It was perfect running weather this morning. Even though I only ran 5 instead of the 8 or 9 I was planning on running, it was great. I slept in and didn’t have time for the longer run. It was a cool 61 degrees when I went out and I enjoyed every minute of it.
My new Garmin 305 should be here tomorrow. I finally decided on the 305 after hearing of more issues with the 405. That and I had enough money saved up for the 305 too! Depending on when it gets here tomorrow, I may use it at the BMW 2 Miler tomorrow night. I’ll be anxious to see how my ‘calculated’ distances match up to the GPS. I hope I have been running further than I think!
We have a busy racing schedule coming up, so I hope the cool weather holds out. As of right now we have the following races on the schedule:
9/19 - BMW 2 Miler
10/4 - Clemson Downhill 1 Mile
10/11 -Furman Blue Shoes 5K
10/25 - Spinx Runfest (Half for me, 5K for Lee)
After that, I need to look around. I hope there is a Turkey Trot in Greenville somewhere on Thanksgiving. If not, I may just have to have my own...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Got in 5....
Got a quick (for me anyway) 5 miles in at lunch. The only downside was I didn’t get any lunch!
A Clif bar and fat free popcorn will have to do....
Also got to check on the new dog and see how she is recovering. She is far from 100%, but she is looking better.
A Clif bar and fat free popcorn will have to do....
Also got to check on the new dog and see how she is recovering. She is far from 100%, but she is looking better.
Lazy tail....
By the time we got home from swimming and got Julian in bed it was 11:00. Then I had to finish some work and didn’t get in bed until midnight. When the alarm went off, I just couldn’t get up and run. I was looking forward to the cool weather too...
I hope to do a quick 4 miles for lunch to get some work in. Maybe tomorrow I can go for 8 or so.
I hope to do a quick 4 miles for lunch to get some work in. Maybe tomorrow I can go for 8 or so.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Yoga...
It feels good to be stretched out....
Just when I feel like I have improved my core strength, we have a class like today where I feel my ab muscles shaking like an earthquake.....
At least I only fell once during the balance pose....
Just when I feel like I have improved my core strength, we have a class like today where I feel my ab muscles shaking like an earthquake.....
At least I only fell once during the balance pose....
Off day...
I was going to go out for a short run today, but I heard the rain this morning and decided to give myself a rest after the 10 miles yesterday. I will be going to Yoga today, so that will be enough of a workout. My legs feel good and I haven’t had any pain. Tomorrow I want to go out for 7 miles at a decent pace.
Julian has her last swim meet tonight and then we need to figure out what she is going to do between now and basketball season.
The Biggest Loser starts tonight too, I am glad we have the DVR set up to record it. It is kind of a goofy show, but I really like it. It was one of the things that got me off my tail and moving about a year ago. The one thing I really got from that show is that there is no shortcut. You have to decide you want to get healthier and then follow through. They present unrealistic results because they are in a controlled environment, but that does show you how much of a lifestyle change is required to lose weight.
Someone asked me “Are you through losing weight yet?” Well, I guess the answer is yes, but that doesn’t change anything. I am committed to making sure my lifestyle stays healthy and that requires as much effort as losing the weight did. In fact, it is a little harder because when I was losing weight, it was like a game where I won every week when the scale went down. Now, the focus is on keeping the scale where it is.
Another question I get is “Do you weigh everyday?”. This seems to be a very polarizing issue when I discuss it with other Weight Watchers folks. Weight Watchers only wants you to weigh in once a week because of the normal ups and downs your body has. However, I weigh ever morning and every night. The scale is not what defines me, but it does help keep me on track. It is kind of like running without timing yourself, I need the feedback that I was running fast (for me anyway) or slow. It helps to reinforce the new self image I am trying to develop of a healthy, athletic me.
Julian has her last swim meet tonight and then we need to figure out what she is going to do between now and basketball season.
The Biggest Loser starts tonight too, I am glad we have the DVR set up to record it. It is kind of a goofy show, but I really like it. It was one of the things that got me off my tail and moving about a year ago. The one thing I really got from that show is that there is no shortcut. You have to decide you want to get healthier and then follow through. They present unrealistic results because they are in a controlled environment, but that does show you how much of a lifestyle change is required to lose weight.
Someone asked me “Are you through losing weight yet?” Well, I guess the answer is yes, but that doesn’t change anything. I am committed to making sure my lifestyle stays healthy and that requires as much effort as losing the weight did. In fact, it is a little harder because when I was losing weight, it was like a game where I won every week when the scale went down. Now, the focus is on keeping the scale where it is.
Another question I get is “Do you weigh everyday?”. This seems to be a very polarizing issue when I discuss it with other Weight Watchers folks. Weight Watchers only wants you to weigh in once a week because of the normal ups and downs your body has. However, I weigh ever morning and every night. The scale is not what defines me, but it does help keep me on track. It is kind of like running without timing yourself, I need the feedback that I was running fast (for me anyway) or slow. It helps to reinforce the new self image I am trying to develop of a healthy, athletic me.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Long run done!
I was a little nervous about my weight this weekend since I didn’t exercise after Friday, but everything held up pretty well. Even with the homemade lasagna last night, I maintained my weight....
I did not want to get up this morning when the alarm went off at 5:00, but I managed to get out of bed. Once I am up and walking, I am OK. It is getting out from under the covers that is hard. I took two 8oz bottles of Gatorade in my fuel belt and headed out about 5:15. It was a beautiful morning to run because of the full moon. It was pretty warm and humid though, so I was drenched by the time I hit the three mile mark at the pool. If the cover wasn’t on it, I would probably have jumped in.
I had wanted to get 8.5 in, but I got 10. I felt like I could have easily made it for 13 or 14, but the clock caught up to me. It felt good to get that long of a run in. I had no pain or cramps. I ran negative splits between the first 5 and second 5 and really was moving really well at the end. I think the two days rest did me right.
I am getting close to buying my Garmin, but I am now having some second thoughts about getting the newer model 405.
Or the older model 305...
I have read that the 405’s touch sensitive bezel kind of gets wacky if it gets sweat on it. And if I wear it while running, I will definitely get sweat on it! I also have heard that the 305 is more comfortable and the battery last longer. I think the 405 does have better satellite reception though. I think I am going to go to Fleet Feet and try on the 405 and see what I think...
Tomorrow I want to get a short run in and go to Yoga class...
We have a busy week this week as Bobby starts back in Cub Scouts and has baseball practice tonight. Julian has her last swim meet on Tuesday. We have church on Wednesday and we are running the BMW 2 mile on Friday night. Oh yeah, our newest addition to the family is having her surgery on Tuesday too... Here is a picture of Indy (b&w dog) and her new friend Pearl (on the bed).... I’ll get better pictures when we get a new camera, this came off my phone...
I did not want to get up this morning when the alarm went off at 5:00, but I managed to get out of bed. Once I am up and walking, I am OK. It is getting out from under the covers that is hard. I took two 8oz bottles of Gatorade in my fuel belt and headed out about 5:15. It was a beautiful morning to run because of the full moon. It was pretty warm and humid though, so I was drenched by the time I hit the three mile mark at the pool. If the cover wasn’t on it, I would probably have jumped in.
I had wanted to get 8.5 in, but I got 10. I felt like I could have easily made it for 13 or 14, but the clock caught up to me. It felt good to get that long of a run in. I had no pain or cramps. I ran negative splits between the first 5 and second 5 and really was moving really well at the end. I think the two days rest did me right.
I am getting close to buying my Garmin, but I am now having some second thoughts about getting the newer model 405.
Or the older model 305...
I have read that the 405’s touch sensitive bezel kind of gets wacky if it gets sweat on it. And if I wear it while running, I will definitely get sweat on it! I also have heard that the 305 is more comfortable and the battery last longer. I think the 405 does have better satellite reception though. I think I am going to go to Fleet Feet and try on the 405 and see what I think...
Tomorrow I want to get a short run in and go to Yoga class...
We have a busy week this week as Bobby starts back in Cub Scouts and has baseball practice tonight. Julian has her last swim meet on Tuesday. We have church on Wednesday and we are running the BMW 2 mile on Friday night. Oh yeah, our newest addition to the family is having her surgery on Tuesday too... Here is a picture of Indy (b&w dog) and her new friend Pearl (on the bed).... I’ll get better pictures when we get a new camera, this came off my phone...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Ready for Monday...
Spent Saturday at the ball game and today doing school projects after church. I’ll get back on the road Monday after a nice two day rest. Hopefully I can get 8.5 miles in tomorrow morning.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Building the base....
I went out today and ran an easy 4 miles. This is the third day in a row I have run and the 4th out of the last 5... I am working on building a base of 30 miles a week to prepare for the Spinx Half and then push that up to 40 as I prepare for the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February.
So far, I have done well with no aches and pains showing up. I attribute this mostly to the Yoga I have been doing for the past month or so. My flexibility in my quads, hamstrings and calves is significantly better than it was. I think this has really helped me react to potholes, stepping off curbs and stepping on debris.
I may try to get 4 or 5 miles in tomorrow morning if I get up in time. That would give me 27-28 miles this week.
I also would like to get to the point where I run 10 on Monday, 7 on Wed, 8 on Thursday and 5 on Friday. That would make a nice week for me with Yoga on Tuesday and Saturday. Once I get to that level, I want to add a mile a week to the Monday run until I get to 13. We’ll see.....
So far, I have done well with no aches and pains showing up. I attribute this mostly to the Yoga I have been doing for the past month or so. My flexibility in my quads, hamstrings and calves is significantly better than it was. I think this has really helped me react to potholes, stepping off curbs and stepping on debris.
I may try to get 4 or 5 miles in tomorrow morning if I get up in time. That would give me 27-28 miles this week.
I also would like to get to the point where I run 10 on Monday, 7 on Wed, 8 on Thursday and 5 on Friday. That would make a nice week for me with Yoga on Tuesday and Saturday. Once I get to that level, I want to add a mile a week to the Monday run until I get to 13. We’ll see.....
Thursday, September 11, 2008
5 more miles...
5 more miles today....
I was going to bike this morning, but I decided that two days of yoga will probably be enough cross training right now. I really need to start building my mileage base. I need to get up to about 30 miles a week relatively soon and then really start hitting a training program.
I was going to bike this morning, but I decided that two days of yoga will probably be enough cross training right now. I really need to start building my mileage base. I need to get up to about 30 miles a week relatively soon and then really start hitting a training program.
Why do I run?
The question of “Why do you run?” was posted on one of the weight watchers message boards that I frequent. I had to stop and think about it....
The easy answer is that I run to stay in shape, but I don’t think that is really the whole truth. I could go to they gym where I have a TV and weather doesn’t matter. I could play basketball, soccer or some other high intensity sport. I could just focus on my diet and maintain my weight. So why do I choose to run?
Initially, it was because I wanted to get my 4 miles in faster because I was getting a little board walking around the track 16 times. Then, once I started running I noticed some things other than just losing weight and getting in shape.
First, every mile I run seems like a mile further away from the ‘old’ me that was out of shape and unhealthy. Each step is reprogramming my self image to see myself as healthy, fit and someone who makes good choices. Each step takes me away from the old me that dealt with stress and joy the same way... by eating!
Second, every time I finish a run it builds my confidence that I can accomplish whatever is in front of me. Running is a physical battle within yourself. You will always have some pain, fatigue and/or other issue that comes up during a run. Mentally, you have to be able to focus on the task at hand and block out the distractions. If you are 4 miles from home, you don’t have a choice. You have to win the battle and make it back home. Mental toughness comes into play. You build up the mind to be able to block out discomfort, doubt and fear.
Third, I enjoy the competition. Running is very competitive, even when you are alone. You can try to beat your last time or make it up a hill you have never conquered before. In races, you do compete with others but also with yourself and your previous performances. There are not many sports where 7 year olds can compete with 70 year olds and both can win by meeting their personal goals. At the end of a race, everyone is smiling and enjoying the success you feel from finishing a race. There are no losers in running. As my friend Bill Buck Bates told me, “No matter what your time was, you beat all the folks that chose to sit on the couch.”
Fourth, I do enjoy the endorphin rush I get from running. There is always a smile on my face when I finish.
Fifth, I solve a lot of the worlds problems while running. It is amazing the clarity with which I think while running. I am able to find solutions to problems, make decisions and set goals while I am on the road. Somehow the physical exertion clears my mind of the negative thought patterns or self imposed limitations that might creep into my mind during a normal day.
Finally, my ego does come into play. I just enjoy doing something that I thought I could never do. I like being able to say I am a runner. I enjoy knowing people think I am an idiot when they see me out in the rain or the 100 degree heat. I know that is not necessarily a good reason to run, but I have to be honest here.
The easy answer is that I run to stay in shape, but I don’t think that is really the whole truth. I could go to they gym where I have a TV and weather doesn’t matter. I could play basketball, soccer or some other high intensity sport. I could just focus on my diet and maintain my weight. So why do I choose to run?
Initially, it was because I wanted to get my 4 miles in faster because I was getting a little board walking around the track 16 times. Then, once I started running I noticed some things other than just losing weight and getting in shape.
First, every mile I run seems like a mile further away from the ‘old’ me that was out of shape and unhealthy. Each step is reprogramming my self image to see myself as healthy, fit and someone who makes good choices. Each step takes me away from the old me that dealt with stress and joy the same way... by eating!
Second, every time I finish a run it builds my confidence that I can accomplish whatever is in front of me. Running is a physical battle within yourself. You will always have some pain, fatigue and/or other issue that comes up during a run. Mentally, you have to be able to focus on the task at hand and block out the distractions. If you are 4 miles from home, you don’t have a choice. You have to win the battle and make it back home. Mental toughness comes into play. You build up the mind to be able to block out discomfort, doubt and fear.
Third, I enjoy the competition. Running is very competitive, even when you are alone. You can try to beat your last time or make it up a hill you have never conquered before. In races, you do compete with others but also with yourself and your previous performances. There are not many sports where 7 year olds can compete with 70 year olds and both can win by meeting their personal goals. At the end of a race, everyone is smiling and enjoying the success you feel from finishing a race. There are no losers in running. As my friend Bill Buck Bates told me, “No matter what your time was, you beat all the folks that chose to sit on the couch.”
Fourth, I do enjoy the endorphin rush I get from running. There is always a smile on my face when I finish.
Fifth, I solve a lot of the worlds problems while running. It is amazing the clarity with which I think while running. I am able to find solutions to problems, make decisions and set goals while I am on the road. Somehow the physical exertion clears my mind of the negative thought patterns or self imposed limitations that might creep into my mind during a normal day.
Finally, my ego does come into play. I just enjoy doing something that I thought I could never do. I like being able to say I am a runner. I enjoy knowing people think I am an idiot when they see me out in the rain or the 100 degree heat. I know that is not necessarily a good reason to run, but I have to be honest here.
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