Getting Faster

So the screencap above are my latest runs from March up until my last run a couple days ago. The two runs at the top (my last two) are starred because those are my fastest paces for 4 miles (9:37 pace) and 3.1 miles (9:24) for the year!! It seems like after I broke my 30 minute 5k time, I have been keeping up with it! It's a good feeling. I am trying to increase my distance slowly - by adding a few more 4 milers in during the week (although doing 4 around the 'hood is one of the most boring runs EVAR!). I was going to do my usual 5k lunchtime run today, which I was seriously going back and forth multiple times as to whether I would go or not... I was about to put on my running gear when I changed my mind at the last second NOT to go. My left shin has been a little achy and my right hip (which has been bothering me for the past 3 weeks) is still tight and sore. I'm not running a race any time soon, so I decided that I need to give my body a rest and NOT push it today. Plus it's over 80 degrees out there. Ugh.


I want to calculate my month to month progress (average pace) and report it here. Garmin's website does it, but it doesn't show the time, it shows the average speed (like 6.0 mph, etc). For my purpose, I will need to break out the calculator! I'll try to do it on my next post.

I also want to schedule a physical therapist consult to see if they can help me with my hip issue. I don't want to make it any worse. Icing helps, but it comes right back.

I signed up for another 10 classes of Bikram (which I have to use in 30 days). I went yesterday and I will probably go tomorrow night. I also got one of my friends to do the other yoga classes with me! We will go to that one every Saturday morning (if our schedules and families allow). I went for the first time in over a month and even though the poses were not as physically demanding as Bikram, I still got a great stretch. And it's more fun with a buddy!

I REALLY need to start working on strength training. So far, the yoga has DEFINITELY helped with running and knee pains. So I am sure that with the extra strength training, I will reap more benefits. I really need to work out my core and flabby arms. Once we get our home gym set up in the garage (Our shed will be built this month - come hell or highwater!!! The shed is where everything in the garage will eventually be stored), I will be able to cross train on my rowing machine and use Joel's weight bench. Then maybe after I get the strength training down, I will finally work more on my diet!! One step at a time!!! :)

3.1 - Newport, and starting a new class tonight

Newport
January 13, 2012, Friday
12:41pm
3.1 miles
32:23

This last run was about one minute faster than the last time(s)! I was more aware of my pace, though, so I think that helped. I tried not to let it go under 11! I also had a few knee issues the night after, but I am fine now.


I am starting a class called "FitWit Flow", which is a combo of yoga and pilates moves. I was looking for a yoga class around here and this was the closest thing. I hope it's good. I tried yoga with a guy friend of mine waaay back in the day (before Liam) and I could not take it seriously (mainly because I was laughing at my friend trying the positions and "impressing" the older women in the class). So, I didn't go back. But I think I am at a good point in my life where I could definitely benefit from it - the breathing and the stretching techniques. I have to face it, my body is pretty much effed and I need to take care of it a little better these days. Plus I need some me-time. Joel has his nights at JuJitsu, so I wanted to do a class too.

I also joined a site called dailymile.com, which is a Facebook type site for exercising. I've been looking for something like this. Thanks to my blogging mommy friend Christina for introducing it to me! It synchs up to my Garmin uploads and imports them into my dailymile profile. Although... they don't use seconds when reporting times! :( Every second counts! Don't they know? haha They rounded up my time for latest run (as shown in the widget to the right)!