Speed Work Success!

I've mentioned that I've been following Hal Higdon's Intermediate Half Marathon program.  I have actually been doing really well following the plan.  The last couple of times I tried using this one, I reverted back to the Novice plan, because I really struggled with doing the speed work and the tempo runs.

I'm in week 7 and have done my 3rd speed workout (I missed week one).  The speed workout consists of running .25 miles so many times and walking/jogging comfortably for recovery between.  I always choose to walk, mostly because I'm lazy.  This week I had to sprint 8 times.  The workout says a 5k pace.  I really don't know how to determine that, so I use my goal pace which would be a 6.2.  It was hard, but I didn't feel like I was going to die like last time.  I can only conclude that I am getting faster!

It's blurry, because I was walking and trying to take a picture.

While writing down my workout, I noticed something else rather amazing. I am actually sticking to my workout plan that I laid out for myself at the beginning of the week.  There's a little spot to plan the workouts in my fitness journal and then you say whether or not you did it.  I have been able to say yes to all of it so far!

Now, hopefully I don't screw it up!

How is your week going?

New Plan, New Attitude

For the first time in a while I have had no running plan to follow.  The last half I had was in October, but after that I was running with Becky who is training for a marathon.  I stopped running with her a few weeks ago, and have been struggling to get out and run.

My next race isn't until March and is just a 5K.  It is actually my running anniversary of my very first race I ever did.  That's actually the only reason I run it!  I would love to get a little faster, so I checked out Higdon's 5K plans.  The intermediate plan fit in perfectly with the time frame.  It involves running 5 days a week, with one of those days being a speed workout every other week alternating with a tempo run.  Running 5 days a week my be a lot for me.  If I'm in too much pain I will just cross train that day.  Here's the plan:

I am in the first week and just have the 5 miler left.  

Yesterday I did the speed work out on a treadmill.  I ran at a 7.0 for the 400s.  The first time, I was worried I was going to fall off of the treadmill, but pushed myself.  It actually got easier as I did them and finished the last 400 at a 7.2.  

This morning I went to yoga.  I was feeling a bit sore yesterday and this morning.  It was the perfect yoga class; not a lot of warrior poses to hurt my quads and a lot of hip/abductor/back stretches.  After that, I ran on the treadmill for 3 long miles.  I forgot my headphones and there weren't any treadmills with T.V.'s (first world problems).  At least they blast music overhead and have some large T.V.'s on the wall to watch.  I occupied myself with people watching and turning my speed faster and slower.  

What's your favorite type of yoga?

Knitting Machine!

Today I decided to really buckle down with my eating.  Ever since I made my New Year goals I really haven't made any effort to make them happen...story of my life.

This morning I faced the dreaded scale.  It wasn't a big surprise that I had gained a couple of pounds.  It's a starting point, right?
I then recorded my measurements in this cool tracker that Becky got me at Barnes and Noble.

You record all of your body measurements and it even has some fitness tests.  You record how long it takes you to run a mile, how many push-ups, sit-ups, squats, balance that you can do at the start.  Then you record for the whole year and you see the results!  It also has a workout and food journal.  At the end of each month, there's a page where you summarize everything and see your progress.  I am pretty excited about it.  I really like these kinds of things.

I also needed to look for a running plan to follow.  Otherwise, I really don't have any motivation to hit the pavement.  I looked at my race schedule and my next race is in March, the Blarney 5K Run/Walk.  I printed out Hal's 5K Intermediate Plan.  It is exactly the number of days until the race and this way I can work on getting faster (in theory).

Yesterday, I started knitting a blanket.  I really don't knit and wanted to try and make something.  I decided to make squares using different stitches.  That way, I make a blanket and perfect different stitches.  I have a book with a bunch of knitting stitches in it.  I finished the Stockinette stitch square (top) and the Moss stitch square (bottom).

I'm going to make the blanket 3x4 squares.  I'm using wool and it is going to be a really warm blanket.

My cat was not a fan of me knitting, though.  Every time he would come lay on my lap he would get bopped with the knitting needle.  Then, he would get up and give me the stink eye.

What's your favorite hobby?