Training Run 08/31/11

I "ran," or really pity walked 4 miles today.

I'm never going to do plyometrics the day before I plan to do a long run. You know what, scratch that, I'm never going to do plyometrics ever.

It hurts. It feels like I rode a horse for 24 hours straight. Its insane. Its painful. My inner hammies and glutes and everything is in so much pain.  Its a good pain tho and if this is how ___ feels like, I'm looking forward to it.

So, lets not talk about my measly run, Nike+ isn't broadcasting it over Twitter so that sucks, but whatever.  They probably know how much it sucked and was like "PASS!"

Instead lets talk about yesterday.

Yesterday, I realized that I:

hit 100 miles!!! Ever since I got my Nike+ GPS!!! So my yearly total is WAY over 100  miles! My goal? Try to get 200 miles more (so lofty, realistically another 100) by the end of the year!

Yesterday, I also went shopping!

Oh wait, not for that... Haha. I just found it weird that this car was parked by the dumpster.

I went shopping at Sport Chalet which is having an additional 50% off their clearance items! I saw these:

Lunarglide+2 in Sharks color! Sharks the hockey team, not the one that swims around in the ocean. Haha. I wanted them but decided against it.  They were $40 after the sale but to be honest, the Lunarglide+3 are way better than the 2s.  Like a-lot. Its sorta not worth having two pairs of the 2.

But I did walk away with this:

A new pair of Nike Running Tempo shorts!!! Tempo shorts are like the "holy grail" of Nike running shorts. I like em a lot. But I also like my Nike Pacer shorts alot. The pacers are a little lower rise and have two pockets. One in the back like the Tempos and a "secure" one in the front. Its pretty cool. Whats even cooler? I scored these for $10!! Retail price? $32!!! I scored all my shorts from Sport Chalet sales all at $10!!! Isn't that neat? Oh wait, whats even neater?! I had to size down! SIZE DOWN!!! What the f'ck is that?! I'm now on mediums. For shorts at least. I doubt my super calves can fit in a medium =| I hate my calves. I like to poke em and say "shrink."

Anyway, that was my day yesterday.

I'm not as down as I was. But maybe cuz I'm on an endorphin kick right now. But I really need to hit that 10 miler this week and hopefully a 13 next week then taper the last week, which isn't really tapering at all because that last week is the actual event.

::shrieks::

PS. This:

while healthy, is not proper dinner the night before a long run.  It just didn't work. Not enough carbs. And even for the whole day, not enough carbs. I had cheese and toast with greek yogurt for breakfast, 1/3 of a protein bar that I didn't finish at all (I have no clue where the other 2/3 of it went), a piece of bread when I got home, then that for dinner and another yogurt.  I was watching a video of when I was PTFO drunk on my 25th birthday and I said "I don't like carbs cuz running and carbs don't mix." or was it "I like carbs cuz running and carbs mix?" but whatever it was, I'll watch the video again, I really need to carb up. I can't be afraid of that.  I'm still dropping weight which is good tho. But right now shouldn't be a time to obsess over that.

Plyometrics 08/30/11

You know what sucks?

Mind games. 

I hate mind games.  I hate it in life, and I hate it in fitness.

Right now my mind is so pre-occupied that I'm having the hardest time concentrating on running, on P90x, on anything.

You know what sucks more?

Knowing that a bad ass run or workout is exactly what I need to get out of this slump. But I can't get that in because of mind games. But alas, that blog entry is for another blog. Damn you. 

I did some plyometrics today instead of running because of my knee. Don't get me wrong, I know what plyometrics is. My knee still went to work and it hurts right now, but at least I'm at home, close to the ice. Anyway, plyo was what it was. It wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst. It was something.

I think I'll go for a quick 5k when I get home from work. 

Oh wait, I'm a girl, another fix to this slump? Get new shoes.  Lunarglide+ 3 in black & pink [solar red], you are officially mine.

Training Runs Random Dates

I haven't been motivated to run.

I'll be honest here.

I've done 3 runs at 2 miles each since that 8 miler.  So you can say I've been not motivated to log those runs either, hence the "Random Dates" in the title.

At this point, I want to just do or die [preferably just do] the half marathon.

I set out today to do a 10 miler but my left knee is hurting so much. I was using my water bottle to ice it.

I went home after two miles and I'm about to P90x to make up for my lack of running.

I think its a couple of things. At the moment I'm drifting towards my "vain" side and I'm more concernd about dropping pounds.  I'm holding steady at my weight since I was told not to worry too much about dropping right now because its 20 days till the half and I need to fuel my body for the rest of my training and for the actual event, 20 days ahead. However, I was at a point where I was consistently dropping a pound a day and to go from that to stable is a mental kick in the face.  I'm sure I'm still going to drop as I train and keep at it but no where as fast as that one a day.  I was hardly eating food that fueled me then. I was relying on energy drinks and GU for my runs.

Second, this is kinda harder to admit, but I feel lonely when I run and I really wish someone would run that half with me. I'm so scared of that half.  Maybe its the endless looping I do in the park or maybe its actually cuz I am alone and lonely. It doesn't help that a bunch of other things happen and I really do feel like I'm alone. I do realize that this part is mostly mind games. I probably just need new music. All in all, I still remember that this is for me, by me. I can and will  get over this mental bump.  Today was hot too. I need to start heading out at 6 am to beat this heat for my long runs.  I'm going to plan for this, 10 miler by tomorrow and a 13 miler for beginning of next week, then I'm golden for the half. I believe I can do that remaining .1 for the actual event.

Off to P90, shower, and ice and tape my left knee. It really hurts. I hate the fact that my knee cap keeps on giving me isues.

Training Run 08/22/11

So I had 8 miles for breakfast? What about you?!

And that gratuitous picture pretty much sums up my run.

No, I still didn't  manage to get negative splits but I had 3 PRs on this run.

Oh. My. Gosh.

THREE! I love the number three!!!

3. 3. 3. 3. 3.

Oh can you say hello endorphins?

I PRed on my 5k! From yesterday! Haha. Today I hit 37:41!!! From yesterdays 38:49!! Oh yeah!

I PRed on my 10k! From 92 something minutes to 82:44!!

I PRed on distance! I've done 8 miles before but this time its a lot better on time and its Nike + official.

LIKE A BOSSSSS!!!!

This was also me taking it easy. I know I'm not the fastest runner and I know that I can push myself harder but I'm savnig that can of whoop ass for the actual event! So for an "easy" run, 3 PRs?  I'm happy, or maybe thats the endorphins talking.  I also wasn't fatigued mentally or physically. I could have kept on going but I have to go to work. Yeah!!! That means my power meal of sweet potatoe fries and a bbq burger last night worked! Haha. Just kidding. It was the tiramisu!!! Anyway,  I've been disappointed in my runs lately and just struggling with pushing through.  My hips and knees are acting up but I can officially say that the...

BAD ASS SWITCH IS BACK ON!!

Sometimes I think I shouldn't have signed up for that half this September. That I should have waitd till Pasadena 2012 to run a half. But you know what, whats done is done. And by doing this half, I know where I am and how to improve.  I know I'm crazy doing all this runing. Hahaha. Crazy! CRAZY!!! INSANE!!! Its also time to give my Lunarglides a break. They need time to bounce back. Cycle your shoes ladies and gentlemen!!!

PS. Thanks to Bart Yasso for the Twitter shout out. I have like a million page views. I love online company since I have no running buddies around me. Hi guys! 

I Wish... I Will!

I wish...

• I wish I could run 6 minute miles.
• I wish I my body was runners lean.
• I wish I could learn how to eat to fuel my body.
• I wish I could run a full marathon.
• I wish I was stronger.

I will...

• I will run 6 minute miles!
• I will have a lean runners body & a booty to match!
• I will learn how to eat to fuel my body!
• I will run a full marathon!
• I will be stronger!

How about you?

What are your wishes? 

Better yet...

What will you accomplish?

Training Run 08/21/11

Did a 5k with the Palo Alto Nike Running Store's Run Club. I like going there but I'm sorely intimidated and I feel unqualified but one thing I learned is that -most- runners are nice and very very supportive. 

It was a 5k and I PR'ed it but not by much. Its still a new PR.  I'm finding that with my runs, I'm not improving a lot in terms of time.  I also can't seem to manage negative splits! Its sad. My miles were like 11, 12, 13. Damn. Hahaha. Sad.

I know I need more runs that focus on my time so that I can improve on that, but I know a big factor of it is nutrition.

I weighed myself everyday for a week and I've been consistently dropping a pound a day for a week. Thats CRAZY. I know some of it is probably water weight but I know its mostly not because I've been drinking like crazy.  I mean A LOT. I've been making it a point to drink.

So while I'm happy about that weight being gone, I've been mentally and physically drained and that lack of fuel- I know I haven't been eating much- is affecting my runs.

SIGH.

Running is "supposed" to make you hungry and my long runs make me hungry but I don't want to eat since I also want to drop weight... its like crazy.

Blah. I don't want to talk about it right now because its getting to me. But yeah, I ate like crazy today. Well not really. Did that run had trail mix & OJ and then didn't eat till dinner. A bbq burger with sweet potato fries. Then tiramisu.

Haha. That better fuel me for my early run tomorrow. I'll try to head out at six and just run the streets since the park doesnt' open till 8 and I have work.

Anyway... its weird how my priority is running vrs. dropping weight. I know that dropping pounds will benefit running but I really want to make sure I'm fueled for my runs.  And being that I'm a naturally lazy eater, its easier for me to not eat and work and drop weight like that as opposed to dropping weight slower but in a way where I'm fueled for my runs.

I can only eat so much turkey & broccoli I guess. Haha.

Confessions Of A Snack-a-holic

I am a snack-a-holic.

I am a lazy eater. Super duper lazy eater. Don't get me wrong. I love food. Food is so darn good. But ask someone who knows me, I'm a lazy eater. I will wait till I'm so angry from hunger till I eat. Or I'll eat when someone tells me to. So if you catch me in a bad mood, you should just come with some food offerings. It will for sure turn my mood around because that means I haven't eaten.

Although I'm a lazy eater, I will have moments (like obviously NOW) where I will have a snack attack and turn into this snack-a-holic.

I didn't eat much this whole day so I'm probably going to be snacking till pretty late. I had toast with almond butter, some Mediterranean stuff I found in the fridge (thanks whoever!) and thats about it. Haha. Lazy eater!!! Hahaha. Maybe thats why I didn't get my run done. Lols.

And what is a runner-loosing-weight-while-still-fueling-for-run's snack of choice?

Pirates Booty

Pirates Booty is awesome! This one happens to be the veggie flavor but they have some cheese flavor ones that are equally awesome!!! I just picked this up cuz I always get the cheese ones and I wanted something new.  So why are they awesome?  First of all a bag is 4 servings at 130 calories each. I usually divvy em up in zip lock bags right when I get them so that I can pace my self.  Chips is one of those things that are bad for you if you don't watch it.  My mentality is, if I'm going to snack on chips, they might as well be organic! Haha.  But yeah. Not too bad for you compared to other chips! Try em!

Curious George Fruit Snacks MUST be the Curious George ones! Until they come out with a cheap version of Hello Kitty, it has to be Curious George!

Fruit snacks!!! You would think this would be like the biggest no-no in the world! But I actually use this in lieu of GUs when I run.  Sometimes I just want something to chew and fruit snacks are nothing but sugar and carbs and its conveniently portioned out in 100 calorie packets!!! So for those who need a little glucose boost- which GU does provide, but GU has caffeine and stuff too- this cheap alternative, about $2 per box for a packet of 6, will happily suffice!!! Is it still a snack if I use it to run?

Beef Jerky! I'm not picky of the brand but it has to be either beef or turkey, no pork.

Beef jerky! Protein! Nuff said! Hahaha. I like beef jerky. It gives my jaw a workout and gives me a lot of protein!  Beef jerky isn't that bad for you.  Some people say watch the sodium, but if you're putting in honest work in working out or running or in the best sport in the world- SOCCER, you're sweating and need that sodium anyway!!!

Yeah, so a random snack entry because I didn't eat meals today and got hungry and ran out- okay drove- to the store to get these and some green tea!

And for those who are questioning my choice of food, just to let you know, and yes I'm partially bragging here, I'm down 40 lbs =] Loosing weight/getting in shape, doesn't have to be that bad in terms of eating. Whoever told you it has to be that bad doesn't realize that you only have one life to live, you might as well live, and eat, it up!!! And I also don't eat like this everyday. If I did, this would NOT fuel me at all for my runs.

Epic Marathon Music Project & "Run" With Me!

I've been up since 3:30 am. I'm not sure why but I know I'll be paying for this later.

I've also been looking for my mp3 player since 3:30 am so I can go out for a run.  I know, I know. A lot of events, people, websites, etc. recommend against having a music device while running, but I'm a thinker and when I run without music, I over think and let my emotions dictate my pace and while I agree with Pre that suicide pace is the way to go, I don't want to die in anger.  Just kidding.

So it got me thinking how much I love music and how much I love words of encouragment. And how my first ever half, thats 13.1 miles for you folks who doesn't know, is a month away, I should probably get a new mp3 player that has a battery life of at least 26.2 miles (I want to run a full too!) and some new music.

Here, my pals is where you come in! I need 2, yes thats rights TWO (I'm very demanding aren't I?) favors from you!


Favor #1- Marathon Music Recommendations!

I'm pretty open to any genre but keep in mind that I need something upbeat (ideal is 180 beats per minute- think "I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I REALLY THINK SO!") but since I'm not really aiming for 180 bpm, any upbeat music is good. Nothing too slow or too thinky, or at least let me know its just a good song, albeit not for running. I've been looking for new awesome music lately anyway.

Favor #2- YOU!

I need YOU! I don't know very much "runners" around me and most of my friends are out of town (Hi So-Cal, Texas, New Jersey, China, & Philippines! Oh & Japan!).  I'll be running my half  alone and I'll admit that I'm terrified and excited at the same time. And I was thinking, since if you read the tag line of this blog, "Run With Me" that I'll take YOU ALL for the half with me! Well, at least your voice! Like I said, I'm a words of encouragement type of person, so having your voice along for the run would make the miles go by so much quicker.

So I was thinking, record yourself! Tell me a story, tell me a memory, tell me a joke (OH MAN I LOVE JOKES!!!), tell me something encouraging, sing me a song, anything! Just record yourself and I'll add you to my marathon playlist! All I ask is that you keep it sweet and short, nothing like 10 minutes long and that you don't make me cry. Laughing while running is good, but crying while running, while isn't bad, isn't preferred.

I'm so excited to run my half- because I want to hear y'all!- and I'll keep on trying to convert all my local friends from non-runners to runners so I won't have to run alone (haha, watch out, I'll be knocking at your door with pamphlets) but I'm so excited to be carrying all you guys around in my handy dandy new iTouch!

So to simplify:

1. Send me your marathon (upbeat!) music recommendations! Comment, Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, text, call, whatever, just get em my way!
2. Record yourself either telling a story, a joke, (I really love jokes!) a memory, singing, or anything encouraging and send it to me catheruns (at) gmail (dot) com. Don't forget that S! catherunS!

I have a month to compile everything and I'm excited. I'll try not to listen to all the hundreds (I know I'll get hundreds because YOU'RE doing it!) of messages till race day. But please keep them positive. If I hear something bad at mile 12 and not finish the last 1.1 miles, I'm coming after you! Haha.

Thanks guys! I've been really discouraged about running lately for various reasons, loosing my mp3 player just being one of them, and now I'm really looking forward to running that half in less than a month! What was I thinking?!

PS. Here is an unrelated (it sorta is!) picture. I have my pre-"race" food! Snickers marathon bars! This stuff is expensive but its so worth it! And I get to eat it for the last 2 of my long runs before the half so I can get used to it!!! Its so good!

Resting Run..? 08/17/11

Today was supposed to be a rest day but since I wanted to get outside and just be outside I decided to pretty much just go for a mile. Walk, run, roll. Anything.

I'm still super bummed about my 7 miler. Haha. 30 minutes added when I only added one mile?

LAME CAT! SUPER LAME!

I'm still so amazed when I read about runners who run like 20 miles like its nothing. Like every other day, 20 miles. The other days? 10 miles.

Man. So jealous.

I don't think I'll ever be at that level cuz these folks are like Josh Cox who run for a living, but man. wouldn't it be awesome?

Hahaha.

So yeah, I just logged this cuz now I'm at 80 miles in Nike + and that makes me happy.

But in a way its like leveling up in COD. You can level up and prestige as long as you keep playing. It doesn't matter if you're improving or not.

But in a way, as you play- as you run- if you keep at it and want to improve, you will.

Right?

RIGHT!

Woah! It works?!

Its Wednesday! Which means its (un)officialy "Weigh in (Wednes)day."

I wasn't going to touch a scale till next Wednesday because I've only been home 2 full days from LA. And when I'm in LA, I eat whatever- for the most part! I wanted a death dog but didn't get any- and since I was in LA for my birthday it was just double the fun =] I know its way better to go by size but I can't find my tape measure, but I know myself and I know my belt and size has been dropping as well.

Weight wise, from the last time I remember weight myself, I've dropped like 5 lbs. Like I said, I always have a hard time loosing that last couple of lbs in my "10 lbs increment" weight loss dealio, which is stupid because my body doesn't know 10 lbs increments, or does it? But anyway, I've kicked that bucket and I'm on a new weight bracket! I'm still dropping too fast in "professional" opinion but I've also kicked up miles in running and been watching what I eat, for the past two days at least. Haha.

I haven't been eating as clean as I'm capable of either so I'm kinda wondering why I'm dropping weight. I think its because of weight training. I've gained muscle and I think that helps! I'm not sure if its to credit for how fast its dropping but whatever, I'll keep at it cuz its the only thing I can think of! Haha. It makes it that much harder to taper from P90x tho since I'm adding miles and stuff to running.

But hey, who would have thunk?

Build muscles, get stronger, & drop pounds.

Heres an unrelated picture. It relates to yesterday's entry, but I'll put it here. Thats my left leg. As you can tell its two colors. Isn't that awesome? Haha. The lighter part is my natural color. I'm pale as a ghost. The darker part is my lower leg (well part of my thigh- the part where my shorts end- to my sock tan line; yes, I have one of those too) and its significantly darker. Haha. I find it funny. Oh well. My sock tan line is funnier.

Training Run 08/16/11

I'm highly disappointed in myself in this run... but like I always say, at the very least I know its for me, by me. So disappointment can kiss my ::toned:: ass.

I've fatigued on runs before, like mentally and this run was not one of those runs. There would be runs where I'm just brain drained. I'll count and forget how to count. This run was "torture," it really wasn't just a lack of words right now, because I freakin' got side stitches! I haven't side stitches since I started running! After mile 3, it was all downhill. The side stitch wouldn't go away and if I even jogged it would be back with a vengeance.

Anyway, come hither... let me tell you a little secret...

I always spew positive stuff, for the most part, but during this run I decided to quit running 50 times, and decided to keep at it 51 times. Its not always sunshine, mentally at least- as for the weather its been hot and nasty- but what matters is keeping at it. Today I wondered if the nasty sock tan line, the nasty Nike + Sportswatch GPS tan line, my Pasadena Marathon tech-tee tan line, my Nike Pacer shorts tan line, and the tanning of my face was all worth it. I wondered if puking in the park was worth it. I wonder if stopping to stretch it out and I guess looking so tore up the park ranger asked if I was okay was worth it.

Is it worth it?

Maybe at that moment its not worth it, but I have never gone on a run and finished and regretted it after.

Even now when I just want to sleep in the freezer and not wake up for a year. Now when I want to cut out my side stitch. Now when I'm questioning my sanity...

I can still say it was worth it.

Am I disappointed in my time?! F'ck yeah I am.

Its annoying me so much I want to go out there and run another 7 just to tell myself I can do better. Its annoying me that much.

But ultimately, I'm glad I went out there and did it. Its not my best. It added 30 minutes to my 6 mile time when I only added 1 mile- that is what is annoying me so bad right now. But you know what. I know what I did for my body- not running for a week and party rocking on my birthday- was detrimental. Was that worth it? I would say yeah. Haha. I can get oer this little running slump in a week if I just keep at it.

Anyway, my splits are so nasty I won't post em up. But if you're on Nike +, look it up =]

PS. I ran in my Kinvara 2. 10 miles on em in two days. I think they are so "delicate" I'm going to save em for "race day" shoes, just 5ks & 10ks. I'll do my shoe review soon. I'm so excited cuz I basically have no clue how to review things, but so far, just spewing out whats on my brain works!

PPS. As much as I want to sleep, Jess is on her way over to P90x & I told her I'll put her to work!

1 Day vrs. 8 Months

MEET THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE!

THE DREAD-MILL!!!

I just want to be honest here. I'm not admitting defeat, but I didn't run my 7 on the treadmill.


I ran a mile and freakin skidded off.  I'm not sure if you can tell but the dreadmill in our house is narrow! And my right foot caught/landed on half the belt half the not belt... cue the skidding! I also have never ran the dreadmilling using my Nike+ Sportswatch GPS, but the watch and the dreadmill were off in distance by .30 of a mile. Time was no issue, but the distance was an issue! I didn't know what to believe. Can you calibrate the pod with the watch? I need a smart phone now just for dreadmill purposes! SWAG! According the Nike I was hitting a mile, according to dreadmill I was only at .7. Thats a big difference when I'm  trying to gauge my time. I'm not an elite athlete, but dang, I would like to believe that I am improving or at least have some sort of consistency!

Anyway, I have awesome friends because look what a friend sent:

"There's your run Catherine"

Thanks Thomas! I know I told you to run 30 miles because of the late birthday greet, but this 7 made up for my lack of 7 today. Haha. I remember in high school AP Chem, there was the bunsen burner and the full pack of matches incident that sent a 2 feet flame shooting out. Mr. Ashley was probably mad and my hair could have gotten caught on fire. Well, this makes up for it! Hahaha. I'm so glad to be surrounded by people who support me. And who understand the craziness that is running. I still ran today, just not my 7. I was supposed to run what I ended up running today TOMORROW, so I'll just switch.

So its not that bad you guys.

The whole point of running/working out is to keep on going.

Remember?

eat clean, train dirty, & keep at it.

Keeping at it includes keeping at it when you go through bad days and days when you feel like you've failed. Don't think of it like failing. Think of it as succeeding at something else.  You went out there and tried despite whats going on. And that is a lot more than giving up without even trying.

So on days when you reverse the saying and eat dirty, train clean, & not keep at it, just remember that you have tomorrow. That one day of messing up, or not accomplishing what your calendar (which can be revised) says you "have" to do, doesn't undo all the other 8 months of eating clean & training dirty. Not one day is wasted! Even if you think its a fail, it isn't wasted.  Trust me. If you're out there and really doing  your thing and one day you "fail" its probably you're body begging for rest. In my case, its my body begging for rest from having too much fun in So-Cal. But hey, I tried and I don't think I failed, I just succeeded at something else.

Don't focus on that one day of "fail" when you have 8 months of win! I don't think its a fail. I don't think that you can really fail if you go out there and try and keep on trying. Every damn day. Just keep at it!!! You fail when you stop trying.

If you want to know what I did instead of running, I caught up on Jersey Shore, played a round of zombies with Cas, then played FFA & Hardcore with her 9 y/o girl cousin who kicked my ass. I also cooked my food for the week, part of the "eat clean" part. Haha. Its yummy too!

“You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.”

7 MILER FAIL =]

At first I was like...

Then I took jack3d & Gu.

Then I ran... 2 miles

and gave up!

Should I be talking about motivation when I failed on 7 miler?

Why not?

The day is not over. This just means my miles for today will be 9 miles instead of 7.  I'll be damned not cat if I don't get that 7 miler in.

I know long runs are the most important for marathon training and I'm only screwing myself up so close to the game if I keep on shocking my body for long runs. I skipped running last week cuz I was in So-Cal for the majority of it and I had to hide form Mr. Curry-man. Don't ask. I had every intention of getting my miles in, Glendale is a beautiful place to run in, I really just had to hide.

Anyway, like I said, I'm determined to get my 7 miles in.  Either treadmill or outside.

I made a couple of mistakes for that 2 mile run. I drank jack3d which I should be cycling off from because I've been taking jack3d for a month now.  And I didn't hydrate.  It was hot when I ran. Like super hot. And as you can tell, I run in shorts but I wear a long sleeved jacket & a tech tee when I run. The tech tee wicks away the sweat, but the jacket is this wind breaker kind of material that doesn't let it evaporate. Its like a wearable sauna and it got me dehydrated really fast.

But its okay! I my have failed that 7 miler, but I owned that 2 miler!

=]

It is NEVER hopeless =]

PS. I ran in my Kinvara 2, I may have a new favorite shoe <3I did a lot of sprinting in those 2 miles to make up for the fact that I gave up, and to test the shoe out, and dang!!! It is like running on puppies! I do need to get higher socks for them tho, but other than that- LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I'm doing a shoe review very soon. Probably with in this week!!! Also, if I got a dollar for however many honks I get everytime I run (I run partially outside till I get to the park) that Enterprise truck today would have made me at least $100. Thanks buddy, but I didn't want that stare as much as I want that $100.

Strength Training 08/08/11 & Music Monday

This is how I felt about today's P90x session! It was bleh! But at least I did my best. Now to just forget the rest. I've been alternating just upper body stuff every other day.  Today was Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps.  I really wanted to make it count, and I know it still does even tho I feel iffy about it, because I seriously ate not so cleanly yesterday, Saturday, & Friday. Calorie wise, I'm still below 2000, which is a big step from max 1200, but it wasn't clean food at all. I had ice cream!!! I haven't had legit ice cream in a while. I also had cake! Haven't had legit cake in a while either! Then last night I had Swedish pancakes! I haven't had pancakes, Swedish too, in a while either. I know my body hates me, but I needed some sort of break. Its back to the grind now. Which is a very good thing.

I haven't had a P90x session in a while where I didn't feel like puking after. I think I need to cycle off jack3d too. I decreased from 1.5 scoops of jack3d back to 1 but I still feel like puking. Maybe cuz I do it on an empty stomach.

It is all good tho. I'm seeing a difference in my arms and I'm so glad I am because I don't like my arms. I know theres no such thing as "targeted" fat loss, but I know I can tighten up my muscles and pull everything in till the fat falls off my arms =] Oh happy joy joy. That keeps me going. Seeing results and just knowing that I'm doing this for me by me. I also need to get some adjustable weights!

Keeps me going!

Time to protein shake and shower.

PS. I link this on Twitter & Facebook because I love hearing from y'all. I have many of you messaging me questions about 2 main things: motivation & what to eat.  I'll have posts on that coming up. I swear! Especially the food stuff! Haha. But yeah, keep going you guys! Keep going!!! Happy 100th post to me =]

MUSIC MONDAY!!!

 

I have a mix that a friend gave me and this song was on it and I really liked it. I really like it for working out because all I do is WIN WIN WIN!!!

Still Learning...

Today, I got told by a nutritionist to do two things a)eat more b)eat more carbs.

Normal people's reaction would be like "I just got told by a nutritionist to eat more! Not just that, but eat more carbs!"

DREAM. COME. TRUE.

Me? I'm just worried. I have a draft of that promised food post but I'm hesistant to publish it because I'm still learning here. Obviously I have a lot to learn.

I seem to be loosing weight in 10 pound increments and every time I'm about to, I have a hard time getting those last couple of pounds out. I'm not sure if its because I'm increasing intensity or what in running and just subconsciously [is that possible?] eating more but I'm really trying to stick to my 1200 calories and low carb way of eating. I'm constantly tired and hungry lately and since I hit that plateau, I've been sad and worried and really cut back on calories.

So I was told to get at least 1800 calories and get half of those calories from carbs.

I made no promises to apply what I heard but I refuse to let my training go to waste. I want to make sure I'm fueled properly for my runs and still maintain that weight loss. I want to get rid of at least 5 (ideally 10) more pounds before race day. I should be able to hit 10 if I'm really strict, but August is my birthmonth and its a month long celebration!!! So maybe I'll listen if it helps my performance but thats a lot of carbs.

At least I won't feel bad when I bite into a cheese roll from Portos!

Hey, the doctor told me so.

Haha. Just kidding. I'll probably apply what I was told but keep my food super clean save for that one week celebration. Have to scale back from one month to a week, but the marathons are coming up! Yes, marathonS!!! I decided to do another half on October to get a series medal!



PS. Today is rest day. I can feel my body begging for rest. I don't think people like me are supposed to be putting this much strain on their body. I have no clue what "ease into training" means. Just jump in head first. Do or die!!! Also updated race calendar! I'm doing a 5k a week before my half. Or maybe a 10k. Its for the church I grew up in.

Training Run 08/04/11

I'm getting concerned over my splits. My first mile was at 12:xx and my last mile was at 14:xx.

I'm not going to put up excuses reasons why I think that happened but this close to the half, a little over a month, I should get serious about properly doing EVERYTHING which includes pre & post fueling and just treating everything like its go time and seriously incorporating some speed work.

I know that I'm not going to be the fastest out there, and I can come in dead last for all I care as long as I finish, but I do want to make sure that I put in work because I know I am capable of finishing and I am capable of doing a lot better of what I believe I can do.

13.1 miles is crazy. I wouldn't have thought I would be doing a half this soon, but why not.

Training "Run" 08/02-03/11

Yesterday, I did hill sprints. It was crazy and I'm pretty sure I was pretty dumb about it because now my right achilles hurt. But its totally okay! I had a lot of fun doing it. And my glutes were hurting, but it was so worth it.  I'm thinking I need to start incorporating something that will help me even a little bit with my speed. I'll take what I can. I wanted to run my 4 miles yesterday but I didn't. So I did hill work and was planning to do my four today. However, I still can't do much with my achilles after hill sprints the other day. It kinda sucks, but it is what is. But I still managed to walk some this morning and then a random hike at night.

Also did ab ripper. As much as I love saying "crunchy frogs," doing them is puke inducing. Seriously.

Anyway, didn't really care for time today. I walked with my sister in the morning and walked with a bunch of my other friends for the hike, so its nothing I wanted to time. We were slow tho. But its all good. From going to zero to 3.74 miles of trail is crazy. They were saying how their glutes & calves & hammies hurt. But over all today, I did 7.69 miles of walking. Thats the nike+ official. Unofficially its at least 9. Did a lot of walking today to cool off my right achilles. But its all good! I plan on running tomorrow =]

Where they filmed The Lion King

Where they filmed Pocahontas

Where they go fishing?

Route Video

I also found out that Mueller makes kin tape now! Its on sale so I grabbed two boxes. KT Tape- the brand- is expensive!!! I think I'll make those my race day tape and the Mueller ones my training tape. Haha!

Off to sleep!

August Goals

It is August!

It is the first of August! And since August is such an awesome month, I decided what a better time to start setting monthly goals?

August Goals

• Improve my 5k time by at least 5 minutes, 10 is what I want, but 5 is realistic!
• P90x 3x time a week.
• Cut at least 10 more pounds!

As you can tell, I'm focusing on three things one from each running, strength training, & weight cutting.

I wanted to add run at least 25 miles a week to my running goals but I'm in marathon training and I don't want to deviate too much from that. 25 because I'm turning 25 this month! I'm excited for the half marathon. Its 47 days away.  Lately, I've been really happy that I've been training and just doing it because I'm my own cheerleader. I know my fam & friends are all supportive and happy for me, but they see more of the weight motivation than running just because I can. At this point, if running does anything for me, its my peace of mind and satisfaction in knowing that yes, I can.

P90x is something I'm getting back into.  I need to lay off jack3d for a while tho. I'm getting immune to it.  But as for strength training, my upper body strength! My arms need all the help they can get too. Plus a stronger core for running will be good.  I just want to be consistent with it.  I'm getting back there on the 8-10 pound weights as opposed to bands-8 pounds.  I'm maxing out on my bands, which means I'm getting there again. Which means a set of weights is in my future! I'm excited to get work out gear. I think its a motivation I have.  Drop 10 lbs? Buy new gear! Weights getting too easy? Get heavier weights! The fancy kind! Now I know why I have two jobs. Haha!

For weight loss, I want to drop 10 more pounds because of the marathon. That would put me in a very good place mentally for the marathon. Don't get me wrong, I'm a long way from where I came from weight wise ::does happy dance:: but its getting harder pushing miles and still being at 1200 calories max daily. Its hard! I burned 911 calories during my recorded run yesterday, plus my approximately 1800 basal metabolism, and I did P90x. I was so hungry last night. Its hard to be at 1200, but I want to keep at it. I'm actively listening to my body tho, I don't want to hurt myself.

Anyway, those are my goals for August for each area that I want to work on.  I'm excited to be in another month. August is my favorite month because there are so many people with birthdays, and fall is usually hitting at the end of August and its just a beautiful month filled with beautiful people. In this last month before my half marathon, I'm looking forward to doing it up big training wise. I can't wait.

Dear White SUV Driver,

Being from Cali where everything and everyone, including the common garden snail, is in a hurry, I understand that your time is precious. I really do. My time is precious too.

But when I've been training and working hard for a half marathon a little over a month from now, and on what is supposed to be my rest day, I decided to run the mile and half to & from the store to get a can of coconut juice [not Zico! Stuff is nasty!] and you almost run me over when I had my "walk" sign on because you choose to not look before turning... well, yes, I'll be mad. I didn't train this long, this hard so that I can't run the half marathon because you decide not to look both ways before turning and ignoring that "walk" signal I had. It also doesn't help that you smile at me. Like thats going to get you anywhere with me. Your freakin SUV was so close to me that I could feel the air as you drove by. I could see the plaque on your teeth and that hair on your mole. I wanted to throw a rock at your car, but I didn't.

So yes, I understand that your time is precious. So is mine. But know this, life is precious; especially mine, EVERYONE'S life is precious. Next time you decide to turn, look both ways. Its not that hard. It was broad daylight, I'm wearing a bright ass pink shorts and a white jacket. I'm 5'6" tall and highly visible. Its not that hard to look both ways before turning.

I would like to live to see my 25th birthday please.

Sincerely,

Very Angry Runner

PS. As much as I hate looping in the park. Looks like thats where I will be at for a while.