Thank You, Kara Goucher

I ran yesterday. And, boy, did it feel nice. I went out and did a nice, easy run of 2 miles. Took a slow pace for most of it. The only exceptions were when I pushed my pace up the two hills on my route, and then when I sprinted the ends of each mile. I was pouring sweat when I was done, but it felt great! And, I finished under 30minutes. Woohoo!

I've been lacking motivation again lately (surprised? I didn't think so.) It's so hard for me to get back into a routine when work is killing all of my energy. I work with kids all day, every day. I love it, but it is EXHAUSTING. Being high-energy all the time is great- it's almost like a workout in itself, but by the time I get home, I want to curl up in bed and just sleep. It's also hard to wake myself up early to try and run, but this is nothing new. I'm just not a morning person and I'm okay with that.

I was talking with my boyfriend the other night about how I feel I have been slacking WAY too much for my upcoming race in October and how I'm considering not doing it and just using the extra time to prep for the Disney Princess race in February. I hate that I even thought that- it makes me feel like such a quitter. Ugh! Anyway, my boyfriend told me not to give up just yet. He said to wipe the slate clean, get back on the wagon, and see how I do over the next few weeks. If, by the time I hit September, I'm not feeling ready, then to wait till February. But, if I work through my road blocks and get back in the game, he would be there to cheer me on (for both races).

So, I pulled out a book I had almost forgotten I'd bought- Kara Goucher's Book: Running for Women.

source

I cracked it open and started reading. I eventually got to the pages where she talks about her set backs and how she sometimes has periods where she has a hard time doing her trainings. Then, she put in a great list of suggestions to help make training a little less cumbersome. One thing she suggested was to change wording- instead of saying "I'm going to do 4 run days this week,", change it to "I'm giving myself 3 rest days this week,". She said it's almost like reverse psychology. I'm going to start trying that possibly. If not aloud, then at least in my own head.

Another thing she suggested was mixing up your training a bit (especially when you find it hard to stick to a particular schedule). For instance, I know I have to do 3 runs and a cross training/walking day. However, instead of making it every Tuesday is a short run, every Thursday is a tempo, etc, to try and mix it up as it fits into my week. That way you don't stress as much or get so down on yourself if something unexpected happens on Tuesday and you can't make a run.

One last thing she advises is to give yourself a break! (Seriously!) If you are scheduled to do an 8 mile run, but you feel you can't do it- just go out for a one mile run. First off, one mile is better than no miles, and , secondly, once you are out and running the chances are you will start to feel better and extend your run a bit on your own.

I've only read like 5 chapters in the book, but it made me feel so much better about my training road blocks. Just knowing that Kara Goucher hits some hurdles herself makes me feel that what I'm going through is perfectly normal. And that's comforting. It makes me think that maybe I can get back on the bandwagon and do ING Hartford in October afterall. 

Pride and Running

I am kind of proud of me, if I do say so myself. 

Source

 

And I do.

I had a very long day running programs with all ages of kids today and it was gross outside. I mean, sticky, hot, walking through a wet blanket, gross. I got home and sat down on the couch, knowing that that was the wrong thing to do because I had to get in a run today. I sat there for an hour, talking with my mom while my brother made dinner, then I got off my butt and went to the gym. (Considering how hot it was, I decided a treadmill run would be best for my sanity.) I didn't want to go, but I made myself do it anyway. Hooray for NOT giving into temptation and getting my butt in gear.

The gym was pretty packed, but I managed to snag a treadmill and started my 3.1 mile run. Instead of doing just 30min. like I have scheduled on my training plan, I decided to sneak in the Firecracker Virtual 5k I had to do. Needless to say, I finished in 46:03. Not too bad. I was hoping to stay with a 15min/mile, but considering how tired I was, anything under 47min was okay by me.

My plan of action for this week is a 30min run on Wednesday and then doing my 8miles on Friday before work or Saturday early morning (depending upon weather and such). That will put me at about 13.1 miles total for this week. I gave myself a goal of 50 miles and then I would treat myself to a massage. As of right now, I am 19miles away from that. By the end of this week, I will be 9miles away!

Also, I haven't officially registered yet (I will when I get my next paycheck), however-  

 Source

I will be doing the Princess Half in Feb 2013!!. 

My boyfriend and I put deposits down on a Disney cruise for Feb. 17-21st and the race is on Feb. 24th, so we are going to stay at the Disney Caribbean resort after we get off the ship until it's time for me to race. I'm SUPER excited! I can't wait! Only about 214 days until I get to sail away! WOOHOO!!

 Anyone have any fun runs coming up?

Give It A Try

I ran today.

Source

I feel a sense of pride when I hear myself say that. Does anyone else?

I may not have gone fast- I definitely wouldn't stand a chance against Kara Goucher- but I still ran.
I woke up this morning and was starting to debate with myself if I was in the mood to run. Before that tiny, little, nay-saying voice could really start convincing me not to run, I threw on my clothes and sneakers and headed outside. I PUT myself in the mood to run- and it feels good.

That's the one thing that has me addicted to running- I battle and struggle and have to keep myself constantly motivated while running, but when I'm done, there's this huge sense of accomplishment that washes over me. I love that feeling.

Anyway, today was Day 2 of Week 1 of Half Marathon Training 2012. According to my plan (which you can find HERE), it was supposed to be a 30 minute run, but I finished it in 29:16. I ran the first 3 minutes, then started my run/walk alternation (I am keeping with my 2:1 run/walk ratio for the first 3 weeks of my training, then, depending upon how I am progressing, I may bump it to 3:1). It felt good. I really pushed myself for the first mile, finished it in 12:34, but I know I should slow my first mile down and start pushing myself more during mile 2 so I can get my body used to doing negative splits.

I am a little worried that, since I haven't done that much running in the past few months, I'm basically starting from scratch again. Last year, I was hoping that by the time I got to this point I would be able to run about 3 miles non-stop. Oh well. Life happens, right? I've just got to buckle down and really stay disciplined this year. I'm hoping that after a few weeks my currently non-existent muscle memory will kick in and my runs will improve. Here's to wishful thinking, right?!

Wordless Wednesday Motivation

Take that Inner Doubter!



Half Marathon Training 2012 has Officially BEGUN!

Started off on Sunday with a nice 25 minute run (since I knew beforehand that I wouldn't be able to do it today). Up next, a 30minute run tomorrow.

BRING IT ON!

New Shoes

It has been decided!

You all voted and to reward myself once I lose these pesky 10 pounds, I will reward myself with a new pair of shoes. Sweet!

I already bought myself a new pair of running shoes (they come in tomorrow!!!!) so I will buy myself a new pair of heels. HOORAY!

Anywho, I did my first 5k of the 2012 year this past Saturday. It was the Savin Rock Half Marathon and 5k. It was absolutely gorgeous out! And even though the wind made it feel a little chilly while I was waiting for the 5k to start, it felt nice when I started running. The course was 1.6 miles out and 1.5 miles back, all along the coast/shore. Yep, I got to spend my Saturday morning running along the beach- it's okay to be jealous ;)
I was dragging from being on my feet non-stop all week long and having worked over 50 hours, but I managed to finish in about 44 minutes. I actually crossed the line before they changed it over for the half marathoners. Go me!

It felt really good to run a race again. I took it slow and just enjoyed the view around me. Such a nice, flat, pretty easy first race of the year for me. I came home, showered, and promptly registered for another 5k in May. It's the Color Me Rad 5k in Hartford. Check it out HERE- how awesome does that look?! I'm so excited for it!

I've got another super busy week this week, but I'm hoping my new shoes coming in will give me the motivation to get back out there and get some runs in. I'm aiming for 2 runs before Sunday.  

That's my goal- can I do it?! What do you think?

Anyone Want Some Cookies?

There really isn't an excuse for my behavior. There never is.

It's just life and lack of time-management skills that prevents me from updating my blog. Too bad I can't update it telepathically because, if that was the case, I would have already posted at least 5 updates by now. That's right, sometimes I start blog entries in my head, but never get a chance to actually sit down and type them out.

Anyway, part of my current disappearing act was that it is GIRL SCOUT cookie time! Hooray!
No, I did not dive head first into a box of Tagalongs... though I very much would like to do so. I actually work for the organization and have been relentlessly doing programming with my girls and collecting their cookie sale info. This week, the boxes come in and I get to run delivery nights for 3 different towns to come and get their boxes. Woot! It's fun, but it makes for some very long days and very little free time.

On top of that, I'm currently on the tail end of a double ear infection and monster sinus infection. I mean, MONSTER. To the point where, everything was so compacted in my head that my face was swollen and it hurt to touch. Youch! However, I'm almost done with my meds and I am feeling better. I'd say I'm now, finally, at about 85%. So, even though I have my first 5k of the year this Saturday, I haven't run in two weeks. Ugh! I am planning on going to the gym tonight though. I get out of work late, so on my way home, I'm going to hit the gym and do a quick 1-2 miles. I'm not going to push myself, just want to make sure my lungs/sinuses can handle it. I think they can, but we shall see!

Today, I posted on my facebook how I need some serious motivation and people to keep on top of me. I'm still battling the same 10lbs and I'm just tired of it. I want them gone and done with. It's been almost 6 months and I'm stuck on this horrid weight plateau! GO AWAY 10lbs!!! I'm so close and there's no excuse as to why I haven't dropped them yet, other than sheer laziness and lack of dietary discipline. I'm kind of fed up with myself, to be completely honest. I feel like I'm letting myself down and it makes me angry.

So, now I'm trying to pump up my determination and motivation to get back on track.
I'm giving myself bribes, which do you think will be the best?

If I drop these 10lbs, I can:

-buy a new pair of shoes
-treat myself to a day at the beach
-throw myself a party
-get myself a really nice mani/pedi

As much as I would like to treat myself to all of the above, I feel that that just isn't doable.
So, I'm polling all of you lovely readers to help me decide which would be the best Goal-Getter option.

Let me know in a comment!

Motivational Running

I didn't think I had it in me this morning to get up and run, but I did.

What motivated me as I lay there in my bed? Well, I saw this on my phone (one of my facebook friends posted it)

I like that a lot... especially because I know I've been super busy lately. Just goes to show I have no excuse!

And, I started thinking back to how much weight I lost last year, how far I had come in my running and how I don't want to stop my training. All of those thoughts gave me the strength to pull my lazy butt out of bed and strap on my running shoes. I felt groggy and sluggish but I made myself run anyway. Instead of doing a longer distance, I opted to do a speed run- shorter distance, shorter time, still a great workout. I opted to run half a mile from my house and back again at a "faster than race pace". The first half mile wasn't bad because most of it was downhill. Coming back was not as much fun- the two hills I had run down, I now needed to go back up them. (Go figure, right?)

Remember before when I used to be scared of running up hills? It was not my thing- at all. Today, I tackled both hills (mind you, still at a faster than normal pace) and I didn't stop running even after I made it to the top of both of them. I'm actually feeling kind of proud of me for that. Yes, I did have to slow my pace some in order to make it up the hills, but the point of the matter is I MADE IT UP THE HILLS WITHOUT STOPPING. HOORAY!! I am currently celebrating with a greek yogurt, a scoop of peanut butter, and some glutten free granola- YUMMM!

My plan is to do a tempo run tomorrow (if my legs cooperate). I am hoping for 3 miles, if not a little more than that. I mean, I have a couple of parties with my man coming up and I want to look good. Here's hoping I can keep the motivation going, right?... Little Black Dress, Little Black Dress, Little Black Dress.

Love Letter to Myself

Dear Cupcake,

It's officially time to get your behind in gear! I know, I know. There was snow on the ground and fallen trees and power lines- quit being a wuss will ya?! Strap on your big girl sneakers, lace em up good and tight and hit the pavement kid! You had almost a week off of your new training, you don't have time to fall behind. You need to buckle down and get serious ASAP.

I have every faith that you will find your motivation again. It's not gone for good. You've just hit a speed bump in your daily routine right now- freak snow storm, loss of power for a week or so, dangerous roads, etc etc. But, everything is getting back to normal now! And I know you've got the sniffles, but keep popping that Vitamin C and before you know it, you're gonna feel 100%!

Afterall,

"There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything"

- Vince Lombardi

Sincerely,

Me.

Three Things Thursday

Officially my first Three Things Thursday post!

(Why haven't I done this before?)

1. I was surfing the internet for a new wallpaper for my computer last night because I like to put up motivational running shots to get me going. I mean, what better way to remind yourself of what you should be doing than plastering it all over your computer screen? That way, when I've been sitting too long at my computer, playing on Facebook when I should be getting some training in, I have a little extra push right there in front of me. Anyway, I came across this photo:

Source

Needless to say, it's perfect for me! Not only is it the background on my computer, it is also now the wallpaper on my phone. I love it!!

2. It is hard to find a pair of green running shoes that are similar to my current Kinvaras. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Saucony Kinvara 2s. They are slightly minimalist (which I feel helps my form a bit) with mesh on top that allows my feet to breathe. Plus, they're BRIGHT PINK! Alas, for the Disney Princess Half I need my feet and legs to be green, which means I need green shoes. As of yet, Saucony doesn't have anything that really fits my needs, so I guess I will continue to look around. (Though on Facebook, Saucony mentioned some of their new products that will be coming out soon! Keep your fingers crossed!).

3. I am finally beginning to feel human again after my half marathon. Here is a list of what hurt- see if you can compare to any aches/pains you had during your first half! Sore and tight calves (to the point where I couldn't touch them because they hurt so much), swollen hands (too much salt in my system?), aching shoulders/upper back (from trying to hold myself upright for so long), chaffed inner thighs (I forgot to put on my anti-chaffing... I will never forget again!) and a wrenched left torso (the muscle that starts at your spine and wraps around your ribs? Yea, I managed to strain that... hurt to breathe). Thankfully nothing too major was pulled/sprained/fell off while running, so I guess I'm pretty lucky.

I Have a Plan... No, Really

Lately, with the anemia and life getting in the way, I feel like I've fallen backward with my training. Like two gigantic, Godzilla-sized steps backward. GRRRRR! It's frustrating to say the least. I feel as if I should be able to run longer and slightly faster than I have been but as soon as I start running, my body gives up. You heard me, my body literally gives up before it even starts. Damn traitor. It's killing me. I feel like I'm literally trapped in an overwhelming pit of negativity every time I start to run. How does one get past a hurdle like this? My last two 5ks were good, in the sense that I finished them, but I was disappointed with my times (and that did nothing to help my continuous spiral into a pit of self-loathing). The Red Dress Run was 46 minutes and the GE Road Race was 47 minutes. UGH!!!

I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself, but I don't care. I'm disappointed and I have every right to feel so, don't I? *pout* Fine. I will be positive. Positive begets positive, right? So, positivity it shall be. Instead of moping around that my initial training plans have been drawn and quartered like ancient day criminals, I have decided to regroup and reformat a brand new and improved (though how it can be both new and improved at the same time, I will never know) training plan.

This week's plan goes like this:

Monday- Rest day (fancy that)
Tuesday- 3 mile run (easy pace)
Wednesday- Cross Training and Abs
Thursday-1 mile tempo run (shooting for a 13:30 pace to start with)
Friday- Rest day (because I'm still not 100%, otherwise this would be another cross train day)
Saturday- 3 mile run (easy pace)
Sunday- 7.5 mile run

Once this week is done, I will regroup again and see how I am feeling. Then, I will either tweak my new schedule or continue as I have it now.

On another note-  

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY 100th POST GIVE AWAY HERE!!!!

And now, a positive quote (so we can leave on a positive note- I swear, it's not all sarcasm)

"I often hear people say 'I'm not a real runner'. 

We are all runners, some just run faster than others...

I have never met a fake runner"

-Bart Yasso

Keep On Keeping On

I had another fantastic run today. The weather was much nicer out today, so there were more people at the park. I ended up having to weave in and out of the road, trying to not get hit, so I had a slower running pace. All in all, another 1.85 miles under my belt. I'm hoping to run again tomorrow. Kurt and I may go to the gym together as well, but I may do a run on my own beforehand too. Where is this motivation coming from? haha.

Also on today's run I decided to use the protective pads my mother got for me. They seemed to really help as I wasn't in as much pain after my run. I think the lotion is working the best as far as the healing factor goes though.

Kurt and I had a conversation the other day about how I have this habit of comparing myself to other athletes. I was kind of down about the fact that I am running under 2 miles when I go out, and even then, it's not a straight run as I have to stop and walk a few times. He told me not to get upset over it as I was doing well, and to most definitely stop comparing myself to other runners because that would do me no good. Everyone has their own pace that they train at, and considering I was at a level 0 for fitness at this point in time last year, I am doing rather well.

Anyway, here's today's update:

FOOD-

Soy Protein Shake with Banana and Peanut Butter- about 400 calories
2 Clementines- 70 calories
Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Sandwhich- around 500 calories
Hummus- about 100 calories
Carrots- 20 calories
Mushrooms- 10 calories
Edamame- 20 calories
Pulled chicken and BBQ Sauce- around 150 calories
Blood Orange sorbet- around 15 calories

Grand Total: 1285 calories. YIKES!

I feel like I did nothing but eat all day, but I seriously under-ate my calories. Especially considering I did go running today, I should be within my caloric range. I will have to try and do better tomorrow.

EXERCISE:

1.85 mile run in 28 minutes (roughly 15min pace)- 223 calories

Grand Total: 223 calories.

EDIT: I almost forgot. I'm on the lookout for some inexpensive running leggings/tights. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. I want to snag a cheap pair to use until it hits spring weather.

Happiness... in my Pants

A quick post because I had something awesome happen to me today.

A very good friend of mine gave me some of her old size 14 jeans that she no longer can fit into (because they are too big). I decided it would be funny to try one pair on. Lo and behold I managed to get into the jeans and pull them up, I just couldn't button them!

Ok, why am I excited that I couldn't button jeans, you may ask?! WELL.... because they were a size 14 jeans! I've been wearing 20 and 18 for as long as I can remember and even trying to get my leg in a size 14, never mind pulling them all the way up to my waist, was a laughable thing. But now, I'm so close to being IN a size 14, I can practically taste it! SO EXCITING!

In other news, I'm feeling almost 90% lately, and I'm hoping to return to my previously interrupted running schedule come this Sunday. I'm still coughing a bit, but it's mostly when I go from warm air to cold air and vice versa. The temperature change aggravates my lungs for a little bit. Even during the show tonight I wasn't coughing nearly as much as I had been last week. Hooray for antibiotics! So my goal is to run at least 1.5 miles this Sunday before I go to work. Woot woot!! Size 14 here I come!!

Back on Track.... Kinda

So I am finally feeling human again. I still have a raspy voice and a cough, but I'm not NEARLY as awful as I was previously, thank goodness. I was also able to sing in the car today, and though my voice is in a baritone range, I can safely and comfortably stretch it back into my normal range for the most part. I won't be singing high C's anytime soon but I'm on the mend.

That sickness made me feel so unlike my usual self, it was disgusting. I finally did go see the doctor though and got put on antibiotics that have helped immensely. So, hopefully come Friday I will be back to myself on stage 110%. I wish this, not just because I want to be healthy again, but also because I have a lot of people coming to see me in Chicago. I have like 2 tables of people, which equates to about 12 seats. Yay!

I've also missed running. I never thought I would say that in my life, but lately my body has been missing the running I was doing. I feel almost antsy. It just stinks because not only have we had numerous snow storms happening but today we also had an ice storm hit us so the sidewalks that were shoveled are now ice rinks and that is not good for running.

Also, I came up with a few ideas of things I want to attempt to learn how to do or get back into doing:

1. learn to do a cartwheel
2. canoe or kayak
3. go camping in the woods for a night or two
4. scrapbook a year in my life

Oh... and to update. My current weight is 214. If I lose 15 pounds, I will be under 200 for the first time since high school. I CAN DO THIS!!
I just need to keep with the motivation- my cousin's wedding, my upcoming college reunion, my future as a professional actress, my health, etc etc.