Clean bill of health

Got all my blood work back yesterday and I am fantastic.  All of my numbers are in the normal range, the low end of the normal range, but still in the actual range, which is great for me.  Some numbers are the best they have been in over 10 years.  Woot Woot!  Again, not by much, but I will take any movement in the positive direction.

That being said, I am ready to rock this fall running and biking season!

Turkey Roll –

So I think I have found the first bike thing I am going to sign up for.  The Denton Turkey Roll the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I have several friends that are probably going to do it.  They have 5 different course length options: 8, 29, 39, 52, and 68.  Most of us are going for the 29 mile route.  8 miles on a bike just isn’t enough and anything else will probably be too much.  Especially considering I have the Big D 30K run the next day. 

Yes, ride 29 miles on Saturday and run 18.6 miles on Sunday.  Lord help me!  At least I know that I will be able to eat all I want over Thanksgiving after that weekend.  Most of the people doing the bike ride are easy going riders.  I have to watch myself with the people that are ‘hard-core’ riders.  I constantly have to remind myself that biking is my crossing training/off day and most other people I ride with are using it as their main workout form.  I should not be pushing myself to keep up with them.

Did a quick 3 mile run last night.  My goal was to practice running a 9 minute pace.  Epic fail.  I ran an 8:44, 8:44 and 8:29.  Way too fast, but I felt like I was holding back, so I guess that’s good.  Then I met up with everyone for some bike miles.  I did a total of 12 on the bike, still getting used to the gears, but am getting better clipping in.  With it getting darker earlier it is going to be harder to get in the biking during the week.  Gotta make the most out of it while I can.

No volleyball tonight so I am going to do some shopping!

Hump Day

So, somehow I got byes on both nights of volleyball this week, and I am OK with it.  I’m not sure how I am going to fill my free time – I am going to get in some running and some rest!  Volleyball has been a lot of fun again the past few months, but a break every once in awhile is still needed.  Keeps me excited to be out there, and this week I can get some stuff done that needs to get done before my dad gets here.  Like a trip to Home Depot to look at the things he told me to!

Last night was hill training.  I decided to look at the course map for my next half marathon (Tyler Rose) and it appears to be pretty hilly.  I mean it is no St. Louis, but it will be a good warm up.  I have a nice slope just down the street that is just over 0.10 miles to the top.  So I ran up (and down it) a total of 10 times for 2 miles.  8:51 and 8:52.  Then I did my loop 5 times for another 2 miles.  8:36 and 8:21. I felt strong the whole way. 

If I had a computer I would download the song ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger’ and listen to it over and over when running hills! 

Tomorrow I get my blood results back for my iron and ferritin.  For some reason I always get a bit nervous for this.  I feel great and have been taking the pills, so logically there should be no problems.  I have this irrational fear that they are going to tell me that I can’t run anymore.  I remember how much like crap I used to feel and how a part of me is so into running to prove that I am healthy.  This is one of the few things that the emotional side of me out weights the logical side of me, and I get worried for no real reason.  Oh well, nothing I can do at this point.

Weekend Success!

The weather is finally cooling off in Texas, and by cooling off I mean it is still in the 90s during the day, but does get down to the 60s/70s at night.  Which means cooler temps in the morning to run.

The first test of the weekend was the Autumn Equinox 15K out at White Rock Lake.  The hardest part of this race was holding myself back.  Cool temperatures, flat course, and coming off a rest day, I was ready to go! I had a goal of a 9 minute pace and didn’t want any mile to be faster than 8:50.  I did decently well with those goals.  In full disclosure I was hitting the lap button on my watch at the mile markers and not when it beeped at me.  So some may have been slightly longer than a mile.  I ended up 2^nd in my age group (out of 7).

·        Mile 1 – 9:03

·        Mile 2 – 8:55

·        Mile 3 – 8:58

·        Mile 4 – 8:50

·        Mile 5 – 8:51

·        Mile 6 – 9:01

·        Mile 7 – 8:50

·        Mile 8 – 8:49

·        Mile 9 – 8:45

·        Finished with an 8:16 pace

After the race I met up with some friends to carbo-load (tex-mex) and have a few margaritas.  Then to bed and up bright and early for my half marathon.

Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon – this was a very enjoyable half.  It was capped at 400 runners, so extremely small.  They had plenty of volunteers at every water station, every turn, and other points throughout the course.  Cones the whole way, very well marked and very well put together.

They were launching the hot air balloons right at the start.  Only one was in the air at the very beginning.

You started off running away from the launch field, running up a bit and then running back towards the launch.  It was pretty cool because by mile 2 you were running back towards everything and by then they had over a dozen balloons in the air.  This is the first race that I ran with my camera and stopped to take pictures.  Runners were taking pictures of the hot air balloons as they were taking pictures of us.  This is at 2.5 miles.

 

Pretty neat and a nice distraction because – this course map did not have an elevation chart.  Ugg hills.  The first 3 miles there were 2 decent hills.  Once steep and one long and rolling.  Once I finished the second one I was wondering just how hilly this whole course was going to be.  Thankfully it flattened out and we ran through a park for most of the race.  At mile 5 I started to feel Saturday’s race, but by 5.5 I had hit that running groove.  I was just flying along, had a great rhythm and feeling good.  At about 6.5 miles Megan jumped on the course with me.  She was a much need distraction, and a great energy boost.  We chatted and cursed along.  Towards the end I told her I had to slow it down a bit, but still maintained a great pace.  I wanted to be under 2:05 (approx 9:30 pace) was hoping for under 2:00 (approx 9:09 pace), and was not expecting 1:55:39.  5th place in the age group out of 42.

·        Mile 1 – 8:42

·        Mile 2 – 9:14

·        Mile 3 – 8:53

·        Mile 4 – 8:44

·        Mile 5 – 9:02

·        Mile 6 – 8:38

·        Mile 7 – 8:40

·        Mile 8 – 8:50

·        Mile 9 – 8:36

·        Mile 10 – 8:53

·        Mile 11 – 8:55

·        Mile 12 – 9:00

·        Mile 13 – 8:46

·        Finished with a 7:46 pace

Then it was a funnel cake to celebrate!  I am very happy with how this weekend went and glad to see that my training is paying off and I am getting stronger.

I rediscovered my love of my compression socks.  Those things are life savers

Weekending -

This weekend is my first true test for Goofy.  I am doing a 15K on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday!  Eek!  I have been doing about 5 miles on Saturday followed up by 10 on Sunday, which is good, but this weekend is still going to be a big jump.  I’m actually a bit nervous for these races. 

I just don’t want to crap out and be discouraged.  I think the hardest part is going to be taking it easy on Saturday and keeping some in the tank for Sunday.  Saturday goal is a 9 minute pace (or slower).  I don’t want a single mile faster than 8:50.  Sunday I would just like to run the whole thing.  Hoping for between 9-9:30 pace.  I have my friend Megan meeting me around mile 6 to run part of it with me.  I ran the Hottest Half with her and she is training for the White Rock Marathon.  We are pretty similar running pace and I am hoping she will be a good distraction and keep me going.  I figure it is miles 5-11 of the half that are going to be hell.  Either way – double bling weekend (medals at both races).

And I know I have another shot at dominating the 15K/half weekend as I have another one set up October 6 and 7.

Got my blood tests done yesterday – I will get the results next Thursday.  Fingers crossed that everything is good.  I have been feeling pretty good running and no fatigue, so they should be fine.

What I Ate Will Eat Wednesday –

So I never knew I liked cottage cheese.  I always thought I didn’t like it, but could not actually remember trying it.  I’m not sure I could eat it plain, but I found a recipe on Little B’s site (I believe she got it from Jamie Eason).  It is apples, cinnamon, and cottage cheese.  Quick and easy snack and I like it

·        Breakfast – Oatmeal and orange juice

·        Snack – Greek yogurt and blueberries

·        Lunch – Pan roasted chicken with potatoes and green beans

·        Snack – Cottage cheese, apples, and cinnamon

·        Dinner – Undecided at this point, thinking a turkey burger and veggies on the side.

·        Snack - popcorn

I have had the same meals at work for the last 3 days, time to switch it up.  I think I am going to have Chicken sausage over brown rice with some veggies mixed (peppers, celery, etc) for the rest of the week.

Last night I had a fantastic 3 mile run.  The first mile I had to loosen up the legs from yesterday’s bike riding.  I progressively got faster taking 20-30 seconds off each mile.  It felt great.

Tonight I am going to do a 4-5 mile run and hopefully hop on the bike for a bit!  Maybe another 10 miles or so.  Then it is cooking for the rest of the week and spray painting my medal holders and water bottle holder for my bike.

I am excited because my favorite spin instructor is subbing Friday morning so I am going to try and make it.  Since I started playing volleyball on Tuesdays I haven’t been going to my gym classes.  However, 5:45 is going to come early after a Thursday night of volleyball.

I finally got to test out the ole bike.

14 mile ride, after a few practice loops around my neighborhood.  I am definitely better clipping in with my left shoe than my right.  It took a bit more effort to figure out than I was expecting.  With the small tires you feel every bump in the road and I definitely need to invest in some cushioned bike shorts.  Those seats just aren’t comfortable.  I did a few loops in the neighborhood than called my friend Mike to see where he was at.  Once I met up with him, he loosed my right side clip so it is easier to get into.  That helped a lot.  We ended up doing about 10 miles together on Spinks Rd, which has a few small hills.  The hills are much easier on a road bike.  I was mainly working on figuring out what gear I needed to be in.  Overall it was a successful first ride on the bike.  Hopefully I will get to try it again on Wednesday!

I just have to watch over doing it on the bike.  This is supposed to be my cross training for running.  The main goal is still running.  I am using biking for another form of cardio, that is easier on the knees, and uses my leg muscles a bit differently.  If I keep it between 10 and 20 miles a few times a week, I should be ok.

Motivation Monday –

FRIDAY! – I went and got my bike, and it is PRETTY!  I had too many plans on Saturday and it rained all day Sunday, so I haven’t gotten to ride it yet.  It is currently residing in the 3^rd bedroom.

Saturday was the Race for the Children 5K – I finished as the 3^rd overall female and first in my age group.  Prior to the start I was talking to a girl and she said she was expecting to run a 7:40 pace.  That is where I was hoping to be, but didn’t know if I could (need to stop going out the night before races, only a couple of beers, but it is the lack of sleep that kills me).  We started off together and I knew I was in trouble when the first mile was 7:15.  Eeek!  Way too fast. My second mile sucked hard core.  I think it was right at 8 minutes.  The last mile I pulled it together and it was around a 7:40 pace.  At least I ran one mile correctly

Then it was on to the Red Bull Soapbox Derby.  Good way to spend the afternoon.

SUNDAY! – I was planning on doing a 12 mile run.  That would put me at 700 miles for the year.  However, mother nature decided to have it rain on and off all day.  I did get in a nice 4 mile run in the rain.  Then decided to wait for the Cowboys game to be on and head to the gym.  I was planning on doing the final 8, but my legs were not feeling it.  Got through 6 as a run/walk and called it a day.  29 miles for the week.

Currently I am at 73 miles for the month (as of 9-16).  I ran a total of 75 miles all of August.  Gotta love training season.  698 miles for the year.

Five for Friday –

1.      I had an awesome run yesterday – 6 miles at an 8:19 pace.  It was a cool 83 degrees, cloud coverage and absolutely perfect for a run.  I felt great the whole way, the legs felt fresh after taking Wednesday off.  I actually do like training in the Texas summer’s because it does make you a stronger runner, but I am excited for fall running season.  I want to see the training paying off.  The next two half marathons I have are on Sunday after a 15K on Saturday, so I am not expecting any PRs.  I am expecting a PR later in the year.

2.      Bears tickets came in the mail yesterday.  Whoop whoop! 

3.      I get my bike back today.  Hopefully it doesn’t rain all weekend.  I want to ride!  I need to practice clipping in and out of the pedals before I actually go ride with people.  I don’t want to fall in front of everyone.  I would lose some cool points.

4.      5K tomorrow morning.  It is right in Lewisville and was only $15.  I’m hoping for a pretty good race, but not going all out.  I plan to do a couple of miles afterwards.

5.      Life is good – I really don’t’ have a specific 5^th thing, but everything has been going pretty good here.  Running is good, volleyball is good, house is good, work is good.  Got my couch, got my bike, got my 3^rd medal hanger in the mail. 

Tangent Tuesday –

Monday night was a busy one for me.  I guess I should have done more Sunday then run and watch football.  With the past two weeks I have had, I needed a break.  So now back to busy-ness.

First and foremost – I took my bike in to get assembled.  Yay!  I should have it back Thursday or Friday and then I will be riding all weekend.  It is just so dang pretty.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Got in a GREAT 3 mile run.  I couldn’t believe how great my legs felt especially after the 16 miler the day before.  I waited until the sun went down and just started running.  My legs were nice and loose and there was absolutely zero fatigue.  Ended up with 8:45, 8:31, and 8:24 miles.  It is amazing what happens when you actually start training (and eating right again).  Let’s see how the legs hold up tonight.

4 mile run, then volleyball!

Side note:  I think I have been using my credit card a bit too much lately.  They just increased my limit quite a bit!  Opps....

Monday – Weekend Recap

Friday I took my AU 66 insurance test and passed.  Which means: NEW RUNNING SHOES.  I told myself that this bonus money would be my new shoes for Goofy training.  I have two pairs of Brooks picked out, that should get me through this year and part of next year.

Saturday – was the Epic Tomato Battle.  It sucked at first because people were chucking full tomatoes without crushing them and those left marks.  Once they got crushed and it turned into slush it was a blast!  And of course an episode of Cheaters was being filmed and that was great!

Sunday – I finally got around to some running.  16 miles to be exact.  I majorly slacked on Friday and Staruday and didn’t run at all, so I had a lot of miles to make up.  The high yesterday was only 87 so it was in the upper 60s low 70s in the morning.  I got in a solid 8 in the morning.  Nice and easy and progressively faster.  Time 1:12:34.  Watched some football and relaxed the rest of the afternoon.  Went out for a second 8 miler in the evening.  I stopped back home every couple of miles to move the sprinkler (watering the lawn).  The legs felt pretty good and I ended with a time of 1:09:40.

First time in a long time that I had a 30 mile week.  Legs feel pretty good.  Let’s see how they do when I get up to 40-50 miles a week.

Weekend Recap

Everyday this weekend, I slept good, got up at a decent time, but still couldn’t get myself out the door and running.  I still forced myself to get these runs in.

Saturday I was supposed to run the Breakfast Bash 5 miler.  It is a DRC race, so it was free.  I decided to skip out on that run in order to get my couch delivered.  Bubba thinks I got him a new jungle gym.  Munchkin is happy that she can now curl up with me at night.  I decided to do 5 miles on my own.  I got through the first 2 miles and called it quits.  It was 100 degrees and I had no motivation.  Once the sun went down I went back out for the final 3.  The second part of the run went much better and I finished the 5 miles with about a 8:50 pace.

Sunday was supposed to be 9 miles.  Again, I could not get myself going early in the morning so I opted for an evening run.  Get all ready about to head out the door, turn my watch on, Low battery.  Son of a monkey.  I still did my run.  I did my 3 mile course twice and then my 2 mile course for a total of 8 miles.  It was pretty dark by the time I finished and I didn’t want to be out there any longer.  I have no idea of my pace, but regardless I got the miles in.

Monday was my only successful run of the weekend.  I actually got this run completed in the morning.  I started off nice and easy just to loosen up the legs.  I also took a running gel at Mile 1 since the legs were a bit dead and I didn’t eat breakfast.  It was an out and back course and I really wanted to keep it around a 9 minute pace with negative splits.

Out route: 8:57, 8:57, 8:54

Back route: 8:35, 8:24, 8:16

Week 2 is on schedule for Goofy training.

Taken w/camera phone - couch is chocolate brown