Berbee Derby

I started out my Thanksgiving Day burning up the road at the Berbee Derby, a huge Madison race of thousands of people... really, really fast people. I ran the 10K event after running very few miles all fall. I sluffed out 12 miles in mid November and a few four miles each week after.

My goal was to break 74 minutes: just under 12 minute miles. I actually finished in 1:08:18- a blistering 10:59 pace. All-in-all, I was very pleased. You can blame Andy for the fact that I don't have any pictures! It was C-O-L-D!

I had the flu this week. Who's to say what's to blame...????

Where the Hell Have I Been?

It's been an embarrassingly long time. For crying out loud, we haven't even posted the damn Gobi (half) marathon pictures on here. I should make it a goal to run at least one event every month. But, I know how I am, and that will never happen. So, enjoy this post while it lasts-- it's a good one!

On Halloween, I did the Madison Mud Run with some friends.

After a lot of begging, pleading (and probably crying on their end) we ended up with a great group of seven misfits. Why I look like I'm half in the bag, I have no idea. The bench we were standing on was wobbly...Anyway, the woman on the right in the back row was the only other person who wanted to do it initially. She and I recruited everyone else.

Our costume theme was "death angels." That meant wings, tutus and a red/black color scheme. Everything else was up for grabs. These are my colleagues from work, Angela and Will, who braved it with me. Naturally, Angela agreed first. Will's initial response was "F@!* NO I won't do it." Of course, I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it the most-- at least the costume part.

Of course it was FREEZING at the time of the start. I was outvoted, and my team opted to accept a 5-minute penalty to avoid having to run through the waist deep water. I'm embarrassed to even type that-- we were death angels. What was the worst that could have possibly happened? Oh yeah, we got booed at the water crossing.

Obstacles consisted of: jumping over hay bales, crawling through tubes, and an inflatable slide (my personal favorite).








Oh yes, of course there was the mud pit.







Some of us embraced the mud more than others, but we all made it through. I got a wing caught in the final rope and almost broke my neck, but all in all, we had a great time. One of Angela's other children is interested in running with us at the next event, and Mr. F@!* NO is already trying to get us to agree on costumes for May. At one point he said something about swimsuits, but I'm vetoing that one now...







Lastly I cannot finish without any injury report. While this is almost to shameful to write, it actually makes it all the better. Naturally I had no chance in hell of making it unassisted over the SIX FOOT WALL. The woman standing by it refused to give me a "leg up"-- but shoved me over by heaving my butt straight up into the wall. The result, the bruise below (located daintily on my inner thigh). It's actually pitch black in color, and you get an idea of the size by the quarter I put next to it. So, not only did my fat thigh jam into the wall once, but TWICE. I would guess the reverberations were felt a mile down course--. At least I managed to keep my pants from falling down upon leaving the mud pit. I guess that counts for something.

If Only Pain Really Did = Gain...

This past week was a huge disappointment... Surprisingly, I actually put a minimal amount of effort into it, too!

I had two short training runs this week (one of two miles and one of three) and a disastrously failed attempt at a long run. I left Sunday morning at 5 a.m. with the plan of going 21 miles.

I made it 5...mostly walking...

.. and wound up in so much agony that it made my 18-miler day look like a cake walk.

Yes, I'm out of shape. I also have been battling a recurrence of the scourge. What was it it you called it? Ah, yes. Scurvy.

I should have known when I woke up and my eyes had nice hard little bumps under them that my shingles were fighting to come back. They've been trying to for about two weeks now, I think. My face has been hurting and burning like a bastard... usually an indication that all is not so well.

My plan is try a few more training runs and give it another shot this weekend.

Sad Week for me too...

I ran (if you can call it that) ONCE for three miles.

That was I-T.

Sunday, 8 August

ANOTHER sad week...

Saturday- 60 Minutes (7.93 km = approx. 5 miles)

Sunday, 1 August

Blah- 2 short runs:

Wednesday: 2 Miles (18:44)
Sunday: Approx. 3.5 Miles SLOWLY!

...in other news

Today I got my photo taken for my Chinese visa. It was one of those forehead slap moments where I realized I was going to need one, and I had one working day left before I leave for Chicago to get the damn thing. Naturally, I looked like crap today, so the picture actually looks alright. A LOT better than my passport photo, which looks like I've eaten a kitten and can't quite choke it down...

...in other news... last week (the week of July 26) was not exactly a record breaker in terms of exercise. I attended one BodyPump class and did two miles one other day. I had intended to go for more, but my stomach was not happy (probably because I've been eating everything in sight and THEN complaining about it).

Maybe this week will be better, though I doubt it. I'm off to take a load of Andy's junk to Red Wing this Thursday and Friday. That's just enough to throw my routine off. Oh wait, what routine?

Oooops

This week was all about loving encouragement and support. I ran twice-- one short little 2 miler and my long one: an 18-miler. I did MUCH better this time than my last attempt at a long distance-- not in terms of speed, but in terms of other factors. I decided to throw the four minutes/ one minute interval out the window and just jog what I wanted. For the first 13 miles I jogged anywhere from 6 to 13 minutes before taking 1 minute walk breaks. So, I DID take them, I just didn't regulate it. I think that made me less anxious. Surprisingly, I actually drank more water.

Now, the downside, my knees hurt today. For the first time ever, I'm actually in quite a bit of pain. So, I can't fault the intervals for doing what they are supposed to apparently. They DO keep the stress and injury level down. After the 13 mile mark I walked considerably more during miles 14, 15, 16, and 17. I walked all of the last one.

Why was this week all about loving encouragement and support? Why is this week's entry titled "Oooops?" I got up at 5 a.m. to run Sunday morning and found this note on the kitchen counter from Andy. Really, there's no need to say any more.

Sunday, 25 July (A Big ZERO!)

Well,

This is sad news. This week I worked out ZERO times! Just couldn't get it done... between the chaos of work and the grammas' visit. Will definitely have some make-up work to do!

Sunday, 18 July

Emms... excellent photo below! ... And don't feel too bad about your lukewarm running week- you kicked my butt- I ran one time- two miles! :( I need to get rid of the moms so I can find some sort of a routine!

Tuesday- 20 Minutes (2 Miles = 17:58)

Short, short, short

Okay, this week I didn't hit a major milestone at all:

two 3.5 fartlek mile runs: three minutes of my normal plodding with four minutes of actual running (about a 9:30 pace). I tell you, that felt like sprinting!

One session of BodyPump

Why the stupid photo? I don't know, I was skimming through old files, found it and just thought it was funny.

Sunday, July 11

Nothing earth-shattering this week- 3 runs, only one long-ish. I've just got to break into that 16-19 mile range, but I feel like I've hit some sort of ceiling. I think the idea of running/walking for 4-5 hours intimidates me, but I have to get over it and just do it.

Tuesday- 15 Minutes ... power went out, treadmill stopped, and I just quit : (

Friday- 2 Miles (3.21 K in 17:20)

Sunday- 2 Hours (15.75 km = 9.8 miles).

A Week of Not Much

... In honor of mom's traveler's diarrhea, I completed a rather shitty week running-wise. I managed to eke out TWO days of any sort of exercise:

Saturday (a four-mile WALK) and
Sunday six miles (ran four, ran/walked the last two).

And, that, my friends, is it! While I'm sure mom hopes things stop running-- I hope to start!

A great article offers some hope

Check out this article:

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How-to-Double-Your-Endurance-in-6-Weeks.htm?cmp=11-1575&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

It offers some hope for INCREASING distance with only three days a week. :)

My To-Do List

The first week of July has brought about some interesting insights and a resulting To-Do list.

I did two short runs (a four miler and a three miler), I BodyPumped once, and I did, technically, finish a 16-mile run/walk on Saturday the 3rd. It wasn't as clean as I would have wanted, but I completed it. I used intervals of 4 minutes running/1 minute walking-- except for miles 12 and 13, which I walked in their entirety! I did resume jogging for the last two miles.

In all, the process took me 4 hours. I learned a number of things.

1. I need to lose some weight. I've actually gained 5 pounds over the summer, and I have no excuse for it. I've been eating like crap and drinking beer at night. I wanted to be 10 pounds lighter than I am now by Mongolia.

2. I have to drink A LOT more water on a daily basis. I have serious hydration issues. When I ran on Saturday it was cooler than it's been in the past, but still hot and muggy. My exposed skin (arms legs) had goosebumps and NO SWEAT. That's a classic sign of heat exhaustion due to improper hydration. I don't drink enough water on a regular basis. I have to change that.

3. I need to start doing more short runs during the week. Two is not enough. I should be doing 4! I have few excuses for why I can't do three miles at some point during the day.

4. I'm dealing with some anxiety around these long distances. I'm running slow enough and using the intervals that it shouldn't be a problem for me physically. But I actually had a panic attack at one point. It took me a good 10 minutes to realize that was what was happening. Once I did I concentrated on my breathing and worked through it. But I definitely need to start reading some articles on how to combat anxiety. I do NOT like these new distances and routes that I've never done. I start to panic, which is silly.

Sunday, 4 July

Happy 4th of July! I did 3 runs this week:

Tuesday: 30 Minutes (5.1 km)
Saturday: 31 Minutes (5 km)
Sunday: 1 hour (5 miles)

Still have to get my 16... and then my 19 for July! UGHHHH!

Just about Zero

Question: How many times did I RUN since my last 1/2 marathon? ... ... ...
Answer: ZERO

I did go weightlifting once and I walked twice. So, your 9 miles is the big winner of the week! I am shooting for 16 miles this Saturday, July 3, and I'm definitely switching my weightlifting to Tuesday. Thursday doesn't give me enough time to recoup... :( Flabby says what the hell is THAT jiggly thing? Oh, my tricep. Right... And that disgusting thing... Oh, my ab. Yes indeedy. Good thing I can't actually SEE my ass....

Sunday, 28 June

This week I ran a whopping two times, and unfortunately I didn't get my 16 miles in:

Wednesday: 2 Miles (over 20 Min)
Sunday: 1 Hour 50 Minutes (14.5 km = 9 miles)

Three Weeks in One

It's been three weeks since I've managed to post. How pathetic is that? I can't even remember what I ran when. I know that I did run a 12.5 miler at some point between the Madison 1/2 and the Fort one. Maybe June 5th? Otherwise, all my runs were 3-5 miles. Maybe 3 times a week? I have absolutely no idea!

June 19th was the Fort Atkinson 1/2 marathon, and it went MUCH better. It was hot-- 80-something degrees and fairly humid. But I was able to keep up my 5 minutes/1 minute for essentially all of it. For some reason I seem to really crash and burn at mile 9. I get horrible cramps and really struggle. Fortunately this time I got a major shot of adrenaline at mile 10 and finished up really well. The next two miles were probably 2 of my most comfortable.

I have to laugh because my time was exactly the same I think: 3:02. I guess I don't seem to be able to hurry. But i actually enjoyed most of the run and should be ready for a try at 16 miles either this weekend or next weekend for sure.

See, that's the difference-- I don't think I push as hard as you do, Lisa. I'm a 1/2 hour slower. It's the only way I can finish when I'm running by myself. I think I'm lazy....

Sunday, June 20

Three times this week, but mostly shortish ones. :(

Monday- 2 Miles (19:20)
Saturday- 2 Miles (with LOTS of walking - 27 Minutes)
Sunday- two exercise sessions- one morning hike of 1 Hour, 30 Minutes; one evening jog of 1 Hour (7.7 km = 4.8 miles)

Sunday, June 13

One Run Only!

I took a whole week off after my half marathon, ran only once this week, intended to do a long one, but sputtered out after only half an hour! And I was walking lots too! I hate to admit it, but I'm still hurting from my half marathon. Emms, I don't know how you're running a second one so close to your first one! Kudos to you!

Next week I'm going to try to do 2 -3 short/easy ones... then a long one on Saturday or Sunday. Even if I have to add lots of walking, I really need to get some more miles under my belt.

Oh well, here it is:

Sunday: 30 Minutes (3.55 km = 2.2 miles... about a 15-minute mile pace)

Sunday, 6 June (A Kick in the Butt, Just What I Needed)

This week I only ran twice, but one of them was my half marathon. I learned a lot from the half marathon, namely the importance of putting in the miles each week, even if they're not fast, even if they're mainly walked. Interesting that I hit my wall big time exactly at the 10 Mile mark, about the extent of my long runs to this point. Amy, I don't know how you finished your Madison 1/2 Marathon! I had ideal conditions- just below 60 degrees, overcast (only a light drizzle at the very end), and no winds... and I still STRUGGLED! I am very satisfied that I completed it now... and I think this will be the kick in the seat I needed to put some longer run/walks into my weeks.

Tuesday, 1 June: 62 Minutes (7.7 km = 4.8 miles)

Saturday, 5 June: 2 hours, 28 minutes (21 km = 13 miles)

The embassy runners- 5K with blue numbers, Half Marathon with Red.

Cassie got interviewed before the start!

Starting Line

The Road Runners (Embassy Kids Running Group)
After Finishing the 5K

My Long Approach to the Finish
(But at least they hadn't closed the finish yet!)

My Awesome Bib Number

Sunday, 30 May

Another "ick" week of only one run:

Tuesday, 25 May: 60 Minutes (8.45 Km = 5.2 miles)

Sad, sad, sad...

Sunday, 23 May

Well, a bit better than last week: 3 runs (but all little ones).

Wednesday, 19 May: 32 Minutes (5K)
Saturday, 22 May: 40 Minute Road Run (ISU Loop)
Sunday, 23 May: 40 Minutes (4.67 Km = 2. 9 miles)

A Tiny (Itty Bitty) Bit of Redemption

I found out today that they ended up closing down the marathon course four hours into the race Sunday due to the extreme heat. So, I wasn't as wimpy as I sounded... it really was dangerously hot out there! I'm raring to go for a second shot at a better run on a cooler day, though....

I finished... barely

Yesterday's Madison Half Marathon is done and over with....But that's about all I can say. I finished, and I'm trying very hard to be satisfied with that... It was very hot and humid on race day-- around 90-- and we started off with heat warnings. People were dropping like flies, and I started having trouble myself by about mile 8. That meant walking a decent amount from that point on just to stay on my feet. A few of the miles I walked nearly ALL. It was horrible. Somehow I finished in about 3:02 anyway... I guess that's fine. I ended up in the first aid tent with about 100 other people afterwards because I couldn't stand up without nearly falling over at the end. I'm dealing with cramped up muscles a bit today, which I know is from the heat, not the distance. I really could have used my running buddy! Lisa, it would have gone a lot better with you, I know it!!! A big part was mental, not physical. I'm pretty excited to run in the Mongolian snow after this mess.

As proof that they give medals to everyone:

So very, very slow

Well, this is my last week to report before D-Week. Death Week? Diarrhea Week? Oh, let's hope not! Done-It Week! That's what I'm shooting for. Last week, the week of May 16th, I deliberately kept things pretty mild. I ran 3 or 4 times just 3 miles each time. I will do the same this week. On my days off, I walked 3 miles. The only day I didn't do one of those two things was Wednesday when I finally rode my horse. He was awesome, I was horribly out of shape for it, resulting in me having what I fondly refer to as "saddle crotch" for about 4 days.

Ironically, I have another riding lesson on Max today, Monday, May 24th. I think I will be fine and over the stiffness in time for my event on the 30th. I did erase a lesson I had scheduled for Friday the 28th. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I booked that one.... I mean, when we were kids riding didn't cause issues I guess #1 because we did it all the time and #2 because we weren't like almost 40-years-old. All I can say is that the space between my ass and the saddle when I canter has definitely grown exponentially with age. Same with the trot. Max has a really nice jog that everybody loves... it still cracks my ass!

So, on that note... I'll report more after my "race" (I can't even type that word without giggling-- I don't think you can do a 1/2 marathon in 3 hours and call it racing).

Sunday, 16 May (Amy's personal best; Lisa's personal worst)

Well, for the first time since September 2009, I have to report that I ran ZERO times this week! I'm disgusted... summer is rolling around, work is increasing, and I'm losing control. I HAVE TO fight back!

My New Plan

The week of May 10th went pretty well overall. I ran three days total: one day of 4 miles, another of 3, and a new personal distance best of 12.5 on Saturday. That run took me 2 hours and 45 minutes, so I'm hoping to finish my 1/2 marathon in under 3 hours. If I would try even the little tiniest bit I know I could do it. I'm just not all that motivated to work very hard. I have to be the laziest runner on the face of the earth. So, we'll see. I won't be timing myself so who knows...

Since I know how boring training can be, I've discovered a new activity I think we should try. It professes to improve both strength and flexibility: Pole Fitness. Personally, I don't think I'm capable of doing a handstand, let alone hanging upside down from a pole. I'm not really sure how you would explain the injuries you'd obtain to your doctor. And honestly, who'd want to share poles with other users? Sharing a treadmill during cold and flu season is one thing. But this??? Hmmmm.....

She likes puppies, lilacs, and slow walks on the beach...

Say what? Okay, I think this is a sign that there really IS humor in EVERYthing. I officially signed up for the Madison Marathon's 1/2 marathon today. Good thing, because the field was already 90% full.

The entry form was pretty typical except for ONE thing. Right above the anticipated finish time (I put 3 hours and 45 minutes-- completely forgetting my math. 3 hours should do it.). Anyway, right above that, there was a large block to answer: "Interesting fact, to be announced as you cross the finish." Golly gee. I had a tough time deciding between, "Yes folks, she's still alive" and "Likes puppies, long walks on the beach but HATES spiders...." I mean, really.... what kind of crap are the tubby whale losers at the 3-and-a-half hour mark gonna come up with? "Look, ma, I crapped my pants!!!!"

Last week, the week of May 3rd, I ran three times: two 3 milers and a 10-miler on Saturday (in a drizzle). I felt great on Saturday. I'm not sure if it counts, but I did walk three of the other 4 in-between days as well.

I think I'll be ready to sluff across the line in two weeks to the sound of some dumb accolade that they'll have to make up because I left that spot blank on the registration form. Thank goodness I'm not doing the 17-miler this weekend as originally planned. I'm in for enough humiliation later in the month.

Sunday, 2 May and Sunday 9 May (Combined)

Well, it hasn't exactly been a banner couple of weeks. In two weeks, I've gotten in five runs- none of them anywhere near the 10 mile mark (let alone the 15 mile mark I had hoped to reach by now).

Week of Sunday, 2 May:

Tuesday- Two runs. One in the morning (60 Minutes; 8 Km); one in the evening (45 Minutes, 5.8 KM). Both runs together totalled about 8.5 miles

Wednesday- 2 Miles

Week of Sunday, 9 May:

Saturday: 20 Minutes (2 Miles in 17:43)

Sunday: 60 Minutes; 9.5 KM = 5.9 miles

Blah... well, at least I'm way ahead of when I wasn't running at all.

Half Way On, Half Way Off

I guess this means I'm sort of dragging my legs beneath the wagon-- not really on, not really off. I did manage to run three times this week, which is a major improvement but not quite all the way there. I ran:
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Saturday: 8 miles

The 8 miles was pretty ugly and painful the whole way, but I did it. Actually, mile 8 was the only one that felt halfway decent. I'm feeling like I can get back on track in time for the 1/2 marathon at the end of the month if I really, really try. I'm shooting for 4 days this next week with a long one of 10....

A Change of Plans

You can't seem to break the 10 mile mark, and I can't seem to break a sweat. Which one of these things is worse than the other? I ran ONE TIME the week of April 19th... ONE TIME for a whopping 4 miles. My cold is over, so I really don't have a huge excuse.

One thing has become clear: I need to shift my Syttende Mai goal. I will NOT be running that 17 mile race. Instead I'm buying myself two more weeks of training and going for something a bit shorter:

Madison Half Marathon
Sunday, May 30th, 2010

I figure I need the extra two weeks to train, and the 4 fewer miles will be less scary. Yes, I'm a wimp. But, I've never done a half marathon, so my goal is still a good one... Right?

Sunday, April 25 (Still Can't Break into the 10 Mile Mark...)

Well, I did manage to exercise four times this week. However, I just can't seem to break into the 10+ mile level... even though I've slowed down a lot and incorporated walk breaks. Maybe because I've been mainly on the treadmill. It recently dipped below freezing again, so I've really only run outside one time this year. Perhaps May will bring warmer weather... and the opportunity for jogging on the road? Hmmm... I just have to break into the 10 mile level!

Tuesday- 1 Hour, 44 Minutes (13KM- approx. 8 miles)
Thursday- 30 Minutes (5K)
Saturday- 1 Hour, 8 Minutes (8K- approx. 5 miles)
Sunday- 2 Hours (15K- approx. 9.3 miles)

Let me be Clear...

Three runs is Greater than Zero. How many times did I run last week??? Zero. I was horribly sick with a cold (or maybe it was the flu because I DID have a fever). Anyway, I'm off to a rip-snorting start so far this week also with... say it with me now... ZERO times in. It's only Wednesday. Things could change.... NOT.

Sunday, 18 April

Well, I only got 3 runs in this week... but I did get a longer one in. (Still can't hit the 10 mile mark, though). Sighhh..... maybe next week?

Monday- 30 Min. (5K)
Wednesday- 32 Min. (5K)
Sunday- 2 hours (9.4 Miles)

Some Improvement During a LOOOOONG Week

It's been a long harrowing week. I got back from San Francisco's conference at 2:30 in the morning on Sunday. What that meant was my weekend was shot for running. However, I did reach my goal of a long run this week at the conference itself. It was ugly. I mean REALLY ugly. But I did it; I'm proud of it, and I'm making note of it.

Monday: 4 miles

Wednesday: 10 miles (though really I walked virtually ALL of the last mile. I'm still counting it because I wanted to quit so many times from mile 8 on). I hung in there and did the distance.

Thursday: 4 miles

I think I've come down with a cold. But I'll do what I can to keep moving forward. Syttende Mai is in FIVE weeks. I'm not nearly as ready as I once thought I would be. Oooops.

Sunday, April 11 (Some Improvement, Finally)

Well, this week I finally hit my goal of jogging at least 4 times, with one longer walk/jog session. My long session was 2 hours (not that many miles because I was moving so slowly, but this is the first time since returning from vacation that I've kept my body moving for at least 2 hours, so I'm quite happy).

Monday- 20 Minutes (2 Miles in 18:40)
Tuesday- 30 Minutes (25 Min. Jog/5 Min. Walk = 3.75 km)
Saturday- 40 Minutes Jog Outside (still below freezing here...)
Sunday- 2 hours (15 km = approx. 9.3 miles)

Do Two Bad Weeks Make a Good One?

It's time for me to get caught up and actually post! Of course, it's not going to take long, seeing as how I don't have much to actually write about. I'm going to do two weeks worth in one quick summary:

The week of March 28th I did two three mile runs.
The week of April 3rd (?) I did two four mile runs.

Yes, that really is it.

I'm off to San Francisco for a conference this week. I already have one four mile run under my belt, along with 5 extra pounds. The stress of the past couple of weeks has really done a number on my waistline as well as my motivation. I haven't completed a long run in three weeks! I'm way off the wagon, so far so that I think I'm buried in the rut tracks left by the wheels that have run over my body. My goal is to do a long run tomorrow morning at the hotel, since I don't have anything to do there until 4 p.m. I'll check in at the end of the week. Wish me luck.

Sunday, 4 April

I did four runs this week... with one longer one (1.5 hours). I just can't seem to break through to the 2 hour mark I had gone before vacation, though. Oh, well. I guess I'm slowly working my way back. (I hope.)

Wednesday- 30 Minutes (5K)
Friday- 20 Minutes (3K)
Saturday- 40 Minutes (5.3K = approx. 3.3 Miles)
Sunday- 1 Hour 34 Minutes (Not sure how far... maybe 8 Miles)

Sunday, 28 March

Three run sessions again this week (really would like to get to at least four), and nothing really long. Before vacation, I would generally do a two-hour session once a week... now I can't seem to get anywhere near there again- UGH! Guess I'll just keep plugging away until I find my groove again!

Tuesday: 30 Min (5K)
Saturday: 60 Min (8K)
Sunday: 1 Hr. 10 Min. (9.3K )

Sunday, 21 March (Better... But Low Mileage)

This week was just a bit better. I exercised three times, but didn't hit a really long one. At least I broke my string of 1- or 2-run weeks. Next week I need to get the distance in.

Monday: 30 Minutes (5K)
Saturday: 30 Minutes (5 K)
Sunday: 65 Minutes (8 K)

Starting to Slide

Last week (Yes, I'm SO slow, tired and lazy that this post is for LAST week) I managed to run three times:

4 miles on Monday
4 miles on Wednesday-ish
10 miles on Saturday (I am doing walk breaks every 6 minutes). It felt good though.


I'm off to a whopping ZERO so far this week. I'm really letting my work schedule and life get in the way right now. I've gained weight back, which is causing my knees to crack and object. I know, excuses!

I can come up with a zillion of them!!! Of course, we did hit 60 degrees here, so weather can't really be one of those excuses for many more times...

Sunday, 14 March (ULTRA-SUCK Week III)

Well, Emms, let me tell you, if running 4 times last week (one of them a 9-miler) is a suck week, then this week is an ULTRA-SUCK week. I ran ONE WHOPPING TIME (AGAIN)!! Sunday- 30 minute treadmill. Really, I need to pull it together, but I'm sinking, sinking, sinking. Once I fall off the wagon, I really have trouble climbing back on.

Suck Week II

Suck weeks happen... I've been trying to do better, since my 17 miler is coming up in 8 weeks! I have to stop letting stress be an excuse as to why I don't exercise.

I think i ate a whole bag of tiny peanut butter cups that someone had at work last week. That didn't help me feel like a bundle of energy. I did manage to run four times:

M: Four miles, T: three miles, Th: 1.25 miles and 9 miles for my long run Saturday.

I'm freaking out that I haven't done more than 9 and I'm supposed to do 17 on May 15th...

Sunday, 7 March

What a SUCK (excuse the language) week. I exercised one time- 45 minutes (6km = approx. 3.7 miles). I won't even add more to this post...

Only Two Sessions

Two three mile runs, including my LONG run on Sunday. It wasn't a good week. Maybe I'll do better this week....

Sunday, 28 February

Only one exercise session this week: :)

Saturday: 60 Minute Treadmill (8 km/approx. 5 miles)

Three Weeks in One

Well, I can't beat the Great Aloha Run post-- especially the photo from the 5 mile mark where it looks like I've lost a tooth. SOOOOOOOO sexy. And, add to that the peach color sports bra that doesn't show up in some of the photos. It looks like I'm running with some serious chances for cleavage. Maybe that explains the broken tooth?

Anyway, I have not kept up on my postings. I do know that the week BEFORE I left for Hawaii (Feb 1-6) I ran four times, including a 9 mile run on Saturday the 6th. Lisa posted my exercise schedule for the week of Feb. 7-13. All in all, I was pretty pleased. As for the week of Feb. 14...well, I had the 8.15 mile race (let's get technical because that last .15 was a killer) Seriously, I was hurtin'... and then I ran again on Saturday the 20th (8 miles). Haven't run since, but we'll see...

Rockin' the Great Aloha Run in Honolulu!

Our first major milestone is down, and we're progressing well toward our goal of completing our first-ever marathon in September! I think we both did better than we expected in the Great Aloha Run... foregoing the walk breaks for a blistering 11-Minute mile pace on the course that is about a third of the length we will need to go for the marathon! Our next goals are coming up in May and June, with Amy's Syttende Mai 17-Miler and Lisa's Ulaanbaatar Half Marathon. For now, we can celebrate finishing our 8-Miler, though!

Over 25,000 runners- the start line was a mob scene!

Over 5 Miles into it- motivated by one of the bands!


Over 7 Miles into the Run- still looking strong!

Satisfied with the Finish Line to Our Backs!

Celebrating- for a brief time before we have to start obsessing about our next pre-marathon milestone...

Sunday, 21 February

This week I exercised only 2 times, but one was the Great Aloha 8-Miler!

Monday: 8.15 miles (1 hour, 36 Minutes)
Thursday: 30 Minute treadmill (2.8 miles)

Sunday, 14 February

Happy Valentines Day, Happy 2nd Week in Hawaii, and Happy Pre-Great Aloha Run Week! I exercised 4 times, mostly with Amy:

Tuesday: 45 Minutes Jog/Walk
Wednesday: 1.5 Mile Diamondhead Hike
Friday: 45 Minute Jog
Sunday: 30 Minute Jog

Sunday, 7 February

My first week in Hawaii, I managed to exercise 3 times, mostly in the Camp Smith fitness center:

Wednesday: 45 Minutes (4.5 miles)
Thursday: 30 Minutes Walk/Jog
Sunday: 60 Minutes (5.5 miles)

No Excuses Here!

I have this post and one more to make before I get to go to Hawaii! I did squeak in 3 runs this week (one complete with three runs of its own!).

Thursday: 45 minutes of hell
Saturday: 8 miles (digestive issues from hell)
Sunday: walk of 45 minutes

One more week for me, and I'm off for sun and fun!

Sunday, January 31 (Bad Running Week... But Good Stuff to Come!

Well, this week was ENTIRELY unremarkable- with only 2 days of exercise:

Tuesday: 60 Min Jog/Walk (well, really mostly walking): 5.6 km
Saturday: 45 Min. Jog

(I REALLY, REALLY intended to exercise Sunday, but it just didn't' happen!)

Off to Hawaii!

So far a perfect 3-0

A quick update this week... to report that I'm off to a rocky start... I've missed running M and T this week and forgot my running bag today also. I have to be at work late and had the ideal break in my schedule to hit the gym.... of course I realized once I got to work that I forgot my bag. Looks like I'm off to a perfect 3-0 start. Oh, add to that the fact that I've been eating like a bullet train.

I'm sure in Hawaii my habits will be much better!

mindless left, right, left right

I managed to squeak in 5 days last week, owing up to a migraine on Tuesday I took that day off.
M: 40 min walk
W: 30 min jog (horrifying)
R: 45 min walk
Sat: 7 miles
Sun: 45 min walk

Lots of walking in here. I really need to find how to cross train!

Sunday, 24 January

Well, another unremarkable week- only 3 days of exercise...

Tuesday: 35 Min Jog (5K)
Saturday: 40 Min Jog/Walk (5K)
Sunday: 40 Min Jog (5.5K)

Ho hum... I'd say I'm going to try harder next week, but I'm starting to sound like a broken record!

What have I learned this week?

Well, I did actually follow the Galloway plan for last week. I exercised all six days... of course I didn't go 10.5 miles like you did, Lisa. I'm pretty blown away by that! My long run was only 6 miles, and I spent 1/2 of it running to the bathroom. I clearly have digestive issues to figure out before Hawaii, let alone Syttende Mai or Gobi! Lesson #1, do NOT drink orange juice 30 minutes before getting on the treadmill!

Some funny things for this week: While running one of my 45 minute runs at the gym last week I saw someone sprint all out at about an 8 minute mile pace FOR 20 SECONDS then hop off and rest for about a minute, get back on for another 20 seconds, hop off for a minute (leaving the treadmill running)... and so on for about 10 minutes. It was about the strangest thing I'd ever seen. I can't imagine 20 second sprints really did all that much for her. Of course I was jealous of the fact she could hop on and off without breaking something.

Lesson #2: I have learned in my class already that when running on a treadmill it is ideal to "set the grade at one or even two percent to prevent the overstriding that sometimes occurs in individuals when running on a treadmill." That has been one of the questions I've always wondered!

So far my instructor's comments have been that I really need to have my stride assessed for custom orthotics to help prevent further injury. I'm considering going to a place in Madison that does these types of assessments. No doubt I really need to watch out for further injury.

I hope I can do this...

Sunday, 17 January

Well, (AGAIN!) I didn't do too well in terms of number of days of exercise- only 2 days this week.

Tuesday- 45 Min. on the treadmill (approx. 4.3 miles)
Sunday- 2 hours on the treadmill (17 km = approx. 10.5 miles)

I have to say that I think it pays off to exercise 4-5 times a week. When I was doing that - even 15 minute sessions sprinkled in there, it was a lot easier on my long jog day. I remember last month, I jogged 2 hours and didn't feel sore at all. Today, though, I feel achy and sore. I HAVE to try to increase the number of days per week that I exercise (even if it's small stuff). But I am happy with the 10.5 miles (I found a good movie on HBO and jogged/walked through the whole movie).

Emms, you are braver than I am- can't believe you're taking that marathon training class. You don't get graded, do you?! Is this a "just for fun" thing? Do you have to update the coach on your progress? Will they make you cry if you can't run 4 min. miles.... or 7 min. miles... or 9 minute miles.... or really even 11 min. miles if you go longer than 5 miles or so? Be brave!

I tried that "next blog" thing. I was just cracking up over some of those blogs... until it occurred to me that people might read ours and laugh over how lame some of our posts are!

Happy exercising! Less then one month to the Great Aloha Run! (8 Miles - Yeah!)

laugh until you pee... or have to sit down at the very least

You HAVE to check out some of the other blogs we are connected with! It is hysterical! Have you ever randomly hit the "Next blog" button after you've signed out of ours? Try it sometime! I did it for the first time today, while killing five minutes so that I would somehow "oooops" accidentally miss my BodyPump class and have to opt for walking 40 minutes on the treadmill instead...(our plan does say Walk OR cross train)... Anyway, I came up with this psycho dude's blog about how's he's training for back-to-back IronMans like a month apart!

Yup, he posts his work out schedule on there, too...Um, just SLIGHTLY different from ours. So,I clicked "Next Blog" again... got another one about someone trying to get back into shape as a spinning instructor.

Oh boy....

A picture really is worth a thousand words

I got my textbook for my online marathon training class... and the front photo has Olympic athletes on it! Let's suffice it to say that the prescribed running formulas are not quite the same as Galloway's or Penguin's "running for fat people." Granted I haven't actually read the book-- I've just looked at the tables-- but they are complicated and intimidating. When they start with 4-minute miles, you know someone like me is screwed!

Oh, thought you'd appreciate knowing that it's written by Jack Daniels (comma Ph.d)!

no earthquakes reported, just really cold weather!

I cannot comment as to whether fatties on treadmills cause earthquakes, but I do know they cause serious chafing... at least in my case! Certain nether regions will never forgive me, usually once I pass the 4 mile mark. I'm not sure how 26 miles is going to fare...

Anyway, this week I ALMOST stuck to the plan. I exercised 5 days:
M: walk 45 minutes
T: jog 40 minutes
W: bike 40 minutes
Sat: 5 miles
Sun: walk 40 minutes

I need to get the weightlifting in there...

Sunday, 10 January

Well, a slight improvement over last week... which really isn't THAT much of an achievement since I ran only once last week! I exercised three times:

Friday: 30 Min. on the treadmill
Saturday: 30 Min. on the treadmill
Sunday: 60 Min. on the treadmill (8 km = approx. 5 miles)

I HAVE to try to run at least 4 times next week... with one longer one.

Sunday, 3 January

Well, unlike Amy, I have started the New Year off with a .... fizzle. The week of 28 December to 3 January, I exercised a whopping ONE time- 40 minutes on the treadmill. In fairness, I was sick 4 of the 7 days, so we'll see if I can't pick up the pace again. :(

Miko's run

Mike jogged slowly on the treadmill right around lunch time (first time in 2 months). About 2 hours later there was a small earthquake that rattled the apartment (nothing fell down and there was no damage, so it was a very small one).

So now the question remains: can a fatty on a treadmill cause an earthquake?

I'm Starting out the New Year....

... the way everyone should. Obsessed! I find when I allow my OCD tendencies to take control I feel much better about myself. I actually RETYPED the Jeff Galloway running plan into an Excel spreadsheet so that I could adjust the days of the week to allow for my day off to be Friday and my long run to be Saturday instead of Sunday. This also makes the cross training days Tuesday and Thursday, which fits much better with the weight lifting schedule at the gym! Now I can use a highlighter to mark off the days I exercise in color! I back dated it so that the 17 mile date hit Syttende Mai. It officially starts on Feb. 1, and I had to add 3 weeks of training in there to stretch the schedule to accommodate Gobi.

I know, I'm a nutcase...

As for this week, though... I did much better. I actually hit the treadmill 5 (yes, f-i-v-e) times. Granted each was only for 3 miles. But, I basically did what the books are saying and did the low mileage stuff... even walked/jogged some of using the walk breaks. I have to admit I like the concept, go just as fast (okay as slow) and don't experience knee and back pain. I'm trying not to freak myself out with the thought that the 15 miles I did this week is not as far as the 17 I'm doing in one day in May and only about half of what I have to tackle in Gobi. But, I'm feeling better about having a plan. Thanks so MUCH for sending me the book. It's helping me tackle this while breaking a lot of bad habits that have caused my injuries up to this point. I'll use all of my obsessive tendencies for making color-coded spreadsheets instead....