I'm finally posting a blog. I haven't done so in a while, so here it is!!! IT'S OFFICIAL....I am now registered for my 1st ever Half Marathon - Philly Rock-N-Roll series run! So exciting yet terrifying all in the same.
It's September 18th, Sunday, not to mention my husband's birthday. He's coming to support me, and I couldn't be more excited and anxious about this run. I have continued my training, as I started June 27th, and this weekend was no different.
I have now hit my highest in miles to date - 8 miles yesterday. This was my scary #. I'm not quite sure why, but it really wasn't so scary once I did it. When I hit 6 miles, I thought to myself - only 2 miles left. Not too bad. I can do that! So 8 didn't seem as bad as I thought it would. Now my new scary # is 10! I'm so proud of myself, though. :)
Also, I purchased 2 new pairs of Nike running shorts. They were on sale, since the warmer running season is about to leave us (come fall), so I couldn't pass up the buy. I can't wait to wear them on tomorrow's run (today's a strength training day). Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of training to get this half marathon underway.
Happy running, all!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
To Work on a Sunday?!
Well, today marks my longest run to date. 7.5 miles, baby! The hubs and kiddos dropped me off at work this morning (no! I did NOT work). This was just my starting point for today's run. I ran all the way from work to home.
It took me 1 hour 16 minutes and 38 seconds. Not too shabby. I was excited to do today's run, because it was not only the longest I've done, but it was a completely different route than I've been doing. I have been getting so bored, that I think this was contributing to my lack of motivation lately.
Glad to have run today. Overcast skies, still muggy and got a good sweat on! Yea, me! Feeling accomplished!
It took me 1 hour 16 minutes and 38 seconds. Not too shabby. I was excited to do today's run, because it was not only the longest I've done, but it was a completely different route than I've been doing. I have been getting so bored, that I think this was contributing to my lack of motivation lately.
Glad to have run today. Overcast skies, still muggy and got a good sweat on! Yea, me! Feeling accomplished!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
MOTIVATION!!!
Let's face it, we all need a cheerleader in our corner! Lately, I've been so unmotivated. Not due to any running injury or real good reason. I've just been stressed at work and at home (inter-related money issues), so I haven't been feeling like doing a damn thing! I have been wanting to sit on my couch and eat when I get home. THIS IS A PROBLEM!
Of course, then guilt sets in, and I make myself go workout/train for this half marathon. So my question is...where does your/my motivation come from?
Is it for health? For the kids? Is it to fit into a pair of skinny pants of a bikini? Is it to run a competition/race? Is it for feeling guilty for NOT going? Is it to have a goal to purchase something as a reward for doing a good job?
I know my motivation comes from within. I do it strictly for me. I would like to say it's for my health and/or being there for my kids...but I'd be lying. I do it (run/workout/train), because I truly enjoy seeing how far I can go. I like to see what I can do. I tend to put limits on myself, and then I push on past that. I think, okay...I'll run 3 miles today, and then I'll really run 5! I don't know what it is...an evil game I play. Not sure why either. I guess I just like to feel good about it in the end. I like feeling proud of something I do only for me.
So, I guess my cheerleader is within me...I just need to give her a swift kick in the ass once in awhile.
Of course, then guilt sets in, and I make myself go workout/train for this half marathon. So my question is...where does your/my motivation come from?
Is it for health? For the kids? Is it to fit into a pair of skinny pants of a bikini? Is it to run a competition/race? Is it for feeling guilty for NOT going? Is it to have a goal to purchase something as a reward for doing a good job?
I know my motivation comes from within. I do it strictly for me. I would like to say it's for my health and/or being there for my kids...but I'd be lying. I do it (run/workout/train), because I truly enjoy seeing how far I can go. I like to see what I can do. I tend to put limits on myself, and then I push on past that. I think, okay...I'll run 3 miles today, and then I'll really run 5! I don't know what it is...an evil game I play. Not sure why either. I guess I just like to feel good about it in the end. I like feeling proud of something I do only for me.
So, I guess my cheerleader is within me...I just need to give her a swift kick in the ass once in awhile.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Too Busy to Post but NOT Too Busy to Run!
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! :)
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! :)
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!
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