My husband, Brandon, and I are in the process of moving into our first home together and it has been raining on and off in San Angelo for over a week now. These two things combined have made finding a time to run a little more challenging. I haven't blogged since my run last Tuesday, so I'll give y'all a brief update.
Thursday was a short day at 3 miles. It was an easy, quick, nothing out of the ordinary run. Saturday was an 8 mile day. This also happened to be the day that both of our moms came to help us move and get our house set up. However, I was determined I was going to run especially since I needed that long run. I felt like I would never finish on Saturday. I had the horrible-est, oddest thing happen to me while I was running that took a chunk out of my time. I won't go into detail as to what it was, but it was just HORRIBLE. My actual running time wasn't that long that day, but it ended up taking me over 2 hours to finish 8 miles..crazy.
I set out for a 4 mile run yesterday in the rain. It started raining harder when I was about half a mile down the road, and I decided to turn around. Even though my phone was in a case on my arm, I didn't want it to get water damage. I need to invest in a running rain jacket, as well as some more protection for my phone, so I don't let the pouring rain get in my way.
Normally, I would run today - 6 miles, but I'm going to delay it till tomorrow. Reason being: Brandon and I have a race on Friday, so I want to get a run in on Wednesday so I can rest Thursday (normal running day), so I can be at my best for Friday. It is just a 5k, so nothing too strenuous, but I want to improve on my time from my last 5k.
Words of Wisdom: Spending a great deal of time running, you will more than likely see something that needs to be reported. Don't be afraid to stop and call someone if you see something happening that shouldn't happen. Don't be afraid to report something. Just keep running until you feel that you are in a safer area, and then stop to call someone. My mother-in-law has been running for 10 years and has never encountered anything before; I've been running for a little over 4 months and have, so it is hit or miss. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings
Quote of the Day: "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson (this doesn't really tie to the blog today, but I thought it was great anyways)
Positive Side Effects: Being told that you are looking beautiful, gorgeous, and someone acknowledging that your hard work is paying off...and NOT by your husband, wife, or family member.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Getting Stronger..Setting PR's
Instead of bombarding my blog with details over every run, I'm going to combine my Monday and Tuesday run into one blog post.
Monday was a 4 mile day; on my old training plan for a 10k it was a 3 mile day. It poured rain most of the day and I was worried that I was going to have to run inside on a treadmill, which would not have thrilled me. Thankfully, it cleared up a bit and I was able to run outside. I just had to jump over and avoid puddles. I also got splashed by a car passing by. They could have moved into the other lane, but I guess the prospect of splashing a runner was more enticing.
Tuesday was a 6 mile day. I was going to get up early and run before work since I need to spend my evenings packing and getting ready to move. However, it was pouring rain again (and I am NOT complaining). The rain has really cooled things off and made for a comfortable run. I ran my fastest 1k, 5k, and would have beat my 10k time as well had I ran the additional .20 miles.
With every run I feel myself getting stronger, and it is exciting.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow will be a short 3 mile day to give myself a break before an 8 mile run on Saturday.
Words of Wisdom: Don't be afraid of the weather. Don't let the weather dictate whether you run or not. Don't let the weather be an excuse. I have completed some of my best runs and times in below freezing weather, and this week I set a couple of PR's on rainy days. Sometimes inclement weather makes for the best run.
Quote of the Day: "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner
Positive Side Effects: Eating two slices of pizza after a 6 mile run and not feeling guilty...although I'm not a proponent of rewarding myself with food. We just had pizza last night since we are in the process of moving and everything is turned upside down.
Total Mileage: 178.20
Sunday, May 6, 2012
A 5k with a 4.9 mile warmup
Yesterday was my first time to run 8 miles. I'm training for a half-marathon, so my runs will continue to get longer. I just focused on getting through one mile at a time. It was a beautiful morning for a long run even though the West Texas wind was blowing like crazy. As I ran around the high school in Sweetwater, I thought about how many times I ran the same roads around the school. I tried thinking about what I was like back then, and came to the conclusion that I don't even know who that person is anymore. That is another perk of running. It gives you alone time to think, plan, and reflect.
After about mile 5, my legs really started to loosen up, and it became easier to keep propelling myself along. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. At mile 5 I stopped for a few minutes, walked around, and drank a half bottle of water. Hydration is important, especially on long runs. For me I have found that it is a good idea to hydrate about every 30 minutes. The last 3 miles were a breeze compared to the first 5.
I'm excited to start another week.
Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 3 miles
Saturday - 8 miles
This past week I convinced my husband to sign up for his second race, which will actually be his first race.
On May 18, we are going to run in a Relay for Life fundraiser here in San Angelo. I'm going to do the 5k and Brandon will do a 1.5 mile run.
Words of Wisdom: Use your running time as "me-time." I plan my day or the next day, I think about my goals, and reflect on my past and how far I've come. I think about my next run and set goals for that run. Anything that is bothering me or a stress in my life I think about during this time, and let it go. My running time has become my alone time and something that I look forward to. After my run I can focus on everything else that I need to do.
Quote of the Day: “Success isn't how far yougot, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” (I don't know who said it)
Positive Side Effects: Alone time that you don't really have to fight for. Lets face it, you go run 3,8,10 miles...who is really going to want to go with you?
Total Mileage: 168.20
After about mile 5, my legs really started to loosen up, and it became easier to keep propelling myself along. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. At mile 5 I stopped for a few minutes, walked around, and drank a half bottle of water. Hydration is important, especially on long runs. For me I have found that it is a good idea to hydrate about every 30 minutes. The last 3 miles were a breeze compared to the first 5.
I'm excited to start another week.
Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 3 miles
Saturday - 8 miles
This past week I convinced my husband to sign up for his second race, which will actually be his first race.
On May 18, we are going to run in a Relay for Life fundraiser here in San Angelo. I'm going to do the 5k and Brandon will do a 1.5 mile run.
Words of Wisdom: Use your running time as "me-time." I plan my day or the next day, I think about my goals, and reflect on my past and how far I've come. I think about my next run and set goals for that run. Anything that is bothering me or a stress in my life I think about during this time, and let it go. My running time has become my alone time and something that I look forward to. After my run I can focus on everything else that I need to do.
Quote of the Day: “Success isn't how far yougot, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” (I don't know who said it)
Positive Side Effects: Alone time that you don't really have to fight for. Lets face it, you go run 3,8,10 miles...who is really going to want to go with you?
Total Mileage: 168.20
Thursday, May 3, 2012
5 AM - 5 Miler
My alarm went off at 5 am this morning beckoning me to run. The warm covers and my kitty snuggled up next to me beckoned me to stay. I normally do not run in the morning, but tonight Brandon is being inducted into an Accounting Honor Society, so I wouldn't have time this evening to run. Finally, at 5:20, I convinced myself to get up and get out there. Lets face it, running at 5 am is a little insane (at least to me), but then again so is not sticking to something..so there ya go.
Training for my 10k, my schedule was 3 miles on Mon, Tues, Thurs and 5 miles on Saturday. 5 miles were my long run days, but now, training for a half marathon, 5 miles is soon going to become my short runs. It's about adjusting your mind and body. So not only did I run for the first time at 5 am before work, but I ran my "long" run on what normally is a "short" day for me. Needless to say I didn't kill the run, but 5 miles is 5 miles.
Saturday will be an 8 mile day - the longest distance I have run in one day. Looking forward to it!
Words of Wisdom: Invest in running clothes and a good pair of running shoes. Buy enough running clothes to last a week (4 or 5 days of running). You will be less likely to use "no clean clothes" or "no workout clothes" as an excuse, plus with the money you spent, you will almost feel obligated to use them. I did this before I really committed myself to running, but spending that money in the middle of saving for a house, guilted me into those first few weeks of running. Another thing, I never let my "running clothes" become lounge clothes. They are strictly for running. So if I want to wear my cute Nike shorts with the polka dots or my running skirt I have to RUN. I buy most of my stuff from Target, but I did splurge on the Nike shorts for my first race.
Quote of the Day from RW: "You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." - Rosalynn Carter (This rang true this morning. I knew I could do 5 miles at 5 am, I didn't want to, but I had to be tough enough to follow through)
Positive Side Effects: Goes along with "Words of Wisdom" - cute running clothes, new shoes, and accessories
Total Mileage: 160.20
Training for my 10k, my schedule was 3 miles on Mon, Tues, Thurs and 5 miles on Saturday. 5 miles were my long run days, but now, training for a half marathon, 5 miles is soon going to become my short runs. It's about adjusting your mind and body. So not only did I run for the first time at 5 am before work, but I ran my "long" run on what normally is a "short" day for me. Needless to say I didn't kill the run, but 5 miles is 5 miles.
Saturday will be an 8 mile day - the longest distance I have run in one day. Looking forward to it!
Words of Wisdom: Invest in running clothes and a good pair of running shoes. Buy enough running clothes to last a week (4 or 5 days of running). You will be less likely to use "no clean clothes" or "no workout clothes" as an excuse, plus with the money you spent, you will almost feel obligated to use them. I did this before I really committed myself to running, but spending that money in the middle of saving for a house, guilted me into those first few weeks of running. Another thing, I never let my "running clothes" become lounge clothes. They are strictly for running. So if I want to wear my cute Nike shorts with the polka dots or my running skirt I have to RUN. I buy most of my stuff from Target, but I did splurge on the Nike shorts for my first race.
Quote of the Day from RW: "You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." - Rosalynn Carter (This rang true this morning. I knew I could do 5 miles at 5 am, I didn't want to, but I had to be tough enough to follow through)
Positive Side Effects: Goes along with "Words of Wisdom" - cute running clothes, new shoes, and accessories
Total Mileage: 160.20
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Because Being Lazy Was Just Too Easy
I've been contemplating for a few weeks now about starting a running blog, and finally decided that it should be on the priority list for my life. I'm by no means a seasoned runner, but I will be, and this blog will be a tracking of that. I've already missed 4 months of tracking, but like I said, it takes a while for me to commit to something and make it a priority in life. This first blog is just an overview of my journey thus far.
My life is all about priorities as any life should be. Everyday you start with a list of things - high priority to low priority. Balancing a career and a marriage leaves little room for anything else to be added to that list of priorities. However, there are some things that you just have to make time for, and for me, running is one of those things. It also helps when you have a support structure. Besides, your training and nutrition, a solid support structure, I feel, is the MOST important thing for runners. It keeps you motivated on those days you lack internal motivation - and yes, you will have these days.
On January 17, 2012 I told my husband that I was headed out for a run. Much like any other time I went for a "run" my husband probably thought, "well, there is her one run for the month." I ran/walked 1 mile that day and thought to myself...ugh, not doing that again. But, I was out there the next day, and so became my journey as a runner. Now, I don't know when exactly you get to classify yourself as a runner: is it when you run your first mile, first 5 miles, first 100 miles, first 1000 miles? Who really knows the answer to that. I think you become a runner when you make the decision that you aren't giving up and you make it your lifestyle.
I'm a goal-oriented person in everything I do and running is no different. So, I signed up for my first 5k at the Cowtown Marathon, and ran that in February. After my recovery days I started training for a 10k, which I ran this last weekend in Fredericksburg, TX (Wildflower Run). I have now started training for a half-marathon. Below are pictures from my first 5k and 10k, respectively.
Finishing Strong
At this point, my times aren't great, but I'm not trying to win these races. For me, it is about finishing and self-satisfaction and doing the best I can do. You have to run your own race, don't get caught up in someone else's pace, stick to your pace and do what you know to do.
Every blog, I'm going to try to give some words of wisdom from my own learnings, maybe a quote that I wish I had come up with, but didn't, some positive side effects to running, and total mileage.
Words of Wisdom: Run till it becomes a habit, once it become a habit you will be less likely to quit. Don't give up on it till you make it a habit..then just TRY to give up. Chances are you won't be able to because your body will crave running. Experts say 21 days.
Quote of the Day from RW: "I run to overcome my fears and to remind myself and others that our limits may not be where we think they are."--Chrisse Wellington
Positive Side Effects: weight loss (slowww at first) and meeting runners anywhere you go. Runners are a subculture just like cyclists. If you are runner you will always have something to talk about.
Total Mileage: 155.20 miles
My life is all about priorities as any life should be. Everyday you start with a list of things - high priority to low priority. Balancing a career and a marriage leaves little room for anything else to be added to that list of priorities. However, there are some things that you just have to make time for, and for me, running is one of those things. It also helps when you have a support structure. Besides, your training and nutrition, a solid support structure, I feel, is the MOST important thing for runners. It keeps you motivated on those days you lack internal motivation - and yes, you will have these days.
On January 17, 2012 I told my husband that I was headed out for a run. Much like any other time I went for a "run" my husband probably thought, "well, there is her one run for the month." I ran/walked 1 mile that day and thought to myself...ugh, not doing that again. But, I was out there the next day, and so became my journey as a runner. Now, I don't know when exactly you get to classify yourself as a runner: is it when you run your first mile, first 5 miles, first 100 miles, first 1000 miles? Who really knows the answer to that. I think you become a runner when you make the decision that you aren't giving up and you make it your lifestyle.
I'm a goal-oriented person in everything I do and running is no different. So, I signed up for my first 5k at the Cowtown Marathon, and ran that in February. After my recovery days I started training for a 10k, which I ran this last weekend in Fredericksburg, TX (Wildflower Run). I have now started training for a half-marathon. Below are pictures from my first 5k and 10k, respectively.
At this point, my times aren't great, but I'm not trying to win these races. For me, it is about finishing and self-satisfaction and doing the best I can do. You have to run your own race, don't get caught up in someone else's pace, stick to your pace and do what you know to do.
Every blog, I'm going to try to give some words of wisdom from my own learnings, maybe a quote that I wish I had come up with, but didn't, some positive side effects to running, and total mileage.
Words of Wisdom: Run till it becomes a habit, once it become a habit you will be less likely to quit. Don't give up on it till you make it a habit..then just TRY to give up. Chances are you won't be able to because your body will crave running. Experts say 21 days.
Quote of the Day from RW: "I run to overcome my fears and to remind myself and others that our limits may not be where we think they are."--Chrisse Wellington
Positive Side Effects: weight loss (slowww at first) and meeting runners anywhere you go. Runners are a subculture just like cyclists. If you are runner you will always have something to talk about.
Total Mileage: 155.20 miles
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