Distance: 3.5 miles
Duration: 33:50
Avg Pace: 9:40 min/mile!!!!!
Route: MapMyRun
Usually when I run, I aim to do a little better than the last run. Defining "a little better" then depends on what my next race is. In the past few months, I've been training to run a 12K (Bay2Breakers), so each run has been about an 11 minute/mile pace but I tried increasing the distances a little more and a little more.
Since B2B has gone and passed, I didn't have much of an aim or goal -- my next race was the next weekend and was the Warrior Dash, which was an obstacle course more than a run... and the next race after that was the 5K in October for the AIDS Walk (have you donated yet? seriously? Send $5 to my page and feel $100 better about yourself! Click here!)
So the past two runs, I decided to push myself a little. I had been running for a while now, content at my heart rate and pace. When I decided to push myself a little, I found a huge improvement. I've always said that one of my goals is to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. I'm pretty sure I can do that now.
And so that I won't get "bored" or just be content with my current norm of running about 3.5 miles, I signed up for an 8K on July 2. (For those that are K-challenged, that's 4.9 miles. Essentially, it's a 5 mile race). So I'll be going back to building up some more miles in the next few weeks.
For now, I'm declaring myself a Ten-Minute-Mile-Runner (no longer an Eleven-Minute-Mile-Runner)!
Monday, June 6, 2011
So behind in updates!
I am so behind in updating! I'll update my log of runs first, then I'll go back later and talk about each run (that I feel like talking about!) -- some I have pictures from!
May 13, 2011
about 3.6 miles
No idea how long it took us, nor what our pace was!!
Map
Beautiful run at "Land's End" in San Francisco with my pal, Joey. MORE to come about this run! I have pictures! I will update a new post about this run, along with the pictures!
May 15, 2011
BAY TO BREAKERS!!!!!
7.43 Miles
1:26:43
11:38 min/mile pace
Map on MapMyRun
Official Map
I will definitely be writing more about this one, too. An amazing race filled with flying tortillas, NAKED PEOPLE, salmon swimming upstream and all sorts of chaos and insanity.
May 19, 2011
2.63 miles
26:41
10:09 min/mile pace
Map
Meh, it was a run. Obviously wasn't that into it... only could go a few miles...
May 28, 2011
3.0 miles
32:38
10:51 min/mile
Map
Not bad - pace was improving, but if I'm going to hit a goal of a 5K in under 30 minutes, I need to step it up a little.
June 2, 2011
3.5 miles
34:09
9.46 minute per mile!!!
Map
Amazing what happens when you push yourself just a little. My heart rate was a little out of control on this run, but I was super happy with the pace. I had told myself that I was going to have to start pushing myself a little
May 13, 2011
about 3.6 miles
No idea how long it took us, nor what our pace was!!
Map
Beautiful run at "Land's End" in San Francisco with my pal, Joey. MORE to come about this run! I have pictures! I will update a new post about this run, along with the pictures!
May 15, 2011
BAY TO BREAKERS!!!!!
7.43 Miles
1:26:43
11:38 min/mile pace
Map on MapMyRun
Official Map
I will definitely be writing more about this one, too. An amazing race filled with flying tortillas, NAKED PEOPLE, salmon swimming upstream and all sorts of chaos and insanity.
May 19, 2011
2.63 miles
26:41
10:09 min/mile pace
Map
Meh, it was a run. Obviously wasn't that into it... only could go a few miles...
May 28, 2011
3.0 miles
32:38
10:51 min/mile
Map
Not bad - pace was improving, but if I'm going to hit a goal of a 5K in under 30 minutes, I need to step it up a little.
June 2, 2011
3.5 miles
34:09
9.46 minute per mile!!!
Map
Amazing what happens when you push yourself just a little. My heart rate was a little out of control on this run, but I was super happy with the pace. I had told myself that I was going to have to start pushing myself a little
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Nice to get back into the swing of things...
Distance: 4.67 miles
Duration: 52:17
Avg Pace: 11:10 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Well, for not having run for almost a week, I'd say that's pretty good. It felt good running today - I just don't know how I'm going to make it to a full 7.49 miles on Sunday in San Francisco (for Bay to Breakers). I am hoping adrenaline and Neil/Joey will carry me!!
Today's weather was perfect, too. Not too hot, not too cold, not too muggy, just enough sun. Midway through my run, I was certain I was going SO SLOW. Turns out, I wasn't going that slow! There are a couple of tough little hills and I struggled up them, but tried my best to keep up a pace.
During my run, I thought about how I'd love to hear about everyone else's favorite places to run - races to run - friends to run with. I'd like to have some guest bloggers! Tell me your story! Email me: erraticdawn (at) gmail (dot) com.
Duration: 52:17
Avg Pace: 11:10 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Well, for not having run for almost a week, I'd say that's pretty good. It felt good running today - I just don't know how I'm going to make it to a full 7.49 miles on Sunday in San Francisco (for Bay to Breakers). I am hoping adrenaline and Neil/Joey will carry me!!
Today's weather was perfect, too. Not too hot, not too cold, not too muggy, just enough sun. Midway through my run, I was certain I was going SO SLOW. Turns out, I wasn't going that slow! There are a couple of tough little hills and I struggled up them, but tried my best to keep up a pace.
During my run, I thought about how I'd love to hear about everyone else's favorite places to run - races to run - friends to run with. I'd like to have some guest bloggers! Tell me your story! Email me: erraticdawn (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Back log of a couple of runs...
New Orleans Run:
April 29, 2011 - 11:00 am local time
Distance: approx. 5 or 6 miles
Duration: a little over an hour
Avg Pace: who knows
Route: an approximation MapMyRun
That was fun. I got to run with Joey - and we really could have just kept running and running except that I had a pedicure appointment so I needed to get back.
After New Orleans Trip Run:
May 4, 2011 - 1:00 pm
Distance: 1.03 miles
Duration: 9:45
Avg Pace: 9:28 min/mile
Here's when I wasn't quite recovered from our vacation. I couldn't go very far, but I did speed up quite a bit. Nice to know that at a mile, I can go much faster. Some day, I'd like to run a 5K in under 30 minutes.
April 29, 2011 - 11:00 am local time
Distance: approx. 5 or 6 miles
Duration: a little over an hour
Avg Pace: who knows
Route: an approximation MapMyRun
That was fun. I got to run with Joey - and we really could have just kept running and running except that I had a pedicure appointment so I needed to get back.
After New Orleans Trip Run:
May 4, 2011 - 1:00 pm
Distance: 1.03 miles
Duration: 9:45
Avg Pace: 9:28 min/mile
Here's when I wasn't quite recovered from our vacation. I couldn't go very far, but I did speed up quite a bit. Nice to know that at a mile, I can go much faster. Some day, I'd like to run a 5K in under 30 minutes.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday's Easy Run...
Distance: 3.88 miles
Duration: 43:03
Avg Pace: 11:06 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
The plan is to run while on vacation with some friends. So today's run had to be short. I said to myself "at least 30 minutes." Then, of course, I ran really far away and had to run home.
It was an alright run. Again, very muggy. Good thing, though, because where I'm going on vacation is going to be muggy. Very muggy.
Not much to say about the run - a decent pace, but I have to start pushing myself a little more. I thought a lot about the friends I'm going to be seeing during my vacation and that made me smile a lot. It's going to be a really great weekend.
Duration: 43:03
Avg Pace: 11:06 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
The plan is to run while on vacation with some friends. So today's run had to be short. I said to myself "at least 30 minutes." Then, of course, I ran really far away and had to run home.
It was an alright run. Again, very muggy. Good thing, though, because where I'm going on vacation is going to be muggy. Very muggy.
Not much to say about the run - a decent pace, but I have to start pushing myself a little more. I thought a lot about the friends I'm going to be seeing during my vacation and that made me smile a lot. It's going to be a really great weekend.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Super Muggy Sweaty Run...
Distance: 4.25 miles
Duration: 48:06
Avg Pace: 11:19 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Well, I was aiming for 5 miles, but the humidity got the best of me. I couldn't keep my heart rate down at the end there, so I thought going the last 3/4 mile was going to be a bad idea. See, I'm going on a vacation at the end of this week and I do not want to kill myself before travelling! So I basically threw in the towel at 4.25 miles and walked a cool down home
But hey, that pace is pretty decent for a 4 mile run!
I feel pretty good now -- but dang, at the end there, I felt pretty awful.
I might not get to run again this week until I'm on vacation. But hey, Joey will be there, as will my pals, Neil and Rob. All of us are running Bay to Breakers, so maybe I can convince them to do a nice 5 or 6 miler in the heat and humidity that we're travelling to...
One of these days I've got to take my camera out and just go take pictures of the pretty part of my run. One of these days...
Duration: 48:06
Avg Pace: 11:19 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Well, I was aiming for 5 miles, but the humidity got the best of me. I couldn't keep my heart rate down at the end there, so I thought going the last 3/4 mile was going to be a bad idea. See, I'm going on a vacation at the end of this week and I do not want to kill myself before travelling! So I basically threw in the towel at 4.25 miles and walked a cool down home
But hey, that pace is pretty decent for a 4 mile run!
I feel pretty good now -- but dang, at the end there, I felt pretty awful.
I might not get to run again this week until I'm on vacation. But hey, Joey will be there, as will my pals, Neil and Rob. All of us are running Bay to Breakers, so maybe I can convince them to do a nice 5 or 6 miler in the heat and humidity that we're travelling to...
One of these days I've got to take my camera out and just go take pictures of the pretty part of my run. One of these days...
A Muggy Day...
Date of run: 04.23.2011
Distance: 5.83 miles
Duration: 01:08:56
Avg Pace: 11:49 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Saturday's run was hot and sticky. It was definitely muggy out and I wish I had hydrated better before my run, but I took the time when I could. I was aiming to complete 6 miles, but I guess I didn't run quite far enough away from home.
Instead of running the pretty parts in the beginning, I ran the boring parts. It made the final few miles a lot more interesting.
I hope that running 5.83 miles will make 5 miles now my easy run -- and that 6 miles is attainable some time this week. The hard part is that I'm going to be travelling, so fitting in runs may be difficult.
Distance: 5.83 miles
Duration: 01:08:56
Avg Pace: 11:49 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
Saturday's run was hot and sticky. It was definitely muggy out and I wish I had hydrated better before my run, but I took the time when I could. I was aiming to complete 6 miles, but I guess I didn't run quite far enough away from home.
Instead of running the pretty parts in the beginning, I ran the boring parts. It made the final few miles a lot more interesting.
I hope that running 5.83 miles will make 5 miles now my easy run -- and that 6 miles is attainable some time this week. The hard part is that I'm going to be travelling, so fitting in runs may be difficult.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Foul mood is foul today.
Distance: 3.23 miles
Duration: 35:07
Avg Pace: 10:57 min/mile (wow, under 11 min/mile!)
Route: MapMyRun
A short run. I really struggled with this one. I didn't feel great when I woke up this morning. I still don't feel great.
Have I mentioned before that I have a 10 month old baby? She sleeps great most of the time, but the past couple of nights, she's woken up 3:30, 4, 4:30 am and been just ready to play. I am a pretty evil subhuman version of myself at those hours. I'm fortunate enough that my husband is around to help out and go sit with her some of the bad mornings, but I still wake up when she cries. I don't function well with super broken up sleep. Momma needs her beauty sleep!
So I didn't get great sleep last night. I woke up in a foul mood. There's a lot of other personal stuff going on with my siblings, which I won't get into, but needless to say, there's a LOT on my mind.
So usually I run to clear my mind. To de-stress. To calm my nerves and relax.
All I could think about during today's run was how quickly I could get home. And how my pants fit funny and my belly was squishy. and how much stuff I need to do before I go on vacation. And all the sibling stuff. and and and...
There's so much going on -- even a run in gorgeous sunny weather couldn't clear my head today.
Duration: 35:07
Avg Pace: 10:57 min/mile (wow, under 11 min/mile!)
Route: MapMyRun
A short run. I really struggled with this one. I didn't feel great when I woke up this morning. I still don't feel great.
Have I mentioned before that I have a 10 month old baby? She sleeps great most of the time, but the past couple of nights, she's woken up 3:30, 4, 4:30 am and been just ready to play. I am a pretty evil subhuman version of myself at those hours. I'm fortunate enough that my husband is around to help out and go sit with her some of the bad mornings, but I still wake up when she cries. I don't function well with super broken up sleep. Momma needs her beauty sleep!
So I didn't get great sleep last night. I woke up in a foul mood. There's a lot of other personal stuff going on with my siblings, which I won't get into, but needless to say, there's a LOT on my mind.
So usually I run to clear my mind. To de-stress. To calm my nerves and relax.
All I could think about during today's run was how quickly I could get home. And how my pants fit funny and my belly was squishy. and how much stuff I need to do before I go on vacation. And all the sibling stuff. and and and...
There's so much going on -- even a run in gorgeous sunny weather couldn't clear my head today.
Monday, April 18, 2011
But I don't wannnnnnnnnaaaaa....
Distance: 5.04 miles
Duration: 56:24 (just under an hour!)
Avg Pace: 11:11 min/mile (that's pretty darn good for an easy run!)
Route: MapMyRun
I'm actually shocked that I ran 5 miles on my lunch break today. I really really didn't feel up to it when I got my shoes on. I didn't feel like running for an hour -- told that to a friend on IM, even. But once I got started, just after the 2 mile mark, and after all the pretty parts of my usual route, I turned left instead of right and made the commitment to running at least 4 miles.
Then, just before the 3.5 mile mark I decided to go for it and ran across at the light. This meant I was committing to at least 4 miles, maybe more.
The last 3/4 mile was rough and real hard to keep up. I got a horrible side stitch and almost stopped running altogether.
But then I rounded the corner and made it home.
I'm very proud of my "easy run." I'm very happy how mellowed out I feel after it. There was definitely a point when my mind was at a complete blank and there was a time when I was just lost in my thoughts. Not too bad for a lunch break run.
Duration: 56:24 (just under an hour!)
Avg Pace: 11:11 min/mile (that's pretty darn good for an easy run!)
Route: MapMyRun
I'm actually shocked that I ran 5 miles on my lunch break today. I really really didn't feel up to it when I got my shoes on. I didn't feel like running for an hour -- told that to a friend on IM, even. But once I got started, just after the 2 mile mark, and after all the pretty parts of my usual route, I turned left instead of right and made the commitment to running at least 4 miles.
Then, just before the 3.5 mile mark I decided to go for it and ran across at the light. This meant I was committing to at least 4 miles, maybe more.
The last 3/4 mile was rough and real hard to keep up. I got a horrible side stitch and almost stopped running altogether.
But then I rounded the corner and made it home.
I'm very proud of my "easy run." I'm very happy how mellowed out I feel after it. There was definitely a point when my mind was at a complete blank and there was a time when I was just lost in my thoughts. Not too bad for a lunch break run.
Thursday's Run - Brought to you by beauty.
Distance: 5.26 miles!
Duration: 01:01:09 (yup, just over an hour!)
Avg Pace: 11:37 min/mile (slower than my easy run, but still acceptable by all means!)
Route: MapMyRun
I didn't get a chance to update on Thursday but I'm so proud of this run! Over 5 miles is a HUGE deal. HUGE!
It was a really pretty run, too. I saw DUCKS. actual DUCKS. and a bright green fly that followed me for a mile. Some squirrels. A dead deer (ew!). And the most beautiful flowers throughout the trees. It was sunny. The weather was great.
I ran farther than I've run in a very long time. I'm very very proud of myself.
Duration: 01:01:09 (yup, just over an hour!)
Avg Pace: 11:37 min/mile (slower than my easy run, but still acceptable by all means!)
Route: MapMyRun
I didn't get a chance to update on Thursday but I'm so proud of this run! Over 5 miles is a HUGE deal. HUGE!
It was a really pretty run, too. I saw DUCKS. actual DUCKS. and a bright green fly that followed me for a mile. Some squirrels. A dead deer (ew!). And the most beautiful flowers throughout the trees. It was sunny. The weather was great.
I ran farther than I've run in a very long time. I'm very very proud of myself.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy.
Distance: 4.12miles! (this is my new "easy run"!)
Duration: 46:38
Avg Pace: 11:19 min/mile (faster than last week's long run!)
Route: MapMyRun
Today's run was out in the beautiful weather. It was sunny and warm. I may have been overdressed (a tank top would have been more than enough!) but I still loved it. I really like my new route. I'm sure I'll be bored of it by next week...
I think what I'm most excited about today is that today is supposed to be an easy run. and I did 4 miles, easy. In February 2.5 miles was an easy run (but was still hard). That was only 2 months ago. I think it's really cool that I have increased my mileage, but I'm worried about Bay to Breakers. It's only 35 days away. That's 4 weeks! I can't take another 2 months to get up to a 12K. I only have 1 month to increase to 7.5 miles!
But if I keep increasing mileage - and try for another mile on my long runs each week, I'll be fine. Even if I can "only" run 6 miles - adrenaline and my friends will carry me over the last mile and half, right?
Duration: 46:38
Avg Pace: 11:19 min/mile (faster than last week's long run!)
Route: MapMyRun
Today's run was out in the beautiful weather. It was sunny and warm. I may have been overdressed (a tank top would have been more than enough!) but I still loved it. I really like my new route. I'm sure I'll be bored of it by next week...
I think what I'm most excited about today is that today is supposed to be an easy run. and I did 4 miles, easy. In February 2.5 miles was an easy run (but was still hard). That was only 2 months ago. I think it's really cool that I have increased my mileage, but I'm worried about Bay to Breakers. It's only 35 days away. That's 4 weeks! I can't take another 2 months to get up to a 12K. I only have 1 month to increase to 7.5 miles!
But if I keep increasing mileage - and try for another mile on my long runs each week, I'll be fine. Even if I can "only" run 6 miles - adrenaline and my friends will carry me over the last mile and half, right?
Friday, April 8, 2011
It's time to put your foot down in the fight against HIV/AIDS!
I signed up for the 25th annual AIDS Walk Washington today, as a runner in the timed 5K event! I am crazy and set a personal fund raising goal of $1000. I think I can raise that before Saturday, October 29th, 2011.
You can help and should! Check out the link to my personal fund raising page. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
The 25th annual AIDS Walk Washington is a 5K fundraising walk and timed run, benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker.
This is a cause that is important to me, so I am doing what I can to raise money. I'll be leaving my donation progress chart up until the event happens, in case you decide you want to donate later. Or you want to donate again.
Thank you in advance.
More info -- not my wording:
--------
Whitman-Walker Clinic is a nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 1973 that provides affordable, accessible and high-quality health services to the Washington metropolitan area. With the advent of the AIDS epidemic, the Clinic became a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition to medical care, the Clinic’s services include HIV testing and counseling, addiction services, a day treatment center, mental health programs, legal services and an at-cost pharmacy providing HIV medication. You can find out more about the Clinic at www.wwc.org.
Your contribution will help Whitman-Walker Clinic provide critical services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Every dollar brings hope and provides needed care. Please visit my personal fundraising website to make a secure online donation. You can also print a donation form at my website if you prefer to mail your donation. Checks should be made payable to AIDS Walk Washington and mailed to PO Box 73768, Washington DC 20056-3768. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
If you have any questions about AIDS Walk Washington or Whitman-Walker Clinic, please don’t hesitate to contact me or visit www.aidswalkwashington.org for more information.
---------
Donate NOW by clicking here!
You can help and should! Check out the link to my personal fund raising page. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
The 25th annual AIDS Walk Washington is a 5K fundraising walk and timed run, benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker.
This is a cause that is important to me, so I am doing what I can to raise money. I'll be leaving my donation progress chart up until the event happens, in case you decide you want to donate later. Or you want to donate again.
Thank you in advance.
More info -- not my wording:
--------
Whitman-Walker Clinic is a nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 1973 that provides affordable, accessible and high-quality health services to the Washington metropolitan area. With the advent of the AIDS epidemic, the Clinic became a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition to medical care, the Clinic’s services include HIV testing and counseling, addiction services, a day treatment center, mental health programs, legal services and an at-cost pharmacy providing HIV medication. You can find out more about the Clinic at www.wwc.org.
Your contribution will help Whitman-Walker Clinic provide critical services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Every dollar brings hope and provides needed care. Please visit my personal fundraising website to make a secure online donation. You can also print a donation form at my website if you prefer to mail your donation. Checks should be made payable to AIDS Walk Washington and mailed to PO Box 73768, Washington DC 20056-3768. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
If you have any questions about AIDS Walk Washington or Whitman-Walker Clinic, please don’t hesitate to contact me or visit www.aidswalkwashington.org for more information.
---------
Donate NOW by clicking here!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Up Your Miles!
Distance: 4.08 miles! (that's almost a mile increase from Monday!)
Duration: 48:08
Avg Pace: 11:48 min/mile (slower pace than Monday, but to be expected)
Route: MapMyRun
The other day, my pal Joey IM'ed me with "Up your miles!" At the moment I read that, I had no idea what he was talking about, so I replied "Up yours!" Then laughed to myself.
Took me a few minutes to realize he meant for running.
Joey is the only close friend I have (that I know about) who has run a marathon. And not just one marathon, he's done several. Until I started running (November 2008), I had no idea how much of an accomplishment that it was. It never occurred to me that Joey was running 26.2 miles -- which meant running for more than 4 hours (for me, it'd be like 6+ hours). I am completely impressed that he has done this several times. And while I have absolutely no desire to ever run that far or that long, I still consider Joey one of my inspirations to keep running.
Part of the reason I've been so hard pressed to run (besides the stress relieving aspect), is because in May, I'm flying out to San Francisco to run Bay to Breakers with some friends: Joey, Rob, and Neil. It's a 12K. It will be the farthest I've run a race before. And I'm running with all guys who find my current 11-12 min/mil pace pretty pathetic. I am hoping to get them all drunk and outrun them as they stumble all over each other.
I'm actually just trying to get myself up to be able to run all 7.42 without stopping...
Today's run? Excellent. I had planned out a 4.5 mile route, but was thwarted by construction and some odd urge to run across a major road rather than go the more interesting and slightly longer route. The last mile was less difficult than I thought it was going to be. The weather was perfect - sunny, cool, but not cold. I'm pleased. It's the farthest I've run since I started up again and it wasn't too hard!
Tomorrow, if I get a chance, I'll have to talk about my favorite run ever. Incidentally, it was in San Francisco. With Joey.
Duration: 48:08
Avg Pace: 11:48 min/mile (slower pace than Monday, but to be expected)
Route: MapMyRun
The other day, my pal Joey IM'ed me with "Up your miles!" At the moment I read that, I had no idea what he was talking about, so I replied "Up yours!" Then laughed to myself.
Took me a few minutes to realize he meant for running.
Joey is the only close friend I have (that I know about) who has run a marathon. And not just one marathon, he's done several. Until I started running (November 2008), I had no idea how much of an accomplishment that it was. It never occurred to me that Joey was running 26.2 miles -- which meant running for more than 4 hours (for me, it'd be like 6+ hours). I am completely impressed that he has done this several times. And while I have absolutely no desire to ever run that far or that long, I still consider Joey one of my inspirations to keep running.
Part of the reason I've been so hard pressed to run (besides the stress relieving aspect), is because in May, I'm flying out to San Francisco to run Bay to Breakers with some friends: Joey, Rob, and Neil. It's a 12K. It will be the farthest I've run a race before. And I'm running with all guys who find my current 11-12 min/mil pace pretty pathetic. I am hoping to get them all drunk and outrun them as they stumble all over each other.
I'm actually just trying to get myself up to be able to run all 7.42 without stopping...
Today's run? Excellent. I had planned out a 4.5 mile route, but was thwarted by construction and some odd urge to run across a major road rather than go the more interesting and slightly longer route. The last mile was less difficult than I thought it was going to be. The weather was perfect - sunny, cool, but not cold. I'm pleased. It's the farthest I've run since I started up again and it wasn't too hard!
Tomorrow, if I get a chance, I'll have to talk about my favorite run ever. Incidentally, it was in San Francisco. With Joey.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Today's Run - I'm grinning like a fool.
Distance: 3.12 miles
Duration: 35:16
Avg Pace: 11:18 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
I am on such a high from today's run, I don't even know what to write about. The weather. Oh the weather! It is sunny, mid 70's, slight warm breeze. It's days like this where I wish I could take more than an hour for lunch break and run forever.
I had planned to take the same route as I did last week, but about 2 minutes in, I made a break for the woods. See, there's these great trails that go between my neighborhood and a few others around here. In the woods, by a creek, up a hill... it's pretty, it's quiet and I love to run it. They are doing some construction back there, so the normal way I go isn't available. So I took a new route and I'm really pleased I did. Made today's 3 miles way more interesting.
My pace was better, my mind was clearer, my route more interesting, and my heart rate stayed in check except for the last 2 minutes (it always goes up a little in the same physical location, no matter what I do - I guess there's a small climb there?). I don't know what else to say about today's run -- I'm grinning ear to ear.
I can say, I have no idea what I even thought about during today's run. That's how calming it was for me.
I wish spring was here to stay.
Duration: 35:16
Avg Pace: 11:18 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
I am on such a high from today's run, I don't even know what to write about. The weather. Oh the weather! It is sunny, mid 70's, slight warm breeze. It's days like this where I wish I could take more than an hour for lunch break and run forever.
I had planned to take the same route as I did last week, but about 2 minutes in, I made a break for the woods. See, there's these great trails that go between my neighborhood and a few others around here. In the woods, by a creek, up a hill... it's pretty, it's quiet and I love to run it. They are doing some construction back there, so the normal way I go isn't available. So I took a new route and I'm really pleased I did. Made today's 3 miles way more interesting.
My pace was better, my mind was clearer, my route more interesting, and my heart rate stayed in check except for the last 2 minutes (it always goes up a little in the same physical location, no matter what I do - I guess there's a small climb there?). I don't know what else to say about today's run -- I'm grinning ear to ear.
I can say, I have no idea what I even thought about during today's run. That's how calming it was for me.
I wish spring was here to stay.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Oh, look, forsythias...
Distance: 3.24 miles
Duration: 37:11
Avg Pace: 11:27 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
It was a cold and drizzly day. and I went for a run anyhow. I hated the run; I hated being out there today, but I needed it for my sanity. Does running in the drizzly rain make me crazy, obsessed, stupid, or hardcore?
I got a side stitch in the first half mile. I ran through it and by the second mile, I had forgotten about it.
I thought about blogging a lot while I was on this run. Then I also thought about how I keep meaning to call my mom about the forsythias (which I always called for-cynthia's). I thought about Twitter, too. And how much I hate the last half mile (it's SO boring). and how my heart rate would go up at the exact same points of my run. oooh, and how when I start running on a cool day, I hide my hands inside the sleeves of my sweatshirt, but by about the first .75 mile, my hands are plenty warm and I pop them out. Every time. And how I'm going to convince a friend to run outside with me just one time so he can see how awesome it is. I also thought about how my pants felt like they were going to fall off. Did I mention there's another really boring part of my run? It's from about 1.5-2 miles.
Aaaaaaaand my mind was just blank a lot of the time, too - just concentrating on my breathing.
See? Running is my meditation.
Duration: 37:11
Avg Pace: 11:27 min/mile
Route: MapMyRun
It was a cold and drizzly day. and I went for a run anyhow. I hated the run; I hated being out there today, but I needed it for my sanity. Does running in the drizzly rain make me crazy, obsessed, stupid, or hardcore?
I got a side stitch in the first half mile. I ran through it and by the second mile, I had forgotten about it.
I thought about blogging a lot while I was on this run. Then I also thought about how I keep meaning to call my mom about the forsythias (which I always called for-cynthia's). I thought about Twitter, too. And how much I hate the last half mile (it's SO boring). and how my heart rate would go up at the exact same points of my run. oooh, and how when I start running on a cool day, I hide my hands inside the sleeves of my sweatshirt, but by about the first .75 mile, my hands are plenty warm and I pop them out. Every time. And how I'm going to convince a friend to run outside with me just one time so he can see how awesome it is. I also thought about how my pants felt like they were going to fall off. Did I mention there's another really boring part of my run? It's from about 1.5-2 miles.
Aaaaaaaand my mind was just blank a lot of the time, too - just concentrating on my breathing.
See? Running is my meditation.
I'm an opportunist when I brush my teeth.
I don't know if I'll be up for a run today. Why? That rain I was whining about yesterday? Yeah, well, it's here today instead.
It actually held off any precipitation until after my run would have been concluded yesterday -- but no matter, I had something else really important to do during my lunch break (get my stuff ready for Dani's Duds - a giant consignment sale at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend).
I'll just run today. Right? It's rainy and cold. So we'll see.
Today, I'll share something else, in case I don't get to run. I'm trying to find ways to incorporate strength training exercises into my every day life -- finding time is nearly impossible with a full time job, 2 kids, and a hubby who works late a lot.
So I have started small. Every night, when I brush my teeth with my awesome toothbrush, I take the opportunity to use that time to multitask. And I do a wall squat. I'm very nearly able to do the full 2 minutes (my toothbrush has a timer built in!!!) after only about a week of doing this!
Tonight, while playing with the kids, I will try to do some push ups and maybe some other core exercises (esp. for my back!)
I wonder where else I can add in strength exercises. Maybe while doing dishes, I can bounce up and down on my tippy toes, or work on the shin-splints muscles by tapping my toes like I learned in Mommy Bootcamp from my favorite butt-kicking fierce bootcamp instructor, Jen. (also my prenatal pilates instructor).
I think incorporating this kind of stuff into every day moments will really help me in the long run, since I can't dedicate an hour or two every other day to just strength training exercises.
Any other ideas out there or tricks you use to add more exercises when you're doing your every day stuff? I'd love to hear them!
It actually held off any precipitation until after my run would have been concluded yesterday -- but no matter, I had something else really important to do during my lunch break (get my stuff ready for Dani's Duds - a giant consignment sale at the Dulles Expo Center this weekend).
I'll just run today. Right? It's rainy and cold. So we'll see.
Today, I'll share something else, in case I don't get to run. I'm trying to find ways to incorporate strength training exercises into my every day life -- finding time is nearly impossible with a full time job, 2 kids, and a hubby who works late a lot.
So I have started small. Every night, when I brush my teeth with my awesome toothbrush, I take the opportunity to use that time to multitask. And I do a wall squat. I'm very nearly able to do the full 2 minutes (my toothbrush has a timer built in!!!) after only about a week of doing this!
Tonight, while playing with the kids, I will try to do some push ups and maybe some other core exercises (esp. for my back!)
I wonder where else I can add in strength exercises. Maybe while doing dishes, I can bounce up and down on my tippy toes, or work on the shin-splints muscles by tapping my toes like I learned in Mommy Bootcamp from my favorite butt-kicking fierce bootcamp instructor, Jen. (also my prenatal pilates instructor).
I think incorporating this kind of stuff into every day moments will really help me in the long run, since I can't dedicate an hour or two every other day to just strength training exercises.
Any other ideas out there or tricks you use to add more exercises when you're doing your every day stuff? I'd love to hear them!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Here comes the rain again....
I really want to run Monday, Wednesday, Friday/weekend. With my Monday and Wednesday being my shorter runs. Life and Nature hasn't allowed that really since I started running again. Something always comes up. I get sick, I hurt my back, there's no time, or the weather.
Today's delay is brought to you by the crappy weather.
It's supposed to be cold and rainy starting late morning until tomorrow morning. I don't mind running in cold weather (28 is about my lower limit), and I don't mind running on cloudy days. I don't even mind running races when it's drizzly (I did an 8K in November 2009 in Richmond and it was drizzly).
But I draw the line at a possible wintry mix.
So once again, my plan is derailed. I don't have enough time during my lunchbreak to get dressed, hit the gym, run 3-4 miles, then come home. So I will adjust the plan.
I'll run tomorrow. and then try to fit a run in on the weekend (which never works out - weekend is family time).
I actually get sad when I realize I'm not going to get to run. So today I'm a little sad. Tomorrow will be a better day, right? Cuz I will get to run. And running is my meditation.
Today's delay is brought to you by the crappy weather.
It's supposed to be cold and rainy starting late morning until tomorrow morning. I don't mind running in cold weather (28 is about my lower limit), and I don't mind running on cloudy days. I don't even mind running races when it's drizzly (I did an 8K in November 2009 in Richmond and it was drizzly).
But I draw the line at a possible wintry mix.
So once again, my plan is derailed. I don't have enough time during my lunchbreak to get dressed, hit the gym, run 3-4 miles, then come home. So I will adjust the plan.
I'll run tomorrow. and then try to fit a run in on the weekend (which never works out - weekend is family time).
I actually get sad when I realize I'm not going to get to run. So today I'm a little sad. Tomorrow will be a better day, right? Cuz I will get to run. And running is my meditation.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My Run on 3/28/2011
Yesterday's run was 3.38 miles. It lasted 37:05 minutes. The pace was 10:57 min/mile.
MapMyRun
It felt good. The first half mile ALWAYS sucks. I usually think I'm just going to turn the corner and head home. But I normally just turn and run farther away from home and tell myself "just a few more minutes, it's not so bad." It was cold yesterday. The wind was biting.
During the run, I thought I was going faster than the past few runs, but still kept my heart rate in my "zone." I use a polar heart rate monitor (in pink! of course!) and it's really helped me train. Instead of running until I can't run anymore, then walking, I've been running, then when my heart rate gets too high, the monitor beeps non stop at me until I slow my heart rate down. I slow it down by slowing down my pace and concentrating on my breathing. Since I started training this way, the first day was the only day I had to start walking to slow my heart rate all the way down. I've learned to pace myself and when I am trying to go too hard or fast, I have really learned how to slow down and get myself in check. Consequently, I'm running slightly faster and slightly further with each run.
Funny to think that just a few weeks ago, the thought of running 3 miles in a row seemed impossible. Yesterday was my "easy run" and it was 3.38 miles, which didn't seem bad at all. I was trying to make the run similar to my run from last Thursday, only faster (See here) but when I got to a certain point, I suddenly decided to try a new path. Only this path was about to go through the woods and I saw that it was swampy. So I said "No thanks" and had to back track a little. That's where I got the extra .7 miles in, by mistake.
So at the end of the run, if I didn't have time constraints (during the week I run during my lunch break, which means I have an hour to get ready, then run, then stretch out after. Forget the shower - I have to sit in my sweat the rest of my work day. ew), so if i didn't have time constraints, I probably was good for at least another half mile or more!
Let's see what Wednesday brings us! I'm hoping that it's less swampy where I want to run (but doubt it) because that's the end of my run and the last mile has now become incredibly boring to me.
MapMyRun
It felt good. The first half mile ALWAYS sucks. I usually think I'm just going to turn the corner and head home. But I normally just turn and run farther away from home and tell myself "just a few more minutes, it's not so bad." It was cold yesterday. The wind was biting.
During the run, I thought I was going faster than the past few runs, but still kept my heart rate in my "zone." I use a polar heart rate monitor (in pink! of course!) and it's really helped me train. Instead of running until I can't run anymore, then walking, I've been running, then when my heart rate gets too high, the monitor beeps non stop at me until I slow my heart rate down. I slow it down by slowing down my pace and concentrating on my breathing. Since I started training this way, the first day was the only day I had to start walking to slow my heart rate all the way down. I've learned to pace myself and when I am trying to go too hard or fast, I have really learned how to slow down and get myself in check. Consequently, I'm running slightly faster and slightly further with each run.
Funny to think that just a few weeks ago, the thought of running 3 miles in a row seemed impossible. Yesterday was my "easy run" and it was 3.38 miles, which didn't seem bad at all. I was trying to make the run similar to my run from last Thursday, only faster (See here) but when I got to a certain point, I suddenly decided to try a new path. Only this path was about to go through the woods and I saw that it was swampy. So I said "No thanks" and had to back track a little. That's where I got the extra .7 miles in, by mistake.
So at the end of the run, if I didn't have time constraints (during the week I run during my lunch break, which means I have an hour to get ready, then run, then stretch out after. Forget the shower - I have to sit in my sweat the rest of my work day. ew), so if i didn't have time constraints, I probably was good for at least another half mile or more!
Let's see what Wednesday brings us! I'm hoping that it's less swampy where I want to run (but doubt it) because that's the end of my run and the last mile has now become incredibly boring to me.
Monday, March 28, 2011
What it's all about...
I've been thinking about this for a few days now and finally asked a friend what she thought of it. We're friends in that "I can be brutally honest with you and know we'll still be friends after" way. It's nice and refreshing. Anyhow, here's our IM conversation (edited slightly to protect the innocent)
ME
So since we're in brutally honest phase right now
what do you think of this idea?
I want to start a blog about my running.
not that I think anyone will even read it
HER
i think that's a great idea
ME
neat
k
brutally honest: think I'l actually do it or just talk about it
HER
brutally honest - does it matter? i think you'll do it for a while, ignore it for a bit, and go back to it
this is for you
ME
<3
once again, dawn overthinks something
HER
and if nothing else, i think you would love looking back and seeing how the running has changed for you
ME
that is exactly what I want
HER
like your email today - how 3.8(?) miles is now an easy run
ME
YES!
=D
So there it is. It's all about me, learning how my running has changed...
ME
So since we're in brutally honest phase right now
what do you think of this idea?
I want to start a blog about my running.
not that I think anyone will even read it
HER
i think that's a great idea
ME
neat
k
brutally honest: think I'l actually do it or just talk about it
HER
brutally honest - does it matter? i think you'll do it for a while, ignore it for a bit, and go back to it
this is for you
ME
<3
once again, dawn overthinks something
HER
and if nothing else, i think you would love looking back and seeing how the running has changed for you
ME
that is exactly what I want
HER
like your email today - how 3.8(?) miles is now an easy run
ME
YES!
=D
So there it is. It's all about me, learning how my running has changed...
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