoy running for the experience rather than just doing it because I'm supposed to do it.

MILEAGE: 5.3 miles
TIME: 1 hour and 5 minutes
PACE: 12:15
OTHER ITEMS: Saw a girl with hair that went down to her knees, for real.

So this run was fun and very random. I stopped for random things, like to talk to J on the phone & some guy who asked for directions (um thanks I'm not trying to run or anything).

This run also hurt. My knees hurt & my hips. M told me how to stretch to help with the hip pain. It hurt real bad when I finally stopped and sat down to have dinner with J and M later. But it's better today.

Snowed about 5 inches today so I did not run. Hopefully tomorrow after work I will be able to get outside again.

Longest run (probably of my entire life)

2008-01-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

I'm awesome.

Time:
Ran 45 minutes (no that is not a typo)
1 minute stretch
Walked 12 minutes

Mileage:
Ran 3.6 miles
Walked 0.7 miles

Pace:
When running: 12:30

So it's a slow pace, but I ran freaking 3.6 miles and I ran for freaking 45 minutes only stopping to stretch. I mean, where the hell did that come from?

And to think I almost didn't go. The thing that motivated me to get off the couch: remembering I had set a goal to run 3 or 4 times this week. I had only run twice so far and am not sure about tomorrow. So I had to run today. I'm so happy I did.

Other items of interest:
-I was the annoying jogger on a curvy road with almost no shoulder. I tried very hard to be a smart, out of the way runner.
-Campus police were driving down the road my trail follows. Nice to know they're out there.
-M said I looked hot in my running outfit :)

Week Total: 6.5
Holla.

2008-01-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

About a week ago I went shopping and bought a new bag to carry my running stuff. It is so great with a pouch for shoes and my phone and ipod and everything else I could need. I was so excited after buying it. I think buying the accessories is my favorite part about running.

Yesterday before leaving work I changed into my running clothes which was very helpful in actually motivating me to run. I drove to the back of campus and ran a trail. It was nice outside and the sun was just setting.

The run felt really good. I went at a pretty slow pace, but I felt like I could have run a lot longer than I did. Runs like last night make me actually enjoy running.

TIME:
Ran for 19 minutes with a 40 second break to stretch

MILEAGE:
1.6 miles

Other items of interest:
-I saw a horse peeing. It was kind of awkward but very amusing.
-There were a lot more people out on this trail than I anticipated. I saw a cute baby in a stroller with his dad who was running.

Dear God, please don't let me die while running

2008-01-06T12:40:00.000-05:00

I ran to church this morning. I decided yesterday I would do this and I called my mom to make sure it would not be tacky to attend church in my running clothes. Granted I had on my new black running pants and my fleece jacket... not like a sports bra and shorts. So after running to church, I prayed to God that I would not die while running.

I started out later than I intended today and so I had to make myself keep running even when I wanted to die just so I wouldn't be late. Lame. I would gladly have my hips removed from my body right now if it meant I didn't have to feel their pain.

I liked running with a destination, but when time is an issue I definitely want to give myself more than enough time to get there.

TIME:
Walked about 1 minute to warm up
Run to church: 14 min. 15 sec.
Walked entire way home from church: 28 min.

MILEAGE:
Run to church: 1.3 miles (approx.)
Entire walk home: 1.5 miles (approx.)

If my math is right (which is questionable) then I think my running pace was about an 11 min. mile. (Right? min/miles??)

Other items of interest:
On the walk back I saw a lime green, low rider, pick up truck with the diamond metal plating stuff you usually see those tool boxes in the back of trucks made out of. Except this stuff was on the interior. It was ridiculous. If I remember I'll take my camera next time and post a picture.

The great return

2008-01-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

Yay! I ran today!!

Putting on all my new running stuff and the watch, the iPod, etc. really got me into the mindset. I was excited to run. Last night before going to bed I just kept saying to myself: "I will run tomorrow. I am a runner. I will run tomorrow. I am a runner..."

Dais' book that I mentioned last time talks about the difference between "I want" and "I will". That was important for me because I realized I needed to start saying "I WILL run a marathon" instead of just "I WANT to run a marathon". I mean I can't get real pumped about wanting to run 26.2 miles... I still think I might die. But saying "I WILL"... well then dammit I will.

So the weather was warmer today than it has been lately (meaning well about the single digits). It was about 50 to 55 today, cloudy and overcast, but not much wind. This is the first day I've left the apt since Thursday morning when I tried to go to work again and I got the evil eye for being germy (so I came home again). It was really good to get out and into town.

I decided I would run to one of the post offices to mail a letter. I walked for a bit to warm up and then started running. I got into the general area of the post office and decided I wasn't ready to stop, even to just drop the letter in the box, so I kept going and looped back around. Stopped for a few seconds to do that then started running again. I stopped later for a brief stretch and kept going, onto campus and around some of the buildings. The nice thing about running on campus is you can usually find an open one if you need a bathroom break, which I did.

So todays numbers:

TIME:
Was gone a total of 40 minutes.
Ran for approximately 23 minutes (cumulatively)
Walked for approximately 7 to 10 minutes (cumulatively)
The remaining time was a bathroom break and some stretching

MILEAGE:
Ran approximately 2.3 miles (cumulatively)
Walked approximately 1 mile (cumulatively)

Other items of interest:
Love my iPod armband and freaking LOVE running with an iPod. It's awesome!! It's like a soundtrack to my run. BEAUTIFUL.

I registered for the Monument Avenue 10K today.

Overall run felt good, although I hate my left knee and right hip. Please stop hurting everytime I run, thanks.

I AM A RUNNER

2008-01-03T22:29:00.000-05:00

Wellllllllllll, I got back a few days ago after spending Christmas with the fam. I ran once over the holiday and it was sad. Since I've been back, I've been sick and it's gross.

I really need to start running regularly if I'm going to be ready for the half marathon, even the 10K I'm planning to run.

For Christmas I got a ton of running stuff: two pairs of pants for running in the cold, new shirts and tops, socks, shorts, a watch, an ipod, some headbands... I mean I am set.

I bought the latest issue of Runner's World and two books about running. One I had checked out from the library and decided to buy (The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik). I like the information. It's well written and concise.

Another book I bought and have just started reading: The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais. This book is so perfect for me. The author is extremely sarcastic and funny. I mean, I just love her style:

"The rest of the book offers advice on how to avoid death while training for a marathon. Keep in mind that my only real qualification for giving this advice is the fact that I managed to avoid death while training for a marathon. Which makes my training a smashing success. However, I issue this warning in case, for some odd reason, you actually follow my advice and something horrendous happens (like you end up actually enjoying running marathons): I hereby absolve myself from any liability."

Love this book so far.

Okay so all this reading I have been doing has really motivated me and bolstered my confidence. One thing I read says to tell yourself you are a runner. And I have been saying that in my head. "I am a runner." I'm going to print some motivational things out and tape them around the apt. I need some serious reminders that I've got to get off my butt and run.

As soon as I don't feel like crap, I'm getting back out there.

Info

2007-12-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

My knee still hurts today. I didn't run. Maybe tomorrow?

Went to the library to check out some books on running. M said I should just make copies of any info I really want. lol good idea. If any are really good, I might buy them. We'll see...

2 miles again

2007-12-17T20:37:00.000-05:00

Ran 2 miles today. Walked 3/10ths of a mile to warm up then ran 2 miles on Main and campus. Walked another 3/10ths of a mile to cool down. Sooo cold tonight. But M got me a nice running jacket from UnderArmour. It is so awesome. I had on a thin t-shirt underneath and was totally warm. My face was in so much pain at first from the wind though. But after a while I was fine. My legs hurt some today. I thought I would ice my left calf and my right hip when I got home. But after stretching at home, I ended up icing my right knee and hip.

The temp was about 27, feeling like 17... pretty awesome. As always, it felt good to run. Hopefully I can keep this up.

Because classes are over, it's so quiet around town and campus. I liked it. It was nice to just be out there by myself. I don't remember what I really thought about. Most of the time I thought about what I would write in my blog haha. And a lot about actually being out there. Getting back into it and as usual, I'm always excited when I'm able to push thru my pain and keep running.

lazy

2007-12-13T14:48:00.001-05:00

i'm so lazy. i haven't run since last weds.

next week (after my grad ceremony this weekend! ... and after everyone leaves me for break :-P) i am def getting back on track. i swear.

looking forward to christmas when i get (hopefully) and ipod, watch, running clothes or gift cards for that... yay!

oops

2007-12-10T14:11:00.001-05:00

so Friday: did not cross-train
Saturday: did not run
supposed to run today; might not... although it is very warm today. Ugh, we'll see. I'm just tired a lot lately.
Should def do something tomorrow

"You're just way more intense than everyone else"

2007-12-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

Tuesday: went to the gym by myself. Ran 1 mile around the track. Didnt have a watch, not sure of the time. Was going to do one of the stationary bikes for a bit but they were all being used when I was done.

Wednesday: actually ran outside. Bundled up and took my phone since it's dark. It was cold, windy, and kind of doing that frozen rain thing. Asked M if I'd be the only one running. He said yes. Asked if I would look stupid. He said I was just way more intense than everyone else. I bought into that.

Run was not that bad. Not sure of the exact distance but I think definitely close to two miles. Actually got hot while running. Survived being in the cold, not so bad. Could do it again.

Today: rest day. Need it. Have big event at work tonight (which I hate). Will probably work 11 hours today. Awesome

Tomorrow: cross-train. Elliptical? Maybe M will teach me how to erg. I'll have to pretend to be K to get into the gym tomorrow. Also need to go look at membership fees of local gyms...

back in the game!

2007-12-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

I went running last night!! YAAAAAAY!!!

J and I went to the gym and ran 2 miles on the indoor track. My new shoes felt good, I felt good. No shin splints. I was so happy. And it felt good. Really good. I'm pumped to go back to the gym tonight.

I think I will have to get a gym membership somewhere because I'm currently using my friend K's pass to get into the campus gyms. I can't do that everyday.

Super excited to be running again. Love it!

kinda freaking out

2007-11-28T10:58:00.001-05:00

I got new running shoes and I registered for a race.

Now I'm freaking out.

I haven't tried out the shoes yet, but they felt good in the store. I decided that meant I had to start my training schedule again. And basically I'll probably have to start over since I did nothing for about two weeks now.

That's okay though... I charted it all out last night and am ready to start next week.

I registered for the Dismal Swamp Stomp in Chesapeake. It's a half-marathon in April. I have no idea if I'm going to be ready for it. So I'm all worried now that I'm going to die trying to run it. Ugh.

But I'm planning to register for a 10K in Richmond that takes place April 5. Hopefully finishing that will give me confidence for the half. C is running both of those races.

The new schedule starts next week and I'm trying to convince myself that I'll be able to wake up early before work and do it... you can all stop laughing right now. I think I can do it...

Anyway, I'm going to start out with slower and shorter runs this time because now I'm paranoid about injury.

But I am getting kinda pumped up again :)

running... what?

2007-11-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

So I haven't gone running since last Wednesday. I'm kinda thrown off by the shin splints and am not 100% sure what to do. I've gotten a lot of advice and I want to try it all, but I also feel like I should wait for the new shoes since I think they will help with everything. It's also getting real cold -- and I'm not ready for that.

But, M keeps telling me about how crazy his schedule is getting with all his onsite interviews and it's depressing me. So I need to start running again to get my mind off it. And I think it will help me stay level-headed.

I'm going home for Thanksgiving and getting my new shoes and hanging out with the fam... When I get back I'm going to start a new schedule. Not sure what the schedule will be like, b/c I'm pretty sure I'll have to build back up to where I was. Ugh. Shin splints are not cool. They hurt. A lot.

Lame.

But I'm really gonna conquer this annoying stuff.

shin splints grrr#$%^*!!!

2007-11-15T16:27:00.000-05:00

So I was running last night and it hurt so freaking bad. Like burning in my lower left shin. I wanted to die. Not happy. J and I only ran 15 minutes. Had dinner with M and we decided it sounds like shin splints. Ran into his sister at dinner who had shin splints when she played soccer. She described it as "this burning" in your shin. Which is exactly how I described it. AWESOME.

So basically I feel like I need to take it easy the next few days. I wish I had access to the gym so I could at least do some cardio on a bike or the elliptical. I think I'm gonna have to break down and join a town gym. Ugh.

I'm getting new shoes over Thanksgiving when I'm home. I think that will really actually help. My whole routine is just gonna have to be changed now, I guess. Like I'm gonna have to back off on some of the times and start with fewer this time. M talked to me about how I step when I run. I really have no idea, but I need to focus on that. And then there are specific stretches for shin splints. I'm gonna have to add those to the stretching I already do.

I do not have time for this and am very unhappy about it. Lame. Laaaaaame. LAME! Super lame.

Oh and it's snowing today. I'm not ready for that kind of cold!

Not happy.

Not at all.

Trying not to hurt myself...

2007-11-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Ran on Monday night around the DF. Had some pretty big issues that night: tingly sensation in my left foot for probably the last 7 minutes of the run. Could tell I was running heavier on my left foot but couldn't seem to adjust my running form to address the issue. Need to email C for some ideas.

Talked to M while he was waiting for his layover on his way back from an interview Monday night. He said it could be a few different things like old shoes, my form, or pushing too hard too fast. I think my pace was a little bit quicker than normal. Ended up doing about 2.75 miles in 26 minutes. I think I defintely need to slow my pace. M told me to slow it way down and not run so hard for a few days so that I don't serioulsy hurt myself. Definitely going to take his advice for my run tonight.

Wednesday: Run 28 minutes, walk 2. Not sure where I'll go. It may also rain. Ugh. Tired today, but going to stick to the schedule and hopefully today won't hurt.

sticking to the schedule

2007-11-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

G got into to town on Friday afternoon and I left work around 2. Went for a run when I got home and G came with me. It was tough... run 24 minutes and walk 6. I had to go slower for G sometimes because she doesn't run very often. Good for her for coming though. We ran around town a bit. I still need to go figure out the mileage.

Rest on Saturday (AWESOME GAME!)

Sunday was run 12 and walk 18. G came again. Really cold this time, my ears hurt. But we did it.

Proud of myself for sticking to the schedule even when I had friends visiting and almost lost motivation. Definitely picking up on the "mental" work out this schedule entails. M mentioned that in the beginning. That part of the schedule was just making yourself stick to it and hang in there until the time is up. That's what Sunday was all about for sure.

Today is run 26 and walk 4 -- gonna be rough. Hopefully J will come this time :)

Run 22 / Walk 8

2007-11-08T09:08:00.001-05:00

Ran with J at the gym last night on the indoor track because it was so freaking cold outside. My student ID didn't scan, but the guy let me in anyway. Thank you!

Ran about 2.3 miles in 22 minutes and walked an additional 2/3 of a mile, so all together did about 3 miles last night. Definitely hurt. But the time really motivates me.

Planning to run Friday when my friend G visits. I told her I was doing it, because it's gonna be really easy to skip out on with her here. She said she might come with me. But I have to do it. I don't want to get off schedule in the first week.

it's freaking cold

2007-11-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

Sooo ... the weather forecast for today:

5PM 40 degrees, feels like 34
6PM 37 degrees, feels like 32

AWESOME.

Maybe I'll be able to get into the campus gym. Because holy crap. Def need to go shopping for warmer running clothes.

Talked to Dad last night and found out I have access the gym at home, so I'm good to go when I go home for holidays. I'll have to run on a treadmill, but it's an option.

I hate being cold.

Day 1!

2007-11-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

First day of the schedule and I actually did it. Ran 20 min and walked 10 min. J came and we ran around the DF. 2 laps = 1.5 miles. We did about 2 miles running and then walked a little more than that. Today felt good. It wasn't too cold, and having J there really helped me keep my pace up.

Noticing some weird physical things, like my right foot feeling numb on part of the pad and arch about five minutes in. Not sure what that is about. Wondering about my form and if that is problem...

Tomorrow is a rest day. Run again on Wednesday :)

weekend update

2007-11-05T09:29:00.001-05:00

I ran on Saturday around 4:00PM. Borrowed J's watch to time myself. Set a goal of 20 minutes. Parked behind the DP and ran out towards the barn and back to SP. Picked up part of the cross country course which was clearly marked so I didn't get lost haha. Pretty good run. It was hard at first and I wanted to stop, but didn't. Slowed my pace waaaay down at times, but by about 15 minutes I felt really good and probably could have gone for longer, but I don't want to overdo it.

Dinner with M on Sunday and we talked about how my schedule starts today. I told him I'm worried about what to do if it rains or is really cold. He told me I'd have to put on my "big girl panties" and bundle up. Said he'd come run with me or ride his bike next to me and yell at me (haha). Um, no thanks. Offered to let me borrow his spandex (haha) or to go shopping with me to help me pick out the appropriate attire. Mentioned he thought the idea of J and I running a marathon was pretty cool. I'm pretty happy he's so supportive.

Still pretty concerned by the prospect of running 26.2 miles... I mean, really? That's a lot. But I guess the training is the whole point. No one could do it without the prep. Also am kind of excited by the idea of having such a big goal and working toward it. I'll be happy just to finish a marathon without dying.

Actual schedule starts tonight. Calendars are up on the fridge. Plan is to get dressed to run immediately when I get home. 5:30ish: running 20 minutes, walking 10 minutes. Not sure what route I'll take. I like running on trails and such, but really like being able to later drive a route and clock the mileage... Will need to figure that out. Especially since the next part of the training is in miles, not minutes.

I hope it's not too cold this evening...

researching it

2007-11-02T23:10:00.000-04:00

Checked out some websites today at work. The only one that seemed any good, is the one I looked at the other day. Marathontraining.com

I really like it. Art Liberman is the author and he provides detailed info on countless topics of interest. This is where I found the 3 step training schedule.

Today I also found a beginner's run/walk schedule. It starts off with walking a total of 37 minutes in a week. I know I'm past that.

There is a lot of information on the site about injury prevention and preparing for training. I realize I'm not experienced in running and I know I'm the type to jump into something hard core, rather than work my way up to something. This beginner's schedule will work really well for me, I think.

I'm going to start with week 11 which is a total of 78 minutes running and 42 minutes walking in one week. The schedule peaks at running 129 minutes in a week and ends at week 18 with running 86 minutes and walking 34. It just seems like something I can really stick to without feeling like I'm over doing it.

Another point on the website is that when running, it should be a relaxed, aerobic pace, where you can have a conversation without gulping for breath. It makes sense to me how all of the tips on the site will help me work up to being able to run a marathon.

I am starting to feel like my goal is so unrealistic. Mostly, I think, because I expect myself to be able to do things right away without practice or without working up to it. Maybe this is because I have such horrible self-discipline. It takes a lot to get me motivated and a lot to keep me motivated.

Reading the articles makes me feel like it's more attainable. I think I can do this.

I'm planning to design a calendar tonight to track my schedule and what I actually do. I am really psyched about working hard and sticking to my training schedule. I've already talked to my friend, G, who is visiting next weekend. My schedule requires me to run on Friday and Sunday and she'll be here then. She knows I'm running, might come with me. But the fact that I've told her will hopefully help me to stick to it.

Oh, went to Barnes & Noble to see if there were any running books... none. Disappointed. There's a book on the website, The Everything Running Book... I think I might want it.

Planning to run tomorrow, just a little bit. My new training schedule starts on Monday, November 5th.

Training Day, um, 0?

2007-11-01T22:35:00.000-04:00

11/1/07

Today at work I start browsing training sites. There are more than I imagined. Was only able to look at one, but it did suggest warming up to the "pre-marathon-training training". Basically, before you start training for a marathon (step 3) you need to train for training (step 2) and before that you need to make sure you are at the level to train for training (step 1). The guy suggests working yourself up to the first week of training on step 2. I think the numbers are something like 4 miles & 6 miles. I know I'm definitely not there yet.

The pre-training schedule is 19 weeks and I think the training schedule is also 19 weeks. Since the marathon we are supposed to run is in November of 2008 I have approximately 52 weeks, which is more than enough. So I decide to start step 1.

Which for me means, running. Just plain and simple, getting into a routine of running every other day for now. I make plans while at work to run when I get home. I also plan to check out more websites to get the best idea of how I can personally succeed. I feel like there is so much to know and think about and I have no clue about any of it.

On the drive home today I decide to clock the distance to my apartment from UCB intersection. 1 mile, almost exactly. Excited, because it makes it a 2 mile loop. Not excited that it is hilly. Everything out here is up and down... it's hard to find flat routes.

Get home and immediately change into running clothes. I don't even sit on the couch. I know once I'm there, I'm stuck. Take out the trash (that's been sitting for a week+) and then check the clock before going out. 5:43. I do a brisk walk around the parking lot before setting out.

The run starts off okay. The air is cold and I am not a huge fan of that. But my breathing seems okay and I'm not feeling the burn yet. Overall the run is good. The hills aren't as bad as I thought and I only have a few times where I feel like my lungs want to explode. And it would only be a mild explosion, not the fierce kind that I felt when I first started in June. I like the route, a new one for me, but dislike the stoplights and having to wait for traffic.

I make it home at 6:05 which is about 25 minutes. I approximate about 12.5 min miles. I don't know if that's good or bad or what. But for now it's a start.

Still excited about running. I'm definitely going to check out more training sites tonight. Probably won't run tomorrow, but will definitlely plan for Saturday. That will be a true test of my horrible self-discipline and motivation. Wish me luck.

Training Day 1 ... sort of

2007-11-01T22:20:00.000-04:00

10/31/07

Happy Halloween.

Online at work, checking my friend's AIM away messages and J mentions she is going for a run later in the day.

"Run by yourself?" I text her.
"You can come" she replies.

We plan for 5:30 as soon as I get home from work. We're going to run behind the vet school which I am pretty sure is where the cross country course is, but am not certain.

I get home at 5:30 (tons of traffic on PF) and M is there, unexpectedly. I'm thrilled to see him, but know I have to resist spending time with him in order to run with J. See, if I had just planned to run alone, I would have never made it on the pavement with M at home. I might have gone out at 6 when he had rehearsal, but it's not likely. Once I get cozy on the couch, there's not much that can move me.

I tell M I'm supposed to run with J and he tells me to hurry up and get dressed. That simple encouragement is totally necessary.

I'm dressed and in the car with J and her dog, D, around 5:45. We drive to the vet school and walk with D on a leash for a bit, back towards a trail which must be part of the course. I need to ask M about it because the Crew team just had a 5K on the course and he was in charge. I'm sure he'll know the exact route.

We run a couple laps on the trail with D off her leash. D is obnoxious, real sweet and fun, but obnoxious. She's pretty good and staying with us, but likes to run under our feet sometimes. J mentions she won't bring D every time.

After running for about 25 minutes we head back to the car since J has a meeting at 7. I feel good after running, considering it's been over a month since I last went out. It's a little chilly, but in a good way. J and I discuss plans for our next run. She's found a marathon training guide. I guess she was serious about the marathon. It motivates me to start training again. We decide on Friday after work, but I later remember I promised my friend E I'd come to her boyfriend, A's, birthday dinner at 6. Timing is off for J and me. We agree to figure something out.

At home again, I'm feeling pumped up about running, like I did this summer. I make a mental note to check out marathon training websites at work tomorrow. Definitely planning to get into this. For real.

Intro: How I went from hating to run to, well, running

2007-11-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

I really used to hate running. My best friend/old roommate, C, loves running and did it all through college. I think I went with her once and wanted to throw myself in traffic to put myself out of my misery. I ended up walking more than running. She ran circles around me -- literally.

I'm not even very good at exercising. Before college I danced for 13 years -- ballet, tap, jazz, some hip hop. But nothing serious -- I stopped dancing when I graduated high school. I went to the campus gym a few times in my five years of undergrad + grad school, but never got into a set schedule. Friends tried to get me to tag along with them to a yoga class or cardioboxing and I went a few times, but nothing stuck. I could list countless excuses, but in retrospect, they are all lame. Really lame.

In March 07 I started dating this guy, M, who is incredibly athletic. I think he has played every sport for at least one season and rows for our school's Club Crew team. He's totally in shape, all muscle. Extremely self-disciplined and motivated, in my opinion. He gets up at 4:30AM five days a week to practice with his team. He missed his first practice in 4 years the other day because his alarm clock lost power. And not only does he row at an ungodly hour everyday, he's also the men's VP on the Crew team; a mechanical engineering student in his fifth year only because he took on two co-ops (Honeywell and GE); plays trumpet and is a rank captain in the marching band; a team leader on his senior design BAJA team; an avid hiker/outdoorsman (he most recently mountaineered on a glacier in Alaska for a month); and an amazing boyfriend. Oh, and he's hot.

Why am I describing my boyfriend? Couple reasons: First, his athleticism really intimidated me in the beginning. I mean, I am slim and petite and definitely not out of shape -- but I wouldn't say I'm in shape either. When we started dating I was excited to go hiking with him but was concerned about keeping up with him. I didn't want to look like a wimpy girly loser on an easy trail. Second, his motivation and drive to be in top physical condition kind of inspires me. It's cheesy, but true. He really makes me want to get out there and get in shape so that I can hang with him on the tough hikes. For the most part, I think I'm pretty good at that. We've been on some moderate hikes and I've kept up. He calls me a "trooper". And I am.

So this summer, while I was stuck in college town working a 9-5 job, and he was gone to Alaska and working elsewhere, I felt like I needed to do something to 1) fill up the many hours I had after work before bed, and 2) get off my lazy butt and get active.

I chose to start running. Why? I can't really recall, to be honest. Despite my years of "hating" to run, I gave it a try.

I wanted to die after my short little run down G Road. It ended up being more of a walk/run, emphasis on walk. But after getting home, I got in my car and drove the route to see how long it was. Almost a mile... I was pretty impressed with myself. After that I tried to get on a good schedule, running/walking every other day. Each time I pushed myself a little bit farther. And each time I drove the route to clock the distance.

I ran without music or a watch. I tried to convince myself that no music allows me to focus on running and enjoy the beautiful area where I live... not so much. I am asking for an iPod for Christmas. The watch is something I have wanted since day 1. I just don't have one. I'm asking for that too.

Over the summer I ran off and on... I think I probably had about 3 weeks where I really stuck to my schedule. But it's hard to stick to something when you come home from work tired and lazy (I have a desk job). Running was hard for me too. If my chest didn't feel like it would explode, my legs and butt felt like they were on fire.

I did find that I was able to push myself more than expected. "Just to that tree, now just to that sign, just over the hill, you're almost there..." I could actually convince myself that I could make it even when I felt like dying.

Overall, I was pretty pleased with myself. I bragged to M about how amazing I was and got tips from C who couldn't believe I was actually running.

I'd love to say I kept this running up all summer and into the fall, but I did not. Everyone came back to campus and I got promoted at work. And I got lazy again. I forgot how good I felt after running 3 miles.

Then, in September, one of my good friends, J, mentioned she wanted to get back in shape (she ran cross country in high school). She was planning to run a marathon in November 2008. She suggested we kind of train together. Sure, I thought, no problem.

Problem. I haven't run since August. My motivation is non-existent. I love lounging on my couch after work and watching hours of free HBO. I think about running at work, and then never make it outside once I'm home.

J never really invited me to run with her and when I suggested it, she was busy with school or her dog, D. September turned into October and nothing happened.

So... when does training start?