The last few days I feel like a total bad ass. Saturday I did the 13 miles, and then today I grabbed my skates and headed outdoors for a nice afternoon skate. A nice 4.5 mile skate!!!
I am not sore from Saturday, which is freaking amazing considering last Monday after my 10 miler I could barely do a 45 min power walk/jog.
I totally survived the whole skate, only ahhh gently *cough* falling twice in two busy intersections *cough*.
I was even told my skates were "so cool". Um, yeah, all black pleather skates that have teal laces and say "Cobra" on the side in hot pink are definitely "so cool."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
13 miles!!!
Yesterday I kicked ass. I did 13 miles. 13!!! And it was outside!!! I had my own personal half marathon and no one else on that trail even knew it.
At mile 11ish the reality of what was going on really sunk in, and I was all, "WTF!?! I am in double freaking digits!!"
I was actually making pretty decent time too, until the last few miles when my legs were so incredibly sore, it was ridiculous. So, I didn't love my time but like always I am trying to see past that and focus on the major accomplishment.
Not to mention that this week's 13 miles went 5x better than last week's 10. She does that perhaps mean by the time I get to the half marathon in two weeks I will be even better? I can only hope.
I also got my kick ass roller skates Friday and already have a date to use them on Monday.
Ahhh, my active life is good, now if I could just get everything else sorted out life would be perfect.
At mile 11ish the reality of what was going on really sunk in, and I was all, "WTF!?! I am in double freaking digits!!"
I was actually making pretty decent time too, until the last few miles when my legs were so incredibly sore, it was ridiculous. So, I didn't love my time but like always I am trying to see past that and focus on the major accomplishment.
Not to mention that this week's 13 miles went 5x better than last week's 10. She does that perhaps mean by the time I get to the half marathon in two weeks I will be even better? I can only hope.
I also got my kick ass roller skates Friday and already have a date to use them on Monday.
Ahhh, my active life is good, now if I could just get everything else sorted out life would be perfect.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ebay victory!!!!!
I stalked, I emailed, I won!!!!!!!! I know I am a nerd but it really is the little things in life. :)
ohhhh, Ebay....
In college I had a serious addiction to Ebay. I loved the hunt of going through 100s of items looking for the lowest price, finding a fabulous deal, and then stalking the item. I would schedule myself to be home when the auction ended so that 2 minutes before I could attempt to outbid the highest bidder. My competitive and frugal self would have a small victory party that was often more enjoyable then the actual ownership of the item I was buying.
Post college I really started watching my spending and paying back student loans/saving for my wedding so I cut myself off from Ebay. I still loved a good deal, but most of the stuff I was buying off of Ebay was things that could put on my wedding registry. Years later, Ebay was almost erased from my memory. Almost is the key word here.
In the last couple of weeks running outside I have been reminded of my love of roller skating. I have been running past skaters on Grants Trail and have thought, “Ohhh I want to skate again.” I had also been thinking about trying out for the local roller derby for quite some time, so finding a pair of cheap skates to start skating again is becoming a little bit of an obsession.
Right now I am stalking three different pairs that will have auctions ending in a matter of hours. The thrill of Ebay is back…gulp….
Post college I really started watching my spending and paying back student loans/saving for my wedding so I cut myself off from Ebay. I still loved a good deal, but most of the stuff I was buying off of Ebay was things that could put on my wedding registry. Years later, Ebay was almost erased from my memory. Almost is the key word here.
In the last couple of weeks running outside I have been reminded of my love of roller skating. I have been running past skaters on Grants Trail and have thought, “Ohhh I want to skate again.” I had also been thinking about trying out for the local roller derby for quite some time, so finding a pair of cheap skates to start skating again is becoming a little bit of an obsession.
Right now I am stalking three different pairs that will have auctions ending in a matter of hours. The thrill of Ebay is back…gulp….
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The good, the bad, and the ugly of today's 10 mile run
The good:
I completed 9.5 miles today
I did these miles outside on Grants Trail, which is challenging for me because I would much rather run on the treadmill.
I found what the clothes that I planned on wearing for the half marathon will work just fine, except maybe a different pair of pants.
I have 3 weeks to go and I can do another run of this length (and longer) before the actual race.
The bad:
I barely ran today. I walked well over half of the run today.
My strap water bottle didn't hold nearly enough, and I just assumed Grants Trail would have more than oh, 2 water fountains in the entire 8 mile course that I would be able to fill up my bottle. The result was me being miserable for most of my "run". I just kept telling myself I would run more once I filled up my bottle, but I didn't get to the second water fountain until about mile 7.
Part of the trail was completely closed off, resulting in my 10 mile run being 9.5 miles due to where it was closed. And thanks Grants Trail, for putting that info on your website...oh wait you didn't so I was completely unprepared.
I ONLY have 3 weeks until the race and I have little time to make a vast improvement in my performance.
The ugly:
The port o potty on the trail....that is all about that though.
I am trying to focus on the positives of today and use this run as a learning experience, but it's tough. I was trying not to set time goals for myself, but I have decided that if on race day I walk as much as I did, I will feel like I failed a little. Unfortunately, the feelings of doubt have turned most of my excitement into nerves.
And while I know that my half marathon shouldn't be on the top of everyone's priority list, it is looking like some of the family that I was really looking forward to seeing me complete the race, may not be there because of something else that is going on that weekend.
Regardless of all this though, I have to give my fabulous husband major props. He scheduled his day around my run, dropping me off, picking me up, and making dinner since I was freaking exhausted. If he read this blog he would probably appreciate the shout out. :)
I completed 9.5 miles today
I did these miles outside on Grants Trail, which is challenging for me because I would much rather run on the treadmill.
I found what the clothes that I planned on wearing for the half marathon will work just fine, except maybe a different pair of pants.
I have 3 weeks to go and I can do another run of this length (and longer) before the actual race.
The bad:
I barely ran today. I walked well over half of the run today.
My strap water bottle didn't hold nearly enough, and I just assumed Grants Trail would have more than oh, 2 water fountains in the entire 8 mile course that I would be able to fill up my bottle. The result was me being miserable for most of my "run". I just kept telling myself I would run more once I filled up my bottle, but I didn't get to the second water fountain until about mile 7.
Part of the trail was completely closed off, resulting in my 10 mile run being 9.5 miles due to where it was closed. And thanks Grants Trail, for putting that info on your website...oh wait you didn't so I was completely unprepared.
I ONLY have 3 weeks until the race and I have little time to make a vast improvement in my performance.
The ugly:
The port o potty on the trail....that is all about that though.
I am trying to focus on the positives of today and use this run as a learning experience, but it's tough. I was trying not to set time goals for myself, but I have decided that if on race day I walk as much as I did, I will feel like I failed a little. Unfortunately, the feelings of doubt have turned most of my excitement into nerves.
And while I know that my half marathon shouldn't be on the top of everyone's priority list, it is looking like some of the family that I was really looking forward to seeing me complete the race, may not be there because of something else that is going on that weekend.
Regardless of all this though, I have to give my fabulous husband major props. He scheduled his day around my run, dropping me off, picking me up, and making dinner since I was freaking exhausted. If he read this blog he would probably appreciate the shout out. :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Fall is right around the corner...really...
I normally don't like to wish away time, but I have to be honest...I am so ready for Fall. I know there are at least a few blog readers out there that share my love for the wonderful season.
Believe it or not, Fall really is just right around the corner. You don't even have to look at a calendar to know it, all you have to do is start noticing your surroundings.
I bring you the evidence that Fall will be here before we know it:
Although O'Fallon doesn't have my favorite pumpkin brew, it is refreshing to see O'Fallon Pumpkin beer has already made it to select shelves this week. I have a serious love of all things pumpkin, (anyone remember this post from wayyyy back in the day??) and I don't usually need it be the right season to indulge my pumpkin addiction (notice the February date on the last post), but when others start finding it socially acceptable to starting bringing the pumpkin back, I know that Fall is coming.
I can't wait for cooler evenings with the windows open, evenings around the firepit with friends, and everything pumpkin. Fall, bring it on!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The conclusion you have been waiting for....
A few hours later I went to the gym and........
could tell right away that my shoes had been the problem. I was able to get out my long run doing my usual run/walk routine and even kept around my same time. Since the shoe replacement, I've had very little knee pain. I got a bit off schedule with my vacation thrown in there, but this week I am full speed ahead.
Even though I hated the knee pain, I am really glad that it happened because it made me realize how much I really do want to do this half marathon. I am still nervous and feel like I have a ton to do before it gets here, but it is all such an amazing journey.
Of, and side note.....between the time I accidentally put up my last post and now I decided to change my training plan. If you recall, I was using one of Hal Hidgon's plans. And while I think it is a great plan, I don't think it was right for me. Mostly because I know going in I will be doing a run/walk, and his plan is more for runners. I switched to a plan similar to this one by Jenny Hadfield.
Even though I was hesitant to switch training plans so close to the race I think the new plan will serve me much, much better. Only one month to go!!!!
could tell right away that my shoes had been the problem. I was able to get out my long run doing my usual run/walk routine and even kept around my same time. Since the shoe replacement, I've had very little knee pain. I got a bit off schedule with my vacation thrown in there, but this week I am full speed ahead.
Even though I hated the knee pain, I am really glad that it happened because it made me realize how much I really do want to do this half marathon. I am still nervous and feel like I have a ton to do before it gets here, but it is all such an amazing journey.
Of, and side note.....between the time I accidentally put up my last post and now I decided to change my training plan. If you recall, I was using one of Hal Hidgon's plans. And while I think it is a great plan, I don't think it was right for me. Mostly because I know going in I will be doing a run/walk, and his plan is more for runners. I switched to a plan similar to this one by Jenny Hadfield.
Even though I was hesitant to switch training plans so close to the race I think the new plan will serve me much, much better. Only one month to go!!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Back on track!
My knee pain got much worse after my run on Friday. I only ran .5 of my 4 miles on the schedule and walked the rest. On Sunday I decided to go into Fleet Feet and through the help of one salesperson later, I found out that yes, in fact, my shoes needed to be replaced. I also got some really nice inserts for my high arch. Of course, I didn't love spending that riduculous amount of money, but it was apparent that the shoes were over their prime.
A few hours later, I went to the gym and
A few hours later, I went to the gym and
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