When I first started running marathons I trained with a fabulous group--Marathoner in Training. I learned tons from the coaches and experienced runners and I loved having people to run with. But maybe best of all, was the water and Gatorade set up along the path every weekend. :)
Okay that wasn't best of all, but if I didn't say that, how was I supposed to get to my Monday's Merchandise?
Now that I do all my training by myself I've had to resort to carrying my own water. I have a Fuel Belt water belt. Now it's great to have to carry water and/or Gatorade and my gel, chapstick, and a key. The truth is....I hate the thing. Maybe it's because I have no hips, but I tighten the belt under my hip bones and just a few steps later it's all the way up around my ribs.
What do the rest of you guys do? I'm not sure I could carry one of those hand-grip water bottles as I think it would get heavy. And I'm not sure about carrying a Camelbak as they look really uncomfortable. Any thoughts?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
It's My Decision
I've learned a lot about myself since I started working with Coach seven months ago. I've learned that I am capable of a lot more than I thought I was. I've seen paces that I never thought I'd see. I've remembered why I like running. I've found I've still got a hugely competitive monster inside this 5'1" frame. And mostly, I have learned that I need to do all of this for myself.
Last week when I couldn't run the half marathon I was really sad. Not because I couldn't be there with my friends, but because I had worked so hard and knew I was going to turn in an awesome performance and I was going to accomplished something for myself. I have been running with my friends and my dad for years and I always felt like I was running for everyone else. I did the races they were doing. I adopted the goals they wanted. Truth be told, I don't even want to do the New York City Marathon. I have a phobia of bridges--why in the world would I subject myself to running over those HUGE bridges. But, I know I'm fast enough to qualify for it and that's why I've set a goal to go for the qualifying times.
Then when I posed the question of another half marathon next weekend in North Carolina the overwhelming response I received is "why would I travel that far for just a half marathon?" But that wasn't the response I received from Dave or my coach or my heart.
So Thursday night Dave and I are driving to Virginia and on Friday we'll finish the drive to North Carolina. Saturday I am racing just a half marathon. Why? Because I wanted to be more than just a marathoner. Because I am more than just a marathoner. And because it's my decision.
Disclaimer--I love my friends and my dad and I love running with them. The decision to run the half marathon was already made before I posed the question on this blog. I had already sent in the registration by the time the post was published. I am not mad at my friends or the internet. :)
Last week when I couldn't run the half marathon I was really sad. Not because I couldn't be there with my friends, but because I had worked so hard and knew I was going to turn in an awesome performance and I was going to accomplished something for myself. I have been running with my friends and my dad for years and I always felt like I was running for everyone else. I did the races they were doing. I adopted the goals they wanted. Truth be told, I don't even want to do the New York City Marathon. I have a phobia of bridges--why in the world would I subject myself to running over those HUGE bridges. But, I know I'm fast enough to qualify for it and that's why I've set a goal to go for the qualifying times.
Then when I posed the question of another half marathon next weekend in North Carolina the overwhelming response I received is "why would I travel that far for just a half marathon?" But that wasn't the response I received from Dave or my coach or my heart.
So Thursday night Dave and I are driving to Virginia and on Friday we'll finish the drive to North Carolina. Saturday I am racing just a half marathon. Why? Because I wanted to be more than just a marathoner. Because I am more than just a marathoner. And because it's my decision.
Disclaimer--I love my friends and my dad and I love running with them. The decision to run the half marathon was already made before I posed the question on this blog. I had already sent in the registration by the time the post was published. I am not mad at my friends or the internet. :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Retail Therapy
Dave and I went to the sporting goods store today to pick him up a new swimsuit. While he was shopping, I checked out all the running gear. I totally dig Nike's new cotton-like training shirts (the Columbus Marathon had them as their race shirts this year) and they had these shirts with really cool sayings on them. My favorite said "Strong is the new Beautiful." I REALLY wanted to the shirt, but alas they only had a size medium and I am an extra small.
But then I was thinking, I'd like to create my own saying on one of those Nike shirts. I went out to the Nike website and found you could make your own shirts, but it was very limiting as to how many characters and what exactly you could put on the shirt.
So my friends, I need help. I want a Nike sportfit shirt (grey or red, preferably) that says "Fast is the new Awesome". How might I go about getting something like that done?
But then I was thinking, I'd like to create my own saying on one of those Nike shirts. I went out to the Nike website and found you could make your own shirts, but it was very limiting as to how many characters and what exactly you could put on the shirt.
So my friends, I need help. I want a Nike sportfit shirt (grey or red, preferably) that says "Fast is the new Awesome". How might I go about getting something like that done?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Fast Twitch
Yesterday Coach gave me a treadmill workout that I was dreading:
15 minute warm-up building to zone 2
Off the treadmill, 3 core exercises,
4 X 3 minutes @ 7:30 pace
2 minutes @ 7:15 pace
1 minute @ 7:00 pace
3 core exercises
6 minute cool down
As much as I was dreading it, I totally rocked this workout. The 7:30s felt comfortable, the 7:15s were doable, and the 7:00s were quite management as I reminded myself to take small steps and have a quick turnover.
If these paces are feeling comfortable on the treadmill, how fast will I be going on the roads?
15 minute warm-up building to zone 2
Off the treadmill, 3 core exercises,
4 X 3 minutes @ 7:30 pace
2 minutes @ 7:15 pace
1 minute @ 7:00 pace
3 core exercises
6 minute cool down
As much as I was dreading it, I totally rocked this workout. The 7:30s felt comfortable, the 7:15s were doable, and the 7:00s were quite management as I reminded myself to take small steps and have a quick turnover.
If these paces are feeling comfortable on the treadmill, how fast will I be going on the roads?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
In honor of the Academy Awards this weekend (at least I think they are this weekend), what was the last good movie you saw?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Fish out of Water
Today I finally got to swim. I LOVE TO SWIM!!!
The workout was this:
3 X (50 swim, 50 drill, 25 back, 75 build pace)
4 X 200 (R:40) odds--pulls, evens--moderate pace
4 X 100 (R:20) odds--75 drills, 25 easy, evens--fast
4 X 50 kick
The swim was so relaxing and I got to swim with Dave. I rarely get to work out with Dave and it's so nice when we can work out together. Plus, I was still really sore from the long run on Monday and I think all the soreness is finally worked out. I'm so glad I have found a running coach who has embraced my love and swimming and is willing to incorporate it into my training.
The workout was this:
3 X (50 swim, 50 drill, 25 back, 75 build pace)
4 X 200 (R:40) odds--pulls, evens--moderate pace
4 X 100 (R:20) odds--75 drills, 25 easy, evens--fast
4 X 50 kick
The swim was so relaxing and I got to swim with Dave. I rarely get to work out with Dave and it's so nice when we can work out together. Plus, I was still really sore from the long run on Monday and I think all the soreness is finally worked out. I'm so glad I have found a running coach who has embraced my love and swimming and is willing to incorporate it into my training.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sweet!
I have a confession to make....
...I suck at cooking. Dave does almost all the cooking at home. I only make suggestions about what I like and what I'm in the mood for. So pretty much I make the decisions but Dave does all the cooking. It is a perfect world.
But, I do kinda like to bake. For Dave's birthday a few months ago I actually found a recipe online and found a new dessert to surprise him with. And you know what?
IT WAS A HIT!!!!
So, here's the recipe:
Oreo Truffles
1 package of Oreo cookies (I used reduced fat)
1 package of cream cheese (Again, reduced fat)
1 package of white chocolate bark
Take 7 Oreos and crush them (I used my blender). Put those in a container and put them aside. You'll use those later. Take the rest of the Oreos and crush them. Then mix them with the cream cheese. Make sure that cream cheese is super-soft. I used my hand mixer. Then take that mixture and make one inch balls with it. Put the white bark into a double-boiler (fancy-talk for one pot floating inside of another pot of boiling water) and melt. Dip those balls in the melted bark and cover completely. Finally sprinkle all the Oreo balls with the 7 Oreos you crushed at the beginning. Put them in the fridge and serve cold. They are SOOOO yummy.
You can thank me later. :)
...I suck at cooking. Dave does almost all the cooking at home. I only make suggestions about what I like and what I'm in the mood for. So pretty much I make the decisions but Dave does all the cooking. It is a perfect world.
But, I do kinda like to bake. For Dave's birthday a few months ago I actually found a recipe online and found a new dessert to surprise him with. And you know what?
IT WAS A HIT!!!!
So, here's the recipe:
Oreo Truffles
1 package of Oreo cookies (I used reduced fat)
1 package of cream cheese (Again, reduced fat)
1 package of white chocolate bark
Take 7 Oreos and crush them (I used my blender). Put those in a container and put them aside. You'll use those later. Take the rest of the Oreos and crush them. Then mix them with the cream cheese. Make sure that cream cheese is super-soft. I used my hand mixer. Then take that mixture and make one inch balls with it. Put the white bark into a double-boiler (fancy-talk for one pot floating inside of another pot of boiling water) and melt. Dip those balls in the melted bark and cover completely. Finally sprinkle all the Oreo balls with the 7 Oreos you crushed at the beginning. Put them in the fridge and serve cold. They are SOOOO yummy.
You can thank me later. :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
If At First You Don't Succeed...
...run, run again.
And that I did. Today I headed out on a 15 mile run. The plan was this:
4 mile warm-up zones 1 & 2
2 miles of building
6 miles at marathon pace
3 miles cool down
Here's how it went down:
Miles 1-4:
Pace-9:56
Avg HR-156
Max HR-168
Mile 5:
Pace-8:32
Avg HR-177
Max HR-184
Mile 6:
Pace-8:08
Avg HR-181
Max HR-194
Miles 7-12:
Pace-7:40
Avg HR-177
Max HR-190
I wasn't able to finish the run. After three days of eating very little I just ran out of energy. I really suffered through the last two miles of marathon pace, but I'm pretty excited about how the run went.
And that I did. Today I headed out on a 15 mile run. The plan was this:
4 mile warm-up zones 1 & 2
2 miles of building
6 miles at marathon pace
3 miles cool down
Here's how it went down:
Miles 1-4:
Pace-9:56
Avg HR-156
Max HR-168
Mile 5:
Pace-8:32
Avg HR-177
Max HR-184
Mile 6:
Pace-8:08
Avg HR-181
Max HR-194
Miles 7-12:
Pace-7:40
Avg HR-177
Max HR-190
I wasn't able to finish the run. After three days of eating very little I just ran out of energy. I really suffered through the last two miles of marathon pace, but I'm pretty excited about how the run went.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Disappointment
The alarm was set for 5:45. I awoke at 3:00 still feeling really nauseous. The alarm went off and I rolled over. I told Dave it wasn't going to happen today.
Three months of training and I spent the morning laying in bed while Dave and my friends were out on the course. I'm not going to lie, there were a lot of tears shed throughout the day. Dave finished in the top 20 men in the 10K; Helen finished third overall in the marathon; and Andrea finished first in her age group in the marathon. And based on the times I saw today, if I had run what I planned I would have finished 2nd overall in the half marathon.
In all 8 years of my running I have never trained specifically for a half marathon. This would have been my first and I was anxious to see what I could have accomplished. So now what? Coach has the master plan and I know there is a 15 mile run planned in two weeks. There happens to be a 15 mile race in town in two weeks and I've already registered for it. But I'd also like to know what my results would be if I raced a half marathon. I found a half, the Crystal Coast Half Marathon in Morehead City, NC, in two weeks, one day before the 15 miler planned. Coach said I could move the 15 miles to this week, taper for one week, and then run 17 miles the week after the half marathon. But I also don't want to travel eleven hours in a car to run another freakin' 1:45, plus I've already paid for the 15 miler and it's A LOT cheaper than the half marathon.
So internet, what should I do?
Three months of training and I spent the morning laying in bed while Dave and my friends were out on the course. I'm not going to lie, there were a lot of tears shed throughout the day. Dave finished in the top 20 men in the 10K; Helen finished third overall in the marathon; and Andrea finished first in her age group in the marathon. And based on the times I saw today, if I had run what I planned I would have finished 2nd overall in the half marathon.
In all 8 years of my running I have never trained specifically for a half marathon. This would have been my first and I was anxious to see what I could have accomplished. So now what? Coach has the master plan and I know there is a 15 mile run planned in two weeks. There happens to be a 15 mile race in town in two weeks and I've already registered for it. But I'd also like to know what my results would be if I raced a half marathon. I found a half, the Crystal Coast Half Marathon in Morehead City, NC, in two weeks, one day before the 15 miler planned. Coach said I could move the 15 miles to this week, taper for one week, and then run 17 miles the week after the half marathon. But I also don't want to travel eleven hours in a car to run another freakin' 1:45, plus I've already paid for the 15 miler and it's A LOT cheaper than the half marathon.
So internet, what should I do?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bad Timing
At 4:00am this morning I woke with sharp pains in my belly. All I could think is "oh no, not today." After two hours of fighting nausea and taking a Zantac I went back to bed. Around 9:30 I woke up and was still feeling bad. I took an Advil and went back to bed. I woke up just before 1:00pm and was feeling better. I ate some lunch and went to see my niece's basketball game. On the way home I started feeling bad again. I took another two hour nap and didn't feel any better when I woke up.
And that's when it hit me... It's a damn UTI. It's been coming and going for a few months now and off days it picked today. So I'm loading up on the cranberry juice and hoping to feel well enough to race tomorrow. Then it's time to call the doctor and get this taken care of once and for all.
And that's when it hit me... It's a damn UTI. It's been coming and going for a few months now and off days it picked today. So I'm loading up on the cranberry juice and hoping to feel well enough to race tomorrow. Then it's time to call the doctor and get this taken care of once and for all.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Jackpot
My friends, Dave, and I got together tonight for dinner to carb load for our race this weekend. During dinner we had many interesting conversations. My favorite was by Helen who said when she wins the lottery she was going to continue to go into work and torture her coworkers and bosses until she got fired.
So it begs the question... What would you do if you won the lottery?
So it begs the question... What would you do if you won the lottery?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Way Back Machine--Prom Edition
Ahhh, my love of Facebook. I FREAKIN' LOVE FACEBOOK!!! I love that all my old high school friends and boyfriends are on there. I love that I can spy on them in such a public setting. :) I love reading all their quirky notes and reminiscing about all times.
Today, we're going old school--prom edition.
When I was a freshman in high school a junior asked me to the prom. I agreed to go, but just a few weeks before the dance the guy said that he loved me and I really thought we were just friends going to the dance together. I decided to cancel the date and didn't go to the prom that year. My sophomore year I was dating a senior so we went to prom together. Now he's married, is the pastor of a church and you can check him out here. My junior year I was casually dating a sophomore and we decided to go together. It was probably my favorite prom because I went with a friend instead of a boyfriend. Sorry Jason. My senior year I went with a junior boyfriend and that night ended horribly. I found out he was cheating on me and I believe my sister's boyfriend took me home that night. Truly, I have blocked out that night entirely. At least I looked killer in my dress.
And speaking of which, let's take a trip down memory lane to those fabulous dresses!
This is from my sophomore year. Don't you just love the teal?! And the totally '80s-ness of this outfit?! Except it wasn't the 80s. It was 1994! My favorite part is the dyed shoes to match. And also, the zit right in the middle of my forehead. I'd love to say that went away, but not so much.
Now, front and back style of my junior prom:
And finally, my senior prom. Seriously, were we pimps? Were we Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers? Could my hair be any taller?
I'm really enjoying these trips down memory lane. :)
Today, we're going old school--prom edition.
When I was a freshman in high school a junior asked me to the prom. I agreed to go, but just a few weeks before the dance the guy said that he loved me and I really thought we were just friends going to the dance together. I decided to cancel the date and didn't go to the prom that year. My sophomore year I was dating a senior so we went to prom together. Now he's married, is the pastor of a church and you can check him out here. My junior year I was casually dating a sophomore and we decided to go together. It was probably my favorite prom because I went with a friend instead of a boyfriend. Sorry Jason. My senior year I went with a junior boyfriend and that night ended horribly. I found out he was cheating on me and I believe my sister's boyfriend took me home that night. Truly, I have blocked out that night entirely. At least I looked killer in my dress.
And speaking of which, let's take a trip down memory lane to those fabulous dresses!
This is from my sophomore year. Don't you just love the teal?! And the totally '80s-ness of this outfit?! Except it wasn't the 80s. It was 1994! My favorite part is the dyed shoes to match. And also, the zit right in the middle of my forehead. I'd love to say that went away, but not so much.
Now, front and back style of my junior prom:
And finally, my senior prom. Seriously, were we pimps? Were we Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers? Could my hair be any taller?
I'm really enjoying these trips down memory lane. :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
OH MY STARS!
I went running outside today. IN SHORTS!!!
See those big muscles? Those muscles are looking forward to kicking some A$$ in the half this weekend.
See those big muscles? Those muscles are looking forward to kicking some A$$ in the half this weekend.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Meow
Even if I wanted to have a child one day, I'm probably completely infertile. :) I've had at least two dozen X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, and CT scans. Today was my latest CT scan. This one was for my sinuses.
When I was in college I started getting really terrible headaches. I first reported them to my doctor when I was a sophomore and immediately he sent me to the hospital for a CT scan of my brain. I guess because of the combination of medicines I was taking and symptoms I was displaying, the doctor thought it was a tumor. Yikes! Scary! Fortunately, they found nothing.
The headaches continued though and I was being seen by a neurologist/epilepsy specialist who did another series of tests including an EEG and an MRI. Still they found nothing in particular and they just kinda subsided.
After college I started getting really bad sinus infections. My family is quite familiar with the sinus infection as my dad gets sicker than a dog with them and my grandpa has had sinus surgery. I get them a good 4-6 times a year. They happen so often that all I have to do is call the doctor and he'll call in a prescription instead of me having to be seen. These aren't mambe-pambie sinus infections either. Last week I spent three days in bed, and didn't get to hold the baby until the day after she was born. I decided I had had enough.
I e-mailed the doctor (yeah, we're on a first name basis) and I told him it was time to do something more than throw antibiotics at it. Obviously, that was not working. So, we scheduled a CT scan to determine if there might be something we can "fix".
This is my third CT scan and quite possibly the weirdest one I've ever had. I had to lay on my stomach and put my chin on the head rest. I was not allowed to swallow. I had to take my hair out of it's pretty up-do. :( They had to strap my head down. Luckily, the test was also the quickest CT scan I've ever had.
Thursday I have a follow up with the doctor to determine the results of the test. On one hand, I want everything to be okay. But on the other hand I'd really like to know why I get sick ALL THE TIME. I'll update when I know more.
When I was in college I started getting really terrible headaches. I first reported them to my doctor when I was a sophomore and immediately he sent me to the hospital for a CT scan of my brain. I guess because of the combination of medicines I was taking and symptoms I was displaying, the doctor thought it was a tumor. Yikes! Scary! Fortunately, they found nothing.
The headaches continued though and I was being seen by a neurologist/epilepsy specialist who did another series of tests including an EEG and an MRI. Still they found nothing in particular and they just kinda subsided.
After college I started getting really bad sinus infections. My family is quite familiar with the sinus infection as my dad gets sicker than a dog with them and my grandpa has had sinus surgery. I get them a good 4-6 times a year. They happen so often that all I have to do is call the doctor and he'll call in a prescription instead of me having to be seen. These aren't mambe-pambie sinus infections either. Last week I spent three days in bed, and didn't get to hold the baby until the day after she was born. I decided I had had enough.
I e-mailed the doctor (yeah, we're on a first name basis) and I told him it was time to do something more than throw antibiotics at it. Obviously, that was not working. So, we scheduled a CT scan to determine if there might be something we can "fix".
This is my third CT scan and quite possibly the weirdest one I've ever had. I had to lay on my stomach and put my chin on the head rest. I was not allowed to swallow. I had to take my hair out of it's pretty up-do. :( They had to strap my head down. Luckily, the test was also the quickest CT scan I've ever had.
Thursday I have a follow up with the doctor to determine the results of the test. On one hand, I want everything to be okay. But on the other hand I'd really like to know why I get sick ALL THE TIME. I'll update when I know more.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Sink or Swim
Coach gave me a swim today. It was scheduled like this:
300 with every third length drill
200 pull
100 kick on back
150 R:15
200 R:20
250 R:25
300 R:30
250 R:25
200 R:20
150 R:15
100 any stroke
For the last couple of months I think Coach forgot that I liked swimming, so I haven't had ANY swims on my schedule. Finally I asked her to put them back into the schedule. I didn't realize the first one would be 2200 meters.
Here's how the swim really went:
300 every third length drill
200 pull
100 kick on back
100 swim
100 pull
Go home
Yeah, the first swim back sucked. A whopping 800 meters is all I could eek out. I've got a few more swims planned in the next couple of weeks. I hope they go better than today.
300 with every third length drill
200 pull
100 kick on back
150 R:15
200 R:20
250 R:25
300 R:30
250 R:25
200 R:20
150 R:15
100 any stroke
For the last couple of months I think Coach forgot that I liked swimming, so I haven't had ANY swims on my schedule. Finally I asked her to put them back into the schedule. I didn't realize the first one would be 2200 meters.
Here's how the swim really went:
300 every third length drill
200 pull
100 kick on back
100 swim
100 pull
Go home
Yeah, the first swim back sucked. A whopping 800 meters is all I could eek out. I've got a few more swims planned in the next couple of weeks. I hope they go better than today.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Maiden Voyage
I have named my new shoes:
The Green Dragons
First of all, they look intimidating which dragons are. And, The Green Dragon is a little pub in the North End of Boston that Dave and I like to go to after the marathon.
Today I took them out for their maiden voyage. The first thing that struck me is how their is NO padding in them. Duh. I felt fast during the fast parts and sore during the slow parts. I had a pretty hard run yesterday and I've been doing most of my runs on the treadmill so who knows if that was the shoes or not. One shoelace came untied while I was running, which is a problem since I ALWAYS double knot my shoes. I made trade laces for my triathlon no-tie laces so this isn't a problem in a race.
Overall, I'm looking forward to letting the dragons fly next weekend.
The Green Dragons
First of all, they look intimidating which dragons are. And, The Green Dragon is a little pub in the North End of Boston that Dave and I like to go to after the marathon.
Today I took them out for their maiden voyage. The first thing that struck me is how their is NO padding in them. Duh. I felt fast during the fast parts and sore during the slow parts. I had a pretty hard run yesterday and I've been doing most of my runs on the treadmill so who knows if that was the shoes or not. One shoelace came untied while I was running, which is a problem since I ALWAYS double knot my shoes. I made trade laces for my triathlon no-tie laces so this isn't a problem in a race.
Overall, I'm looking forward to letting the dragons fly next weekend.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Ready to Run
As I eluded to earlier this week, I have my first "A" race of the season next week. It's a unique half and full marathon called "Last Chance for Boston." This year it's too late to be last chance. Maybe they should call it First Chance for Boston 2010? Anyway, this race is very unique as it's a 1-mile loop that you do over and over again. You might think that sounds insane to run a race like this, but this will be the 5th time I've run it. I've had great success here too. My current half marathon PR is on this course. I'm hoping to have another PR run this year.
Today was my last solid run before the race. It was a scheduled treadmill run where I started in zone 1 and ended in zone 4. The best part was, I hit all the zones and even had trouble climbing into zone 3. This is a really good sign as I've been known to run a whole half marathon in zone 4.
My current PR in the half marathon is 1:41. According to all literature and people I talk to, I am WAY under achieving. I mentioned to the owner at the Columbus Running Company on Wednesday that I was aiming for a 1:39. He said I should be able to go 1:37.
My game plan: run as fast as I can for as long as I can and hopefully come out with a PR and maybe even a qualifying time to NY.
Today was my last solid run before the race. It was a scheduled treadmill run where I started in zone 1 and ended in zone 4. The best part was, I hit all the zones and even had trouble climbing into zone 3. This is a really good sign as I've been known to run a whole half marathon in zone 4.
My current PR in the half marathon is 1:41. According to all literature and people I talk to, I am WAY under achieving. I mentioned to the owner at the Columbus Running Company on Wednesday that I was aiming for a 1:39. He said I should be able to go 1:37.
My game plan: run as fast as I can for as long as I can and hopefully come out with a PR and maybe even a qualifying time to NY.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Yesterday I talked about my new shoes and how I was thinking of naming them.
My mom bought me my very first car. It was a 1987 Hyundai Excel that was red, except for the driver's side door which was orange. I named the car Lexington, because I knew I wanted to go to Kentucky. When I chose to go to Ohio State, my car didn't go with my and my sister inherited it. That's when the wheels fell off. Literally. I don't think Lexington was really happy I went to OSU>
What have you named your car, bike, shoes, etc.?
My mom bought me my very first car. It was a 1987 Hyundai Excel that was red, except for the driver's side door which was orange. I named the car Lexington, because I knew I wanted to go to Kentucky. When I chose to go to Ohio State, my car didn't go with my and my sister inherited it. That's when the wheels fell off. Literally. I don't think Lexington was really happy I went to OSU>
What have you named your car, bike, shoes, etc.?
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Go Speed Racer
After the marathon, Coach suggested I started wearing racing shoes. I kinda laughed it off. Seriously, I'm not fast enough to wear racing flats. But after a few visits and conversations with my favorite local running store, we found the perfect shoe.
Introducing the Brooks Racer ST 3.
These bad boys better get me a nice fat PR next week.
So, what should I name them?
Introducing the Brooks Racer ST 3.
These bad boys better get me a nice fat PR next week.
So, what should I name them?
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Today my family welcomed baby #4, as my sister gave birth to yet another child. :)
I didn't get to hold the baby because I have sinus infection #459,876,849,291, but I'm looking forward to holding her when I get better.
Happy Birthday, Ashtyn Claire
I didn't get to hold the baby because I have sinus infection #459,876,849,291, but I'm looking forward to holding her when I get better.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Daytime Columbus Part 2
Today I had my moment in the spotlight. Today I made my television debut in a five minute segment during a daytime tv show. Today, I was a superstar.
No seriously. My phone started ringing as soon as the segment ended. It looks like I may have four more events booked by the end of today. Holy cow!
Here's the video. Go to the bottom of the page and click on the video that says "Take a Snapshot with your Friends at the Next Party." Enjoy!!
No seriously. My phone started ringing as soon as the segment ended. It looks like I may have four more events booked by the end of today. Holy cow!
Here's the video. Go to the bottom of the page and click on the video that says "Take a Snapshot with your Friends at the Next Party." Enjoy!!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Daytime Columbus Part 1
Friday was the big day. Dave and I headed down to the local NBC news station to tape our 5 minute segment for "Daytime Columbus." The segment will air on Monday (and I'll be able to put it on the website) so I haven't seen it but by looking at ourselves in the monitors we looked really scared.
Besides the interview, which was scary city, we otherwise had a blast. The production crew loved the booth and utilized it well. In addition, the intern, Amberly, gave us a full tour of the facilities. We got to meet local celebrities.
Be sure to check out the other blog to see some pictures from inside the booth. And check back tomorrow for the full video.
Besides the interview, which was scary city, we otherwise had a blast. The production crew loved the booth and utilized it well. In addition, the intern, Amberly, gave us a full tour of the facilities. We got to meet local celebrities.
Be sure to check out the other blog to see some pictures from inside the booth. And check back tomorrow for the full video.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
January Totals
This last week put a screeching halt to my workouts. We had a major snowstorm on Tuesday/Wednesday and then I caught my 4th cold since September at the end of the week. Needless to say, I only got in one workout since Wednesday.
Run = 75.37 miles.
I really thought I was going to hit 100 this month.
Swim = 0 meters.
I had my first swim of the year scheduled for today. With the headcold I have, that's not going to happen.
Bike = 5.13 miles.
That's a whopping 30 minutes of riding I did this month. I had another 20 minute ride scheduled this month but I didn't get to it.
Other = 6 hours.
That's a whole lot of other stuff. I did weights and stretching and just this week put in some rowing. Coach has me do a lot of cross training activities that are running for a while then doing a couple exercises, followed by more running, etc. Those exercises are not included in this count.
I'm hoping in February to do all my workouts and finally get my running miles over 100. And hopefully have a few more swims.
Run = 75.37 miles.
I really thought I was going to hit 100 this month.
Swim = 0 meters.
I had my first swim of the year scheduled for today. With the headcold I have, that's not going to happen.
Bike = 5.13 miles.
That's a whopping 30 minutes of riding I did this month. I had another 20 minute ride scheduled this month but I didn't get to it.
Other = 6 hours.
That's a whole lot of other stuff. I did weights and stretching and just this week put in some rowing. Coach has me do a lot of cross training activities that are running for a while then doing a couple exercises, followed by more running, etc. Those exercises are not included in this count.
I'm hoping in February to do all my workouts and finally get my running miles over 100. And hopefully have a few more swims.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Jack of All Trades
Like Marit and Lindsay, I too participated on the crew team in college. Unlike the two of them (I think) I didn't row. I was a coxswain. That does not mean I sat in the boat and yelled at the rowers. I steered the boat and encouraged my athletes and made sure we won our races. And we did. It was also important for me to know how to row. Often times, the coxswain was the one doing the coaching.
To learn how to row my coaches put me on an erg machine and taught me the basics.
Yesterday I put those to good use. Coach is really trying find different ways to develop my muscles and become a better runner without getting me injured. I totally appreciate that. The workout she gave me was 10 minutes of warm-up on the rowing machine followed by 5 X (3 core exercises + 5 minutes of rowing). (Could I be more of an engineer when I write a word problem like that?)
Well, that 10 minutes just wasn't going to happen. Instead I did 6 X 5 minutes with 3 exercises in between each 5 minute segment. Let's just say this...IT WAS HARD! By the end my arms were screaming and I think my lats might have lit fire.
My favorite part of rowing at the gym was watching the other people row. I helped a mother and daughter on their form because they had NO idea what they were doing. Then this little woman sat down right next to me and I thought she knew what she was doing because why else would she sit right beside me when there were 4 other ergs open. Seriously, it was the funniest thing I've ever seen. When she came forward on the slide, she ducked her head way down and put her chest on her knees. Then she would come all the way back and bring the handle up to her face. Dude, it had to be hurting her back. It was hurting mine just watching her. I think they need to conduct classes and have sign-offs to make sure people know how to correctly row and so they don't hurt themselves on the equipment.
Next time you're at the gym you should really give rowing a try. Here's how to do it:
Strap your feet in so that the straps are across the top of the feet closer to your toes than the middle of your feet. Grab the handle with your hands in the middle of each side. Sit up straight with your knees bent and your seat all the way to the top of your slide (by your feet). Push back until your legs are straight, your torso is still upright, and your arms are now straight with handle in hand. Then bend your arms and bring the handle into your check right around the bottom of your rib cage (more like solar plexus area). Simultaneously, rock back so your body is a little less than 45 degrees but you still have erect posture (he he!). Then sit up 90 degrees. Release your arms out, bend your knees and move up your slide to your feet. Of course, this is done a lot more quickly than what I just wrote. The most important part is to let your legs and back do the work, not your arms. And also importantly, keep good posture!
Here's a little demonstration I found on You Tube.
Here's a little demonstration I found on You Tube.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Every runner I know would consider themselves pretty Type A. And any Type A person probably has a tendancy to be a little OCD with a splash of superstition. I, of course, fall into all three categories.
Type A: I'm an engineer. 'Nuff said.
OCD: Yes, I have rituals. I count constantly. When I run I could with every other left step. I count to 50 and start over. I count to go to sleep. I count to wash my face. I count constantly.
Superstitious: Not only do I love my Buckeyes, I'm superstitious about it. I ALWAYS wear the same thing for every football game. And, if I happen to be not watching the game and they're doing well, I'll continue to not watch the game. In fact, I am the reason why the Buckeyes lost to Texas. I wasn't watching the game except I did watch the measurement of that crucial 4th down at the end of the game. It's my fault. Sorry.
I want to know...what category(ies) do you fall into and what makes you Type A, OCD, and/or Superstitious?
Type A: I'm an engineer. 'Nuff said.
OCD: Yes, I have rituals. I count constantly. When I run I could with every other left step. I count to 50 and start over. I count to go to sleep. I count to wash my face. I count constantly.
Superstitious: Not only do I love my Buckeyes, I'm superstitious about it. I ALWAYS wear the same thing for every football game. And, if I happen to be not watching the game and they're doing well, I'll continue to not watch the game. In fact, I am the reason why the Buckeyes lost to Texas. I wasn't watching the game except I did watch the measurement of that crucial 4th down at the end of the game. It's my fault. Sorry.
I want to know...what category(ies) do you fall into and what makes you Type A, OCD, and/or Superstitious?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Me-In a List of 25
If you're my friend on Facebook then you've read all these, but there are quite a few of you out there who haven't read these.
And if you're not my friend on Facebook, what are you waiting on? Be my friend!!
1. I have run 11 marathons and currently training for my 12th.
2. I have a tattoo to prove it. I got it to celebrate my 10th marathon.
3. I have done two half Ironmans.
4. I really want to do a full Ironman, but...
5. I hate to bike.
6. I love to swim, though.
7. I've been married to Dave for 6+ years.
8. I have been together with Dave for 9+ years.
9. I have known Dave for 12+ years.
10. I have a horrible phobia of bridges, yet...
11. I have crossed many giant bridges include Manhattan, Sunshine Bridge in Tampa, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I might have cried crossing all of those. And I might not have even sat in my seat while crossing the Bay Bridge.
12. I'm hoping to never cross the Golden Gate Bridge, although I'd like to see it.
13. I live in the same town I grew up in.
14. But I dream of living in New York City or Italy.
15. I honestly never want to have kids, but probably will someday because Dave wants one.
16. I have my degree in industrial engineering.
17. I don't work as an engineer anymore.
18. I own my own business.
19. I have suffered with acne longer than I haven't had acne.
20. At 30 I'm still on acne medicine.
21. I wore glasses for 15 years.
22. But I corrected that when I had Lasik eye surgery 5 years ago.
23. It was the best money I've ever spent.
24. I check my e-mail like a billion times a day.
25. And I'm hoping to receive more e-mails because of this list.
And if you're not my friend on Facebook, what are you waiting on? Be my friend!!
1. I have run 11 marathons and currently training for my 12th.
2. I have a tattoo to prove it. I got it to celebrate my 10th marathon.
3. I have done two half Ironmans.
4. I really want to do a full Ironman, but...
5. I hate to bike.
6. I love to swim, though.
7. I've been married to Dave for 6+ years.
8. I have been together with Dave for 9+ years.
9. I have known Dave for 12+ years.
10. I have a horrible phobia of bridges, yet...
11. I have crossed many giant bridges include Manhattan, Sunshine Bridge in Tampa, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I might have cried crossing all of those. And I might not have even sat in my seat while crossing the Bay Bridge.
12. I'm hoping to never cross the Golden Gate Bridge, although I'd like to see it.
13. I live in the same town I grew up in.
14. But I dream of living in New York City or Italy.
15. I honestly never want to have kids, but probably will someday because Dave wants one.
16. I have my degree in industrial engineering.
17. I don't work as an engineer anymore.
18. I own my own business.
19. I have suffered with acne longer than I haven't had acne.
20. At 30 I'm still on acne medicine.
21. I wore glasses for 15 years.
22. But I corrected that when I had Lasik eye surgery 5 years ago.
23. It was the best money I've ever spent.
24. I check my e-mail like a billion times a day.
25. And I'm hoping to receive more e-mails because of this list.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Running in a Winter Wonderland
You know, if I liked to be cold and enjoyed winter sports this winter would be awesome. But to a runner....THIS. WINTER. SUCKS.
I still cannot believe it's only January. We've had what seems like a ton of snow and it's been unbelievably cold for the majority of the month. And it's not over yet. Over the next 24 hours we are expected another 8-12 inches of snow. Did you read that? A foot of snow!
I work 18 miles from home. This morning it took me 55 minutes to get to work at 9:00am. This afternoon it took me 2 hours 15 minutes to get h0me starting at 5:15pm. I'm really hoping for a snow day tomoroow.
The thing that bothers me is that this weather is wreaking havoc on my training. Generally I enjoy running in the snow. I love knowing that I am a hard-core runner. That I'm the only one out there training while others are getting chubbing inside. But this year it hasn't just been the snow. The temperatures are just too cold for me.
Again this week I moved my long run inside as the temperature was below 20 degrees on both Sunday and Monday. The first half of my run was 90 minutes (10 miles) of rolling hills on the treadmill. After 10 minutes warming up and 5 minutes building into zone 2, I had to hold my heart rate in zone 2 and go through this routine 3 times:
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 1%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 1.5%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 2%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 2.5%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 3%
5 minutes easy running
After doing that mess for three repetitions I had to do 3 X 1 minute at 3% followed by 1 minute easy. The rest of the workout was to be a cool-down.
Then 6 hours later I had to do another 40 minutes (4 miles) in zones 1 and 2.
My back is killing me from running on the treadmill.
I. AM. READY. FOR. SPRING.
I still cannot believe it's only January. We've had what seems like a ton of snow and it's been unbelievably cold for the majority of the month. And it's not over yet. Over the next 24 hours we are expected another 8-12 inches of snow. Did you read that? A foot of snow!
I work 18 miles from home. This morning it took me 55 minutes to get to work at 9:00am. This afternoon it took me 2 hours 15 minutes to get h0me starting at 5:15pm. I'm really hoping for a snow day tomoroow.
The thing that bothers me is that this weather is wreaking havoc on my training. Generally I enjoy running in the snow. I love knowing that I am a hard-core runner. That I'm the only one out there training while others are getting chubbing inside. But this year it hasn't just been the snow. The temperatures are just too cold for me.
Again this week I moved my long run inside as the temperature was below 20 degrees on both Sunday and Monday. The first half of my run was 90 minutes (10 miles) of rolling hills on the treadmill. After 10 minutes warming up and 5 minutes building into zone 2, I had to hold my heart rate in zone 2 and go through this routine 3 times:
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 1%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 1.5%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 2%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 2.5%
1 minute @ 0.5%
1 minute @ 3%
5 minutes easy running
After doing that mess for three repetitions I had to do 3 X 1 minute at 3% followed by 1 minute easy. The rest of the workout was to be a cool-down.
Then 6 hours later I had to do another 40 minutes (4 miles) in zones 1 and 2.
My back is killing me from running on the treadmill.
I. AM. READY. FOR. SPRING.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Soooo Cute!
Next Tuesday my baby sister will have her 4th and final child (she's having her tubes tied during her C-section). And although I've ribbed my sister a lot about her pregnancies and the fact she can almost field a whole basketball team, a part of me is kind of sad that this is the last child she will have.
While running on my parents' treadmill today I found a treasure. And then in the same frame, I found some more treasures. Seriously, are these not the cutest pictures ever?
While running on my parents' treadmill today I found a treasure. And then in the same frame, I found some more treasures. Seriously, are these not the cutest pictures ever?
This was the picture in the frame that I "borrowed" from my parents' basement. The back of the picture says that Amy is 1 here and I am 4.
When I opened up the frame to scan the first picture I found even more pictures in there. This one has Amy at 6 months and me almost 4.
I don't know how old I am here, but could I look more like a boy wearing a dress?
Nope, I was wrong. I think here I am totally sporting boy in a pink shirt.
Then finally I found the most beautiful picture of my mom. This is her high school graduation picture. Doesn't she look like Edie Sedgwick?
When I opened up the frame to scan the first picture I found even more pictures in there. This one has Amy at 6 months and me almost 4.
I don't know how old I am here, but could I look more like a boy wearing a dress?
Nope, I was wrong. I think here I am totally sporting boy in a pink shirt.
Then finally I found the most beautiful picture of my mom. This is her high school graduation picture. Doesn't she look like Edie Sedgwick?
I might have to go back another day and raid the basement to see what other treasures I can find.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Famous in a Small Town
When I was sponsored by Team Stayput I tried relentlessly to get my name in the newspapers to no avail. For each mention I would have gotten, I could have received payment from my sponsor which really would have helped defer the costs of my races.
Now that I own my own business I feel like I'm trying once again to get my name out there. While at the Columbus Bride Show a woman approached me asking if me and my business wanted to be on a local TV show to promote VIP Photo Booths. After several weeks of stirring over this proposition, Dave and I finally decided to go forward with this offer.
On Friday we will tape a segment with "Daytime Columbus" to be aired the first week in February. Don't worry, I'll let you all know when it's going to be on so you can set your DVRs. I'm so nervous I'm going to look like a total boob, but I also know this will be very good for the business.
I'm sure Matt Lauer will be calling anytime now.
Now that I own my own business I feel like I'm trying once again to get my name out there. While at the Columbus Bride Show a woman approached me asking if me and my business wanted to be on a local TV show to promote VIP Photo Booths. After several weeks of stirring over this proposition, Dave and I finally decided to go forward with this offer.
On Friday we will tape a segment with "Daytime Columbus" to be aired the first week in February. Don't worry, I'll let you all know when it's going to be on so you can set your DVRs. I'm so nervous I'm going to look like a total boob, but I also know this will be very good for the business.
I'm sure Matt Lauer will be calling anytime now.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Who's in Control?
I'm pretty sure that Coach's middle name is "Control." Almost all workouts that she gives me that contain pickups or tempo parts of them involve staying inside a controlled heart rate.
Yesterday's workout involved three sets of pickups at 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 1 minute 30 seconds each with equal rest. The catch was I could not go above zone 2 for any of the intervals. Here's the thing...I have a really high heart rate to begin with. Walking pretty much puts me close to zone 2. So to do pickups only in zone 2 was going to test me more mentally than physically.
Here's what they looked like (top of zone 2 for me is 164):
30 seconds on: avg 164
30 seconds off: avg 164
1:00 on: avg 162
1:00 off: avg 158
1:30 on: avg 163
1:30 off: avg 157
30 seconds on: avg 160
30 seconds off: avg 161
1:00 on: avg 163
1:00 off: avg 157
1:30 on: avg 164
1:30 off: avg 156
30 seconds on: avg 160
30 seconds off: avg 163
1:00 on: avg 164
1:00 off: avg 159
1:30 on: avg 166
1:30 off: avg 161
Mostly, I hit the average heart rates right on. I thought it was interesting that my heart rate was higher on the 30 seconds off than on, but I think that's because my heart rate was still on the way up and I couldn't recover fast enough.
Today I had another one of these "control" workouts. This one was assigned to the treadmill. :( After a 1-1/2 mile warm-up I was to do three core exercises then hop on the treadmill for a half mile at half marathon pace (7:38) but not go above zone 3. I had to do this exercise/running intervals five times.
Here's what happened (top of zone 3 for me is 174):
Half-mile 1: 3:49, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 2: 3:55, avg HR: 171
Half-mile 3: 3:55, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 4: 3:54, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 5: 3:54, avg HR: 171
Although I probably wasn't going as fast I should have been, it certainly felt faster than those paces outside and I was able to maintain the heart rates. Coach was quite impressed, as was I, and thinks we should retest the zones to see if I'm gaining fitness.
I've had a pretty good week of running. A 14 miler is on the schedule tomorrow. The race is in three weeks. I'm feeling a little more confident that good things are coming.
Yesterday's workout involved three sets of pickups at 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 1 minute 30 seconds each with equal rest. The catch was I could not go above zone 2 for any of the intervals. Here's the thing...I have a really high heart rate to begin with. Walking pretty much puts me close to zone 2. So to do pickups only in zone 2 was going to test me more mentally than physically.
Here's what they looked like (top of zone 2 for me is 164):
30 seconds on: avg 164
30 seconds off: avg 164
1:00 on: avg 162
1:00 off: avg 158
1:30 on: avg 163
1:30 off: avg 157
30 seconds on: avg 160
30 seconds off: avg 161
1:00 on: avg 163
1:00 off: avg 157
1:30 on: avg 164
1:30 off: avg 156
30 seconds on: avg 160
30 seconds off: avg 163
1:00 on: avg 164
1:00 off: avg 159
1:30 on: avg 166
1:30 off: avg 161
Mostly, I hit the average heart rates right on. I thought it was interesting that my heart rate was higher on the 30 seconds off than on, but I think that's because my heart rate was still on the way up and I couldn't recover fast enough.
Today I had another one of these "control" workouts. This one was assigned to the treadmill. :( After a 1-1/2 mile warm-up I was to do three core exercises then hop on the treadmill for a half mile at half marathon pace (7:38) but not go above zone 3. I had to do this exercise/running intervals five times.
Here's what happened (top of zone 3 for me is 174):
Half-mile 1: 3:49, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 2: 3:55, avg HR: 171
Half-mile 3: 3:55, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 4: 3:54, avg HR: 172
Half-mile 5: 3:54, avg HR: 171
Although I probably wasn't going as fast I should have been, it certainly felt faster than those paces outside and I was able to maintain the heart rates. Coach was quite impressed, as was I, and thinks we should retest the zones to see if I'm gaining fitness.
I've had a pretty good week of running. A 14 miler is on the schedule tomorrow. The race is in three weeks. I'm feeling a little more confident that good things are coming.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
This Thursday Thoughts is way out of the norm.
I'm not what you might call a "girly girl". I don't dress up, I dig the sports, and I really hate to carry a purse. Why can't chicks carry a wallet in their back pocket like dudes? I've compromised and got a sling back which is totally unisex. Although, Dave said he would never carry one. I think he's just a Midwesterner and dudes carrying a bag in the Midwest is, well, you know.
So, here is what I carry in my bag:
I'm not what you might call a "girly girl". I don't dress up, I dig the sports, and I really hate to carry a purse. Why can't chicks carry a wallet in their back pocket like dudes? I've compromised and got a sling back which is totally unisex. Although, Dave said he would never carry one. I think he's just a Midwesterner and dudes carrying a bag in the Midwest is, well, you know.
So, here is what I carry in my bag:
- Overland Sling Bag--Like I said, totally unisex and great to wear.
- iPhone--Totally awesome and revolutionizing my life and business.
- Brio gift card--I've had it since September 2008.
- Notepad--I use this to write down messages or important things I need to remember.
- Wallet--There's like a zillion credit cards in there because I have one for my photography business, my photo booth business, and my personal one.
- Pen--Comes in really handy.
- Business card case--I've been trying to hand out more business cards and network, network, network.
- Jack's Aquarium Fish Of The Month Club Card--I've already told you about my fish.
- What do you call these? I got this with my hot chocolate on inauguration day and decided to keep it because (a) it's cool and (b) instead of getting a new one each time and creating more waste, I'll just reuse the one I have.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Moving on Up
Dave and I welcomed our new babies today.
Please say hello to Steffi and Andre.
Aren't they cute?
I'm totally moving up the responsibility ladder. At this rate, I might have my first child by the time I'm 60.
And yes, I named my fish after my favorite tennis players. I hope to have enough fish someday to field a whole Major field. I'll call it the Aquarium Open.
I think my next fish I'll call Marty. Get it? Marty Fish!
Please say hello to Steffi and Andre.
Aren't they cute?
I'm totally moving up the responsibility ladder. At this rate, I might have my first child by the time I'm 60.
And yes, I named my fish after my favorite tennis players. I hope to have enough fish someday to field a whole Major field. I'll call it the Aquarium Open.
I think my next fish I'll call Marty. Get it? Marty Fish!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Spinning Wheel
Yesterday I did a 12 mile run...on the treadmill. Yeah, YUCK!
Last week we got hit with major snowstorm and then it turned cold. Really cold. The high on Friday reached all of 5 degrees above zero. This summer it warmed up to maybe 20 and tidY I saw the temperature did not reach 20 which means no snow is melting and it still feels too cold to run outside.
So Coach put together two runs in one day to equal 12 miles. The first 8 miles involved so short 20 second pickups and 3 x 8 minutes with 5 minutes of it in high zone 2 and the last 3 minutes in zone 3. The second run was the last 4 miles was steady in zones 1 and 2.
The run went pretty well especially after I discovered that using a fan pointed right at my face helped to keep my heart rate down while running a decent pace. By the end, though my back was throbbing and my quads were starting to burn.
One more "long" run before my half marathon.
Last week we got hit with major snowstorm and then it turned cold. Really cold. The high on Friday reached all of 5 degrees above zero. This summer it warmed up to maybe 20 and tidY I saw the temperature did not reach 20 which means no snow is melting and it still feels too cold to run outside.
So Coach put together two runs in one day to equal 12 miles. The first 8 miles involved so short 20 second pickups and 3 x 8 minutes with 5 minutes of it in high zone 2 and the last 3 minutes in zone 3. The second run was the last 4 miles was steady in zones 1 and 2.
The run went pretty well especially after I discovered that using a fan pointed right at my face helped to keep my heart rate down while running a decent pace. By the end, though my back was throbbing and my quads were starting to burn.
One more "long" run before my half marathon.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday's Merchandise
As I rapidly approach my 31st birthday, I continue to get the best compliment ever...I continue to hear that I look so young. YESSSSS!!! Thank goodness I'm blessed with good genes.
And those good genes include good hair. :)
Now granted, I'm not in the love with the haircut, but I do have good natural hair color, my hair grows REALLY fast, and I rarely have split ends or dead hair. I can go a good three to four months without a haircut even with all the activities that could do damage to my hair.
Where the hell am I going with this?!
Oh yeah, Goody Stayput products. Last year I had the privilege of being a sponsored athlete by Goody Stayput. Goody makes these genius products that are specifically made for athletes so that ponytails and whatnot stay in place during activity. They work. I have worn them in three marathons and a half Ironman without my hair moving an inch. They don't rip up my hair. The products are well made too. Sure, they stretch but I've only had one hair tie break. My favorite products are the hair ties and the headband elastics (you know, like the soccer players wear).
Stop ruining your hair, ladies. Goody Stayput works.
My tip for the day....to avoid split-ins while running, braid your ponytail or if your ponytail is too short to braid, put another rubberband at the bottom of it to act like a braid. It saves your hair from split ends. :)
And those good genes include good hair. :)
Now granted, I'm not in the love with the haircut, but I do have good natural hair color, my hair grows REALLY fast, and I rarely have split ends or dead hair. I can go a good three to four months without a haircut even with all the activities that could do damage to my hair.
Where the hell am I going with this?!
Oh yeah, Goody Stayput products. Last year I had the privilege of being a sponsored athlete by Goody Stayput. Goody makes these genius products that are specifically made for athletes so that ponytails and whatnot stay in place during activity. They work. I have worn them in three marathons and a half Ironman without my hair moving an inch. They don't rip up my hair. The products are well made too. Sure, they stretch but I've only had one hair tie break. My favorite products are the hair ties and the headband elastics (you know, like the soccer players wear).
Stop ruining your hair, ladies. Goody Stayput works.
My tip for the day....to avoid split-ins while running, braid your ponytail or if your ponytail is too short to braid, put another rubberband at the bottom of it to act like a braid. It saves your hair from split ends. :)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Slip Sliding Away
Shelby and Jared called me last week when it began snowing and asked me to take them sled riding. I told them I would take them this weekend. Those kids don't forget anything. They called again today and I couldn't resist. The three of us headed over to the golf course and had a great time. We had races; I pushed them down the hill (and fell in the process); we found a snow ramp, which Jared loved. We were only out there 45 minutes and it was perfect.
Since Amy's too pregnant to take them sledding, I made sure to get a picture of the two of them.
And, I got a picture of myself heading down the slope.
Since Amy's too pregnant to take them sledding, I made sure to get a picture of the two of them.
And, I got a picture of myself heading down the slope.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Forrest, Forrest Gump
Ever since I started this journey of blogging every day I really haven't struggled as much as I thought I would to come up with topics.
That is, until today.
All day I have been trying to think of things to say or pictures to display, but even just 20 minutes ago I was asking Dave to give me a topic.
But my nephew, Forrest Gump, provided the best picture. This is from my iPhone so it's not exactly high quality, but high on the cuteness scale.
Yep that's him sitting on the ping-pong table with paddle in hand trying to play.
That is, until today.
All day I have been trying to think of things to say or pictures to display, but even just 20 minutes ago I was asking Dave to give me a topic.
But my nephew, Forrest Gump, provided the best picture. This is from my iPhone so it's not exactly high quality, but high on the cuteness scale.
Yep that's him sitting on the ping-pong table with paddle in hand trying to play.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Struggle Within
It's been well documented on this blog that I am a competitor through and through. And this isn't just in the athletic arena. I'm competitive with everything. While this has served me well in athletics and school, it certainly has not been good with many of other things.
Now I'm really struggling with the competitor within.
VIP Photo Booths is not the only photo booth company in town. Based on what I saw at the bride show, there are five photo booth companies in Columbus. The competitor in me wants to be the biggest, baddest, awesomest, most totally sought after company, but there's another one in town which was the first and had a built-in clientele when they started. The competitor in me wants to crush that company, but there's one problem. Dave and I are acquaintances of the owner. She was our wedding photographer. And after the bridal show she sent me a message asking if she could refer business to me and vice versa. The competitor in me thought that sounded weird and 'heck no'; the business person in me thinks that maybe that's a good idea. The competitor in me wants to shout from the rooftops that our business kicks a$$. The shy girl in me is struggling just to make phone calls.
Owning a business is something I've always wanted to do, but now I'm struggling with my own demons to make it the business and make me the business person I really want it and me to be.
And P.S....We totally are the awesomest!
Now I'm really struggling with the competitor within.
VIP Photo Booths is not the only photo booth company in town. Based on what I saw at the bride show, there are five photo booth companies in Columbus. The competitor in me wants to be the biggest, baddest, awesomest, most totally sought after company, but there's another one in town which was the first and had a built-in clientele when they started. The competitor in me wants to crush that company, but there's one problem. Dave and I are acquaintances of the owner. She was our wedding photographer. And after the bridal show she sent me a message asking if she could refer business to me and vice versa. The competitor in me thought that sounded weird and 'heck no'; the business person in me thinks that maybe that's a good idea. The competitor in me wants to shout from the rooftops that our business kicks a$$. The shy girl in me is struggling just to make phone calls.Owning a business is something I've always wanted to do, but now I'm struggling with my own demons to make it the business and make me the business person I really want it and me to be.
And P.S....We totally are the awesomest!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
With the super-cold weather we're having here in the Midwest Dave and I have had to find ways to entertain ourselves. So we've taken up the game of Cribbage.
What are your favorite board and/or card games?
What are your favorite board and/or card games?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Don't Send a Man to do a Woman's Job
Dave was headed out to the grocery store and asked me if I needed anything. Yes, I did. Feminine supplies. :)
I made him a list of what he needed and was as specific as possible. I gave him brands and types and absorbency and any information I thought would be needed.
He told me that he stared at the aisle so long a woman actually came up and asked him if he needed help. Seriously, doesn't that make you smirk? She helped him and he came home with my items.
And...
They're all wrong. The tampons were the right brand but wrong absorbency. The pads, well, I think I'm going to be wearing diapers. I've already replaced the tampons with the corrects ones with a trip to the grocery store today and tomorrow, if the snow is mostly removed from the roads, I'll head back out to the supermarket and replace the pads. :)
Next time, I'll do it myself.
I made him a list of what he needed and was as specific as possible. I gave him brands and types and absorbency and any information I thought would be needed.
He told me that he stared at the aisle so long a woman actually came up and asked him if he needed help. Seriously, doesn't that make you smirk? She helped him and he came home with my items.
And...
They're all wrong. The tampons were the right brand but wrong absorbency. The pads, well, I think I'm going to be wearing diapers. I've already replaced the tampons with the corrects ones with a trip to the grocery store today and tomorrow, if the snow is mostly removed from the roads, I'll head back out to the supermarket and replace the pads. :)
Next time, I'll do it myself.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Snowshoeing or a 10 mile run?
Yesterday a friend of mine posted on her Facebook page that it was 80 degrees and she was hating it. Needless to say, I didn't have anything nice to say about that. The weather around here has just sucked. Last week we had days of rain, ice, and snow.
Sunday I was supposed to have an hour and forty minute run but everything was ice so I decided to postpone. Yesterday we had a fresh blanket of snow so I decided to give the run a try. The first hour of the run was supposed to be zones 1 and 2. This was a struggle. Working against the snow made my heart rate accelerate and slowed my pace. From 1:00 to 1:30 I got to run in zone 3 and I was mildly surprised at my pace. My overall average pace during that time was only 8:53 but usually when I looked at my watch it was in the 8:30s and twice I saw it under 8:00 while still in zone 3. For this point in my training and how sick I've been, this was a really good run.
Today I'm extremely sore. Running is aerobic but running in snow is like doing high knee drills for 10 miles.
This week's temperatures are supposed to be close to zero, so most of the running action is going to take place inside.
Hope you're having better weather than me.
Sunday I was supposed to have an hour and forty minute run but everything was ice so I decided to postpone. Yesterday we had a fresh blanket of snow so I decided to give the run a try. The first hour of the run was supposed to be zones 1 and 2. This was a struggle. Working against the snow made my heart rate accelerate and slowed my pace. From 1:00 to 1:30 I got to run in zone 3 and I was mildly surprised at my pace. My overall average pace during that time was only 8:53 but usually when I looked at my watch it was in the 8:30s and twice I saw it under 8:00 while still in zone 3. For this point in my training and how sick I've been, this was a really good run.
Today I'm extremely sore. Running is aerobic but running in snow is like doing high knee drills for 10 miles.
This week's temperatures are supposed to be close to zero, so most of the running action is going to take place inside.
Hope you're having better weather than me.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday's Merchandise
It's been said that to be a runner all you need is a pair of shoes. And while that may have been the case, and really still should be, there's a lot more technical stuff now that may or may not be necessary.
But today we're talking the real necessity: SHOES!
My shoe I wear is the Saucony Omni 6 moderate. I have been wearing a version of this shoe for about 3 years.
Why Saucony, Meredith?
Well, here's the short answer. Only Saucony and New Balance make shoes specifically for women. All the other shoe companies make smaller versions of their men's shoes. Women have different issues than men. We have wider hips, which means our feet roll differently. And we have smaller heels and narrower feet. Personally I wear a AA width, which you just can't find in the other shoes. They're pretty long wearing. I can easily get between 350-400 miles before I can feel it on my legs.
I love these shoes and I hope Saucony never stops making them. I don't even go to the store anymore to get fitted. I either take in my shoes and say I want the same thing, or I order it online (totally cheaper).
And when you do get a new pair of shoes, make sure you recycle your old ones. :)
What's on your feet?
But today we're talking the real necessity: SHOES!
My shoe I wear is the Saucony Omni 6 moderate. I have been wearing a version of this shoe for about 3 years.
Why Saucony, Meredith?
Well, here's the short answer. Only Saucony and New Balance make shoes specifically for women. All the other shoe companies make smaller versions of their men's shoes. Women have different issues than men. We have wider hips, which means our feet roll differently. And we have smaller heels and narrower feet. Personally I wear a AA width, which you just can't find in the other shoes. They're pretty long wearing. I can easily get between 350-400 miles before I can feel it on my legs.
I love these shoes and I hope Saucony never stops making them. I don't even go to the store anymore to get fitted. I either take in my shoes and say I want the same thing, or I order it online (totally cheaper).
And when you do get a new pair of shoes, make sure you recycle your old ones. :)
What's on your feet?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Where it all began
There are people who look good singing (Michael Buble) and there are people who look weird when they sing (Harry Connick, Jr. + John Mayer). There are people who look good when they run (Dave) and people who look really bad (me).
And now I'm going to show you where it all began. This is the front page of our local newspaper from when I was a senior in high school. Good grief!
And now I'm going to show you where it all began. This is the front page of our local newspaper from when I was a senior in high school. Good grief!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Really Looking in the Mirror
If you're following along you'll remember I set out to challenge myself to blog for a month. Well, today is day 31, so I guess technically, I've made it a month. But, I'm planning on continuing to blog and see how far I get.
Back to your regularly scheduled program....
I've always struggled with body image issues. When I was a kid I was tall (surprising, isn't it) and super-skinny. The girls at school used to call me "little Ethopian girl" and my mom called me "Olive Oyl". Needless to say, it wasn't funny then and it's not funny now. As my friends grew taller, I stayed the same height and started sprouting a little more outward. Don't get me wrong, I've never been overweight or fat, but I've certainly had to deal with how much weight is appropriate for a 5'1" frame.
Recently I was having a conversation with Coach regarding what is ideal racing weight. I told her I was around the 116-118 mark but I wanted to be between 105 and 110 for racing weight. She disagreed saying I was fine where I was.
Today I was at the gym doing my workout. I weighed in, per usual, before my workout--116.2. That's been my usual weight for a good year plus. After my elliptical routine I did a stretching routine right in front of a mirror. And you know what I noticed? I don't look like any of the women at the gym. Compared to them I look super-skinny, almost a little too skinny, but what I saw was that I look like a distance runner. My muscles are cut in the right areas and the areas that are supposed to be lean are very lean.
I think all women have body issues--even skinny ones. Today was the first day in a long time I looked in the mirror and liked me for me.
Back to your regularly scheduled program....
I've always struggled with body image issues. When I was a kid I was tall (surprising, isn't it) and super-skinny. The girls at school used to call me "little Ethopian girl" and my mom called me "Olive Oyl". Needless to say, it wasn't funny then and it's not funny now. As my friends grew taller, I stayed the same height and started sprouting a little more outward. Don't get me wrong, I've never been overweight or fat, but I've certainly had to deal with how much weight is appropriate for a 5'1" frame.
Recently I was having a conversation with Coach regarding what is ideal racing weight. I told her I was around the 116-118 mark but I wanted to be between 105 and 110 for racing weight. She disagreed saying I was fine where I was.
Today I was at the gym doing my workout. I weighed in, per usual, before my workout--116.2. That's been my usual weight for a good year plus. After my elliptical routine I did a stretching routine right in front of a mirror. And you know what I noticed? I don't look like any of the women at the gym. Compared to them I look super-skinny, almost a little too skinny, but what I saw was that I look like a distance runner. My muscles are cut in the right areas and the areas that are supposed to be lean are very lean.
I think all women have body issues--even skinny ones. Today was the first day in a long time I looked in the mirror and liked me for me.
Friday, January 09, 2009
The Cure for the Winter Duldrums
My friend Andrea is running Rock and Roll Arizona next weekend. Today I got a text from her. She basically said she was super sick of running. I text her back that I was too and I hadn't even started my training yet.
For four years Andrea and I did almost every long run together. No matter how crappy of a week I was having I always knew I had a long run with Andrea to look forward to and make the week a little better. Andrea recently moved to Denver and we've both been training by ourselves. I told her it's been hard to get motivated to go out in the cold all by myself.
Luckily Dave met me after work today and we were able to do most of our runs together. I hope Andrea finds a great running group to boost her motivation after her marathon next week.
Good luck Andrea. Go out there and get your 3:23. I miss you.
For four years Andrea and I did almost every long run together. No matter how crappy of a week I was having I always knew I had a long run with Andrea to look forward to and make the week a little better. Andrea recently moved to Denver and we've both been training by ourselves. I told her it's been hard to get motivated to go out in the cold all by myself.
Luckily Dave met me after work today and we were able to do most of our runs together. I hope Andrea finds a great running group to boost her motivation after her marathon next week.
Good luck Andrea. Go out there and get your 3:23. I miss you.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
So, what did you not get for Christmas that you're totally going to go out and buy for yourself?
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Adventures at the Community Center
Every other week Coach gives me cross-training workouts that involve running and doing body-weight exercises. To do these workouts I needed to find an indoor track, so I've been going to the Westerville Community Center. The indoor track is a carpeted small oval around the top of a bunch of basketball courts. Every other day the walking/running direction changes. No where does it state how many laps equals a mile.
Oh yeah...it costs me $4.50 each time I want to use the track.
Today it was snowing as I entered the community center. I went to the front desk to pay my fee and the smart-alec manager behind the desk says "why don't you just run outside?" I let him know that I usually do run outside but that my coach assigned me a run that required exercises every thirty seconds. Yeah, that quieted him. I get up to the track and start my workout. It's ten minutes of warm-up followed by 30 seconds of exercise, 30 seconds of jogging. Most of the exercises were running-related but I still looked kinda weird doing them. I would be jogging and then, BAM, I'd hit the floor and start doing mountain climbers. One guy stopped me and asked me what I was doing. I told him my coach was the devil (Hi Liz!). I told him I was a runner and these exercises were making me stronger. He told me he had had triple bypass, a heart attack, and had six stents. I told him it was a miracle he was alive and thank goodness he was there walking. It was good for him. He asked me who I ran for. I was like, "what?" He asked again, "what school did I run for?" I giggled. I told him I was much older than I looked; that I was 30. He he!
As I was approaching the end of my workout I went to consult my piece of paper I brought with me and it had been thrown away. I couldn't find it in the trash. I hope I finished the workout alright.
On paper these cross training workouts look so easily, but they are kicking my a$$! Although it's costing me a small fortune to go to the community center, in the end I know these experiences whether they be fun, tough, or personal are really going to make me better.
Oh yeah...it costs me $4.50 each time I want to use the track.
Today it was snowing as I entered the community center. I went to the front desk to pay my fee and the smart-alec manager behind the desk says "why don't you just run outside?" I let him know that I usually do run outside but that my coach assigned me a run that required exercises every thirty seconds. Yeah, that quieted him. I get up to the track and start my workout. It's ten minutes of warm-up followed by 30 seconds of exercise, 30 seconds of jogging. Most of the exercises were running-related but I still looked kinda weird doing them. I would be jogging and then, BAM, I'd hit the floor and start doing mountain climbers. One guy stopped me and asked me what I was doing. I told him my coach was the devil (Hi Liz!). I told him I was a runner and these exercises were making me stronger. He told me he had had triple bypass, a heart attack, and had six stents. I told him it was a miracle he was alive and thank goodness he was there walking. It was good for him. He asked me who I ran for. I was like, "what?" He asked again, "what school did I run for?" I giggled. I told him I was much older than I looked; that I was 30. He he!
As I was approaching the end of my workout I went to consult my piece of paper I brought with me and it had been thrown away. I couldn't find it in the trash. I hope I finished the workout alright.
On paper these cross training workouts look so easily, but they are kicking my a$$! Although it's costing me a small fortune to go to the community center, in the end I know these experiences whether they be fun, tough, or personal are really going to make me better.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Personal Goals 2009
I like to separate my personal goals and my running goals. Not that my running goals are not personal, but I just think they're different. I'm a much more goal-oriented and driven person when it comes to my running than when it comes to my everyday life. These are not resolutions. If they were resolutions, they would already be broken. Instead they're goals to work towards throughout the year.
- Eat in unless invited out or spending cash
- Read 14 books
- Blog every day
- Clean the house every week
- Take more pictures for myself
Monday, January 05, 2009
Columbus Bride Show Day 2
Well we survived "Bride Mania". And boy am I tired. This morning I didn't even hear Dave's alarm go off and I don't remember him getting up or leaving. Between being sick all of last week and being charming all weekend, I need another week off. Unfortunately, it was back to reality today as I was already subbing at the gym.
We far exceeded our expectations at the bride show. We ran a special there where we would take $100 if you would sign a contract and pay the deposit at the show. I really didn't have any expectations. Dave had set a verbal goal of 5 and a secret goal of 10. And....we matched that secret goal. I walked away with 10 signed contracts and I even had to turn three people away because their dates were already reserved. I really think there is more good to come too. Right now our first event isn't until May, but we're really hoping to pick something up before then. We have booked May-October. And there were plenty of dates in 2010 that people inquired about.
To sum it up, I don't have to go looking for a full-time job. And that, that makes me very happy.
We far exceeded our expectations at the bride show. We ran a special there where we would take $100 if you would sign a contract and pay the deposit at the show. I really didn't have any expectations. Dave had set a verbal goal of 5 and a secret goal of 10. And....we matched that secret goal. I walked away with 10 signed contracts and I even had to turn three people away because their dates were already reserved. I really think there is more good to come too. Right now our first event isn't until May, but we're really hoping to pick something up before then. We have booked May-October. And there were plenty of dates in 2010 that people inquired about.
To sum it up, I don't have to go looking for a full-time job. And that, that makes me very happy.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Columbus Bride Show Day #1
I'm keeping it real here. I studied engineering because, and how do I put this nicely, my boyfriends had not been the sharpest pencils in the box. They weren't dumb, but I knew I was going to have to be the bread winner. And then I married Dave and he was smarter than me and I knew everything was going to be okay. We were smart about decisions we made and everything seemed A-OK. Until I quit my job. And not that we're not paying our bills, but we've certainly buckling down on everything. Having a business and a job where you're not getting a regular pay check and some months are huge and others pull in nothing has been tough to plan and tough to manage. So, going into the bridal show this weekend I had already decided that if things didn't go well I would begin looking for a full-time job again. I must as I HATED it, it was reality.
After day 1 of could easily be called Bride-a-Palooza, we've done pretty good. We heard great things about our photo booth like we were the best priced, we looked the best, we were different from the others, or my favorite: ours was the most comfortable. In the end, I booked 4 at the show today, bringing my grand total for 2009 to 6 events. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I had set my goals for the year to be 20, so I'm a 1/4 of the way there. Maybe my goal was low. We had tons of great response today and we're really thinking we'll book a few more tomorrow. Plus there were lots of brides there planning their weddings for 2010. TWO THOUSAND TEN!!
I'm hoping this means we're in for the long-haul and I also hope it means we can grow the business, expand and be able to offer more dates and more possibilities for our clients.
I know most of you reading this blog only want to hear about running, but when you've spent 10 hours on your feet promoting your business, you feel like you've run an ultra.
After day 1 of could easily be called Bride-a-Palooza, we've done pretty good. We heard great things about our photo booth like we were the best priced, we looked the best, we were different from the others, or my favorite: ours was the most comfortable. In the end, I booked 4 at the show today, bringing my grand total for 2009 to 6 events. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I had set my goals for the year to be 20, so I'm a 1/4 of the way there. Maybe my goal was low. We had tons of great response today and we're really thinking we'll book a few more tomorrow. Plus there were lots of brides there planning their weddings for 2010. TWO THOUSAND TEN!!
I'm hoping this means we're in for the long-haul and I also hope it means we can grow the business, expand and be able to offer more dates and more possibilities for our clients.
I know most of you reading this blog only want to hear about running, but when you've spent 10 hours on your feet promoting your business, you feel like you've run an ultra.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Shameless Promotion
Sorry for the short post today. After spending three days in bed being sick, Dave and I ran around the city of Columbus all crazy today getting ready for the Columbus Bride Show. Our photo booth is hoping to do good business at the show this weekend. If you're in Columbus, engaged, and looking for a full day of bridal fun, come to Vet's Memorial and check us out. We're WAY in the back on the right hand side of the stage.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
December Totals
December was supposed to be the month where I start building up the mileage and work on muscle development. Instead I missed an 8 miler (laziness) and a 10 miler (weather) and got sick the last week of the month and did nothing. I need to get my head back in the game because the half marathon and marathon are going to come upon me pretty quickly, I'm afraid.
Run = 65.94 miles
Swim = 2000 meters
Bike = 10.47 miles
Run = 65.94 miles
Swim = 2000 meters
Bike = 10.47 miles
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy Freakin' New Year!
Last New Year's I spent the day hugging the porcelain god, praying to die, and getting a shot in my butt at the urgent care. I had norovirus. I did not even see midnight because the anti-nausea medicine caused me to pass out, FOR THREE DAYS!
And it seems this New Year isn't going to be much different. Last week when we were at Dave's parents I started getting a sore throat. I thought it was just allergies as I'm allergic to pine trees and we were sleeping in the same room as the live Christmas tree. But after we came home I just kept getting sicker and I pushed through it by continuing to work out. The last two days, though, I barely made it out of my pajamas and today I wound up in the doctor's office: a sinus infection and bronchitis. For the first time that I can remember, the doctor told me not to run for a while.
So Happy Freakin' New Year, internet. I hope yours is better than mine!
And it seems this New Year isn't going to be much different. Last week when we were at Dave's parents I started getting a sore throat. I thought it was just allergies as I'm allergic to pine trees and we were sleeping in the same room as the live Christmas tree. But after we came home I just kept getting sicker and I pushed through it by continuing to work out. The last two days, though, I barely made it out of my pajamas and today I wound up in the doctor's office: a sinus infection and bronchitis. For the first time that I can remember, the doctor told me not to run for a while.
So Happy Freakin' New Year, internet. I hope yours is better than mine!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Running Goals: 2009
It's that time of year. Time to make resolutions and goals. Personally, I don't like making resolutions, but I love making goals that are difficult but obtainable and give me something to work towards. I love a challenge!
After the Columbus Marathon I've struggled to determine "what's next?" For three years I worked for that 3:30 and didn't realize there would be goals on the other side. But, after a few e-mail exchanges with coach I guess there is more achievements left.
So without further ado, my short list of 2009 running goals.
I'm sure there will be more goals to come based on training and races. I'm sure there will be other races too. This year is Dave's year, so I'm not really looking beyond Boston.
What's on your goal list?
After the Columbus Marathon I've struggled to determine "what's next?" For three years I worked for that 3:30 and didn't realize there would be goals on the other side. But, after a few e-mail exchanges with coach I guess there is more achievements left.
So without further ado, my short list of 2009 running goals.
- Do all scheduled workouts (unless sick or injured)
- Run 1200+ miles
- Sub-1:40 half marathon
- Sub-3:25 marathon
- Qualify for NYC Marathon
- Run outside unless it's raining or below 15 degrees
- Last Chance for Boston 1/2 Marathon - February 15th
- Boston Marathon - April 20th
- NYC Marathon
- Nike Women's Marathon
- St. George
- Maui Marathon
- California International Marathon
- Towpath (Cleveland)
I'm sure there will be more goals to come based on training and races. I'm sure there will be other races too. This year is Dave's year, so I'm not really looking beyond Boston.
What's on your goal list?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday's Merchandise
Today's merchandise is a very important one: RoadID.
A few years ago I bought one for everyone in my family. And I'm so glad I did. Earlier this year while running we came upon a woman who was passed out laying on the side of the trail. She did not have any form of identification on her. We didn't know her name, if she had medical problems, how to contact a loved one, etc. We called 911 and she came to shortly after they arrived. I sure hope she now carries identification with her. That was scary.
So, if you don't have a RoadID, it's time to get one. It's like a $20 investment that could save your life.
A few years ago I bought one for everyone in my family. And I'm so glad I did. Earlier this year while running we came upon a woman who was passed out laying on the side of the trail. She did not have any form of identification on her. We didn't know her name, if she had medical problems, how to contact a loved one, etc. We called 911 and she came to shortly after they arrived. I sure hope she now carries identification with her. That was scary.
So, if you don't have a RoadID, it's time to get one. It's like a $20 investment that could save your life.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
2008 Year in Review
2008 was a pretty good year. There were ups and downs, twists and turns, but overall I'd say the year has made me pretty happy.
Running and triathlon certainly provided highs and lows in 2008. I started the racing season with the Last Chance for Boston Marathon which Dave, Dad, and I did as a relay. We finished in 3:35:06. Then in April I ran the Athens Half Marathon.
I was on pace to set a new PR but my stomach had other plans. After having to make the only port-o-john stop of my running career, I still finished with a respectable 1:45:28 and finished first in my age group and was awarded with a mug. Later in April I ran the Boston Marathon. Only 6 miles into the race I knew was in trouble. My friends I started with were slipping away and I had to do a considerable amount of walking between miles 16-26. I finished with a disappointing 4:01:42 and decided to was time to give triathlon another tri. :)
Triathlon started for Dave and I when we went down to Wheelie Fun in Mason to check out their big bike sale in February. We came home with two brand new swanky bikes: mine a Kuota K-Factor and Dave's a Cervelo P2-SL. Our first triathlon was in May at the OSU Triathlon. The swim was inside and the bike and run outside. After freaking out in the swim (man that water is deep) and really sucking on the bike, I turned in a great run. I was still on-board the triathlon train. The first part of June we did the Deer Creek Olympic Triathlon. As it was last time I did this race, the weather took it's toll and the whole race sucked. Half way through the swim I decided that triathlon sucked and that I was always going to be a runner. Never the less, I lined up a week later at the Wendy's Triathlon. This race went much better and so I stuck around for the main event: Muncie Endurathon. Just like 3 years ago when I did this race, the weather was horrible. Never-the-less, I turned in a PR showing, if only 59 seconds better. :)
It was time to hang up my bike and get serious about my running. I hired a coach and decided three years of hoping to run a 3:30 marathon was too long to hope and it was time to work for it. She challenged me in ways I have never been challenged.I was now running by heart rate instead of pace; I was doing weight lifting; there was cross training; and there was lots and lots of speed work. When I toed the line at the Columbus Marathon in October I was confident but scared to death. I pushed aside my demons and ran the way I knew how--on pace and within myself. I held it together even as I fell behind the pace group at mile 23. And in the end I got that 3:30, even if it was a few seconds over: 3:30:20. So what's next? Well, you'll have to stay tuned in the next couple of days for that. :)
Personally I had a pretty good year too. I switched jobs again, but by July I had had enough of working for someone else. I had already been in business for a while with Meredith Gordon Photography and VIP Photo Booths and business was booming. I quit being an engineer after 7 years and went full-time with my own businesses. And just this month, I incorporated VIP Photo Booths. We will be at the Columbus Bride Show next weekend and expect our 2009 schedule to fill quickly.
Dave and I didn't take a formal vacation this year but had fun on our running trips like Boston and Reach the Beach. Had we known this might be our last RTB, I think we would have savored it even more (our fearless team leader has decided to call it quits).
2009 is just around the corner and I think it's going to be a fantastic year. There are more races to run and we have a HUGE vacation planned. Plus we expect our business to continue to grow and be competitive in its market. We will welcome a new niece in a few weeks and for ourselves, a few fish. Keep reading in the next couple of days. I will be posting about both my running goals and personal goals for 2009. I hope everyone had a great 2008 and is looking forward to another year of possibilities.
Running and triathlon certainly provided highs and lows in 2008. I started the racing season with the Last Chance for Boston Marathon which Dave, Dad, and I did as a relay. We finished in 3:35:06. Then in April I ran the Athens Half Marathon.
I was on pace to set a new PR but my stomach had other plans. After having to make the only port-o-john stop of my running career, I still finished with a respectable 1:45:28 and finished first in my age group and was awarded with a mug. Later in April I ran the Boston Marathon. Only 6 miles into the race I knew was in trouble. My friends I started with were slipping away and I had to do a considerable amount of walking between miles 16-26. I finished with a disappointing 4:01:42 and decided to was time to give triathlon another tri. :)Triathlon started for Dave and I when we went down to Wheelie Fun in Mason to check out their big bike sale in February. We came home with two brand new swanky bikes: mine a Kuota K-Factor and Dave's a Cervelo P2-SL. Our first triathlon was in May at the OSU Triathlon. The swim was inside and the bike and run outside. After freaking out in the swim (man that water is deep) and really sucking on the bike, I turned in a great run. I was still on-board the triathlon train. The first part of June we did the Deer Creek Olympic Triathlon. As it was last time I did this race, the weather took it's toll and the whole race sucked. Half way through the swim I decided that triathlon sucked and that I was always going to be a runner. Never the less, I lined up a week later at the Wendy's Triathlon. This race went much better and so I stuck around for the main event: Muncie Endurathon. Just like 3 years ago when I did this race, the weather was horrible. Never-the-less, I turned in a PR showing, if only 59 seconds better. :)
It was time to hang up my bike and get serious about my running. I hired a coach and decided three years of hoping to run a 3:30 marathon was too long to hope and it was time to work for it. She challenged me in ways I have never been challenged.I was now running by heart rate instead of pace; I was doing weight lifting; there was cross training; and there was lots and lots of speed work. When I toed the line at the Columbus Marathon in October I was confident but scared to death. I pushed aside my demons and ran the way I knew how--on pace and within myself. I held it together even as I fell behind the pace group at mile 23. And in the end I got that 3:30, even if it was a few seconds over: 3:30:20. So what's next? Well, you'll have to stay tuned in the next couple of days for that. :)Personally I had a pretty good year too. I switched jobs again, but by July I had had enough of working for someone else. I had already been in business for a while with Meredith Gordon Photography and VIP Photo Booths and business was booming. I quit being an engineer after 7 years and went full-time with my own businesses. And just this month, I incorporated VIP Photo Booths. We will be at the Columbus Bride Show next weekend and expect our 2009 schedule to fill quickly.
Dave and I didn't take a formal vacation this year but had fun on our running trips like Boston and Reach the Beach. Had we known this might be our last RTB, I think we would have savored it even more (our fearless team leader has decided to call it quits).
2009 is just around the corner and I think it's going to be a fantastic year. There are more races to run and we have a HUGE vacation planned. Plus we expect our business to continue to grow and be competitive in its market. We will welcome a new niece in a few weeks and for ourselves, a few fish. Keep reading in the next couple of days. I will be posting about both my running goals and personal goals for 2009. I hope everyone had a great 2008 and is looking forward to another year of possibilities.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Page Turners
In 2007, I set a New Year's resolution for myself to read 12 books that year, which I did. In 2008, I decided to do it again (secretly hoping to do 14 books). Right now I'm reading my 14th book and it's due at the library on January 2nd. So, I might get in all 14 books. Here's the list:
1. "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah
2. "Love is the Killer App" by Tim Sanders
3. "An Idiot Girl's Christmas" by Laurie Notaro--Her books are always funny. Start with the "Idiot Girl's Action Adventure Club."
4. "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer--Loved the book, loved the movie.
5. "Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch--Seriously DO NOT read without a box of tissues.
6. "Marley and Me" by John Grogan--I'm hoping to go see the movie soon. Cute book, even if you're not a dog lover (like myself).
7. "Dispatches from the Edge" by Anderson Cooper
8. "My Life on the Run" by Bart Yasso--My favorite book I read this year.
9. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
10. "Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares
11. "There's a Slight Chance I Might Be Going to Hell" by Laurie Notaro--I only have one of her books left to read. Come on, Laurie! Publish another book!
12. "Twlight" by Stephenie Meyer--My second favorite book I read this year. Loved the book, loved the movie. Dave got me the sequel for Christmas. I can't wait to read it.
13. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
And what I'm reading right now:
14. "No Limits: The Will to Succeed" by Michael Phelps
So, what did you read this year that you would recommend?
1. "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah
2. "Love is the Killer App" by Tim Sanders
3. "An Idiot Girl's Christmas" by Laurie Notaro--Her books are always funny. Start with the "Idiot Girl's Action Adventure Club."
4. "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer--Loved the book, loved the movie.
5. "Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch--Seriously DO NOT read without a box of tissues.
6. "Marley and Me" by John Grogan--I'm hoping to go see the movie soon. Cute book, even if you're not a dog lover (like myself).
7. "Dispatches from the Edge" by Anderson Cooper
8. "My Life on the Run" by Bart Yasso--My favorite book I read this year.
9. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
10. "Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood" by Ann Brashares
11. "There's a Slight Chance I Might Be Going to Hell" by Laurie Notaro--I only have one of her books left to read. Come on, Laurie! Publish another book!
12. "Twlight" by Stephenie Meyer--My second favorite book I read this year. Loved the book, loved the movie. Dave got me the sequel for Christmas. I can't wait to read it.
13. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
And what I'm reading right now:
14. "No Limits: The Will to Succeed" by Michael Phelps
So, what did you read this year that you would recommend?
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Loot
Did you get good stuff for Christmas? I sure did.
I got my running stuff, like a couple pair of running tights. Dave got all kinds of running/triathlon stuff. He got like 3 winter caps, and 3 pairs of running pants. He got a pair of goggles that immediately broke. And he got a really nice pair of gloves. This is especially good for him since his hands turn ice cold in the winter.
I got stuff for my iPhone like a new USB cord and cradle so now I can have a cord attached to my computer and put the cradle beside my bed. My mom wants me to keep the phone next to my bed when I sleep. You know, just in case. :)
And probably my favorite present was a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. My sister started my collection last year and Dave continued it this year. What he didn't realize, with his $10 purchase, was the camera had a working shutter and a film spool in it. I immediately put in some 120 film and I'm looking forward to seeing if it really works. If it does, I'm hoping to create a really awesome album of my cross-country trip next summer.
Hope you had a good Christmas!
I got my running stuff, like a couple pair of running tights. Dave got all kinds of running/triathlon stuff. He got like 3 winter caps, and 3 pairs of running pants. He got a pair of goggles that immediately broke. And he got a really nice pair of gloves. This is especially good for him since his hands turn ice cold in the winter.
I got stuff for my iPhone like a new USB cord and cradle so now I can have a cord attached to my computer and put the cradle beside my bed. My mom wants me to keep the phone next to my bed when I sleep. You know, just in case. :)
And probably my favorite present was a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. My sister started my collection last year and Dave continued it this year. What he didn't realize, with his $10 purchase, was the camera had a working shutter and a film spool in it. I immediately put in some 120 film and I'm looking forward to seeing if it really works. If it does, I'm hoping to create a really awesome album of my cross-country trip next summer.
Hope you had a good Christmas!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
To all my real and virtual friends out there, Dave and I would like to wish everyone a very happy holidays.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday Thoughts (on a Wednesday)
Today's question is a pretty easy one. What is your favorite holiday movie?
I have three favorites...
(1) Scrooged--because seriously, Bill Murray is a comedy genius.
(2) White Christmas--classic
(3) When Harry Met Sally--I watch it every New Year's Eve.
I have three favorites...
(1) Scrooged--because seriously, Bill Murray is a comedy genius.
(2) White Christmas--classic
(3) When Harry Met Sally--I watch it every New Year's Eve.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I Had a Dream
Sunday night I had a very interesting dream. It went something like this...
I was running in a marathon and I was pretty far along--over 20 miles. I was running very comfortably and running with friends. The course went through an ice cream parlor and my friends decided to stop and talked me into stopping also. When we stopped my friends said it was okay to stop my watch. I was skeptical but stopped anyway. Then I had doubts. So, I got back in the marathon. But, I realized I was the only one running. I was close to the end of the race, but I didn't know which way to go. I asked volunteers and they just kept saying the finish was around the corner. I looked at my watch and it said 3:15. Yet, I couldn't find the finish. And then I woke up.
What's it supposed to mean? Is it a sign? Isn't it too early to be having nightmares about the marathon?
I was running in a marathon and I was pretty far along--over 20 miles. I was running very comfortably and running with friends. The course went through an ice cream parlor and my friends decided to stop and talked me into stopping also. When we stopped my friends said it was okay to stop my watch. I was skeptical but stopped anyway. Then I had doubts. So, I got back in the marathon. But, I realized I was the only one running. I was close to the end of the race, but I didn't know which way to go. I asked volunteers and they just kept saying the finish was around the corner. I looked at my watch and it said 3:15. Yet, I couldn't find the finish. And then I woke up.
What's it supposed to mean? Is it a sign? Isn't it too early to be having nightmares about the marathon?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday's Merchandise
Today's merchandise I'm going to rave about is my heart rate monitor. I do, I would say, about 95% of my workouts using a HRM and not using pace. Yes, I own a Garmin, but I only use it if Coach gives me a workout that indicates I have to do a certain pace and if that certain pace couldn't be done on a track. Otherwise, I estimate the mileage and do everything in heart rate zones.
The heart rate monitor I use is this Timex. The reason I like this one is it allows me to set intervals within certain zones. The watch will beep at me if I go out of the zone and when I need to move on to another interval in the workout. The thing I can't figure out on the watch or maybe it's not possible is that I can't set all 5 zones using the zones Coach has established for me. The watch has five zones that somehow are set using your max HR and then you can customize 3 other zones, which are the ones I use as zones 1-3 as established by Coach. But, with the interval settings you can manually input your zones and that's usually how I do it.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm not sure how heart rate training works, but it is highly effective and I am going to keep training with my HRM.
The heart rate monitor I use is this Timex. The reason I like this one is it allows me to set intervals within certain zones. The watch will beep at me if I go out of the zone and when I need to move on to another interval in the workout. The thing I can't figure out on the watch or maybe it's not possible is that I can't set all 5 zones using the zones Coach has established for me. The watch has five zones that somehow are set using your max HR and then you can customize 3 other zones, which are the ones I use as zones 1-3 as established by Coach. But, with the interval settings you can manually input your zones and that's usually how I do it.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm not sure how heart rate training works, but it is highly effective and I am going to keep training with my HRM.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Best. Christmas. Ever.
My family celebrated Christmas today. And it was AWESOME!
My sister and I have been working hard the last couple of weeks to put together the ultimate gift for my parents. And today we got to see their reactions.
We modeled our gift giving after this commercial:
We had three gifts that we spread out throughout the festivities. The first was a box of tissues. Immediately dad asked where his new car was. Then they waited and waited. Next was a brown paper bag. They waited and waited some more. Then they opened a box that had a picture of a bunch of trampolines. Now they were really thrown off. Finally, after everyone had opened every gift we gave them their real gift.
Together they opened a folder. They both squealed and started crying hysterically. My dad kept saying "throw it away." My sister Amy and I were shell-shocked. We couldn't tell if they were happy or upset. I was crying. Amy was crying. What the hell was going on?
My sister and I bought them a cruise. This cruise leaves in two weeks. We arranged their work schedules and volunteer schedules and all they had to do was find a way to get to Miami. They were overjoyed. My dad cried through dinner.
It was the best Christmas present EVER!
My sister and I have been working hard the last couple of weeks to put together the ultimate gift for my parents. And today we got to see their reactions.
We modeled our gift giving after this commercial:
We had three gifts that we spread out throughout the festivities. The first was a box of tissues. Immediately dad asked where his new car was. Then they waited and waited. Next was a brown paper bag. They waited and waited some more. Then they opened a box that had a picture of a bunch of trampolines. Now they were really thrown off. Finally, after everyone had opened every gift we gave them their real gift.
Together they opened a folder. They both squealed and started crying hysterically. My dad kept saying "throw it away." My sister Amy and I were shell-shocked. We couldn't tell if they were happy or upset. I was crying. Amy was crying. What the hell was going on?
My sister and I bought them a cruise. This cruise leaves in two weeks. We arranged their work schedules and volunteer schedules and all they had to do was find a way to get to Miami. They were overjoyed. My dad cried through dinner.
It was the best Christmas present EVER!
Friday, December 19, 2008
One of my favorite pictures
Flatman asked to see some more of my pictures. And I'm sure Jason would appreciate this too.
The summer of 2007 Dave and I took a trip to Italy for two weeks. We took like 500 pictures and had tons of stories. My intent was to fully review it here on the blog, but it was just overwhelming and I never did it.
One of my favorite places we visited was Venice. I loved the water and the food and how much quieter it was than Rome. This was perhaps my favorite pictures I took. This is the firehouse.
The summer of 2007 Dave and I took a trip to Italy for two weeks. We took like 500 pictures and had tons of stories. My intent was to fully review it here on the blog, but it was just overwhelming and I never did it.
One of my favorite places we visited was Venice. I loved the water and the food and how much quieter it was than Rome. This was perhaps my favorite pictures I took. This is the firehouse.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday Thoughts
I once heard you shouldn't start a diet on an important day...like New Year's day or your birthday. It's not like you need a special day to make a commitment. You should start when you're ready.
I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I have blogged 8 days in a row. Holy cow! And my goal is to blog at least a month, every day. Problem is, what in the world am I going to talk about every day for a month?
So the Thursday Thought for today is, what do you want to see on this blog? What should be my topics? Please, blogosphere, I need your help!
I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I have blogged 8 days in a row. Holy cow! And my goal is to blog at least a month, every day. Problem is, what in the world am I going to talk about every day for a month?
So the Thursday Thought for today is, what do you want to see on this blog? What should be my topics? Please, blogosphere, I need your help!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
