WOOHOO I really did it this time

Well I was pretty M.I.A. this weekend, from bloggyland anyway. I was out enjoying that weekend! Despite some storms rollin' through I managed to get some good run time in, which is a plus considering I just signed up for this...

Oh yeah, it's official now.
I signed up for that right after I finished my long run on Sunday. Sunday was a nice peaceful morning. I woke up at 6AM and I was wide awake. So I got up. I thought about signing up for the race then, but I had fear. It has only been this last week...last 4 runs that I have felt in my zone. My Zen post actually started it all. Since then I have been a running machine. So, it isn't so strange that...I don't trust it. It feels like a switch has been flipped and now I can do distance running, 3, 4, 5 miles...doesn't matter I can do it...and with rock solid pace. But, I don't trust it, I fear it's a fluke, that I'll go out to run and piddle out after 10 minutes just like I always have. So I decided Sunday morning I was going out to run and if that went well I would sign up for the race when I got home and that's exactly what I did.
So, I decided to run down to the park...and I do mean that literally. It's all down hill to the park, which is fine on the way down there, but I knew that would be a slow personal torture coming back home.


See, look at the elevation changes. You might also note how stable my pace is throughout, yeay me!
But, it's worth it to run in a place so peaceful.
And so empty, I think everyone must have left for the holidays because I had the whole place to myself.

View of the path and playground


Water so calm, like glass.


Sun creeping up in the sky


An uphill battle

When I got home I checked out my stats and was happy to see them so consistent. Especially since I stopped a few times for a second or two to take the photos you see here.



So, high on confidence, I signed up for the race. And now I sit here, a mixture of happy, confident, nervous and afraid. 13.1 miles is a long way to go. Will I make it? How will this change me? What will I be come Sept 4th? Eek, I'm so excited!



This should be Week 8 day 2 of the C25k but I'm way beyond that now:
Time: 01:15:49
Distance: 5.36 miles
Pace: 14:09

X-train Today with Jillian

Yoga Melt Down I should have known that with Jillian Michaels the word, "yoga" is actually code for, "slow a$$ kicking". Wow, that was hard. It's not traditional yoga either, it was more of a yoga meets sculpting exercise workout. This was fine by me, but some true yogis might HATE it. The reps of each pose kinda remove the transcendental nature of the yoga practice. But, for a core routine, it's pretty kick a$$. The poses were core intensive and a few of them I had to cut short since I'm really pretty new to yoga. I'm loving the Dolphin pose, it feels like it'll be a nice core toner.
I did level 1 today. There is actually a level two as well...I won't be getting to that one for awhile. Overall, I liked it and will continue to use it although, it's a bit wrist intensive for me, (I have wimpy wrists) so I will have to be careful about that. But, I got a nice x-training core workout today! Hope you all have a pleasant day.
Later Babes!!

Rainy Day Zen

Another gloomy and grey day in Michigan.

It was rainy and 51 degrees. I deliberated for a long time, run inside on the treadmill or outside in the cold misty rain. Eventually, I decided to brave it outside. Running on the treadmill just isn't my idea of fun. So out I went into the grey gloomy world.



Guess what?
It was my best run yet. I'm freakin AMAZED. This should be W8D1 of the C25k but who needs that anymore!! I ran, straight up RAN, 4.66 miles today in my bleak, cold grey world. I freakin' rocked it. ANNNNND...the only reason I stopped was my battery was dieing on my phone and it started pouring. Here I am drenched and happy!!

I found it today, my pace, my stride, my running zen. I was there. Free. blissful. Half the time I even had a goofy grin on my face coz it just felt so good to be able to run. I can't even believe it, and I just did it!! Awesome. I'm sooooo happy!!

Week 8 Day 1 of the C25K...or whatever...my run:

Time: 01:04:54 (that's right I ran for over and hour straight)
Distance: 4.66 miles
Pace: 13:55 (my fastest pace yet for the C25K program)

Rest Day - Runner's Survey

I read this runner's survey on Run with Jess, and thought it looked fun. So read away, and if you'd like, post the survey on your blog...you know you want too!

What is your favorite type of cross training?


Swimming, I love swimming! But, when swimming isn't possible..too cold or no place to go. Then I opt for my stability ball.
It's easy, somewhat portable and really works the core!

What is your favorite song to run to?
Right now I'm really liking "Fire Burning" by Sean Kingston. Oddly enough I"m finding I also like "Price Tag" by Jessie J it's slow for a running song, but mixed in with my run music it helps me relax, breathe and just enjoy being alive and running.


What brand of shoes do you wear?
Mizuno! It used to be Saucony's. But after awhile with my saucony grids, I'd run for awhile and then my heal would be a little tender from all the heal strikes...and my fattitude. So I got a new pair of shoes Mizunos which is what I have now and I gotta say I'm in love! With the mizunos, they hold my foot in such a way that each foot fall is less on the heal thus, no more tender heal.

Do you wear a hat when you run?
No, sometimes a visor...but not really. Now since I have my hair shorter I've been thinking about bondi band. But hat's just aren't my thang.
Bondi Bands are SO cute, and so many designs, so hard to choose! I wonder how they are to run in.



What temperature is your favorite for running?
Between 60 and 70 degrees is great, preferable with out humidity!

Do you have any big races coming up?
September 4, 2011 - Virginia Beach Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon - EEKKK!!! So EXCITED!
Can you tell? I love Virginia Beach, I love the ocean. A match made in heaven? I think so! I can hardly wait!




What is your favorite distance?
Since a 5k is all I've ever done I guess 5k But, I'm hoping to love the half-marathon as well.

Are you a morning, noon or evening runner?
That's a loaded question, I'll say morning...even though, your morning is my night...let me explain. I work 3rd shift 11PM to 7AM. I usually get out of work and run when I get home. which would be my night. But, It's usually like 8:30AM so morning. Mornight? Norn? Norning? Yes Norning, I like it.


Do you run solo or with a buddy?
Usually solo no one has a weird schedule like mine.

What's your favorite post run snack?
Banana!


What's your FAVORITE race?
Since I've only done one real race I can't really answer that. But, my goals,and races that I look at and think MAN I GOTTA DO THAT ONE are beach related races. And races with funny names. Like the Run thru Hell or the one I did Purgatory. Also this year I gotta do the Doggie Dash because my dog Mz. Bridgy would love it!


Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your runs?

No garmin, they look cool but I just can't shell out the bucks for one. I use my phone (Droid) and the app RunKeeper which uses GPS to track my runs. when I'm inside on the treadmill I just the read out on the treadmill. Before I got my phone I used Nike + which also works pretty good. I got me through Purgatory. I'm a gadget crazy woman so a garmin maybe something I look into one day.



What is your least favorite race?
Assuming the half is every bit as awesome as everyone has been telling me that it is...then I would have to say Purgatory. The Run through Purgatory was small, had no finishers medal, was very hilly and on dirt. To be honest the ONLY reason I chose it was because of the name. I will most likely not run it again.



What race is your favorite medal from?
No medals yet :^(


Who is your running idol?

Gladys Burrill I got MAD RESPECT for that chica!!


How long have you been a runner?
Really really serious since January 2011. Before that, On and Off since 2007.


Do you run with your engagement/wedding ring on?
No, my fingers get all huge and swell-ie when I run, I get afraid that I won't get it off again and would have to have it cut off. So no jewels when I run.


What's your favorite workout? repeats? long runs? tempo? fartleks?
Long runs. I enjoy the scenery, and the feeling of AMAZING accomplishment when I'm done!!

Have a Runny day!!

OH YEAH!!

Woohoo! I'm so totally happy right now. My run went FREAKIN' AWESOME. Feeling Good, Feeling Strong, I totally ran the whole time!! It was a beautiful day for a run! Sunny and 62 degrees. There was hardly anyone out and about so I had the whole neighborhood to myself. There was lovely landscaping to look at.

and many hills to run up and down...our neighborhood is soooo hilly.



and despite all the hills I managed to keep my pace rock solid!!



I ran and ran until I got 3.49 miles in and that was a lot of loops...trying to avoid the really steep hills.



and this my Dears...
this is the face of one sweaty squinty eyed happy camper!!



Week 7 Day 3 of the C25K:
Time: 50:09
Distance: 3.49
Pace: 14:23

W7D2 now with Mojo!

Today I ran. Yeah Baby!

Mile 1 was...eh, I was finding my groove.

Mile 2 was EXTRAORDINARY...it was like butter. My pace was smooth, my body was in control dare I say it was easy, no, not easy, I still knew I was working but, it felt natural, beautiful, like I was made to run.

Mile 3 it all fell apart. At 2.20mi I had to start walking, just a moment, my breathing was off and I needed water. That moment was actually 2 minutes, then I started running again, but now it was labored, my calves felt tight..I lost my mojo. :^(

Ahhh, but for one whole mile, I felt it. My Running Mojo. Is that the runners high people are always talking about? Whatever it was it was GREAT. I was sad to see it go. Maybe I lost it because I had to do my run on the treadmill, maybe it way because it wasn't the time I normally run. It doesn't matter, I'm still excited. Can you just imagine having that feeling for 3, 4, 5, 10 miles...wow...that would be UH-MAZING.

Today's insightful Run:
Time: 43:00
Distance: 3.00 miles
Pace: 14:20

W7D1 at the park

Yeah who could resist running in such a lovely place on such a nice day!

Running outside today was a bit of a challenge. I was in a good mood and in such a lovely place that it showed in my pace. I did 2.75 miles and the splits went like this.

Splits:
Mile 1 13:47
Mile 2 12:55
Mile .75 24:19

Yeah, after I got my 25 minutes in...I fell apart my pace for the first 2 miles was faster than I usually do. I average about a 14:00 min/mile on the treadmill, so it's not surprising that I was pooped after 2 miles. Hubby walked with me the last .75 and we just enjoyed the nice day...as you can tell by my leisurely pace. lol.
I'm feeling good about those times...I just gotta work on more of an even tempo.

I's a nice little park to run in as you can tell by the pic above. It's got a nice run path with trees and in the middle of the loop is a playground for the kids so they can play while I run. It even has a pond with ducks swimming about. Very relaxing, and way more enjoyable than staring at the wall while I'm on my treadmill!



My Peaceful Run Overall:
Time: 44:55
Distance: 2.75 miles
Pace: 16:19

Anxiously Awaiting...

I ordered these on Thursday last week. I REALLY need a new set of headphones. I hope these don't suck. Here the Link to them on Amazon The reviews seem pretty solid and I like the shape and style of the ear piece. Of course I will be blogging my unbias review here after I take them for a run. Wish I would have had them for my run this morning.

Today was C25K W6D1. I stretched it out for 4 miles so it could be a long run as well. I'm trying to make it easier to transition into the half marathon training program after I finish the C25K. Onward and upward toward that goal of the Rock-n-roll half marathon in VB this September.

Today's Long run went like this:
Time:1:00:00
Distance: 4.07 miles
Pace: 14:44

Bad Luck Friday...

Friday the 13th
I should have know by the day that this run would be cursed. All I wanted was to run my 20 minutes and be done...that's all. So I start to get ready, and can't find a hair tie...after about 10 minutes of searching I find one...good. I get the treadmill ready and get a bottle of water. Then I gather my tunes...I usually run with my Droid. Except for today that is..the battery was almost dead. So I put it charging and go get my old Ipod...dead too. UGH, the first time running 20 minutes straight and I have to do it with no music...at all......NOOOOOOOOOOO.
So I get on the treadmill and start walking to warm up, wondering how I will survive without my music. For me this is a nightmare, like sitting in a doc's waiting room listening to the clock tick as you wait and wait...time creeps by so slowly.
Tic, tock, tic, tock. Only 10 minutes in and I feel like I'm already going crazy. that's when I start the self help talk. "This is making you stronger" ...."This is preparing you for the mental struggle of a half marathon" .... "Think of how strong you'll feel once you complete this run" So much inner whinnyness, so much mental self talk. But 30 minutes later week 5 day 3 of the C25K was done. I ran for 20 minutes straight....with no music! Just me...I did that!

The Cursed run results:
Time: 29:19
Distance: 2.0 miles
Pace: 14:39

Small Victories..

The couch to 5k running program is such an amazing thing to me. It works every time, you just have to do it and listen to your body for speed. Today was week 5, day 2. that means 8 minutes of straight run/jog then walk for 5 then run/jog another 8 minutes. 8 minutes is a long time. Heck 5 minutes is a long time. But, I got on the treadmill and just did it. It was humid and I was sweaty but I ran it. No near death experience...no clutching the sides of the treadmill for dear life...I just ran. I did ease the pace back just a smidge because it was so humid. But, I'm proud. I made it. Next up is Week 5 day 3, that means 20 minutes of straight running!


Time: 30:44
Distance: 2.05 miles
Pace: 14:59

I have survived...

YeaY,
I have four days off from work! That's a nice way to start off Mother's Day weekend. I have been working 6 and 7 day weeks since the beginning of March. Now we finally have a new co-worker so we can all have some much needed rest! I decided to take mine this week. So I have today off and I don't go back till Monday night(3rd shift) Needless to say when I got home this morning I was on high! Woohoo! So I got on the treadmill and practically danced it out...YES!
Today was Week 4 Day 3 of the couch to 5K and it was no match for my positivity! I'm in a great mood right now. Time off, happy run, and nothing planned for the day except a nice tasty nap...WHHHHAAAATTTT...I did work all night...lol.

Happy Run Details:
Time:00:30:00
Distance:2.06 miles
Pace: 14:33

That's what separates the Runner from the Whiner

So I sized up my treadmill this morning...

It wasn't lookin' so tough....
Huh, you eyeballin' me treadmill?
Yeah, it had to go down...a treadmill throw down like no other. Sure there was sweatin', cussin', maybe even a tear or two, but I came out victorious!

Week 4 Day 2... it's no joke.

Week 4 Day 2 says BRING IT or stay home!

and the sweat on my face says.... BooYah.

Treadmill Throwdown Breakdown:
Time: 00:29:35
Distance: 2 miles
Pace:14:47

My new run partner

So I had a new partner on my run this evening, my baby girl

She wanted to come with me so we did W4D1 of the Couch to 5k. She actually did pretty well. She did whine quite a bit during the long runs segments, but she made it the whole way with me. As for me, having my daughter along was a nice distraction, I spent more time encouraging her than I did thinking about my legs. That was good coz our area is nice and hilly

It was a nice cool evening for a run and I'm glad I decided to run it outside.
My W4D1 training:
Time:00:39:04
Distance:2.43 miles
Pace:16:04

Thought for the day...

"Many are so preoccupied with what others think it defines their existence. When we fixate externally, it keeps us from truly knowing ourselves and our destiny. Most [people] fear looking inward for worry they won't find greatness, but when you stop allowing others to define your worth, you'll see—greatness exists in us all, waiting to be
 expressed" –Jillian Michaels