Day 61 -- part 2

08/23/09

Day 61 -- part 2

I rode the recumbent bike 40:28 for 10.01: I went slower during this ride. I watched the last episode of Mental which was really good! I hope the series does not get cancelled!!

Tomorrow I hope to get a run in. I am going to use the Advanced Beginner Schedule for 10K race training as found on Christine Luff's About.com site. I should have looked at the schedule as it has me only doing 30 min easy today with a day off tomorrow, then a 3 m run, CT, 2.5 m run at race pace, rest, then a 3 m run. What is race pace for me, though? 4.5? That is what I am running at now as it feels way better for my knees. Maybe I should do the Beginner schedule as I think race pace might be considered as a 10 minute mile which I am not doing. I am now at 13:40 so I would have to speed WAY up! Hmmmm...what to do, what to do?

I am using this schedule to get prepared for the 5 mile run in Portland. I was trying to talk some old friends into doing it and if they do, I would not be going at a 10 minute pace as we would, more than likely, run a bit, walk a bit, etc. Hmmmm....again!

Day 61-- part 1 running again!

08/23/09

Day 61-- part 1 running again!

I did 32:28 for 2.25:

1 @ 3.5
1 @ 4
1 @ 4.2
22 @4.5
1 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I am not sure if it is because I have barely run in the last 2 weeks or not, but this was a tough one for me. I did run 22 minutes @ 4.5 mph and my knees don't really hurt (yay!) but my lungs are burning! I was really hoping to do 3 miles today but since I ran only 2.43 last week, at least I did something, right?

I watched second to last episode of Mental while running and plan on watching the last one while on the recumbent bike. For some reason, my DVR only recorded 20 minutes of the 2 hour season finale. Thank goodness for hulu.com!!

I have a busy week scheduled as I have an interview on Monday, have to take my mom-in-law to the doctor on Tuesday, have to take my husband to the VA hospital on Wednesday as he blew out his knee...I hope I get runs in! I could easily just procrastinate and I don't want to do that. I plan on running while in the motel the following week for training and have to get used to it again!

Day 60 -- a run at the hotel...finally!

08/18/2009

Day 60

I did 35:00 for 2.43:

1 @ 3.5
7:30 @ 4
2:30 @ 4.2
20 @ 4.5
1 @ 4.2
1 @ 4
1 @ 3.5 - 3
1 @ 2.5 - 1.5

This is my first run with my brand new shoes. I purchased the shoes at The Running Revolution. I learned that I do have normal arches but I overpronate (?), and that is the reason my knee has been bothering me. I tried on 3 or 4 different shoes, had my run video taped and analyzed and this was the best pair. They are a tad tighter and not so cushy but I do like them. The gentleman that helped me was very knowledgeable and even helped my husband find a pair of shoes. He told my husband that he has been in the wrong sized shoes this whole time. My husband used to wear what he thought was his size, 10.5, but found out that he is a 11.5 wide!

I also learned that running at 4 mph is not so good for my knee either and that is why I ran faster after 8 minutes. I do think that the timing for the race is correct as it is way more comfy and natural for me to run faster. When I run slower it shortens my stride dramatically. I walk fast and with a huge stride so I need to run faster so it will increase my stride. My knee has never hurt after walking. Note to self: Do not run in front of a mirror! There is a mirror here and I was dismayed to see how all my fat was bubbling out the side of my sports bra and under my shorts...ewww!!!!

I noticed while trying on my shoes and was flexing my left calf that a bump popped out on my left leg so I should get that checked out. I will add that to my follow up appt on September 8th.

I was getting more and more disappointed in myself for not working out while at the hotel. For gosh sakes, I am paying more for this hotel because it has a workout room and pool and I didn't run until today, the last day. My son was not able to use the pool the first couple of days here as we were out until after the pool closed so the first 2 days, we could have stayed at some cheapy place. Oh well...

Day 59

I did 50:07 for 3.14:

1 @ 3.5
29 @ 4
6 @ 3.5
1 @ 3.8
8 @ 3.5 (running, OK jogging)
2 @ 4
2 @ 3
1 @ 2.5 - 1.5

I seriously do not know how I did 5 miles in 1:08:56 (a 13:48 minute) if I according to my treadmill, I went 3 miles in 47 minutes which works out to be a 15:40 minute pace and it felt like I was running around the same pace. Is it possible that the course was off a bit? I know my watch had me at 1.82 miles when I passed the 2 mile marker. My husband thinks I may not have set my stride correctly when I set up this watch that I am wearing but to be different by 2 minutes a mile???

I am really trying to not focus on speed but mileage but it is hard to do when the treadmill tells you where you are at and what you have done while you are running. I need to get outside tomorrow as that may be a better gauge. I have checked, again, that from here to the school turn off is 2.5 miles so I would like to do the whole 5 miles and see how it works out.

I don't think I will run outside in California because of the heat. I did specifically choose a motel that not only had a kitchen but also a work out room with treadmill. As much as I am tempted to not exercise while I am there, I have worked to hard these last few months and will NOT set myself back!

Results of my 5 mile run tomorrow!

Day 58

I rode the recumbent bike for 43:40 for 11.98.

I watched the last episode of Mental on Hulu. It was definitely easier to get through the ride watching something! My husband adjusted the slot back one so my legs did not feel like they were on fire while riding.

When I told my husband that I was going to ride the recumbent bike because I needed to lose 10 pounds in 4 days, he laughed...soooooo not cool....and it p*ssed me off! Never ever ever laugh at a woman's weight loss attempt....yeesh!

Day 57 -- part 2

I rode the recumbent bike for 40:16 for 11.01:

I read a magazine for most of this and was bored to tears! I started doing some upper body work for a bit and that made time pass quicker.

I am going to have to find something more engaging to read or watch something on the computer because I became bored REALLY QUICKLY!

My intention is to lose as much weight as I can before my trip to California Thursday night so I can fit into most of my older summer clothes as I don't have much now that is bigger and don't really want to invest a bunch in bigger clothes that I won't fit into for very much longer, you know? Don't worry, I am still eating healthy!!

Day 57 -- part 1

I did 30:46 for 2:

2 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
10:30 @ 4.5
13:30 @ 4 (both running and walking)
1 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1:46 @ 2 - 1.5

OK, so I learned 4 things today from this really short run:

1. I ate too much of the chicken salad on spinach/spring mix and did not let it digest fully.
2. I dyed my hair last night and running with the smell of hair dye (although rinsed completely) is horrid!
3. Just because it appears that I ran faster than I thought I did for the race (according to this log), I should not start my first mile at 4.5 mph on the treadmill when I am used to 4 mph.
4. I need new shoes!

Because of the above, I am fully convinced I could have run for MUCH longer today! Oh well. Now I am going to ride the recumbent bike for 10 miles then shower and hope to remove this horrible smell! See you on part 2!!

Day 56 -- Run 4 The Light Race!

This was the day of the race. I ran 5 miles in 1:08:56.

Here is how my standing is showing on the Run 4 the Light pdf document:

89 Rooke‐Meyer Shauna F 41 1.08.56.63 3F:40‐44 82

I ran the entire time and placed 3rd in my age category of 40-44! Woo hoo! Not only that, I won a long sleeved running shirt! It was part of a raffle and he held it. I immediately said, "Oh, I want that" and then 1 second later they called my number (82). How cool is that???

Here's what happened:

I got 1/2 hour of sleep last night after getting only about 1/2 hour of sleep the night before so I was not in the most positive, cheery mood when I was getting ready. My husband and son were tired and not in the best of moods either so I really was not looking forward to the race.

When we got there, I had to wait just a few minutes until I could register. When I did, I got the number 82. 8 + 2 = 10 which happens to be MY number so I was considering it to be a good sign. Not that I was going to win because I really thought I was going to be the last place person, but that I would enjoy myself.

I met a very nice couple from British Columbia who were very positive and had very good energy. As a matter of fact, this was her second race. They were very pleasant to talk to and were talking me off the bridge in a matter of speaking because I was still Miss Woe Is Me. So, to them, thanks so much! (Sadly, I got no pics of them)

We all lined up and they gave us our instructions. My husband and son were going to be riding their bikes keeping pace with me and occasionally riding ahead to take pictures. I knew, because of what I had read, that I needed to start towards the middle or back as I have a slower pace. Problem is, all the other slow people obviously did not read the same books or websites as me, because when the race started I was having to weave and bob around multiple strollers and walkers. Oh well, not such a big deal. I also knew to not start off too fast as I would poop myself out too soon and would probably end up walking the last half of it so the obstacle course that was the beginning of the race, worked to my advantage.

As we neared 1/4 mile, I was putting a piece of tissue back in my Nathan belt and was looking down as I did it and ran right over a cone. Which henceforth, will be named The Cone Incident. Not only did I kick the cone, I did it in such a fashion that it flipped over, and I stepped INSIDE of it. Sigh...this after only 1/4 mile. Got my husband and me giggling, though.

I also was initially running next to someone who was power walking faster than I run. I told her it was fabulous that she could do that! Unfortunately, a very nice relationship ended quickly when she sprinted ahead because my husband and son were arguing...again (my husband is not a very nice easy going person when he does not sleep) and I asked them to please not ruin this for me and she was off like a bullet!

I pretty much kept a slow and steady pace for most of the race. Judging by my watch, I think it was between 3.82 and 4.25 mph. I initially thought I would be able to run for the first 3 miles, walk/run the rest especially after encountering a small hill that I had not encountered in my training. I remember saying to someone, "They said there were no hills!"

Around 1 1/2 miles

Around 2.5 to 3 miles done!

I cannot say enough about how grateful that I am to my son and husband for making the trip with me and racing with me. They were so positive and were giving me the motivation that I needed to run this race. I kept a slow enough pace that I was talking to them throughout and it was nice. Often times when training with my son, I had been so miserable that I didn't want to talk to him or anyone as I was so focused.

Sadly, again, my husband took all the pics so I do not have any of him with my son or me. :(

I did notice that, even though I did look at my watch occasionally, I was not stressed about it. I just kept going with the flow. I remember when I was passing 57 minutes, I really knew that I could run the entire race! After mile 3, I said that I wanted to run the whole race but to know deep down that I was really going to was a major power boost.


The weather was perfect! It did not rain, was very overcast so I did not have to worry about the sun and overheating. The view was wonderful! I got to run by the beach for a bit and I made myself LOOK instead of being too focused. My husband got some pics of the view as well.

Mile 4!!

When we got off the trail, we hit one end of the street that led the last 3 -4 blocks of the race. I told my son that I was going to run faster for the last bit of it and when I got to 2 blocks to go, I really picked up the pace. Did I sprint? Nope, I have not trained for that and did not want to tire myself out so I went about 2 mph faster than what my race pace was. The lady called out, "Keep it up number 82, you are almost there!" I knew to tear off the bottom part of my bib so I had that in my hand when I ran through the finish line. What a great feeling!!!

13 seconds before I finished!

I did it and I am smiling!!

My race time was 1:08:56 and I thought I probably was one of the first 50 to cross....ummm, no...I was 89th. That did crush me for a bit as I really don't remember that many people in front of me! I thought there were that many BEHIND me! I think there were about 125 racers. When I watched the rest finish, it did occur to me that I was, in fact, one of the last runners...sigh...oh well. I am gosh darned proud of myself for running the WHOLE time and finishing!! The winner completed the race in 27 minutes and the fastest woman ran it in 33 minutes. Yee ha!

We waited until 12 noon for the raffle to start and a few people were still coming in. The gentleman running the raffle, held up a red long sleeved running shirt and I immediately said, "Oh, I want that" and then 1 second later they called my number (82)!!!! I let out a loud gasp that had people cheering for me. How exciting!

The raffle continued on for another 10 minutes and then they took a break to tabulate the winners. My son had already figured out that based on the red oval stickers that signified my age class, I was going to place 3rd. I thought I counted one more ahead of me, but went back and confirmed that I had placed 3rd. My son immediately burst my bubble by telling me that there were only 3 of us in my age group but I got over it really quickly as I realized that, not only is this my first race...that I ran the entire time for...that I finished...won a shirt...I was going to get a ribbon...seriously, soooooo cool for me!!!

The woman from BC that I met in the beginning also placed 3rd in her age class and she didn't even realize it until her husband had to convince her of it. How cool for her!!

(Still sad that I didn't get a pic of her!)

Wow, what a great day! Obviously, I no longer hate running (OK, OK for today...=O} ) and plan to keep this up. There is a 5-Miler which is part of the Portland Marathon, which will be held on October 4, 2009 and I am now going to train for that. My only job, beat my time! The next race after that I would like to do is a half-marathon so I will need to increase endurance for that as well but after I pick up my pace. According to my Runners World Log, my pace is 13:48. How cool is that? I thought it was in the 16 minute category.

OK, I am beat and really want to shower. As I stated earlier in this blog, I will be adding pictures to this post and may have more to add. OK, I have added the pics and it took FOREVER to do!!

Thanks so much for reading!

Day 55 -- a revelation

I did 1:10:01 for 4.5 (my watch says 3.98):

I walked the first 5, ran for 30, then walked the rest of the time as my race is on Friday.

I used my car to measure distance a couple of days ago and from the corner of my street to the turnoff to one of the schools is 2.5 miles. Well, according to my watch which tracks mileage, it was not. Granted I did accidentally hit the stop button twice so I actually walked longer so I put that I went 4.5.

I have to tell you my thoughts about running and exercising in general after 55 days of it for the last couple of months and two days before the race:

I notice no, ZERO, increase in energy. Let me say that again, ZERO INCREASE IN ENERGY.

I do not sleep better. As a matter of fact, I was/am an insomniac. I found pills that help me sleep a bit longer which, coincidentally, marked my decline in energy and motivation (around mid-July) and an increase in weight so I am going off those ASAP.

I have noticed no, ZERO, difference in my body. My husband and son say they do, but, please, can you believe them. Seriously? They know their roles...say yes when mom asks if she looks like she lost weight. Say no when mom asks if these jeans make her butt look fat.

Speaking of jeans...I am still squeezing my fat ass (or rather flat ass) in to my size 10 jeans...still...

Running has NOT given me a bit of a butt, does not make my calves look fantastic in heels, does not make my quads pop when I pose, given me a 1 pack, much less a 6-pack, set of abs...nothing...NOTHING!

With regards to a runners high...there is no such thing, but there is a runners wall. I get no burst of energy after running for any amount of time. I think I may have before I started these last set of pills for sleep.

I finished the Couch-to-5K plan and still can barely run for 30 minutes straight without feeling like crap. Yes, you do see on other posts that I have done that I have gone 40-50 minutes straight but it was a struggle and pure hell.

Right now with my woe is me attitude, I will NOT continue to run after this race unless some miracle happens during the race. However, I might get a cheap bike and cycle.

So, my apologies to those of you that were hoping to hear how fabulous exercise is from me. I remember when my friend and hair stylist asked me if I felt like I had more energy and I told her no, she looked devastated. I felt bad, but it is the absolute truth. I told her that I did not want to dissuade her from exercising but she was bummed for sure. Sorry, Erin!

I will post about the race on Saturday. See you then!!

Day 54 part 2

I rode the recumbent bike for 42:00 for 11.17 miles.

Boy, I have to tell you if distance was all I was seeking; I would definitely take up biking instead of running. I ran/walked for approximately the same amount of time earlier and only went 2.34 miles! Not to mention that I am NOT seeing ANY appreciable difference in my legs, butt or abs from running but judging from the workout I got from the riding the bike just now, I would! Veeeeerrrrryyyyyy frustrating!!!!!!

I am now going to shower as two workouts does not a 'smell like a rose' girl make. See ya!!

Day 54 part 1

I did 39:08 for 2.34:

I walked 5 minutes, ran for 13, walked 4, ran for 10, and walked 7 (approx).

My knee was beginning to bother me again so I took it easy today as I will do on Thursday. The race is on Saturday and I don't want to push myself too hard. I will, however, ride the recumbent bike for 30 minutes later.

I asked my son if he thought I was going to run after the race and he thought I still would. I have my reservations. Only because won't have a goal, you know? Maybe I should shoot for doing the 5 Miler at the Portland Marathon on October 4. I wish they had a half-marathon but a 5 miler would be right up my alley. I could do it to beat my time on August 8th, right?

So, I have left this blog twice to get dinner ready and everything that I was going to type has slipped my memory so I will see you on Thursday!

Day 53 part 2

I did 65:09 for 4.14:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
46 @ 4
9 @ 3.8
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

The last 9 minutes of my run were the toughest as my knee HATED me! It still does and as soon as I am done recording this, I am heading to the freezer for an ice pack. But....hello....I did 4.14 miles!!! Woo hoo!!!

I know that I am supposed to taper back this week as the race is on Saturday but I was losing faith in myself being able to run for more than 30 minutes straight...heck I thought the 40 and 45 minutes straight were a fluke, but I DID IT!!!!!!!

With the exercise on the recumbent bike this morning and tonight's run, I did almost 2 hours of exercise. I need to because I feel like I am gaining weight again and I have to visit California in 2 weeks with clothes that don't quite fit so I need to lose 5 more pounds!

I am off to ice my knee and watch the Food Network Star finale, which I found out the winner ahead of time and I am thrilled!!! Go Melissa...golly wouldn't that be weird if all the spoilers were wrong?? I cannot wait to see her show. My only request is to please make it simple for us moms who have not had a chance to learn how to make a fabulous dough in France. Can anyone say, Crockpot cooking??

Day 53 part 1

I was on the recumbent bike for 40:21 and did 11.62 miles.

I was reading my new issue of Runner's World and right as I was finishing up, I started an article about Tera Moody who cannot sleep. I have yet to finish the article but will by the time I come back on here to record tonight's run. It occurs to me that my running has slowed down, SIGNIFICANTLY, since I started taking sleeping pills because I could not sleep. Yes, I am getting more sleep now but I wake up feeling like a gumby and have no motivation. I mean, for goodness sakes, I have an interview on Wednesday for a job that I really want and would be great but I can hardly get motivated to think about it.

Yes, I have tried all sorts of 'healthy' remedies to sleep and still no sleep. I was taking some sleepy time medicine that Tylenol makes and it was helping me sleep. Then my doctor prescribed Temazepam which I take 2 of at around 9:00. I fall asleep by 11:00 and then I am wide awake at 2:00 so I take 2 more...hmmm, probably not a good idea. Oh and it is in the same family as Xanax...super...