Five for Friday

1. Vacation days - I took today off work just for the heck of it.  Really I took it off in order to get in 18 or so miles before this weekend.  We want to head out to the lake since we haven't been there is 3 weeks and I needed to get in a long run.  I've already gotten 10 miles done and I think I am going to do the other 8 in two runs.  I am also hoping to run a few miles out at the lake.

2. Internet - After 6.5 years of not having the internet at home, I finally gave it.  There goes my productivity.

3. Weight - Over the past two months my weight has been creeping up and up. Nothing too crazy but definitely have to get back on track with my eating.  I haven't eaten out much, but I have been snacking and have a lot more unhealthy food.  Taking chicken, veggies, and hummus out to the lake.
 
4. Running - I am finding it hard to motivate myself and push myself while running.  I think with Megan (my main running partner) being gone and not racing as much, I'm just coasting along.  I factor in a lot more walking than I should.  I know I can run 13 miles without stopping during a race, why do I find myself walking during 5 mile runs?  Right now I am just getting the miles in and on the legs no matter how long it takes.  Hopefully once the weather cools a bit more and races pick up more in the fall, I will get back at it.

5. Volleyball - My Wednesday night team won are league.  Woo hoo!  We are by far the best team out there, so yes we should have won.  The whole season, we only lost 2 games, out of 20; and in the tournament we weren't challenged except for the Championship game.  We ended up losing the first game, winning the second to force a third.  The third ended up going extra points in order to win by 2, but we pulled it off!  Yay - free T-shirts!  Best part - all the fun we were having!

What a weekend –

I honestly don’t think I could have fit a single extra thing in this weekend.

Starting off Saturday morning at 7AM, got the bobcat to load all the dirt in the trailer to take to the dump!  Bye bye dirt/yay seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on the patio project!  I actually had fun taking the dirt to the dump but I definitely wore the wrong footwear.  Flip flops is not proper dump attire.  All the older guys were just laughing at me running around.  I don’t think they are used to people enjoying the dump.

Next was straight over to the Little’s for the Alzheimer’s charity volleyball tournament where I dominated.  My team went undefeated all day and won the tournament.  First game of the knockout round we went down 6 to 1 and came back!  Then I proceeded to dominate the raffle!  I probably won about 1/3 of the prizes including: a chair for sporting events (in the carrying bag), camel pack (which will be great for riding and running), Lia Sofia gift bag, $100 Lia Sofia jewelry, oil candles, a visor, and a shirt.  The picture isn’t very good, but it is me and all the prizes!  Jack won the volleyball and Frisbee set, but said we could have it for out at the lake!

Sunday morning was the Love the Half.  I parked at work and ran 2.3 miles before the race, did the half marathon and ran 1.3 back for a total of 16.7 miles.  I was supposed to do 17 and thought I did, but realized I only ran 2.3 before the race (thought it was 2.6 until I checked my watch).  Oh wellz…

After the half marathon I came home, took a shower and headed back out to do the Challenge Nation scavenger hunt around downtown Dallas.  I wasn’t much help with the clues, but had fun running around seeing some of the sights.  I think I easily got in 3 more miles, had a few beers, then headed home.

Didn’t even watch most of Da Bears game.  I was exhausted from two full days of being outside in the sun and running around.  Made my lunches and went to bed early.  Slept like a rock and loved every minute of it!!!

Blood work

I always get nervous when I get my blood work done; my numbers have been fine for years, but for some reason I always expect the worst case scenario.  Yesterday I got my results and they were the highest they had been in years!  That means I can continue my marathon training without any concerns!

	Weight	145	142	140	158?
	Normal Range	2013	2012	2011	2010
Ferritin	10-220	43	19	16	30
Hemoglobin	11.5-15.5	13.7	12.2	12.1	12.7
Hematocrit	34.0-45.0	42.6	36.6	37.5	40.2
Cholesterol	<200	184	161	157	203
Hgb A1C (Sugar/diabetes)	4.0-5.6	5.4	5.5	6	n/a

I'm baaccckkkk

I think I have figured out a way to cheat the system.  It's kind of a pain, but at least it works...

Marathon training is in full session and I am already thinking about backing out of my sub4 goal.  That being said, I am also thinking about signing up for another marathon – Little Rock.

Little Rock – I will try and piggy back that trip with a work one, so I can have work pay for the flight.  One of my big clients are there and I need to see them once or twice a year, so here ya go!  The medal is super HUGE.  Nicole says if I do it, I have to do the full just for the medal.  It is pretty hilly so it would be good training for Big Sur.  ß Like how I keep trying to rationalize it!  Last year's medal below....

Most of my craziness is over, so now it is time to focus on running, football, and cooler temps.  This coming weekend is going to be busy.

·        Saturday – Little’s charity volleyball tournament

·        Sunday – Love the Half - half marathon + 4 miles (want at least a 17 mile run), followed up by the Dallas Challenge Urban Adventure Race in the afternoon.  And watching Da Bears at 7:30.

o   http://www.challengenation.com/dallas/

My September Goals are to run 90 miles and hit the gym 10 times.  I am at the half way point and behind schedule.  Miles – 38, Gym – 3.  I hope to get in two long runs of 17/18 miles.  So that will really push up the mileage.