4.5 Training Run

Schedule called for a 4.5  miles. I tweaked my ankle around  mile 3. Isn't that lovely?  I can totally tell that I haven't improved my time because I haven't done fartlek or hills in a while. I'm pretty upset about it, but I can wallow in my upset-ness or change.

I'll pick the later.

My "local" Nike Run store had speed training this past Sunday but due to ridiculous gas prices, I'm in California, so its highest in the country, I decided not to go. I say "local" because its the closest Nike store to me that has a run club. Its pretty far tho.  I feel the need to insert this disclaimer: SoCal far & NorCal far are very different. NorCal means distance far.  SoCal far means time. I travel back & forth the two, and me and a friend had a late night discussion on this. It was hilarious, but to us it makes sense. I'm still laughing about it.

Anyway, back to speed training. A friend suggested we do this at the track:

I'm the type of person who is down for anything! And if you don't know what that is, its a running parachute. Goes around your waist and the parachute creates resistance. Its pretty much resistance training for running! The more you train with it, the faster you'll be with out it! Makes for great sprinters and to just build speed. I of course being the Nike fan girl, has to have the Nike one. I hope I can hunt it down. I tried one that is generic, but it looks like a circus tent. It went back to the store. Like I said I'm pretty much down to try anything, but I'm afraid that when I "for serious" do the chute, as oppose to half hearted tries, when the chute opens, it will pull me back instead of me pulling the chute! This can created 15lbs of resistance. But I know as I build more muscle and drop some more fat, I'll be more compact. Not necessarily lighter, but more compact! If you know where to find these Nike chutes for the cheap, let me know!

So yeah, speed training will occur! But today, I just ran until I tweaked my ankle. It hurts, I'm about to wrap it right now when I find my bandage. Its one of those things that will go away over night but for now it hurts. I wanted to do the last mile up and down the steep stairs at the park, I did one round and my ankle was in pain.  I'm probably going to switch up my shoes too so that my feet don't get to used to the support of the Glides and I can correct my form. I'm thinking that its my pronation as well. I was able to correct it and I'm probably just being dependent on the support of the glides. So I'll use my Pumas or Kinvara or even my Frees to remind myself to land right. If not, whatever. I'll be okay!

Pre-run! I had work early morning and last I ate was at 9:15 am, I ran around 3. So I needed that GU. I used to train fasted all teh time. I'll just eat a GU. I can't eat anything 2 hours before a run, I just feel nasty. I didn't run with the hat tho, I always dress too warm when I run and I get irritated and go home. I'm anemic so I get cold easily, but I always end up getting super warm during my run.

Post run I had this:

I was really hungry and was looking for a bigger meal but this hit the spot for some weird reason. Two slices of cinnamon raisin bread, the Ezekiel kind, a wedge of brie, almonds, & ham. I don't normally eat pork but I wanted some meat.

Then I had to do this:

Because I get cold post workout. I was reading about it, and it just happens to some people. It was a very cool scientific explanation. I'll look for the link again, but it has something to do with the body trying to protect itself.

Anyway, later lovely people!

Have a strong day (-;

Running & Strength Training 10/04/11

I woke up today and this greeted me:

So I decided to go out and run/walk/jog for 15 minutes. Not set distance or pace, just get out there in rain and in the cold and have fun for 15 minutes.  So I laced up my Lunarglide +2, shoes I don't mind if they were to get dirty or wet.

It was cold and I'm trying to be careful with my immune system because its on the weak side right now so I wore some long socks. I love my long socks.  They keep me warm. These aren't my compression socks. I actually took them from my brother, they were his soccer referee socks. Haha. They are big and loose but they keep me warm.

This also greeted me outside

Loving those clouds! It was just a light drizzle when I left and it actually stopped during my run.  But man, I love this weather. As much as I want to stay under my warm blanket and just sleep in, this weather is begging for a run or just some outside time.  Plus I want to get summer body read. So excited for this summer. Don't ask why, I don't have any solid plans, but I know things will fall together. I have a feeling I'm going to be in SoCal a lot, again. I want to take up surfing or something in the water. I'm terrified of sharks, NorCal beaches are shark territories, and drowning but I haven't seen a shark yet or drowned.

Anyway, I did 15 minutes worth of stuff. I actually logged just a mile but it was more than a mile. My time was dismal, but like I said, I wasn't focused on that.  When I was about to turn the corner home, this started playing:

And of course when Sandstorm starts playing, the legs start pushing! Sprinted the last few home and when I got home I was sweaty like heck.  I love power songs.  I have so many that pretty soon my running/workout playlist will all be power songs that I'll just have no choice but to run like hell all the way through! I also always forget that no matter how cold it is, if you put in honest work, you'll be hot. I wore my over sized long sleeve white tee again over my compression tank (+ sports bra = compressed to the max = sweat) and damn. I was sweating bullets.  I love this white tee. I have no clue where it came from, I just found it. Its a guys tee too and I feel like I'm drowning in fabric when I run but its so comfy.

Theres my favorite white tee and my pink in ear ear buds! You guys know how much I rock pink when I run or work out! Ignore my chapped lips. I always get chapped lips during the winter and no amount of chapstick, EOS, BurtsBees, Vaseline can fix it. Its annoying as hell but its what I got. Is there such things as prescription chapstick?

Got home and decided that I have time and energy to do some P90x! Took jack3d, by the way, I can't wait to finish this jar so I can try new flavors, and did some arms & shoulders.  I know I've been doing arms & shoulders forever but I really want to work out my arms. I should do my other upper body work outs tho. I know it all works together but damn, I want my arms to lean out.  I'm also kinda annoyed at my legs.  This is going to sound stupid complaining but I'm loosing a lot of fat from the mid section, which is great. Don't get me wrong its great but I was hoping to loose a good amount from my arms and legs too. Legs I'm not too worried because I run, but my arms. I know they are shrinking because my clothes tell me so and I have muscles and I'm getting stronger and my tape measure tells me so, but damn. I want to "be there" already.  I just need to remember that most of the fun is in getting there. It takes work, but not gonna lie, its hella fun.

Heres some fun proof:

PROTEIN SHAKE POWER! Haha! Yes I love my crazy facial expressions too. I'm one of the most animated person you will ever meet. I'm a walking cartoon! Or so I've been told, I just wear my heart on my sleeve and apparently my heart is very crazy 8-)

Anyway, this girl and her over sized long sleeved & white tee will see you soon! Love you guys!

Have a strong day!

Craziness brought to you by endorphins & the natural crazies <3

Strength Training 09/29/11

I was supposed to do chest, shoulders, & triceps, but I just did shoulders & arms and then ab ripper. I didn't want to do push ups. I hate push ups. I would rather do ab ripper. The only thing I don't like about ab ripper is that my spine cracks. I think I don't stretch enough or my posture is wrong, but my spine cracks and it hurts. My ab hurts too, but well, thats the point right?!

Anyway, I'm going to run a 5k tomorrow because I haven't been running and I need to get back on that running thing if not, I'm going to go crazy. Is there a reason that my left leg is giving me problems form my hip to my knee? I haven't been straining it or anything. Its just giving me really bad problems. I know I can push through it, its just scary. I don't want to get my legs stretched out by a kinesiologist again. It hurts like a mother even if it feels good.

Speaking of running, I'm sorry Lunarglide+ 2

I have pretty much resigned you to work out shoes! You're still comfy as heck but your +3 brother is a lot better for long runs. But then again, I haven't done any solid long runs post half. So maybe I'll use you if I don't want to dirty my +3, like in the rain or in the trails!

Anyway, I had my protein shake and as always, I'm never hungry post P90x. Its just weird, I'm going to eat tho since I'm not going to get to eat till after 4.

See y'all later! Have a strong day!

Reminder for cat: stretch. Maybe your spine won't crack so much during ab ripper.

PS! I'm eating greek yogurt, and nasty! Don't get this brand!!! I love greek yogurt but this one is just weird. They put gelatin in it.The taste isn't that fun. If I'm going to eat it, it has to taste good and be good for me. Bleh! I'm finishing it tho. I'm not hungry and I needa eat.

Random Mental Running Thoughts

“Most of those in our society who intentionally set out to hurt themselves are locked up for their own protection. The rest, we call runners.” -Scott Radley

I haven't ran a mile yet. I'm still doing the post half marathon shuffle when I walk around. But it isn't as bad as I expected which both saddens and is okay with me.

I know I could have done a whole lot better pace wise. Like I mentioned below, I've been doing this alone for a while now. The thing is, I hated doing it alone, but now that I'm used to it, I don't want to do it with others just because I'm used to being alone. When I ran my last "5k," I paced with someone and i smashed my mile time and surprisingly, I wasn't tired or burnt out and I kept on going. I realize that at this point, when I have someone there pushing me, I do a lot better. I realized that I'm not pushing myself hard enough.

That takes a big hit on my ego. I mean big. For a while now, I've been my own cheerleader.  Its been me & the road or me & the weights. I mean for a while now.  But realized that in terms of running I've lost that drive to push myself or I haven't been pushing myself is a huge disappointment for me. I'm continuously kicking myself mentally. I know i could have kept my 10-11  minute per mile pace during my half. I know I could have sub 3 and even 2:30. I'm angry at myself because the last run I did prior to the half, I paced with someone and kicked ass. Why do I need someone else to help me do my best? Its a big blow to my ego. I always say for me by me! I guess I just need to swallow some of my ego and accept the fact that running is part of who I am and I know who I am.

I know that I love people. I'm a very social creature and I love to share life, hence the blog.  I always say people are my treasures. The morning of the half, I was really mentally sad and alone and seeing people finish with family and friends around them just made me more sad and alone. I'm also the type to do or die things and when I have something that affects me that much on an emotional and mental level, I like put up walls stronger than a bank vault. I'll man up and try to act all hardcore and be all tough and pretend it doesn't matter when it really does. That morning, thats what I did, but by doing that it just affected me that much more. Thats why I left 5 minutes after finishing my run. I didn't want to be surrounded by all that celebration and there I was sitting off to the corner eating the foil that wrapped my burrito.

That's why I share online. That's why I let people know I'm there. Cuz I know it sucks to not have someone there to share your successes or rant your frustrations on. I know how some days were motivated to run or work out and some days its just mentally draining.  I know how agonizing over what new pair of running shoes to buy feels. How dri-fit socks and Body Glide make the difference! And I want you to know that I know. That I'm here to cheer you on.

To those few who cheer me on, thank you. I know this is for me, by me but you have most definitely made this journey so much more fun that it could have been if I was really all by my lonesome.

A look into the future for me now is to rest up. I'm about to P90x, get some jack3d in my system and beast mode on some weights. I'm really excited to get back on that P90x! I want my muscles back! I have a few races lined up already and I also can't wait to get run another half marathon and smash that time. I'm looking to cut like 20-30 minutes off my time because I know I can do it. I just didn't push myself hard enough, and someone reminded me I was sick, for the NorCal run. 

Thats the beauty of running, the road will always be there. Go out there, run, beat your time, run longer distances, just run.

The road will always be there.  The question is, will you?

Random Running Musings

At this time next Sunday, September 18, I would hope to be alive and breathing.  For next Sunday, at 6 am in the morning, I would be awake anticipating my first ever half-marathon.

13.1 miles. Never has that seem so possible for me. Up to now, it still doesn't seem possible. My longest run has been 10 miles and as of late, I haven't had the motivation or the drive to do long runs.

Am I screwing myself over? Probably. But what is done is done and it is now time to do or die.

I prefer the "do" part, but to die doesn't seem half as bad either.

So yesterday, I ran a 5K. It was just for a local church and it wasn't marked properly so according to my Nike+ GPS Sportswatch, I only ran 1.66 miles. But the best part to me was having someone to pace with. I paced with my friend who has a definition of "easy" as 8 minute per mile. Since it was just a "super easy" day, it was 10 minute per mile pace and I was able to crank out a 10:07 minute mile with surprisingly no problem. I had problems with my hip-flexors after. The knee I've learned to just deal with it, but the hip flexors really hurt. Ice did the trick, I'm interested in seeing how I'm going to fare come the half, but yeah. 

I think I've been running for so long alone that I have settled into this comfortable rhythm. I need to go back to learning to push myself again.  Its for me, by me. I feel like this journey, is really "lonely" but at the same time its not. The event I'm attending is the inaugural event an they are expecting 2,000 runners.  The Pasadena event was a huge event with thousands and thousands of runners. But that 5 hours of community doesn't compared to the hours and hours and hours of alone time that runners put in for training. I never realized how lonely running was. Maybe I'm just sad right now. Its really hot!

Anyway, yeah, I think I'll be signing up for a lot of smaller races so that I can constantly (at least every other month have an event to run) be pushed by a community. I love people, and I always say people are my treasures, just realized how much hours I've spent by myself running the roads. Its crazy!

Anyway, for those who know me, I work in the design/art field. As a matter of fact, I'm supposed to be working on design comps right now. Anyway, I'm always in love with things visual and it doesn't matter if I'm tore up from the floor up running, I still want to appear good, a.k.a. look like I know what I'm doing.

Here is part of my set up for my half-marathon:

Matte hot pink nails to match my hot pink shoes!!! Or if you are Nike, "solar red."  So excited, I'll post up the entire thing before or after my half. All I'm saying is if I pass out and my ID & bib falls off my body, I'll be dressed all coordinated & stuff.  I'm debating what shirt I should wear. I still have to buy it but I'm debating between white, hot pink, or black. I really like the idea of black because I have pink accessories and pink running shorts, but its so hot! I don't want to sweat like crazy or attract unnecessary heat. 

Anyway, yeah. I'm going to go run in about 2/3 hours or whenever the temperature goes down. I think I have pretty much given up on long runs. And after my half, I'm not sure what I'll do, but hopefully my bad ass switch turns back on again.

Training Run 09/07/11

I did 2 miles.

The first mile, I just jogged my heart out. I got 10:31 pace, which is 31 seconds slower than my not Nike+ official mile.  But is 29 seconds faster than my official 11:00 in my Nike+ official mile.

Then my left leg, its always the left leg, decided that its done. So I walked/jogged the rest of the 2 miles, my 2nd mile was an ugly 16 minutes. UGLY! What didn't help is this insane heat! Its already like 80+ & its not even noon. I am sweating buckets and my shirt was soaked.  I feel bad for the fam in SoCal, its going to hit 106! Crazy! Anyway, the pain on my IT band is weird.  Its like a dull pain and I feel it even when I'm stationary. I really need to go see a doctor or something.  I feel it in my sleep. That is why I don't want to push it.  I'm terrified of overuse injury, I'm not sure if I can get at least a 10 miler in before the 18th, 11 days away, but I'm going to try. I was reading if the pain goes away, keep running. If it doesn't go away, run to the doctor. The pain goes away, if I stop running. If I keep running it hurts, a lot.

I don't want to be lame about this, but I want my half over so I can say I did a half and I won't be intimidated as I am now. I feel like I'm wimping out on the half. And part of me wants to just say forget it and just stop running for a while, but thats only robbing myself of the awesomeness known as running. Thats not going to happen anytime soon. I know and recognize a lot of it is mental and its possible part of that mental fear is leaking into my physical body. Sometimes I feel like I "have no place" being out there, wearing a bib, running. Its just lame self-esteem issues. I know what it is, but it still gets the best of me at times. At least I went out there you know, ran 2 miles, just multiply that 6.5 times, and I'll be gold. I just need to get over this and take it as it is, complete the event and tada! I have the first of many half marathons under my belt. 11


And a bit of encouragement for me and everyone:

“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.”
  — Steve Prefontaine

I don't know what to do, but I'm going to definitely KT tape the day of the run. I'm hoping it helps. I'm going to try for 10, and see if I can do 13 miles, tomorrow & Friday. If I can't do it then, I'm going to do or die that half.

One thing I need to work on is fueling properly. My weight has been the same the past week and its pissing me off cuz I still want to drop in terms of weight, but I know that I will drop just not as fast as when I was crazy not eating, plus I'm not running as much cuz of my left leg.

Damn left leg.

I woke up today hungry and took a GU before I ran and a handful of peanuts. It helped. I woke up and I wasn't tired. I wanted to keep going but my leg and that insane heat was too much.

Anyway, I'm going to try to do a night run in a different route tonight. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

And here is my schedule:

• Thursday- attempt to do a 10 miler, 13 if possible, at least 5.
• Friday- rest or repeat above if I failed Thursday
• Saturday- Mission Walk 5k
• Sunday- Nike Run Club! Dress your level day! I'm level orange! I'm excited. I get free orange laces! Haha.

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 08/21/11

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.

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!

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.

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!

Training Run 07/31/11

6 miles DONE! Its not the best but I was somewhat consistent with my times which I'm proud of. In Pasadena my marathon pace was 13:00/m, so I'm anticipating that for my half, I'll be somewhere between 11:30-12:30, or more realistically 12:00-13:00/m. I hope so at least because I would discouraged if I didn't improve on that 13:00 pace. I'm already pretty disappointed that my training runs are at more than 13:00/m. But I have to remember where I came from at almost an hour for a 5k. That is super half assed! Maybe not have half assed, that was just like rolling on the floor status of a joke for a pace and now I did six miles in 1 hr 18 min when before that would have gotten me like 4 miles! You'll never know how far you've come until you look up and look back. I chose to be proud of whatever I can do now because its mine. For me, by me. Need to remember that. I need not to compare myself to others to make myself feel better. Haha. I'm uniquely me!

splits

this is my running route! =]

Ran this in my Lunarglides and I'm still very unsure about these shoes. My right foot felt weird around mile 5, just my right foot tho. Like I could feel EVERYTHING under my foot. But I did appreciate the support and bounciness of the shoe! Maybe I just need to put on my Free runs and do a short run on the dreadmill later just to compare.

I actually walked to the park, did some joke of a stretching (I normally don't stretch since I use my walking to the parking to justify not doing so, but I know I should stretch), ran my six, and cool down was walking back home. I'm not that tired. I know I can keep going but I was getting bored. Haha. I so don't like looping at the lake, and I hate running there in the weekends cuz there are more cars and some drivers are stupid and irresponsible. I'm not tired, but I just wanted to get in doors.

I wore a white long sleeve because it was so cloudy when I left and it was still cloudy when I finished but the shirt was 100% cotton and it was some random shirt I found in my room a guys long sleeve crew neck and guys shirt have a higher neckline. I was dripping sweat and the shirt is now gross. But at least it kept me cool and my skin from not getting any darker. I really need to get an Under Armour shirt with UPF protection. I don't mind my legs getting darker because frankly, I get hot easily and I'm going to get irritable and not run. But I mind my upper body. My skin is really sensitive and its getting really dry and blotchy from running out doors.

Its all good tho! All good!

Now its time to eat some egg white omelet and then research up food for post run recovery and post strength training recovery and just eating in general. Have to get that done for me and for those people who has been patiently waiting for that promised food post. Lols!

PS. I had bitter melon, ampalaya, omelet post run. I am indeed a masochist! It was just bitter melon, tofu, & egg whites. It was really bitter even if I salted the ampalaya prior to get rid of some bitterness. Truth be told, I was craving it! Gonna read up now & P90x later. Its a good and beautiful day, as always!

07/29/11 Training Run

Today was supposed to be a rest day but I wanted to do at least 2 miles. As per the norm right now, no negative split and a really bad 2nd mile. But its okay. I made a couple of mistakes. First one, don't wear cotton shirt under a windbreaker. Its like a freakin' sauna. Second, I got some moisture wicking socks that I think are supposed to be liners but I wore them alone and my foot kept on sliding around my shoe. It wasn't fun.  But its okay. Well, its not. I'm disappointed in my performance, but I mean, like I said... ITS MINE <3<3<3 I don't know anyone in this household that ran 2 miles today and will do P90 before going to bed.

In my head I wanted to do 10 miles. I have a lot of "clearing" in the head to do and how better to do that than run?

If you're in pain, go faster. It won't hurt less but it will end sooner.

Anyway.

My hamstrings are totally beat from yesterdays run. I actually tried to push through hills and just push in general. I've gotten into counting in my head while running because I can't find my mp3 player. So I'll jog 100 paces, walk 50 and repeat. Different variations of too. Whatever whimsy is in my head that day.

So my hamstrings and glutes are totally in pain right now. I'm about to put on my compression socks and lounge. Truth be told, I'm having a hard time pushing myself DURING my runs. Not to run, because I would always want to run, but during my runs. I'm not sure why. Actually, I know why, but I'll keep that to myself. Its just one of those things that are more mental than physical. I can look past the physical pain because theres such thing as pain killers, compression socks and icy hot. Its the mental stuff that gets to me. I think it only happens during my shorter runs because on my long runs I'm too in pain to notice the mental stuff. Haha. But its okay! I have about 50, or less, days before my first ever half! Nor-Cal Marathon! Woot! Then Hollywood Half in April which has a 3 hour time limit which I'm kinda scare of. But well see how that goes. If ever, I'll sell my voucher. LOLs!

I'm going to eat something small and P90x tonight around 9 because I CAN!

I want to sleep like a baby. I'm aiming for 5 miles tomorrow and I want to do it before the heat settles.

That is the picture of my new socks! Its Fila from Ross. But its okay that its Fila cuz it was cheap and it is moisture wicking! Yay! But I guess they are more for lining. They were kinda thin. I want the cushioning in the toes =] But hey, they match! And it came in three pairs and one of them is blue and match my Frees or Faas! All of them are grey =]

07/28/11 Training Run

Ran 4 miles. More like walked. But whatever, I was out there! Where were you?! Haha. Just kidding. I can't find my mp3 player and ran lonely today. I had a good time listening to my body tho but hearing me breathe is ewe!

I'm not giving up on the Lunarglides. Still ran with them. Was tempted to put on the Frees, but I'm hoping Lunarglides will be my "long distance" shoes. I'll do my long run (6 miles) this weekend with the LG, then next weekend (6 miles) with my Frees and see what happens.

I'm not too worried about time, even tho I still couldn't/didn't manage a negative split this run. I started out at 12:xx at mile 1 and finished mile 4 at 15:xx. That is such awful times, I feel like I'm doing Pre a disservice, but its okay. I'm not Pre and this is me for me! To think It would take me 55 minutes to do a 3 miler before and now I'm at 4. Thats progress. Its not where I want to be, but its better! And better is better! Haha.

Thats about it. I'm kinda getting anxious about this half, but I've come anticipate that and embrace it! I'm so looking forward to it! I'm kinda hoping they open up at least a 10k, 5k is better, so that I can convince people to do it. Its hard to convince non-runners to do a half with me. But its okay.

Work in a hour then P90x when I get home! I want to be fly like a G6!

PS. Charles gave me a mix that his cousin made and its freakin' epic working out music! I was feeling it during P90x yesterday. The thing is, its an hour long and my 4 gb mp3 player would need some extensive cleaning! LOL! But its awesome.

PPS. Very little things feel better than peeling off two layers of sports bra after putting in a ton of work. Its like sticky sweat being lifted out of your body... beast!!!

07/27/11 Training Run

I wanted to do 5 miles but my legs wouldn't let me.

I'm wondering if switching between neutral shoes (Free Runs) and stability shoes (Lunarglides) have anything to do with the pain.

I've only put 5 miles on my LG as opposed to like a million on my frees, so the shoe isn't broken in yet, but I'm missing the arch support of the Frees.

Like I mentioned before, I want the Lunarglides to work because they look fly. And I have the LG 3 on the way! Black & pink is a sick color way. Not the black, pink, & blue, just black & pink! However, if Frees and the FAAS 300 (neutral shoes) are what my feet like, I'm just going to cancel those LG3 and customize a 2nd set of Frees.

Or maybe its all mental. I can't seem to get a negative split in the park since I'm looping and lapping as opposed to one giant loop. I manage to get negative splits when I ran in the neighborhood. I need to pick up runners pepper spray tho. Stupid ghetto as folks who hold up people on gunpoint in broad daylight. Blah!!!

Anyway, my time was bad. Mile 1 was 13:55 and mile 2 was 15:52.

-_-

I'm so sad about the time, but like I said my feet were hurting. You know the side of your calves? They are hurting like a mofo. I usually wear compression socks to sleep but my only pair right now is dirty (washing em) and my other pair is I have no clue where the f'ck it is cuz I didn't get a tracking number.

But anyway, whats done is done. I'll wake up early tomorrow and try to get a run in. I need to hop back on the calendar, I don't even know what I was supposed to do for today. I was hoping for five miles cuz I didn't get to do my long run this weekend.  That unplanned trip to SoCal threw me off, but it was super worth it! It helped talking to Marathon Mark! He said I'll be okay and just to make sure to log miles and build endurance. Not to worry about time. I'm not worried since the half marathon has a 4 hour time limit or an 18:xx per mile pace. I do have a target time, its < 3:30 so sub 3:30. I'll work that out to negative splits when time draws closer (52 more training days!). He also said that I'll probably get by without too much training and then when I do my 2nd half, I'll get cocky and won't train and then I'll suffer. LOLs! But he got me excited about running. I think training is a big part of it for me since I love endorhpins, and the race events (expo included) are just cherry on top. I'm going to hit up (try to!) the SF Marathon expo and also the SJ Rock & Roll expo! Free swag & inspiration baby!

Anyway, yeah. That was my crummy run today. Or more like walk.

I also got bit by an ant in the nape of my neck and it was a big ugly ant and it hurts!

Time to wash all my workout clothes and wash myself and look forward to tomorrows workout!

Anyway, here is a GPOY cuz I got more Nike gear in. And yes, I bought into the whole Nike thing. I seriously should buy stock in Nike.

Funny story about those Nike compression shorts. I bought them on clearance and got em in the mail. Tried em on, they fit fine. Didn't actually use them for a week and now they are too big to be compression. Is that a good or bad thing? They make nice shorts tho and lining for when I bike or wear shorts with no lining. They are the Pro-Combat shorts. I have also learned to appreciate my thighs because I put those suckers to work. Besides my calves, my thighs are gaining a lot of definition and I've embraced them. If I could "spot" treat fat without getting lipo, I think my legs would be like muscular. I'm looking forward to that fat on my legs going bye bye! Strong calves are awesome! Ten years from now, I'm going to be carrying my kids upstairs and no chicken legs is going to be able to carry/drag five kids up stairs! 40, 50 years from now, I'm going to be carrying my grandkids up stairs to our space ship so we can vacation in Mars. And my thighs will still be putting in work. So yeah. No where near where I want to be in terms of my body, but progress is progress. And that, my friends is what its all about =] And yes, those spiel about kids and grand kids is a paraphrase from a Nike ad. Told you I bought into the hype!

07/26/11 Training & Random Run

Ran 2 miles just to be out there and running through awesome Glendale!

I wish I lived here!!! I could get used to running by/through the Americana and getting coffee hook ups from a friend who works at Starbucks! But I had chocolate milk and had it mid run, which didn't help my 2nd mile at all. But it was yummy organic chocolate milk!

Shoe report! I ran with my Lunarglides 2, and granted I haven't broken them in, I still really prefer my Frees over them. And the LG3. I think its just cuz I've put so much miles on my frees and I'm used to the arch support of the frees. I have high arches which I think goes well with the arch support of the Frees. My calves, the side of them, hurt in the LG2. I'm sure it will go away when I use em some more but they hurt! Enough to force me to walk em out. I'll keep at it tho, Lunarglides are fly lookin' shoes!

Headed home today. Kinda bummed about it since i love where I'm at right now, but its totally okay. I'll be back and running SoCal in no time! If I lived here I would go crazy running. Nice weather, sweet neighborhood, Portos near by, security at Americana if i want to run around that area... I'm in love with Glendale! It comes close to Pasadena!

07/25/11 Training Run

Ran in Glendale! I loved it! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Granted I haven't ran in a while and this was really turtle pacing it.

I ran in my LG2 and kinda pushed it and didn't stretch and my calves were feeling it, but I also haven't ran since Friday morning and been eating really unhealthy.

Ran with my friend Mark, who is getting married THIS WEEKEND, congrats Mark & Camille!!! He will be known as Marathon Mark and he pushed me well considering I had a bagel as my pre run food. But its okay, it was fun and its good to have motivation from outsiders from time to time. Someone who understands! I can't wait till he visits with Camille and run again! I'm going to be stronger & faster!

Anyway. I'm running again tomorrow! Should be fun! Then head home and just knock out.