I really love food. Apparently, too much food can be a bad thing. I hear exercise can counteract that problem. I run so I can eat. Thus, I love to run.
Ouch!!!!!! That is all I have to say about that.
—————————
Well, of course I have to say more….
I got home from the game and went directly to my room and hid under the covers. It felt so good to just close my eyes. Not sure why I was so tired; I guess today has just been long in one way or another.
Two minutes later my phone rang. It was my dad. Peyten wanted to talk to me. She talked for about five minutes and then Aydan got on for a minute. It was so good to hear their little voices :)
And then I was back to face smashed in to the pillow, eyes closed, ready to pass out. But then as I was laying there thinking about how I am crapping out on DAY ONE of my new challenge, I remembered Melissa’s comment “A little over 3 miles per day, on a schedule? You can totally do that in your sleep. ;)” So, yeah…her voice stuck in my head (among all you other Tumblrs!) and 10 seconds later, I was on my feet putting my running clothes on. So, thank you all for that ;)
As soon as I started running, I knew it was going to be a slow one. My legs felt like lead. Frankenstein legs. Hammer feet. Whatever you want to call it, my legs were not having it. And it was mainly my calves giving me trouble today. When your calves are that sore…it is impossible to have good running form, but I did the best I could.
And look at those perfect positive splits!! Oh wait…we are supposed to shoot for negatives…ah well.
Garage selfie because it was too dark outside. Makes for interesting lighting :P
Oh, and ice….necessary. When I stopped running, I had flashbacks to high school track when my shin splits were at their peak. Oh, the pain! Both my calves and my shins screamed at me so much worse than while I was running. I walked them out, rolled them out, and then iced.
I am assuming most of the pain is coming from a combination of squats and jump ropes. We will see how this goes…;) I definitely won’t be running tomorrow morning, but I will see how I feel after work or later that night.
(212.56/500=42.5%)
So, I was doing some math….
And I figured out that if I run slightly over 3 miles for each day of the rest of June, I will be at 50% of my goal for my 500 miles for the year. If I hit 50% at 50% of the year…it will set me up decently for the last half of the year.
I am not sure if that is attainable for me….BUT, I would be crazy not to even try. Especially since I figured out that there is enough light at the high school track to run in the dark. So, here I am trying.
When I can run:
18 - after Nate’s baseball double header
19 - before or after work
20 - before work or after Nate’s baseball game or after coffee date if we still have it
21 - early morning before we get kids and Charly and I leave for girls scout trip
22 - after kids go to bed
23 - after Youth group
24 - before work or after we get home from cook out/after kids go to bed
25 - before work or after church meeting
26 - before work or after kids go to bed
27 - before work or after Nate’s baseball game or after coffee date if we still have it
28 - early morning before we leave for camping trip
29 - early morning - maybe get some of the Youth to run with me
30 - early morning or after kids go to bed
So, it is possible. I mean, I CAN find some time during the day each day to sneak a run in. But, it will take a lot of dedication. A LOT. But, can I do that for 13 days PLUS my June Challenge?
I don’t know. It is a feat that I am willing to have a go at. If it doesn’t work…no big deal. At least I can say I tried. :P
After Euchre, I decided to sneak in a Miler Monday:
The first mile, I wish I could say I ran it in 6:54. My GPS thinks I did. But, I was running around the high school track and I ran four times around back to my starting place and it clocked me at 7:28. So, whatever.
And since my legs were cramping up something fierce after that, I ran a recovery mile around the track in 8:42.
It was dark out and the lightening was lighting up the sky. But, the rain held out for me. So, very nice of it.
I came home and did my jump ropes outside. Again, the rain held off, but the wind was picking up. And then I did the rest of my June Challenge inside.
350 jump ropes (4 sets: 100,100,75,75)
85 squats (1 set)
27 push ups (2 sets: 15 and 12)
140 crunches (1 set)
(209.56/500=42%)
Pictures:
1. Running clothes were on. But, I just really wanted to stay cuddled up in that blanket.
2. I did manage to peel myself away from my blessed blanket. And I did run. But, boy did these legs not like me. Quads, calves, shins…they all talked to me the entire run. It is a good pain though. At least that is what I keep telling myself. Stupid squats, I blame it all on you.
3. Three sunset miles. 26:41. 8:54 pace.
4. Before my run, I did my jump ropes. 250 of them. And after my run I did the rest. 128 crunches, 25 push ups, and 80 squats.
5. And since I haven’t eaten since 2 this afternoon, I am eating a late dinner and finishing off the mac n cheese leftovers. And of course a beer and some water.
(207.56/500=41%)
Ya know, I don’t know if I will ever be a consistent runner. Even if I didn’t have so many obligations. And I don’t know if I ever would consistently run in the morning or in the evening. I truly enjoy both.
Running in the morning is great. You get your work out in first thing. You shower and get ready for the day. By the time evening rolls around, you almost forget that you already got your work out in that morning. And running in the morning, there is just different sounds and smells. It can be so peaceful. And it feels good to wake your muscles up in that way.
Running in the evening can be peaceful too. Just in a different way. It is the whole your surroundings waking up vs. settling down type of peace.
And in the evening, there is something to be said for pushing through with a work out after you have had a tiring day. And then taking a shower and easing in to some comfy pajamas. Maybe crack a beer or just curl under a blanket. You can just let your tired muscles relax.
Yeah, I don’t think I would ever be one or the other. Morning runner or evening runner. I love both for too many reasons. And then there is the afternoon run….we won’t even get in to that ;)
Registration is open for what will be the next race after my July 6th race.
The July 6th race is a 5k. It is always hot. And it is always brutal. Not sure why…just is, even though it is a morning run. The last half of the course is not shaded at all. And the first half has some hills. And maybe a lot of it is mental for me.
Two years ago, I ran it in 27:11. It wasn’t a PR for me even at that time. Yet, it was the closest I have ever come to puking and/or passing out after a race. So close. That was horrible. *shiver*
Last year I ran it in 24:45. (my PR right now is 24:44)
And last year I did the pictured 10k for the first time and it was hideous. (I did the 5k the year before) Seriously, hideous! It was so hot and I couldn’t get hydrated and I had to walk quite a bit. I was so disappointed. I came in at 58:16. I was happy I was under an hour, but sad that I could have done better. My 10k PR right now is 54:29 (I have only ran two).
So, these next two races will be redemption time. And I NEED to do lots-o-speed work. And of course get acclimated to this stupid heat and humidity, lol. Which just means I need to get my butt out the door more!
Now that kids are done with school and Aydan and Charly are done with t-ball and softball, I am hoping it will be a tad easier to get out and run. I have a bit of catching up to do on my 500 miles for the year challenge as well. (come on Jason, you too ;))
And I do know that races are supposed to be just fun. And you shouldn’t push yourself too hard. And worry about time. And and and….. BUT, I just can’t not. It is what I do. And it is what I enjoy. If I push myself to almost puking, I know I did everything that I possibly could have. And that makes me happy. And competing against myself…I don’t think that will ever get old :)
Summer of races, here I come! :)
3.34 miles
31 minutes
9:18 pace
56 degrees
91% humidity
The cooler temp, but high humidity just messes with my head. It is like my body just doesn’t know what to think or do, lol.
Slow miles for me, but that is ok. I saw a window to run and I took it. I wasn’t properly fueled by food or water, but ah well. Let’s just say it is deprivation training. Yeah, that is it.
Oh, and nice bandana sweat mark, yeah?
Without having a shower at home well…you do things a little differently. So running hasn’t been a priority without being able to shower after. And I am sure my family thanks me for that.
But, the church has a shower, so I am taking full advantage today. I am also working from up here today since they got their power back on yesterday. So, no Panera for me. I am ok with that.
(204.56/500=41%)
Two “easy” miles this morning that were far from easy. I felt like it was the first time I had run…ever.
The temperature is 63 degrees (feels like 63 degrees), but the humidity is at 98%. So there is that.
So, between the humidity and my body revolting against me lately, they were some laborious two miles. I’ll take it.
9:01 pace. I “felt” like I was running a sub 8 pace, lol. Sometimes you just take the runs for what they are. I know in a week or so I will be flying through the miles (I hope) and singing the running god’s praises. Ebb and flow.
It was pretty out though. There was a nice layer of fog and as I was running past the blueberries, I could see Grandpa driving his truck checking on the berries and the fog was settled just over the bushes. It would have made a nice picture if I had thought of it at the time.
Happy Tuesday, y’all :-)
(201.22/500=40%)
Hartford Strawberry 5k recap
First off, this was a really fun race. Second, I did not run a great time. But, ah well.
This is my home town’s race, so there is always a lot of people that I know and it is just overall fun to hang out and enjoy myself.
Mark was helping out with the race since he joined the Lion’s Club and they are the one’s that put this race on every year. So, since he was helping and I was running, we just left the kids home with Nate.
I snapped this picture right before the start of the race. They had about 420 runners. Not bad for our small town ;)
Let’s talk about my “set up” for this race.
Wednesday I gave blood. Thursday and in to Friday I had um…tummy troubles, which left me depleted on top of the blood loss. I drank a lot of water Thursday and Friday, but it just wasn’t (couldn’t be) enough.
Due to my ailing belly, I didn’t do my June challenge on Thursday, so I did both days on Friday. Which included 220 jump ropes, 99 crunches, 33 push ups, and 95 squats. Honestly, all were fine, but it was the squats that killed me the next day. Saturday morning I woke up at 4am and spent an hour in the bathroom. Yeah…. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, I started my period five minutes before the race. Yeah…. (TMI blah blah).
So, I wasn’t really properly “set up” for this race, but I gave it my all and I did feel like I was going to die for most of it. Despite the weather being absolutely PERFECT. Warm sun, cool breeze, perfect running weather.
My mother in law snapped this picture of me as I was coming down the chute:
I kind of like that muscle in my leg I didn’t know I had.
Oh, and during mile two, some random lady complimented me on my stride. She said her “short legs are jealous”. I don’t think I have long legs, but I’ll take the compliment, sure.
They did fix the course this year, which I was rather happy about. It has been short in previous years. Closer to 3 miles than 3.1.
I came in at 26:25, not my best, but I still got second in my age group! Again, I’ll take it, lol.
The winners all got a medal and a pint of strawberries (locally grown)
They were really tasty. Sweet and juicy:
Ok, now to dote on some people.
Below is a picture of Crystal and Mikaela. Crystal has become a good friend and is a fellow runner. (not lately due to the prego status) And her daughter, Mikaela, is best friend’s with Charly. Mikaela has had an interest in running and this was her first 5k.
She ran the ENTIRE race. I am so proud of her. AND she got first in her age group. (0-9 I believe) She is 7. I didn’t write down her official time, but it was in the 31 minute range. Just awesome.
And then let’s talk about these two ladies with me in this next picture. Sarah is on the left and Abby is on the right.
Sarah is an amazing girl. You wouldn’t know it, but she used to have a rather large tumor (I believe it was) near her lung. She called it Bart. She had to have surgeries and tests and it took her a while to get up to fighting form. To see her now, you don’t even remember there was a tumor called Bart that affected her whole life so much. She is just a vibrant girl that loves life. And I am so glad she loves to run as well!
Both of these girls are in our Youth group and are close friends of the family. I love them as if they were my own daughters.
Abby is awesome. She was so nervous to run because she has been dealing with hip issues and had to have physical therapy. She hadn’t run 3 miles in a long time due to the pain. But, she did great on the 5k and should be able to run cross country this year! Strong girl.
Again, I am just happy to be able to share a passion with running with both of these girls.
Ok, then there is Nancy. Nancy runs and runs and doesn’t stop. She is definitely inspiring. And she is also the one that sends me homemade running cards in the mail, which I adore. The one below, I got on Friday right before the Strawberry.
Ok, and this next picture. Vanessa. I went to school with Vanessa. She was in the grade before me, actually. She has been steadily running for a while now and it has been fun to follow along on her progress. She finished her first tri a month or two ago. And she finished her first Half a week or two ago. Her husband and three boys also ran with her today.
Oh, and Vanessa and I started the race together. I pulled ahead early because I hate the crowds. But, she passed me on the last mile, lol. She ended up finishing about 10 seconds before me. I am not sure, but I think she PR’d. And she also got first place in her age group.
This is what running is about. Sharing your stories, your passions, your goals, your successes with each other. It is definitely a reason why I keep running. Addictive for sure!
There are a few other people I could go on about. I didn’t get pictures of all of them. Anna finishing her first 5k. Edward getting the addictive race bug will probably do the fruit belt series this year. Kathy couldn’t run due to an injury, but she was there as a supporter. I am sure I am forgetting someone.
It is great to have so many runners that I adore in my hometown.
Oh, and there was a pancake breakfast. I forgot to take a picture. Just imagine pancakes with strawberries on top and sausage on the side ;) They also had smoothies, but I didn’t get one of those.
There were some miles around campus. Sweat was definitley had. I am saving you from the pictures of sweat. You are welcome.
I did run around the track for part of it and tried for a “fast mile”. I ended up with 7:25. Not my best mile time, but I wasn’t completely dead at the end of it, so that is good. And then I just did two laps around the campus and called it good. There is a lot of little hills around campus…kind of constant. And oh the bugs. I am pretty sure I ate a lot of them tonight. And there were these white feathery things blowing everywhere that would get stuck to my chest and face. Lovely.
4.83 miles
42:20
8:46 pace
(196.10/500=39%)
Great evening for a run.
Dinner: After our afternoon sessions, dad and I headed out in search of sushi. We opted for a place called Sushi Kuni.
I don’t normally get salad when I go out for sushi. I usually get some miso soup or some edamame. But, I was in the mood for salad for some reason, so I got the house salad with ginger dressing. It was refreshing, which is what I was going for. And wasn’t watered down how it can be sometimes.
And for my rolls, I got the Kamikaze Roll (spicy tuna, crab, avocado, deep friend and eel sauce) and a Yellowtail roll. I also had some of my dad’s Caterpillar roll (eel, cucumber, crab, avocado, and eel sauce). It was all really good. Thumbs up from this girl ;) We would go back.
After dinner: We went to Schuler’s and I grabbed a latte and we played some cribbage. It was nice to sit and chat and catch up for a while.
*He beat me two games to one in cribbage :(*
After after dinner: Dad dropped me back off at my dorm. It was just getting dark, but I went ahead and did my plank. Ugh…4:45!!!! Insane, people. Insane. Five minutes tomorrow. Whew.
And then I went ahead and did a lap around campus.
2.01 miles
15:54
7:54 pace
~7:35 pace for the first mile and 8:12 for the second…I sure didn’t feel like I was going that fast for the first one. I actually felt like I was going faster the second mile. Ah well…what do I know! lol
(191.27/500=38%)
No roommate as of yet. Maybe she will show up tomorrow. But, for tonight I will enjoy having the space to myself. I really don’t want to do planks with a stranger in the room…so hopefully I can squeeze one in at some point when I am alone. Or maybe she won’t show up!
(I am sure she is lovely, whoever she is. I just really like having space to myself ;))
Tomorrow I get up around 6, so I am on the road by 7. I will drive the hour and a half home, watching Aydan’s preschool graduation, and come back in time for some invigorating legislation. ;)
(I actually do enjoy the legislative part of all of this. In intrigues me. And love hearing the different opinions on the matters up for vote/discussion.)
Good night, all! I will be up for a while since I drank some caffeine and since dinner was 5 hours ago…I am starving!! Not really up for a late night drive for some food though..so I suffer, lol ;)
The Coordinating Council meeting was only 40 minutes long tonight. That is, seriously, a new record. It usually goes at least an hour and a half. An hour is “quick”. Forty minutes is just insane. I guess we just didn’t have much to talk about. And the stuff we did vote on didn’t need much discussion. Tis good.
Anyway, so I got home and started packing for tomorrow.
And then I realized…the kids are in bed…it is still light out…why not run!?! So, I did.
3 muggy miles
26:38
8:53 pace
80 degrees
(189.26/50=38%)
The run was uneventful. It was a good run. Warm, nice breeze. I thought it might start raining, but it didn’t. Just a quick loop around town.
I really would love to be at 50% before the first half of the year is over. But, I am not even sure if that is possible. We shall see ;) I may surprise myself.
4.96 miles
8:45 pace
(186.26/500=37%)
This run was a bit forced. I wasn’t well fueled or hydrated. I have been unmotivated all day. I really wanted to run, but wasn’t all get up and go about it. Of course, I am glad I did. My legs just felt like lead and I felt like I was clop clopping along. Just one of those runs.
And then I made the mistake of doing my plank as soon as I got back from my run. Can we all just say ah ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! Yeah, I had to stop at the 3 minute mark. That was ridiculously painful. But, I only stopped for about 30 seconds or less and then finished up to make 4:15 to transition to my 4:30 tomorrow.
4 more days and this whole plank challenge is over. Hopefully, I will feel all sorts of accomplished, lol. ;)
Bottom picture: Peyten imitating momma :)
2 quick miles before I have to head out and get stuff around for tonight.
That second mile? Yeah…apparently I run faster when I run right through downtown where more people are watching, lol. Plus, I was in a hurry to get back.
And then when I got back, my phone wouldn’t let me hit stop right away. Fun stuff.
2.02 miles
16:38
8:15 pace
52 degrees
(181.30/500=36%)
Currently on step 9
What is up with the ill fitting had, Indy? Eh…it did the trick. I think this is my first time running with a hat on…maybe. It worked out well. And I figured if it did start pouring rain, it would stay out of my eyes. The rain held off though. I was a little disappointed.
3.42 miles
29:31
8:38 pace
50 degrees
(179.28/500/35%)
This was a fantastic run. Fantastic. I felt really good right out of the gate. And it just never stopped. Each time I started to feel fatigued, it seemed like hardly any time would pass and I would already be recovered already.
And to have the 8:38 pace with a couple stops for traffic and one phone call…yeah, I am happy with that.
Perfect weather, perfect run. It was just what I needed. Fabulous, seriously.
And that is about how I feel about that.
It was a good horrible run.
Today has been a stressful one…on many fronts. I won’t go in to it, but I really needed to pound the pavement. A half mile in I didn’t think I would be able to keep running because I was starting to cry. Aargh, emotions…get down there. But, I pushed through and of course…as we know…the run did me wonders. I do feel a bit better now.
The run was a sweaty one. The fire station says it is 91 today. And it is pretty humid to boot. I did walk a couple times. It was necessary for a couple of reasons.
A quick run around town:
2.64 miles
24:26
9:15 pace
(175.86/500)
A quarter of the way in to my run I realized it is Monday. I tried to step it up a bit and work at a Miler Monday, but still only ended up with an 8:35 mile. It just wasn’t happening today.
