Summer running

It's getting tough to get in a workout after work with this heat. I was on vacation last week and I made sure I was out every other day for a run. I ran about 22 miles last week. I'm proud of that, but I would really like to pick up the pace. I got the distance down, I ran 9 miles on Sunday, but I would like to run faster. I'm still only averaging 12-13 minutes a mile. I would like to get under 11 min/mi before my 10k. The race is only a couple weeks away and I don't know how much I'll be able to improve by then. The heat is just a killer. It's going to be in the 90's all week with heat index in the 100's.

Also, I don't have a way to track my pace when running outdoors. I downloaded a couple apps that I thought would help me with audible feedback, but they don't seem to do want I want. I actually posted to the Runner's World Facebook page to see if anyone had any suggestions, but no one has responded yet.

I should be able to get out for a run today so we'll see how that goes.

Early bird catches the heat

So I figured I'd get out nice and early for my long run today since the heat drains all my energy after the 3rd mile. I was going to get to the park around 7am, but then I was worried about being the only one out there so I pushed it back to 7:30. Surprisingly there were at lot of people there which made me fell better. I didn't want to be completely alone in the middle of nowhere.

I had a big dinner last night which probably wasn't the best idea for an early run, but it was sooo good I just couldn't help myself. Usually, I'm really paranoid with what I eat over the weekend since I usually weigh in on Mondays, but since I've met my goal I don't really have to weigh in anymore. So I lived a little, I'll still get weighed but if I gained I don't need to share. One more week of the competition. I'm going to try and be really good this week and weigh in on Friday. We'll be away next weekend so I don't know how that's gonna go.

So back to the run, on top of a big dinner I had a decent breakfast and not much time to digest. I had a small 150 calorie bagel, a banana and some iced coffee for a boost. First mile went by fast, but then I slowed up to make sure I could last the whole 8 miles. By mile 4 my hip had already started to bother me so I started taking more walk breaks. Even though it was early the heat was still an issue on the second half of the run.

I guess I'm just going to have to deal with the heat. I do need to get now shorts for running. I only have one pair of actual shorts and some crop pants. I did buy some tank tops so that'll help as well.

Tried another type of on the go fuel. This week was energy gels. These worked better for me. I can't eat and run at the same time, plus the gels weren't as sweet. I checked to labels to make sure. I just can't take really sweet stuff anymore. As per the directions, I had one before I ran and one halfway through. I was OK with the first one, but I think I need to take my time with a pack mid run. My tummy wasn't too happy, so I'll try and spread it out longer next time. I was smart and brought extra water this time, but I need to bring more still. My water was in the freezer overnight and didn't have enough time to thaw out before my run was over. Oh well, still learning what works.

Next weekend we are in upstate NY so I need to find a good place to run. I'll have to check the maps and see if there are any parks in the area.

Seven miles

I really love running wildlife reserve. It's such a nice stretch with minimal hills. I started out around 9:30 on Sunday and it was a nice cool morning, but 3 miles later the sun had come out and was beating down on me on the open stretches. I really need to get out sooner. My goal was 7 miles with an average pace of 12 min/mi. Well I did 7 miles (yay), but at about 12:20 min/mi. The last mile or so was tough. It was so hot sometimes I could barely breath and I must remember to use the bathroom first!

I'm so happy that I've kept up the running and I've been able to shed 40 pounds since last October. I am now the lightest I've been since I was a little kid. I think I was up to 195 when I was about 10 and I'm down to 188.1 now. I probably could have lost more if I was more strict with my diet, but you gotta live a little. Plus they say to make small changes along the way so I focused on running/exercise and after a while the healthier eating just fell into place. I didn't want to eat crap and ruin all the hard work I'd done.

The hubby and I plan on adding a little one to the family soon. I hope I've made this enough of a habit to stick with working out through my next pregnancy. With my first child I didn't want to do anything the first couple months due to nausea. 

I might skip the run tonight, feeling kinda icky and I don't want to push it. Also, vacation time is coming up and I'm trying to figure out where I can run while we're away. Our work competition is almost over and I want to finish strong.

Too long

Wow I can't believe how long it's been since I posted something. I really wanted.  This to be a journal of my runs, but life gets in the way and I forget to write. Sometimes it's hard enough just trying to fit in a long run, never mind trying to write about it.

Since my last post I've had a few good runs, but some crappy ones too. I've been back to the wildlife reserve and had a not so great run. I felt like a was running in slow motion. I don't think oatmeal is very good fuel for a long run. I tried the bagel for breakfast the following weekend, but by the time I got out for a long run it was in the afternoon so I couldn't tell if the bagel and coffee were better for energy.

It's getting pretty hot now. Pa in the summer can get brutal. If it's not the heat, it's the humidity. So my hubby bought me a water bottle belt. So now I feel like a real runner when I go out. :-) The heat makes such a difference when running. I felt slow, not as bad as when I ran at the refuge, but it was a struggle to get through sometimes. I even had trouble this weekend at the gym. It wasn't only hot, but it was like there was no air. I think there was just too much body heat because it did get better when people started to thin out.

Must always keep legs ready for shorts in the summertime because running with long pants is ridiculous. I thought I would be ok indoors, in the morning, but was I wrong.

My 10k is in August, but it's in the morning so I hope it's not too hot by the time it starts or when I finish.

When we get a cooler day it makes the run seem so much easier after dealing with the heat and humidity. When I was out on a hot day I didn't realize how much the heat affected the run until the next time I ran in cooler temps. It was like an ah ha moment. It wasn't me necessarily, it was the weather.

Overall, I do feel much more fit. I can't believe I can run 6 plus miles. Also, as of yesterday I met my goal for the office Biggest Loser competition. I'm officially down 36.6 pounds. 5 more pounds and I'll no longer be considered obese, just overweight. I've been obese or even morbidly obese since I was a small child. Still a few weeks to the competition so if I push myself maybe I can get there.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

OK, not really, but that's what I felt like. I'm such a city girl. I went for my long run to the wildlife refuge again. This time I was going for 6 miles. I came across so many different animals it's hard to believe I was just south of the airport. Not long into the run I came across a turtle and was tempted to take a pic for my husband. (We have a thing about turtles) I came across a family of ducks in the local pond. Then a mile later I spotted 2 white tail deer. I never saw deer down there before. I was so excited they were only a couple of yards away. Then I worried about ticks, yuck! I also saw lots of bunnies, which explains the large holes on the side of the trail, and the bluest bids I have ever seen.

I am pleasantly surprised with how I did. The first mile flew by so fast I couldn't believe it. I was under 10 a minute. I usually run that fast during a 20 sec interval, not for a mile. I took a couple walking/drink breaks after that so that slowed down the rest of my average, but that's OK the goal was get through 6 miles and I did. I ran out 3 miles then turned around and ran back. I really like doing it that way, it really helps the run go faster. By the time I reached 5 miles I was 5 mins faster than my prior run. I finished the 6 miles in about 1:12. I averaged 12:01 mi/min. I was hoping for under 12, but my hip was starting to bother me on that last mile.  

As far as recovery I felt great! After my last long run there my calves were so sore I felt like the were going to cramp up any minute. Lots of heat and massaging kept that from happening. This time I just had a little soreness in my quads, calves and a little in my one hip, but nothing that lingered. So that's a win.

I have to push back the next run until Wednesday due to some social plans. Heading out for a chocolate tasting with co workers. I'm so excited, but I know I'll have to be really good with the diet for the rest of the week to make sure I don't gain next Monday.

I'm down 32.4 pounds so far. Hopefully I can keep it going.

Weekend fun

Went for my long run on Sunday and felt pretty good. However my plan said to do 5 miles, but I wound up only tracking about 4.7 mi. I went to the local park with my little guy for my run. This is the park that has a paved loop where one side starts out really steep with an incline for a mile and the other starts out even. I figure this time I'll start out on the more level side of the loop and see how it goes. Mind you I also walked with Nate in the stroller to and from church that morning so I already had a little workout that day.

I started out pretty good, pace was less than 10min/mine which was shocking to me. Then I hit the hills and I was able to jog up most of them. I still took my little breaks here and there. With the hills and the breaks I was managing around 12min/mi which is where I wanted to be.

I figured I'd run 2.5 out and 2.5 back to get my 5 miles. I was getting pretty worn out from pushing the stroller up the hills. It felt like it weighed a ton. I could tell from my GPS app that I was ahead of the mile markers on the road so I decided to turn around early since I was getting pretty tired. I probably would have been fine, but I saw someone I use to know and stopped to talk to her. While we were walking and talking I turned off the GPS so that's where I lost the .3 miles. I figure that's OK because that does include the walk this morning or the walk to and from the car. I was annoyed with myself though because I turned around early. I'm only human and I need to learn not to be so critical of myself.

Next run tonight, just a little 3 miles around the neighborhood. Thursday I do a round of speed work so that should be interesting. Until then.... 

Compression socks

So I ran my 4miles yesterday wearing my new compression socks. Jury is still out on their effectiveness. I did notice my calves didn't bother me at all when last week they were hurting by the end of the same route. They are really thick and my feet felt hot and heavy at times. There was some slight discomfort also, but not so bad that I wouldn't try them again. I'll wear them this weekend for my long run and see how it goes. Last week I was hurting pretty bad after 5 miles.

Like a kid in a candy store

I purchased some compression socks to see how they work. I've read a lot about them lately. Many say they help deliver oxygen to your muscles so you're not as fatigued on or after your runs. I can handle up to 3 miles around town, but 4 miles of road running is a little rough and even 5 miles on the trail was a bit much for my calves.

I'm so excited to give them a try. My next run isn't until tomorrow so I'll have to wait, but they should be home waiting for me now. 

The Big 3 0

Weigh in day! I was a little worried about this week's weigh in because I've felt so off this past week. I really just wanted to eat everything in sight.

Well I was down 1.1 pounds today, bringing my total to 30.4 pounds. I still have 7 pounds to go before I'm back to my lowest weight and 11 pounds until I'm no longer considered obese. Still seems like I'm far off my goal, but I'm getting there!

5 miles!

It's been a little while since I posted, trying not to slack off. Well I accomplished 2 new long runs since the last post. Thursday I managed 4 miles around my neighborhood and yesterday 5 miles at the local wildlife refuge.

Thursday was pretty good, a little tough, but I made it through the run with minimal stops. Mostly stops for traffic crossings, but they were definitely appreciated when they occurred. :-) Still not getting side cramps so the bananas are working.

Went for a short 2mi run on Saturday. I was a little worried about jogging a day before a long run, but our weekend schedule didn't allow for us to swap activities. It was much easier to fit in the shorter run on Saturday. I'll try doing my long run on Saturday this week and see how it goes.

So Sunday I wanted to try the local wildlife refuge for my run. They have a pretty extensive set of trails which we use to bike on occasion. My husband likes to bike so we decided to make a family outing, me jogging and my husband biking with out almost 2yr old. I really wanted a nice flat surface for my long run. I get so tired of the hills all the time. Although I'm sure they make me a better runner.

So after a few technical issues I got settled in to a nice pace. The trails was much more rocky than I remembered, which is not good when you tend to shuffle when you run slowly. Luckily the whole trail wasn't that way. I took frequent, but brief walking breaks. Except for a break to tend to a toddler meltdown. I read somewhere that I shouldn't feel the need to jog the whole thing. Taking a few breaks will help you finish better. I whole-heartily took that advise. Surprisingly I felt pretty good by the end of the 5mi. Biggest annoyance was having to go to the bathroom almost from the start. I don't know what is with my bladder these days. Even after I go before I leave I have to go again mid run. If I didn't know better I'd think I'm pregnant. 

Still feeling pretty good this morning. My calves were really affected by the run so I really tried to stretch and massage them to keep them from cramping up. My husband has a little portable back massager and that worked wonders on my legs. I also have a heated mattress pad so I turned that on and heat helped as well. Still a little sore, but no cramping yet. I ordered a pair of compression socks, we'll see if they make a difference.

Weigh in day today. Not really sure how I'll do. I felt off all week. I just wanted to constantly eat and not the healthy stuff. I just need .7lbs to reach the 30 pound mark. I lost 3 pounds 2 weeks ago so I though one and a half pounds was doable the next week, but I only lost .9 pounds. Still a loss, I know, but I was really hoping to hit the mark. Oh well, we shall see...

More Lessons Learned

1. Always charge your phone if you're using it to keep track of distance/pace.
2. Bananas DO help prevent side stitch!

Coming off a terrible run on Sunday, I went for a run on Tuesday after work. I was stuck at work late, but I was determined to get out when I got home. Lucky for me the springtime means longer daylight. I figured I had until about 8pm before I really lost the light. I was out about 7:20pm.

According to RunKeeper, I was to run 3 mile + strides. I started off slow, as my goal is still trying to run without needing to stop. Well I have to say I was able to run just about the entire time! I only stopped a few seconds here and there for traffic and even at that I timed the traffic pretty good. I started trying a different route that still has hills, but they are more gradual and I think that helps too. Somewhere close to home I noticed the app seemed off. It showed a pace slower then I thought it should since I hadn't stopped to walk, but I just chalked it up to a very slow pace.

Then when I was close to home, I looked to see how close I was to 3 miles and it still read 2.58 miles. I know how far I went and I knew this wasn't right. The app won't start timing the strides until you're gone 3 miles. So after trying to figure out what was going on I ran just a couple quick intervals. I was so annoyed by that point I just went in. I wanted to bask in the glory of a consistent run, but instead I had to figure out why my GPS was disabled on my phone. First thing my hubby asked, "Is it charged?" As a matter of fact it is almost dead. I didn't play my music on my phone today so I didn't have to charge it during the day. So that explains why my GPS turned off.

So after I settled down had a shower and dinner, I manually updated the info for my run. Turns out I ran about 3.6 miles with an average 11:57 mins a mile.

And I only had a slight discomfort in the side cramp area. I had a banana before I left work so I guess it helped. I'll have to try it out before a morning run as well and see if it still does the trick.

Another run tonight, I'll be sure to charge my phone today to see how I do on a 4 mile run.   

2nd 5k attempt

Well I didn't think my second 5k would be worse than the first. I always do bad when I think I'm going to do good. I blame being stressed and frazzled, partly due to my Hubby's last minute change of plans.

The Philly Run Wild 5k was held at the zoo. It was a beautiful day, much warmer than I expected. It was also very crowded. Starting out was packed and hard to maneuver around people. I should have focused on getting into my groove, but I was more concerned about avoiding people. Then around mile 2 it hit me AGAIN. A damn side cramp. I didn't have anything to eat that morning, but I didn't have anything to drink either. Probably not the best pre run regiment, but like I said, pretty hectic morning. I had thought ahead and bought a protein drink for the morning, but I didn't have time to drink it until we were in the car on our way. It was nasty, a strange consistency and weird orange flavor. I couldn't stomach more than 2 sips.

So I would up walking a lot during that last mile and wound up with an average time just shy of 13 mins a mile. Worse than my 12:38 time from my first 5k and much worse than my time on Thursday, 11:30 mins a mile. I was so upset that I had to fight back the tears in that last bit. I knew I could do better and was so disappointed in myself for performing poorly. I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me. My hubby keeps telling me to eat a banana before a run to prevent cramps. I haven't done it yet because I'm worried it'll make my cramping worse.

Well I had a banana tonight before I left work so we will test out his theory. Hopefully I can just get home, change and head out. I hate not spending much time with Nate, but I know I need to take care of myself as well.

On a positive note, I'm down almost a pound this week, .9 to be exact. I was hoping for 1.6 so I could break the 30 pound mark, but hopefully Incan get there next week. Only .7 more to go. 

Skinny jean update

I have one pair of pants that still eludes me, my size 14 "skinny jeans." I'm almost to wear I was when I bought the pants so I figured I'd give them a try. I can get them on and button them, but that button is hanging on for dear life.  Breathing is also problematic. Maybe in after another 5 pounds.

Running On Air

I must say I read this article in my Runner's World magazine and I didn't give it much thought.
Running On Air: Breathing Technique | Runner's World. 
This article describes a way of breathing while running to help prevent injuries. Well while I was out for my run today I started to get a side cramp like usual. I experimented with some applesauce and coffee for breakfast to give me some energy before my run. I don't know that it gave me much energy.

It seems like I'm always getting side cramps these days. I had 3 more miles to go so I didn't want to have to keep stopping because of a side cramp. I decided to try the rhythmic breathing from the article, inhale for 3 foot strikes and exhale for 2. Supposedly alternating your leading foot is suppose to help prevent injury. Well by the next mile the side cramp was gone and I was able to run about 11:30 a mile and set a personal distance record of 4.2 miles. That was 1:08 better than my 5K a couple weeks ago. I have another 5K this weekend so I'm excited to see how I do this time.

Really tired today so I'm going to call it a night. Hitting the gym tomorrow to get some more miles in on the treadmill. Trying to avoid overuse injuries so I figure a treadmill would be better for back to back runs.

Darn cramps!

I went out for my scheduled jog last night which was 3 mi easy with strides, 3 intervals of fast running. Now that I look at my results I'm surprised that with each interval my running was faster. Really surprised because by the end of the 3 miles I had a major side cramp again!! It's so frustrating because I know I'm not tired and can keep going, but my body is screaming at me to stop.

I do feel pretty good about the run overall though. I think I only stopped 2-3 times to take a walk break and I was able to jog up each hill I came across. It was usually after this feat I needed a walk break. I didn't eat anything before I went out, but my salad at lunch was causing some tummy issues so I think that may be the culprit. That plus all the hill running. I managed an average of 12:19 min/mile during my 3 mile run so I'm happy with that.

They say it's bad to run on an empty stomach, but I find eating anything before a run causes me to get really bad side cramps. I'll try experimenting tomorrow morning by having some applesauce before my morning run. They say applesauce is good to eat before a morning run because it can give you energy and is easily digestible. So says Runner's World magazine anyway. :-)

Well I guess I should get to work now. Until next time.....

Weigh in 4/22/13

So excited!! I'm down 3.1 pounds this week. I knew I lost, but that was more than I expected.

Lessons Learned

#1 - Always go to the bathroom before heading out, even if you don't feel the need to go.
#2 - Pushing a jogging stroller with a toddler uphill is a lot harder than it looks.
#3 - Toddler in stroller will not enjoy the run as much as you so be prepared with snacks.
#4 - Always enter a specific address into a GPS because it won't always take you to the main entrance.

I was really excited to get out for my "long" run this weekend. The most I've run is 3 something miles. So I enter Ridley Creek State Park into my navigation system and we start out. We meaning myself and my almost 2 yr. old. The GPS takes us to some random parking lot in the park. It was a completely deserted area so I wasn't comfortable staying there with just and my son. I finally entered a specific intersection to get to what I hoped was the main parking lot. Luckily that did the trick.

So the loop in this park is 4.3 miles. If you go to the left it is a pretty steep hill and if you go to the right it starts off pretty even. I figure let's go up the hill and that will be my warm up. Well uphill was almost a freakin' mile! By the time I got to semi-even ground I felt exhausted, but I started up determined to get in this run.

I was chugging along pretty well, about my normal pace and then the 5K started. I had no clue there was one scheduled that day. It wasn't bad, but that part of the trail is pretty narrow so I just felt really awkward with my stroller. Luckily it didn't last long because they actually doubled back so I only hd to share 1.5 miles. Then I was back onto the path by myself. That was nice and peaceful until little man decided that he was tired of sitting in the stroller. So I stopped to break out some snacks, but then realized I should have brought a cup for his snacks. Oh well, they're going on his tray. A little dirt never hurt anyone. :-)

Not long after that I realized I really had to go. With every step I ran down hill it got worse. I was so tempted to stop off in the woods, but seeing I'm a female it would have been too easy. About a mile later I spotted a port a potty, one big enough for the two of us. It wasn't he worst I've seen, but since it was out on the woods it had it's share of cobwebs. Well sweet relief at least I could jog back without having an accident.

Now that little man had a taste of freedom, he really wasn't happy about getting back in his seat. I think we were about a quarter mile or so away from the car before I gave up the run and let him out so we could walk the rest of the way or so I thought. He got tired of walking and wanted to be held. I usually don't because it is a little ridiculous to carry him when I have a perfectly good stroller her can ride, but I gave in just because I wanted some peace and quiet. Side note, we were both up at 5am that day so were were both pretty tired by that point.

Overall it was a pretty good run and I was able to keep my regular pace aside from the rough start and cranky toddler. I ever ran out the following day and had a good run. I usually don't do so well on back to back runs so I was happy to could finish the 2 miles.

Weigh in is tomorrow and I'm excited. I jumped on the scale Thursday or Friday last week and it already said I was down almost 2 pounds. Hopefully, that number didn't go up since then. 

Day 2

Went for my second run in the 10K training plan. I was a little worried since this would be 3 days in a row, but I was optimistic. It went surprisingly well. I was able to run almost the whole time. Except for a couple of stops at traffic crossings, I only had to take 2 breaks mostly due to hills. I started to get that darn side cramp, but it was towards the end so I just pushed through.

Looking forward to Saturday. I'm hoping to get to the local state park for a long run. I haven't tried more than 3 miles at a time so we'll see how I do.

Also looking forward to my weigh in on Monday. According to the scale today I've lost almost 2 pounds this week!

Starting Line

I've always thought about starting a bog, but it never took off. I've recaptured my love of running and decided to blog about. I figure it's a good way to track my training, plus it might be helpful for someone else. If I can do it, than maybe you can too.

I finally finished my first 5K! A goal I've had for years now, but between work and family I just never stuck with running long enough to feel like I could do it. I finished in 38 minutes. I knew I wasn't winning any medals, but I was surprised to see that my pace was quicker than my usual. I'm new to this whole thing so I don't know what to expect or even what the terminology means. I'm still not sure what strides are. :-)

Next step is to complete a 10K. I've signed up for a training program through RunKeeper and have had one workout already. I went out yesterday and had a pretty good run. I ran further then I've been able to before needing a break. While I felt great, I got a massive side cramp around mile 2. I could barely take a breath it was so bad. I'm not quite sure why it happened, but I was running for longer stretches of time, so it was probably just because my body wasn't use to it. I was so annoyed, I wasn't tired and I wanted to keep on running, but the pain was too much.

Today I went out for just a mile. I usually don't go out twice in a row, but there was a big movement to Run 4 Boston today. To show my support for the Boston Marathon Bombing I went out with my little guy for a small walk/jog. Hopefully that doesn't tire me out too much for tomorrow, my next scheduled run. In this new training program I will have to run back to back days on the weekend so I might as well get use to it.

Well I guess that's all for now. I'll check in tomorrow.