40:10.

St Patrick's 4 miler. 10:03 pace. No freaking idea how that happened. More later.

6 miles

I didn't run yesterday, as getting a carseat for Eric's car took priority and Logan was up all night Friday night. I contemplated the treadmill for all of 2 seconds. But I did get 6 miles in today. My longest run since the summer. It was colder than predicted, but I ran on an access road along a lake and the trees blocked the wind. I felt good, better in the second half than the first. I ran with a hat and gloves, but both came off just before the turn around point.

The rest of the weekend was filled with shopping, playing with Logan and taking catnaps to catch up on the sleep I missed during the night when Logan woke up. My little man finally figured out crawling on hands and knees instead of army crawling and spent a lot of time pulling up to standing. He got his first pair of shoes this weekend too. He doesn't seem to mind them, but also isn't certain what to do with them on. He really is growing up.

How was your weekend? Anyone else get in a couple naps?

finally back at it...

but it was a slow and painful.

Stats:
Miles: 3.0 miles
Time: 31:57
Pace: 10:39 min/mi
Temp: 40'

this weekend was a bust

at least as far as running goes. For sleeping it was a huge success. I think I must have a stomach bug, because I have been feeling nauseous and having trouble keeping food down for the last 24 or so hours. I've also been sleeping a ton, so maybe I've been trying it fight it?

I intended to run yesterday and today (I was off from work) but didn't get a single mile in. Hopefully I will be feeling better and can get some miles in this week. I am not doing great with my HM training, but that is life I guess. This is week 5 of a 12 week program though, and until this past week I have been doing well following the scheduled runs. Hopefully this week I can get back on track.

I guess this is life. Always trying to keep the balance between work, running, time with Eric, family, etc... There will always be another report for work that's due, another few miles I want to run, a trip to see family that I want to take and if the last year has been any indication, always a few more hours of sleep I want during the week. I guess it's all about priorities and making the most of the time I have.

recap...

Well... I have no race report. But let me back up a bit first. Thursday I did get out to run. I ran a 5k at a 10:00 min/mile pace. It was a moderately hard effort. I really did not have the energy to run, and I had a horribly stressful day, which included nearly 2 hours wasted at Verizon so that they could tell me that there's nothing wrong with my phone. I was proud, and much more relaxed, following my run.

Somewhere between Friday night and Saturday morning, I just decided not to go to the race. First, I decided that I wasn't feeling up to paying the registration fee to do a short, flat, boring course in the cold, windy weather 45 minutes away. When I asked my running buddy if she was ready, she replied with "ready for what?". Needless to say she had forgotten that the race was this Saturday. So I opted for a couple of pain pills to squelch my lingering jaw pain, and a solid night's sleep. So I am a total lame-o.

Stats: (from Thursday)
Miles: 3.1 miles
Time: 30:57
Pace: 10:00 min/mi
Temp: mid 20's

stressed and exhausted

These words can pretty easily sum up the last two-three weeks for me. I knew this week was going to be lighter, running wise anyway, but I haven't run since my 10 miler on Sunday. I am a big believer in resting as hard as your work out, but I have to admit I feel like I'm dropping the ball before this race on Saturday.

One way or another, I am going to be running tonight. I know I can't let another night go by without a run. I meant to do an easy four miles last night (about a 10:15 min/mi pace) and an easy 3 miles tonight (about 10:00 min/mile pace). Tonight I'm going to aim for completing the 3 miles and depending on how I'm feeling I might try to get 2 miles in on Friday. I don't really have enough experience to know whether to take it off and rest or if it's better to keep my muscles moving as long as I take it really easy and don't push the pace or distance. Either way, I don't think it'll have that huge of an impact on Saturday. I guess if I have time and I'm not too tired, I'll run and if not I'll skip it.

slow long run

My plan was to head back to the Catharine Valley Trail mid afternoon on Sunday. When I ran Thursday (on a different section) the trail was mostly clear. I did make it out by 3:30 but the trail had about 2 inches of snow. The first 5 miles were okay. It took me about 20 minutes to really warm up and get moving, but I was still keeping a decent pace. The thing I didn't like was the mile markers every 1/4 of a mile. I wanted to get lost in the miles, but with those markers popping up every few minutes I really spent a lot of time focusing on how far I'd run and how far I had left to run, which I hate to do on long runs. Although it'd be handy for interval workouts. So I made it out 5 miles and turned around. Turns out the way back was more uphill and my pace slowed, despite trying to push the pace. Traction was awful especially on the slight uphill sections. I wasted a lot of energy fighting through the snow on my way back. But it was my first 10 miler and I was so happy to be done. I find that my knees get a little bit sore after about 5 or 6 miles, but there's no pain and it doesn't get worse, so I've been ignoring it. Afterwards I stretch out well, and Sunday I took a long, hot bath to relax and warm up a while after my run.

I planned to crash afterwards, since I had to be up at 5 this morning to make the trek to my dentist's office, but I ended up staying up for the superbowl. It figures that I, who hates watching football on TV, ended up watching the game and Eric was the one to fall asleep. I wasn't really rooting for either team, but I had a feeling that the Saints would win. The Who did a fantastic job on the halftime show, and I loved the light effects around the stage. I'm always amazed at how quickly they get the stage assembled and disassembled for the halftime show. I can't imagine the choreagraphy that goes into that.

Now that I've finally gotten to the dentist, I'm hopefull that my recurring jaw pain will go away and I can finally get a decent night's sleep.

I am a little nervous about the upcoming 5k. Now that it's getting closer, and I've been getting faster, I am really hoping to turn out a good time. I haven't registered yet. It should be a smaller turnout and I'm waiting to get an idea of the weather before I pay the registration fee. I'd like to say that I'd do it no matter what, but if it's bitter cold, I'll probably bail. Most likely though, it'll be fine. I think this time around I'm going to warm up with an extra sweatshirt and sweat pants so that I stay warmer until the start. Starting out cold at my last 5k was not the greatest. It takes me about 15 minutes of running to really warm up, so I'm hoping that the extra layers will help me cut that time down and I'll be ready to go at the start.

Stats:
Miles: 10 miles
Time: 1:43:10
Pace: 10:19
Temp: 24', feels like 12', Catharine Valley Trail w/ 1-3 inches of snow

technology sucks sometimes

So, for the last few years I've used a Nike+ kit for my iPod Nano. It's worked well during my periods of on again off again running, and has held up well. But the downfall is having to use my iPod on every run, making sure it's charged, making sure I have my case and headphones, not to mention having to use Nike sneakers. My thought is that if I do well and keep up with my running until next Christmas, I'll ask for a Garmin. Until then, I'm making do with the Nike+.

On the run Thursday, the low battery sensor warning showed up on my iPod. I guess it was a good lifespan, but that meant shelling out $20 for a new sensor, since you can't just replace the battery. So I bought one, drove to the park, tried to link it to my ipod, thought it worked, went running, and about half a mile in it just died. So I checked the park map and followed a 2 1/2 mile trail. It was fun, but I was super annoyed about the sensor not working. I ended up exchanging it and the new one linked and didn't give a low battery warning, so hopefully I'm good to go. I was bummed that I didn't get a slightly longer run in (I was hoping for a slow and easy 4 miles) but at least I got out there. Tomorrow I have a long run planned, then an easy week leading up to the 5k on Saturday.

Stats:
Miles: 2.5 miles
Time: 25 minutes (or so)
Pace: 10:00 min/mi (or so)
Temp: 28', on Treman State Park trails

superfly five

I finally managed to get out of work early enough (and remember my sports bra) and ran on the Catharine Valley Trail. It was great to get on a new route. I had just enough time to fit in the 5 miles before it got dark out. I can't wait until the time changes back and I can have more freedom in my runs. But it was great. Warm enough that I didn't need my hat or gloves, and probably could have gotten away with a lighter second layer. At first I was running a moderately quick pace, but then I realized I was maintaining a pace under 9:45 per mile, so I started to really push it on my way back. 9:34 min/mile is the fastest pace I've ran lately for a run over 3 miles.

Stats:
Miles: 5.0 miles
Time: 48:03
Pace: 9:34 min/mi
Temp: 28', on Catharine Valley Trail

chafing and "the girls"

I forgot to mention, when I posted last night, that I got my first battle scar from running last night. Chaffing from my sports bra under my left boob. I didn't notice it at all until I took my sports bra off and noticed some red on the inner, white fabric. It stung when I showered, but it didn't bother me when I wore a regular bra today. Aside from a blister here or there, it's my first battle scar. Knock on wood, but I've never had any toenail issues or other chaffing issues.

But this brings up the question of "the girls" and sports bras. I am well endowed. In high school I was a 36C and stayed that way until the last 2-3 years, when I grew to a 38 C/D which of course coincided with my gradual 15lb weight gain. In high school I literally used to tape my boobs down. Then I bought a few cheapo regular bras and would wear one under a sports bra. The regular bra provided the lift I needed, and the sports bra kept the girls from moving around too much. I have never found a bra that was appropriately sized for me that will prevent bouncing. And bouncing equals pain, so you can imagine that sports bras have been a difficult issue over the years. Right now I have two reebok sports bras that I've had for at least 4 years, that are a size small. They stretch just enough to get over my shoulders and fit around my rib cage, and because they are so tight they keep the girls in place. They re not the most comfortable things to wear, but when I'm running they don't bother me at all, so I've just gone with it. I have a few other sports bras that are less tight that I wear for mtn biking and other activities where there's less bouncing around.

I recently discovered title nine and have been tempted to try one of their full support sports bras, but I hate to buy things I can't try on first. Especially sports bras, since it is nearly impossible for me to find one that I like. I've tried dozens on at Dicks Sporting Goods and EMS by various brands. My all time favorite bra was from EMS about 7 or 8 years ago and they had to cut it off of me after a car accident. I was heart broken, since they didn't make it anymore.

So, in light of my recent chafing issues, which I'm hoping to curb with a little body glide, I think I'm in the market for a new sports bra. Hopefully I'll have better luck this time around finding a decent one.

sometimes you just want to run...

Today was one of those days. I planned to bail out of work a tad early and run on the Catharine Valley Trail near Watkins Glen. I managed to get out of work only 5 minutes late, but while I was driving I realized that I hadn't packed a sports bra. So I decided to just go home and run, postponing the trail for another day. Eric decided he'd run too, but I was planning for 4 miles and he was up for maybe 3. So I drove and parked in town, ran to the park and met up with Eric to do laps of the walking trail. I got to about 4 miles, but I was feeling good and I decided to keep running. So I did. 4 more miles. I felt great and was able to keep up a decent pace. I just did 7 miles two days ago, so I was a little hesitant, but I figured if I was feeling good that I would be okay.

I am really not following my training plan. I'm basically running when I can and trying to include the basics (long, short, speed work). Who knows how I'll do in the HM, but after tonight I'm feeling pretty confident that I can finish in under 2:10:00. That is my main goal. I'd really like to finish as close to 2 hours as possible, but we'll have to see how things go once spring is nearing and temps start to rise.

Stats:
Miles: 8.0 miles
Time: 1:18:48
Pace: 9:48 min/mi
Temp: 28', a little head wind on the last two miles.

7 mi long run

Well it was a day late, but at least I got it done. Yesterday was just so cold and I couldn't make myself go out and run. So tonight, about half an hour before it got dark, I headed out on a partially new route for my long run. It's hard to find new routes since there is only a limited area in town with sidewalks. I really try to avoid running on the road when it's not light out or when it's during rush hour times. It was really nice to get out before it was dark out so that I could take a new route. I have another 5 mile loop I'd like to try, but it's always dark out and the loop is all run on the shoulder of a main road.

I have two weeks until my next 5k. Next weekend I am going to try to make a long run of 9 miles (instead of the 8 miles my training plan calls for) and then take it easy through the week. I want to do well in the 5k but I also don't want to miss getting in my long runs for the HM. I know it's a balancing act that I'll have to work on.

I am starting to get nervous about balancing wedding planning and running, since I will apparently be a very busy bride-to-be this week. We are thinking about changing our venue *gasp*, have invites that need to be in the mail in less than 2 weeks, and I still haven't bought Eric's ring yet! I know! So I really need to get moving.

Stats:
Miles: 7.0 miles
Time: 1:10:49
Pace: 10:06 min/mi
Temp: 24' with a feels like temp of 14. Little wind.

attack of the dreadmill

I wasn't planning a run tonight. But I got to Eric's parents and my future sister-in-law hopped on the treadmill. I wanted to get some time in to, especially knowing that I was not going to be eating healthily tonight (pizza and wings!). I go through this every time, but once again after the first 3 minutes I was hot, sweaty, and ready to get off. I was already counting the minutes. I needed near constant conversation, and even then i just barely made it two miles before giving up and speed walking on the highest incline possible for the last .5 miles. At least I got out there. And the incline was interesting; I really felt it in my calves. It was just the motivation I needed to go run in the cold tomorrow for my long run.

Stats:
Miles: 2.5 miles
Time: 26:30
Pace: 9:45 min/mi for 2 miles, then 14:00 for .5 miles steep power walk.
Temp: hot basement on treadmill

omg I am FREEZING!

I just ran 5 miles in negative temps. I was decently warm after the first 1.5 miles, but now, half an hour afterward back in my cozy warm apartment, I am shivering like I'm still outside. It was a decent run, despite the cold, but a little bit slower with the wind.

Stats:
Miles: 5.0 miles
Time: 50:26
Pace: 10:03 min/mi
Temp: -3', very windy

This morning I was leaving for work and it was mid 20's but sunny and there was no snow on the ground. I've been bored wearing my boots so often, so I decided to try my new cute shoes that I picked up last weekend in Albany. They are leather, Mary Jane-esque wedges with a natural, earthy feel to them in the leather detailing. Then, about 4 miles from work I drove strait into a blizzard. It was a sudden white out, the sky was ominously dark and the wind was roaring. I felt kind of rediculous walking into work mid-storm in those shoes, but they are cute!

Now I'm off to take some advil and do dishes. Ah, such a glamorous life!

i just put my dentist's son through college

...and probably an expensive private college at that.

Today was supposed to be a shorter appointment for some dental work. I needed a crown to be replaced. I got up at 5:45 am to make it to my dentist by 8 am. You may think it's slightly ridiculous to drive two hours to the dentist, but she really is a great dentist, and I've had too many bad experiences in the past with dentists who did shoddy work that only needed to be redone later. It's only an hour from work, and I try to make the appointments worth while, cramming as much into one day as possible. However my dentist has limits and won't let anyone sit for more than 1.5 hours at one time. However today, I was there for FIVE HOURS! There was a complication with the crown, and while that was being figured out and we were waiting for the machines to do it, my dentist just kept going. I had a few cavities and so she just went at it. Which was okay with me, except it took four shots of anesthetic, including having to try another kind to get my lower jaw numb.

I was initially planning a long run for today, which I was going to do in Rochester before I left to come back home. However after that many hours in the dentist chair, with almost constant tention running through my body, I just drove home and went to bed. I slept from 3 to 7:30 and am going back to bed in a few minutes.

So tomorrow I'm going to aim for 4 miles after work, and then two more runs this weekend including a 6 or 7 mile long run.

another 5k... and other things

Stats:
Miles: 3.1 miles
Time: 29:40
Pace: 9:32 min/mi
Temp: 43', dry, slightly windy

Tonight I was not really feeling the run, but pushed myself anyway. I went to a park with a .68 mile loop and just started running. It went well, and I was feeling pretty good, although a little cold for the first two laps. Because it was warmer out, I opted for a mid-weight base layer instead of a fleece zip over my lightweight base layer. I ran the final mile of the run in 9:17, which is pretty good for me.

I have to say that I'm not overly thrilled with Under Armour tights. I have all season gear capris and cold gear tights. The capris tend to slid down my bum when I'm running. They fit well and I love the fabric, but I wish they stayed put a little better. The tights are pretty decent. They don't slide down as much, but the waist/hips/thighs aren't as tight as I'd ideally like them to be. They are pretty warm, and I only double up when it dips below 25'. I love the grip on the ankles which are great at keeping them in place. To be honest, Under Armour was not my ideal brand to go with for running bottoms, however I had a gift card to Dicks Sporting Goods and the store didn't have many options. I'd have preferred to go with a running-specific tight, but I also want to be able to try them on in the store and avoid shipping costs. They work though, although I might consider replacing the capris once it starts to get a tad bit warmer out.

On a side note, as I was leaving work the sky was amazing. Have was overcast with thick dark clouds, while the other half was clear and sunny. The sun was close to going down, and it was casting some amazing light.





Also, we got over an inch and a half of rain in the 24-36 hours (ending around three today) and the waterfalls I pass everyday (Hector Falls) were roaring! I've never seen them flowing so hard and fast before. These falls are right on the east side of Seneca Lake a few miles North of Watkins Glen. There is a bridge that crosses the falls, and they fall another 150 or so feet below where this picture is taken and dump into the lake. I pass another smaller waterfall on my commute, which was flowing so hard that it was throwing off a spray of water onto the passing cars.

Things That Make Me Happy

There's a tag going around, to list 10 things that make you happy. So here goes.

1. My fiance, Eric. He's a wonderful man, and I am so lucky to be marrying him.

2. My doggy, Marley! He's a great running partner, and my constant companion.

3. My sister and niece! My sister is my best friend, and her beautiful daughter is the source of much happiness for our entire family. She's also the flower girl in my upcoming wedding!

4. Running, of course. I have a love/hate relationship with running, but the feeling after a run is just awesome.

5. Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. I love it. I drink way too much of it, but oh well. One a day keeps my yawning at bay!

6. My future in-laws. I am a very lucky bride-to-be because I am joining a wonderful family.

7. My soon to be sister in law, Gayle. She and I are a lot alike: both in human services, love to read, love to hike, love photography, love big dogs, marrying farm boys, etc... We share a lot of experiences, and Gayle is so down to earth that I can't not love her.

8. Long lunches with my closest friend from my last job. We always can talk for hours, and usually sit at a restaurant for 3 or 4 hours talking and catching up. She's a great gal, and I miss her dearly now that I've moved and changed jobs.

9. Audio books! I have an hour commute each way every day. It gets old very fast when you just have the same old songs on the radio. Gayle turned me on to audio books, and I am hooked. I have gone through about 3 dozen (at least) since July, including the entire Harry Potter Series. I have been known to sit in my parked car to finish a chapter.

10. Cozy pajama pants. I love lounging on the couch in comfy pjs, and having great pj pants is a must.

5k progress

So... I haven't run in 6 days, but despite the depressing drizzle, I forced myself out the door tonight. It was surprisingly warm, at 40', and the rain was light enough that I didn't get soaked. I felt good for having such a long break. I was a little winded, but felt okay. My right knee gave me a few dull twinges, but no sharp pains, so I pushed through it.

Stats:
Miles: 3.1 miles
Time: 30:00
Pace: 9:39 min/mi
Temp: 40', wet and rainy

I am feeling very excited for my next 5k. My goal is to finish under 30 minutes, which after tonight I am feeling pretty confident about. I am really enjoying running. I feel really good after a run. It's always a struggle to get ready and out the door, but I always am happier once I've gotten out there. And, it seems like it's paying off. I've kept off a solid 5 pounds since Dec, and my family commented this weekend that I looked a little thinner. It might have just been the shirt I was wearing, but I'll take it either way. I do feel a little thinner and stronger. I need to add in some toning and strength workouts, but I'm proud of how far I've come in the last 2 months.

I was stressing a little bit about missing almost an entire week of running. I didn't want it to be a setback for me, or to get me too discouraged. But I think I'm doing better at not being too hard on myself. I'm definitely not going to worry about following my HM training plan too closely this time around. I am going to try to get in the same number and length of runs as the plan calls for, and I'm even going to attempt some tempo and fartlek runs, but I'm not going to obsess over it. I don't have a flexible enough schedule to make sure that every run is done exactly as the plan says. I really can't wait though.

perseverance

Today is the culmination of the last two super crazy, stressful, long work weeks. I haven't run since Monday. I'm glad I got those two good runs in, and knew that I wouldn't have time Tuesday or Wednesday. Last night I was just too hungry and tired to get the motivation to go, plus I had some more work to do from home. I tried to get up this morning, but was just exhausted.

Stressful and busy times are when I make excuses not to run, or literally can't find the time, and end up not running for weeks (often times turning into months). I am determined to break this pattern now. I have a 5k coming up soon (SO EXCITED!) and am determined to do well in my first half marathon (read - finish without dying). I am committed, probably more so than I've ever been with running. I am not going to let this week feel like a set back. I won't be able to run tonight, but tomorrow and Sunday are open and I'm hoping to get both a 4 miler and an 8 miler in. Likely, running when I am so tired would not be very beneficial to me anyway, so I'm looking at it as a good break, and am ready to dive into my training schedule for the HM coming up in April.

I am trying not to get too caught up with the weekly mileage. I find myself skipping any other kind of workout to run, so that I can pride myself on my high mileage. On the other hand, not wanting to have a low mileage week is a good motivator to keep running. Meeting a weekly mileage goal is a great encouragement to get me going on a day that I really don't want to run.

making progress!

Wow. I'm really making progress. 9:30 pace for 6 miles is awesome for me, and I'm still feeling strong. My calves are a little tight, but I think that's mainly a function of the uneven trails yesterday.

Tonight's run was relatively uneventful. I was hoping to take advantage of the daylight, but it was rainy and misty most of the day. I did get a great night's sleep and didn't wake up until 11. I had my alarm set, but must have turned it off and gone back to sleep. Oops. It is going to be a long week at work, so I'm glad to have two decent runs under my belt already. I'm going to be working some very long hours to get everything ready for an audit at work on Friday. Things will lighten up once this week is over, and one of my coworkers comes back from maternity leave February 1. I really can't wait to get back to a normal routine at work.

Stats:
Miles: 6.05 miles
Time: 58:24
Pace: 9:39 min/mi
Temp: again high 30's, all clear sidewalk with a few wet spots