Saturday, December 18, 2010

Back from Disney!

wow. disney with a toddler...alone? NEVER NEVER NEVER again! that was the most difficult week i think i've had in a LONG time. i'm tired just thinking about it. never mind the fact that i became violently ill the day we came home. what a nightmare that trip was!

still, i was at disney so i really can't complain. i didn't run while on the trip but i walked everywhere! i walked alot between epcot and disney's hollywood studios - love that walk!

i was so ill when i came back that i couldn't run for a while. i mean, i could barely walk let alone run! finally a few days ago i started feeling better and i left thomas with a friend and did a 4 mile run. the first 3 miles felt great! that never happens! usually it takes me a few miles to not feel like my legs are made out of lead. the last mile though? rough! i attribute that to the fact that i ate doritos before running! ew!

today i went out for a 5 mile run. it was cold! and hard! i actually wound up running just under 6.5 miles. not because i wanted to but because i underestimated how far away from home i had run!

this is crunch time now so i really can't afford to miss any training runs. having not run in a while i feel a little bit like i'm starting from scratch, especially after i had been up to 10 miles! still, 6.5 miles isn't too bad and i will plan on increasing my mileage by 1 mile each week until race time. once i get to 13 miles i will plan on doing 10 mile-ish long runs until the race day.

workout: 6.5 miles
time: can't remember but about an hour and 10 minutes
next up: my 4 mile short run on tuesday :)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

One last post before I leave

And a good one at that!

Got out this morning before my hair appointment for a final run before I leave for Disney. I was telling myself that I should do 3-4 miles. It would have been great to have a 7 miler under my belt before leaving for vacation but seeing as it's been over a month since I've run that far I really didn't think it would be wise to go for it, especially since I haven't run this week at all.

So, I did the usual Maritime Run and IT. WAS. FREEZING!!! 32 degrees. That wouldn't be all that bad except for the fact that the wind was HOWLING off the water and I don't have any cold weather running gear. Really need to get on the whole it's-winter-now-so-dress-appropriately thing. I ran in my running capris, a running t-shirt, and this long sleeved running shirt that I got from target that is paper thin. BRRRR!!! Once I got running I started to sweat though and warm up.

I wound up running 5 miles! Not bad. And I felt pretty good about my in-shapedness (in-shapedness? sure, why not!) that I could go a week without running and still be able to run 5 miles without stopping or vomiting all over the side of the road.

Thomas is taking a little snooze and John is laying down too. He came down with a bad cold last night and his nose is appropriately colored for the season - red. I need to finish up my packing and get to bed early.  I'm going to try to persuade John to take us out to eat tonight since 1) we won't see him now for a week and 2) I don't want to cook.

Workout: 5.14 miles
Time: 53:34
Next up: Lots of sweet treats at Disney and a whole lotta walking!

Friday, December 3, 2010

just so you know...

...I am in no way flaking on this half marathon.  I'm going to finish this mother pooper if it's the last thing I do!

I'm planning on a run early in the morning tomorrow. Yes, that means that I didn't run at all this week and will only run once before I head to Disney for a week. Yeah, I know that I really can't afford to just take a week off. But come ON people. I'm going to Disney! When I get home I will run the next day. And then I'm back on plan.

I came up with a real plan! My girlfriend's 13 year old daughter is going to come over after school 2 or 3 days a week and watch Thomas for an hour so I can do my short runs. Sucky part is that I'll need to pay her 10 bucks each time but you know what? I AM SO WORTH IT!

So, if I don't chit chat with you before we leave, I will be back next week to update you on our trip! I will be on my own with the little guy and I'll need SOMEONE to talk to so I'll be sure to be posting updates on Twitter chock full of pictures. And don't be surprised if some of my pics are of margaritas, grey goose slushies, and biers from Germany....hehe :)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

sorry guys, it's been a while...

sadly i don't have great news to report. well, no, wait..that's a lie.  my foot is feeling better! hurrah! that's a good thing.

but the running side of things hasn't been all that good.  i haven't run in a few days. thomas was sick yesterday, it's been too cold to get out with him in the jogger, and today it's raining cats and dogs. i'm really wishing i had a treadmill. at least i could get some running in if i had one. alas, i have no room and no money for a treadmill.

i did go out for a run last week and did 5 great miles. then i took two days off and on sunday i went for another run. i planned on doing 7 miles and could barely get out 3.5! it was awful! i just felt TERRIBLE!

i might call this week a wash and just go out on saturday and try to do a 5 miler. then sunday we leave for disney and sadly i won't be able to run while we're there. the weather looks perfect but since it's just me and Thomas going, i just won't be able to get any running in. however, i know i'll be doing a ton of walking so at least i'll have some exercise. then when i'm back i will just have to come up with a plan to get the running in. 

i promise i'll have better running to report soon enough. i better because the princess half is getting close!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Universe: stop hating me, PLEASE!

http://www.westchesterroadrunner.com/You guys, this is getting a little ridiculous! I was hoping by now to have at least had a 12 mile run and to just maintain my long runs until the Princess Half Marathon. OF COURSE that's not the case! First it's the foot, then my time spent in the ER with balloon hands and feet, and now...rashed foot. What the hell!?? 

I ran a little this weekend. My foot was still really bothering me. Yesterday John, Thomas, and I went to the Westchester Road Runner Store (well, John sat in the car while Thomas napped). The guys and gals in there were awesome! At first I was nervous that they would take one look at me and be like, "um, yeah, you're so NOT a runner" But I told they guy I needed new shoes, I had a foot injury, my current shoes suck and he was like, "well, when you leave here we will have helped one thing: no more sucky shoes!" haha. He spent a ton of time with me and had me running up and down the sidewalk to see how I felt.

I wound up with the Women's Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5, 8, WHITE/MTLC PLATINUM/MATTE SILVER/UNIVERSITY BLUE. I like them! What I wasn't crazy about was the fact that they were $130. I had a $50 amex card though so that helped the pain a little.

I'm excited to use them and he suggested that I wear them all the time until my injury is better because they have the exact support I need. I had originally gone in thinking I'd buy a pair of running shoes too and he didn't even try to sell me another pair. to me, that's awesome service!

One bad thing (of course) - on my left foot, the injured one, is a HUGE rash that's been there for days. and it's spreading. WTF??? I'm gonna go to the doctor today to see what it's all about.  I don't know if it has anything to do with the supposed allergic reaction that landed me in the ER last week.  My hands, feet, and knees ballooned up.  Even after Benadryl and a Steroid IV the swelling was still very bad. Finally that's gone but now I'm dealing with an itchy rash on my foot that is spreading up my leg.

I just want to get out and run. I want to take my shoes on their first voyage! But instead I need to see if my doctor will take me in today.  This is ridiculous. I've been to the doctor more in the last couple of weeks than I have in like 10 years!

Friday, November 19, 2010

2 miles

2 measly miles.

Took Thomas out in the jogger in hopes of running my normal short run. I tried to tell myself that my first day back running might mean that I could only run like a mile. The foot doctor I saw even told me to start off slow. Still. I wanted to at least do my 3 or 4 miles.

The wind was HOWLING and it was cold.  Thomas was cranky and crying in the jogger. And worst of all, my foot hurt. Not like, KILLING me. But it hurt. MOTHER F*****R!!!! POOOO!!!!  I ended after 2 miles not only because of the wind and Thomas but because my foot was bothering me and I don't want to screw things up.  It's not only my foot but moving up to my leg. Ouch. Wah.

Still, at least I got out and ran. At least I'm back on the mend.  Or at least I'm telling myself that.  It's cold out now so I'm trying to figure out what to do about running with the little guy.

My cousin is getting married tomorrow and on Sunday I hope to get to the running store and get fitted with a proper running shoe. Praying that helps....

Monday, November 15, 2010

Does the universe hate me?

Ok long story short....Friday my finger started swelling. Thought it was a bite or something.  Then my hands and my feet and my left knee started to look a little puffy. And I was itchy. Took some Benadryl and went to sleep.  Woke up Saturday morning and my hands and feet and knee were huge balloons.  My throat felt a little tight too. I drove myself to the ER and wound up there all day. I got an IV of Benadryl and a steroid and the swelling never went down.  They even called a rheumatologist down because they thought I might have rheumatoid arthritis. Looks like I don't (thank the LORD!).  I went home still puffy.  Yesterday I was much better. Today I woke up and my lips and eyes were swollen.  I felt ok though.

Fast forward to Mommy & Me and all of a sudden my throat started to feel tight.  Considering how swollen my hands had been on Saturday I got scared.  My uncle drove me to the ER where I got a shot of Benadryl.  I felt better almost immediately.  I felt pretty silly for going to the ER for a medicine I had at home but I guess you can't be too cautious when it comes to a possible allergic reaction.

I have no clue what the problem is.  Allergy? They don't know.  Boo.

Tomorrow I go to the Sports Medicine Foot doctor. 

When it rains it pours, right??

Monday, November 8, 2010

Tendinitis?

I went to a podiatrist today.  Amazingly enough the doctor was able to see me right away.  He sent me for an x-ray and even MORE surprising is the fact that the medical imaging place didn't keep me waiting forever! I've waited at that place for hours before when I needed an MRI on my back.

The x-ray didn't show any fractures or anything abnormal (thank GOD!). The doctor suspects I have tendinitis.  He gave me a shot of cortisone (ouch!) and then wrapped up my foot. The wrap consists of a pad in my arch and a whole butt-load of tape. I'm not supposed to get it wet which means showering with a trash bag. He said that it might not help the pain right away but probably will soothe it eventually.  Thing is, my foot is still killing me. And you're not going to believe it but my other foot is started to ache, this time in the arch.

I think my biggest problem might be the shoes. My doctor said that I'll need some decent running shoes and most likely some orthotics.

I'm really depressed. I finally got into a groove with this running thing and it was quickly becoming an important part of my life. And now I can't run. I can't even hobble. I hope this heals quickly because it just sucks not being able to get out and train for the half marathon. Boo.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

This is BAD

This is very, very bad.  I took close to a week off from running to not only rest my foot but to recover from another bout of strep throat. I decided I felt well enough to head out this morning. I told myself I'd do a short run.  I managed to do 4.1 miles and my foot is KILLING me. Like, really really really hurting. $HIT!!! I went online to look for a doctor. I don't know what to do or who to see. Do I go to a podiatrist? And of course I can't find anything on cigna.com. I'm going to call their service to look for a sports medicine person I guess.

I'm so pissed. And depressed. WTF am I going to do?? I guess I can do the elliptical to try to keep up with my exercise. BUT I WANT TO RUN! Ok, I don't WANT to run but you know what I mean.

This really f'ing sucks. Also, if this foot this is like a major problem, how the heck am I supposed to care for a little boy? Oh and not to mention our upcoming trip to Disney...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Some catching up

Well, this is one of those good news/bad news posts.

Good news is that yesterday I went out for a short run. I didn't want to do anything crazy, just wanted to ease the foot back into running after having hurt for a while. Plus, I didn't have a ton of time because yesterday was my first day running the Mommy & Me class at the school by myself. I usually have a co-leader on Mon, Wed, and Thurs but the Tues class it just me. So I wanted to make sure I got there early enough to set up everything. The run felt good. It was COLD though. I had Thomas bundled pretty well but I didn't put gloves on him. That was bad. His poor hands were pink! I am thinking about buying this

It's a bit pricey but considering I'll be using it 2-3x week I think it'd be worth it. Anyone have experience with this?

The foot felt good and even throughout the day it continued to feel good. The tiniest bit sore but really nothing to complain about. I only wound up running 2.8 miles though but hey, it's something.

The bad news now? I'm sick as a dog. Rest assured that when it starts to get cold out, I will get strep throat. Every. Single. Year. I'm going to have to call the doctor today to run in and get the strep test and a script for antibiotics. It's come to the point where I know I have it! Wah! And of course John is in San Diego til Saturday so I don't even have him to complain to!

I haven't talked Disney lately so let's..ok? It looks like I'll be taking Thomas on my own the second week in December. John's not comfortable taking off so soon after starting his new job, especially when we are going again in January. I really don't want to give up that vacation (we'd be losing the DVC points). Since I'm with my boy all day, I really don't think taking him on my own would be a problem. Sure, the bus situation might be a little tough but he's still little enough that I can stick him in a baby carrier while i wield the stroller. Let's just pray for little to no meltdowns!

And because we're all Mickey-obsessed here, I'm sure you can guess what the little guy was for Halloween!



Of COURSE he was Mickey!! He wasn't thrilled about the hat but was a good sport about it. Also I think it helped that it was a little chilly and that hat was warm!

So, until I feel better I'm going to take a break from running.  I was feeling sick yesterday when I ran and although the foot felt ok, my chest was wheezing and now I'm even worse. I'll give myself a nice rest and then pound the pavement as soon as I'm better :)

Friday, October 29, 2010

GAH!!!

My foot still hurts! I ran on Wednesday and it felt fine. Then yesterday I did the elliptical. Today, I went out for a run and did four miles. My foot KILLED for the last half mile or so. CRAP! What am I supposed to do? Just rest? If I were one of those in shape people who actually likes to exercise it would be ok to rest the foot until it felt better. But since I'm one of those prefers-to-lay-on-the-couch kind of chubbies, I really can't just hang til it feels better because I'm afraid I'll make that some sort of month-long or more excuse.

WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Do I see a doctor? It's so annoying to do that though. First you see the regular doctor and they basically will do nothing but send you to some ortho person. Fine, except you know they won't have an appointment til like January. Then you'll go there and wait forever and they'll just send you for and x-ray....blah blah....such a pain in the...foot!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

you're kidding me, right??

Expletive! Expletive! Expletive!!!

I took two days off of running after Saturday's 10 miler. I intended on going to aerobics class last night but my cousin Johnny's 11th birthday was last night and I just HAD to go over and have cake! What's that? Ok yeah I had two pieces. Whoops.

I got out and running this morning with Thomas in the jogger. After about 3/4 mile Thomas started to fuss so I stopped quickly to give him his pacifier. I started back up again and OUCH! My foot! Ouch! My leg! WTF is THAT??? I decided to stop running and just walk home. I was making my way out of Maritime College when one of the guys who works there said, "Hey wait, don't I always see you running??" I told him my foot hurt and he said he hoped I felt better. I have to say, I kind of like that he said something. It means that I've been doing this enough to be a bit of a staple on campus!

Anyway, I don't know what's up with my foot. What did I do? It's not like, killing me now but then again I'm just sitting here. I have an appointment downtown at my endocrinologist today and I'm going to drive down so I'll stay off my foot as much as possible. SUUUUUCCKKKSSS!!!

WAAAAAAHHH!!! Hopefully it's nothing and just a little twist and I'll be back on the wagon in no time.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Woo-freaking-hoo!!!

10 miles baby! That's right! TEN MILES!! I'm sitting here with my feet up and my laptop on my lap typing these very happy words! Double digits!

First the bad news - let's see....After I ran I went to the movies. I brought a bagel and cream cheese and a cup of coffee with me. However, I was starving so I decided to indulge in pretzel bites too. Nearly finished the whole tray during the movie. Oh and after dinner? I had not only a 3 Musketeers Bar but a pack of Starburst. And then I wonder why I'm still a fatty....

But back to the good news - I ran ten miles, my farthest ever. I logged onto MapMyRun.com and happened to see a 10 mile route that was on there that was kind of near me. I figured I'd give it a try.  John had Thomas for the day in PA so I didn't need to rush home for anything.  If I needed to walk I could. I started out down East Tremont Ave which is sort of the main street for where I live. I ran to the subway and turned left onto Westchester Ave. Now, my area of the Bronx is really nice and I love every bit of it.  However, just a mile or so down the road it gets a little....sketchy. My run took me past no less than 4 homeless men, several dudes that were definitely on crack, 20+ Mexican workers at three gas stations hanging out waiting to be picked up as day laborers, and too many to count just scary looking people.  I ran to Parkchester then all the way to Pelham Bay Park.  Once I got to the Park I was much more relaxed as it was more my 'hood.


After about 4.5 miles, I felt pretty good. Thing is, the first few miles really sucked.  I felt terrible. But once I hit that 4.5 mile mark, I started to feel pretty good. That, or the fact that I was a little scared where I was running may have caused me to pick it up a little!

When I finally made it home I gave myself a nice pat on the back followed by a ginormous glass of chocolate milk! I took my shower and...OUCH! The water touching the places where my sports bra had rubbed raw was PAINFUL. PAINFUL! I need to figure out what to do about that. The whole band area is rubbed raw.

My knees are killing me. My legs are so sore. My stomach is full of crap food. But you know what? I ran ten miles today. Boo-yah!

Workout: 10.37 miles
Time: 1hr 50min
Next up: And on Sunday, she rested...

Friday, October 22, 2010

Baby it's cold outside!

Ok, I realize that I will be laughing at this title in just a few short months when I'm running in sub-freezing weather. But today was a chilly day! I originally planned on doing the elliptical machine while Thomas had a nap.  However since we didn't have Mommy & Me class today my morning was wide open and Thomas was up EARLY.  So, I decided to bundle the little boy up and head out to Maritime for a run! It was pretty tough! I felt tired and my legs just didn't seem to want to move.  I was going to stop after two miles but was inspired by this morning's Today Show feature on Maritime College's football coach. He will be deploying soon to Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and two sons.  I see them all the time while Thomas and I do our running around the campus.  It was really neat and totally surprising to see someone I "knew" on the Today Show as I watch it every morning. 

Right when I wanted to quit I spotted Coach walking this dog.  He gave me a big wave and I just knew I needed to do another lap.  Anything to get me going!

I did 4 miles and wound up sweating big time even though it was awfully chilly out.  Halfway through my run I noticed that Thomas had finished his snack and was very quiet! He's usually blabbering the whole time I'm running.  I guess the fresh air and the early wake up time really wore him out! He was out cold and I wound up having to sit outside my house - never wake a sleeping baby!!! - for 20 minutes or so until he woke up.  He was all bundled so I figured I'd just let him be.


Tomorrow John is taking Thomas to the Poconos to see his parents.  I won't get into why I'm not going (suffice to say that his family is completely nuts and I just don't have the energy to be around them) because I want this to be a very positive and Disney-like blog! :)  I'm looking forward to some nice alone time.  I hope to get in a long run and maybe even a movie too! MMMMmmmm movie theater popcorn will be SO deserved after a long run....

Workout: 4 miles
Time: 44:54
Next up: Long Run...maybe 8 miles?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Dear Body, Why do you hate me so??

I don't know if it's my body or my brain that I should hate. Really. So I finally get some motivation to get my butt in gear and get out and run. Nice! Right? Well why oh why must I sabotage myself by eating crap nonstop? I just love food. I LOVE IT! I love cooking it, I love looking at it, I love taking pictures of it, and most of all I love eating it. In large quantities. My brain knows that in order to run well, lose weight, and be healthy I need to eat better and stay away from the cookies, candy, goldfish crackers, etc etc that I cram into my mouth every day during naptime. But my hand still reaches for the food! But the brain signals the hand to move. DAMN YOU brain!! I need to come up with a plan. A meal plan.  Before I was diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance I gained about 40 lbs in THREE months.  After tons of tests and receiving my diagnosis I went on metformin (a diabetes medication) and went on a strict diet to try to lose that weight.  I did it so I KNOW what needs to be done to lose. And since I still am insulin resistant/pre-diabetic, I should really stay away from the crap. And yet, I still eat it. Bad.

Moving on, I had two great exercise days (even though I went up FOUR pounds in the last couple of days). I took a break from running yesterday but did the elliptical in the morning for half an hour (as long as my teething son would stay in his crib fighting sleep) and after he went to bed I got back to the aerobics class that I used to do every Monday and Wednesday.  It was SO great to be back and see all the women who are still going. I even got a couple of nice you-lost-weight compliments which I loved.  Also, it gave me a chance to show off some pictures of my boy! What mom doesn't love that? We did some step aerobics followed by a weight workout. Shoo! It was great.  And you know what? I did really well and I'm sure it's because of the running. Even with the weight gain I KNOW that I'm in pretty darn good shape.

This morning I was able to do my "short" run without the jogger since John didn't need to leave for work until 9am.  I managed to run 4 "quick" miles and felt pretty great the whole time.  This weekend's long run according to the runDisney plan is only 4 miles but since I've already gotten my mileage up above that, I'm planning on trying to go for 8 or 9! We'll see. I'll have to map something out.

Until next time, I'll be trying to tape my mouth closed to keep the food out! ;)

Workout: 4.1 miles
Time: 41 minutes
Next up: Some sort of cross training tomorrow followed by a long run (8 or 9 miles) Saturday!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Busy Life of a SAHM

I worked in Finance as the Head of Investor Relations for a multi-billion dollar asset management firm.  I thought I was a very person then. Ha! It's really amazing how busy you can become when you "just" stay at home with one little boy. I can't even imagine having more kids to handle every day! Add that to being constantly tired and the fact that I'm sit slightly on the lazy side of the spectrum and you have me very behind in alot of things I need to do!

I ran 4 miles on Sunday after taking a rest day on Saturday.  After the 7 mile run on Friday I needed a break.  The 4 miler felt just as bad as the rest of my runs.  It's getting a little depressing not having a "great" run in a long time but I'm not going to quit. I know it's my fault because I've been housing food non-stop. My son Thomas hasn't been sleeping and napping all that well and he is teething terribly lately.  With that extra stress, I'm turning towards junk food WAY more than any grown woman should.  And that's making my runs really suck.  Where is my discipline??

It looks like the rain should clear up today so I hope to get a 3 or 4 miler in today as the runDisney plan calls for. I don't have Mommy & Me class today but starting in November I will be teaching the class on my own so I will need to figure out how to get out and running by 7:30am at the latest on days where we have "baby school".

I would like to share some pictures though as it's been a while! This is from a 5k race I did a few weeks ago at Orchard Beach.  My 9 year old cousin ran with me. She didn't finish the whole thing (come on, she's 9!) but before it ended I had her come back in the race with me to finish. It was fun to finish with her!!

The best part of this race of course was the free food and beer they had afterward! 
We went pumpkin picking this weekend too.  We drove up to Rockland County and, although it was a little chillier than we were expecting, it was a great time.  Thomas had little trouble walking on the lumpy ground but we still managed to get a great pumpkin!



It's 7:23am right now and the sun is still not completely up. Yuck. Thomas is whining in his crib (he got up too early and is still tired but doesn't want to go back to sleep) so I better get him.. He'll spend the next hour or so before we go out chasing the dog/whining because of his teeth/playing with the broom/refusing to eat.

Ah, the busy life of a stay at home mom...

Friday, October 15, 2010

I'm Still Here!

Hi all! I'm still here. Just slacking a little on...well...pretty much everything! I HAVE been running but not as many days as I normally do.  I've been busy with taking over as one of the leaders for the Mommy & Me class. Who knew I'd be so busy putting together crafts!

Anywho, I started the official training for the Princess Half on Tuesday.  That plan has only two short runs during the week and a long run on the weekend.  I ran three short runs this week though.  I feel like two short runs just aren't enough for me. Believe me, I'm not one to WANT to run yet. But I feel like two won't be enough to keep me going.  That being said, my short runs totally sucked this week.  I don't know what it is but I've been feeling pretty horrible during my running.  My runs were only 2, 4, and 3.5 miles which by now I should be able to bang out with no problem, right? Wrong. I've felt like absolute poo.

John was able to take a comp day from work today which was great.  I then was able to get out and do a long run without Thomas in the jogger.  Since I hadn't had a real long run in two weeks, I knew I wouldn't be hitting any new mileages. Plus, my short runs were pretty crappy so I didn't want to get too crazy on the long run.  I felt like crap the whole run. I mean seriously, the whole run. It was cold and windy today (well, cold compared to what it's been lately). I started off at a 10 min/mile pace which actually is pretty good. But very soon after the first mile or so I dropped to an 11 min and then even a 12 min per mile pace. Blech. I wound up doing 7 miles. And it took a LONG time.

Best part of this whole week of running is that it's over. You know what I think the problem is though? Nutrition. I've been eating like crap and I'm SURE that's translating to crap running. I have always had a hard time eating right. I need to find a plan to follow.  Any one have any suggestions?

On a completely different note, I'll be in Disney again in 50 days! Woot! This time it's just me and Thomas.  Can we say, totally different experience??? I think we'll have a good time. Thomas is such a good boy and even if he had a meltdown every single day...at least we'd be in Disney! And I can reward myself for a "tough" day with a Mickey bar :)

Workout: 7 miles
Time: 1hr 18min
Next up: I think I'll rest tomorrow and shoot for another long-ish run on Sunday

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Erm, not going to run today...

I ran a nice four miles yesterday.  I knew I wouldn't be able to get a long run in this week since John's still away (coming home tomorrow, thank GOD) but I figured I could at least do 3 or 4 with the jogger. Some of the running plans have you do a high mileage one weekend and then less the next before going back up. Anyway, so that's what I was telling myself so I wouldn't feel too bad about not doing a big long run!

I'm having some stomach issues (up all night, yuck) so I've decided not to run today.  Thomas and I have plans to go to Queens today to have lunch with my friend Veronica. She's having us over to celebrate my 30th birthday which was last Monday.  Hopefully my stomach will behave by then because we're having Pio Pio which is, um, awesome!

I still need to upload a picture from the 5k I did last weekend! My laptop doesn't have a card reader so it's a huge PITA to upload photos these days.

Until tomorrow :)

Friday, October 8, 2010

No big run today

I woke up today really not wanting to go out and run. It's a gorgeous day and perfect running weather but this whole gash on the shoulder thing is really bothering me.  I decided to get out and go and put a bandage on the shoulder. It felt pretty ok so I headed out.

After a little less than 2 miles, I really felt pretty bad. Just...tired. And my stomach was bothering me (aka I had to GO) so I decided to head home. 

I wound up doing a 5k which actually isn't so bad. I ran for about 32 minutes.  And hey, according to Jeff Galloway's RunDisney Princess Training Plan, I only need two 30 min runs during the week to prepare for my long run on the weekend. So, I still feel pretty good about my running this week. Sure, it was only twice but it's still two more times than I would have done just a few short months ago.

Looks like I won't be able to get a long run in this weekend though.  John is STILL away on business and I just can't do long runs with that jogger.  I might try to see if my aunt or someone can watch Thomas for a while so I can run.  Thing is, I like to run first thing in the morning (before I can get a chance to psych myself out) and seeing as it's the weekend, I think most people will want to sleep in (and/or recover from being out the night before!).

Oh and the shoulder? Still hurts.  And it's really ugly.  I need to find something to hold these bad boys up and not cut the crap out of my skin!

Workout: 3.1 miles
Time: 32ish minutes
Next up: Dunno, but I'll at least do 4 with Thomas in the jogger.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Some unforseen problems...

So we've all heard of people hitting some roadblocks during their training for marathons and half marathons, right? I kind of almost expected something to go wrong. Maybe my knee? An ankle? Maybe the herniated discs I have in my neck and upper back would act up as they seem to always do?

Yeah, none of that so far, knock on wood. But I have hit a little...issue. I literally have a gash in my left shoulder.  It's from my sports bra. I finally found a decent bra to hold up the girls and was SO happy about that.  Problem is, all the, ehem, bouncing, is turning into a big problem.  The straps are chafing my shoulders and the back of the elastic band has formed a nice cut on my back. But the left shoulder is bad. Like, really bad. I have a bandage on it right now and it pretty much constantly hurts.

What the heck am I going to do? I decided not to run today and further irritate the cut but instead did a Biggest Loser Workout (The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1) instead which has minimal up and down motion.  I've actually had this DVD for years and I love it! It's quick but it's HARD and leaves me sore every time! But I can't just take a long break from running! Why oh why can't they make sports bras with women who have big knockers??? Don't we deserve some quality duds too?

Knees feel good, back's alright, ankles are in tip top shape.  Where is the problem? Two of the things that make a princess, a princess! The boobs!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Another quick update

John's away on business so it's just me and Thomas for the week. So that means I pretty much have zero time for anything. Thomas is in his crib fighting a nap so I'll have to make this quick.

I ran the Brothers in Battle 5k Race on Saturday and did great! I finished in 28:26 which is a minute and a half faster than the Race for the Cure in September! It was fun and a gorgeous day. The best part was the free beer and food they had afterward!

The next day I set out for a long run and did NINE miles! Woot! I was SO sore afterwards! I tried some of those PowerBar Gel thingies and took along a water bottle. I'm having a hard time drinking and running at the same time. Yeah, yeah, I know, I could just stop for a second to drink but I gotta tell ya, once I stop, there's no way I'm going to start again! One of these days I'll figure it out. Still, I'm so thrilled to say that I've run 9 miles. That is so much closer to 13.1 than 4 was when that was my longest!

Monday I rested. I just couldn't get going after the nine miler. Oh, and it was my 30th birthday too! I actually didn't do much of anything except go to Mommy & Me and take Thomas to his 15 month appointment.  It was cold and rainy and we just hung out together. John was already on his way to CA so it wasn't much of a party. That's ok, no biggie.

Tuesday I did the elliptical machine for 40 minutes since it was still rainy and terribly windy.  Finally today, Wednesday, I ran again.  I was really tired for almost all of it. On the last leg back home I finally felt pretty good. Why is it that I feel good at the end of the run? I hate my life for the first three miles. But by the time I finished the 4 miles I felt like I could keep going. I stopped though because Thomas had fallen asleep in the jogger and I wanted to see if I could get him to continue his nap in his crib (basically so I could take a shower and eat!).

So, that's where I am. Nothing too exciting. Then again, are training runs really all that exciting? It's the races that seem to be where the fun is. I need to find another race to sign up for. I think it keeps me motivated.

Workout: 4 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Next up: Have to do another 4 or so tomorrow. My knee's bothering me though...so...we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

I'm here! And I've been running!

Hi all! Sorry I was MIA this week.  Getting back into the swing of things after that week-long vacation has been a little difficult. John started a new job on Monday as well and his hours have been pretty sucky.  Not terrible, but Thomas definitely doesn't see him hardly at all during the week.  He's leaving tomorrow for a business trip and won't be back til next Monday. Ugh. Having to do it all for all those days is going to be rough.

But let's talk about some fun stuff, shall we? Like, our Disney trip! Let me tell you it was amazing! Thomas was the perfect baby! We really can't complain at all (not that we would complain, I just mean that he could have had ALOT more meltdowns, etc while on the trip and he was an angel). We woke up early Sunday morning and headed for the airport. Since we flew out of JFK it took slightly longer than it normally would flying out of LGA but still super easy, even with the cab driver forgetting his EZ-Pass.

We took Magical Express to the Beach Club Villas and it was just perfect! We spent the next eight days in Disney bliss. We ate like pigs and felt like dying sometimes in the heat! I ran three times while there but just couldn't do anymore. The humidity was SO bad. I wish I had run one more day but I'm happy I got out as much as I did.

I managed to get some really great pictures! Take a look:

Daddy and Tommy on Main Street

Looking VERY serious at the Liberty Inn

Liberty Inn again on a different day :)

Where'd the water go??

Waiting in line for our next ride!

He really loved the characters!

Before Magic Kingdom opening

Sad attempt at a family shot on Dumbo

Lotso smelled like strawberries!

Sigh, I love this photo.
It was really a great time. Can't believe it's come and gone already. Thomas and I are heading down on our own in December. We had a bunch of banked points we needed to use. Unfortunately with his new job, John can't get the time off. Here's hoping Thomas is a good boy while he's down with just me!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

I'm back!

I've got some good news and bad news. Good news first - John, Thomas and I had a FABULOUS time in Disney World! I will be sure to post some of the pictures I've taken.  I managed to run three of eight mornings. That doesn't sound like much but I did one 4.4 miler, a 5 miler, and a 2.5 miler.  It was WAY too hot to run.  I mean, I felt like I was running through a bath tub. The heat and humidity even at 6:30am was just unbearable and I decided not to do any more running than I did.  I'm pretty proud of myself for at least getting out there a few of the days!

The bad news is that I haven't run since Thursday...it's not Tuesday! I planned on getting right back on the wagon Monday morning but it's been pretty much a constant downpour since we returned late Sunday night and I just can't take Thomas out in the jogger.  I did the elliptical yesterday during his nap and will plan on doing that again today.  I really want to get out and get running again. I'm hoping these days off won't completely throw me for a loop.  This is the taking time off thing that I was afraid of.

Have to get Thomas out of this crib for the morning now....will post more about my trip later!!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Eight is GREAT!

Go me! Go me! Go me!

Eight miles this morning! Woot! And yes, it took me 1hr 30 min to do it. Sure, it's not exactly lightening speed and it's WAY slower than the pace at which I ran my 5k but it's the farthest I've ever run and it brings me way over halfway there to the half marathon distance! I planned on doing 7 miles today but found myself not quite at 6.5 when I was close to home. So, I decided to run towards Maritime and by the time I got there I was farther than I wanted to be. I turned around and came home finishing at the TOP of the hill at the beginning of my street! Hurrah. Finished. I slammed a ginormous glass of chocolate milk when I got home and just treated to myself to a  buttered roll from the deli (and if anyone knows buttered rolls from the deli, they know that I just consumed about a pound of butter). In fact, I feel a little sick from all the butter but hey, it was worth it :)

And the best part of this day?? Disney is TOMORROW!!! Can't wait to get down there! Our flight leaves out of JFK at 7:20 so we'll need to be up VERY early tomorrow morning.  In fact, so early that I'm not looking forward to waking up Thomas! And I'm REALLY not looking forward to the flight! Ah! Hopefully he will snooze on my lap but I seriously doubt it as he hasn't fallen asleep on me in months. Meh, it's a flight to Orlando - it's sort of a must to endure a screaming baby on the flight, might as well be MY screaming baby.

I'm going to sit on my couch and watch the end of Dirty Dancing (thanks ABC Family!) while Thomas takes a little nap. Then I'm getting my hair done (highlights and cut desperately needed) and then some last minute packing. Can't wait!

Workout: 8.05 miles
Time: 1hr30min
Next up: FLIGHT TO DISNEY!!!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Um, ok I mean I will rest...TODAY :)

I'd planned on a rest day for yesterday and I didn't stick to it.  The weather was gorgeous and it was 7:30am. I still had plenty of time to run before Mommy & Me if I wanted. And I felt pretty energetic. Got ready in a flash and was out the door before I could change my mind (that's key - get out before you can come up with an excuse!). Since Thursdays are typically my rest days I just felt like I needed to do something on Wednesday. I knew I'd feel guilty if I didn't get moving. Wound up running 4 miles! The plan called for a 4 miler and this time I stuck with it. I've lately been doing an extra mile but figured there's plenty of time to literally...go the extra mile.

My decision to run yesterday was made a good one when I passed by an older guy on Maritime's campus that I see walking pretty often. Usually we just say hello and keep moving. Perhaps a, "hot out, huh?" but that's about it. Anyway, I ran past him and gave him my usual hello. I had my headphones on but heard him say something so I popped out one headphone and said, "yeah it's very windy!" He said, "No, I said whatever you're doing it's working! You're looking good and losing weight." Oh. My. God. Old guy made my day.

I stopped...just for a second. I put the break on the jogger and gave that old guy a big sweaty hug. "You just made my day."  Let me remind you I live in the Bronx. I don't live in shiny happy land where people hug others often. I'm pretty sure this guy will never say hello to me again. He definitely gave me that "you're nuts" look. But that's ok! He really made my day and reminded me that I'm not just running to say I did the half. I'm not just running to get down to Disney just one more time. I'm running because it's healthy and a healthier me means a happier me. A healthier me means my son will be proud of his mom when he's old enough to realize that his mom can keep up with him at the playground!

But today? REST. Seriously, rest. Mommy & Me in the morning, hopefully a nice nap from Thomas, and even more hopefully a nice bit of relaxation time on the couch for me. I have a bad stomach ache so I need the rest badly. Oh, and PACK FOR DISNEY!

Yesterday's Workout: 4 miles
Time: 45:10
Next up (today): REST

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

My body needs a break

After a great 5 miles yesterday, I was very happy to see that the running plan only had me running 2 miles today. Temps felt cool and I put Thomas in pants and a long sleeve t-shirt.  I wore shorts and a t-shirt since I sweat buckets when I take more than three steps anywhere.  With Thomas snacking away in the jogger, I started my normal run. After about three steps I wanted to stop. I ran a mile and really felt AWFUL. I wound up doing 2.37 miles and they were really the longest of my life. I felt terrible the whole time. 

I think my body needs a rest. Instead of doing 4 miles tomorrow, I'm not going to run. I'm having practically an anxiety attack over this break.  I mean, really, it's one day. But I know me and I know that sometimes a one day break means a two day break and so on. I'm trying to tell myself that I've turned over a new leaf, I'm no longer the slacker that I was before. I am a runner! And runners need to take breaks! Right? RIGHT???

I have Mommy & Me tomorrow morning and will be tutoring a friend's daughter in Math in the afternoon - hopefully that will keep me busy enough so I won't stuff my face all day.

It's days like today when I think, "How the hell am I going to run 13 miles???" I'll just have to check back in this blog to look for a day when I killed it to remind me that I can do it :)

Workout: 2.34 miles
Time: 25:50 (felt like 3 hours)
Next up: MUST REST TOMORROW

Monday, September 13, 2010

Just a quick check in

Today was our first day of Mommy & Me.  It starts at 9:30 so I needed to make sure I got out running early with Thomas so I wouldn't be late. I planned on doing 4 miles which was what the Hal Higdon program said but knocked out 5. I'm running 11.5 minute miles with the jogger which sounds slow but pushing that thing is getting hard, especially the longer I run.

One of the Mommy & Me leaders is having twins next month (she already has two other kids!) and she and the other leader Noreen asked me today if I'd be interested in helping out while Heather is out with the newborns with the plan being that once they move I'd eventually take over for her, sharing the Mommy & Me gig with Noreen. I was really happy about that and more than glad to help! It'll be fun! Plus, I'd be there anyway so might as well just help out! Plus, I'm a control freak so I'm sure I'll like being in charge of the program with Noreen!

Because Mommy & Me is three days a week, I will need to make sure to get my runs in very early on those days.  I know I won't do them if I wait until after the class!

Workout: 5 miles
Time: 57 minutes
Tomorrow: 2 miles (hoping they will be nice and easy!)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

First Race, OVER!

The Komen NYC Race for the Cure was outstanding!!  There were over 25,000 runners and walkers out today and it was just amazing how well this event was put together.  All of Central Park was energized! I was actually pretty intimidated by all the runners. There were SO many people there running in teams and I was there all alone.  John and Thomas came down but I left them by the finish line after we established a meet-up place. Of course John forgot his cell phone so we needed to make sure we knew where to meet.  It's amazing how anyone managed without cell phones!

After I left John and Thomas I made my way to the west side. I had a ton of time to kill so I sat on a bench for a while to people watch. I saw some porta-potties and noticed the line was a BLOCK long! So, I decided I better get in line.

I lined up for the race and stood there and listened to some celebrities (Steve Carell, Dr. Oz, etc) and politicians get everyone pumped up for the race and the fundraising efforts.
Front of the race!
Everyone lined up behind me
 
Finally the survivors and the elite runners began and 6 minutes later I was under the start line! The first mile was spent weaving in and out of people that were slower than me. Wait, slower? you ask? Well, yeah, slower because they were walking.  Before I knew it, I saw the big sign for the 1st mile! Awesome! I felt so good and so full of energy. I was shocked considering I had been standing around for an hour and a half before!

Sometime before the 2nd mile marker my legs started to feel a little heavy but the excitement just kept me going! I kept looking for John as I got closer to the finish line but I never saw him.  Major bummer. Oh well. I saw the finished and was so pumped! I felt so great! What a great event!

And the best part? I kicked some major butt on my time! My goal was to finish in under 35 minutes. My time? 30:10! Woot! WOOT!!!!

 Finally after waiting at the designated spot for about 25 minutes I saw John. He couldn't find me in the race and didn't think I'd finish as early as I did. So we got some pictures after:


There I am in the pink shirt with my boy Thomas. Apparently he didn't take any sort of nap in all that time they were waiting for me. As soon as we got in the car he fell fast asleep.  John dropped me off at home and took Thomas to his sister's house for a bit.  We're going to meet up at Chuck E Cheese for my friend's daughter's birthday party.

I enjoyed a nice bowl of cereal and a grilled cheese sandwich and will be stuffing my face full of pizza and cake shortly.

Ah, job well done, Nance. Did the race, got the t-shirt:
Nobody around to take my picture - self portrait


Just one day and one race closer to the big one in February!!

Workout: 5k
Time: 30:10 WOOT!
Next up: Dunno, I guess around 3 or 4 tomorrow depending on timing with Mommy & Me

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hi Wind, it's me, Sad Runner

Holy geez that was the windiest run ever. Remember I complained about the wind a few posts ago? Yeah, nevermind that one. I couldn't do the loops around Maritime that I like to do so it was a back and forth run that was even more boring than running loops! And on top of that, the wind was howling off the lake and I must have looked like I was running backwards.

I used that MapMyRun app and it was pretty good. I had it alert me every 15 minutes to my time, pace, and distance which was pretty cool.  You can set it to tell you at any intervals 15 minutes seemed to be a good check-in time. After doing the same run as I did yesterday, I tried to do one more "lap" since I won't be getting in any long runs in this weekend. I fought hard through the wind and felt pretty pumped after it was done (anytime I run longer than planned I feel good).

I took a quick photo with the iPhone while fighting the wind:



Of course, in true Nancy fashion, I totally sabotaged my run by eating a huge bowl of cereal, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, AND a massive amount of my son's goldfish crackers (not to mention my chocolate milk of course).  Naptime does NOT equal shovel food into my mouth time. Gah! But man, it all tasted so good!!

No, I didn't slack off yesterday...

I just didn't get a chance to get on here and report my running :) Yesterday was awfully humid and I had no desire to run at all. There was a definite scare of rain too. But, we were having some work done on the house today and I needed to be out all day - I really had no excuse NOT to run! I brought along the rain cover to our other stroller (works the same, just doesn't stay put so well) but luckily wound up not needing it. The looming rainstorm never came but it was very humid so it made running feel a bit like wading through water. There is construction going on at Maritime now so I couldn't do the the laps that I like to do.

I'm becoming a little anal with my distances now.  It used to be that I just wanted to run for a certain amount of time, but with the half marathon being a set number of miles, I'm more focused on distance rather than time. So when I saw that I couldn't do my laps (which I know the exact distance of) I was pissed! I did my best to just run back and forth around the construction and ran for 36 minutes. When I finally got home at the end of the day I immediately went to MapMyRun to see what I'd done.  Turns out I did 3.1 miles! Ha! A 5k! Maybe my brain is getting ready for the race on Sunday?  I decided to get the MapMyRun App and see how well that works - supposedly it will track my distance for me. Well, that's assuming my iPhone's GPS works properly. I plan on testing out today on my run. The weather is in the 60s with a beautiful breeze. I better get off this computer and get going. I can hear Thomas in his crib yelling for me too. So much for the nice nap I hoped he'd take so I could catch up on the blog!

We are heading to PA tomorrow to see my 87 year old grandfather who unfortunately doesn't seem to be doing all that well. We really need to get down there but since I signed up for that race on Sunday (and totally didn't put the dates together) we can only stay for one night. At least we're getting down there. Only bad thing though is that I won't be able to run on Friday (tomorrow) since we'll be leaving first thing in the morning and I won't get out on Saturday either unless I run when we get home. I'm not sure a run the evening before the race is a good idea. So, what was supposed to be a rest day (today) will have to be a run day.

Workout (yesterday's): 3.1 miles
Time: 36 minutes
Next up (today): 3ish miles?
Next up (after today) 5k race on Sunday morning!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

This Jogger SUUUUCKS

I mean, look, it's great that I have this jogger and even better that I got it as a gift. But running with it is SO much harder than just running by myself. I feel like I'm going backwards when I'm trying to run with that thing. And I only have a 20 lb kid! I'm not looking forward to 1) him getting bigger and 2) winter time when he has to wear heavier clothes!

My 5k is coming up on Sunday and I'm getting a little nervous. I mean, I KNOW I can do the distance but I'm still at the point in my running career where I feel pretty tired during the first few miles. I'm hoping the excitement of being in my first race will make the time go by quickly. And, because I'm still a girl, I've already picked out what I'm going to wear. I'm planning on wearing the Land's End Compression Capris and this pink Nike running shirt that I got at the mall a few weeks ago. So I figure on a scale of 1-10, 1 being a lame lazy person and 10 being Usain Bolt, I'm like a 6 on the athletic ability spectrum - I'm 4 based on ability but an 8 based on looking good in my new running clothes so it brings me to a 6 on the total scale. 

We are planning on going to PA to visit my grandfather on Friday morning. We'll spend the night and head back on Saturday afternoon sometime. I reeeeeeeally don't want to go. He's 87 and a very kind man but it is SO boring being there. Plus, Thomas is not a fan of the fact that my grandfather keeps his thermostat set at 83 degrees. But if we don't go I will feel very guilty - so we have to go. I guess that means I won't do a long run this weekend but according to alot of the training plans, they tell you to put a race into your training schedule.

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain. No idea how or when I'll be able to get some running in. The plan says only 2 miles (only, ha) so at least it'll be a little easier...though with that darn jogger you never know.

Workout: 3.5 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Next up: 2 miles?

Monday, September 6, 2010

What a great weekend!

After Friday's 6 mile run, I was definitely sore and glad to take a nice rest day on Saturday.  There was no resting for Thomas though! The Silver Beach Labor Day Weekend was a very memorable one for John and me. Thomas swam and ran in his first races! It was pretty hilarious!  Saturday's swimming races started early but they didn't call the 1 year olds until later and it was definitely getting close to nap time. The race involved sticking Thomas in the water and John sprinting to the finish line with him. Slightly traumatic for the kid but all in good fun:


And guess what? Thomas came in first! With John and my combined athletic ability, I have a feeling this will be the only time that happens.

Yesterday was the running races and I was so excited for this. Thomas is walking around like a champ now and I just knew it'd be a cute-fest with all the one year old racing.  Well, of course it was naptime again and Thomas would have none of the racing thing.  It was very loud and I don't think he could see me at the finish so he got upset. Poor kid. He wouldn't even stand up!
That's Thomas in the middle there with John trying to get him to stand up.  The little guy in the front knew what was going on!

The races went up through all the ages and the older the kids got, the faster they were:
That's one of my cousins on the left running. I come from a LARGE family and there were tons of cousins running in those races!

At the end of the day came the awards ceremony. Thomas got a medal for his first place finish:

And they even gave him one for coming in last in the running race!:
The theme for this year's Labor Day Weekend was Outter Space, thus the aliens and spaceship at the awards area.

So now onto running....
I ran the 6 miles on Friday and took a rest day on Saturday to enjoy the day.  Sunday's festivities didn't start until 10am and I knew I needed to get out and run before they began or else there was no way I'd be doing anything after.  I decided to head out for a run and I'm so glad I did. Not so much because I did ANOTHER SIX MILES (!!!) but because I am nursing a hangover this morning and I'm SOOOO glad I don't have to run today.  I mean, the day after another long run I certainly deserve another rest day, right??

But yeah, I knocked out 6 miles again. It was in the 60s, a light breeze, and absolutely beautiful yesterday morning. I did the same route as Friday and even wound up doing it a little faster.  I ran the first 3 miles much faster than the last three since I was running out of steam. Still, it was great run and I'm glad I did it.

I'm hoping to take it a bit easy today.  I REALLY hope Thomas takes a nice nap later because I sure could use one.

Workout: (from Sunday) 6 miles
Time: 63 minutes
Next up: resting again today and doing 3 or 4 tomorrow with the jogger

Friday, September 3, 2010

Wait, am I pregnant??

Ok, no, I'm definitely NOT pregnant but I felt a little like it on my run today.  My sense of smell was on high this morning on my long run. What is UP with that? Does running make you better able to smell? Perhaps it was the heat getting to me. Or maybe I was thirsty and getting a little delirious.  Or maybe it's a sign that a hurricane's a'comin'. Who knows but I could smell every.single.thing around me today. I went by the water and the salt water in the air smelled so good. I *almost* felt like I was at the shore.  Almost.  I ran up to Pelham Bay Park and could smell the dirt and grass.  As I huffed and puffed back onto East Tremont Ave and my home stretch, I was really sucking wind. You know how NYC is known for it's awesome delis? Yeah, normally the smell of breakfast would be totally awesome but the smell of eggs wafting out of the delis as I passed by was vomit-inducing. It definitely made me try to fun faster to get off that street! Oh, and nevermind that it's garbage day for one of the neighborhoods I ran through.

Who knows what the deal with the sense of smell is but it is duly noted.  Once it gets cold I doubt the smells will be an issue.

I am totally pumped to say that I ran longer than ever today! I like these long runs because when you're done you can say you've done something you haven't done before.  I ran 6 miles.  The first two miles felt pretty good. I was along the water and feeling cool.  The next 3 miles really sucked. My legs felt SO heavy and it was getting pretty hot. Also, I felt really thirsty.  Once I got onto the main ave and knew I was getting closer to home, I felt a little better. I was going no faster than a shuffle but I was still moving! Once I got to the entrance of my neighborhood I planned to stop. There's a little hill into the neighborhood that I had planned to stop at but instead I finished at the top of it. Woot!

6 miles is alot of miles. And yet, I'm not even halfway there to the half marathon. But I'm a hell of alot farther than I was at the beginning of the summer...which was nowhere!

The big Silver Beach Labor Day Weekend party starts today and ends on Monday. Thomas will be swimming in his first race tomorrow (aka I will be holding him and walking him to the finish line) and on Sunday he'll be running in his first race! Guaranteed cuteness! Then next Sunday his mom is running in her first race (the 5k in Central Park). I love being an active mom. I must remember this feeling when it's cold out and I don't want to get out and do my training runs!

Workout: 6.06 miles
Time: 67 minutes
Next up: Not sure about tomorrow with all the activities going on. I may rest tomorrow and run on Sunday since I did a long run today.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

And on Thursday, she rested...

Ah, glorious rest day.  After yesterday's brutal run, I'm very happy to take a day off from the grind today.  It's going to be another hot one today and I have to remember to drink enough water.  Yesterday I got a TERRIBLE headache in the afternoon. I think it was because I was a little dehydrated.  Not sure. It kept getting worse and started turning into a migraine.  There's this homeopathic migraine relief medicine that a small drugstore near me sells and as soon as hubby got home he got me some. I don't know if it was that or what but it helped the headache while at the same time keeping me up. all. night. GAH! So now my rest day will consist of me doing my best not to pass out from exhaustion.  I got about the same amount of sleep as I got when Thomas was a newborn - nothing.

16 days until my next Disney vacation.  Maybe I'll keep myself going today by putting together a packing list! I've also got some quotes to work on for some potential clients.  My Disney vacation planning business really coming along well and I'm LOVING helping so many people plan a magical trip!

I've been trying to figure out when and where I'm going to run while I'm in Disney. September in Disney is still pretty darn hot with highs in the 90s.  I'll have to plan to hit the pavement early.  I've found a great map online of a jogging map for the Epcot Resorts area. I will just have to fit it into our schedule. I'll hold off on the long runs for before and after vacation but get in the short runs in the morning.
Can't wait to get down to the Magic Kingdom a walk through those gates onto Main Street. This time I'll be looking at it a little differently. I'll be thinking about how in February I'll be RUNNING through those gates and down Main Street and through the Castle with a crowd of supporters. And I'll also be thinking about the fact that I'll need a good pair of sunglasses to hide the fact that I'll probably be crying the whole time!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Ode to Chocolate Milk

So you know how I hate running? Yeah, well I still do. I'm basically trying to figure out different ways to keep me motivated. Like how I've made my dining reservations already for Disney's Princess Half Marathon. Nothing like massive amounts of promise food to get me to run! Whatever works, right? Before I get to my ADRs, I'll let you know what my day-to-day training motivation is:
Yep, that's right, chocolate milk.  I've been frequenting my favorite Disney online community and found a thread totally dedicated to the race in February! Woot! And there I found a great recommendation for a "recovery drink" after your runs....chocolate milk. Something about the perfect combination of carbs and proteins or some mumbo jumbo but really I stopped reading past the part where I read "Nancy is supposed to have chocolate milk after she runs." YES! I mean, sure, I can make chocolate milk any old time but I don't. When I was a kid I wasn't allowed any sweets (horrible, right??) so being able to have a glass of chocolate milk because I "deserve" it or "should" have it is just so perfect. A little strange perhaps but perfect!

So now just about every time I finish a run and have a moment to relax, I fix myself a lovely glass of chocolate milk.  And today? I DESERVED IT! I really wanted to skip my run today since it is so incredibly hot out. But instead, I worked it into my day. I got out much earlier than I normally would. As soon as Thomas was up for the morning and fed, we hit the street. I was sweating before I even finished putting my shoes on.

I ran those 3 laps of Maritime SLOWLY.  I forgot to check my time at the end but I'm sure it took at least 45 minutes to complete. Another motivator? The cadets now walking around Maritime College. They are all dressed in their uniforms and looking so cute! Aw! They are just kids all dressed up and serious looking! That's ok, they motivate me to keep going. One of those kind young boys even saluted Thomas and I as I huffed and puffed past him.  Bless his heart.

Let's talk Disney. My next trip is in 17 days and I can't wait! All my ADRs are set and we'll be eating at some great places! But the meals I'm really looking forward to are the ones that I'll have on the Princess Half Marathon weekend! Lauren and I are arriving on Friday and our dinner will be at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Downtown Disney.  I actually haven't been there before but hubby and I will be eating there on this next trip. And, well, it's an Irish Pub - awesome!  Saturday evening we'll be at Via Napoli in Epcot, the Italian pavilion's newest restaurant. I hear alot about carb-loading so I figure Italian would be a good pre-race meal! And finally, Biergarten for a post-race celebration meal!  Look, I have no idea if I'll even want to eat anything after the race (yeah, right, that felt ridiculous even typing it) but the beer sampler alone will be totally worth it! I made a 2pm lunch reservation.

I plan on eating and drinking a little something like this:
Beer, food, end of race...I love you so.

But for now, I'll thoroughly enjoy my glass of chocolate milk post workout!

Workout: 3.5 miles
Time: ~45 minutes
Weather: SO HOT
Next up: REST day!!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday is the best day!

I'm LOVING the Tuesday workouts. Why? Oh, because they are "short"! The heat is back in full effect now and only having to run 2 miles was really a life saver.  I was back to pushing the jogger after a nice weekend off and I was quickly reminded of how much harder it is to run with that thing. It's hard to really get into a good rhythm.  My arms can't swing as easily while I'm holding the stroller with one hand and trying not to hit the handle with the other. Sigh.  Still, I knocked it out. I was sweating before I even got out the door.  So glad I got the run started by 8:30am this morning.

Unfortunately we lost one of Thomas and my favorite things today. It was a sad moment indeed when I found out that sometime during my run, Thomas had chucked his snack catcher out of the stroller.  Ugh! That thing was pretty much the only thing that kept him happy during our runs! First thing I need to do tomorrow is pick up another one. I always use the baby links to keep Thomas from being able to throw it out.  Now I'll need to figure out how to keep him from throwing the new one out! Thomas will not be happy to have to hang out in the stroller without having a little snack!

It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow and I need to do 3.5 miles. Depending on how hot it is in the morning, I may just leave Thomas with my friend and do the run on my own. We'll see....

Workout: 2.5 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Weather: Hotter than HELL!!!
Next up: 3.5 miles tomorrow!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Git 'er done

I'm on Week 3 of my half marathon training (I'm one day ahead so doing Tuesday's workout on a Monday) which meant a 3.5 mile run.  I really wish that distance wouldn't still be giving me heart palpitations!  I mean, look, I really only started running again in the middle of June so it's no wonder any distance over one city block freaks me out. But I sort of thought that after a weekend of a 5.5 mile and 4 mile run that I'd look at anything in the 3's and just knock it out. Notsomuch.

After years of looking at running as a form of punishment (one toe out of place with my soccer coach as a kid and it was, "NANCY!!! DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY THEN GO RUN LAPS!"), it's really not a surprise that I'm having trouble getting over the mental block of running just being a sucky thing. Still, I'm doing it this time and if it kills me I'm going to like it. I don't have to love it but I WILL LIKE TO RUN. Sure, that may come the second I cross the finish line of the race and I may never feel it again but that's ok!

Let's focus on the positives of today's run. I accomplished some things today that I NEVER have done before! For the first time since I had my son (other than the day we flew to Disney in January), I set my alarm.  I jumped out of bed before I could even think about the fact that I didn't want to get up. Put my new running capris on and laced up my shoes (yes, i slept in my sports bra and running shirt - anything to reduce any excuse not to get out there and go!), sipped half a cup of coffee and headed out by 5:30! A year ago, being able to sleep til 5:15 was considered sleeping in! But now, my boy has been sleeping better and his wake up time is about 6:15 or so. So why did I run before Thomas woke up? I usually just stick him in the jogger after he's up for the day. Well, it is my DEAR friend Veronica's birthday today and I'm taking her out to breakfast this morning.  In the past, I would tell myself that I'd run after I got home....and then it would be too hot...so then I'd say I'd run after Thomas went to sleep...and then I'd just go to bed. Instead, I worked my run INTO my plans. I made it a priority. And I ran. I ran 4 miles (MapMyRun is telling me 3.99 miles...but come on!). Got home, jumped in the shower, drank a delicious glass of chocolate milk, and THEN Thomas woke up. He woke up to a happier, healthier mom who is ready to enjoy those pancakes that she truly deserves today!

Workout: 4 miles (ok, fine, 3.99 miles)
Time: 42.5 minutes
Next up: 2 miles or cross-train tomorrow

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Thinking Ahead to the February Trip

My next Disney trip is only 21 days away! Our first trip as Disney Vacation Club members. I absolutely cannot WAIT to be welcomed home when we arrive at the Beach Club Villas that day.  We'll be celebrating two birthdays that trip.  Hubby is turning 40 on the trip and a couple days after we return I'll be turning 30.  We decided to do the Dining Plan for the trip as a bit of a celebration.  Normally we eat on the cheap while there - bring oatmeal for breakfast, pack pb&j's for lunch, and buy only dinner.  But this time will be a nice eat-fest! I MUST get out and run at least a few times while we're there!!

I am officially booked for the half marathon trip! I'm signed up for the race, have my flights booked, and the resort is reserved!  My friend Lauren has agreed to go down with me and run the race - AWESOME! She is an amazing friend and has already run a BUNCH of marathons! Wow!  She told me that she'll help me train and even run the race at MY pace.  That is a really great thing, especially because she runs FAST! I'm looking forward to having here there with me but I will still be considering this whole thing as a personal triumph and a celebration of ME. Selfish? Probably. But you never know how things can change and in case she can't come, I know that I will definitely be there.

I hope she does come because I wound up using 80,000 Delta frequent flier miles of my husband's to get there!  Regardless, we'll be staying at Disney's All Star Movies Resort, getting in on Friday morning and checking out Sunday, the day of the race. 

Being a food addict, I'm thinking ADRs already! We are a day away from the 180 day mark and I want to make sure I make reservations for the "perfect" night-before-the-race dinner and and even better celebration meal for after the race! Our flight home isn't until 6pm or so Sunday so we'll have a decent amount of time to hit the parks and EAT! Where should we eat? The night before the race I'm thinking an early dinner with some extra carbs...right?? And as for post-race, I don't know what I'll want to eat but I DO know that it will involve some sort of drinking around the World at Epcot! Can we say FIESTA MARGARITA???
Looks delicious, doesn't it?

It's all about the motivation, baby! And if thinking about what I'm going to eat before/after the race is what will get me to the finish line, then so be it!

Anyone have advice or recommendations for pre- and post-race dining???