Hello Burke Lake

Saturday was sports day. Opening day for Little League, first soccer game and then baseball game. It was COLD with a game start time of 7 pm. Everyone had great games! I even managed to get the family to help me do some yard work and we are making progress shaking off the winter debris from the yard. We topped off the afternoon with cake to celebrate the birthday party of a young neighbor. Oh how I wish I had more self control.

Sunday was my long run day. I was slated to do 11 miles and didn't have any plans to run with anyone. I needed the motivation, but turns out I am just as bad at scheduling rundates for myself as I am playdates for my kids! I was all motivated to get up early and get going, but the reality of needing sleep was to great.

I got up about 9 and threw on my clothes. It was supposed to be warmer on Sunday, so I dressed in a skirt, short sleeved shirt and a light jacket. I grabbed my phone and shuffle. I was hoping to listen to the Another Mother Runner podcast, which usually published on Saturday night and then move over to my shuffle. Well I had updated my phone a few days ago and couldn't figure out how to get the newest podcast. I didn't want to waste time figuring it out, so off I went.

I drove down to Burke Lake park, where the trail around the park is just under 5 miles. I knew I would have to do some out and back to make up the last mile, but it was worth it for the scenery and the company. Burke Lake always has busy trails of runners, families and bikers. On a Sunday some of the other trails I use can be a little more deserted, and I wanted to be safe and this fit the bill.

I headed out on the trail about 9:30 knowing I had hours before me. This is why I think I may not do a marathon. It isn't the event itself, but the training before hand. I could be out for 4 hours or more to complete a marathon training run! Back to my half marathon training. 11 miles means a little more then 2.5 hours. I started with a run/walk to get myself started. I wanted to warm up slowly and give myself some room to get going. Mentally this run started out hard, so I was trying to ease into it.

who can argue with this beauty?

I eventually got my rhythm and continued to work my way around the lake. I entertained myself with various thoughts, one being to smile at folks I pass. SBS from Another Mother Runner had talked about acknowledging others and smiling during runs. I did my best to greet walkers and runners alike. Some I got responses from, some not. On this trail you inevitably see folks more then once, so I found those that I greeted the first time were more likely to greet me the 2nd or 3rd time around. 

At the end of the first lap I came upon the cutest little girl being carried by her dad. She was looking back over her dad's shoulder, and as I approached I waved and was rewarded with the sweetest smile and wave. That carried me for quite awhile until I managed to trip over a root. My body surged forward almost into a lady walking.(she had no idea what almost hit her). I heard the audible gasp of another girl running in the opposite direction. I managed to pull myself back up with about 12 inches to go before the ground and I connected. After that I focused a little more on the ground then the smiling. 

I also spent quite a bit of time passing and being passed by a couple. They were doing a run walk and he was clearly the one in charge of the clock. At one point I passed and said "me again." she gave me a look of death or desperation, not sure which! I thought about what advice I would give her if I passed again. I think I would have told her to run her own run and not worry about his pace. It was clearly making her miserable and I have had more success slowing down and gaining stamina to run longer. Sometimes the run then slow to walk can be jolting, better to run through. 

Any rate, I finished in about 2:43 with a good attitude and hungry. I have continued to eat ever since. So much for the weight loss I saw over the weekend! Finally some progress! Hopefully I haven't strayed too far as I am typically hungry after my long runs and it does wear off by Tuesday. 

Later in the afternoon we went on a hike with the kids. It was so fun to explore a new area with them. We only went about a mile, but a steep elevation change the whole way. 

We were treated to some great views and even found a river of sorts. Rock skipping and talking to some floating kayakers was a nice break to the hike.

Adorable! 

 I wore my compression socks during the hike and it was a good idea I think. I could really feel my legs aching and I think it helped a little bit. I also foam rolled. I have had a few knee twinges, but so far have pretty much ignored them. A great patient, right?

We topped off the weekend with a good dinner and some frozen yogurt! Yea! 

One Foot In Front of the Other

I took Monday as a rest day, Tuesday was bootcamp and today I needed to run. Due to soccer and baseball starting we have moved gymnastics to Wednesday. My hubby likes to take my daughter, so I had plenty of time to run tonight. It is freezing out, so even though it is light later, I took to the treadmill.

the treadmill, without the tutu tonight

As I think I have mentioned I haven't laid out a training plan for this race, which is unusual for me. It has been more a factor of time then anything else. So I have been taking my cues from the training plan Nike is posting weekly for the Half. Tonight I was on for 5 miles. I had the time, got home and changed. I posted to facebook for some motivation and soon had commented from around the country (and my neighborhood) to get moving. It took me longer then in the past to get going. I started out with 5 minutes or so, then after the first mile and a half was able to lengthen my intervals to 10 minutes. It took me about 1.5 hours to run the 5 miles with a total run time of 1:06. So got my first April run in the bank.

How do you get moving after a long day at work or do you always workout in the morning?

Back in Action

So I may have mentioned that I haven't really laid out a training plan for the Nike Half Marathon. They have been posting a weekly training plan and I have a pretty good idea of what I need to get done. Last weekend was a done deal with the 17.75 race. Then I had that horrible run of 2.5 miles, which was cut into 2. Then on Wednesday I didn't run as planned, but took time to get the house cleaned up before my MIL arrived.

I wanted to run on Saturday since I wasn't sure what the Easter festivities would bring us. The day was warm and my son had a baseball practice. So I decided to leave the house an hour before practice started and ran to the field. Then there is a great trail from the field that I ran for about 4 miles and then back. The trail was full of bikers, runners and folks walking with strollers.

The start of my run was more difficult as there are quite a few steep hills. I walked uphill and ran downhill. I was feeling stiff, but my knee wasn't hurting, so I kept plugging along. I was thinking the family would pass me on the road, but I ended up getting to the field and on the trail before them. Yea! 5k done and at least 8 more miles to go. I headed off on the trail which is nice and flat and a combination of gravel and pavement. I ran and ran and ran. No walking!! I just kept plugging along at my slow but steady pace. I was getting a little faster in my splits and feeling good.

I stopped at mile 5 and tried some Honey Stinger chews. They tasted like fruit snacks and were yummy. At this point the trail was pretty empty and I just kept moving.

Empty except for these guys. 

 I changed from my iphone to my shuffle to get some different music and my kissmyblackass podcasts came on. She had a long run of a half hour going and I just kept running. At mile 7 I turned around and headed back to the field. I was faster then the strollers and slower then everyone else. :) At about mile 9 the week 2 of the coach to 5k came on. Run for 90 seconds, walk for 1:00. I did the 5 minute warm up walking and then got right back into it. I ran the first interval and then decided to run the walk section, and so on. I was feeling like I was just floating along.

I came back to the field for a short stretch and this happy face.

The best part was kicking this run - just shy of 10.5 wearing my Finishing = Winning shirt. Indeed!

What an awesome way to spend a (finally!) warm day!

Signs All Around

So I think I need to open my eyes more. I know I told you all how bummed out about my run yesterday. And to be fair, I haven't had a good run in 2 weeks. Remember, I consider a good run one where I can string 2 miles or so together adding in breaks for a 4-6 mile run. I want to feel strong and be able to keep my turtle speed steady. Remember how I raised the speed on that last good run? I was up to 4.9. Getting so close to 5. (I know this is where many people start - including on the Biggest Loser - but I mostly embrace how slow I am, most days anyways)

The world doesn't seem to be agreeing with my attitude. And it let me know in several ways.

Sign #1

So I turned to my friends. The funny/comforting thing was not one of them said I was being silly, of course I was a runner. They all granted that it was hard, but I needed to keep at it.

Sign #2

In a little less then 3 months I have hit 25% of my goal for the year. Sounds just about perfect doesn't it? *sigh* Not failing, but rather hitting my goals. Hrumph. How about that.

Sign #3

EXCITING!! I am published. Well not my, but my quotes. I had communicated with Dorothy Beal, who writes at www.mile-posts.com, a few months ago on Twitter to help her with this article and a tight deadline. She was writing an article about running with moms and dads. Well, my dad is a big runner and I was so excited to share.

The latest Run Washington magazine came out and there we were! I am so excited to send my dad a copy of the article. Check it out on page 68! I haven't told anyone, so you are the first to hear my big news!!

Guess I can't give up now. Plus I have a race to run in April, the Nike Women's Half Marathon. It is the first time it is being run in DC and I was able to get a spot in the lottery. More about this race soon, I promise.

Perhaps I Have Gone Too Far?

Friday afternoon/evening was spent at school. They had a great play presented by the aftercare class.

Then chess club. An hour of chaos. I was ready for wine and bad food by the time I got home. Ended up clean out the frig to feed everyone. I had pizza and wine. :)

Saturday was time to sleep in and I headed over to Pacers. My new Omnis were suffering from some bad stitching. They had others in my size, but they were RED. Oh no. My dream of having a perfect outfit - including the shoes - was flashing before my eyes. Before I could even think, I asked if I could get green. How silly! But it was fate, remember? Colleen was so patient and there were plenty in my size online. So they were ordered and should be here by next Friday. One week before the race, but I should be ok.

We had plans for a charity event on Saturday night. A chili cookoff and bingo night. We had a great time, and I had lots of chili, wine and dessert. Seeing an eating trend here?

Sunday was long run day. I had made plans earlier in the week to meet 2 mother runners at a local running trail to put in our mileage. I was scheduled for 11, but we weren't going to meet until 1 pm. It was hard to wait so long, and I wasn't sure what to eat. I ended up having cereal for breakfast and then a bagel with peanut butter for lunch.

I look like a total giant here! 

I met Elaine and Rebecca right on time. We headed out on the CCT ( a new part this week) and turned around at 5.5 miles. All of the sudden my knee had this sharp pain. This was not good - not good at all. I walked for a little and it slowly went away. I don't want to be injured this close to the Princess run! Well, ever, but let's be realistic. We went several miles past the point I have been on the trail, so it was neat to see the other areas. Lots of bikers out as well. The temp was perfect for a long sleeve shirt and jacket. I got this hot pink number at Costco. It has 3 zip pockets, which I was loving.
In the end, I was able to finish pretty strong and hit 100 miles for the year. Cool milestone. I currently have on my new Procompression socks. My leg are feeling much better then they were a few hours ago.

I ran in the shorts I bought to go under my tutu and it felt good. I also sewed my snaps onto my tutu coverup/skirt. I am done and ready for Disney.

I have seen some of the costumes others are making online and it is going to be so fun to see everyone's creativity. It took me 3 tries to get the snaps right, so hopefully all will be well on race day.

Have a great week everyone!

How Do You Roll?

So I have decided my life isn't very exciting. :)

I don't know how some of these bloggers do it. Well, a lot of them show off what they are eating, but that is even less exciting. Tonight we had tortellini with a creamy sauce made from milk and flour. See, what I mean? Exciting. I will say that we do a good job of cooking and eating at home. Especially considering how busy our kids are.

Anyways, I had 45 minutes tonight to get a run in. I was scheduled for 5 miles, but my legs were tired and my time was short. I will have more time tomorrow, so I am hoping I can work through those 5 miles then. Today I ran my No Snow 5k.

We were supposed to get some snow today, but it all stayed south. The storm reports only started yesterday, which is amazing considering usually folks are panicking in DC days in advance. Anyways, all for naught as we were crushed by the dry slot again.

I felt really tight during my run and ended up walking .25 of each mile. I haven't been stretching as much with my missing boot camp several days. So I pulled out the foam roller I got for Christmas.

It hurts so bad, but does really help. I am just learning about so many of these tricks/techniques that runners use. I feel like a rookie most days, but spending time on some fun facebook groups and reading blogs has helped me get some insight.  Hopefully I can share these tips with you too.

Let's Talk about Running shall we?

Wow, 2013 has certainly thrown me for a loop. The good news is that I am ready to talk running for a change - but first a short family update! I had a great weekend with the family, even with not feeling so great.

Saturday night the Packers played and we are nothing if not Packer fans in this house!

They are a little blurry, but I promise you the enthusiasm was there. The outcome was not what we wanted, but there is always next year! Sunday I slept late. Today's bribe for my daughter to sit still while I picked through her hair was a manicure. 

We even figured out an easy way to do polka dots. Fun. The picking, not so fun, but it goes by faster each day and she seems to understand why we need to keep after it. 

Back to running! I considered doing my long run today, but I decided against it. Time was running short and I wanted to take it nice an easy. I am not sure how, but I would love to get it in tomorrow. Even if it is a partial workout. Still undecided about bootcamp though. I like to know Sunday night what my plan for the week is, but sometimes you just have to listen to your body. In my case, I need to push it a little harder. :) 

Since I only had an hour I decided to work on my outfit for the Disney Princess Half. That's just as good as a workout right? 

Here is my inspiration. 

This is a headband I got a year or so ago when I went to New Orleans for a meeting. My daughter has taken it as her own of course, but I think I could borrow it for just 1 weekend, right? Actually today is when she put two and two together that not only was mom running a big race, but she wasn't doing it in town. Wait until she figures out I am going to Disney World! Oh my!

I really want to be Tiana. 

Anyways, I hit up Party City for a white petticoat and then Joann's for some green fabric. I had bought a tank top at Old Navy a few weeks ago. The colors aren't an exact match, so I think it will do. Although looking at the picture, I am a little more unsure. Thoughts??

I will show you what I come up with. Next weekend is a 3 day weekend, so I hope to make some progress (as well as fit in some good runs). 

Have a great week everyone!

Where is the Corner?

I so want to turn the corner, and was having a good day. Today was a telecommute day, I was getting some clean up done around the house and working on a presentation for Monday. Good meals for breakfast and lunch.

Fast forward, picked up my son and dropped him off at TKD. Then I decided to ignore my sore throat (which still sound horrible) and hit the treadmill. I figured if I wasn't feeling it, I could always stop. This is how I get many workouts done. I just tell myself to start and see how I feel. I ended up doing the 5 miles I was scheduled for! Yea. I felt pretty good. Walked a few minutes, but you can't dispute the victory!

Moved on to dinner etc and discovered that the school had sent home a note about lice. Ugh. Not a good sign. There was an outbreak my daughter was involved in before break. My first and only experience with lice as a mother or patient. Yuck, yuck, yuck. So what do I find but evidence. YUCK. The rest of my night so far has been spending too much time looking at my daughter's hair.

So maybe today was even? Partly good, and partly bad. Things need to turn around soon right?

On the plus side, the plumber found a playmobile in the tub pipe, so that would explain the slow draining. :)

A Bang Up Day

Exercise makes me feel good. I promise, but the beginning of 2013 has started out as just a big ball of stress. I can see the end (I think) so please bear with me.

Today started out like many others, the debate about boot camp. I had decided Monday evening that I would attend Mon, Tues, Fri. That allowed me to run my scheduled 2 miles on Tues without too much trouble and longer on Thursday without wiping out my energy. So off I went, frost on the car window, yuck. Lots fewer people there this morning then Monday, but we got right down to business.

I had an early meeting, so I was home right afterwards, tagged the husband on his way out the door and got the kids going. We were getting out the door in good time when DS says he doesn't know where his glasses are. Crap. I made him look in the most obvious places, but my suspicion was they were sitting on his desk at school. He really only wears them to see the board and rarely has them out at home. Just in case checked the lost and found on the way into school, nada. I tried to stay calm about it, so he wouldn't freak out and was fairly successful. I had plenty of time to get to the training I was helping to run and BAM.

I hit a parked car pulling out of school. Crap. (that might not have been the word that came out of my mouth)

So I stood like the idiot I am in the empty parking lot trying to figure out whose car it might be. Turns out is was the car of a mom of my daughter's friend. Fantastic. Of course, I didn't put that together during the whole exchange info part. She had been rear ended on Saturday, so to say she was having a bad week would be pretty accurate I think. I guess the good news is that she only has to get the car fixed once? Maybe?

The rest of the day isn't worth going through. I got several things off my desk and decided to turn my time for 2 miles into mental health gains. Essentially, my to do list is stressing me out. Sometimes I do it to myself, but this is all end of year reporting deadlines, so I just needed to get things done and be able to mentally clear the decks. I put that time to good use and got a large piece of work moved to the next step in the process. I am getting sick, so that may serve me well in many ways in the next few days. I will say typically when I am this stressed I tend to take it out on others by getting upset easily, most likely my kids and that hasn't happened. Perhaps exercise is helping me manage more then I realize!

Any rate, I might run tomorrow (with relief) or not, but I am ok with it. I have 44 days until the Princess Half and I can do it!

Hoping that light I see at the end of the tunnel is my good mood coming back and not something else!

Get out there!

Long Run Sunday

Today was my long run for the week. I needed to get 8 miles in, which takes me just under 2 hours. I had a very busy day ahead of me, so I knew I needed to get to it this morning. However, I had the worst night of sleep. I went to bed about midnight as usual, but then our daughter appeared in bed at some point, my husband was snoring up a storm and this morning my son came in to talk football. Ugh. Anyways, I just couldn't get going. I kept going over my schedule and what I needed to get done today, stressing myself out more and more as the minutes ticked by.

Finally I was able to get up and got on the treadmill after some toast with peanut butter. I had EIGHT miles to go. Why am I doing 8 miles on this January day? I am training for the Disney Princess half marathon in February. My long distance running trainer convinced me to sign up, before I knew it I had booked airline tickets and clicked submit. Laura's parent live close to me, so she pops into town and gives me that little push I need to go a little further, a little faster. She is working with a pacing group for Marathoners in Training in Columbus and I am slightly jealous of them. When she was here over Christmas we had an awesome Christmas eve run on a local trail and it was so fun to have someone chat my ear off as we clicked off the miles.

Any rate, I have my training plan all laid out and today said 8 miles. That is one thing I love about training plans, I just have to do what it says and the rest will come. I am a total list person, can you tell? (yes, I have even added something to a list so I could cross it off!)  I decided I wanted to run as much as I could, but still be smart about it. So I warmed up with a .5 mile walk, then ran 2 miles, repeated again. I fueled with some Skittles at mile 5. Then the last piece I alternated .25 walk with a 1 mile run. Mile 7 and 8 was spent negotiating the great balloon crisis of 2013, but I managed to get through it. 6 miles running, 2 miles walking. I listened to some Another Mother Runner podcasts that I wanted to catch up on.

The rest of the day I didn't feel very good and eating was not the most enjoyable. That hasn't happened in awhile, so I need to work on my sleep and food I think.

Had a little flashdance action going on today. Not sure what that was about.

After my meeting, I hustled over to the HS where my son was performing with the Pyramid Chorus. They were awesome!

Now time for the Biggest Loser. The first night is always so hard to watch. I can't imagine working out for 12 hours a day and then coming home and cooking!

Have an awesome day!