Played It Safe

I left this morning thinking I would attempt 20 miles but play it by ear and see how I felt. Having not run more than 13 since the marathon, I didn't want to push it and end up getting hurt. Well, turns out I didn't have it in me today so the decision to do less was easy. My legs were so heavy and I felt like I just wasn't moving. I decided to turn around at mile 7 and just do 14. At least that gets me to my goal of 100 miles for the month. I usually wouldn't eat on a 14 miler but I had a Clif shot with me and took it around mile 8.5. I've been on the fence about gels, bloks, etc. I use them because I know I need nutrition on a long run but I could never *feel* a difference after eating one. But today I honestly noticed a difference and it definitely helped get me through the last 6 miles.

I'm taking today "off" from the new house. I need a day to catch up on some studying and napping!! I'll be up there tomorrow working while we wait for the new washer and dryer to get delivered. I'm looking forward to going out to dinner tonight...sushi!! Trying to convince my parents to come with us to give it a try but they are a little apprehensive. Oh, and when did hanging out with my parents become so fun??

First Female and Foto Friday

When I walked into the gym this morning the guy at the desk said, "first female!" I lit up thinking I was in a race, but no, I was just as the stupid gym. Wishful thinking.

It's Foto Friday over at Nikemom and the topic is running. We were suppose to be creative and I honestly tried to take a picture of my black toenail that is about to fall off (yes, that's as creative as I get), but I couldn't get the picture to turn out right. So, I'm going to leave you with this one from Reach the Beach. I was running really fast! ;-)

Now for the Biggest Loser Competition!! Today is Day 1! I'm really excited for everyone who signed up. There are 5 contestants so there's a good pot of money that will go to biggest loser at the end of the 13 weeks. I'm hoping these guys challenge me a little bit to see if I have it in me to motivate them and help them out along the way. It will be good practice for when I get my PT certification.

I'm suppose to run 20 miles tomorrow and I'm not sure that was the smartest idea. The longest I've run since the marathon was 13 so I'm not sure how I'll feel going for 20. I'm going to play it by ear and at least get 14-15 in. If I feel good, I'll keep going. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Black Pearl

So work and the new house are consuming my life and kicking my butt. Work is so busy that they have granted overtime, which is not something normally done. I'll be taking advantage of it, as soon as I have some extra seconds in the day. The extra cashola will definitely come in handy with the new house. Speaking of which, we just bought all the appliances for the kitchen. We are doing stainless steel but opted for this fridge instead. It's called black pearl, and has a mirror type finish. It's fingerprint resistant, too!! I think it's going to go really well with the black granite and cherry cabinets.

Running has been going well. My knees are feeling good and I actually don't have that sharp pain going down the stairs anymore. I have 19 miles to get in before Sunday to meet my goal of 100 for the month. With a long run scheduled for Saturday and the rest of the week, I should hit my target with no problem. I was worried about getting the miles in this month after I missed a week after the NO half from not feeling well.

I also have one more family member on board for the Biggest Loser Challenge. I think I'm more excited than anyone...but maybe because I'm Jillian and not a contestant.

Biggest Loser Competition

After eating a delicious (and artery clogging) dinner at my parents house last night, we decided it'd be fun to have a family Biggest Loser Competition. I'm not participating, but I get to be "Jillian" which I'm SO looking forward to. I wonder if I can make someone cry. Hmmm. It's $50 a person to enter and is 13 weeks long. The person who loses the most percentage of their starting weight wins the pot. We invited a bunch of people in our extended family to join, so I'm excited to see what kind of turnout we get. I'll be posting some updates, tips, recipes, etc for them on here. They are going to do great!!

I went to the gym during the day today. It's always interesting to go to the gym at a different time than normal. I sort of feel like newbie and a little out of place. Anyway, while I was running (did 7 miles) an old man came into the gym using a walker. It really got me thinking. Here was this old man who was moving at a snails pace. The effort it took for him to get there must have been pretty significant. He walked for a little bit on the treadmill then used several of the machines to lift. It was really inspirational to see this. People make so many excuses to not workout. I'm sorry, but I don't buy the "I don't have time", "I have kids", "Work is so busy", etc. We all have the same amount of time and we all have too much going on. Everyone can make the time to workout, it's just that not everyone wants to do it.

3rd PLACE!!!

Well, I ran the Frostbite 5 miler today. I wasn't expecting much as my legs were DEAD tired all day yesterday, last night and even this morning. I'm thinking I didn't warm up due to the cold during my 12 miler yesterday and that's why I was so sore/tired. Anyway, enough of that. Run went great! Started off a little rocky when at 1/4 mile into it I thought about stepping off to the side and not going any further. My IT was KILLING. Which is weird because it's been feeling great lately. (Could it be the new shoes?? Or is it the cold?? It definitely seems to bother me more when it's really cold out.) But I didn't quit, of course, and am really glad I didn't. I finished in 38:33 and earned my first age group award...3rd place in the 30-34 age group!! I'm really happy with myself. This is my first age group award. Here are my spits and a picture of my bling!

Mile 1 - 8:12
Mile 2 -7:37

Mile 3 - 7:37

Mile 4 - 7:33
Mile 5 - 7:11

Frozen Face

I ran 12 miles today and I'm frozen! It was about 20 degrees when we headed out but it didn't feel that bad. At the turn around point though, we started running into the wind and that's when it got sort of miserable. I'm not kidding that at one point I was trying to talk and I sounded like an idiot because my face was frozen and I couldn't move my mouth! When I got into the car and looked at myself I had frozen snot on my face but couldn't even feel it! Pretty. But I survived and I'm at home under 3 blankets right with a cup of coffee trying to warm up. I actually feel a little sore right now, maybe because I never really warmed up...?

I am running the Frostbite 5 miler tomorrow morning. Last year I finished in 40:35 so I'm curious to see if I can do any better this year. I'm not very good at running the short distances. One, I don't have the confidence to go out fast because I don't think I can sustain it. With marathon training, I know I have the endurance to be on my feet for a while so I feel much more confident with the long runs. And two, I don't think I'm fast or know how fast I am. This is one reason I'm looking forward to starting track workouts in the Spring. I want to push myself and make some progress with my speed. So, I'll let you know how the race goes tomorrow. I'm also looking forward to meeting fellow blogger Isaac!!

20in24 Training Schedule

After a lot of research, I think I finally decided on a training plan for 20in24. With my goal being 50 miles in 24 hours, my other goal is not to die. I plan on following this plan fairly loosely. It will be difficult to get the longer runs in during the week so I think I'll break those up and run twice a day instead. The most important thing for me to do is to get in the back to back long runs on Saturday and Sunday. Heh, if I thought I had no life during marathon training, I think it's about to get a lot worse!! But this is for a great cause so it's worth it!! I'm in a rush and couldn't figure out how to post the schedule in excel, so click on the link below if you're interested. It's actually a neat tool. You enter in your race date, distance, etc and it calculates a training plan for you. I know there are some of you out there considering this event...come on, do it with me!!

http://www.scrunners.org/ultrasch.php?month=7&day=18&year=2009&dow=6&schedule=50m&submit=Draw+Schedule

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, my eye is STILL twitching.

New Kicks

First of all, I appreciate everyone being honest with their comments to my post the other day. It's nice to know we can share poop stories! Most people would think that's gross. :-)

Anyway, I ran out over lunch today and picked up some new shoes. I tried on Mizunos, Asics, Nike and Saucony. I've been running in Asics and Nike the past few months but decided to go with Asics and Saucony this time around. I like to have 2 different pairs to alternate with each run. I've never worn Saucony before and I'm so excited to test them out tomorrow. As for the Asics, I went with the same style that I've been running in since last Spring. I wanted to try something else, but they are familiar and I know they work well for me. Here's a picture of my new babies...can't wait to start adding up their mileage.

Saucony Progrid Guide 2 and Asics GT-2140

Ran 6 miles this morning and felt great. I'm planning on running another 4 tomorrow, lifting on Wednesday, cross training Thursday, and a 12 mile run on Friday. Saturday I'm running the Frostbite 5 miler so I'm getting my long run in a day early this week.

On My Knees

Hey, get your mind out of the gutter, kids. I pulled up carpeting at the new house yesterday and am heading over to do more after I hit the gym this morning. House is coming along, I guess. I had a little bit of a breakdown yesterday and cried for a few minutes, but recovered quickly (thanks, meds!!).

I ran 10 miles yesterday and almost had a repeat, which would have been worse, of my worst run ever. I'm not sure what's wrong with my stomach but it's been a mess ALL week. I thought it was from the polenta I ate a few days in a row because I always seem to have problems after eating corn based things. I have concluded before that I must have a corn allergy but I keep eating it. Anyway, prior to walking out the door, I took an Immodium, which I never do for a shorter run (yes, I just called a 10 mile run "shorter", crazy) but I wasn't feeling that great. Run started out ok but around mile 5 I started having some pains. I made it to the bathroom around mile 5.5 only to find it LOCKED. Yea, that sucked. The next one wasn't for about another 2 miles. I was feeling terrible but trying to listen to my running buddy talk to distract me. Then I got the chills and knew we were going to have problems. I had to stop. With about a 1/4 mile to go, I quickly scooted to the bathroom. Whew, crisis averted! This was too close of a call and has me so freaked out. Am I going to have to start running with a diaper on?? What the heck!

Early V-Day Post

Tomorrow is going to be a really busy day so I thought I'd do this post a day early. But first, I have a 10 miler planned tomorrow for 6:30am, which will bring me to just about 30 miles this week. Not too shabby considering I had the previous week off. After the run we're heading straight to the new house for another fun filled day of renovations.

Now, as for Valentine's Day...I'll be honest. I'm not a fan. Never have been, never will be. And it's not that I'm jaded because I never had someone special to share this day with, because I have. It's just that I would much rather get a card and flowers on a random day then on some day when everyone gets it. Sorry, but that just doesn't seem very special to me. The other night Andy went to pick up dinner and brought me home roses...now that was special. So, the point of this...knowing how I feel about Feb. 14th, Andy decided to propose on this day 5 years ago on the beach in Key West. I knew the proposal was coming (I didn't move to Michigan to remain his girlfriend!!) and figured it would happen on this trip, but as the days ticked by, he never popped the question. I kept thinking, "there is no way he'll do it on Valentine's day, please don't do it on then!." Oh but yes, he did. And he purposely picked that day so I would have a reason to like it. Can you tell who's the romantic in the relationship??

So maybe I like the day a little bit more, but I care about the other 364 days of the year when we love each other and do special things for each other a whole lot more!

10 in 10

I'm a little cranky today. I think it's stress related. Renovating a house is a little, actually a lot, overwhelming. I'm keeping it together but can feel myself clenching my jaw. I'm sure there is a headache on it's way. Thankfully, I'm back to running after a week hiatus due to being sick, so that is really helping.

I waited to run until after work yesterday so I could enjoy the 60 degree weather. My running buddy met me at my house and as soon as I got home, I threw on some shorts, and we headed out for a great 6 miler. It was so nice to be out in the warm weather...I'm SO ready for Spring!!

This morning I went back to my normal morning routine and headed to the gym. My legs are sore from my workout at home the other day (it was a better workout than I thought!) and my knee was bothering me, so I only ran 4 miles. To get a more in, I jumped on the elliptical for a little bit. So, I ran 10 miles in less than 10 hours and I feel great. I'm so happy to be getting back on track. Planning on a 5-6 mile run tomorrow morning and then at least a 10 miler on Saturday before we head to the house to pull up carpeting. Fun times.

Made The Best Of It

Woke up at 5:15 am today to head to the gym. I was so happy after running yesterday for the first time in a week and was really looking forward to getting another run in today. Pulled into the parking lot and the lights are off in the building. Everyone is sitting in their cars. UGH. I waited about 10 minutes, at which point the gym was already ~35 minutes late opening, and decided to head home. I was so disappointed, especially since we have an appointment to finalize the kitchen design tonight and I won't be able to work out after work. But I tried to make the best of it. When I got home I pulled out my workout mat, weights, resistance band and started moving. I did week 4/Day 1 of the 100 push up challenge for a THIRD time followed by abs, squats, lunges, some upper body and some random lower body exercises. It wasn't spectacular, but it got me sweating a little bit and it was better than crawling back into bed.

This was the first time since I've been going to this gym (2 years) that this has happened, so I can't complain. But it still sucks to miss my morning work out!

Off the Wagon

I've completely fallen off the wagon since Christmas with my eating and exercising. I'm still working out, but my workouts aren't as intense since I'm not training for anything. The eating, well, I let myself have "this" and "that" and "those" have added up. I weighed myself this morning, knowing what the outcome would be before I stepped on the scale. And yes, it was confirmed. Now, I can tell myself it wasn't a good time to weigh in coming off a vacation and a week of not working out because I'm sick, but I'm not going to make any excuses. The scale was up more than just a few pounds this time...oh, fine...it was up 7 since the marathon. That's more than a food baby, kids!! So, that's it...I'm back on the wagon. I used to write down everything I ate but since it was exactly the same every single day, that never lasted very long. These days I'm broadening my horizons with food a little bit so I think writing things down might help get me back on track. Since I'm addicted to blogging (and hope to have an iPhone some day after playing with KT's in New Orleans), I thought I'd try a food journal blog. You can check it out here, if you're interested.

This is perfect timing as I want to start my "training" for 20in24 tomorrow. I'm a little behind due to being sick, but I'm going to get back to running tomorrow to get my mileage up. If nothing else, being sick was great (much needed) rest for my knees. I've been walking down the steps normal the past few days!!

Oh and one more thing, I've gotten a few more followers over the past few weeks and I want to say THANKS for reading!! Now it's off to the gym for Squat Sunday!

I Wanna Be A Cowgirl - Foto Friday

It's Foto Friday over at Nikemom so here are some pics from my recent trip to New Orleans.

Here I am thinking I'm hot shit and going to show this mechanical bull a thing or two...

About 0.5 seconds into it...

0.6 seconds...

You get the idea...

I think the guys exacts words to Andy about my lack of bull riding skills were, "It's harder than it looks, but man, she can't balance for shit." I guess that's what a half marathon and then a day of celebratory drinks will do to a girl. At least I can cross one thing off my bucket list...I have ridden a mechanical bull. YES!!

Representin' in NOLA

I wanted to represent back home (and show off that I have in deed run a marathon) so I wore my Kicked Asphalt shirt from the Philly marathon. And for the first time ever, some of the pictures taken of me during the run aren't half bad. I mean, not so bad that I'm actually considering ordering my first ever race photo.

UNLESS...

One of you tech savvy people can tell me how I can save my photo. All I was able to manage was saving this little photo.

We made it back home yesterday after a very long delay due to snow in Philly. I wish I was stuck down in New Orleans where it was warmer and I didn't have to go to work. I have one more hellish week of work to get through and then I'll finally be able to catch up on all the blogs I follow.

Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get some pictures up from the trip. We had a great time and have head colds (and beads, of course) to show for it! Too...much...partying!

New Orleans Half Marathon Race Report

Well, here it is...my NO race report. Let me start off by saying that NO is so adorable. I'm really happy we made the trip down here and will definitely return.

Now as for the race, I have to say I was a little disappointed. My disappointment started with the Expo, which I thought was pretty lame. As for the race, I thought it was so boring. There was very little spectator support and the route was nothing spectacular. We did run down Bourbon Street, which was fun but once we crossed Poydras Street it was a really boring out and back. On the turn around, we ran through a park, which I needed at that point because I was really getting tired of the mundane, straight line run down St. Charles Street. I was hoping for a little bit more culture along the course (live music, etc) but there was nothing like that.

As for my run, well, I didn't PR. My time was 1:47:23 and I needed better than 1:46:28. Grrr, so close. I'm disappointed but not surprised considering I let myself have some champagne filled fun the night before. On top of not being in prime shape race day morning, I totally started off too fast. I hopped in behind the marathon 3:30 pace group with the second pacer, but according to my Garmin, we were going a lot faster. Several times when I checked my pace I was around 7:30. At about mile 5, when boredom was hitting and realizing I went out too fast, that's when I realized my PR wasn't going to happen. I did have a Cliff Shot with me and took it at mile 8. Definitely helped get me through the last few miles. Finish was ok...it was GREAT seeing Andy, KT and Frat Boy cheering me on at the end.

I thought about switching my registration to the full but am so glad I didn't. I seriously think I would have stopped at the half way point due to boredom. I usually don't get bored, even when I run the same routes, but the course just killed this race for me.

The one thing that was a big hit with my cheering committee was the FREE subway, rice and beans, and BEER at the finish. Needless to say, by the time I crossed the finish line, Andy and Frat Boy had more than a few beers.

Damn Champagne

Race is over. No PR, but I still did ok. According to my garmin, I finished in 1:47. Not bad considering I let myself have fun last night. I'll post a full race report when I get home...if we make it home. Just heard they are calling for 6-12 inches of snow at home. New Orleans is so cute, I wouldn't mind getting stuck here for another day.

Hope everyone who ran this weekend did well!