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The Chocoholic Frolic

Everything came together again nicely for today's run. I got a great night's sleep, and because it was a late start, I didn't have to rush out the door this morning despite the long drive to get there.

But, conditions were far from perfect, which always makes it interesting.

The good news is that it didn't rain. Actually, that was probably the best news ever because the temperatures were hovering at just around almost unbearable for a run that could have turned out much worse. I was going to hike back to my car after I picked up my packet to drop off my coat, but I'm glad I didn't because I needed that coat up until last minute. I found the pacer table and started chatting with them...then they offered me the space to keep my coat with their gear. I just felt very unprepared for this run for some reason. But I really shouldn't say "unprepared". Rather, I didn't take it seriously. So I guess the led me to think I was unprepared. To tell you the truth, I spent most of the time wondering if I should exchange my small tech-top for a medium because it looked a bit too short. Funny how these things can occupy every corner of one's tiny mind.

The run was around a frozen pond. I don't think this helped the "feels like" temperature. The 5K-ers did one lap. We had to do two. And, I started out way too fast. I fell in behind the 44-minute pacer, as the next pacer was the 47-minute guy. And I waited at the start line with two friendly gals who were looking to finish faster than 45-minutes. Of course, they were both in their 30s so I quickly started to feel very out of place and questioning my 45-minute goal.

I knew immediately after I started and hit the first hill that I wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for the entire 6-miles. But instead of scaling back, I attempted to settle in and convince myself that I could actually pull this off. But there was this other hill at mile 3. It was short-lived but as steep as three flights of stairs. I handled it well the first time, but the second time it about killed me. At mile 4.5, I developed a sharp side stitch which almost made me pull back entirely. But the 47-minute pace guy came up beside me and said, "You're almost done. You are doing great! Don't let me pass you!" So I sped up and refocused. But the damage was already done. He passed me with about a tenth of a mile left. And I sputtered into the finish chute.

I swear, though, that I ran this much faster than the Polar Dash. But there were hills on this run, and the wind was brutal as I headed south twice on each round. It slowed me down.

What did I learn? You really can't compare one race time to another unless it is the same course and the same conditions. Considering the hills and the wind with this one, I need to be proud of what I accomplished. And I need to pat myself on the back for a great run. It was, after all.

And I got a medal. And a really nice shirt...and some chocolate. (And found a sweet young girl to take my photo for me in front of the sign!)

Chocoholic Frolic 10K Race Results

Did you run today? How did it go?

A Mophie, A Tune Belt, and A Girl's Best Friend

So, I bought myself a Mophie, after much trepidation. There have been so many questionable reviews about the device, I wasn't quite sure what to do. But, I was interested to find out that the reason being is that they are easily counterfeited. Therefore, if your Mophie doesn't work, it probably isn't a real Mophie.

It's a cute thing, though, and it really does work. It is an external iPhone charger that seconds as a protective cover. Although, I can't tell you how protective it is since I haven't actually dropped it on the ground to test it. But I can tell you that when fully charged, you get a full day out of your iPhone, while running just about every program you have. This is a good thing.

Now, had I known it came in pink...I would have waited and bought it online. But, my husband was making me impatient, as patient as I was being to wait and buy one, as he is a techno geek and I think he was sick of me talking about it so much. So, he just insisted I get it the last time we were in Best Buy.

As luck would have it, or not have it, the first one I bought did not work. Coincidence? I'm not sure, but thank goodness I got it at Best Buy and the guy behind the service desk was an iPhone expert. He assured me there was something wrong with it. Plus, my screen saver appeared to be too thick to support a proper connection, so he suggested I change that after we exchanged the device.

iPhone 4S and my white Mophie

I ended up with the white Mophie to match my white phone. And, since it is the Kavouras way to buy the most expensive version of whatever it is you are getting, I opted for the Mophie Juice Pack Plus. Because Plus is always better.

The Mophie does add a bit of heft to the iPhone, but it is in a good way. It makes it a bit longer, and a bit heavier. But it also keeps your iPhone fully charged if you turn it on right away. Or, you can wait until your phone gets down to the critical 20% before you utilize the Mophie. Either way, it easily gives you another 8 hours of battery life.

Unfortunately for me, the Mophie prevents my iPhone from fitting in my arm sleeve. It juts out just enough, that if I were running in a downpour, it is safe to say my iPhone would be rendered useless.

This clearly will not do. So, I went on the hunt for a new arm band.

Searching Amazon led me to this beauty. It is designed for the larger Android phones, and it just so happens that it will fit a Mophie encased iPhone. It is called a Tune Belt. Granted it is larger, and you would think more cumbersome, but in actuality, it is a pretty nice arm unit!

The closure on my former arm unit was a snap clasp which I kind of liked. I did have to put a safety pin on it, however, to keep it from sliding to a larger position as I ran. It really wasn't a big deal. It also gets very sweaty in the summertime.

The new Tune Belt has a Velcro closure and an arm strap that is just the right size for me. Usually I have trouble with the Velcro closures because they just don't make them small enough.

The old arm unit does allow a hole for the earphone jack at the top. The Tune Belt does not. However, if you were to wear the Tune Belt upside down, or put your phone in upside down, the problem would be solved because there are three air vents at the bottom of the Tune Belt. I assume this is for the speakers. But, if I'm not mistaken, the new iPhone 5 has the earphone jack at the bottom. So perhaps this isn't a design flaw.

Not that it matters to me, because I use Bluetooth Wireless Headphones most often than not, anyway.

The top closure just allows you to tuck the phone in safe and sound.

I ran with both the Mophie and the new Tune Belt the other day and I was quite pleased. My phone stayed at 100% the entire run. It was a 7-miler, so it took about an hour. Plus, I was running Runmeter, my music, and a secondary running program that I am beta-testing. The arm unit itself was very comfortable and stayed in place. I'll be interested to see how it fares in the summertime.

The Tune Belt I found on Amazon, if you are interested, for under $20. You do want to make sure you get the larger one for use with an OtterBox. It will not fit in the smaller $16.50 version. The Mophie itself set me back $99 for the extra strength Juice Pack Plus. The less intense version will be about $20 less. (Be sure to buy it from a dealer you trust. There are many counterfeit ones on Amazon.) But I have already gotten so much use out of it. There is nothing more useless than a battery drained iPhone. Trust me. This is a must have if you don't have access to a phone charging station during the day. Or if you are a long distance runner looking to have a charged phone with you at all times.

So, that is my long distance running tip of the day for the Gadget hound.

I have a run tomorrow at 9:30am. It is the Chocoholic Frolic 10K and it is promising to be wet and cold. How lovely! But, there will be chocolate afterwards, instead of bagels. Almost as good...if not better. As long as it is dark chocolate, I'll be happy as a clam.

My goal is 45:00. That would be a minute faster than my PR in the Polar Dash. They will have pacers there, so I think I may have a fighting chance...but for the weather. Wish me luck. And if you are on Facebook, be sure to send me lots of encouragement!! I'll need it!

Are you running any races this weekend?

Recovery, A Runner Box, and Rain Ahead

What? You mean to tell me I ran just shy of 20 miles and I could walk the next day? That seems illogical. Sure, my knees were burning a bit as I made it up and down the stairs, but otherwise, nary a symptom. Hmmm. What does this mean?

It wasn't even like a joggers pace, either. It was a real run...to see what I could do. Could I have gone 6 more? That is probably the biggest question.

I took Saturday off from the run. It was a busy day, as we planned to celebrate Easter that evening. Therefore, I was on my feet all day cooking. That probably helped. Besides, I did run almost 20 miles the day before, right? I iced my knees, calves and ankles both Friday and Saturday night. By Sunday, I was on the treadmill doing a shake down walk. I went 6 miles with no trouble and I iced my knees again that night. Monday, I did an 8-mile treadmill walk. And, today, a 4-mile treadmill run. I feel completely recovered.

I would dare to say, all I have to do is stay injury free, and I'm thinkin' this marathon won't be nearly as difficult as I had imagined...knock on wood.

How excited was I to receive my first Runner Box on Monday! I swear I just ordered it on Friday and already it arrived.

What did I find inside? All kinds of cool stuff! First, a pair of running gloves...gosh only knows I can't get too many of those.

     Here is what else I got:

• Shower Pill Fresh & Clean BodyWipe
• A Gluten Free Bonk Breaker in Peanut Butter and Jelly Flavor
• GU Chomps in Lemon Flavor
• Extreme Sports Beans with Caffeine in Pomegranate Flavor
• Emergen-C Joint Health Supplement in Tangerine Flavor
• Chocolate Agave #9 Slo-Burn Energy Gel (hello)

Not to mention, a hand written note asking my shoe size for April's box. How super extreme is that?

It should be fun to test all these products as my runs will progressively get longer and longer over the next few weeks.

As for the Minnesota weather? Gawd...it is just taking forever for Spring to arrive. BUT, it looks like 50° is in the cards for tomorrow and Thursday's run. Saturday's Chocoholic Frolic looks to be rainy and cold. Ah, but whatever...I'll just suck it up and run. I'm feeling that damn good.

What is your most bestest weather conditions to run in?

Beyond The Half

Enlightened.

That is the word I'll use to describe the day's run. Enlightened.

Last night I mapped out a few runs beyond the half. Here is my thinking.

Hal wanted me to go 9 miles tomorrow. But it supposed to be a crappy day. He also wants me to go 15 miles next Saturday. But I plan to run the Chocoholic Frolic 10K that day. The weathermen promised us an amazing day today. I had the time...I took a rest day yesterday. Why not give a good distance a try?

My sister and I (The Petite Pacer) have been discussing what my pace should be for my upcoming marathon. Since we are both still very new to this running thing, and filling our heads with tons of information, we kind of thought the only way I would know how fast I could run it would be to actually run one. But, I have also read that you shouldn't run a marathon for marathon training. That would defeat the purpose. I also know that Hal calls for a 20-miler in May, as the last long run before the taper period. I thought, perhaps, since I'm already an experienced runner that it wouldn't hurt to add a second, especially since I can take it easy this week.

It took a while for this great day to take shape. It started showering in the morning, and it was still cold. But by 11:30 am, it began to clear. I questioned again whether I should try that 19.5 miler I mapped out, or just do the 9 that Hal is calling for tomorrow. I never really know until I get out there. So I prepped for the long run and went out the door.

New CW-X Compression Capris. Neon is my color...

By that time, the sun was shining! Yay! I dressed perfectly, in my new CW-X Compression Capris, compression socks, a long sleeved shirt and a long sleeved jacket...plus a hat. The temp was 38° at start time but it warmed up fast. And at mile 5, when I had to decide whether to go long or short, I made the decision to go for it. I called my husband to let him know I'd be another hour and a half, at least, so he didn't start worrying.

I just kind of ran. I had no pace in mind. I just made sure I was "comfortable". I didn't want to over exert myself. I just wanted to be able to finish the run. I think for the most part, I probably started too fast, although, like I said, I was comfortable. Slower than comfortable might be a better way to start.

Enlightened.

But amazingly, even during the back half of the run, I could easily increase my pace without getting my heart rate up too high. Clearly, my lungs are not the issue. My legs on the other hand. Holy crap.

Enlightened.

At mile 14, I was feeling it. My calves were getting tight...not to mention my butt. I started increasing the time in which I'd stop for some Energy Gels. Every time I took some, there was relief...but the further I went, the lesser the amount of time the relief lasted. This made me think I should have started taking them earlier. I didn't take my first dose until mile 5.

Enlightened.

By mile 16, everything from my ass to my ankles was just screaming. I was having serious doubts, at this point, if I could finish. But just as that thought crossed my mind, the road changed from uphill to downhill and I got another wind. Thank goodness! I also got excruciatingly thirsty. I had brought along a 10 oz. bottle of Cytomax, and a 10 oz. bottle of water. I finished the Cytomax at mile 14. And they water wasn't cutting it. Clearly, I need two bottles of electrolyte fluid, and I'll save the water for the water stops.

Enlightened.

But it was pretty obvious, that with the final mile all uphill, that I wasn't going to go any further. Once the route leveled out, I considered making it an even 20, but I didn't want to risk it. Besides, I was out of fluid, and I was sooooo thirsty. It was time to call it. I did notice, however, I didn't have any pain in the balls of my feel like the last time I ran more than 13 miles. This tells me that the Brooks Cadence will do the job for the marathon. And it takes a great load off of my mind.

Enlightened.

I'm really pleased. I'm pleased as punch. And happy to say, enlightened. I learned a lot on this run. And I'm glad I went the extra mile...literally.

And I can sleep in tomorrow!

When was the last time you were enlightened? Did it happen on a run?

The Pretty Close To Perfect Day

It all came together today. The weather, the mood, the gear, the pace, the run. I couldn't have asked for any more than I got.

We did P90X this morning, and I didn't put my regular "umph" into the workout because of a troubled left elbow. So, maybe that helped as well.

I had some stuff to do before my run. But that was OK, because I was waiting...waiting on that temperature. The promise was 39° degrees today. I figured the longer I waited, the warmer it would get. But I had a lot on my plate this afternoon, so I couldn't wait too long. After all, the Keurig is broken, and the caffeine addicts were getting more than restless. They were getting temperamental.

At 11:00, the temperature was a startling 34°. Good enough.

I dressed light. One layer below the waist, two above. Plus a Turtle Fur cap with a hood over it. I slathered up my face with Dermatone, grabbed some light gloves, and off I went.

It was a little brisk to start, but as the first half of this run is all uphill, it took little to no time until I was warm and toasty. The breeze was light and out of the south, so it was into my face for the start. This too, was perfect. It meant a tailwind and a mainly downhill run for the return home. I was diggin' it. I felt good. I felt light on my feet. I kept repeating the words of the Newton dude from the workshop a few weeks ago..."don't try so hard."

So I didn't. I let it go. I started nice and easy. The hills helped me to do that. And I never felt out of breath. If  I started to get a little winded, I didn't try so hard and backed off. Honestly, I was amazed.

My heartrate never reached 180 until the very last quarter mile when I was feeling SO good, I decided to sprint the final few steps. And I could...because I still had it all. In fact, I was this close to making today my long run day. But it is supposed to be warmer tomorrow. Even warmer Friday. Oy, I got some planning to do the next few days. I won't be able to do my long run Saturday as the weather will be wet and cold. Yuck. Not my thing.

So, I ponder the question. Is this my marathon pace? Gosh, I don't know. For sure this would be my comfortable pace, I believe. I wonder, is a comfortable pace faster than marathon pace? Do I already know the answer to this?

I went to the Training Peaks site and to Hal Higdon's forum to ask him what a comfortable pace was a few weeks back. I completely forgot about it. "Mom Brain", I call it (it is not catching, unless you are a mom). Here is what he said:

Marathon pace is the pace you plan to run in the marathon. If you're a first-time marathoner, you don't yet have a "pace." You maybe able to get a close estimate by running a race or two and using some of the prediction engines. That's one reason why I now include half marathons half way through the 18 weeks.

"Comfortable" pace is any pace that you can hold and still conduct a conversation with a running companion without getting out of breath. If running solo, you'll have to determine what feels comfortable to you. And the numbers won't be the same every day. If tired because of a hard workout the day before, or because of other factors in your life, you may experience discomfort sooner than you would than after a day's rest.

You may or may not be able to hold that 8:40 pace the entire 26 miles of the marathon. You have 18 weeks to figure it out. 

I guess that didn't tell me as much as I had hoped. But if I can run my marathon with as much ease as I ran today's 7-miler...well...then...I've got something.

Runmeter Stats

FitBit and the Inferiority Complex

My Fitbit (I think she needs a name so that she knows when I'm cursing her out) has been tossing out  some pretty nasty messages at me lately. Clearly, she doesn't think I'm doing enough. Faster, Theresa! Step It Up, Theresa! Move It, Theresa! Boy, can she throw a guilt trip.

Therefore, today, I had a few 15 minute breaks amidst my class session. So, I found a staircase, a 3-flight staircase, and walked up and down them...at least 8 times, twice today. Little Miss Fitbit has nuthin' on me today! According to my readings, I did 28 flights. I suppose that includes getting to the cafeteria, and walking in and out of the school today. You gotta make use of every minute you have, right?

Marathon Training: Day 37
Hal said to run 3-miles today. Seeing as that I had class this morning at 8:30 am, this run had to be done on the treadmill, despite the fact that spring really is trying to push it's way into Minnesota. It is just way too dark at 5:15 am for me. And I don't trust anyone awake that early with no natural light to be found.

Despite the fact that I woke up ready and raring to run, I had absolutely no idea what the hell to do today. I figured I'd wing it. The last article I read about endurance tells me I shouldn't worry so much about running fast to increase my overall speed, rather I should run more intervals...moments at a fast pace bordered by recovery minutes. OK.

I still don't know what the hell I did. I know I did a warm up walk for 10 minutes. Then I set the treadmill for 3 miles at a 1% incline. I did 7.0 mph for 4 minutes (don't ask me why I chose 4 minutes. I think it was because I was getting bored and I needed to pick up the pace). Then I upped it to 7.5 mph for the next 4 minutes. And I upped it again to 8.0 mph for the next 4 minutes. After that it gets a little fuzzy.  But here is how I remember it going.

7.0 mph for 4 minutes
7.5 mph for 4 minutes
8.0 mph for 4 minutes
8.5 mph for 3 minutes
7.5 mph for 3 minutes
8.0 mph until I had .25 miles left
8.5 mph until run ended.

All totaled  it was a 24:57 run, I think. Again, this is only how I remembered it. I was pretty soaked when I finished, and I felt like I ran a hard run. Not sure what it did for me, if anything. But I know that when I go outdoors after a few days of treadmill training, I'm running stronger and a bit quicker. So, I must be doing something right.

The weather looks great tomorrow to head outdoors as the temperatures should approach 40°! I'm pretty sure Hal is calling for 6 or 7. I don't have the schedule in front of me. I may just go ahead and do my hilly 7-miler tomorrow if there is no wind.

Are you training for a half or full marathon? Are you following a training plan or are you just winging it?

And on the 7th day...

Rest day. Repeat. Rest day.

If it wasn't for my incredible willpower, I would be exercising right now.

I did get up off my butt and scrub my kitchen cabinets. After the big dog came in and shook mud from wall to wall, and cabinet to cabinet. I realized that I shouldn't put it off any longer. And perhaps, just perhaps, it could count as exercise.

I doubt it, though.

Besides, my legs are sore. And they do deserve a break.

Soooooo, I'll call it willpower. Because that's what it is.

Did you take a rest day today?

Bitter, Sweet, or Bittersweet?

Last night before I went to bed, my husband asked me:

"Do you dread having to run 12-miles tomorrow, or are do you look forward to it?"

I guess I didn't have to think about it that long. With the awful winter we have had here in Minnesota, my immediate response was:

"As long as the weather is nice, I look forward to it!"

Was that how I really felt? I'm thinking it must be, because it was an immediate, thoughtless answer.

The question is, how do I really feel?

Running is so many things to me. It is a release. It is a mind-clearer. It can be a chore. But it is a challenge to myself. It would be my ultimate exercise of choice, if I could do nothing else.

A 12-mile run? In the past...and by past I mean last year...a 12-mile run would keep my awake the night before. I'd be thinking about what I would wear, how much water I'd bring, where I would even run 12 miles, what time I should do it, and how will I plan my day around it.

Today, it is more like something I just do. It takes little thought. I don't put that much pressure on myself. I kind of just let it go. The road will take me somewhere. The time of day and the weather? Well, that will just have to fall into place. This isn't rocket science. It is running.

I look do forward to my long runs now. It is almost like a drug that instantly turns my mood around. Dread? That is a harsh word. The last time I dreaded having to do a run was probably last September when I ran a half marathon on less than a few hours sleep. That run, I dreaded. But I went with a handful of girlfriends, so that made it less dreadful than I actually believed it would be.

Everyday Hal hands me a number, it just gets filed in the back reaches of my brain. Yep, I'll get it done. I don't think I could ever dread it.

As a side note, the "professional" photos for the Get Lucky 7K were e-mailed to me this week. I do remember passing photographers at this race and saying...out loud to myself...smile, Theresa. You always look too serious in your photos. Smile and wave. So I did.

Hmmm...does that look like someone who dreads the run? I think not!

Are there days where you dread running? Or do you just take that as an excuse to skip it?

Marathon Preparedness

Boy, I'm whooped. And I didn't even run today! But I kept very busy. This included P90X Legs and Back and a 6 mile treadmill walk. I'm hold out hope that it will actually make it to 32° tomorrow. Hal is calling for 12. My run will have to wait until about that time, too. The girls have horsey lesson. Plus, I figure there will be a better chance that it will be close to that temperature by that time.

I'm kind of looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. It doesn't happen often, especially if I try to get that run in before the girls' lesson. I think I need the extra sleep.

I bought myself a Mophie to keep my iPhone charged through a long run. I'm starting to believe that it wouldn't make it through an entire marathon, all the while playing music, checking my heartrate and running Runmeter all at the same time. The only thing is, I'll need a larger armband. Yeah, I can squeeze it in the one I have, but the protective flap won't close. It would be OK in sunshine, but quite a different story in the rain.

My phone usually makes it through a half marathon run, so it would be useless to test it tomorrow. I really don't hit any super long runs with Hal's program until April. This is a good thing. The weather should be better by then. Well, at least, one can only hope.

Do you run with a phone GPS or do you prefer a watch? 

Feeling Good 101

In my ultimate quest to get this whole healthy living thing down pat, the hardest piece has been trying to determine just what is healthy and what isn't. There is just so much information out there. And we have access to all of it. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone likes to quote sources from those who share their opinion. And everyone thinks they are right. It is overwhelming, confusing, and downright daunting to take on the challenge of determining the best way to live your life.

I run. This is true. I also do resistance training. It is the same program I have done for three years. Even my girlie doctor is surprised at my tenacity.

"You've been doing P90X for three years? With no breaks?" She asks, almost dumbfounded.
"Not a one...well, except for the few family vacations, and ultra bad viruses," I reply.

Why is she so surprised? I'm not sure. Am I expected to take breaks from regular exercise? I would have thought that I'd have earned a gold star for being so consistent. I'm completely healthy, she says, in "amazing" condition. Does this mean I deserve to be a glutton and return to my evil ways for a while?

I try to educate myself as much as I can. And I adjust my lifestyle accordingly, to see what might work for me. I've been laying off the alcohol to see if I sleep better and if the night sweats disappear. It hasn't been 100% better, but I'd say it is 75% better. I have also been reading "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis about the harsh effects that modern day wheat has possibly been having on modern man. Funny, but a lot of my other troubling symptoms I can relate to his theories. No, I don't believe I am gluten intolerant. But I do believe I get a reaction to wheat and gluten in the form of bloating and belly pain. The same goes for lactose and sugar. I have noticed that as I have cut these foods out of my diet, mysterious things happen. Good things like no more belly pain at night. Or that the rosacea on my face has all but disappeared. And that I'm more clear headed throughout the day. And my mood has improved. Can this be all a placebo effect, or am I doing something right?

Last year when I asked her about the night sweats, she told me to turn up the air conditioning. When I asked her about the belly pain, she suggested to eat more fiber.

"But, that gives me more belly pain," I told her.
"Then drink more water," she replied.

Hmmm...I run, and I lift weights. You don't think I drink enough water? I'm thinking that isn't the answer. I guess I just keep hearing my dad's words in the back of my mind. "If you want something done right, you have to just do it yourself." Perhaps all this information is a good thing, if you don't take it all too seriously and use it as a guide rather than gospel. And just try to determine what works best for you.

I can tell you that it is better to be somewhat over-educated and to be brave enough...or determined enough...to try an alternative, than to be floating out there feeling miserable and helpless in finding the answers to what ails you. I have to believe I'm doing something right. Even though everyday can prove to be a learning experience. And all the while the skeptics, or those who don't share your opinion, look down upon you like a bug on the sidewalk, wanting to halt your progress in any which direction. It can be looked at as being frustrating for most. But for me it is more of an experiment, a challenge...a quest. How healthy can I get? I guess we will see. For now, I feel pretty damn good. And proud that I did it all by myself.

Marathon Training: Day 31 (for those who care)
Today, Hal said to run 6. I did it on the treadmill, thanks to today's lovely Minnesota spring (NOT) temperatures. I started at 6 mph and worked my way to 7 mph by mile 5. It was a nice and easy run. And I got to watch the Biggest Loser as I ran. BONUS!

Marathon Training: Day 29

Gee, has it really been almost a month since I started training? It sure doesn't seem like that. Although, much of it has been done on the treadmill. Today was no exception.

Blizzard warning. You heard me. Blizzard warning. We really didn't get the blizzard, so to speak. But it did snow, and the wind did howl. And driving in it was not pleasant.

Today was a P90X day. Chest, Shoulders and Triceps, to be exact. It came and went. And then I got on the treadmill. Normally, Hal would call this a rest day. But I pretty much did that yesterday. Normally, I'd do a 90-minute treadmill walk following P90X, but for some reason, I felt like running today. Not crazy running...just light running. Is there such a thing?

I figured my regular treadmill walk is 4.2 mph, so if I upped it just a little bit, I'd be jogging. And can a light jog really hurt? So, after a 10-minute warm up walk, I jumped in at 5.0 mph. Eh, not feeling it. Then I upped it to 5.5. Better...good to continue the warm up. After 15 minutes or so, I went up to 6.0 mph. Now THIS is a comfortable running pace. To double check it, I turned on my metronome. Yep, this is reasonable.

And, I kept on running. My elevation was set to 1.5. So, it wasn't a cake walk. But it was easy. And I never struggled. And it was OK. The final 10 minutes, I upped it to 6.2. Altogether, with a 10-minute warm up walk and a 10-minute cool down walk, I did about 9 miles.

Brooks Pure Cadence-The Original

I gotta admit, that I love my new Brooks Pure Cadence. These are the original Cadence. I'm reading that the Pure Cadence 2 do not compare to the originals. Of course they don't. Already, the Pure Cadence originals are scarce. But I found a pair today at a ski and sport store, of all places. I think this could be the marathon sneaker. they feel much like the Brooks Launch, but they have the extra padding right where I need it at the ball of the foot. I'll know more when I run more than a half marathon in them. And I'll have an opportunity in the next few weeks, according to Hal.

Of course, my biggest challenge the next few weeks will be getting outside as winter rages on here in Minnesota. All we can do at this point is pray. Eventually, the snow will stop, right?

A hole in the clouds just for me!

That big hole in the sky is for me...I know it is!

The run that almost wasn't

Yesterday afternoon around 2:00, I started feeling like crap. I wasn't sure if it was something I ate, drank, or if I was just getting a bug of some sort. I'm still not sure. I knew it wasn't nerves or anything despite this morning's run. I was kind of bummed I had to go alone, and not knowing what the weather was going to do, nor knowing what the parking situation would be like, I really wasn't looking forward to going. But, I had signed up...I had a jacket, which I vowed I wouldn't wear until I ran the race, and I paid cold, hard cash to run...so dang it, I got up and ran.

My queazy stomach took me right through the overnight. The only good thing was that I knew I wouldn't have any trouble going to the bathroom before I left. The only trouble was wondering if I could STOP going to the bathroom before I left. I did...and I got out the door a little later than I had wanted to. But it proved not to be a problem because I got there early enough to get a great space.

The surprise was the amount of people running the race. I was quite shocked. I guess I expected a lot, but I have never actually been at a race where the turnout was greater than three or four-thousand. Even when the announcer said that there were 10,000 there, I was floored. Really? I set myself up at the 7:30 start gate because I didn't want to run any slower than that. But the only corral in front of that one was entitled "elite". I'm far from elite. And I immediately started questioning if I should be at the front of the line.

It wasn't necessarily cold. I dressed well. I was very prepared. Except I left my ice trekkers in the car. I really hoped I didn't need them. I didn't see any other runners wearing them so I went along with the crowd. I think if I had worn them, I'd have had a much faster finish time.

But despite the icy patches, I didn't fare too badly, running at a 7:54 pace, at least according to my chip time. Runmeter had me clocked at 7:37, which felt more about where I ran. I only say that because that is about what I did at the Polar Dash, and I felt like I put the same exact effort into this run...minus the icy patches.

It was cold and lonely when I crossed the finish line. And as I headed back up the road to fetch my banana and water, I saw a whole slew of people still progressing to the start line. Are you kidding?

I'm done! You haven't started? Oh, I felt bad for them. They have been standing out in this cold weather for that long, in their crazy but great St. Patty's Day outfits. Ugh! 

I was happy to grab my bag and get out. I was immediately chilled. And I stumbled upon a coffee shop almost instantly, but was discouraged when the line went clear out the door and around the corner. Oh well...just get in the car and go, I thought.

Then my husband started texting me...and my sister...and I just wanted to get to my car. I got a little turned around and had to walk longer than I should have walked, but it was probably just as well to loosen up a little before I sat down.

As always, I'm glad I ran. Now I can say I ran a "Get Lucky"...the most attended organized race in the Twin Cities. I may never do it again.

And I can wear the sweatshirt without guilt.

Get Lucky Results

No sign of spring

Is it really March? You wouldn't know it by going outside...at least here in Minnesota. The sun can fool you into believing it is way warmer than it is. I'm starting to think spring will never get here.

I made it outside, regardless. And as much as I complain about the weather, the treadmill is much worse. I just bundled up and got out there. And to be honest, I must have done a good job of that, because I wasn't all that cold. But when I arrived home and chugged down a mouthful of ice chards from the water bottle I took along with me, I realized just how cold it was out there. 32° was promised today, but I don't think we even made it to 29°, even in full March sunshine. Even in Minnesota, that is hard to come by. Run time temperature was 19°, according to the weather service...at 11:30am.

Hal called for 6 today. But I have a race on Saturday. It is the Get Lucky 7K. Last I checked, 7K is just a bit more than 4 miles. Saturday, Hal calls for 11. So, I just switched it all around. I figured, I'm out, I have gel packs, it is sunny, I feel pretty good...I'll just go for it today.

Really, it was a good run. At yesterday's running clinic, the instructor stressed the 180 bpm stride. I haven't really been consistent with the metronome training, so I switched it on today. Here is what I learned:

1. I hit this stride with tremendous ease running up hill. I mean...on the nuts! How crazy is that? Down hill and straight aways I really have to concentrate on hitting it just right.

2. Espresso Love GU packs are my FAVORITE.

3. Don't expect miracles on an 11-mile run following a round of P90X. Yeah, not the best timing to do both in one day.

But, despite it all, I had a good run. When I got home, however, it was already near 1pm, and I was quite hungry. I scarfed down a Shakeology for lunch and it chilled me to the bone. I was so cold, I developed an instant headache. So I looked around and saw my dogs lying in the sun. That is what I should do! So, I went off into the bedroom where there were no dogs, and laid in the sun. Boy, did that feel good. So good, in fact, I think I dozed off. When the phone startled me from my slumber, I was warm as toast. And the headache was gone. Good thing.

I think I look worse than I felt.

Any signs of spring where you are?

The day worth mentioning

Some days can be so totally empowering, you have to pinch yourself. This was one of them. They don't happen very often, but when they do, you wish that they would just last forever, and that you have the stamina enough to make it through forever.

It started at 5am. Yeah, I got up and was on the treadmill within 15 minutes. But it wasn't the run that made the day so great. It was getting out of the house by 7:30am, going to my classes, eating lunch in an empty cafeteria (it is spring break for the underclassmen), more learning, then off to a running clinic. Afterwards, feeling the full buzz from a full day and not nearly enough to eat...getting home and sharing the day's events with my husband and kids...and being so MENTALLY exhausted that I just have to share it with someone else. Namely, you...those who may read this blog. If I had known that it all would be so stimulating, I'd have done it years ago.

If you don't know yet, I've returned to school to get a certificate in web design, mainly so that I can put together some websites for my husband, but beyond that, to improve my skills as a graphic artist, and perhaps start a secondary career as a website designer. Learning is so freakin' empowering. It makes me  want to learn so much more. Once your brain starts, it is hard to shut it down. You just want to keep feeding it more and more knowledge.

Straight from there, I went to a running clinic sponsored by Newton at a local running store. Again, beyond empowering. Hanging and conversing, and learning with fellow adult runners...wow. It is very obvious to me that I need to get out of the house more. I must have sounded like a prisoner who was just released from jail...jabbering away like I used to as a kid, driving my family insane. It was fun. It was educational. It was inspirational. It was great to hear that I was doing so much right, yet still had room to improve. And it was great to be among others who carried the same interests as myself...and who get me.

On top of all of it, I had a great afterburn going on from P90X Chest and Back. The soreness I felt all day was almost like a feel-good drug. I'm feeling leaner than ever...and being away from home and the temptations to snack all day made it quadruply wonderful. (Is that a word?) Ahhhhhh.

I have no pictures to share, no words of wisdom, no sarcastic comments...just my awe inspiring day to pass along, and maybe motivate you to do something you have been waiting to do.

Do it.

But for those who care, back to the run this morning. It was a 3-miler on the treadmill...which started with a 10 minute walking warm up. I started at 6.0 mph and increased to 7.0 by mile 1. I ran .5 miles at 8.0 mph, then back to 7.0 mph for .5 miles. Then I repeated it. That was 3 miles. Then I did a .5 mile cool down walk. The run itself was just under 24 minutes. I was sweaty and happy.

Tomorrow is a 6-miler. I hope to take it outdoors despite what the weather brings.

How about you? When was your last completely empowering day?

Marathon Training: Day 20

I took it outdoors this morning. Call me crazy, but there was no weather. The temperature was above freezing...and the radar showed nothing nearby for a few hours at least. My husband was surprised I was heading out. And he warned me that the driveway looked bad. So, I pulled on the Ice Treckers at the last moment to get me off the property and up the big hill outside our driveway. I'm so glad I did. It was like grease. The snow had melted on top of the ice and there was no walking on it without the extra traction. But as soon as I hit the pavement of the main road, all was clear. I took off the treckers and held them for the duration...or at least until I had to make my way back to the house.

Hal told me to run slower than Wednesday. And I swear, I felt like I was. Yet, Runmeter told me I was going faster. I kept trying to slow it down everytime I got an update. It is rather clear that my "comfortable" pace is getting faster. At one point, I heard my sister, The Petite Pacer, say "It looks like you are running tempo intervals?" I thought to myself, "No, I'm just trying to run slower than Wednesday, and this is what that looks like!" Between the variable hills on this route, and me trying to run slow, I end up with what looks exactly like tempo intervals! Go figure!

I also ran sans glasses today, which despite the fact that I couldn't see, worked out great because there was nothing to fog up on me. That was kind of nice.

The sneakers performed like a champ. I'm real happy with them. Now I just have to see how they handle long distances. Hal calls for an 11-miler next Saturday. I'm running a 7k that day, so I may switch my long run to Thursday, weather permitting.

I also broke down and bought a Fitbit.

I was so excited to sleep with it last night, that in my haste, I neglected to read the instructions. I was supposed to tell it I was going to sleep. Ooops! Well, tonight is another night. My  6+ miler today was about 12,000 steps. Seems fair. I'm sure I'll add on to that throughout the day. I'm looking forward to seeing what my 90-minute treadmill walks turns out to be!

Are you a gadget junkie? What is your latest electronic must-have?

Marathon Training: Week 3

It has been a busy and exhausting week. I can't even remember when I posted last. There was a death in the family and my husband really felt the need to attend the service of his only Aunt. So, he made a mad dash for Michigan on Monday morning. Therefore I got the crash course on the Bobcat and snow plow as the biggest storm of the season was bearing down on us. This meant a delay in Monday's workout. But I got it done, plus a dog walk.

Tuesday, we were snowed in. Not knowing how the morning was going to play out, I got up at 5am to do my 3-miler on the treadmill. It was a good run. I aimed for a negative split, which I'm pretty sure I accomplished.

Wednesday, the same...early to rise to get the 5-miler in, plus P90X before getting the girls off to school. Hal said to run marathon pace, so I chose 8:30 to do the run. It was good. Maybe a tad fast, but tough for me to gauge on the treadmill. Either way, a good training run.

Thursday, I took it outside. The roads cleared up in a hurry despite the deep snow everywhere else. Hal called for 3. I went 5. Why? It was sunny. Good enough reason for me. I also tried some new treads, knowing that my Brooks Launch's aren't going to live forever. I opted to try the Brooks Pure Cadence. Unfortunately, I got some blisters doing the dog walk in my boots on Monday. So, this wasn't a good, true test. But, I think they will make a good replacement. I can feel the extra cushioning mid-foot. And I think it helps me with mid-foot placement during the run. I had to go a full size higher in these sneakers...up to a 9. I'm looking forward to going a longer distance in these. I'm pretty certain the Launch aren't cushioned enough to take me through a full marathon. These may do the trick. I chose a pretty pink. And because the Pure Cadence 2 is already out, these were a good bargain at around $69.

I think I need to make a trip to my running store and check out some of the newer Brooks models, just to be sure. They are having a Newton event that I signed up for on the 19th. I'm looking forward to that!

Today, I had class again, so I just did a 90 minute treadmill walk. Tomorrow, Hal is calling for 6 miles. Snow is expected again here, this time mixed with a conglomerate of other weather. It will be a treadmill run, I'm pretty sure. I'll be so darn happy when this winter is over!

And I didn't take a photo, but I'm back down to 115.6 this morning. Crazy. I'm reading a new book called "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis. I'm already hooked and I'm convinced that I need to give up wheat. I also believe I may have a late life peanut allergy. Remember that sinus infection I thought I had in January? Well, I'm now suspecting it is peanuts. I haven't had any peanuts for 2 weeks, and I've had no symptoms. The other day, I had a few peanuts, and the post nasal drip was almost instant. I'm going to give it a week and try the peanuts again to see what happens. Third time is a charm. If it happens again, I'll go in for some allergy testing.

I also have significant ringing in my ears so I plan to find an ENT doctor to have that looked at. My sister has had the same issue recently. I'm thinking I've got the same thing.

But, I'm keeping myself healthy, taking my vitamins, continuing my stretching, still off the alcohol, and now abstaining from wheat as well. The next few weeks will tell a lot!

Do you have any food allergies or intolerances? What foods do you substitute for them?

A 10-miler, forced rest, and a snow day

I awoke Saturday morning in a sweat. Literally. I was excited for the outdoor run. It was the hubster's turn to take the girls to horsy riding so my 9-miler could happen without having to rush out the door at 8am. And it is a good thing, because at 8am, it was 4°. Huh? But I thought it wasn't going to drop below 15°? Curses...foiled again. Well, I wasn't in any hurry so I allowed the clock to tick by.

I had an assortment of goodies to take along. A run longer than 6 miles gives me the opportunity to test new products. I never use them all, but variety is always a good thing, because you never know what you are in the mood for until you are out there.

Assortment of goodies

When I checked the trusty thermometer at around 10am-ish, the temperature had made it to where it was supposed to bottom out...around 15°. This run was happening regardless, so out I went.

Hal said to run 9 miles. I don't have a 9-miler mapped out on Runmeter. I do have a 10-mile route, so my intentions were to do that route, then if I had to walk the last mile, I had that option.

Heading out it was a bit breezy, and blowing right into my face. I was hoping for a break when I took the turn to the west, and I got it. So, off I went on a nice easy pace. at least it felt easy. I realized later that it was a pretty good clip, yet it never felt that way.

I stopped to take this photo. This red barn was just gleaming over the white snow and blue sky. Plus, it was gel time. OH, and I don't recommend Peanut Butter GU Gel. Too thick...blech.

My view at about the 3-mile mark

The turn around was the 5-mile mark. All is well. This particular route goes right passed the stables where my girls have their lesson. And as I passed it the second time, my husband met me at the corner.

"How's it going?" he shouted.

"Great!" I answered. "It's a great day for a run!"

"You aren't even winded!" He said. "That is amazing!"

Yeah, it is amazing! He pretty my reiterated my own thoughts. I wasn't even winded. What a great feeling.

I ended up finishing the 10 miles. Great run. But it whooped me that night. I might also add that when I got back to the house, my running beverage had already started to freeze. I guess it was colder than I thought.

Sunday was a forced rest day...and I say "forced" because it was another beautiful Minnesota day. But everything ached from my butt cheeks down. My P90X Legs and Back routine on Friday did not help the issue. I knew I needed the break and I took it. There you go...

This morning was a chaotic one to say the least. I had to learn how to operate the Bobcat and plow the drive lest we end up with a foot of snow tonight like they are saying. I ended up taking the dogs for their daily walk and there was already 4 inches of snow on the ground. This was trying. I made it just 3.5 miles in about an hours time. It was slow and tedious. But it was better than nothing. And the dogs needed it.

Me, driving the Bobcat

Tomorrow is a scheduled 3-miler. It will be a rough, crazy start to the day because we are unsure of what the weather will do, and I have a class tomorrow. If my neighbor can plow out the drive for me, I can get it done in the morning on the treadmill. If not, it will have to wait until I get home. I'm kind of hoping for a snow day. Then we can all do whatever the heck we want. In Minnesota, however, the snow has to be at least 4 feet deep to get a snow day. The threshold to let the kids out at recess is 10°, after all. These Minnesotans are pretty hearty folks.

Wish me luck with that snow day, would ya?

Toe caps, dinner, and other randomness

It seems as though the groundhog was wrong about the winter here in Minnesota. Come to think of it, I don't think he has ever gotten it quite right. It remains cold. And although I have figured out how to keep my fingers from turning white during my runs, I still have an issue with my toes.

I like my toe sox. They keep me from getting blisters on the undersides of my toes. But it means they don't stay as warm as they would in regular socks. And wearing two pairs, or even thicker socks is out. So, I came up with a novel idea. Toe caps! What did I do? I cut off the top end of my husbands socks, and just slipped them over my toes!

Why my husband's socks? Well, why would I ruin a perfectly good pair of my own socks? Besides, he'll never know.

They work like a charm! Now, if I could only market them...

Speaking of dinner...hold on. Did I mention dinner? Oh, sorry. Well, I made a great dinner tonight. I know my family appreciates it. I always hear "Great meal, honey" from my husband and my girls will tell me "this is a keeper, mom" which means I have permission to make it again. I guess what I'm missing is the fanfare. Where is the confetti? Where are the dancing elephants? Where are the roses? How about "Oh my god...that was the best meal EVER and thank you SO MUCH for feeding us such healthy, delicious meals and caring about our well-being to the point that you spend hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove for OUR benefit!"

Am I expecting too much? Well, whatever. Here is what I made tonight. Breakfast pizza. Whole wheat biscuit crust, rice milk roux, farm fresh eggs scrambled in coconut oil, onions, mushrooms, and wilted spinach with a six cheese Italian blend. Can you taste it? Well, it was the best meal ever!

Friday is weigh in day, too. After my sister posted an article about eating disorders of runners on Facebook, I wasn't sure I should even post this today. Am I a bit anal about my weight? Am I worrying about it too much? I mean, I'm just trying to run and finish a marathon. I'm not looking to make the Olympic team. I suppose my issue is that 5 pounds in either direction is a lot for me. It makes a huge difference in my running ability not to mention in how my clothes fit. If I were 5'8" and 140 pounds, it wouldn't make that much of a difference, but at 5'4", it is almost 5% of my total weight. Plus, I lift weights with P90X, and I know that muscle is way more dense than fat. So, a good chunk of this number is muscle. This is good. 

So, my new focus is to just keep my weight between 114 and 118. That sounds fair. And the weekly weigh in will just be a reminder to keep it there. Sound reasonable?

Today was P90X Legs and Back, followed by a treadmill walk. I'm determined to take my 9-mile run outdoors tomorrow, cold or not. The sun should be shining. And that should be enough.

What did you have for dinner tonight? Was there any fanfare?

Marathon Training: Day 11

Hal said three. So, I ran three. Happily. (Hey, I'm a poet!)

Funny, because when I got out there I was having slight inward feelings that it wouldn't be enough. I thought I'd run out three and perhaps just walk back. My husband made the same offer he did yesterday, so if it got really bad into the wind, I could just call him. But after a mile and a half, I became grateful that it was just a three miler. I went a few extra steps and turned around. And then I started to think how grateful I was that there is no scheduled run for tomorrow. I'm tired, doggone-it!

I had a great pace today, just under 8:00. And now that I have two fast back-to-back runs out of my system, it should make Saturday's scheduled 9'er much easier to take slow.

It's all going great. I can almost kinda see a method to Hal's madness. This just might work.

Have you ever questioned someone's motives just to find out they were right all along? How did you feel afterward?

Marathon Training: Day 10

An outdoor run! So excited, I could spit. My handy husband called me just as I was about to step out the door to tell me it was windy and colder than it looked. I took his word as truth and added another jacket.

The thermometer read 30°. And the sun was trying to peak through. But, hell...it was windy. I managed to fight it pretty well for the first mile. It was the last that killed me.

Hal's Marathon Training Program called for a 5-miler today, at whatever pace struck my fancy. For some reason, I had the urge to go fast. I think I just wanted to get it over with. I had just finished P90X Shoulders and Arms and I was getting hungry, but I wanted to get that run out of the way first. I awoke this morning with a strange stitch in my lower left pelvic area. In fact, it has nagged at me all day. I was afraid this would affect my run, as well. It didn't, thank goodness, but it sure is bothering me tonight. Wish I knew what the heck it is.

Besides that, I just ran like the wind. I knew I started too fast...I knew my heart rate was up there...but I didn't care. I just ran. I heard Hal tell me I was at the half way point, so I went maybe 100 more paces then turned around. Now, the winds were reeking havoc and I could tell they were out of the north...and strong. This meant that the last mile would be hell...all uphill and into the wind. And I was right. It wasn't necessarily cold, but oh, that wind. Around mile 3.5 my phone started ringing...I answered it rather haphazardly, and found my husband at the other end.

"Did you get my text?" he asked.
"Um...no." (DUH!)
"Oh, well, if you want, just keep running south and I'll pick you up so you don't have to run home into the wind."

That was mighty kind of him, but I had already turned around and wasn't going to change direction again. Besides, this is good for the training, right?

I swear, I was running backwards at moments during that last mile.

Never the less, I finished with a great run at a 7:48 pace, thereabouts. So I'm not complaining.

Run like the wind? Well, ok.

What weather do you hate running in the most?

Shhhh. I ran today.

I know...I wasn't supposed to. Actually, after I double checked my schedule, Hal called for some Sunday cross-training. That includes walking, biking, swimming, or cross-country skiing. Well, running is just fast walking, right? I couldn't resist...34° and sunny. Yes THIRTY FOUR AND SUNNY. Even my husband told me I had to run today. And he almost never says that.

Besides, I had the blues big time today for absolutely no reason whatsoever. I couldn't shake it. After church, the girls and I ran to Tractor Supply then to the grocery store to get some stuff. We came home and I got dinner started since it had to sit in the oven for a few hours. Then I got to work on my Happy To Create blog post. It was pretty much just one giant interruption. And I kept checking Facebook at the same time.

The hubster came in one last time, clearly sensing my moodiness and said,

"Get the hell out there and run...now."

Well, it wasn't really what he said, but I shortened it for purposes of this blog post.

It took me a full two miles just to shake the DOMS out of my legs from Friday's P90X Legs and Back. After that it was smooth sailing. I thought I'd just go 4 miles. But I was feeling good at the 2-mile mark...so I kept going. Then I thought just 5 miles, but at the 2.5 mile mark I decided I'd try to make it to the 3-mile mark. It just sounds better and it is a rounder number. Then at the 3-mile mark, I saw my regular turn around  for this route was less than a half mile further. What the hell? So I did my Dream Acres route which takes me to Dream Acres farm, and then back home. My legs were just absorbing the heat from the sun. It was glorious. And I started slow because of the DOMS but finished at race pace. It was a good run.

And my blues turned pink. Pink is my signature color!

I promise NOT TO RUN tomorrow. It will just be P90X Chest and Back. Tuesday, I start school, so I'm not sure if I'll get my 3-miles in at 5:30 am or 5:30 pm. I'll leave it up to chance at this point.

OH! And even MORE exciting!! Shape Magazine retweeted my #flauntit photo not just once, but TWICE this week on Twitter! How great is that? Here are the photos that I tweeted.

Gotta love that P90X!

Did you workout today?

Marathon Training: Day 5

Hal said I had to run 8 miles today. I really hoped to do it outside, but the temperature read 13° upon waking, and with yesterday's snow...it just seemed like a bad idea. I had to run early today, too, because the rest of my morning and early afternoon was pretty busy. In hindsight, I'm glad I did it early.  The head cold was really kicking in this afternoon.

So, I tuned in the Netflix to National Geographic's Alaska's Denali National Park and got moving. After a 10 minute warm up walk, I set the treadmill to manual. I started off at a 1% incline and 6.5 mph.  I upped it .2 mph every 5 minutes until I reached 6.9 mph. Then I upped it .2 mph every 10 minutes. With 1.2 miles left I was up to 7.5 mph. I did slow to a walk at mile 3 and mile 6 to drink my Cytomax. I skipped the gel today. It was pretty sweaty in the basement this morning for a change. But I kinda wish it were colder because I would have been more comfortable. Of course, I forget I have a cold. That doesn't help. But all in all, it was a good 8-mile treadmill run. I finished it in under 70 minutes. And with a negative spit. That is the great thing about that treadmill. You can force yourself to run negative split. That will be great for training.

I'm focusing on post-run stretching and it is making a huge difference. I really need to keep that up and take the 15-20 minutes afterward to properly stretch. My flexibility is much better than it was.

I'm super sore tonight. But not because of the run, but because of yesterday's P90X Legs and Back. That workout gets me every time.

I'm so proud of my sister, The Petite Pacer. She has come so far in just one year. I have a number of friends on Facebook who have just started running as well. They have come to me for advice and suggestions as they get started. It is so uplifting for me to be able to help them in some small way to get them out there. Maybe running won't be their thing...or maybe it will. Either way, it is giving it a try and putting faith in yourself that matters. I'm so proud of all of them! There is no doubt that running changes your life.

Head colds, snow storms, and rest days

In Minnesota, two things happen in the winter. It is either bitter cold, or just below freezing. The trouble is, when it is right below freezing, it means it is likely snowing. That was today. It was kind of a bummer because it was a really beautiful day sans the snow. If the visibility weren't as bad as it was, I would have run in it. But, I would like to make it to my 47th birthday.

According to Hal Higdon, today was to be a rest day. But it was my scheduled P90X Legs and Back day. I did it...and walked 6 miles on the treadmill, too. My husband had to plow the drive this morning, and I didn't want to spend the time on my ass waiting for him. Sorry, Hal.

Tomorrow, an 8-miler is on the schedule. I may take it outdoors if the snow stops. That might be wishful thinking. But that is what I do best.

Unfortunately, I also feel a head cold coming on. It is worse at night. I don't know if that is because my resistance lowers at night, or if perhaps it is some kind of reaction to the dry air around here. But, I'm chewing the Airborne, hoping for a miracle.

This weekend marks a month without having an alcoholic beverage. Again, not because I think I have a drinking problem, but just because I don't think I really need it. It weighs me down, wrecks my sleep, and I find I eat more when I drink. I don't miss it, really. I'm just as happy with flavored seltzer water. And that doesn't leave me with a headache.

So, pretty boring day. Maybe I'll have more to report this weekend.

Do you have anything exciting planned for your weekend?

Marathon Training: Day 3

Treadmill...again. This will get old fast. But it is all I have. So it will do.

Today's workout: 5 miles at "marathon" pace.

I really had to think this out. What will be my"marathon" pace? I've never run one, so I'm not quite sure. I've run 3 half marathons, but they are completely different animals. My pace for those averaged about 8:00/mile. Do I add 30 seconds to that? Do I add a minute? I'm not quite certain.

What I do know is what I know. And that is that a 5 mile run I could virtually do in 40 minutes with some effort. What I'm thinking is that I'm not supposed to put too much effort into this run today. A marathon pace should be an easy pace. I started with a 6.0 pace for 5 minutes, then 6.5 for 5 minutes then to 7.0, and finally to 7.2 to finish it off. This made my run about 43 minutes long. I wasn't winded, I was still in my comfort zone. And that pace ended up being about 8:34. Is this my marathon pace? I can't help but wonder.

I'd love to be able to run the thing in less than four hours. A 9:16 pace would be exactly that...4 hours. For me that seems feasible. But I may be overestimating what I am capable of. I'm hoping not. I think what I will do is consider my "comfortable" pace to be faster than my "marathon" pace. I'm going to aim for an 8:40 marathon pace.

Crazy? Maybe I am. I suppose that is what Marathon Training is all about. To see what you are capable of.

It's gonna be a long 18 weeks.

Marathon Training: Day 2

Wait! What happened to Day 1? Well, it was yesterday and it was a rest day. And suffice it to say. 9 hours in the back seat of a Sequoia in 40 mph cross winds was more like hell than a rest day. But still, no workout was achieved.

Today, although listed as Day 2, was more like Day 1. The program required 3 miles at a "comfortable" pace. I already see problems with this program. Someone please define "comfortable". Does it mean I run slow? Does it mean I run at my fast, but I feel great pace?

It seems that since I'll be running on a treadmill for a good chunk of this marathon training program, I'll need some definitions of the words "easy", "comfortable", "normal" and "marathon" pace. Wouldn't I want my marathon pace to be easy, comfortable and normal? Gawd, I'm confused already.

I plan to ask the question from the man himself, Hal Higdon, in his marathon training forum. Perhaps he can give me some insight.

In the meantime, I've picked up both his Marathon book from the library, and Matt Freeman's Racing Weight book. I'm not quite sure what else I'm expecting to learn that I don't already know, but I guess it is better to be well educated than not at all.

All this being said, today's workout was 3-miles on the treadmill. I started at 5.0 mph, and worked my way up to 7.0 mph by the final half mile. It was easy and non-taxing. I didn't include my warm up or cool down in my Dailymile numbers. But I did walk an additional 2 miles after the run. I figured it wouldn't hurt. And if I don't move at least 5-miles a day, I don't feel much accomplished.

We missed P90X yesterday because we were driving home, but my husband and I will tackle one tomorrow. I am also required to do 5 miles tomorrow. This will be done inside again, as we won't even get close to 20° tomorrow and wind chills should be about minus that number. Yuck.

Are you reading any good books these days? What is on your nightstand?