Three things Thursday

1 – Running:  I have been successful in taking a break from running the past couple of days.  I have been counting my yard work as my ‘workouts’.  Tuesday - I went for a 3 mile walk just because I was getting restless.  Yesterday I decided to get back out there and run.  A solid 4 miles.  Time: 33:15.  Mile splits as follows: not including my stop to play in the sprinkler :)

Mile 1: 8:23

Mile 2: 8:26

Mile 3: 8:19

Mile 4: 8:07

 I have two races coming up that I really don’t feel prepared for.  July 7^th – Independence 10K and July 15^th – Too Hot to Handle.  Might have to go to the gym a few times soon just to get in some decent mileage in a temperature controlled setting.  I’ll get in a few more miles tonight, then volleyball.  Hoping to get in an 8 mile run this weekend.

2 – July:  July has filled up quick –

·        July 7^th – 10K and then Nat Nat’s birthday

·        July 13^th – 15^th – Volleyball tourney, volleyball tourney/fundraiser, and 15K

·        July 21^st – Baby shower/volleyball tourney

·        July 25^th – Mama Fritz and Auntie B are in town

3 – Life:  Subtract the bad – add the good:  got this from a blog and it was in reference to diet, but I think this mode of thinking should be applied to all aspects of life. 

Since I decided to take a few days off the running and adapt to the heat, I did some yard work yesterday.  (Today is supposed to be 104, tomorrow 107).  I think I want to get rid of some of the front landscaping.  Just the stuff by the front walkway.  I like the plants in front of the house.  Tons of grass is growing through the mulch making it look messy.  A couple of the bushes died (I think I got plant killer on them).  And by taking out that area, it will be easier for me to cut the grass.  We’ll see.  Again, I am just working on getting things to grow.  I watered a ton last night and today I am going to finish cutting the grass and throw on some more weed killer.  I got one that will supposedly kill the crab grass too.

My cats made a new friend yesterday.  His name is Thumper and he lives in the backyard.  Well, I’m not 100% sure he lives there, but he was just chilling in the backyard all night.  He is cute, he can stay.

My newest cooking attempt – Stuffed shells.  Pretty easy and didn’t turn out too bad.  Something different when I want pasta.  I just stuffed them with 3 cheeses, but it would be relatively painless to add spinach or meat of some sort.  Not the healthiest thing in the world, but easy enough.

Texas is HOT – duh

Welp – we have finally hit the time of year when temperatures are easily above 100 and you can honestly feel a difference when it is only 98.  Saturday I had intended to do 10 miles, but was lazy and didn’t start my run right away in the morning.  It was 10AM by the time I got my lazy bum out the door.  I only managed to do 5 miles with stops for water every 0.5 – 1 mile. 

Goofy training starts at the end of August, so I think I am going to take it easy in July.  I have two races planned in July – a 10K and a 15K – that I am using as my training for the Hottest Half (August).  There is no reason to push it in this heat. 

Today it is supposed to be 102 with a heat index of 105 with similar numbers the rest of the week.  I think I am going to be able to get a lot of things done around the house this week because I won’t be running much!

Five for Friday –

1.      I flew back Tuesday night, but had Wednesday off work.  With my day off I was super productive.  Ran 11 miles (8 in the morning and 3 in the evening), cut the grass, did some yard work, and finally went to the bank to open my Roth IRA!!  Bout time!  Also went grocery shopping and cooked/prepared some meals.  Talk about productivity.

2.      Last night’s workout consisted of intervals.  4 miles in total.  I did 10 loops around a block in my neighborhood.  And the last part of the loop has a slight incline which makes it a bit harder (obviously).  Total time was 29:33, which is a 7:23 pace.  I wanted to be under 30 min (7:30 pace).   That is where I want to get my 5K times.

3.      Volleyball last night was fun.  I HATE having the late game (starts at 9:35), but at least I was able to get stuff done before volleyball.  Everyone played pretty well and got along.  I did stay out there and talk to people making my spin class this morning a bit rough.  5:45 AM class again. 

4.      With only working two days this week, the weekend flew up on me.  I actually have the next two weekends free.  No plans – no racing, no volleyball tournaments.  I am skipping the Corona tournament because I will be doing some distance runs, just nothing official.  Hoping to get some long runs in, some pool time, and some yard work.  I am determined to get this yard looking better.  It is a slow process and I am not a patient person.

5.      I found another new quote I love. ‘I need to measure my progress only against myself.  Not others.’  I used to be super competitive and had to win and was used to winning against others.  With running, you are competing with others in a way, but it is really you vs you vs the clock. 

My trip home

The family part -

I flew to Illinois on Friday, the parents picked me up and we went straight to my sister’s so I could see the little ones.  Kyla and I had a slumber party on her floor (she talks in her sleep).  Saturday was my dad’s party, definitely not a surprise.  I think everyone had a good time.  Then Saturday night we took off for the Glo Stick 6K.  Sunday was the visitation and then I hung out with the parents.  Monday I went swimming at Auntie B’s house.  At first Kyla wanted nothing to do with the water and after a little while she was jumping off the deck and being thrown around.  Went out with Stacey for dinner/beers and caught up.  Tuesday had lunch with the grandparents and headed back to Texas.  Things from this trip:  Kyla still loves me and Brent rolled over from back to tummy on dad’s birthday. 

Glo Stick 6K –

We get up to the city, park, and go and get our stuff.  First things first, we broke open several of the cans of glow sticks and got decked out.  Then we hung out until the start of the race.  I knew some Chicago friends were running the race and Mandi was able to spot me.  I ended up talking to her for 15-20 minutes before the race started.  Here is the cousins picture.

Nicole had said she was going to run the whole race with me, and I had a goal of around an 8 minute pace which would put me right under 30 minutes.  During the run I was feeling pretty good and loving the shoes (PureConnects).  The first mile was pretty fast, then we slowed down a bit for the second.  Nicole is funny to run with because every once in a while, she was like, ‘let’s slow down a bit.’  I wasn’t sure if she was doing that for my benefit or hers, but she would slow down for 3 steps then take off again.  For some reason I had in my head this was a 4 mile race.  So I was excited when I realized it was only 3.7 (yes – those 0.3 miles make a difference).  Once we hit 3.5 miles Nicole started to pick it up to the finish and I was able to stay with her.  Official finishing time: 28:38.  We finished in 9^th and 10^th place out of 495 in our age group. 

Side note - love the leg muscles in this picture!

Definitely a good run for me.  I think everyone had a good run.  Amy, Margie, and Jamie all did really good as well.  Amy ran the whole thing and is pretty much already back at the speed she was BB (before Brent).

Since I primarily run alone, I really need to work on running with people for the Goofy Challenge.  Which Nicole finally signed up for!  It was already over 80% full.

Chi-town bound - tomorrow!

I finally got to test out my new shoes – Brooks PureConnect.  They are definitely a lighter shoe, but there is still the support in the sole.  I did a quick 4 miles (stopping for water breaks).  It took me a minute to get used to the arch and the feel, but once I did, I loved them.  I think I could even where these for longer distances.  My Saucony Kinvara’s I only wear for shorter distances, but I think the Brooks PureConnects will be OK for mid-distances.  They are super flexible and don’t need to be broken in.  They are race ready.  I think I am going to run in them this weekend.

My 4 miles I did with just under an 8 minute pace, which is awesome for a training run for me.  For some reason, my legs do not go fast unless it is a race.  Maybe it is the adrenaline or maybe it is the other people around to distract me, but I always run faster during the race.  I can never replicate my race times running on my own.  I did stop for water a couple times on this run, but let’s face it, it is hot. 

·        First 2 miles were in 16:25. 

·        Last 2 miles were 15:25. 

·        My final time was 31:50. 

·        Definitely no complaints there.

I think I am mostly packed for home.  It was a little too easy to pack, so I think I am forgetting something - probably something important.  Oh well, between my sister and my parents, and Walmart – I should be fine.  Ready for some volleyball tonight.  We have the early games and a double header.  After having 2 weeks off from volleyball, I am extremely excited to get back out there.  With having the earlier games I can get home to finish up things before I leave – cut the grass, pick up the house.

Words I live by…

Yesterday was my gym day.  After skipping it last week it felt really good to get back.  Then I got sad because I realize I will miss it again this week. 

I did 2 miles before classes.  Legs were tired.  I felt pretty good when I was lifting and spinning – no issue being tired there.  I think the 2 miles were good to get the legs moving and the kinks worked out.  I also realized I have yet to test out my new shoes.  They are just sitting (looking pretty) on my counter.  I was going to test them on Monday, but skipped running because I had so much house work and other work to do.  Even if my legs are tired I will be running a few miles in them tonight.  Hopefully it won’t be raining.  I really don’t want to go back to the gym.

Then on to packing and getting everything done so I can head to Illinois with a clear head. 

Wounded Warrior –

Sunday was my 5^th half marathon this year.  My original thought was that I would only do 6 half marathons in 2012.  LOL – silly rabbit, tricks are for kids.  Obviously that is not working out right now.  Considering I have 5 more that I have already paid for left this year with a couple others I am thinking of running, I will run slightly more double the amount planned.

Saturday I went to a friend’s baby shower/party.  It was some people that I used to see all the time, but don’t get to as much anymore and some of the regular Thursday night volleyball people, and some people I had never met before.  It was good to see the volleyball people outside the courts and I had a lot of fun.  I miss hanging out with them and just chilling, and not playing volleyball.  However, I stayed out way too late knowing that I had this half.  I also played a lot of basketball (barefoot) and that tore up the bottom of my feet. 

I was hurting when I started the race and hurting when I finished the race.  It was a flat course, but I had zero energy.  I walked a heck of a lot more than I wanted, but I am glad I finished.  I do have to say it was probably one of the best races I have ever run in regards to friendliness.  Everyone was so nice, having fun and helping each other out.  There was great comrade out there.  There were also military men doing the half in full gear.  It is hard to complain about being tired when you are at this kind of race.  It is such a great cause.  As much as I was hurting, I did have a good race and enjoyed it.  And I was still several minutes faster than last year (I ran after a volleyball tournament and 3 hours of sleep).  Then I went home and took a nap. 

Tonight I will be cleaning and doing all the stuff I was supposed to be doing while I was napping yesterday.  I will also be packing for my trip home!  I am so excited to be heading home. 

I am officially going to start training again, for the Hottest Half.  I have just been running to run and when I can, however with the Texas heat, I think I need to be a little more structured.  As of now, I don’t have too many races scheduled over the next couple of months.  I think I am going to take my original training plan from Nicole and work off of that. 

Finally Friday –

I seriously don’t think this week could get much better.  Here are some random ramblings!

·        Kyla says ‘Aunt Lucy.’  I figured that one was still a ways off.  Amy called Wednesday morning when I was at work and Kyla said it for me - twice!  Definitely made my day/week.

·        The track meet was fun and I did way better than I thought!  Official results were posted and I did the 1500m in 6:10 (the kid I held off at the end was 12 – GO ME!) and the 800m in 2:54.

·        The weather made me run indoors, but I still got in good mileage

·        Wrote a lot of business for work this month

·        Got my books to take my next insurance exam

·        My new running shoes are scheduled to arrive today!  Tracker says they made it to Dallas!

·        Amy is signed up for RNR – Dallas.  That means I have 9 months to get a couch!

·        I signed up for some more races  - Plano Balloon festival half marathon

·        It’s been raining which I love for my yard.

·        Rain made volleyball get cancelled L.  So I was able to get up for 5:45AM spin again.  I kind of like it…

·        Only a few more days until I am Illinois bound.  I am ready.  I can’t wait to see how big Brent is and hear Kyla say ‘Aunt Lucy’ again!

This weekend I have the Wounded Warrior half marathon.  It is one I decided to sign up for 2 weeks ago.  I have not done any real training for it.  My last long run was the 10 miler on May 12^th.  Other than that, the 6 miles I did last night was my next longest run.  I am just hoping the weather cooperates.  It is supposed to be 95 that day.  Since it has done nothing but rain the last 2 days, the humidity may be an issue.  Either way, I will run, I will support a great cause, and I will collect more bling J.  Hoping to be sub 2 – if not oh wells.

After Wounded Warrior, the next half I am registered for is the Hottest Half.  I think it is appropriately named for a half marathon in Texas in August.  Training for that one is going to be even harder as the temperature rises.  Hope to get back to my spring running shape/speed.

I still have a sprinter buried deep inside me…

First of all – HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!  I am doing a FREE 10K tonight in honor of National Running Day.  I am definitely going to keep it nice and easy.  I didn’t train for my upcoming half marathon, so I am using tonight as my training run (yes, my only training run…opps)!

Last night I ran in a track meet.  That is a very weird thing to say considering the last time I ran in a track meet, I was in 8^th grade.  Crazy to think that was 14 years ago.  Wow!  It was an All Comers event, meaning anyone could run, but the majority of people were grade schoolers and high schoolers coming off their track seasons.  Awesome. 

I ran the 1500m and the 800m and made sure I was in the slowest heat each time.  I never finished last J.  I am waiting for the times to be posted, but I believe my 1500m was at 6:11 and my 800m was at 2:54.  I was super happy with that.  Granted I have not done a lot of 1 mile runs, but my fastest ever was 6:56 – the only time I broke 7 min.  With my 1500 time, I know I can do a mile under 7 min.  Heck, I would be close to a 6:45 mile.

With my current running, my goals are to get the mileage in and keep a semi-consistent pacing meaning I am never really pushing myself.  Getting back on the track and doing ‘short’ distances really brought back the sprinter in me.  Granted it to me awhile to get used to the starting gun.  Made me jump every time.  It was a fun night getting out on the track and watching all the heats. 

I think the best part was everyone’s reactions.  I love how excited everyone was for me.  I had told my sister earlier and she was laughing with me, because I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I think my dad was the most excited/impressed.  Mom seemed amused.  She is right that I always find the craziest things to get myself into.  Track days were always fun in grade school.  Everyone wanted to know why I didn’t run the 400m.  The 400m was MY event.  I started with it in the 5^th grade and never looked back.  They didn’t offer it this week (they switch up the schedule).  I wanted to run it because I loved that event, but I was a bit scared to see how bad my time got.  After running the 800m I think my 400m time would still be OK.

Sidenotes: My new shoes should be here by the end of the week.  Can’t wait to test them out.  If they feel OK I think I will be wearing them at the Glo Stick.  My new favorite snack is zucchini bites.  Super easy to make and taste pretty good.  A fellow blogger posted the below sign.  It might be my new favorite saying.  I love when people tell me they don’t have time to get to the gym or go for a run, but they can tell me what is going on in their favorite tv show.  Yeah – you have the time, you just choose to do something else with it.  Quit making excuses!

I love shopping for running stuff!

I gave up on finding my old school Brooks Switch 3s anymore.  I have been looking for awhile and nothing has caught my eye.  Today I ordered the Brooks PureConnect.  And of course they have orange on them.  I should have them in time to take them up to Illinois.

Yesterday I went out to lunch with a friend and did some running around.  I got a new outfit for the Glo Stick run.  I am not one that can do the bright shorts and the bright top, so I just went with the bright shorts.  Munchkin wanted to be in the picture too!

Other than that, not much to report.  Played in a volleyball tournament all day Saturday, Sunday was lunch and shopping, cooked most of my food for the week, then did some backyard – yard work.  Cut the grass, pulled some weeds, sprayed the backyard again.  I am still struggling with the yard work.  I can cut the grass with the best of them, it is all the maintenance I have never had to deal with.  I don’t mind doing it, I just don’t know what I am doing.  The prior owners weren’t the best with the yard either so I am trying to piece it together.  Lots of googling.  Dad said to try raking out the dead grass areas in the front.  Something I would have never thought to do myself.  I think I will try that this week.  I will try and get the front yard better this year, but if not, just start from scratch next week.  I would rather focus on the inside and get that finished up.  I can only focus on one project at a time, and right now it is the couch so I can get the inside pieced together.

I will have to update my June goals.  I wanted to do 500 push-ups and 500 sit-ups this month.  Well, I already did 200 of each this weekend.  Going to try and make it 1000 a piece.  I do the push-ups on my knees in sets of 20.  Maybe I will tweak the goal to be able to do so many on my toes.

Not a morning person

Last night was the White Rock Marathon kick-off Miller 6.4K (untimed) race.  My legs were pretty tired from Tuesday and Wednesday workouts so I had no idea what to expect.  We get to the start line and my watch tells me low battery, stupid watch.  But hey, my iPod decided to work – score!  I wasn’t too worried about my watch because they had a clock at the start/finish line.  It was an out and back course, simple and easy.  Except for when I came to the finish line – they never started the clock or it wasn’t working!  Dang it!!!  I found a guy who finished two people before me and he was 31:58.  So I can safely assume I was between 32 and 33 minutes which sounds about right.  Afterwards was free beer from Miller64.  It is a decent water-beer.

Today I decided to try a morning spin class.  5:45 is super early to be taking a spin class (in case you were wondering).  I feel pretty good right now.  Not too sure on the instructor.  Definitely no Marina (Tuesday night), but not as horrible as I was expecting.  I was talking to some people before class started and they were not singing the instructor praises, so I think I was expecting the worst and got mediocre and was OK with that.

Weekending will consist of Bloomin 4 miler and Save the Boobies volleyball tournament.