I haven't posted in quite a while! I noticed this, as I was updating the "DailyMile" log for my run yesterday evening. It's been since July14th! Oh no! I didn't realize I've been so busy, that I haven't written down my thoughts/experiences/life in almost 2 weeks! My apologies.
At least I can fully report, my half marathon training is still in full swing. I have gotten in each and every run thus far. I'm up to about 16-18 miles/week. And I'm now on 61 miles with my new shoes! That sure adds up quickly. I had 2 days were I had to miss strength training, because I had no childcare available...but alas...I'm not beating myself up over it. I know I'm being consistent and doing what I need to do.
Speaking of being consistent, I am still doing weight watchers (post baby #2). I have currently lost 22.4 lbs since Apr. 6th. That's about 1-2lbs/week, just as planned. I'm feeling great, and I attribute much of my loss from my running schedule! Of course, I'm eating right as well. It's all comes together.
I'm looking forward to today's run - a short 2 miler. Then tomorrow is my "tough day" - strength training AND a longer run. I may have to do a split again, to be sure to get it all in. Looks like I'll be up at 5a.m. again. Of course, this isn't really an issue, since I'm still up with the little one with 2 feedings/night. Thank goodness I have a helpful and understanding husband. Without him, I'd NEVER get anything done.
PS. I have been still reading up on my runner friends' blogs and connecting to other blogs of interest. How does one go about testing running gear??? Looks like many folks are doing this these days. I want in on that action! :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Doing the Splits
Well, last night I looked at my training chart and realized my Thursdays are going to be my hard days. Nope, not because it's a long run day or anything. It's my day for strength training AND running. The hard part is going to be finding the time in the day to complete it all. So, this morning I got up about 5:15 a.m. and decided to do the first half of my training today. I put on my shorts and sneaks and headed to weight train. I did legs, back and core. This evening will be a 3.5-4 mile run.
I'm doing my first split...half training in the morning/half training in the evening.
Now, I know my title may have been deceiving (ie. doing the ACTUAL splits). Which, by the way, I used to be able to do back in high school. It makes me think about the times I used to be SUPER active. Dance, tennis, track, cheer...I worked out all the time, and it never felt like work! It was all fun and games. Where does the time go? At what point does it all change from just being an active teen to turning into a full-on adult with life responsibilities?
Don't get me wrong, working out is still fun to me (especially the running!); but now it's about fitting it all in. Working full-time, kids and family time, running a household. This just seems to be hard to manage at times. My plan is to continue training and splitting my time if needed. A mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do. And if it's the splits, so be it. :)
I'm doing my first split...half training in the morning/half training in the evening.
Now, I know my title may have been deceiving (ie. doing the ACTUAL splits). Which, by the way, I used to be able to do back in high school. It makes me think about the times I used to be SUPER active. Dance, tennis, track, cheer...I worked out all the time, and it never felt like work! It was all fun and games. Where does the time go? At what point does it all change from just being an active teen to turning into a full-on adult with life responsibilities?
Don't get me wrong, working out is still fun to me (especially the running!); but now it's about fitting it all in. Working full-time, kids and family time, running a household. This just seems to be hard to manage at times. My plan is to continue training and splitting my time if needed. A mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do. And if it's the splits, so be it. :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
...Chicken with Geese
Today's post gives real meaning to my blog name "Momma running (in circles)". Today I felt like I was a "mommy on the edge". This morning was an early one, and I'll get to today's title "...Chicken with Geese" shortly. I must, of course, fill you in on the nocturnal habits of my family. My son decided he wanted to be awake this morning at 3 a.m. Now, most 3 year olds may get up here and there but be coaxed back to bed. Not my kid. He's not most 3 year olds.
He came walking into our bedroom about 3 saying "mommy, I just wanna snuggle". Well, how can you be mad at that. So 3 a.m., I walk him back to his room, so we can snuggle (me hoping secretly he'll just fall back to sleep). Nope, we lay there, and he's tossing and turning and asking for water and you name it...the kid was just NOT tired. Finally, 4 a.m., Dom falls back to sleep. I think to myself, THANK GOD!
I stroll back to my bed and crash. 4:30 a.m., Jovie wakes up to feed! Ugh! No sleep for the weary. She eats and decides she, too, wants to be awake. My hubby and I were so awake after these early hour transitions, that we both just got up and started our day. My alarm clock was already set for 5:30 a.m. anyhow. Who needs sleep!?
My hubby took Jovie out into the living room and walked around for a bit with her. She finally fell back to sleep (the little booger!). Then, I guess it's just instinct that with everyone up, Dom woke up AGAIN, as if he knew we were all out in the living room. Oh boy. So, needless to say...
I decided I'm going for my 3.5 miler this morning. I'm up anyways, I may as well! This is where the geese come in. I laced up, stretched and was on my merry way. I decided that I'd just go around our lake/pond to keep track of my miles. It was great. No one was out, it was cool enough (it's been super muggy lately, so that was awesome), and I had my breathing down. I was just "on it" this morning.
I got to the other side of the lake, and I realized the damn geese shit all over the sidewalks. Ick! So, I took to the street in this portion of the run. Well, by the second lap, the geese (they are quite pesky at our place) decided they wanted to come out for a morning swim and stroll. Each time I came around, the geese were walking right in my path. And each time, I had to "play chicken" with these geese. Now, these are no ordinary geese. Most geese fly away and fear humans. Nope, not these guys. They tend to be quite aggressive (sometimes hissing) and come right up to you (people around here feed them). Pain in the butt!
So, each time I came around, I'd clap my hands really hard to warn them I'm there, and they better move outta the way! I must have looked ridiculous! Thankfully, not many folks around our area are up that early. Only a couple dog walkers (who, by the way, don't have to worry/deal with the geese, since their dogs tend to frighten them automatically). Note to self: Get a dog to run with! ;)
Thankfully, I was able to finish my run without a goose bite or poop on my shoe. I even ran 4 miles instead of 3.5, so I felt accomplished. Made good time, too. 38:48 - that's a 9:36 pace per mile. Not bad for 4 miles. Tomorrow, I hope the geese decide to sleep in...along with my kids!
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He came walking into our bedroom about 3 saying "mommy, I just wanna snuggle". Well, how can you be mad at that. So 3 a.m., I walk him back to his room, so we can snuggle (me hoping secretly he'll just fall back to sleep). Nope, we lay there, and he's tossing and turning and asking for water and you name it...the kid was just NOT tired. Finally, 4 a.m., Dom falls back to sleep. I think to myself, THANK GOD!
I stroll back to my bed and crash. 4:30 a.m., Jovie wakes up to feed! Ugh! No sleep for the weary. She eats and decides she, too, wants to be awake. My hubby and I were so awake after these early hour transitions, that we both just got up and started our day. My alarm clock was already set for 5:30 a.m. anyhow. Who needs sleep!?
My hubby took Jovie out into the living room and walked around for a bit with her. She finally fell back to sleep (the little booger!). Then, I guess it's just instinct that with everyone up, Dom woke up AGAIN, as if he knew we were all out in the living room. Oh boy. So, needless to say...
I decided I'm going for my 3.5 miler this morning. I'm up anyways, I may as well! This is where the geese come in. I laced up, stretched and was on my merry way. I decided that I'd just go around our lake/pond to keep track of my miles. It was great. No one was out, it was cool enough (it's been super muggy lately, so that was awesome), and I had my breathing down. I was just "on it" this morning.
I got to the other side of the lake, and I realized the damn geese shit all over the sidewalks. Ick! So, I took to the street in this portion of the run. Well, by the second lap, the geese (they are quite pesky at our place) decided they wanted to come out for a morning swim and stroll. Each time I came around, the geese were walking right in my path. And each time, I had to "play chicken" with these geese. Now, these are no ordinary geese. Most geese fly away and fear humans. Nope, not these guys. They tend to be quite aggressive (sometimes hissing) and come right up to you (people around here feed them). Pain in the butt!
So, each time I came around, I'd clap my hands really hard to warn them I'm there, and they better move outta the way! I must have looked ridiculous! Thankfully, not many folks around our area are up that early. Only a couple dog walkers (who, by the way, don't have to worry/deal with the geese, since their dogs tend to frighten them automatically). Note to self: Get a dog to run with! ;)
Thankfully, I was able to finish my run without a goose bite or poop on my shoe. I even ran 4 miles instead of 3.5, so I felt accomplished. Made good time, too. 38:48 - that's a 9:36 pace per mile. Not bad for 4 miles. Tomorrow, I hope the geese decide to sleep in...along with my kids!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Everything Happens for a Reason
Had a wonderful workout this morning!!! Got out there before the real heat kicked in. It's in the mid-90s today! Sweated like crazy. Before I go on, let me back up.
I had my tougher day of training (a run AND weight training). I was fearful of it today, since my back has been hurting so much. Well, my workout was awesome. My hubby rubbed some Flex cream on my back before he left for work, and I didn't know what to expect (I got a sample of this cream from my 5K a few weeks ago). Nothing happened at first. I thought, man...this stuff doesn't even work. I laced up and went out. I didn't realize the cream was heat induced, so once I started running, the cream began to work. My skin became hot, and I felt my muscles in my back loosen up a little. This was really helpful for the remainder of my run.
When I finished, I went up to our apartment complex gym to get in my lifting. Now, I'm not sure if any of you believe in "signs" or whatever, but my hubby and I do! I feel like truly everything happens for a reason. And the little things in life are the things that count. With that being said, I walked in, and this is what I found on the floor.
I had my tougher day of training (a run AND weight training). I was fearful of it today, since my back has been hurting so much. Well, my workout was awesome. My hubby rubbed some Flex cream on my back before he left for work, and I didn't know what to expect (I got a sample of this cream from my 5K a few weeks ago). Nothing happened at first. I thought, man...this stuff doesn't even work. I laced up and went out. I didn't realize the cream was heat induced, so once I started running, the cream began to work. My skin became hot, and I felt my muscles in my back loosen up a little. This was really helpful for the remainder of my run.
When I finished, I went up to our apartment complex gym to get in my lifting. Now, I'm not sure if any of you believe in "signs" or whatever, but my hubby and I do! I feel like truly everything happens for a reason. And the little things in life are the things that count. With that being said, I walked in, and this is what I found on the floor.
And the flip side of this...
I guess it's a good thing I was there and working out doing what I know is right and feels good. Of course, I kept my token and went on to lift biceps, back and core. All in all, a GREAT workout!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
No Pain - No Gain!
Well, I've officially encountered a problem with my running/training. For the last month or so, I've been complaining about a tweaked back muscle. Ouch! It appears now to be getting worse. It's directly in the middle of my back, and I'm pretty sure it's an inflamed muscle. Totally NO GOOD!
Lately, it's been helping when I get home to ice it. So, here I am - No Pain/No Gain! Icing up and hoping for a heal. I called to make a doctor's appointment today to have "an expert" look at it, but they can't get me in until October! What the...!? So, for now, I'll see what I can do on my own.
And, yes! This is an aerial shot of my back-side! Caution, objects may appear larger than they really are. Ha ha.
Alas, I am still running. I told my hubby that I can't NOT run! I guess that makes me hooked. Yup, hooked on running. For now, I'll be pushing through it. I will keep in mind my own determination to reach a goal, endurance and shear stubbornness, I guess! This is me...."a Runner".
Lately, it's been helping when I get home to ice it. So, here I am - No Pain/No Gain! Icing up and hoping for a heal. I called to make a doctor's appointment today to have "an expert" look at it, but they can't get me in until October! What the...!? So, for now, I'll see what I can do on my own.
Alas, I am still running. I told my hubby that I can't NOT run! I guess that makes me hooked. Yup, hooked on running. For now, I'll be pushing through it. I will keep in mind my own determination to reach a goal, endurance and shear stubbornness, I guess! This is me...."a Runner".
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Shoes and the Learning Curve
Whoo hoo!!! I finally got new shoes! It's been WAY too long, and I know my old shoes were shot. I've been complaining for the past month or two about my back hurting after a run, and knowing my shoes could be contributing to my pain, I had to bite the bullet and spend some $$$.
My hubby and I went to our local running club shoe store to truly learn about the shoes I should buy. We went to Delaware Running Company. Boy, did I learn a lot. I found out I'm not a pronator (I guess this is how you distribute your weight on your feet/ankles). I'm a mid-line runner. The gal looked at the bottom on my old shoes and said I tend to have an even tread. She watched me walk across the floor barefoot to view my pronation and weight on my ankles. She suggested a shoe that has evenly distributed cushion.
Now, I had no idea what this meant in "shoe world", so I tried on a bunch of brands/pairs. I usually run in Adidas. They are a bit wider in the toe-box, so they are better for me. However, I tried on Saucony, New Balance, Nike, Mizunos, Brooks, you name it, I tried it. Also, I had no idea you were supposed to go up a size from your norm to assist in more room. Boy, did that make a difference!
I ended up with the Ghost 4 Brooks shoe. Check em' out!
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Finally, I purchased some new sneaks to run in, and I cannot wait to run today!
Also, I learned about other runner things, like which shorts to wear (a.k.a. which ones won't ride up my a%$ when I run), what to use for refueling (like options of gels, beans, etc...), the mileage I should be getting outta my shoes (somewhere between 350-500 miles/pair) and even what to do with my old shoes. They recycle old shoes by chopping them up into bits and use the rubber soles for other things. Very cool!
Stay tuned to find out how these shoes are working for me. I'm looking to start adding on more miles soon!
My hubby and I went to our local running club shoe store to truly learn about the shoes I should buy. We went to Delaware Running Company. Boy, did I learn a lot. I found out I'm not a pronator (I guess this is how you distribute your weight on your feet/ankles). I'm a mid-line runner. The gal looked at the bottom on my old shoes and said I tend to have an even tread. She watched me walk across the floor barefoot to view my pronation and weight on my ankles. She suggested a shoe that has evenly distributed cushion.
Now, I had no idea what this meant in "shoe world", so I tried on a bunch of brands/pairs. I usually run in Adidas. They are a bit wider in the toe-box, so they are better for me. However, I tried on Saucony, New Balance, Nike, Mizunos, Brooks, you name it, I tried it. Also, I had no idea you were supposed to go up a size from your norm to assist in more room. Boy, did that make a difference!
I ended up with the Ghost 4 Brooks shoe. Check em' out!
Also, I learned about other runner things, like which shorts to wear (a.k.a. which ones won't ride up my a%$ when I run), what to use for refueling (like options of gels, beans, etc...), the mileage I should be getting outta my shoes (somewhere between 350-500 miles/pair) and even what to do with my old shoes. They recycle old shoes by chopping them up into bits and use the rubber soles for other things. Very cool!
Stay tuned to find out how these shoes are working for me. I'm looking to start adding on more miles soon!
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