Easy Street

Last night I could barely keep my eyes open and ended up in bed by 9:10. I was probably asleep by 9:12.  I didn't wake up until my alarm went off at 5am.  I was going to go back to sleep for another half hour, but Kev was sleeping loudly, so I just got up to start getting ready for my run.

I made my coffee and breakfast, I watched Three's Company for a little bit, I read some blogs.  We weren't going running until 7, so I had quite a while to wake up slowly.  I wore my "No Such Thing As A Rain Day" shirt.  It makes me feel badass.

So Excited to go run!

The forecast for today was rain starting at 7:15 with wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour.  I also hadn't realized how dark it was that early.  I don't know the last time I went running that early in the morning.

I was standing under a street light, but you can see all the street lights were still on.

Becky and I walked for about five minutes.  As soon as we ran about a block it started sprinkling.  We weren't in any rush and did our long run plan of run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute.

The run was pretty uneventful.  It was "only" 10 miles.  The worst thing about it was the rain.  It got heavier towards the end.  The wind got pretty bad too once we got to the lake, which I expected.

It was funny to see our splits.  The first half are all around 12:30 and the second half we really speed up.  The last mile we ran the whole time and ended up with under an 11 minute mile.

As soon as I got in the house, I peeled my drenched clothes off and hopped in the shower.  I do not want to get sick.  This is the longest I've gone with out a cold or flu in a very long time and I don't want to push it!

My plan for the day was to start on my Christmas cookies and then Kev and I were going to go look at wedding rings.  After my shower, I was really tired.  I did make a list for ingredients I need for the cookies.  I asked Kev if he really wants to drive up to Milwaukee in the rain.  Thankfully, he said no.  We will go in a couple of weeks when I have off again.

I fell asleep watching the Gremlins.  I took about an hour nap.  Now I am going to watch my complete I Love Lucy series.  My day is JAM Packed!

What are your plans this weekend?

Running on Sunshine

I have been watching all kinds of good movies on AMC the past couple of days!  I don't know why they are playing so many great movies, but I am loving it.  Last night I saw Miracle.  It's about the USA Olympic Hockey team in the 1980 Olympics.  They also had on the original Miracle on 34th Street.  Today, when I crawled out of bed at 11, they had on Cool Runnings.  I love any movie with John Candy.  I miss that guy.

After that, I figured I better get started on my 7 mile run.  The temperature had gotten up to about 34 degrees and that was going to be the high.

I knew I would be cold so I wore some fleece lined running tights, running skirt, fleece lined turtle neck, and jacket.  I decided against carrying water, but brought a couple of shot blocks just in case.  I also brought some kleenex, but lost it somewhere before mile one. Grr.

Conversation with Kevin while I was getting ready:

Kevin: What are you doing?

Me: Going to go for a run.

Kevin: It's cold out.

Me: You know I'm a Winter Warrior.

Kevin: Yeah, I know.

I downloaded the app Runkeeper last night to try it out.  I had heard good things about it and wanted to see what I thought.  For some reason I am always looking for new apps and websites to track my runs on.  I'm weird that way.  

I didn't know this, but when I started it up, it announces every 5 minutes the distance and pace.  I'm sure this is something I can edit, but it was nice for the time being.  I also wore my Garmin so I could compare data.

  

I was going to lap my miles like I always do, but after I missed my first mile I decided to just skip it.  I really wanted to just run like I did on my 13 miler.  Despite the distance and cold, I really enjoyed that run.  So, I decided to just run out half way and then turn around and run back the same way.  Since the Runkeeper was calling out my miles, I wouldn't have to worry about paying attention to the Garmin

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I felt really good.  I did glance at my Garmin a few times to compare the miles and pace.  I actually kept making myself slow down a bit.  I had to keep telling myself it's 7 miles, not 3.  Just conserve your energy.  I don't really remember much about the run.  I think I was totally zoned out and just let my body do it's thing.  At 3.6 miles I took a minute to stretch and take a shot block and a picture of the gorgeous sky.

At the turn around I figured out my current pace and was at about an 11:18 minute mile.  I was pretty surprised, but knew I still had a ways to go and always seem to really slow down the last bit.  I told myself now just don't stop until you are almost back home.  And I didn't. 

I did have to stop for a couple of lights, but otherwise I just ran and ran.  I really pushed it the last half mile or so.  Overall it was a really good run.

I didn't even check out my pace or anything at the time.  I just went home, showered (my shirt and jacket were completely soaked with sweat) and stretched.  Once I uploaded my Garmin data, I almost passed out when I saw my average pace.  10:58?!?! What?? I could not believe it.  I have never done that for a long run like this.  Never.  Ever.  I know it's just an 11 mile pace, but to have a 10 in front like that is so cool to me!  It just shows that I am actually getting faster.  

Now I am watching Jumanji.  I have never seen it.  It's pretty good, and Robin Williams is another actor I really like.

Do you run inside or outside in the cold?

Did Wonder Woman Just Run By?

Wonder Woman

The recipe to a successful long run:
Working a LOT, little sleep, and tired legs.

I did my long run yesterday evening after work.  I work all weekend and didn't really want to run 13 miles before that.

I am definitely a person that enjoys running later in the day, but I was a little worried about going so far after a busy few days at work with little sleep.

My plan for the day was to eat well and drink copious amounts of caffeine.  For breakfast I had coffee and two toaster waffles with syrup (not the definition of healthy, but it was fast).  On my break at work I had cake and a clementine.  They get a cake the first Friday of the month to celebrate the months anniversaries and birthdays.  Can't go wrong with sugar, right?  For lunch I brought rice that I cooked in veggie broth and broccoli.  Work also got pizza from Toppers.  I had two pieces.  A cheese and one macaroni and cheese.  It was more delicious then I though possible.

After work, I had to quick buy some Clif shot blocks: strawberry and black cherry.  I got home, changed, ate a banana and drank some water and headed out.

I wasn't sure how to dress.  It was about 50 out, but the temps would only go down as it got later.  I decided on running tights, a running skirt, fleece lined long sleeved shirt, a bright yellow shirt, and a fleece zip vest because of the pockets.

Kevin was sleeping so I had to take a picture of myself.

I keep forgetting that I need to buy new rubberbands.  The ones I have I love, but they are old and stretched out.  My hair refuses to stay up in them.  So, after about 1 or 2 miles I took my hair down.  That's right, I ran with my hair flowing free in the wind.  I had a head band on to keep it out of my eyes.  At first, it felt weird, but I really liked it.  I felt like a superstar and Becky said she thinks it made me speedy.

I blame the speedy part on not looking at my watch.  I asked Becky to be in charge of walk breaks.  Otherwise, I become obsessed with time and pace.  It was fun to just run and run.

The first half really flew by.  At the turnaround, we went through this little subdivision that was all decorated in Christmas lights.  I tried to take a picture, but it didn't turn out so good since I was running.

At about mile 9 or 10 we stopped at a gas station so Becky could go to the bathroom and we got some Gatorades.  And I blame holding the Gatorade for the few miles I carried it for the pain in my fore arm today.  How pathetic is that?  I guess I really need to start doing arm exercises.

The last mile was through down town.  All the smells of food made me hungry and there were horse drawn carriage rides and Christmas carolers.    It was a nice distraction from the pain I was starting to feel.

Somehow my fastest half ever.

We walked about half a mile home for a cool down.  As soon as I got home, I stripped and hopped in the shower.  I was drenched in sweat and knew I was going to start freezing any minute.  I stretched after that and logged my miles while sitting on the floor stretching.

Getting up was the hard part.  I knew that I should eat something.  I had a cheese sandwich, a salad with italian dressing, and a shit load of fritos.  I was craving salt like no body's business.

Too lazy to take a picture of anything else I ate.

I started to crash quickly and could barely keep my eyes open by about nine.  I finally dragged myself to bed at around ten and slept solid until nine the next morning.

My legs are a little sore today and my lower back is a little achy, but otherwise I'm feeling ok.  I'm glad we didn't wait until today to go.  It's been raining all morning and I can't imagine how much a half marathon in the cold and rain would suck.

What are your plans for the weekend?

December Goals

Yes, I do know that we are already three days into December.  What can I say?  I'm a procrastinator.  So:

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1. Stop procrastinating.  I love putting off today what I could do tomorrow and I love the fact that tomorrow never comes!  I need to buckle down and follow through on everything from doing laundry to eating healthy to completing my running miles.  I need to do it now, not later!

2. Lose at least five pounds by December 31.  I have been hovering at the same weight for a long time.  While I have been at least creeping downwards, I would like to creep a little faster.

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3. Eat healthy-ish-er.  I rarely eat out, but I have a sweet tooth and love salty foods and will just make them if I have a craving.  I once licked all of the salt off of a bag of tortilla chips and threw away the chips (Hey, I'm not proud of it).  I really need to remember to add veggies and fruit to my daily eating.

4.  Run at least 100 miles this month.  Ohhh, yeahhhh.  I am putting on my crazy running shoes and setting a crazy goal.  Not really, since I counted the miles I will already run this month from the training plan I'm following. It will definitely be the most I've done so far.  My highest mileage ever was about 78 miles, so I am going to be sore, tired and whiney.

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5. Try at least one new recipe a week.  Hey, I'm being realistic.  I am the most boring eater I know.  I will eat the same thing every day until it's gone.  For example, I made sauer kraut last week and I ate it for three days in a row.  Same thing when I made chili, except I froze some of it.  So, this will help me incorporate some variety and get me excited to cook things again.

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What are your December goals?

To Twelve and Back

Holy twelve miles.  It was a tough run.  I've ran further with fewer problems.  The weather was pretty warm, considering it's December 2.  It was about 55 when I left at 9:30 this morning.  I wore a short sleeve shirt and some capris.  I had my water bottle, two gels, and two mini Luna bars.  I thought I would try the Luna bars for something different, but brought the gels just in case, since I am use to taking them.

The Lighthouse we ran by.

 We started out east toward the lake.  There was a nice breeze going, so it was pretty comfortable.  Even when we turned north onto Main St.  we still had a breeze.  The first 4 miles went pretty quick.  We were running 9 minutes and walking 1 minute.  I had a little bit of tummy issues, but they seemed to go away pretty quick.  It was pretty cool that Becky planned the route to run out and past the lighthouse.  I had only biked out that far before.  There were also tons of people out running, walking, biking.  I always find that seeing others out helps my motivation.

It was really pretty out. Too bad my camera phone sucks.

I was starting to feel tired around the hour mark, but hoped the gel I took would help.  I was also starting to get really thirsty.  Around mile 9 or 10 I took another gel.  Just a couple of minutes later, I started to feel really nauseous.  I had to ask Becky to walk a minute.  I felt better after about 30 seconds and we started running again.

We stopped at the upcoming street light to stretch and give me a minute to recover.  I was so hot and by that point we had the wind at out backs.  Just standing there, leaning on the cold street light really made me feel better.  We were almost to a gas station that we had planned to stop at to get a beverage.  Becky had the foresight to bring cash.  It had crossed my mind, but I thought I would be fine.

We made it to the gas station and I chugged down some Powerade.  It was pretty much the best thing I could imagine tasting at that point.  We only had 1.4 miles left.  I could do this.

We walked a few minutes and agreed to just take it a bit slower and run the last mile to get it done.  It was pretty much all downhill anyway.
I almost wanted to walk about a gazillion times, but I kept going.  I was a few steps behind Becky, so I just focused on the ground and keeping pace with her.

Walking after that was hard.  We were both pretty sore, and I even offered to drive Becky home since we walked past my house and she would still have a ginormous hill to walk up plus stairs.  She said no though.  She's a tough chick!

I got in the house and stretched my legs out for a few minutes.  I couldn't stand my griminess though.  I decided to just hop into the shower and finish stretching afterwards.

My delicious Powerade that saved me the last few miles.

I was trying to think of why I was having so many stomach issues today when I remembered what I made for supper last night.

I ate a delicious supper of sauer kraut and mashed potatoes with some of my fake hot dogs thrown in.  I have been craving mashed potatoes since I had some on Thanksgiving.  Sauer kraut and mashed potatoes have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.  

Yes, those are pickles on my salad.

My mom made it with one peeled onion with about 5-6 whole cloves pushed in it.  She would just put the onion in a large pot, empty a can of sauer kraut and a can of water, bring to a boil, and reduce and cover to cook for about half an hour.

I made some home made mashed potatoes too.  I love mashed potatoes!  Yum, yum, yum.

Free For All Friday

Happy Friday!  I thought this day would never end! I wrapped up another 9 day work week and it couldn't have come soon enough!
I have actually stuck to my running plan this week! Shocking, right? I heard you gasp all the way from here.

Walked 3 Miles on Tuesday

6 miles on Wednesday

Thursday 3 miles

I am so physically exhausted.  Running those miles and working about ten hours every day really takes it's toll, especially when I am literally running around the whole time I am there.  I get home and just collapse into bed.

Today, after work Kevin and I got a Papa Murphy's pizza.  We had a coupon for an $8 large pizza.  I really liked it.  They must use fresh oregano or something, because it has a really great taste.  And I really like their crust. Yum!

After supper, we put up the Christmas tree.  This is going to be my only free day until Christmas, so I figured I better get it up.  Last year the tree didn't get up until about a week before, because I was so busy with work and school.  So, this year I get to enjoy the tree for almost a whole month!

Kevin and I watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while putting the tree up.  It's both of our favorite movie.  I put in White Christmas after that and Kevin disappeared.  It's not really his cup of tea.

Here's the tree all set up.  Eggy loves having it up.  He hides under it and shoots out when I walk by.  And there's ornaments he likes to hit off that we keep on the bottom for him to play with.  

Eggy is waiting for Santa

I'm surprised he let me put this garland around him.  He usually freaks out if I try to do that.  He was pretty exhausted though after playing for about two hours straight.  He is already in bed sleeping on his electric blanket.

Did you put up your tree already?

Have a great weekend!

Who Doesn't Love a Before and After?

Well, almost after.  I still have a bit to go...like 40 more pounds, but it's fun to see the progress that I've made.  Sometimes I get caught up in the here and now that I forget that this weight loss and healthy life style has been a slow and gradual process that I will continue to do forever, not just until I reach my goal weight.

I have been maintaining for the past year and really want to jump start my weight loss again.  I made a pretty aggressive weight loss goal of ten pounds by December 31.  Not to be a negative Nelly, but I probably won't make it.  I will however, have made progress.  And that is better then nothing.

The really cool thing is all of the muscles I've developed.  I have crazy muscular legs, especially my quads, calves, and butt (true story).  Even my upper body is getting stronger from holding myself up all of the time durning my long runs!  (I am adding weight lifting to my New Year's Resolution so I can be ripped!)

Left is from 2009. Right is from a few weeks ago.

It is so easy to get frustrated with lack of progress, but always remember where you started, where you are now, and where you are going. When in doubt, run it out!

Love this quote.

This is one of my favorite running quotes.  It really sums up everything.  Running is about the battle with yourself, your journey, your demons.  You are your own worst enemy.  No one will judge you or make fun of you for trying.  The important thing is to try!

Happy Running!