Yes!!!!! I didn't believe it at first. I didn't have my glasses on this morning so I thought the "5" was a "9", but after I took 2 more readings, it surely read: 135.7!
It took nearly 2 years for this to happen. Although my pre-preggo 135 was a lot more fit and taut (haha) than my flimsy, baggy post-preggo 135! Oh well... I am still working on that!
Honestly, I have not been doing much exercise other than some running here and there. I am attributing it to not eating as much, especially with Joel gone - I don't go out to eat much, whereas we used to eat out a few times a week. And maybe I just don't feel like eating because, well, I'm lonely!!!! haha
I'm sure that will change in the coming weeks with Thanksgiving, Liam and my birthdays, Christmas Parties, our Anniversary...
Wish me luck.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Back to Running - Anything is Possible 5k
Did 3.1 miles last Friday to prepare for the Anything is Possible 5k that was this past Sunday:
Ft. Washington Park
November 4, 2011, Friday
5:28pm
3.1 miles
33:26, 10:47 avg. pace
Mostly flat. Kind of chilly. Was not trying to push myself, but trying to do the distance since it was the first time running in 3 weeks.
+++
Anything is Possible 5k
November 6, 2011, Sunday
1:50am
3.1 miles
official times: 37:19 (chip) / 38:02 (clock)
negative net time: -22:42
This race started at 1:50AM (YES, in the middle of the night) on the night of Daylight Savings. Which meant that you ended the race before you started it! I ran with my friend Bonnie and her husband Mike. We were tired and cold in the beginning, but warmed up a little in the car before the start of the race and eventually got into it! The cold felt great as we kept on running. It was really fun and I'm glad we did it! Too bad Shonna wasn't able to make it! We missed you!
I didn't start my watch on time, so I wasn't able to track my mileage on my Garmin watch. D'oh!
+++
Don't know when or what my next race will be. But I do know that both Joel and I will be signing up for the 2nd annual Rock and Roll HALF Marathon in Savannah for 2012. It takes place on November 3, 2012, so I have a year to train. I seriously need to start now! (The 2011 Rock and Roll race was this past weekend, I heard it was chaos!)
Ft. Washington Park
November 4, 2011, Friday
5:28pm
3.1 miles
33:26, 10:47 avg. pace
Mostly flat. Kind of chilly. Was not trying to push myself, but trying to do the distance since it was the first time running in 3 weeks.
+++
Anything is Possible 5k
November 6, 2011, Sunday
1:50am
3.1 miles
official times: 37:19 (chip) / 38:02 (clock)
negative net time: -22:42
This race started at 1:50AM (YES, in the middle of the night) on the night of Daylight Savings. Which meant that you ended the race before you started it! I ran with my friend Bonnie and her husband Mike. We were tired and cold in the beginning, but warmed up a little in the car before the start of the race and eventually got into it! The cold felt great as we kept on running. It was really fun and I'm glad we did it! Too bad Shonna wasn't able to make it! We missed you!
I didn't start my watch on time, so I wasn't able to track my mileage on my Garmin watch. D'oh!
+++
Don't know when or what my next race will be. But I do know that both Joel and I will be signing up for the 2nd annual Rock and Roll HALF Marathon in Savannah for 2012. It takes place on November 3, 2012, so I have a year to train. I seriously need to start now! (The 2011 Rock and Roll race was this past weekend, I heard it was chaos!)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Run updates
So much has been going on in the past few weeks, I have been neglecting my fitness a bit. I managed to get a run in during our visit in Savannah 2 weeks ago, but that was the last time I ran. :(
Also I think I've been bad on the excessive sweets... I need to get back into my "food for fuel" mantra. It's gonna be hard with the holidays coming up!!!!
1.
Ft. Washington Park
October 9, 2011, Sunday
5:57pm
2.33 miles
30:20
Not as much covered ground as I would have liked a 30 minute run to be!
I wanted to do the 3.1 loop we used to do which went through the forest trail, but I decided to take the super steep way down which included stairs. The normal way goes through a paved, winding road. But when I finally approached the trail, it was wet and had some yellow caution tape blocking it off. So I turned around to go back and decided to go through the grass since the path was wet. Of course I had to find a hidden dip in the ground. My foot unsuspectingly dropped into it and it took much balance and clumsy skill to not fall on my face. (I don't know how that didn't happen!) I must have pulled a shin muscle trying not to fall, because it was sore the whole week. I guess it didn't help that I took the same stairs back UP the steep hill. It was rough and I was spent after the climb!
2.
Tom Triplett Park, Savannah, GA
October 15, 2011, Saturday
9:52am
3 miles
31:15
Our good old running trail back in Savannah. It's mostly flat, but for some reason, I ran it just about the same pace as the hilly-incline Wilson Bridge Trail! I need more work!
+++
And that was unfortunately my last run. We didn't run this past weekend since we were out of town again. I am going to try to hit the Wilson Bridge Trail this Sunday morning. It's been cold here, so I need to break out my pants!
Also I think I've been bad on the excessive sweets... I need to get back into my "food for fuel" mantra. It's gonna be hard with the holidays coming up!!!!
1.
Ft. Washington Park
October 9, 2011, Sunday
5:57pm
2.33 miles
30:20
Not as much covered ground as I would have liked a 30 minute run to be!
I wanted to do the 3.1 loop we used to do which went through the forest trail, but I decided to take the super steep way down which included stairs. The normal way goes through a paved, winding road. But when I finally approached the trail, it was wet and had some yellow caution tape blocking it off. So I turned around to go back and decided to go through the grass since the path was wet. Of course I had to find a hidden dip in the ground. My foot unsuspectingly dropped into it and it took much balance and clumsy skill to not fall on my face. (I don't know how that didn't happen!) I must have pulled a shin muscle trying not to fall, because it was sore the whole week. I guess it didn't help that I took the same stairs back UP the steep hill. It was rough and I was spent after the climb!
2.
Tom Triplett Park, Savannah, GA
October 15, 2011, Saturday
9:52am
3 miles
31:15
Our good old running trail back in Savannah. It's mostly flat, but for some reason, I ran it just about the same pace as the hilly-incline Wilson Bridge Trail! I need more work!
+++
And that was unfortunately my last run. We didn't run this past weekend since we were out of town again. I am going to try to hit the Wilson Bridge Trail this Sunday morning. It's been cold here, so I need to break out my pants!
Monday, October 3, 2011
3 miles - Wilson Bridge Trail x2
I got my Garmin GPS watch - the Forerunner 110! It was on sale on amazon.com for $40 less than retail price (it may still be on sale!). It's much simpler to use than Joel's Forerunner 405. It is also less bulky. It's pretty neat because you can upload your runs to garminconnect.com, and it tells you just about everything you want to know about it! Check out this screencap from my run on Sept 24.
1.
September 24, 2011, Saturday
7:30 am
3 miles (measured using my awesome new watch!)
31:52, 10:38 pace
My normal Sunday morning run was pushed ahead to Saturday because I was going to my cousin's bachelorette party that night and knew that I would not be able to wake up the next morning to run.
I didn't stop at all and felt pretty good. I pushed myself to move up that hill at the end!
+++
2.
October 1, 2011, Saturday
7:50 am
3 miles
31:00, 10:21 pace
Another Saturday morning run. My cousin's wedding was that afternoon and with an open bar reception, I knew that I definitely would not get up early, let alone go running the following Sunday!
It was not the usual course, as I started a little further down the hill than where we normally park (the pull-off where we usually park was full, so I went to the next one down).
It was SO COLD!! 56 degrees that morning and it there was a light drizzle in the beginning. The downhill in the beginning was brisk, but after the first mile, my body warmed up and I was fine.
1.
September 24, 2011, Saturday
7:30 am
3 miles (measured using my awesome new watch!)
31:52, 10:38 pace
My normal Sunday morning run was pushed ahead to Saturday because I was going to my cousin's bachelorette party that night and knew that I would not be able to wake up the next morning to run.
I didn't stop at all and felt pretty good. I pushed myself to move up that hill at the end!
+++
2.
October 1, 2011, Saturday
7:50 am
3 miles
31:00, 10:21 pace
Another Saturday morning run. My cousin's wedding was that afternoon and with an open bar reception, I knew that I definitely would not get up early, let alone go running the following Sunday!
It was not the usual course, as I started a little further down the hill than where we normally park (the pull-off where we usually park was full, so I went to the next one down).
It was SO COLD!! 56 degrees that morning and it there was a light drizzle in the beginning. The downhill in the beginning was brisk, but after the first mile, my body warmed up and I was fine.
Monday, September 19, 2011
3.1 miles - Wilson Bridge Trail
7:53 am
3.1 miles - measured using Joel's GPS watch (I need my own!)
31:42, 10:14 pace
mile 1 - 9:19 (half was downhill)
mile 2 - 10:53 (up and over the I-95 overpass twice)
mile 3 - 10:25 (mostly flat and half on gravel)
So I "cheated" on this run because I deliberately took a detour to avoid the steep uphill at the end of the 3.1 miles. I did, however, still have to make the uphill climb back to the car after I did 3.1 and I ran/jogged most of it back up but did not have the timer on.
Weather was awesome - cloudy and cool - 57 degrees! I wore my new Nike Dri Fit tee that was part of the race swag from last week's race -- very nice! Redemption for not getting a chicken sandwich!
My knee was bothering me a bit this week after last week's race. I did some rowing to make up for the loss of a running day. Knee was fine by this posted run.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
3.1 miles - Chick-Fil-A 5k
8:00 am
3.1 miles - USATF certified
official times: 31:21.2 (chip) / 31:38.9 (clock), 10:12 pace
mile 1 - 9:31
mile 2 - 10:12
mile 3 - 10:37
Hilly road course. Lots of zig-zagging in the beginning of the course because the first mile bottlenecked into a narrow road path. Didn't thin out until .5 mile in. I felt good the whole time, and managed to keep a good pace on the uphills. I got tired near the end, but pushed with what I had left nearing the finish line.
I was excited to get some free Chick-Fil-A food post-run, but was let down when all they were giving out were yogurt parfaits and plain bagels with cream cheese. BOO!! Where's my chicken sammich!?! Other than that, it was a good race - a good "breaking-back-in" 5k for me.
More pictures are on the Race Photos tab.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
I lost 10 lbs
....since this time last year!
That's not bad progress, right? Maybe by this time next year I will lose another 10 or MORE!
That's not bad progress, right? Maybe by this time next year I will lose another 10 or MORE!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
4 miles - WIlson Bridge Trail
September 5, 2011, Monday
8:17 am
4 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
46 minutes (approx.)
I improved my time 4 mile time by 4 minutes - the last 4 mile run was in July (50 minutes - approx).
The weather was awesome. It had just rained that night and looked like it was about to rain again: it was cloudy. I took it easy because I knew I hadn't run this distance in a while and I just wanted to be able to complete it, not really pushing myself. I did not have to stop at all, I even tried to pick it up at the hard hill at the end. It also rained a little bit at the end of my 4th mile so that was a nice refresher/pick-me-up.
I will probably do a couple miles at the park tomorrow, and then the 5k is Saturday morning!
Thinking about getting inserts in my shoes, but I don't know if I will have time. I'd like to run in them before the race which means I'd have to get them tonight to use them on my run tomorrow. Maybe next time.
8:17 am
4 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
46 minutes (approx.)
I improved my time 4 mile time by 4 minutes - the last 4 mile run was in July (50 minutes - approx).
The weather was awesome. It had just rained that night and looked like it was about to rain again: it was cloudy. I took it easy because I knew I hadn't run this distance in a while and I just wanted to be able to complete it, not really pushing myself. I did not have to stop at all, I even tried to pick it up at the hard hill at the end. It also rained a little bit at the end of my 4th mile so that was a nice refresher/pick-me-up.
I will probably do a couple miles at the park tomorrow, and then the 5k is Saturday morning!
Thinking about getting inserts in my shoes, but I don't know if I will have time. I'd like to run in them before the race which means I'd have to get them tonight to use them on my run tomorrow. Maybe next time.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Want This: Garmin GPS Watch
I've been using Joel's Garmin watch when we run at different times. Other times, he's measured a distance while wearing it and told me where to go and that's how I gauge my distance. It's helpful to know how fast I'm going and how long it's taking me, so I need my own!
I used to run with the nike+ sensor/watch which I liked, but the sensor's battery can never be changed, so if it stops working (which it did), you have to buy a new $20 sensor!
I also don't have a swanky smartphone with GPS or running apps to take with me on runs, nor would I really want to run with my phone. So a GPS watch is the way to go!
I found this one on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sport-Monitor/dp/B003JTLKIA/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2T9HKJXR0YWW3&colid=VFCNZFPAMA45
It also comes in a cuter/girly pink and grey model, but for some reason it is more expensive than this red/black model. This one is $180, the pink one is $188.
It is a women's watch, but they don't have any pics on an actual model, so it is probably bigger than it appears. Joel's watch is pretty big, but not as big and clunky as some of the other GPS watches I have seen.
So...who wants to get me one!? :D I already bought myself a nearly $2000 30th birthday present (which I am still paying for, and my birthday isn't until December), so I can't afford this watch right now. haha
I also need a new mp3 player.... I used to run with a SanDisk clip player - super tiny and awesome, but it decided to stop working after over a year of neglect, as I have recently discovered. :(
I used to run with the nike+ sensor/watch which I liked, but the sensor's battery can never be changed, so if it stops working (which it did), you have to buy a new $20 sensor!
I also don't have a swanky smartphone with GPS or running apps to take with me on runs, nor would I really want to run with my phone. So a GPS watch is the way to go!
I found this one on Amazon:
It also comes in a cuter/girly pink and grey model, but for some reason it is more expensive than this red/black model. This one is $180, the pink one is $188.
It is a women's watch, but they don't have any pics on an actual model, so it is probably bigger than it appears. Joel's watch is pretty big, but not as big and clunky as some of the other GPS watches I have seen.
So...who wants to get me one!? :D I already bought myself a nearly $2000 30th birthday present (which I am still paying for, and my birthday isn't until December), so I can't afford this watch right now. haha
I also need a new mp3 player.... I used to run with a SanDisk clip player - super tiny and awesome, but it decided to stop working after over a year of neglect, as I have recently discovered. :(
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
2.11 miles - Ft. Washington Park
August 31, 2011, Wednesday
6:54 pm
6:54 pm
2.11 miles (used Joel's GPS watch)
23:21
23:21
mile 1 (flat) - 10:33:09
mile 2 (flat) - 11:32:31I thought I was going at a faster pace in the beginning, but I guess not. I did not look down at the watch until I hit 2 miles (it beeps at every mile) because I wanted to see if checking my pace the whole time affected it... which I guess it does make me go faster!
I signed up for the Chick-Fil-A 5k on September 10th. I think my cousin is going to do it too. Joel is not. It's going to be an early morning. The race starts at 8, but I have to be there early to pick up race packets and it will take an hour to get there. Definitely not setting any PRs here, but I needed to register for one to keep me motivated and running more often than once a week.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
3 miles - Wilson Bridge Trail
August 28, 2011, Sunday
12:58 pm
3 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch, but probably almost a 5k)
34 minutes (approx.)
We didn't go in the morning because it was still raining from the tail end of Irene. We drove past lost of downed trees. Crazness, but at least nothing worse than that.
Anyway, after the storm passed, the sun came out. The run was HOT (this time of day had no shade at all on the trail), but not too bad. Not as humid as I thought it would be, but it was windy at least. I felt good the whole time and did not have to stop. I was tempted on the long uphill at the end, but I kept going, as slow pace, as it was.
Knees are fine and still keeping away from those sweets!
12:58 pm
3 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch, but probably almost a 5k)
34 minutes (approx.)
We didn't go in the morning because it was still raining from the tail end of Irene. We drove past lost of downed trees. Crazness, but at least nothing worse than that.
Anyway, after the storm passed, the sun came out. The run was HOT (this time of day had no shade at all on the trail), but not too bad. Not as humid as I thought it would be, but it was windy at least. I felt good the whole time and did not have to stop. I was tempted on the long uphill at the end, but I kept going, as slow pace, as it was.
Knees are fine and still keeping away from those sweets!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
3 miles - Wison Bridge Trail
August 21, 2011, Sunday
8:15 am
3 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
33 minutes (approx.)
It was later than I would have liked to started, but it wasn't bad. I felt great in the beginning, but then there was a charity walk taking place at the National Harbor which went almost the same route as mine. There were lots of clusters of people scatted throughout the trail that I had to maneuver around (the trail is not that wide), so that added to the work involved. It made me feel like I was in a race, even though everyone else was just walking. You know when you pass people, you get that extra pep in your step to make yourself look better and faster. haha
I had to walk for a few steps near the end before the huge hill. It was getting hot at that point and my legs were pretty tired.
It was a good run. I think I am getting a little faster.
In other news, I am still sticking to my no-sweets diet! :)
8:15 am
3 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
33 minutes (approx.)
It was later than I would have liked to started, but it wasn't bad. I felt great in the beginning, but then there was a charity walk taking place at the National Harbor which went almost the same route as mine. There were lots of clusters of people scatted throughout the trail that I had to maneuver around (the trail is not that wide), so that added to the work involved. It made me feel like I was in a race, even though everyone else was just walking. You know when you pass people, you get that extra pep in your step to make yourself look better and faster. haha
I had to walk for a few steps near the end before the huge hill. It was getting hot at that point and my legs were pretty tired.
It was a good run. I think I am getting a little faster.
In other news, I am still sticking to my no-sweets diet! :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
2.18 miles - Ft Washington Park
August 16, 2011, Tuesday
7:19 pm - great running weather
2.18 miles
23:49
7:19 pm - great running weather
2.18 miles
23:49
mile 1 (flat) - 10:07
mile 2 (some hills) - 11:31
For not running in 2 weeks, I felt great. I felt refreshed and ready to go. I had a good pace going in the beginning and tried to keep it up for the whole first mile. For the second mile, I decided to veer off to other paths for variation (the normal path I run is a flat loop). I didn't feel extremely tired. I think it is mostly due to the weather change, how it is getting cooler and a little darker earlier. That humidity really gets to you!
For not running in 2 weeks, I felt great. I felt refreshed and ready to go. I had a good pace going in the beginning and tried to keep it up for the whole first mile. For the second mile, I decided to veer off to other paths for variation (the normal path I run is a flat loop). I didn't feel extremely tired. I think it is mostly due to the weather change, how it is getting cooler and a little darker earlier. That humidity really gets to you!
I wore my stability bands this time - on both knees. No pain!
Next run will probably be this weekend on the Wilson Bridge Trail. Or the 5k trail course at the Park (Fort Washington).
Monday, August 15, 2011
Neglecting myself
It's been 2-3 weeks since I've run or done any type of real exercise. I'm so ashamed. I was ready to go running at the harbor this past weekend, but something happened to me that necessitated a visit to urgent care Saturday morning. So I may be out for another few days.
In lieu of anything physical, I have not been eating ravenously like I have been. haha I've been cutting back on everything, no sweets (although I did have one cupcake on Joel's bday last Wednesday and 4 mini-cupcakes for taste-test purposes for my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday) or unnecessary food intake. Just what I need to get by.
I need to find a balance of work, freelance/personal projects, sleep, family time and exercising. Lately, I've been putting more effort into one or two of those areas and snubbing the rest. Family time is never lacking... but exercise is the easiest one to ignore. Last week, I had a freelance project that I stayed up til' 5 am every other night to work on, so I sacrificed sleep and exercise to get it done. I'm sure my lack of sleep contributed to my ailments - lack of sleep compromises the immune system, so my body wasn't able to fight the symptoms of my medical issues.
P.S. My knees are back to normal. They started feeling better after a few days.
In lieu of anything physical, I have not been eating ravenously like I have been. haha I've been cutting back on everything, no sweets (although I did have one cupcake on Joel's bday last Wednesday and 4 mini-cupcakes for taste-test purposes for my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday) or unnecessary food intake. Just what I need to get by.
I need to find a balance of work, freelance/personal projects, sleep, family time and exercising. Lately, I've been putting more effort into one or two of those areas and snubbing the rest. Family time is never lacking... but exercise is the easiest one to ignore. Last week, I had a freelance project that I stayed up til' 5 am every other night to work on, so I sacrificed sleep and exercise to get it done. I'm sure my lack of sleep contributed to my ailments - lack of sleep compromises the immune system, so my body wasn't able to fight the symptoms of my medical issues.
P.S. My knees are back to normal. They started feeling better after a few days.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Back to the Rowing Machine for Now...
Something funky happened to my knee on Saturday. Not sure what, but I was just walking normally and then felt something weird at my right knee and now I feel a little discomfort when I extend my leg. It doesn't hurt, but it's something that I probably should not ignore. Joel thinks it might be runner's knee. I have not been wearing my stability bands when I run... maybe that could be a cause?
Well, it's not like I've had the time to run lately anyway. I will probably take [another] week off from running and just use the rowing machine as well as some strength training and workout DVDs/video games.
In other news, I'm giving up sweets until after my cousin's wedding on October 1st. I need to go down one dress size! I bought a dress one size smaller than I normally wear for the wedding. I am determined NOT to buy another one!! I've had the hugest sweet tooth for the past few months. I've been bad! Wish me luck. It will be a hard withdrawal process...
Well, it's not like I've had the time to run lately anyway. I will probably take [another] week off from running and just use the rowing machine as well as some strength training and workout DVDs/video games.
In other news, I'm giving up sweets until after my cousin's wedding on October 1st. I need to go down one dress size! I bought a dress one size smaller than I normally wear for the wedding. I am determined NOT to buy another one!! I've had the hugest sweet tooth for the past few months. I've been bad! Wish me luck. It will be a hard withdrawal process...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
4 miles - Wilson Bridge Trail
July 31, 2011, Sunday
7:30 am
4 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
50 minutes (give or take)
Did 4 miles this morning, which meant that we ran on the bridge. It was long and hard. There was a breeze on the bridge, but although it felt nice, it was probably making it a bit harder with the resistance. I had to stop once to fix my shoe - my foot was going numb and started to hurt around my toes, so I loosened the laces quite a bit. I also had to walk twice during the 4th mile at the really steep hill parts.
I was surprised that my time was not noticeably faster than the first time we did this mileage (on July 4th). But I guess my week off (yes, ANOTHER week) did not help!
One great thing is that this is the first run this year that I didn't experience ANY gastrointestinal issues (haha), so that must be some type of progress! I chugged a Metamucil cocktail before we left, so I'm thinking that may have helped.
Also, no knee issues this time, but I am feeling some oddness in my kneepit on my right leg. I stretched, but it still seems to be there. Never felt this before.
7:30 am
4 miles - unofficial (was not wearing a watch)
50 minutes (give or take)
Did 4 miles this morning, which meant that we ran on the bridge. It was long and hard. There was a breeze on the bridge, but although it felt nice, it was probably making it a bit harder with the resistance. I had to stop once to fix my shoe - my foot was going numb and started to hurt around my toes, so I loosened the laces quite a bit. I also had to walk twice during the 4th mile at the really steep hill parts.
I was surprised that my time was not noticeably faster than the first time we did this mileage (on July 4th). But I guess my week off (yes, ANOTHER week) did not help!
One great thing is that this is the first run this year that I didn't experience ANY gastrointestinal issues (haha), so that must be some type of progress! I chugged a Metamucil cocktail before we left, so I'm thinking that may have helped.
Also, no knee issues this time, but I am feeling some oddness in my kneepit on my right leg. I stretched, but it still seems to be there. Never felt this before.
Monday, July 25, 2011
3 miles - WIlson Bridge Trail
July 24, 2011, Sunday
7:49 am (86˚ - felt like 93˚ according to weather.com)
3.01 miles (via Joel's watch)
35:26
- First mile: 9:43! (over half was downhill)
- 2nd mile: 11:30
- 3rd mile: 14:00 (over half was the steep uphill back to start)
We parked a little further down the hill this time. :)
Took the trail up until I hit 1.5 miles, then turned back around.
I kept pace with a guy who was run-walking (we'd keep passing each other - as I did not stop to walk). It was good to have someone to follow who was going at somewhat the same pace. Heat/humidity did not bother me too much -- it reminded me of our Georgia days (pre-kid) we used to run at the park in the summer after work. (sigh)
Also: Knees feel fine!
So I actually took 2 weeks off. I didn't really do any other form of exercise other than the pushups... my excuse this time was a freelance project I had to work on at nights. And this week I have another project to work on at nights...
7:49 am (86˚ - felt like 93˚ according to weather.com)
3.01 miles (via Joel's watch)
35:26
- First mile: 9:43! (over half was downhill)
- 2nd mile: 11:30
- 3rd mile: 14:00 (over half was the steep uphill back to start)
We parked a little further down the hill this time. :)
Took the trail up until I hit 1.5 miles, then turned back around.
I kept pace with a guy who was run-walking (we'd keep passing each other - as I did not stop to walk). It was good to have someone to follow who was going at somewhat the same pace. Heat/humidity did not bother me too much -- it reminded me of our Georgia days (pre-kid) we used to run at the park in the summer after work. (sigh)
Also: Knees feel fine!
So I actually took 2 weeks off. I didn't really do any other form of exercise other than the pushups... my excuse this time was a freelance project I had to work on at nights. And this week I have another project to work on at nights...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week off...
So I had an unintentional week off last week. I think it was mainly due to heat. Last Sunday morning - the day we try to run the Wilson Bridge Trail - that was totally our fault for missing our window (early enough so it's before Liam wakes up, but also right before my parents go to church). Oops.
I did mess around with some workout DVDs as well as a new Kinect game: Your Shape Fitness Evolved which I got for 50% off. It's pretty cool, and challenging for a video game. I like how they tell you to correct your form if you're doing something wrong.
Also, today I'm doing 10 push ups every hour, on the hour. This was something I picked up from the Fleet Feet Running Store/Savannah Running Club. Their store employees do 10 push ups every hour at work. So if I keep doing this until 5pm, I will have done 100 push ups in one day. Not bad! I've done this with squats, lunges, bicep curls... a good way to take a break from the computer as well as get some work out time in!
Today we are going to try to go to the park to run after Joel gets home. I'm just doing 2 miles - fartlek style again - maybe I can beat my last time. Ha...
I did mess around with some workout DVDs as well as a new Kinect game: Your Shape Fitness Evolved which I got for 50% off. It's pretty cool, and challenging for a video game. I like how they tell you to correct your form if you're doing something wrong.
Also, today I'm doing 10 push ups every hour, on the hour. This was something I picked up from the Fleet Feet Running Store/Savannah Running Club. Their store employees do 10 push ups every hour at work. So if I keep doing this until 5pm, I will have done 100 push ups in one day. Not bad! I've done this with squats, lunges, bicep curls... a good way to take a break from the computer as well as get some work out time in!
Today we are going to try to go to the park to run after Joel gets home. I'm just doing 2 miles - fartlek style again - maybe I can beat my last time. Ha...
Monday, July 11, 2011
3.1 miles - Wilson Bridge Trail
 |
| My new Brooks Adrenaline GTS (my 3rd pair of these) |
7:50 am (approx)
3.1 miles (via Joel's watch)
? didn't time it, but most likely between 37-43 minutes
This time we parked close to the top of the hill, meaning we had a difficult last mile. The turn-around point wasn't even on the bridge - 1.5 miles out was at the start of the bridge. It was humid and there were no clouds out. I could tell my pace was pretty slow. I didn't stretch well in the beginning, either. I did not have to walk at any time, even on the hard hill at the end, although I was probably going at a walker's pace! haha I wore my new running shoes! No digestive issues after this run, thank goodness, but I did notice a slight knee discomfort at the bottom of my left knee afterward.
At yesterday's free physical therapist consult, the doc said that my knee issues seem like tendinitis. She said that I should work on my leg/hip strengthening. Also to stretch out my calves and shins. She said my feet were flat and that I need a motion control shoe (which my old Brooks are), and possibly an insert to support my lack-of-an-arch. She suggested new shoes - I tried on 3 pairs: New Balance (nah), Brooks (the ones I ended up getting) and Saucony (VERY comfy, but seemed too roomy). I may try the Sauconys next. I can use these for a while and then decide to come back later and get the inserts, which I will probably do. She said that I should not rule out running!
I will see if she is on our insurance. But I might just try the other, closer physical therapist that I already found who is on our network.
Friday, July 8, 2011
2 miles - Fort Washington Park
July 7, 2011, Thursday
7:15 pm - hot and humid even at this time of day
2 miles
22:25 (10 minute first mile)
Stayed on the flat part (not the trail). I wore Joel's GPS watch. I intended this to be a speedwork session (1st quarter mile easy, 2nd quarter mile fast, 3rd quarter mile easy, and so on), but when I realized that my "fast" pace was barely under 11 minute miles, I laughed in disappointment. I still tried anyway - my "fasts" were still faster than my "easies" which were in the 12 minute pace. Man, I have a long way to go.
Knees are feeling OK the day after.
7:15 pm - hot and humid even at this time of day
2 miles
22:25 (10 minute first mile)
Stayed on the flat part (not the trail). I wore Joel's GPS watch. I intended this to be a speedwork session (1st quarter mile easy, 2nd quarter mile fast, 3rd quarter mile easy, and so on), but when I realized that my "fast" pace was barely under 11 minute miles, I laughed in disappointment. I still tried anyway - my "fasts" were still faster than my "easies" which were in the 12 minute pace. Man, I have a long way to go.
Knees are feeling OK the day after.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Free Injury Screening - Saturday
The Potomac River Running Club holds free injury drop-in screenings at various locations every Saturday from 12-2 in the afternoons. I decided to try this before calling to schedule an appointment with another Physical Therapist about my knees. I am going in at 1pm on Saturday, so we will see what the Doc there has to say.
My knees are still pain free for the most part. It's my shins that are still sore from the run on Monday!
My knees are still pain free for the most part. It's my shins that are still sore from the run on Monday!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
4 miles - First Run on the Wilson Bridge Trail
July 4, 2011, Monday
7:30 am
4 miles - not officially measured, just based off Joel's GPS watch (that he wore, not me)
50 minutes
Started on the MD side by the National Harbor. Did not quite make it to VA, the MD part before the actual bridge was longer than expected (over a mile). The bridge section is long (and not shaded - thank goodness for clouds!) - I think the entire bridge is a mile itself! 2 miles out was around the drawbridge's tower. We turned around at that point and went back to complete 4 miles. I ran/jogged up until maybe beginning of mile 3. I had to walk due to some cramping. Ran-walked until back to start to complete 4 miles. There is a steep hill at the beginning that is difficult to climb up at the end!
7:30 am
4 miles - not officially measured, just based off Joel's GPS watch (that he wore, not me)
50 minutes
Started on the MD side by the National Harbor. Did not quite make it to VA, the MD part before the actual bridge was longer than expected (over a mile). The bridge section is long (and not shaded - thank goodness for clouds!) - I think the entire bridge is a mile itself! 2 miles out was around the drawbridge's tower. We turned around at that point and went back to complete 4 miles. I ran/jogged up until maybe beginning of mile 3. I had to walk due to some cramping. Ran-walked until back to start to complete 4 miles. There is a steep hill at the beginning that is difficult to climb up at the end!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The inaugrual post!
This is going to be a blog about my personal journey to get back into shape and the obstacles I face. A thank you goes out to Rene, a fellow December 2009 mommy and runner! She has a blog that I follow where she documents her Adventures in Running. Her blog motivated me to start this one! I initially posted my musings on weight-loss, running and health issues on my art blog, but it obviously did not belong there.
This is my back-story:
I started running in 2006, when a friend and his girlfriend invited Joel and I to do a Sweetheart/Valentine's Run 5K. I had never considered running a race, so I figured, WTH, and signed us up. Unfortunately the race course was totally screwed up and my pseudo-finish time was somewhere in the 23 minute range! Not bad for a beginner, right? haha Well, I "finished" before Joel (my husband, the former high school cross-country star). Needless to say the race was a flop for both of us, but it motivated me to sign up for more races and in turn, keep trying to beat my previous 5K time and also eventually run longer distances as well. During this time we also went to the gym regularly, too.
In 2009, I got pregnant, but somehow ran 5K PRs in my first trimester. I stopped running after pregnancy symptoms set in (not morning sickness, but fatigue and general laziness), but continued to walk and do light exercise until I was unable to see my feet. After I had Liam in December of that year, I was so busy with baby that I had no time for myself. But after we got into a routine with our lives with a baby, it actually was not that hard to get back into running, other than dealing with the fact that I had all this extra weight to run with - which was just motivation to do it more often. We did a few 5Ks in 2010, but one was not even chip timed and another had course issues which interfered with Joel's final time.
Later in 2010, we moved back to the DC area. I signed up for a half-marathon in November 2011. I was excited to be able to run and train in an awesome area. But my first run after a hiatus from running turned out to be my last of the year, as I experienced severe cramping and mild knee pains after that run. I decided not to run again until I was able to see a doctor. I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who told me that my knees were perfect, but the cartilage was rubbing together which was causing pain. He also said that if I wanted surgery in my future, that I should continue to run. That news almost brought tears to my eyes. Almost as if someone had told me I only had a few months to live. (Well, not that bad!) He suggested I stop running and find other methods of working out. I bought a rowing machine and use it whenever I can. I gave my 1/2 marathon registration to a friend in Savannah. Also, we do not have a gym membership up here because we are stuck in a stupid contract with our former gym in GA! So needless to say, it's been a little bit of a challenge to stay in shape.
It was not until recently that I have been persuaded by friends to get a second opinion from a physical therapist. I am also trying to work out my legs to strengthen them to support my knees when running. I have not yet seen a physical therapist, but I hope to visit one soon so that he/she can help me manage and lessen the pain I may feel in my knees from running. And that is where I am today!
This is my back-story:
I started running in 2006, when a friend and his girlfriend invited Joel and I to do a Sweetheart/Valentine's Run 5K. I had never considered running a race, so I figured, WTH, and signed us up. Unfortunately the race course was totally screwed up and my pseudo-finish time was somewhere in the 23 minute range! Not bad for a beginner, right? haha Well, I "finished" before Joel (my husband, the former high school cross-country star). Needless to say the race was a flop for both of us, but it motivated me to sign up for more races and in turn, keep trying to beat my previous 5K time and also eventually run longer distances as well. During this time we also went to the gym regularly, too.
In 2009, I got pregnant, but somehow ran 5K PRs in my first trimester. I stopped running after pregnancy symptoms set in (not morning sickness, but fatigue and general laziness), but continued to walk and do light exercise until I was unable to see my feet. After I had Liam in December of that year, I was so busy with baby that I had no time for myself. But after we got into a routine with our lives with a baby, it actually was not that hard to get back into running, other than dealing with the fact that I had all this extra weight to run with - which was just motivation to do it more often. We did a few 5Ks in 2010, but one was not even chip timed and another had course issues which interfered with Joel's final time.
Later in 2010, we moved back to the DC area. I signed up for a half-marathon in November 2011. I was excited to be able to run and train in an awesome area. But my first run after a hiatus from running turned out to be my last of the year, as I experienced severe cramping and mild knee pains after that run. I decided not to run again until I was able to see a doctor. I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who told me that my knees were perfect, but the cartilage was rubbing together which was causing pain. He also said that if I wanted surgery in my future, that I should continue to run. That news almost brought tears to my eyes. Almost as if someone had told me I only had a few months to live. (Well, not that bad!) He suggested I stop running and find other methods of working out. I bought a rowing machine and use it whenever I can. I gave my 1/2 marathon registration to a friend in Savannah. Also, we do not have a gym membership up here because we are stuck in a stupid contract with our former gym in GA! So needless to say, it's been a little bit of a challenge to stay in shape.
It was not until recently that I have been persuaded by friends to get a second opinion from a physical therapist. I am also trying to work out my legs to strengthen them to support my knees when running. I have not yet seen a physical therapist, but I hope to visit one soon so that he/she can help me manage and lessen the pain I may feel in my knees from running. And that is where I am today!
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