Challenges of running

Call a WHAAAMbulance.  
I'll have some cheese with my whine...
You get the point.

I love running, I really do and then once in a while, I don't.  I hear a lot of non-runners say, "I don't run, I just hate it".  Guess what, I do too sometimes.  My head likes to do this thing where it acts like it can't stand the first mile.  I'll slow it down and warm my head into the idea that my body is going to keep running until I'm done with what I wanted to do and my head comes around and then it's all sparkles, ponies and cupcakes. 

Tonight's run was miserable.  I wanted to run this morning, but I didn't sleep well and didn't wake up and motivate myself early enough in order to be ready to come on shift at 10am.  Lame.  Probably.  But being well rested is very important in this job and I never regret getting enough rest.  There is no guarantee that I'll get any sleep, once on shift.  

That left me with a 4 mile tempo run on the treadmill.  Not any treadmill, the treadmill at our apartments workout room.   I have to say, this apartment complex, although nice, used the cheapest of EVERYTHING.  From windows and appliances to the treadmills.  

Once I started my workout my head was on fire.  It was not wanting to run at all.  I felt tired and I think I'm getting burned out on my foot always hurting.  I slowed things down and realized that the only option on the treadmill was mph and not min/miles.  I have no idea the conversion so I decided (to placate my head a little) that I would run the 4 miles with warm-up and cool-down at a pace just a little faster then easy.  That helped and soon I was truckin along at a pretty good pace. 

THEN at 2 miles the treadmill just stopped.  Stopped.  Not a pause a full on done, stop - no information left.  I have hit the stop before when I was running and I know I didn't do that.   Luckily I had checked time and distance recently and I just restarted it.  Another mile in I reached up to increase the speed and boom - off.  FOR THE LOVE!! 

After one of my unplanned off sessions.

I restarted it again for my last mile and now I was stuck wondering if I could increase the speed.  I started out at 6.0 mph and I had increased throughout my run and the last half of a mile I was at 6.6 mph (which is about 9.09 min/miles) and I wanted to bust it up to 6.7 for a big finish  (I love a big finish!)  I shouldn't have, but I did and BOOM - off again.  I turned it on, put it on 6.7mph and finished my 4ish miles.  Of course it didn't turn off when I decreased the speed.  Overall I think I did about 4 miles at a less then tempo pace, but respectable about 9.5 min/mile average.  I can live with that.  Plus after I did feel terrific!!!  


So if your a non-runner and you go out to run and just hate it, then give it some time and love.  Slow it down, run/walk, make slow increases.  Try to stay away from evil possessed apartment complex treadmills that stop when you try to run faster.  Very essential advice.  I have more, just ask.  

Even though it was only 4 miles I tried out my new compression sleeves.  These are from ProCompression, the same company that I bought the orange compression socks from that didn't work out so well for me and took a couple of toenails in the process.  I don't fault the company, the full socks aren't for me.  Recently they had a special (like them on Facebook, they have ton's of specials) and I bought 2 pairs of the sleeves, black and purple in size small.  I was worried they would be too small but they are PERFECT.  Not too long and fit great with the perfect amount of squeeze.  They worked perfectly for my run and if I hadn't been at work I would have worn them for a couple hours after.  Very comfortable.  I really don't have any cons to the product, they are expensive but watch for specials.

AND - they match my shoes that match my KT tape.  boom.  I love that!  

Blog on...............

Running Pop Quiz

I found this yesterday and filled it out.  I love talking about running and this was a perfect way to do it!  Plus I'm working today and I knew there wouldn't be anything too interesting to blog about.  Which was true - I took a nap.  Paperwork.  woohoo.

From the Blog:  The Hungry Runner Girl

Janae at HRG posted a quiz today and I thought that I would share it.  
(I ran the Wasatch Back with her hubby and it is one of my favorite running blogs)

1. FUEL:  Honey stinger goo. Sometimes the jelly beans. Working towards a more natural fueling with Trader Joes fruit sauce Crushers or make my own natural goo.  If all else fails, a banana.

2. Race Length: LOVE relays and half marathons.  My addiction to Relay's is obvious.

3. Workout Bottoms: Shorts when it's hot and capri's when it's cool.  My long Nike cold pants when it's freezing.  I haven't found a running skirt I like.  I don't like the compression shorts - they aren't complimentary to my figure..

4. Sports Drink: NUUN.  I use No-Xplode pre-workout on occasion. Lots and lots of water.

5. Running Temperatures: Perfect fall or spring coolness.

6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony.  Love the low heel drop.

7. Pre-race meal: Protein drink, banana and just before I start I have a Crusher or two.

8. Rest Days: I run about 3-4 days a week.  Cross train with pilates/TRX or barre class the other days.  Usually only 1 day a week without any exercise.

9. Music: I love having it!  I love making a playlist for each race with my favorites at the time.

10. #1 reason for running: I am addicted.  I started just for fun and the joke is on me.  I love racing, relays and I love how fit it has made me and is keeping me as I age.

What are your answers to these questions?

Do you have anything you do/eat/wear when you are running that you feel very passionate about?

Blog on..................

Speed (cough! cough!) work

Speed work day.

I went to my usual speed work place and right after I got there I had to go the bathroom.  really body?  Deuce in the park bathroom?  Guess it's better then a porta potty.  I've had way too much experience with porta potties and these bathrooms were surprisingly clean and not stinky.  Well, until I was done with it.  (Sorry about TMI, if you knew me you would be impressed how well I cleaned that story up and left so much out)

After the bathroom I got a call from my friend Nicole.  She was doing speed work at the park too!  See...having a blog helps my social life.  She ran the half-marathon relay and Napa Ragnar with me.  She is post surgery so she was doing mostly walking (wink wink) and I was doing speed work, but we ran a little together and sat on the grass and talked after.  I feel so much better when I have a friend around when I run.  It's just fun!

The run was not fun.  I felt so tired and slow.  I kept forgetting to turn my watch on or hit the Lap button.  BUT - I did it.  Not as fast as I should have but I ran 4 miles as fast as I could keep it up.  

Total Time with warm-up and cool downs 57:00
Total Miles 5.46

Laps (1 mile or 1600meters)  
1 - 9.02 min/miles
2 - 9.04
3 - 8.52
4 - 9.24

I walked 400 meters in between each mile.  I even fueled after mile 3.  I haven't done speed work in a while and although I did OK, maybe I should have started out a little slower.  I was hoping to average 8.03 to 8.25.  Guess I have some work to do.   I thought I did one of my laps at just under 8 minutes but I was reading my watch wrong.  

Thanks Nicole for taking a snapshot of my cute outfit!  I love it when you realize you have a pair of shorts that will match your new Lululemon top perfectly!  BOOM!

Blog on..................

Half Marathon NOT training

I have really stacked up the races this year and I'm loving it!  I did get my half marathon PR in August with the ever flaring plantar fasciitis.  My Napa Ragnar went fabulously and even though I am still having problems with my foot it is markedly better.  I have been icing and taping it every day without fail.  Now I have another race coming up.


I have no idea who these people are, but the point is, there is beer at the end.  Not a big beer drinker, but it sure is refreshing after 13.1 miles. 

October 21st is the date, Moab Utah is the place.  I will actually know a bunch/bushel/LOTS of people running it.   

If I'm doing the math correctly, which I'm not because I hate to do math.  After my Ragnar and then my cortisone shot I have been out of full on training for 2 weeks.  Monday was my last sort of easy run on the foot and today I will do some speed training.  I marched out my training and I have exactly 2.5 weeks to get it done, counting taper.  

Luckily the last 6 months have been full of running. Ragnar relay, then a half marathon, Ragnar, half, Ragnar and now another half.  Two weeks after my next half....?  Yep, the Las Vegas Ragnar!  

Suffice it to say, I won't be pushing for any sweet time limits on this next race.  It is by far NOT downhill.

I am continuing on with my "work smarter not harder" life path with this race as well.  When I train for anything I like to do one speed run, one tempo run and one long run a week.  I have to be very flexible because of my work schedule and my body goes apes#@t if I do a lot of flying at work and then do any training runs.  Rest and fluids required before hitting the pavement.

Today I will do 4X1600m at about 8:17 pace. (good warmup, recovery at easy jog for 400m, cool down at least 800m easy pace)

Friday I will do a 4 mile tempo run at an 8:46 pace. (jog 10 min, tempo run and jog 10 min) (on a treadmill no less - dang you work!!)

Next week:
Sunday I will do my last long run before the race of 14 miles.  
Then I will fit in:
3X800 Speed session
8 mile Tempo

Race week:
4X400
2 mile Tempo

I have a document of information that I have saved all year and adapted a couple of training plans to fit my idea of a good time.  I mean, that I think will work for me.  

I'll be running with these precious faces:


And a few from the group I ran with in March in Moab:



If nothing it will be a great time.  

Ready, set GO!

Have you ever ran a race with little training?

How do you feel about having a beer or booze after a race?
I love it!  As long as I'm not super dehydrated, I'm all for it.


Blog on......................

Ditchin the bling!

Finally my braces are off.  

What I think it takes to remove braces and what happens when they take them off is TWO very different ideas. I would like to think I was misled, but I never asked.   I'm thinking 30 minutes in the chair, pull them off, shine them up and I'm out.

TWO HOURS later I finally get to rinse out my mouth and leave just to come back in 5 hours to get my retainer.  Which I was wrong about also.  

In the car before I went into the Orthodontist.  Look - I curled my hair AND lip gloss.  Special day!

Ready, set...lets do this!!

First - They put your permanent retainers on before removing any brackets.  I have them on the top and bottom of the front 4-6 teeth.  It looks more like a steel thread that is bonded on the back of my teeth.  THEN, they pop off all the brackets, take impressions for your retainers and grind all the glue and stuff off your teeth.  This was both bothersome and painful. I have sensitive teeth and had to take a break once in a while.  After that the orthodontist RE-grinds or polishes all the teeth (FOR THE LOVE!!).  Then X-rays and pictures and boom, done for a while.

This is the tragedy that befell me in between appointments.....HERE.  Or just read the next post which I did from my phone earlier in the day.  

When I came back I put in my retainers and couldn't get the bottom one off.  My frustration must have shown because the assistant asked me if I felt like I was suffocating.  Good times.  She had to get it out.  Tomorrow morning should be interested.  
Then I was waiting to get my picture with the orthodontist - because that is how it's done - and he decided to touch up my front teeth a little with shaping and a buffer.  I can't really complain, he is a perfectionist and I LOVE my teeth.  

This is after all the shaping, etc.

I know this day was replete with FWP (first world problems) but their my problems dang it!!  In the end it was a wonderful day - my tongue is a little sore from digging at my permanent retainers, but that should pass soon.  I have to learn to chew again, I keep catching my tongue and the sides of my cheeks.  

Not to dismiss my daily exercise - I did have a Pilate's mixed class tonight.  It was a lot of legs and we used the Reformer and bosu ball.  Tomorrow an early morning run!  

Smiles all around!!

CHEESE.  

Anyone remember that scene in Datenight with Steve Carrel and Tina Fey where he mentions about having sex as they are going to bed?  Well, Tina Fey  then starts taking out her retainer and spit is getting everywhere.  So sexy.

I picture that as my life.  Hahaha.

Blog on...............

Taken down by deli meat

What is wrong with this picture? I was starving after getting my braces off today and grabbed some deli meat at Target while I was running errands. First bite and I felt something in my mouth. Luckily my dentist squeezed me in for repair. I'm thrilled to have my braces off and horrified to have a cap fall out. One thing for sure - I'm still starving!

Whatever.

Whatever.  what?  
Today was a whatever day.  I worked yesterday a long 12 hours in the hospital ICU and it kicked my butt!  I didn't even feel like I got everything done.  Busy Busy Busy!  I was signed up for today, but I am used only as the last person to cover, unless they need my skills.  I have some skills.  After the ICU has found all the help they can from the hospital, if they still need help then I get to be utilized.  Yesterday was awesome, but I was so tired.  I was pretty glad they didn't use me.  I finally rolled out of bed around 9-10ish. I then spent many hours doing a lot of not much.  I could not get motivated and I was tired and cranky.  I try to keep my feet in shoes which help my plantar fasciitis heal.  I have inside shoes.  I wear them with my grammy jammies.

I actually don't even wear jammy bottoms to bed, just a t- shirt or tank.  I wish I could wear awesome, cute matching pajamas but I always gravitate to the most comfortable.  These pants barely stay up and they are super soft.  They are also IZOD.  Boom. Designer.

I knew I wanted to go run.  I still had one more relaxed run to do before I can dive into half marathon training.  Tomorrow is 2 weeks after my steroid shot.  Once I started moving I was feeling much better.  Really ready to clear my head and do what runners love, run.

Drove to a great parkway in town that goes from one side to the other.  I even remembered to stretch my feet/legs.  Of course I was taking all kinds of pictures while I stretched.  I took off and ended up running 6 miles at a perfectly relaxing pace.  

Same tree.  One on the left was before my run and the one on the right after.  Sun was starting to go down and it was absolutely beautiful.  The blue sky and around 80 degrees with a slight breeze!

Last run with braces.  Taking a cool down picture in front of my awesome car, Manny.  

After my run I went to WinCo.  Wow.  I do love that place for the most part.  I bought a package of chicken breasts and each full breast was over 2 lbs!  I was making soup and it called for 6 chicken breasts, I used one and it was plenty. Now I have over 2 lbs of chicken breast in the fridge to use tomorrow!  

I decided to try the Chicken and Lime Tortilla soup that one of my race mates had posted on her blog and on Facebook.

Recipe here

See that breast?  I am impressed.  (poet - teehee)  

I misread the recipe and added just a little too much chipotle in adobo sauce for me, so it was a little too hot.  Other then that, the recipe was amazing and I'll make it again and just cut down on the heat!  Fresh cilantro and lime then cutting up an avocado to put in after.  YUMMY!

Have you ever gone for a run, not for training but mostly because you are just unhappy and need to pull it together??

What is your favorite soup?

Do you have a pair of jammies you LOVE?

TOMORROW:   It's BRACES off day!!!  woot woot!!

Blog on...........