Well I'm pretty pleased with myself today! I went down to the Burke Gilman this morning and ran 11.22 miles. It took me exactly 2 hours. I felt great. My lungs and knees held up. the last 2-2.5 miles were hard! I was tired, but I did it. I gulped down water and then a vitamin water when I got back to the car. Once I stop running, and start walking, my knees hurt lol. I honestly can't remember which knee it was but it hurt on the back side of my leg at the knee. I stretched and iced on the lawn next to the trail, which really helped. I felt so good! Tired and salty! What a beautiful stretch of the trail too! /sigh, I love the Pacific Northwest!
Total Mileage this week:
29.14 miles
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Running Journal 5/29/09
This week has been fairly discouraging. I did not get the mileage in that I had hoped for and the miles that I did do, were far from satisfying.
Sun: 3.88 mi.
Mon: Don't usually run.
Tues: 3.68 mi.
Wed: "Kid aggro."
Thurs: 3.69 mi. Was brutally hot out, I was dehydrated, my lungs hurt, and I had shin splints. Ugh!
Fri: 5.67 mi. See below:
Today's run was weird... I ended up going to the gym because it was so hot out that I really didn't want to brave it outside. I got on the treadmill, which for starters is very boring. 2.5 miles in, I started having heart burn, and then all of a sudden, I was having trouble breathing! My asthma just hit, and I was gasping. I'd estimate I was at about 30% of the lung capacity I would have expected to have at that moment. I don't know. That's just what it felt like, at least. I slowed down to a fast walk to catch my breath. I eventually felt good enough to pick up the pace again, but couldn't go as fast as I had been going. At mile 4, my feet went completely numb! WTF? Then, oddly enough, I felt pretty good at the finish. I think I may have just been glad it was over lol. Tomorrow I am planning 10 miles... I really hope I can do it! My goal this week was 35 miles.. As of today, I am at 16.91. I guess I'm just going to have to fall short...
I just feel discouraged in general. My race is coming so soon...
Sun: 3.88 mi.
Mon: Don't usually run.
Tues: 3.68 mi.
Wed: "Kid aggro."
Thurs: 3.69 mi. Was brutally hot out, I was dehydrated, my lungs hurt, and I had shin splints. Ugh!
Fri: 5.67 mi. See below:
Today's run was weird... I ended up going to the gym because it was so hot out that I really didn't want to brave it outside. I got on the treadmill, which for starters is very boring. 2.5 miles in, I started having heart burn, and then all of a sudden, I was having trouble breathing! My asthma just hit, and I was gasping. I'd estimate I was at about 30% of the lung capacity I would have expected to have at that moment. I don't know. That's just what it felt like, at least. I slowed down to a fast walk to catch my breath. I eventually felt good enough to pick up the pace again, but couldn't go as fast as I had been going. At mile 4, my feet went completely numb! WTF? Then, oddly enough, I felt pretty good at the finish. I think I may have just been glad it was over lol. Tomorrow I am planning 10 miles... I really hope I can do it! My goal this week was 35 miles.. As of today, I am at 16.91. I guess I'm just going to have to fall short...
I just feel discouraged in general. My race is coming so soon...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Running Journal 5/26/09
I didn't run yesterday because I usually take Mondays off. Today, I ran home from work. I ran at a decent pace, but I sure had some yucky shin splints; mostly on the left side. My left knee continues to bother me. It doesn't hurt for the whole run usually, though. Using the brace seems to only make matters worse, so I am not bothering with that. I only ran 3.68(ish) miles today. I didn't really have time for anymore. Hopefully I can get in more miles tomorrow... I'd like to go 5 miles per day this week, and then more on the weekend, of course. My left heel seems to be improving with the ultrasound and icing, and the stretching I do at home.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Running Journal 5/24/09 Toenail News!
5/24/09
I can't believe I didn't mention this before! On Mother's Day, when I did that little 5k in Kirkland, I ran down a pretty steep hill and ended up getting a lovely blister under my toenail. It was ridiculously tender, so I ended up burning a little hole in the nail so I could drain the dang thing and relieve the pressure. Wow, that felt good! Anyway, this brings me to my big news!!! My toenail is totally falling off!!! This may sound strange, but this flappy little toenail is like my itty-bitty running badge of honor! No one can stop me now! ULTRA-MARATHON here I come!!
Yesterday's run was awesome. 9 miles, and I ran them hard. I felt great; knees, tummy, butt muscle (lol), and all the other parts of me that are over 30. Wait.. that sounds weird. All of me is over 30. It isn't like I have "newer artificial improvements" or anything! (Clearly.) Alright, I'm rather tired! Back to the subject; running! I was so in the zone last night. The boys and I hit the Interurban, and my neighbor, Chris, tagged along as well. They were all on bikes. It was great having Chris along because he helped me keep our little caravan moving along. I didn't have as many delays, which made for more effective mileage. Woot! When I got home, I was all shaky and wobbly as my muscles cooled down. I felt like a real marathon runner! It was awesome! I did see my homeless friend and his Target shopping cart again. This time he grinned at me... I think I liked our first encounter more.I am not sure if I will run today. I'm a little stiff this morning, so I'll see how it goes. I may just X-train.. and when I say "X-train," what I really mean is goof off with the kids at the public swimming pool. :D ( I may have to hit the hot tub sauna too!)
Total mileage this week: 33.81 miles!
Running Journal 5/19/09 - 5/22/09
5/22/09
I got up early and had the bright idea to run to work. So I packed up my super cool fanny pack and I was off. It was rather heavy, so the going was slower, (or perhaps it was the same pace as usual, but it sucked more...) A homeless gentleman scared the living you-know-what out of me as I neared the Lynnwood P&R. He was arranging his shopping cart behind some bushes and I'm not sure which one of us jumped higher! LOL I kicked into high gear and probably gave him a chuckle. It was a reminder though that I need to get my head out of the clouds and be more aware of my surroundings. To change the subject, showering at work is weird. I'll get over it. I doubt my co-workers would appreciate it if I didn't.As you probably guessed, I had to run home from work as well. It was beautiful out! What a warm and gorgeous day! Sadly, I was slightly dehydrated. I usually pound the water, but I was just "off" all day today. When I have a lot on my mind, my tummy doesn't feel good, so lugging the fanny was rather unpleasant. For the first mile I ran like hell, but then my stomach wasn't having it anymore, and I had to slow down. I tried pulling the fanny around to the front. No. I don't like that. I tried slinging it over my shoulder, but eventually settled on tucking it under my arm. I don't know if I'm ready to hang up the fanny though. I think I should just give it another chance when I am feeling a bit better.My left knee hurt while running today. Front, bottom of patella. Oh... I almost forgot. I think I pulled my right glute yesterday. /cry Total mileage today: 7.25mi.
5/21/09
Although I lacked any motivation at all this afternoon, I walked to the grocery store, bought two heavy bags of groceries, and then walked home. On the way back I used the bags as weights and got a good arm workout in. I was "feelin' the burn" by the time I got home! LOL After putting the groceries away, (with spent and trembling upper limbs) I informed the boys it was time to grab their bikes. Surprisingly, nobody started whining! It was interesting how fast my lack of motivation and listlessness disappeared. As soon as we left the driveway, I felt so much better. Stronger.My left knee, however... I had decided to put my brace on the left side today. Nope. Not a good idea! LOL About a mile and a half in, I told the boys to stop and I peeled the dumb thing off. I wrapped it onto Spencer's bike, and we were off again. I felt relief immediately. This gave me a new burst of energy. I ran over 2 miles more at a sub 9 pace. My lungs kicked ass! I wanted to go much much further, but the boys were getting tired. I don't want to push them too hard too fast. Better to have short successful rides with a gradual increase, rather than freak them out right off the bat. These family "ride-runs" are a great way to help get the mileage in that I need.
5/20/09
I pushed myself hard today. I ran 5.38 miles. I was focused. When I run like this, everything fades away behind me. The only thing on my mind is my breathing and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. I like it in that place.
5/19/09
Ran home from work... I was carrying my fanny pack full of my crap. It was heavy. My legs, especially my calves felt like lead. Although it was a miserable 3.6 miles on the Interurban, (in the rain, I might add) it still took my mind where only running seems to take it. Away.
I got up early and had the bright idea to run to work. So I packed up my super cool fanny pack and I was off. It was rather heavy, so the going was slower, (or perhaps it was the same pace as usual, but it sucked more...) A homeless gentleman scared the living you-know-what out of me as I neared the Lynnwood P&R. He was arranging his shopping cart behind some bushes and I'm not sure which one of us jumped higher! LOL I kicked into high gear and probably gave him a chuckle. It was a reminder though that I need to get my head out of the clouds and be more aware of my surroundings. To change the subject, showering at work is weird. I'll get over it. I doubt my co-workers would appreciate it if I didn't.As you probably guessed, I had to run home from work as well. It was beautiful out! What a warm and gorgeous day! Sadly, I was slightly dehydrated. I usually pound the water, but I was just "off" all day today. When I have a lot on my mind, my tummy doesn't feel good, so lugging the fanny was rather unpleasant. For the first mile I ran like hell, but then my stomach wasn't having it anymore, and I had to slow down. I tried pulling the fanny around to the front. No. I don't like that. I tried slinging it over my shoulder, but eventually settled on tucking it under my arm. I don't know if I'm ready to hang up the fanny though. I think I should just give it another chance when I am feeling a bit better.My left knee hurt while running today. Front, bottom of patella. Oh... I almost forgot. I think I pulled my right glute yesterday. /cry Total mileage today: 7.25mi.
5/21/09
Although I lacked any motivation at all this afternoon, I walked to the grocery store, bought two heavy bags of groceries, and then walked home. On the way back I used the bags as weights and got a good arm workout in. I was "feelin' the burn" by the time I got home! LOL After putting the groceries away, (with spent and trembling upper limbs) I informed the boys it was time to grab their bikes. Surprisingly, nobody started whining! It was interesting how fast my lack of motivation and listlessness disappeared. As soon as we left the driveway, I felt so much better. Stronger.My left knee, however... I had decided to put my brace on the left side today. Nope. Not a good idea! LOL About a mile and a half in, I told the boys to stop and I peeled the dumb thing off. I wrapped it onto Spencer's bike, and we were off again. I felt relief immediately. This gave me a new burst of energy. I ran over 2 miles more at a sub 9 pace. My lungs kicked ass! I wanted to go much much further, but the boys were getting tired. I don't want to push them too hard too fast. Better to have short successful rides with a gradual increase, rather than freak them out right off the bat. These family "ride-runs" are a great way to help get the mileage in that I need.
5/20/09
I pushed myself hard today. I ran 5.38 miles. I was focused. When I run like this, everything fades away behind me. The only thing on my mind is my breathing and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. I like it in that place.
5/19/09
Ran home from work... I was carrying my fanny pack full of my crap. It was heavy. My legs, especially my calves felt like lead. Although it was a miserable 3.6 miles on the Interurban, (in the rain, I might add) it still took my mind where only running seems to take it. Away.
5/17/09 Beat the Bridge 8k
5/17/09
Today was Beat the Bridge. It was tough for me to go today. My mind and heart are elsewhere today, but I told myself that I had to run, and run hard. So I did. As I pushed my lungs and my legs to their limit, I was somehow free from all of my troubles. I wish I could run forever... but I know you can run, but you can't hide. I do not know what my official finish time was, but my Garmin says 47:40. Average pace per mile: 9:40. I am very pleased with me time! My official time might be rather wonky.. I started with the wave that was ahead of mine. I wanted to start with the rest of my team. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up with such a slow estimated finish time. Dork. The photographer took a few shots of me. I wonder if they will turn out well... I'm sure I looked sweaty and nearly dead! LOL I never buy the race T-shirt... I'd much rather have a nice photo.
As it turns out, the timing chips used for the race malfunctioned, so no official net time was given. I will have to rely on my Garmin for this one.
Running Journal 5/11/09 - 5/16/09
5/16/09
I ran the Burke Gilman today. I had decided on 8 miles. My lungs were hurting and I struggled. I walked the entire 6th mile, but ran the rest after that. When I finished I felt rather guilty about "cheating" (walking) so I tacked on another mile at the end. Total mileage for the day: 9 miles. :-)
5/14/09
Side aches suck.
5/13/09
Ran home from work today. I took the bus in, so I had to carry everything home with me in my sweet fanny pack! Yeah, that's right! I wear a fanny pack! Actually, it isn't that bad.. it isn't like the dumb one your dad would wear, it is Northface and rugged. *growl* I got it on clearance at the Joe's going out of business sale. It was really comfortable! The extra weight was certainly noticeable, though lol. I did fine though... 5.82miles in just under an hour. I still can't find my inhaler... I did better today than I expected I would without it.
5/12/09
I went running in Woodway today. I got lost. What a goober! The run sucked, btw.. I'm still sore from Sunday and my asthma and allergies are really pissing me off. I can't find my inhaler...
5/11/07
Note to self: Get arm warmers. I forgot to mention that yesterday towards the end of my run, I experienced some paresthesia in my thumbs, hands, and into my forearms. There are some super cute ones at Everyday Athlete, but I'm wondering if I should get something with compression...
I ran the Burke Gilman today. I had decided on 8 miles. My lungs were hurting and I struggled. I walked the entire 6th mile, but ran the rest after that. When I finished I felt rather guilty about "cheating" (walking) so I tacked on another mile at the end. Total mileage for the day: 9 miles. :-)
5/14/09
Side aches suck.
5/13/09
Ran home from work today. I took the bus in, so I had to carry everything home with me in my sweet fanny pack! Yeah, that's right! I wear a fanny pack! Actually, it isn't that bad.. it isn't like the dumb one your dad would wear, it is Northface and rugged. *growl* I got it on clearance at the Joe's going out of business sale. It was really comfortable! The extra weight was certainly noticeable, though lol. I did fine though... 5.82miles in just under an hour. I still can't find my inhaler... I did better today than I expected I would without it.
5/12/09
I went running in Woodway today. I got lost. What a goober! The run sucked, btw.. I'm still sore from Sunday and my asthma and allergies are really pissing me off. I can't find my inhaler...
5/11/07
Note to self: Get arm warmers. I forgot to mention that yesterday towards the end of my run, I experienced some paresthesia in my thumbs, hands, and into my forearms. There are some super cute ones at Everyday Athlete, but I'm wondering if I should get something with compression...
5/10/09 Mother's Day Kirkland 5k
5/10/09
Jon and I ran the Kirkland Mother's day 5k this morning. Holy HILL Batman!! OMG that hill sucked. Before the hill, we were doing a sub 8 min. mile, but then the hill hit, not to mention the freakin' cottonwood crap in the air!!! I tried to make up some time on the downhill, but my knees don't like downhill much lol. We finished with a 29:50. Not record shattering or anything, but if you consider that my last 5k, (which was incidentally my first race ever) I finished with a 29:55, but it was totally flat, and perfect conditions for my stupid-ass asthma. I think the fact that I even improved my time a little on a way harder course, goes to show how far I have come. I'm proud of me!!We then rushed to pick up the boys. I really felt like being outside for Mother's Day, and because it was MY day, Jon and I ran, while the boys rode their bikes. We went 8.77 miles! I was so proud of those kids! I am completely beat at the moment lol. Time to sleep. I doubt I'll run tomorrow. Oh, I forgot to mention.. I ran 28.5 miles this week!
Running Journal 5/4/09
5/4/09
I ran my farthest I have ever gone on Saturday; 9.5 miles!!! It felt good. The first 6 miles were with Jon's running group. It was "out of my box" to go running with a bunch of people who were certainly better runners that me, but I did it. I was proud of myself. I didn't come in last either! LOL After the 6 miles (of hills from hell I might add) I ran 3.5 more with Jon, Carolyn, and Ally. The first mile seemed slow, but after that I have to say that Carolyn kicked ass. It was a good workout after all.Yesterday, Jon and I ran 6.2 miles on the Burke Gilman. God I love the Burke Gilman! SOOO FLAT!!! I ran with Lego, and I am so so impressed with my dog! He has never run farther than 2 miles. He was awesome, though. Ran like a champ! Not bad for a 6 lb dog!Today I have an appointment with my physical therapist. I am going to ask her to ultrasound both of my knees this time. The thing is, they do hurt when I run, but it seems like they hurt less as the run goes on, and they don't hurt much after I stop running. That's improvement, eh? I want her to look at my right calf too.
I ran my farthest I have ever gone on Saturday; 9.5 miles!!! It felt good. The first 6 miles were with Jon's running group. It was "out of my box" to go running with a bunch of people who were certainly better runners that me, but I did it. I was proud of myself. I didn't come in last either! LOL After the 6 miles (of hills from hell I might add) I ran 3.5 more with Jon, Carolyn, and Ally. The first mile seemed slow, but after that I have to say that Carolyn kicked ass. It was a good workout after all.Yesterday, Jon and I ran 6.2 miles on the Burke Gilman. God I love the Burke Gilman! SOOO FLAT!!! I ran with Lego, and I am so so impressed with my dog! He has never run farther than 2 miles. He was awesome, though. Ran like a champ! Not bad for a 6 lb dog!Today I have an appointment with my physical therapist. I am going to ask her to ultrasound both of my knees this time. The thing is, they do hurt when I run, but it seems like they hurt less as the run goes on, and they don't hurt much after I stop running. That's improvement, eh? I want her to look at my right calf too.
Running Journal 4/22/09 - 4/27/09
4/27/09
Ok, perhaps I was being overly dramatic the other day. My calf actually feels fine now. It felt fine yesterday too. Thank God for Vitamin I and ice! I ran an easy 5k at the gym today. Felt good. I wanted to go further, but my friend had to leave so it seemed like it was as good of a time as any for me to go too. I made PT appt for next Monday to check on my left heel and both of my knees. I need to stop being so lazy about doing my stretches and strengthening exercises...
4/25/09
Had a great run today, despite feeling slightly under the weather. Did 6.12 miles... pulled my right calf. I want to die...
4/24/09
My body aches everywhere. I don't really feel sick, but there is definitely a general sense of malaise. No run today... I feel discouraged.
4/23/09
After work, I drove to the park and ride and ran home from there. (That way it is only one bus I have to take to go back to get my car.) It is only 3 miles, but it nearly killed me! The glands in my neck are swollen. I think I may have caught a bug! *cry* I think a lot about my upcoming races while I run. I am excited... and scared. I know I can do it, but the hills are on my mind. I just want to fast forward time. I don't want to be sick.
4/22/09
I went to the gym, only to get a phone call from the kids 2 minutes into my run. They were fighting. Ugh. I went home. No run for me.
Ok, perhaps I was being overly dramatic the other day. My calf actually feels fine now. It felt fine yesterday too. Thank God for Vitamin I and ice! I ran an easy 5k at the gym today. Felt good. I wanted to go further, but my friend had to leave so it seemed like it was as good of a time as any for me to go too. I made PT appt for next Monday to check on my left heel and both of my knees. I need to stop being so lazy about doing my stretches and strengthening exercises...
4/25/09
Had a great run today, despite feeling slightly under the weather. Did 6.12 miles... pulled my right calf. I want to die...
4/24/09
My body aches everywhere. I don't really feel sick, but there is definitely a general sense of malaise. No run today... I feel discouraged.
4/23/09
After work, I drove to the park and ride and ran home from there. (That way it is only one bus I have to take to go back to get my car.) It is only 3 miles, but it nearly killed me! The glands in my neck are swollen. I think I may have caught a bug! *cry* I think a lot about my upcoming races while I run. I am excited... and scared. I know I can do it, but the hills are on my mind. I just want to fast forward time. I don't want to be sick.
4/22/09
I went to the gym, only to get a phone call from the kids 2 minutes into my run. They were fighting. Ugh. I went home. No run for me.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Running Blog "Foreword" 4/21/09
4/21/09
My Running Blog Foreword (so to speak.)
I took up running as a New Year's resolution. Running is not something I that I have ever enjoyed in the past, yet for some reason, it fits me like a glove now. My first running goal was to run a 5k. Done. I ran a 5k in Hilo, Hawaii on March 22nd, 2009 (See photo to the left). My sights are bigger now... Currently, I am signed up for the 2009 Beat the Bridge 8k race on May 17th and the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon on June 27th. I am training every day. In September there is a full marathon that I have my eye on, but first I'd like to see if I survive my current challenges! I have decided to blog my progress, although I don't expect anyone to read it besides me. I suppose I'll go back a bit first, however. When I first started running, the cold air outside was killing my lungs. As it so happens, Asthma and cold air do not mix. This did not make things easy. It also didn't help that I caught a horrific chest cold. My ankles hurt like hell in the beginning too. I got braces for them from the podiatrist at my work and that seemed to help... However, my right knee started to act up. I diagnosed myself with IT Band Syndrome. I went to physical therapy, wear a brace when I run, and things are going better. I have stretches and strengthening exercises that I did very diligently in the beginning, but I have been slacking lately. My left knee is acting up now. I think it is Runner's Knee. I should really go back to my PT... I also got inserts for my running shoes. I like them. Wow... I sound SO over 30! This blog may not be interesting to anyone but me, and that’s fine. This is a good way for me to track my physical progress, and perhaps other progressions as well.
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