Running Group Update

A few weeks ago I was really excited about finding a running group.  The guy who owns the little gym I go to said that he's been thinking about putting together a running group for some time now.  I really thought he was serious about it.  He promised that he would post information on the board.  Every time I go into the gym, I check the board and there's nothing. 

I bought my latest pair of running shoes at Charm City Run in Clarksville.  They gave me information about a training group that is getting together to train for the Frederick Half in March.  Because of the close proximity to the OC Half, I could follow their plan without too much modification necessary.  When they taper, I'll just maintain.  HOWEVER, it costs $125.  You get a shirt, a training plan, a group to run with, blah blah.  This isn't my first half marathon and I have gotten a pretty solid training plan based on what Lisa Long developed for me.  So that seems like a lot of money to pay for having a group to run with.  Same thing with Fleet Feet Sports.  I went there to use a gift card and they told me that they also have a training group...again it's $125.

As it's well documented on this blog, I am really not good at running alone.  My head gets in my way.  When I'm running with other people, I'm much more productive and enjoy the run so much more.  So here's my dilemma...pay $125 to run with others or continue to struggle alone for free?

Slow and Steady

So my goal for the weekend was to get out and run.  The weather was perfect so I did just that!  We were in Betterton for the weekend.  I ran a familiar route so that I didn't have to think too much about the course.  It was exactly 3 miles.

I knew as I took my first steps that this wasn't going to be a fast run.  I basically can't even say that I was running.  It was more like a slow jog.  But it was wonderful.  I didn't look at my Garmin at all to see my pace.  I didn't really care.  I ran and thought.  I had a lot of thinking to do.  Running helps me with that.

So when I got back to the house and finally looked at my Garmin and saw how long it took me to run that 3 miles, at first I was disappointed.  But then I remembered how awesome it felt just to be running.  Not once during the run did I want to stop...even running up the hills.  Not once did my head try to convince me that I was tired and couldn't finish.

I think sometimes I need to just get out there and run a slow and steady run.  Next time I might not even wear my Garmin.  I'm just going to go for a run.

Baby Steps

So right now there are a lot of things in my life that fit my motto "Baby Steps".  Running is definitely one of those things.  Last Friday I ran 4 miles and it was good.  Well, in all honestly, the last mile was a bit of a mental struggle, but it was my head that was messed up not my body.

So while this time last year I was easily running 5, 6 or 7 miles, now I'm struggling to do 4.  But I'm going to slowly build back up my endurance.  Baby Steps.  I'm going to be smart about it since I've had so many months of not training and not working out.  My workouts are good now.  Ryann and I have a schedule and we have been pretty much sticking to it.  My diet is getting better...but that's always a challenge.  I love my wine too much to really have a perfectly clean diet.  And now I'm running again.  All is starting to be right.

I am determined to run 4 1/2 miles today.  I know it's not a big jump from the 4 I ran last week, but it's Baby Steps.  My goal is to be comfortably running 6 miles by the 2nd week of Dec.  There are some December 5Ks that I'd like to participate in.  Notice I didn't mention the word "race".  I am nowhere near my racing condition.  I have set low expectations for my performance in any 5K in December.  Baby Steps.

In January I will start my training for the OC Half.  In 2012 I will run a half marathon in under 2 hours.  I have several races highlighted on my calendar in 2012.  If I can put in the foundation now, when I start training in January, I'll be good mentally and physically.

So if you're reading this blog and thinking that you are way behind on your training or can't run as far as you would like, my advice is simply Baby Steps.  We can do this!!!

Treadmill vs. the Great Outdoors

I really hate running on a treadmill.  It's boring even when there are TV's in front of me.  It also hurts my ankles and knees.  Not having the best joints to begin with, anything that hurts my ankles and knees is probably not a great idea.

HOWEVER, we are getting to the time of the year when it's mostly dark except for when I'm in my office.  I don't have shower facilities here so running over my lunch hour means that my afternoon would be spend pretty unpleasantly.

So I find myself running on the treadmill more often these days.  My little 24 hour gym has several treadmills and they are located a 1/4 mile from my house.  Ryann and I walked over to the gym and did some work on the treadmills at the end of last week.  I'm still feeling it in my knees. 

I really love running outside.  I need to make time to do that.  It's good for my mind and my body.  It's a beautiful time of the year to be running.  Work has been busy and life has been busy, but I really need to make some time to get out there and run!

Grace's First 5K

Last weekend we were in Ocean City for the weekend and my good friend Lisa Long was hosting her annual Autism Expect a Miracle 5K in Berlin.  So the plan was for Ryann to watch the little ones while I ran the race.  (Stephen had an all day assignment so he wasn't around.)  The morning of the race, Ryann and Ella wouldn't get out of bed, but Grace did her typical morning routine of waking up being ready to go.  So I made a "game time decision" and took Grace and the stroller to Berlin.

Since I haven't been training, I was really concerned about being able to run this race.  Knowing how competitive I am with myself, I knew that no matter what my time was, I would be disappointed since I'm nowhere near where I was in the beginning of the summer.  So having Grace with me was perfect!  No pressure at all to run a good time when you're pushing a stroller!

I convinced Colleen to run/walk the race with me.  It didn't take much convincing!  :)  We started in the back and enjoyed a nice chat while we completed the course.  We did a brisk walk for about the first mile, then we jogged for the rest of the race.  Since Colleen is in much better shape than I am, she ended up pushing the stroller more than I did. 

Here is Gracie crossing the finish line and completing her first 5K! 

What a great day!  The weather was beautiful, the course was nice and the people were fun.  It was so great to see all my old workout and running buddies!  I had a blast even though it was the slowest time I've ever run.  Sometimes running is not about the amount of time it takes you to finish...it's about the time you have while you're running!  I had a GREAT time!

I Found A Running Group!

At the gym on Thursday, I mentioned to the trainer that I was looking for a running group.  She led me over to the owner of the gym and introduced us.  Turns out he has been thinking about forming a running group based at Snap for awhile now.  I told him that I would be very interested in joining the group and that I would help him get the group together if he needed it.

We talked about the races he had run and the races I had run.  He said that he can finish a half in just under 2 hours.  Yay!  A training buddy who is my pace!  He also said that he runs about a 10 minute mile in training runs.  Yay!  A training buddy who is my pace!

He told me that he would check his calendar and post information on the board about the running group.  I almost skipped out of the gym.  I am so happy!!!

One Reason Why I Love Running

Saturday was the Baltimore Half Marathon.  Last year I ran the race with my friend Teresa and had a great time.  This year I decided not to run because of everything going on with the move and everything else.  So I went to support my friends from OC.  Here they are before the race:

I cheered at the start...here's Michelle and Jen in the bottom left corner of the picture.  I tried to take a picture of Colleen but one of the other runners is blocking her.

Here's Don about .2 miles from the finish line.  These photos were taken pretty far away so you can't see him that well.  He's in a white shirt.  He finished in a personal best time of 1 hour 38 minutes.  Great job Don!

Here is a photo of Colleen...actually she's once again being blocked by another runner.  I have no idea why it was so hard for me to get a picture of her! grr.

I had a blast watching the race, but at the same time it made me sad that I wasn't running it.  So it has re-focused me on my goal.  I will be getting myself back in shape and getting my running back on track.

So this post is called One Reason Why I Love Running...here it is...I am extremely competitive and yet I can cheer on my friends and be proud of their accomplishments.  A woman in my office ran her first half marathon on Saturday.  I asked her on Monday how she did.  She finished in 1 hour and 51 minutes!  That's FAST!  I am jealous because I really want to finish in under 2 hours.  But I am honestly happy for her.  I'm actually thrilled for her.  I love running because I can be competitive with myself...and still be so excited for my friends.  I love nothing more than cheering them on to achieve levels they never expected to achieve.  If it was only about me, running would not be so much fun.  I love the people I have met through my running and I can't wait to see where my running takes me.  Keep reading...the journey has just begun!!! 

A Whole New Mindset...Or Is It an Old One?

I had bootcamp again last night.  It was great!  Actually I did a little bit extra torture.  I got to the gym early and decided that since I haven't run lately, I would run on the treadmill for a little bit.  I ran 1 mile at an easy pace, then ran about a quarter mile at a fast pace, then jogged for another quarter mile.  It was only a mile and a half, but it felt great!  I'm not normally a good treadmill runner but I think my body was so happy to be running again that it didn't matter.

Then we started bootcamp with bear crawls on the treadmill.  It got worse from there...

I really had fun even though the workout was REALLY tough.  I even cheered on the guy training for the Marines.  He has to do everything that Tammy (the smoker) and I do but he has to do it with crazy heavy weights.  I felt good...last week my weights were just about the same as Tammy's.  This week my weights were a lot heavier than what she was doing.  It felt good to be working out and cheering for my fellow workout buddies.

So I am re-energized and re-committed to my workout routine.  I still don't know exactly when I am going to fit running and working out into this crazy schedule that we have right now...but I'm going to figure it out.  I need to stay focused on my workouts...mentally and physically I need it.

Boot Camp!

Last night I went to my first Boot Camp at Snap.  It was fun!  Well fun in a working out way.  Clara was our trainer and she was great!  So sweet and nice before we start but doesn't let you get away with anything once the workout starts!  We basically had 1 minute of work and then we rotated activities for a break of about 30 seconds in between.  I was there for 45 minutes including a short warm up and cool down.  But most of the time we were working. 

I was joined by a guy in fatigues wearing his boots and an older lady who looked and sounded like a smoker.  They were both very nice but there wasn't much talking going on during the workout.  I was surprised at how quickly my muscles got exhausted.  At one point my arms were shaking so badly that I thought they were going to give out on me!  It was definitely the kick in the butt I needed. 

Here is a shot of the bruise I got from doing plank slaps.  I had never heard of that...but basically it's 2 people doing planks facing each other then they alternate slapping hands.  GI Joe and the trainer were partners and the smoker and I were partners.  Something struck GI Joe as funny and both he and the trainer laughed the entire time they did their plank slaps.  The smoker and I struggled just to keep ourselves in a plank position and slap.  We definitely weren't laughing!  I'm not sure how the bruise happened but it's proof that I was probably not doing something right. 

I am looking forward to continuing the boot camp training.  It will keep me focused and on track!  Now if I could just find some motivation to run!

This May Work Out After All

I had an appointment with the trainer yesterday.  I thought I was getting measurements taken, being shown how to use the equipment and told about the Super 8 or something like that.  (I guess it's 8 exercises that make up a good well rounded workout.)  Anyway, I guess the trainer didn't get the message because she basically gave me a tour of the gym...which I've already had.

She showed me the machines and that they each have little pictures on them showing you what muscle groups are targeted with each machine.  She showed me the seat setting for each machine based on my height.  I told her that I hadn't used machines in like 15 or 20 years so I was very intimidated.  She smiled politely.  I told her that I had been doing a "crossfit type" workout and she looked impressed.  Maybe we were getting somewhere!

I asked about the bootcamps that she runs.  BINGO!  She told me that they are 2 nights a week (unfortunately the worst 2 nights for my schedule) and described the workouts.  It's EXACTLY what I am looking for!  She brings in her kettle bells, they go outside and do wallballs and sprints in the parking lot.  YES!  One of the guys in the group is training for the marines!  Perfect!  Unfortunately they are right in the middle of a session right now and Ryann has practice every Tuesday night at the same time as the bootcamp.  Oh well.  I told the trainer that I would love to join but would probably have to wait until the next session starts.  The down side is that it's an extra charge.  The up-side is that it's perfect for me.  I think I need to find that money...

On another note, running is not going well.  I'm probably not going to be able to be ready for a 10 mile run at the end of Oct.  I will focus on the 5K's that I have coming up and worry about training for longer runs after the holidays. 

OK So Now What?

I have stepped foot in my new gym once.  I have to say that the equipment is really intimidating.  Where's my white board with the workout written on it?  Where are Dave and Lisa telling me exactly what to do and correcting my form when I do it wrong?  Where are my workout buddies?  Oh yeah...all of that is back at Live Long Fitness. 

So now I need to figure out what to do in my new gym with no trainers and no workout buddies.  Maybe trainers and workout buddies will come later, but for now I'm setting out on this gym adventure alone.  Here's what I'm working with:

Is it me or do all these machines look EXACTLY alike? 

I am meeting with one of their personal trainers on Monday who will show me how to use the equipment and explain to me something they call the Basic 8.  I think it's 8 different exercises on the machines, but I don't know for sure.  But in the meantime, I don't want to waste my "free" week.  Any suggestions on what I can be doing on these weird looking contraptions?

I got a Facebook message from an old college friend who said he was running the Seaside 10 in Oct.  That made me sad.  I wish I was running the Seaside 10 in Oct.  But that's a month away and I have not run at all in the last month.  I would be starting from square one and needing to ramp up my endurance pretty quickly.  I'm not sure I can do it...although there is a part of me that really wants to do it...

Snap To It!

I joined a gym!!!  It's called Snap Fitness and it's right in my little neighborhood shopping center.  I can jog there as my warm up!  It's nothing like Live Long Fitness...I'm not sure I'm going to like it.  I am going to give it a try.  Basically I have a free week to try it out.  Then they do their membership on a month to month basis so there are no long term commitments.  I like that!

I met the owner who toured me around the space and talked about the 2 personal trainers.  I'm concerned because the gym has a lot of circuit machines and that's not what I'm used to.  I'm going to have to talk to Dave and Lisa about what I should be doing when I go there!  Thank God for Dave and Lisa!!! 

Stay tuned for updates on my new gym and my re-energized workout and running routine!  Step 1 was to find a gym.  Step 2 is to actually get my butt there and do something!

MOVING DAY!!!

This weekend I completed what I hope to be my last move in a VERY long time.  It went OK...lots of unexpected surprises along the way...none of which are all that interesting to share on here.  But at the end of it all, we are in the house!!!  It will take awhile for me to get everything unpacked and arranged.  But we've spent 2 nights there and I can say that I am very happy.  I love the house and the neighborhood.  I love that I'm 2 minutes from the daycare and less than 10 from Ryann's high school.  I love that I'm only 20 minutes from my parents.  And I love that I'm in Howard County.

So now it's really "MOVING DAY"!  Yes, I mean working out and running again!  Life is going to settle into a routine and I plan to find a chunk of time where I can re-start my running and workouts.  I have a 24/7 gym in my neighborhood.  I'm meeting with the owner tomorrow to check it out.  I'm not sure that a 24/7 gym is the best way to go, but it's affordable and convenient.  And they offer a free week to check it out. 

I have a feeling that nothing is going to be as good as what I had at Live Long Fitness, but I will do my best to find something that works for me.  There's also another gym not too far away from my house, but honestly their website scared me.  Their homepage shows a picture of a very intimidating looking, muscle bound man glaring at me.  That's not what I'm looking for in a gym thank you very much.

What do you look for in a gym?  I stumbled into the best scenario possible for me when I went along with someone to Live Long Fitness.  But when it comes to going out and finding a gym, I really don't know how to evaluate them.  Any suggestions or ideas you might have for me???

Since I'm looking forward to getting back on track, I'll have more to blog about so keep checking back!

A is for Awesome

At Live Long Fitness I was known as kind of a cheerleader.  There was nothing more that I enjoyed than cheering on other people to do their best.  I always did better when I was cheering for someone else.

Right now I feel like I need a cheerleader.  It's been challenging to find time to run and/or workout during this weird time in my life.  I've been living at my parents' house until we can get into our new house.  I get up at 5 am just to get out the door in time to get Ryann to school and the little ones to daycare.  There's not really a spare minute in the day when I can workout or go for a run.

HOWEVER, I still feel like I'm AWESOME!  Moving day is Sept. 17th.  Once we get into the new house, I will have less time in the car every day and a little bit more time in my schedule to workout and/or run.  There's a gym less than a half mile from my house.  It's open 24 hours! 

I may be losing a little bit of my conditioning...and I'm definitely losing some of my endurance...but I am not losing my attitude. I feel good about where I am.  My job is great and I am SOOO much happier living in the Baltimore area.  I miss my friends at Live Long and the running group, but I know that I am in the right place.

AWESOME is a state of mind.  I may not be physically awesome right now but I am mentally AWESOME!  Once the logistics work themselves out, I will be working on my physical awesomeness.  Stay tuned...I promise to blog about my progress. 

A Difficult Decision

It seems like 2011 has been the year of really difficult decisions for me.  I have been recently faced with several.  The one that relates to this blog is my choice to enter the Baltimore Half Marathon.  I have registered and paid my money.  So in essence, I've made a commitment to do it.  That's the problem...

The Baltimore Half is on Oct. 15th which is roughly 2 months away.  Based on my training plan, I should have run 8 miles on Saturday.  I struggled to get 6 in.  I know that I am not a good runner when I'm running by myself.  I go slower and run a shorter distance than when I'm running with other people.  I also know that I'm a better runner when I'm strong.  Since I'm temporarily living at my parents' house for 3 more weeks, then moving to a new area, I have not been going to a gym.  I plan to start at a gym when we get to the new house but this transition time is too crazy to try to throw in a gym membership.

And I've mentioned a few times on this blog that I'm an extremely competitive person.  I would not be happy just to finish the half.  I have already run 3 so "just finishing" doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment.  I want to break 2 hours.  If I can't achieve that, I really want to run better than I did last year.  Based on my current level of ability, I'm nowhere near accomplishing either.

So, after much consideration, I have decided to continue training but take the pressure off.  I'm going to run the 5K instead of the Half.  I know, I know...some of my readers will think this is being a quitter.  However, I know that if I put together a lousy performance in the Half, I'll be pissed.  So for my mental sanity for the next 2 months (which are going to be incredibly hectic anyway), I have decided to take the pressure off and not run the Half. 

As soon as I made that decision, I immediately felt better.  Right now I have to make all my decisions based on what feels right.  This one feels right.  So I'm sorry to Dave who will say that I should suck it up and get out there and train properly and I'll be able to do it.  But right now being a quitter is EXACTLY what I need to be.

Hills!

Yesterday I was determined to get a GOOD run in.  I've had disappointing runs while staying at my parents' house so I really needed a good run in order to get my head back in the game.  There's something about a hill workout that was really appealing to me.  (Yes, I am a bit crazy like that.)

My parents live in a pretty neighborhood with nice rolling hills.  There is one hill that is very steep and seems to go on forever!  So I set out at an easy jog to warm up.  I ran about a quarter mile for a warm up and then I got to the bottom of the hill.  Deep breath and I took off.  It felt great!  My legs were pumping, my arms had great form and I felt good.  Then after about 10 steps I realized that this hill was steep.  It didn't feel so great anymore!  LOL.

I got to the top of the hill the first time and walked for about 20 seconds to get my breathing under control.  Then I turned around and jogged back down the hill.  I hate running downhill!  It's the worst! 

I managed to run the hill 4 times before my legs gave out completely.  My legs were so shaky as I jogged back down the hill the last time.  I ran back to my parents' house as a cool down.  The kicker of it all...my parents driveway is a steep, short uphill climb.  Yeah...I walked that.

But it felt good to have a GOOD run in.  Now hopefully I can get my head back and be able to keep up with the running group on Saturday when we attempt to run 8 miles.  What?!?!  I don't feel ready for that but I have got to get my mileage up or else I'm in serious trouble for the half marathon.  Pressure!!!

The Prodigal Returns

This weekend I returned to the beach and got the chance to run with the OC Running Club!  I was so excited because it has been really difficult to do anything on my own.

Well it was evident that they have left me in the dust!  I took off at what I felt like was a decent pace and Colleen and Barry flew past me!  Colleen kept up a monster pace throughout the 6 miles we ran...well, the 6 miles SHE ran.  I ended up stopping after 5.5 miles.  I was so impressed with Colleen.  Honestly, I was a little jealous too.  I used to be the one who easily ran ahead of the group and now I'm struggling just to keep up.

I am actually OK with it.  I know my limitations.  One of them is that I am really not good at running on my own.  I don't push myself on the pace and I don't run as often as I should.  I am seriously considering not running the Baltimore Half.  I know that I want to do it...but I want to do it well...I don't want to go and suffer through a lousy performance.  SO, it's decision time.  If I'm going to run the race, I need to get myself in gear.  I need to really focus on training by myself.  Or I need to admit that this might not be the best time to train for a half marathon and allow myself to be a slacker.  Hmmm.....

Sunday Ryann and I went to the gym.  Ryann and Daina did a weight lifting workout and I did the workout that was on the board from Saturday.  Getting that workout in was really important to me.  I felt better physically and mentally after I worked out.  I really need to find a gym here!  It's just so hard because where I am temporarily living is not where I will be living...so I just don't know where I should go yet.  Maybe I can find somewhere near my parent's house that gives a free one month trial!  I'm going to do some research on that!

All in all, it was a good weekend.  I need to get off my butt during the week though.  That's very clear.  I'm sore!

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

I'm too young to remember this movie but the line always stuck in my head.  It can be very lonely to run.  It can also be very comforting to run alone.  For me, it depends on the day.

Since things have been so crazy for me in the last week, I haven't gotten much running in.  I ran 3 miles on Friday and 4 miles this morning.  I have got to get my miles in!  I'm starting to wonder if I am going to be able to keep up with my training program considering all the changes I have coming up in the next 6 weeks. 

Friday's run was difficult because halfway through I realized that I should have used the bathroom before I started.  So it was an uncomfortable second half of the run.  Today's run was difficult because my legs were not working right.  I was telling them to run faster but they weren't listening.  I settled into a pace and realized that it was over a minute per mile slower than what I normally run on my long runs!  Wow...it really didn't feel that slow.

Of course there is one variable that adds to the difficulty of running here vs. running in OC...hills.  It's not like there are constant hills but every step has a grade to it.  At the beach, everything is flat.  There is no grade at all.  Maybe training on hills and constant grade will better prepare me for the Baltimore Half.  I certainly hope so...especially considering my mileage is lacking at the moment!

I also need to find a gym and QUICKLY!  I don't want to lose strength.  So that will be on my list of priorities.

I am really hoping that I will be able to run with the OC Running Club on Saturday.  The plan calls for 6 miles.  I know that if I'm running with the group, I'll actually do the 6 miles.  If I'm running alone, I can't guarantee that I won't give into my head when it tells me that I should really stop.  I'm really not a good solo runner unless it's a race.  I am going to have to get more mentally strong if I'm going to keep up with my training plan and endure the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner!

Last Saturday Run

Well my ponytail is about to bounce back across the Bay Bridge.  We are about to move to the Columbia area.  I am so excited about this move.  Personally and professionally there are SO many good things about this move.  However I will be leaving my friends at Live Long Fitness and the Ocean City Running Club.  I am worried about my training...I'm really not good at running on my own.  I'm much better when there is a group holding me accountable for getting my runs in.  I'm sure that eventually I will find a running group over there, but I have so many other things that need to be done first.

Yesterday was my last Saturday morning run.  It was a bittersweet day.  I will really miss that group.  I have met some great friends and some amazing people during my time here in Ocean City.  I want to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that without Lisa Long I wouldn't be running today.  She has been a great friend, trainer, mentor and inspiration.  I am SOOO thankful that I met her.

I will definitely be back to visit and run in races with my friends.  It's just going to be a challenge for me to stay on track on my own.  So to all my readers, help keep me inspired!  Please!!!

Where Did the Time Go???

We have all said at one time or another that time flies.  This year has really flown by for me.  I've had my struggles and my challenges but overall, this year has flown.  Here we are at the end of July.  This time last year, I was in full gear training mode.  I was mentally committed to running the Baltimore Half Marathon.  This year I have registered for the Baltimore Half Marathon but I have not really started my training.  ugh.

I'm still going to the gym and running here and there.  But as far as daily tracking of my training...nope.  I haven't run more than 3 miles in months.  I think I'm in trouble.  I really need to get off my butt and get serious about training...or else I'm going to be in sad shape come race day. 

OK readers...I know you're out there...what motivates you to start training?  And you can't say register for a race since I've already done that!  Give me some ideas for inspiration.  PLEASE!  I know that the next few months are going to fly by also and I'm really worried that if I don't get serious soon, I won't be able to complete the Half...much less get a decent time.

Live Long Fitness Summer Challenge

So by now, if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you realize that I'm just a bit competitive.  So when Live Long announced their summer challenge, I was all in...then I found out what was involved.  It was a combination of your best deadlift, your highest box jump and your farthest 5 minute row.  I'm good at the row and OK on the box jump, but the deadlifting scared me.  My daughter Ryann can deadlift over 200 lbs.  She's working on getting 250!  WOW.  I am a weakling.

So I put up my row almost immediately.  I didn't realize it but one of our workouts involved deadlifting and our weights for that workout were used for the challenge.  One day that Ryann was working out with Daina Kaz, I decided to mess around and put up a pretty wimpy box jump...but it was the highest I'd ever jumped.  That was all back in the beginning of June.

The competition lasted until this past weekend.  As the competition was getting closer to it's end, I realized that I wasn't too far back from the leader.  I deadlifted 30 lbs more than my previous best! 

So I worked on the box jump and added 3 inches to my previous best.  Adding the scores, I realized that I only needed just over 100 meters on my row to catch Christine!  So I had Sandra rowing next to me and Dave yelling at me.  I did absolutely everything I could on the row and only added 10 meters to my previous row. 

So I ended up 2nd.  I am proud of second place but I really want to win one of these competitions!  I have to congratulate Christine.  She is such an amazing rower and she deadlifted a monster amount!  Here she is landing her box jump.  YAY CHRISTINE!

I really need to work on my deadlifts.  I did well for me but I'm still wimpy!  Here are the final scores.  I included the results for the men too.  These 3 guys are incredible!


Christine B. 1271 row + 225 deadlift + 25.25 box jump  1521.25 Total
Karen C. 1206 row + 175 deadlift + 29 box jump 1399 Total
Dana M. 1101 row + 225 deadlift + 34.25  1360 Total



Scott 1445 row + 365 dead + 49.5 box jump  1859.5 Total
Sydney 1431 row + 385 dead + 52.25 box jump 1858.25 Total
Ross 1369 row + 340 dead + 44.5 box jump 1753.5 Total

Mom First, Runner Second

Stephen is away this weekend taking pictures for a wedding.  I had to work last night, and Ryann babysat the little ones for me.  So when she said she would rather sleep in than watch them again in the morning, I knew that my only choice was to bring them along to the running group. 

This is the extra 100 pounds I was working with today!  And no, it's not a jogging stroller so it really isn't made for running.

I alternated running and walking.  I was shocked at how much upper body work was involved in just keeping the stroller going in the right direction!  My arms were burning after about a half mile.  I made it 2 miles which normally I would think was pathetic but today I'm pretty proud of that accomplishment.

There are some days that you have to sacrifice in order to get your run in...there are other days when sacrificing just isn't an option.  So instead of skipping a run, I just made it work.  Hopefully my extra work pushing the stroller makes up for the lack of miles I got in.  The half marathon training doesn't officially start until next week, but I really wanted to get a jump start on it.

It's Official

I have registered for the Baltimore Half Marathon!  No turning back now...

Training begins Saturday.  Look out feet, we have some miles to run!

I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.  You would think this was my first half marathon.

Half Marathon Training

We had an informational meeting tonight for the Baltimore half marathon.  Just talking about the Baltimore half marathon makes me nervous.  What an experience it was!  I was not prepared for how hilly the course was...even though I had trained on the Assateague Bridge...I still felt very unprepared for the hills.

I ran the Baltimore Half with my friend Teresa.  I met her through my friend Janeann and we bonded over going to see local bands in Baltimore when I lived in that area.  Teresa has a great spirit about her and I have fun with her every time I see her.  When we discussed running the Baltimore Half together, I was really nervous.  I wasn't sure what her pace would be.  I didn't want to hold her back and I didn't want to be held back.  I knew that running with a friend could be frustrating.

I am so thankful for cell phones.  I don't know that Teresa would have ever recognized me with no makeup and my hair pulled back!  Luckily thanks to modern cell phone technology, we were able to find each other before the race.  We made quick stops at the bag check-in and the porta potty line.  Then we headed to the starting line.  Luckily we were in the same starting corral.  It was her first half marathon and my second.  She kept saying that she "just wanted to finish".

Colleen and Keith, Barry and Jeannie came to cheer me on.  I was so thrilled to have friends there, especially since my family was not able to be there.  We saw them at the start of the race and then at the end.  As soon as the race started, Teresa was cheering.  She was enjoying the entire experience.  I was just nervous.  She kept a very fast pace...under 9 minutes for the first few miles. At one point I knew I had to tell her that I couldn't keep up.  She was so nice to slow down for me.

I think it was mile 10 when I finally told her to go on ahead of me.  I knew that I was holding her back and as a runner, I knew it was not fair.  She went on ahead of me and ended up beating me by over 3 minutes.  I was really happy with my finishing time of just over 2 hours and 8 minutes.  But I was a little traumatized by the hills.  I am still worried about the hills.  I have not signed up for the Baltimore Half this year.  I will probably run it, especially since so many of my friends are running it.

So...to my readers of this blog...stay tuned.  I have so many changes coming up in my life and training for a half marathon at this point is definitely going to be a challenge.  Keep reading.  I can't promise a personal best, but I promise to give it my all in Baltimore this October!

Ode to Dr. Jeff Michaels

I love Dr. Jeff Michaels.  Not in a romantic way...strictly in a "he fixed me when I was really hurting" way.  After injuring my shoulder I went to see him at his office.  He works out with the 6 am group so he knows the craziness that we go through on a daily basis.  Colleen has been to see Dr. Jeff for several sessions after she hurt her knee and foot in the half marathon.  She loves Dr. Jeff Michaels too.  Actually, Dave and Lisa love Dr. Jeff Michaels too.  Everyone who has ever gone to see him seems to share our feelings!

Colleen sent me a text as I was walking into Dr. Jeff's office for the first time.  She simply said "remember he can dead lift 450 lbs".  Great...just what I need...some additional fear of the pain he's going to inflict!  Several people have asked me what it was like.  I describe it as a combination of a massage and torture...more like torture.  But the fact that a week after the injury, I am able to work out and run again without pain is amazing!  There are a few movements that I can't do...like rowing (oh shucks)...but I am back in action!

I am in Baltimore today and will be here until tomorrow morning.  That means that I'm unfortunately going to miss the Snow Hill 5K.  I loved that race last year so I am disappointed that I can't run it this year.  Plus there aren't many registrants at this point so an age group award would definitely be possible.  Colleen and Barry are running so I hope that they do well and get some awards to make the Ocean City Running Club proud!  I hope to run another race soon.  I love racing!!!

Pain and More Pain

In today's workout, I did something to my neck and shoulder.  I was in pain immediately and had to modify the remainder of the workout.  I iced it when I got home but tried to work through it and ignore it.  It was probably an hour into the day that I realized that something was really wrong.  So I called and made an appointment with Dr. Jeff although I was a little scared.  I have heard many stories about how he is really good at what he does but that the process is quite painful.

So when I arrived at the office, I was nervous but I really needed something to be done for my shoulder.  He quickly identified the problem areas and showed me on a chart the muscle that was involved.  Then the treatment began.  I have always believed that I have a high tolerance for pain, but this appointment made me realize that I am really a wimp!  I didn't cry...although I did let out a yelp once.  But when I walked out of his office, my shoulder felt great.  I have a follow up appointment on Friday.

The worst part...no running or gym for a few days.  Ugh.

Green Turtle 5K Race Recap

Sunday was the Green Turtle 5K in West Ocean City.  I didn't hear about the race until a week before so it was kind of a last minute thing for us.  But I was joined by Colleen, Keith and Barry.  Chris and his daughter Jordan also ran in the race.  It was a nice morning, although the humidity was pretty high. 

I was curious to see how I would do.  I do not consider myself in "race shape" right now.  I am feeling good about my workouts at the gym but my runs have been less than stellar recently.  So I didn't go into the race with any high expectations.  I planned to just see how it went.

Here is a picture from the start of the race.  Barry is in the dark blue shirt on the far side of the photo and I'm in the white shirt.  It's hard to recognize me in this picture because my ponytail actually looks normal here!  It was about the only time that Barry and I ran anywhere close to each other.  He took off!

I felt really good at the start and ran the first mile just under an 8 minute pace.  During the 2nd mile I was slowing up a little bit.  The race was an out and back so during the 2nd mile I started to see the leaders coming back towards me.  Chris was in third place and looked really good.  I cheered for him.  There were 3 firefighters running right near me (the race was a benefit for the fire fighters) and they started talking about how Chris runs the Ironman races and how impressive he is "for an old guy".  I laughed and said "hey, he's my age!"  (even though he's a few years older) So of course chatting in the middle of the race doesn't exactly make for a great time.  I have got to learn my lesson...I'm way to social!

Barry passed me looking really strong.  I got to the turnaround and headed back looking for Colleen.  She wasn't far behind me but she didn't hear me cheering for her.  She had her headphones in and was more focused on getting the water at the water stop. 

Once I hit the 2 mile marker, I got more focused on the race again.  There was a lady about my age running right in front of me.  I noticed that she had been slowing her pace gradually for awhile.  So as I passed her, I said some words of encouragement.  I don't remember exactly but it was something to the effect of "you can do it...keep on going".  I don't know my pace for the 2nd mile, but for the 3rd mile I was trying to stay under 8:30.  I really hoped that the lady would stay with me and give me some challenge...unfortunately she didn't. 

As I came out of the neighborhood and realized that there was only about a quarter of a mile left, I picked up the pace.  The finish was in the Green Turtle parking lot.  As we entered the parking lot, I heard footsteps behind me and realized that I was about to get passed...so I sprinted with everything I had.  I did end up beating these girls but they gave me a good run for my money!  Note the bouncing ponytail!  hehe.

My time was 26:46 according to the chip time.  Not my best, but definitely a really good time for not being in "race shape".  I was pleased.  I ended up being 3rd in my age group!  Unfortunately they only gave out awards for the top 2 in an age group.  Oh well...at least I can say I was 3rd in my age group!

Here is Barry's finishing sprint.  He apparently thought the finish line was a lot closer so he literally sprinted full out for the last quarter mile.  He had a good time of 22:24.  I think this picture is hilarious.  Check out the guy in the yellow...he's like "where'd this guy come from?"

Colleen struggled with the humidity but still finished well.  In this picture she's flying...not even touching the ground!  Look at the determination on her face!  That's Chris' daughter Jordan right in front of Colleen. 

Keith completed his first ever 5K.  He entered as a walker, although he ran for the first quarter mile.  Unfortunately the rest of the race he walked in severe pain, as he was suffering with shin splints.  He was not a happy camper when I saw him after I made the turnaround.  Colleen, Barry and I decided to head back out on the course and walk with him to the finish.  I'm so proud of him and I REALLY hope that he doesn't stick to his threat of "never doing this again".  All I can say is YAY KEITH!

It was a great showing for our running group.  We decided to celebrate our accomplishments by going to breakfast at The Angler where Lisa is a manager.  I love races!!!  I can't wait until the next one...

Friday Fun

This morning's workout was:

100 meter Sandbag Waiter Walk
20 Sandbag Squats
200 meter run
5 DB FTOH (heavy)
-6 rounds-

I started the workout with Jeff, Ross and Barry.  Daina, Colleen and Keith started a few minutes behind our group.  I noticed right away that I was waiter walking much faster than the boys.  Could it be that I have more practice???  LOL.  Anyway, it ended up that once again I smoked the boys in the workout and finished almost 2 full minutes faster than Jeff who was the next fastest!  Wow.  I guess some days I have it and other days I don't. 

Colleen and I decided that we are definitely running the Green Turtle 5K on Sunday!  And we convinced Barry and Keith to run it with us.  I am nowhere near race shape but I am excited about having a race in the near future.  I love racing even if I know I won't get a PR.  Depending on the turnout, maybe I'll get an age group award...not much longer for me to be in the 30's age group! :(

Have a great weekend everyone!  Keep on running!  Look for a race recap and hopefully some photos early next week.

Mental Challenges

Saturday I had a tough run.  From the first step of the run, my head was not in it.  I convinced myself to keep running at the one mile mark...and at the 2 mile mark...and keep going to the turn around.  By the time I hit mile 3, my head was actually doing OK.  I guess I had hit my "stride" so to speak.  But then at mile 3.5 my back seized up.  I have never felt anything like that before.  It just wouldn't let me run any more.  I walked thinking that if I walked for a few strides I would be able to run again.  The walk lasted a few steps...then a half mile...then 1.5 miles.  I couldn't run any more so I had to walk back to the Bagel Shop.  What a disappointing day.  My back stayed sore and had several spasms throughout the rest of the day but it has felt fine since then.  What do you think is up with that?

The Bridge

In almost 100 degree heat on Wednesday, the running group met at the Assateague Bridge.  Lisa brought plenty of water...she literally dumped an entire jug on her head by the time we were done.

We split up and some of the group did the repeaters and others did a distance run.  I decided to do a combination of both.  I did 4 repeaters.  On the way up the bridge, I kept my pace under 8:30.  The photo doesn't even show how steep this bridge really is!

On the way down the bridge, I kept my pace as close to 9:15 as I could.  The downhill was supposed to be the recovery but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going TOO slow. 

After my 4 repeaters I ran to the car and got my phone.  I ran/jogged for the rest of the time and enjoyed the scenery.  The cool thing about running at Assateague is seeing the horses.

The worst thing about running on Assateague is having to avoid the poop.

Despite the heat, it was really good to get out there and run.  It was also good to run around with my phone taking pictures.  It's a beautiful place to be...I'm a lucky girl.

Hot, Hot, Hot

It's really hot out there.  I have always been the kind of person who LOVES summer.  I don't mind the heat and humidity.  I'll take that over sweaters and shivers any day.  But running in the heat is something different.  Last summer I trained for the Baltimore half marathon throughout the summer.  With 2 half marathons planned for the fall, I am starting my training now.  IT'S HOT!!!  Yesterday I did a workout that involved 400 meter runs.  Normally I work out in the mornings, but yesterday Ryann and I went to the gym in the afternoon.  So it was really hot when I was running.  It definitely affected my performance.  I could feel that I wasn't at my normal pace.  Today the running club is meeting at the Assateague Bridge.  I'm sure Lisa will have something horrible planned for us considering it's our speed workout day.  I'm hoping that the sea breezes will be blowing and keep us cool!

I will try to find my camera and take some photos.  As Dave has reminded me, I haven't posted any new photos recently.  Sorry!  They are coming.

I'm BAAAAAACK!!!

So my ponytail needed a break and my blogging fingers needed one too.  But I am back with a vengeance!  I am so excited about some great ideas I have for this blog!  Keep your eyes open for special features and fun things to come!!!

I am also very excited about some races coming up.  I would still like to find a few 5K's this summer to hopefully add to my age group awards before I hit the big 4-0 and have to compete against FAST 40 year olds like Lisa!  Ugh...I dread competing with them!  But I have decided to run the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon in September and I think Colleen is running it with me.  Then the running group is targeting the Baltimore Half Marathon in October...although last year's race is still fresh in my mind so I haven't committed 100% to that one.  The half training has started and I'm going to blog about my training plan to keep myself accountable!  I did skip a run this weekend...not a good way to start, but there's plenty of time to make up for it!  If you have any thoughts about some good summer races, please let me know!

PLEASE do me a favor...I have not done much to promote my blog but I will be doing that in the coming months...SOOOO, please share my blog with your friends and family who might be interested.  While this blog focuses mainly on my running, I would like to be able to use it to help get and keep other people involved and interested in running.  The more readers I have, the more interactive this blog can be.  I love feedback so feel free to leave a comment on any blog post!  And if you have ideas on how to make this blog better, I'm open to suggestions!

The Pond

So I finally was able to show up for a Wednesday evening run with the Running Group.  YAY!  More info on the Running Group can be found here http://www.eteamz.com/oceancityrunningclub/

Of course I showed up and Lisa informed me that it was a speed workout.  Lovely. 

We ran/walked laps around the Ocean Pines Pond.  I love running on this route.  The trail goes through the woods, around the pond and along the road.  It reminds me of my days of running on my high school cross country team. 

Because I haven't been consistent with my workouts or my runs since the half marathon, this was a really good way for me to ease back into the swing of things.  I should be running more in the next few weeks and therefore have more to say...so I will be posting more often!

I'm Still Here!

It's shameful that I haven't posted in so long!  I'm sorry to anyone who is actually following this blog. 

I have taken a bit of a break after the half marathon.  Well, if you can call working 2 jobs, raising 3 kids, AND moving a break...then I've been taking a break.  I guess I should say I haven't been running.  My "free"time has been taken up with packing, moving, unpacking and trying to find everything now that it's been unpacked.  So running has taken a back seat for the past 10 days.

So now that the normal life stresses are returning, I am thinking about running again.  I actually am really looking forward to running again.  I have no races on the schedule right now, although there are a few I would like to do in the near future. 

If I can take off from Hanna's for Memorial Day weekend (doubtful), I would like to run the 10 miler that's in Chestertown.  Ryann and I ran the 5K last year and it rained...it was a super fun race because we ran it together!  I would love to find a fun 5K about a month out...that would give me enough time to get some speed work done so hopefully I could get a PR.  Colleen, Barry and I have also talked about doing a triathlon in July.  I would need to get started with my training for that if we still want to do it...need to talk to them and see what they think.  My problem is the time for the swimming.  I could give up a morning at the gym and go swim instead but I wouldn't have the benefit of Coach Kelly so I'm not sure how much good I would be doing.  I also need to get a bike.  That costs money...which I don't have...so maybe a triathlon will have to wait until next year.

Any suggestions on races coming up?  Any thoughts about creative training plans for a triathlon that I can make work for my crazy schedule?

Race Photos

New Personal Best!

I need to get this blog post written because I can already feel myself replaying the race and trying to figure out where I could have done better.  I wanted this race recap to show how great I feel about what I accomplished and not allow any of that second guessing to come into it. 

So let me start by saying that I am SOOO happy that I beat my time from the Baltimore half marathon!  I was doubtful that I could do that.  So the fact that I did it puts a huge smile on my face.  I didn't break 2 hours.  That time goal kept popping into my head and at the halfway point, I was right where I wanted to be as far as my overall time and pace were concerned.  Unfortunately that's exactly the point when I tend to fall apart and today's race was no different.

The race was a GREAT event!  I am so proud of OC Tri Running for putting on a great race.  From my perspective, the race went off without a hitch.  I'm sure there were problems that popped up during the day, but as a runner I was so happy with the race experience in general.

The start was hectic and crowded.  That's always my least favorite part of the race - 1600 people trying to all start running at the same time.  I really hate having to battle for position and so many slow runners insist on starting in the front of the pack.  Why would you do that when you're just going to be in someone's way???  But that's a blog entry for another day...

I felt great from the start.  I was feeling fast, running right on my goal pace and I felt awesome.  The first 6 miles were right on my goal pace of 9:15.  I was hoping to run the 2nd half of the race at a 9 minute mile but unfortunately I slowed a little bit after the water station at mile 6.  I just couldn't get my stride back.  The next few miles were 9:30 and 2 miles were at a 10 minute pace.  I could feel the 2 hour goal slipping away from me.

The end of the race was just a mental challenge.  I knew that as long as I could keep my head focused, I could finish with a personal best.  I had let 2 hours go at this point.  It just wasn't the day to break that goal.  I was OK with it.  But it was a day to hit a new personal best.  What an accomplishment!  That desire kept me going when my legs and feet started to hurt.

I was smiling as I crossed the finish line and looked down at my watch.  Race photos will be posted as soon as my personal photographer downloads the shots he took.

Chip time 2:05:19
Garmin time 2:05:23

Fastest mile 9:12
Slowest mile 10:09
Average pace 9:30

3 Days to Go!

So it's the Wednesday before the Half Marathon and I'm being a total spaz.  One minute I'm freaking out about being sore from the squats we did on Monday, the next minute I'm worried about how tired I am, the next minute I'm thinking I should have done more speed work...ugh.  I hate the week before a big race!  It's the worst.

I have acknowledged that I'm not in a physical or mental place where breaking 2 hours is a reality.  That makes me a little bit sad but I would rather go into this race with a realistic mindset instead of being disappointed on the finish line.  This race is going to be FUN!  I am running with so many friends, I am volunteering to help with registration so I am actually a part of putting on this race and I'm going to enjoy a 13.1 mile run.  Whatever happens on the clock is just a small part of the experience.

This race is also a 1 year anniversary of my first half marathon!  So that's a BIG deal!!!  I am so goal oriented that I want every race to be a progression from my last race.  I want to set a new personal best every time I'm out there.  That's just not reality.  I am going to focus on just being in the moment.  I'm going to finish the race with a smile on my face and celebrate the fact that I'm able to run 13.1 miles!!!  There are so many people who can't...there are so many people who won't...I am one of the few who can and will!  So clock be damned.  I'm in this for the joy of running.  And if I happen to set a new personal best, well that's just icing on the cake!!!

Weekend Struggles

Friday's workout was a really good one.  Sandra really pushed me...I couldn't let her beat me too badly!  So that kept me motivated to work really hard.

Saturday I met the run group at 7:30 am at the bagel shop in Ocean Pines.  It was a rainy morning.  There was never a pouring rain, although several times during the run there was a steady rain.  From the first step it was a struggle.  Barry was convinced that I could run an 8:45 pace and he was going to make sure I did it...although the first half mile was at a 7:45.  No way in the world I could have held that pace so we slowed down.  I don't know if it was the too fast start, the rain, the bottle of wine I had the night before or just pre-race jitters that caused me to struggle but it was a tough run.  Barry stayed with me for most of the run but he added some fartlek sprints in so that he could get a decent workout.  My pace faltered and I ended up somewhere between 9:30 and 10 for most of the way.  At some points, I was struggling to keep a 10:30.  Ugh...tough run.

Sunday was a beautiful day but very hot.  I made the decision not to run for several reasons.  Mostly I was still sore from Friday, but also because I was a little worried that I would struggle again.  I need to get my head in the right place considering I'm 5 days away from the half!  I need to get the confidence I had going into Baltimore...where is it???

Taper Madness

Ask any runner who has trained seriously for a long distance event about the last 2 weeks leading up to the race and you will hear the same phrase "taper madness".  Taper is when you start to shorten your runs so that you are fresh on race day.  The idea is that you can't under-do it but you can overdo it leading up to the race. 

I hate taper.  I am a girl who likes a routine.  One of my favorite expressions is "Some may call it a rut...I call it a groove."  So for me, taper represents a change in my routine.  Today I have a cold.  I feel crappy all over.  I skipped the gym this morning.  That's twice this week I didn't go.  When my routine is messed up, everything tends to be messed up.  I'm blaming it on taper, but really it's my own fault.  Taper shouldn't interfere that much with my routine.  I'm still going to the gym and I'm still running.  It's just not quite as much as it was 2 weeks ago.  So why do I have such a hard time with the last 2 weeks before a race?

As I develop into a better runner, maybe I will figure out why I have such a hard time with taper.  Maybe not.  But I hope that one day I can enjoy the 2 weeks leading up to a race!

As the Little Ponytail Bounces

Apparently it's genetic.  This is a picture that was taken of Ella at daycare the other day as she was running from one side of the yard to the other.   

Dreams of Boston?

OK, quick weekend recap.  No run Saturday.  I worked a double waitressing though, so that has to count for something.  Sunday I met up with Colleen and Michelle and we ran 10 miles on Coastal Highway in OC.  The first 6 miles we all stayed together.  At mile 6, something hit me and I just took off.  Up to that point we were running at a 10 - 10:30 pace.  I decided to book it for the last 4 miles and see how long I could hold a 9 minute pace.  It wasn't the easiest thing to do...I have already blogged about how horrible I am at keeping a steady pace...HOWEVER, I was pretty successful at keeping somewhere close to a 9 minute pace.  I could feel when I was slowing down and just mentally decided to pick it back up...and I did!  This has to be the first successful negative split run I've had (for you non-runners, that's when the end of the run is faster than the beginning).  I am going to try that strategy during the half...run a slower pace to warm up for the first few miles then kick it into my race pace.  It might not get me to break 2 hours but at least I'll be able to gauge how I feel.

Yesterday was the Boston Marathon.  I am so awed by those individuals who train for a marathon in the hopes of qualifying for the ultimate marathon.  Several of the bloggers who I read on a regular basis were running in the Boston Marathon yesterday.  I am so anxious to read about their adventures on the course! 

I have never really wanted to run a full marathon when I think about all the time and effort that goes into the training.  I am overwhelmed with the training for a half marathon right now!  The thought of doubling that is just too much for me to think about.  But I have to admit that I was fantasizing about being in Boston for Marathon Monday yesterday.  Maybe someday when my kids are older and my life is a little more stable, I will consider attempting to run a full marathon.  I would love to add this to my car:

I already have this!!!

Maybe someday...for now it remains a fantasy.

What Does SB Stand For?

Here was today's workout:

100M SB Waiter Walk
20 SB Squats
200M Run
10 SB Burpees
6 Rounds for Time

So what does SB stand for?  The real answer is sand bags.  Not this kind of sand bag:

this kind:

So a waiter walk is holding a 30 lb sand bag or (in my case thanks to Colleen a 35 lb bag) overhead for 100 meters.  Honestly I don't know many waiters who carry their trays overhead with both arms locked, but if that's what you want to call it, fine.  My shoulder has been hurting for the past 2 days thanks to Sandra's beat down on Monday so I had to modify the workout.  I got to hold the sandbag like a baby for the waiter walk and I did up/downs instead of burpees...BUT again thanks to Colleen...I had a heavier bag.  Before we started the workout she suggested that since I got to modify the workout that I had to have a heavier bag.  Lisa agreed and said she was actually going to make me carry a heavier bag anyway, but I fully blame Colleen!  (Colleen - you know I love ya but watch out for paybacks!)

6 rounds of this torture is a lot!  I can't tell you how fast we went because at the end of it I really didn't care.  The whole workout I kept coming up with different things that SB could stand for.  Here are some of the ideas:
Suck Bag
Sucks Big-time
Son of a B*tch
Sh*tty Bag

I'll stop there since it just continued to get progressively worse as the workout continued.

I'm looking forward to a good weekend hopefully.  Tomorrow I'm going to try to fit in a quick run at some point, although that might be a challenge considering my schedule.  Then Sunday I'm meeting some of the running group in OC for a 10 miler.  This will be our last double digit run before the half!  We are 2 weeks away!!!  Holy crap...really?

Running Group Update

It was a big week for several of our Running Group members.  Lisa and Barry completed the Tough Mudder in PA. I am in total awe that they were able to not only finish but to totally kill it!  I am so proud of you guys!!!

We are also getting to the point in our training plan where we are doing some really long runs.  So a lot of the running group put in a lot of miles this week.

Michelle and Colleen have done a great job with getting together the website for the Ocean City Running Club.  Here is the link http://www.eteamz.com/oceancityrunningclub/ and the best part is that they have a link back to my blog!  Thanks girls!  I am so excited for the formalization of the running club.  And thankful that Colleen and Michelle are willing to put in the time to do the website since I have very little time right now.

So here is the tracking chart updated for the past week.  I apologize to Dana.  I can't figure out why the chart is not showing the goal miles for whoever is at the bottom.  I will figure it out hopefully before I post next week's chart.

12 Mile Run...Almost

I can't believe it's already Tuesday!  Time flies...

Sunday morning a group of us met at PowerHouse Gym for an easy 12 miler.  Haha!  There's nothing easy about running 12 miles.  But I went into it with the mindset that pace didn't matter and I just wanted to complete the distance.  I even said this to Colleen several times.  HOWEVER, Don showed up.  Don is an awesome pacer because he is so consistent.  Every time I've run with him, he helps me to naturally keep the same pace.

So we took off with Don and I running together and Colleen and Michelle running together.  We stayed pretty close together for the first couple of miles.  We ran a modified version of the half marathon route.  I felt really good for the first few miles.  Don and I kept the pace right around 10 minutes per mile.  Of course I want to run faster than that for the race but for a long run, I was pleased with that pace.  I think it was about 5 miles in when Don decided that he needed to go...of course I had expected this...he is MUCH faster than me.  I really appreciated the fact that he stayed with me for so long.  Once Don took off, I struggled to keep a steady pace.  I still felt good but my pace was all over the place.  I really need to figure out how to stay at a consistent pace on my own!

The bridge into Assateague falls at the 12 mile mark of the half marathon.  After 12 miles of flat running, this is an intimidating sight...

In our modified course, it fell at about 9 miles into our run.  At this point, I decided that I would take the opportunity to use the visitor center's bathrooms.  It was a much needed break, although it had a really bad effect on my run.  As I started to run again, my lower back and my leg muscles all seized up.  I continued to run until I hit the 10 mile mark, at which point I decided that it was not worth risking injury in order to continue.  I was about a mile from the spot where we were meeting Keith who was so nice to volunteer to pick us up and take us back to our cars.  So I walked the mile back to the parking lot.

I really wanted to complete the 12 miles, but I think I made the right decision.  Had I kept going, who knows what kind of damage I could have been doing to my body.  The half is less than 3 weeks away and I'd rather not finish a 12 mile training run than not finish the 13.1 mile race!

Great Workout!

This morning at the gym we did the following workout:
Prowler/Sled
15 Wall Balls
20 Weighted Lunges
As Many Rounds As Possible - 30 mins

There were 6 of us so we staggered our starts.  Colleen and I started with the Wall Balls.  I was feeling great and really liked the workout.  Other than not going low enough on my last set of lunges (fatigue had set in at that point), I think I did all the exercises with good form.  I actually had to wait for the Prowler or Sled on most rounds so I probably could have fit one more round in.  It was a fun workout and a good ego boost to see how fast I was able to do the rounds. 

Lisa made the comment that I must be eating right again.  While my diet is far from perfect, it is A LOT better than it was when I posted about my workout fail.  I can definitely see a difference in my energy level and endurance in workouts.  Food matters people!!!  (Yes, Lisa and Dave...you were right all along!) 

Windy Wednesday

The running group met at the inlet only to decide that the wind was way too ferocious for us to run on the Boardwalk.  So we all hopped in our cars and drove up to The Grand Hotel and ran in their parking garage.  On the south end of the garage we still got hit with a wall of wind, but otherwise we were pretty well protected.

The training plan called for 6 400's.  Since our Garmins don't work in the parking garage, we decided to do our own version of the speed work and it actually seemed to work out well.  Colleen, Ryann and I ran hard up 2 levels, jogged 1 level, then ran hard up the remaining 2 levels, then jogged back down to the bottom.  We did 3 rounds of that in addition to a warm up and cool down jog up and down the garage.  We estimated that we ran about 3.5 miles. 

23 days until the OC Half Marathon!  The countdown is on.  I still don't feel as prepared as I was for Baltimore, but my last few long runs have really given me some confidence.  Colleen and I are running 12 miles on Sunday which will be a great indication of how well I can last for that distance.  

Weekend in Review

Saturday morning I ran the Still Pond to Betterton Tree Run.  It's a point-to-point race that starts at the old Still Pond store and ends at Betterton Beach.  Ryann and I ran this race for the first time last year.  This year I was solo...Ryann decided to be a cheerleader instead of a participant.  It was cold and rainy...not a steady rain but definitely a solid sprinkle.  Instead of shirts, we got visors.  Normally I would prefer a shirt over anything else, but a visor was awesome because I absolutely love running in a visor!  So I plopped it right on my head and wore it for the race.  It helped to keep the rain out of my face.

The first mile of the race was really challenging for me because I was having a hard time finding my pace.  They were giving splits at the 1 mile point and I ran 8:07 for the first mile.  Way too fast!  I was mainly worried about the hills since I have not been training hills at all.  Luckily I had a really good mindset and was able to attack the hills instead of letting them intimidate me.  I gained several spots on the hills.

Overall I felt really strong.  I finished in 31:21 which is an 8:43 per mile pace.  I was also the 6th overall female finisher!  YAY ME!  Here is a picture that Stephen took as I'm entering the town of Betterton.

The family was standing outside the church cheering for me.  There was about a quarter mile left in the race at this point.

Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day.  About 10:30 in the morning I decided to head out and go for a solo run.  I have never been good at running by myself.  My head really tends to get in my way on solo runs.  The first mile was a warm up and I didn't worry about my pace.  After that, I tried to keep my pace around a 9:30.  At mile 4 I made a pit stop at Dave and Lisa's house.  I dropped off my jacket (definitely dressed too warm) and drank a glass of water.  Thanks guys!  The last mile was a struggle to maintain my pace but other than that I felt really good.

I loved the run.  It gave me confidence that I'm in better shape than I thought.  I had really been doubting my fitness level and my readiness for the half marathon.  But based on how good I felt at the race and on the solo run on Sunday, I have much more faith that I can finish the half in a decent time.  I still may not beat 2 hours, but I have let that go!!!

I have never wanted to be a redhead but I had my hair done on Friday and it turned red.  Should I call this blog "As the Red Ponytail Bounces"???

Tracking Chart

I just realized that I haven't posted the weekly tracking chart in awhile.  Sorry everyone!  Here is the latest chart. 

Michelle is still way in the lead in terms of total miles as well as % to her goal.  Great job Michelle! 

Everyone is doing a fantastic job in working towards their goals.  Keep up the great work!!!