Cherry Blossoms Runs

How It Works

2011-09-11T18:55:00.000-05:00

This morning I went for a bike ride, something I haven't done in a long time. I started out at Creve Coeur Lake park, but the path around the lake was clogged by people strolling along (sometimes 4 or more shoulder to shoulder...). So, I took the offshoot trail that follows the Page extension out to the Katy Trail. Other than the grasshoppers the size of chihuahuas, it was an amazing ride. When I got to the parking lot for the Katy Trail, I thought about turning around and heading back, but it was such a beautiful day that I wanted to keep going. That meant heading down the steep hill to the trail and riding there. No biggie...Coming back up the steep hill would be another story. I made it up last summer, but last summer I was living in the body of a marathon training fitness fool. This summer, I'm somewhere south of there. Could I do it?

For lack of photographic evidence, see my Garmin elevation map...The two spikes were going down the hill and coming back up.

I worried about it the whole ride out, making sure not to go too far that my legs would be too tired to carry me back to the lake afterwards. I rode a couple of miles out and then turned back. When I arrived back at the hill, I shifted gears and started peddling with purpose, I made it up the first switch back easily. I managed the second, even though I had to slow down significantly for a family with small children weaving between lanes. The third rise towered above me...and I made it to the top without getting off to walk. At the parking lot, I paused for a second to drink some water and let my hammering heart catch up. I had done it.

On the ride back to my car, I thought about how succeeding at something hard makes all the other difficult things in a day seem possible. It's strange that the euphoria of a physical feat transfers to easily to other areas of life. But, for me it does. That's why I run. It can be a marathon or thirty minutes around the neighborhood. Pushing myself and conquering the miles, hills, tired legs, reminds me that other obstacles are manageable too.

Do one difficult thing every day. You might not succeed every time, but each time you'll get closer to your goal, and on the days you do succeed, you'll realize that the improbable, the impossible, has become your reality.

The Journey

2011-08-10T09:44:00.000-05:00

This morning it was tough to get up when my alarm started buzzing at 5:20 a.m. "Why can't we be skinny and healthy by magic?" I muttered to B. I hit snooze more than once, but in the end, I made it out the door for yet another day.

And what a beautiful day it was. The sun wasn't officially up, just a pink glow on the eastern horizon. And, the air was gloriously cool. What a day for a run!

My legs were tired, my Achilles was tight, but I chugged along on the less hilly of my usual routes. On my way home from the out-and-back route, I saw this lady that I see almost every morning. She's 70+ if she's a day. Her run is more of a quick shuffle (but then, hey, so is mine). And, she's out here EVERY morning working it out.

Depending on the day, her presence inspires a different set of thoughts for me...
Thought 1: Fitness is a lifelong battle. I'm going to have to do this FOREVER, even when I'm 70.
Thought 2: Being fit and healthy is a blessing. I hope I get to be out here running when I'm 70.

There's no end to this journey. Sure we might start with a goal weight, a special occasion, a certain dress size in mind. But when we reach that goal, we haven't reached the end of our journey. I can look at that fact with despair (usually when I'm half asleep with my alarm blaring in my ear) or joy. So, on this Wednesday, here are a few things I appreciate about the journey without end:

I appreciate that ceasing to move means going backward to a place I don't want to go. Therefore, every step forward is forward momentum in the right direction, whether it's walking, running, biking, or stationary on my yoga mat.
I appreciate how I feel when I come home, dripping sweat, tired in an entirely different (wonderful) way than when I was trying to get out of bed.
I appreciate how early morning exercise changes the way I experience and adapt to the stress of the workday.
I appreciate the feeling of knowing I made a good choice and the accompanying desire to build on that good choice with others.
I appreciate that there may come a day when I'm unable to go out for a morning run, but this morning isn't that day. Today I can run. And, with my elderly runner as inspiration, I hope the decision of "today I can run" continues for many, many days into the distant future.

What do you appreciate about your healthiness journey?

Real Life

2011-08-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

Moving, home ownership, changing job roles with a lot more responsibility, travel for said job...my life has changed drastically since last summer when I was coasting by. I can't imagine training for a marathon this summer like I did last summer (partially because of the 20 day, yes I said 20 day, excessive heat warning). I'm contemplating a half marathon in November but still haven't convinced myself that sending in my entrance fee wouldn't be a waste of money. Luckily, I have until October to decide.

Real life is messy, busy, chaotic even. So, to that end, I've been working on what a healthiness lifestyle looks like in my current version of "real life." For me, that means fresh fruit and vegetables, light healthy lunches, lots of water, and working out about 5-6 days a week. A couple of those days are yoga/strength workouts mixed in with a bike ride or two. I've been running 3-4 days a week, usually during the weekdays before I leave for the office. How far have I been running? I have time for about 3 or 4 miles without making myself late. It was hard for me to admit to people at first. I read a ton of running blogs, and so many of them are gearing up for distance races: Hood to Coast, IronMan, various marathons. People would ask, "What are you training for?" Nothing. "How far are you running these days?" Not very. These kind of runs don't make for very interesting blogs...

But, I'm slowly becoming okay with my frequently short runs. Distance running isn't the only way to run. My current plan works for my life right now. I'm still running regularly (and in this heat that in itself feels like a victory). As life twists and changes, so will my running. All I know is I'll still be out there.

A Change of Scenery

2011-05-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

I know blog posts have been sporadic at best lately...Well, I have a decent excuse--I've been busy. Real busy!
Cherry Blossoms' runs will soon be experiencing a change in scenery...B. and I are now proud homeowners (or we will be on closing day). I'm super excited about the house and painting and buying new furniture (and getting out what has become a very loud apartment complex). In about a month we'll be moving a few minutes farther west, and with the move comes new running routes to explore. You know how much I love running in the Clayton, Brentwood area. I love the extra wide bike lanes and the lush tree-lined residential streets. I adore Forest Park. And, I will certainly miss my old favorite go-to routes, the ones where I could predict which people I'd pass based on the time of day I went out. But, I'm very excited to map some new routes and explore my new neighborhood on foot!

In the intervening weeks since my last post, yes, I've still been running. I'm getting up early before work and doing 3-5 miles on most days. I love being up early when the sun is just rising and feeling like I've accomplished a ton by the time I sit down at my desk for work. The half marathon was...well, miserable. Because of unseasonably hot humid weather, they ended up calling the marathon off. The heat really affected me, and my time wasn't even as good as last year's. Oh well. You can't control the weather in the Midwest, I suppose. My next up-coming race is a the Zoo fundraiser 5k. If you recall, it was my first ever 5k two years ago. This year I'm running it with my very speedy sisters. I am still trying to regain my speed (if it could ever be called that), but my sisters are hoping to place in their age groups! It's awesome to have a family that you can be active with! Can't wait!

Trying to Get Excited for Race 1 of 2011

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm scheduled to run the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon again this Sunday. Last year at this time, I was unbelievably excited--it was to be my very first distance race. I couldn't stop planning what I would wear and imagining how the day would go. This year...well, let's just say, if I hadn't already paid (making it a waste of money not to go), I'd stay in bed on Sunday morning. Why aren't I excited about it this year? I wish I knew. Maybe because it was originally supposed to be a marathon, and because my training work ethic was lousy during the winter months, I'm not ready to do 26.2 and downgraded to the half. Maybe it's because it's the exact same boring race course as last year. I mean, really, you couldn't switch it up a little bit? Or, maybe it's because when I run a race of a similar length, I always want to beat my time (2:18 in this case), and I don't know if that'll happen this time. I'm hoping for a modest 2:15. We'll see.

But, it's not all about me. I might not be excited about my own race, but I'm psyched for a Facebook friend who is doing the half for the first time ever. It's part of her getting healthy and fit journey, and I'm so excited for her to get the chance to prove to herself how far she's come. Good luck, Mel!

In other news, if you'd like to follow me or any of the other racers, you can do it by clicking here. My bib number is: 2591

Review: 6 Week 6 Pack

2011-03-14T17:43:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to post this forever...

I ordered 6 Week 6 Pack from Amazon back in November when it first came out. I was hopeful for a good product but skeptical since Yoga Meltdown was such a flop. I was in luck...

6 Week 6 Pack is awesome!

The dvd contains a Level 1 and Level 2 workout. The idea is you will do the Level 1 workout 4 to 5 times a week for 3 weeks and then move up to Level 2. Have I done this? No. I just can't do the same video that many times a week. Plus, I don't have that many days set aside for strength. So, I haven't gotten my six pack just yet. However, my abs have noticeable definition that they didn't quite have before.

My gripe about most strength training dvds is that they focus mostly on legs and arms with minimal attention to the core. Or, they focus on upper ab and oblique moves and virtually ignore the lower abs and lower back. And, those are the ones I need to strengthen to help with my hip issues. But, 6 Week 6 Pack takes an approach to abs that I haven't seen in many other dvds. There are a variety of standing exercises and ones that start in Plank position in addition to the usual on-your-back stuff. The intermediate and advanced moves frequently use a 3 to 5 pound dumbbell for resistance, which I love. Both Level 1 and 2 have 2 circuits in a 30 minute workout. The warm-up starts much more active than I'm used to...I'll admit I was worried jumping into aerobic movements so quickly, but I haven't experienced any soreness or injuries from it. Jillian is backed up by 2 girls, one doing the advanced version of the moves, and the other the beginner (Jillian demos the intermediate moves). And, let me tell you, the advanced moves are TOUGH! Even Level 1, which I thought I'd totally have in the bag, left me panting and sweating.

Even though I'm not doing the multi-time per week plan, after I'd done Level 1 a dozen times or so (and didn't feel quite so much like dying at the end), I moved on to Level 2. Holy Ouch! When Jillian says she's kicking it up a notch, she's so not kidding! Ever heard of a Plank Mogul? Neither had I. Picture yourself in a plank...Now picture jumping your feet to the right and landing them as close to your arms as you can get before hopping them back to plank. Then you go to the left. And then the right...over and over. By the end of the second circuit, I was so glad this workout was only 30 minutes because it felt harder than most of my 45 to 60 minute videos. At one point, Jillian says, "Push--I want you to walk away from this workout visibly smaller." I don't know about "smaller," but I can definitely see the muscle definition popping after I'm done. It makes it just a little easier to pop that dvd in again next time, despite the muscle burning agony.

There's one more thing I love about this dvd compared to other abs-only workouts. The moves combine a LOT of legs and chest/arms. There are moves that use lunges and squats, as well as arm movements with weights (over head, side to side), not to mention all the moves that use some form of plank. I can walk away from the workout feeling like I got some good work in on my whole body, not just the abs. The only thing I wish it had more of would be lower back. Level 1 has two sets of Supermans, but Level 2 doesn't do any targeted lower back work, which is disappointing because a strong lower back is so crucial to a balanced core. Not to mention that's where my extra poundage likes to hang out.

Overall, a total recommend for this dvd. My ultimate goal is to be able to do both Level 1 and Level 2 back to back. It's also short enough that once your endurance improves, you can throw it on the end of a short run for a really great day's work. It's currently less than $10 on Amazon. Definitely worth taking a chance on!

Refocusing

2011-02-28T18:39:00.003-06:00

Last week when one of my favorite bloggers Endurance Isn't Only Physical wrote about the Reset Theory, it resonated with me. Long story short, she had noticed how some of the healthy eating habits she'd worked so hard to build were slipping, and she decided to take back control on that slippery slope. Boy, do I feel that.

I started my healthiness journey about 2 years ago. I went from 198 pounds down to a momentary low of 158 (still 8 pounds shy of my goal weight). Right now (and for about the last 4 months) I've been hovering right around 166. What happened? Marathon training happened. For the first time, I was expending the kind of energy that had to be refueled. I went from being able to keep my calories in a weight loss mode to be famished all day every day. Could those all have been healthy calories? Of course, but it was all too easy for me to justify the pizza, the ice cream, and the burgers when I'd just burned something like 1500 calories on a long run. Worst of all, when marathon training was over, I found it incredibly difficult to slip back into an appropriate calorie intake for someone who wasn't running 40 miles a week.

And, here I am. Still "healthy," still fit, but not comfortable with those extra pounds. I don't need them. Running would be easier and less painful without them. So, I need to refocus, reset if you will. I need to find the frame of mind I was in two years ago when I lost 40 pounds. How did I do it? On the exercise front, I worked out 5 to 6 days per week, including cardio, strength, and flexibility sessions.
Food-wise, I:

Stayed within my daily calorie range, religiously.
Measured and weighed my portions carefully (not fun, but it sure did the trick).
Avoided eating fast food, and when I had to eat out in general, I carefully researched what I could eat there that was reasonable.
Ate lots of fruit and veggies and not a lot of meat.

All that is what I'm recommitting to until I lose these last 16 pounds. I've met all the other goals I've set for myself--Why should this one be any different? I'm going to record my beginning measurements and get back to work. Until that goal is reached, half marathons are the longest race I'm signing up for. I can train for a half without turning into a giant blob of hunger. When I reach my goal, I can re-evaluate...although I can definitely tell you that the next time I attempt a marathon, I will make the time to see a nutritionist, even if it is expensive.

One in a Million

2011-02-17T22:17:00.000-06:00

Just when I think I'm losing my running mojo, the weather gets warmer, the snow melts a little, and I can't get enough of footfalls on pavement. I get tired but don't want to stop moving through the cool, crisp air. I'm back, people! I know it's only February and it's going to get cold again, but I'm relishing every single moment of our pre-spring.

I always complain about drivers who don't pay attention to cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. So, I thought I'd take a moment to appreciate a driver today, who though he didn't see me at first, made up for it afterwards. I was on a late evening run today; it was twilight. I was on the sidewalk that runs in front of our local high school. As I neared one of the entrances, I saw a small, red car coming up fast to its stop sign from the parking area. I was fairly certain that the driver didn't notice me (I kind of always assume the driver doesn't see me...it's saved me many a close call). So, while I was still moving tentatively into the crosswalk, I was prepared to stop. The car screeched up to the stop sign and was about to go...I paused...and then the driver saw me. He held up his hand in a guilty wave, and I finished crossing. I didn't really think anything about it...after all, it was getting dark.

So you can imagine my surprised when his car pulled up along side of me. "Hey--SO sorry about that back there. I've really got to watch what I'm doing. Just felt bad." "No problem," I responded, "I was paying attention for you." Wow--instead of flipping me off or yelling out the window at me, he apologized. I ran on my way with smile. With a little consideration for each other, runners and drivers CAN get along!

Looking forward to another decent weekend and getting some more miles in! Be safe out there!

Inspired?

2011-02-01T10:32:00.003-06:00

I really wish this event wasn't the weekend before the Go! St. Louis marathon. I'd LOVE to try the "long" distance duathlon!

I'm also trying to coerce B. into joining me for this off road team triathlon in 2012 (plenty of time to train!):

Have you tried multi-sport events?

The Full That Became a Half

2011-01-25T15:17:00.000-06:00

In December, I signed up for the Go! St. Louis race again, this time to run the full marathon (I ran the half last year). I was a smidge late getting started on training, but things started out okay. Then it got super cold. Work life turned insane. Then I got sick. Then it stayed super cold. Let's just say, 10 miles is the most I've finished in one session. Every weekend would roll around and I'd be unable to fathom spending 2 or 3 hours out in the frigid temps. What about the gym, you ask? Let me tell you...The gym I go to has 10 treadmills. 10...And, to use them, you sign up for a 30 minute time slot, one 30 minute session at a time. So, after 30 minutes you have to get off the treadmill and go see if you can sign up again for that machine, or if you need to switch machines, or worse yet, do something else while you wait for another chance to use one. Then there's the fact that 8 miles on a treadmill is all I can manage before I'm so bored I could die. All these factors were turning running into a chore, not a joy. I hated feeling like a failure b/c I couldn't seem to get my miles in. I hated getting my miles in but dreading every second of it. So, I made a decision: I'm going to run the half in April instead of the full.

I won't lie. It was a tough decision. There's the knee-jerk part of me that thinks "Don't be a quitter!" (I'm pretty sure this is actually my dad's voice in my head). But, running is supposed to be fun. And, for me, running on a treadmill just isn't fun. It's misery. I don't want the exercise I love to become a dreaded chore. Running when I can (including the occasional treadmill speed workout) until it gets warm is the best choice I can make to keep from burning myself out on my favorite activity. Once that's over, I'll think about the possibility of signing up for a full in the fall. But, I make no promises...my professional life is undergoing a major period of growth/change, and that's got to be the focus of most of my energies for now.

I felt immediately relieved after I made my decision. In fact, I had the best run I'd had in a long time on Saturday. It was in the 30s, so I went for a snowy run. It was a little like running on the beach in the places where the snow was still loose over the sidewalk and like an obstacle course people had walked and the snow had frozen in hills and valleys around the footprints. It was a great time. Just like a run should be.

2010 By the Numbers

2010-12-31T15:23:00.000-06:00

I'm a data geek as you might already know. So, on the last day of the year, I sat down to figure out what the numbers say about how much work I put in this year:

I worked out 228 of 365 days, which means I worked out about 62% of the time.
I worked out an average of 19 days a month.
I covered 968.42 miles (at least those recorded by Garmin) in 2010.
838.68 of those miles were running!

The days worked out was a little lower than 2009...I worked out 10 more times then than I did this year. I'm chalking part of that up to the taper and recovery period after the marathon (and just a touch of laziness as winter hit).
I also took a look at the goals I set last year to see which ones I actually achieved:

Join a volleyball league (already started on this one: first game is 1/4!) Check, although I eventually decided the league wasn't my cup of tea and only played one season.
Run a half marathon Check!
Run a full marathon Check!
Drink at least 64 oz of water a day (and no coffee until I have had at least 16 oz of H2O) Mostly failure. I didn't drink nearly as much water as I should have and definitely got the coffee in no mater what!
Get back in the habit of making a healthy lunch at home instead of going out I did pretty well on this. The best months for this are in the fall/winter when I can make a giant batch of soup that lasts all week.
Eat MORE veggies at every meal (I struggle with this in the winter...) I did great on this. Again, as the fresh summer vegetables give way to the puny looking ones shipped in from whoknowswhere, I struggle.
Reach my goal weight (11.4 lbs to go as of yesterday) Not so much. My weight is pretty much exactly the same as last year. Marathon training didn't make for great weight loss. I made the choice to feed my body what it needed rather than deprive to get the last few pounds off. Now that I'm training again, I'm working to keep my calories in check and eat healthy calories.
Maintain my goal weight when I get there (that's a whole other journey) While I'm not at my goal, I've definitely maintained give a pound or two fluctuation throughout the year. And, because I've really upped my strength training, I feel stronger and more toned than ever.
Get professionally fitted for running shoes Check, best decision ever made!
Support B. on his own journey to health Working on being a support and not a nag. Everyone has their own journey and their own story of how they got there...and it usually doesn't start with, "My girlfriend forced me to go to the gym..."

I haven't quite figured out what my goals are this coming year. I know I have a marathon lined up in April and possibly in October. I'll let you know what my running and health related goals are as soon as I get them narrowed down.

Happy and Healthy New Year, Everyone!

Fool Me Twice...

2010-12-15T14:21:00.000-06:00

I've gone from "never" to "maybe...eventually" to "yes, definitely"...I went ahead and signed up for the Go! St. Louis marathon this week. I wanted to do one in Lawrence, KS, but even though the registration cost was higher for St. Louis, I figured it would all even out when you took into consideration the cost of travel, lodging, etc. What I didn't think through too thoroughly was the time...Right after I signed up, I tweeted that training started in January. Not quite, math whiz. Training for an 18 week program would have started last week. As it is, I'm planning for the average 16 week plan and starting next week. Next WEEK!

On one hand, I'll be very glad to have a regimen to follow again. I've been a terrible slacker in the running department since the last marathon. Seriously, my longest run has been a little over 10 miles...once. Usually they top out around 8. Part of that, though, has been the ridiculous cold (combined with my simultaneous distaste for the treadmill). Starting next week, there can be no more excuses, and more than likely, there will be many a run on a cold, dark winter's morning/evening that has to take place at the good old gym on the treadmill. Gotta to stop whining and do it. Hopefully, being on the treadmill will make me more likely to sprinkle in all the speed and tempo work I should be doing.

Another goal for this training cycle: not to slack off on the strength training. When I do it regularly I experience far less joint pain b/c the muscles in those areas are offering more support. That, and who doesn't want to be ripped just a little. I also have a month of unlimited classes (via LivingSocial coupons) for the boxing gym that I need to use at some point...Should I try to mix that in for cross training sessions? Will I still be able to get my money's worth?? Decisions, decisions.

So here I go again...Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I know what I'm signing up for this time...I just hope I can find the same level of motivation I had last summer. I'll have some blog fodder at the very least!

What's your favorite marathon training plan?

I'm looking for alternatives to the Hal Higdon one I used last time.

Memories

2010-11-22T10:14:00.000-06:00

Today's my 32nd birthday. I'd be upset about getting "old," but I'm happier and in better shape now than I ever was in my 20s. Seriously!

I got in a couple of really good runs (one of which was finally back in double digits), so there wasn't really anything else I could ask of my birthday weekend. I got one more thing though, the sweetest, most creative, thoughtful gift possible:

B. gifted me with a permanent reminder of my marathon day! He couldn't have picked better pictures...those were the ones I wanted from the marathon photo company but was too cheap to buy. I was very impressed by his crafty abilities. The surprising part was I didn't realize my medal was missing in the days leading up to getting this!

Love at First Run

2010-11-15T10:23:00.000-06:00

This weekend, I finally got my act together and went shopping for some new running shoes. The sales girl had told me in July that while my shoes could probably make it through the marathon, I should definitely replace them afterwards. Well, time went by, my mileage was less, my pocketbook was a little light, and I kept on running in my beat-up Asics. I could feel the lack of cushioning on every run, even the short ones. They'd had a good life. It was time to let them go.

I'd originally intended to shop all three of the local running stores and see what shoes each one recommended. That turned out to be too ambitious for someone with limited free time. So, of course, I went to my tried and true Fleet Feet. They hadn't steered me wrong yet. I told them that while the Asics Kayano 16 had been good shoes, I would be open to other brands/styles as well. The Asics had been good shoes. They helped rid me of the aches and pains in the foot that my old shoes had caused. But, on long runs, they started to feel like running with concrete blocks tied to my feet. Would it be possible to have supportive but lightweight shoes?

It was! The shoe fitter brought out a new pair of Asics and a pair of Brooks Trance 9's. I took the Brooks on a test run, then I tested one foot with Brooks and the other in Asics. The difference was immediately obvious. I had to have the Brooks. They felt light; I could barely even feel them, especially when compared with the weight of the Asics on my other foot. My mind was made up. I'm usually nervous to try new shoes (they are awfully expensive to chance not like them), but Fleet Feet will exchange them for quite awhile if they aren't working for you. In addition, I discovered that Brooks uses recycled materials to make their shoes. The average sole of a running shoe will take 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. The Brooks soles will take 20. Big difference. Yes, I asked, and no, the shoe won't break down more quickly because of it. It was nice to be able to make a green choice and still get a product I wanted anyway.

Check 'em out!

I was super excited that they were a lovely grey and light blue...Yes, function is important, but I care about how they look, too! I was never too keen on the white/pink combo of the Asics.

Sunday afternoon, I got the chance to take the newbies on a their inaugural run. It was a short 5 miles, as my allergies were getting the best of me. I'll need to take them on some long runs before I can be sure of my feelings, but currently I'm completely infatuated with them! They've go just enough cushioning, they look great, they feel barely there. My feet were happy (and no blisters!).

One other note...I wish I could have gotten a picture for you but didn't think of it before I left the store. I hadn't looked at the bottom off my old shoes in ages. When the shoe fitter looked at them for wear patterns, he was psyched, and at first I didn't understand why. Apparently, the fact that my shoes were VERY worn made for easily detected wear patterns, and my pattern was text book perfect. The sole and tread were worn in all the right places and almost new in the places that shouldn't be hitting the ground. Good to know my stability shoes are doing their job (and maybe my running efficiency is improving). The shoe fitter asked if he could show them around and take pictures of them to use for training. HA!

Finding Balance

2010-11-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

I haven't officially worked out in 4 days. 4 days! In the months leading up to the marathon, that was unheard of. But, Thursday I had the opportunity to be part of a panel on women, blogging, and happiness at a local university. It was right after work, and when I got home, B. and I decided to go out to dinner. So no workout. Friday is my traditional "rest day," so, of course, no workout. Saturday I slept late but woke up with every intention of going for a run. Then, over breakfast, B. and I concocted a plan to go to the Apple Butter Festival in Kimswick, MO. By the time we got home, I needed to get started on a freelancing project with a fast approaching deadline. Yep, you guessed it, no workout (unless you want to count strolling around the festival--which I don't). And, then Sunday...I slept late again and woke up feeling crappy. I finished the freelance project and then fell into my bed to watch some Tivo from last week. Then, some festive baking (rice krispy treats, pumpkin bread, and mulled wine, anyone?). But zero working out.

And, guess what? I don't care. That's right, you heard me. I won't pretend I didn't feel a little guilty on Saturday and Sunday or secretly worry that I was sliding down some slippery slope into lethargy. I did. Then I go thinking...I'm healthy (per my 6 mo check up last week), I'm fit (I just ran a freakin' marathon), and those things won't be undone by a 4-day break. In fact, after work tonight, I'll be out pounding the pavement, trying to beat sundown. Sometimes an extended rest is healthy. There were so many times that I drug myself out to work out this summer when I didn't feel well. While that work ethic was a good thing, it's also healthy to take a little time for yourself. There have been many, many Saturdays the past few months when I was completely consumed with the long run and then my other responsibilities. It was SO nice to not worry about eating spicy food on Friday night, sleep late on Saturday, and then spend time with B. and do some activities that don't center around sweating.

So, in many ways, I'm practicing finding my way back to the center of things again: Cutting back on the calories (hey, if you aren't going to run 35 miles a week, you also don't get to feed your face like you are), remembering what it feels like to get a "regular" amount of exercise, figuring out how to fit in adequate exercise and the activities that make the weekend fun. When not in training for an official race, I have to remember that this is my life--I eat well (and by "well" I mean a combination of mostly healthy choices and the occasional indulgence), I move most days, and sometimes, I need to kick back with a glass of wine and catch up on Project Runway!

How do you define balance?

My Relationship with Running: The DTR

2010-10-18T11:01:00.003-05:00

In case you've never heard the acronym, the DTR is the "Define the Relationship" talk. You know, the awkward one that must be had at some point in most romantic relationships. "Am I your girlfriend?" "Are you still seeing other people?!" You get the picture. Running and I have been going steady for over a year and a half...No, that sounds too prim...Running and I are all wrapped up in each other in a nauseating Twilight-ish kind of way. If I had a notebook, I'd write our names together in a heart. We've shared some ecstatic highs and wallowed in a few down and dirty lows. But, after the marathon, I felt like running and I needed to have the next level DTR--"Where is this going?"

I've heard people say you have one of two marathon experiences. Either you say, "that was great, and now I don't ever need to do that again" or "That was great--when can I do that again?". In that moment, when every step jarred up my body through my aching feet, I thought I was in the former group. In fact, as B. and I staggered back to the hotel (ok, I was doing most of the staggering), I said, "Oh god, don't ever make me do that again--ever!"

I felt like I'd learned many things about myself that day on the race course, not least among them, that perhaps I was less of a marathoner than a half-marathoner. I resigned myself to capping my races at 13.1. That's still a challenge after all. It would make me no less hard core. In fact, I could focus on getting faster...get below 2 hours.

In fact, during training I'd had thoughts even more adulterous, usually while those double-digit runs were languishing on. While I adored running, while running would always be very important to me, I really missed life before the relationship was so intense, I thought. I missed regular flings with the bike, the elliptical, yoga, strength training. I mean, I barely even got to see them socially anymore. Gosh, running was really cramping my style! I imagined conversations that went something like "It's you, not me." But, alas, plans had already been made, the money already spent, the announcements made. I had to stick it out.

Then, a day or two after the race, as the aches and pains wore off, the itch returned. Maybe since this marathon experience hadn't been all I'd hoped, maybe just maybe I needed to give it another try. Then this month's Runner's World showed up with an article about how everyone hates those last 6.2 miles and how to get through them. That got me thinking maybe it wasn't my own ineptitude that made the last bit of my marathon experience suck--maybe I was normal. Maybe I was meant to be a marathoner.

So, I've become that girl--the one who waffles back and forth over her relationship. ''He's a lot of fun, but he's so high-maintenance." "Well, I don't know if he's the ONE, but he's sooo great!" It's not fair to running. I really need to figure out what I want out of this relationship. So, here goes...

Running,
You know I adore you. Really I do. And, I know we'll be together forever. But, I also think that sometimes we spend too much time together, so perhaps we need to work on cultivating our individual interests. I need to be able to spend some time with my bike, in yoga classes, and most definitely with my weights. I'm just friends with them...I don't love them like I do you. What you don't get is those things will totally strengthen our relationship! In return for your patience, I promise you 3 days a week, and I promise to make those 3 days really count. I'll let you show me this "speed work" thing b/c I know I'll enjoy you that much more if I'm not so freakin' slow. And, I'm not placing limitations on the lengths we can go together. 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons...Is another full marathon in our future? Maybe. You never know. We make a pretty awesome team!
Love,
Cherry Blossoms

So yeah, this is my plan going forward:
1. Cut down to 3 days a week running (1 speed work, 1 tempo, and 1 long run)
2. Get back into strength training (I completely stopped toward the end of marathon training b/c I was so exhausted).
3. Finish getting to my healthiest weight. I gained about 5 pounds during training, only a couple of which I can claim to be "muscle".

Once I feel like I have a handle on those goals, I'll figure out what's next as far as races go.

Anyone have experience with or know good resources for figuring out the whole speed work thing?

I'm a Marathoner!

2010-10-12T16:59:00.004-05:00

Where to start? It was a whirlwind weekend full of emotion...I guess I'll start at the beginning.

Friday, we arrived in Chicago around 2:30 and took the train to our hotel. I'd reserved a room at the Hard Rock Hotel through the marathon website back in February. On a whim, I printed the confirmation email before we left, just in case. Good thing. The girl at the desk first couldn't find us in the computer; then she found us but had us down for checking in on Saturday. I whipped out my handy confirmation email and showed her what was up. We got our room.

After we checked in, we walked to the expo to pick up my packet. In retrospect, I should have done a lot less walking this weekend prior to the race. But, I couldn't stay in that tiny room bored all weekend. The lines were nonexistent, and I had my packet and goody bag in no time. We walked around and collected freebies and tried some of the free samples. I also found my name on the Nike Wall (okay, B. found it):

While we were waiting for the bus back from the expo, I heard someone make the comment about the high temp for Sunday being in the high 80s. Last I'd heard, it was going to be in the 70s, which was going to be hard enough. I'm just not a good runner in very warm weather...I tried not to think about it too hard and just hydrate.

Skip ahead to Sunday. I actually slept pretty well the night before, but of course, I shot out of bed when my alarm went off. The night before, I'd bought a mini wheats individual serving at the Walgreens next door and crammed the milk for it into the mini bar. I was dressed and had a full tummy by like 5:45.

When I walked out the front door, there were hoards of runners streaming toward Grant Park. Since there was plenty of time, I stopped off at Starbucks for a coffee. I kind of wished I'd gotten iced coffee because it was warm and a little muggy already. Once at the park, I stretched a little and used the portapotty (my favorite). I stood around in the start corral chatting with other runners. It was surprising how many people around me were doing their first race as well. The gun went off at 7:30, and around 8:02, I finally stepped across the start line. As soon as I started, I realized all the hydrating meant it was already time for a bathroom break. Can I wait...another few hours? Probably not. Stopping was definitely not part of the plan, but I stopped at mile 3 and wasted 5 or 6 minutes in line for a portapotty. The first few miles up to Lincoln Park went well. It was getting hot, but at least there was a breeze and quite a bit of shade.

I got a great boost around mile 9 when I saw B. and one of his college friends on my way out of Lincoln Park on the way back to the city. I was surprised to see them b/c I'd told B. not to worry about trying to find me on the course. I figured that with all the spectators I wouldn't even see him. But, there he was filming me on his new Flip and waving. Gave me a little rush of energy!

Even though it was rapidly getting hotter, I was staying hydrated and made it to mile 10 in under 2 hours, which was on pace for me. Then thing started going down hill. By the time I made it to the half marathon point, we were leaving the downtown area, where there was lots of shade b/c of the buildings, to areas farther south where it was all concrete and blazing sun. By the time I hit the aid stations around mile 16, the event alert level had been raised to high. The announcer at that station was telling people to slow their pace and advising "novice runners" to consider dropping out of the race due to the conditions. My first thought was "Crap, I'm a novice runner, I think" followed by "There's no way in hell I'm quitting unless they physically drag me off the course." I kept going. The next few miles were increasingly harder, and I found myself doing a combination of running and fast walking. I passed a bank sign that showed the temperature as 96. 96! How late in the fall does one need to schedule a race in the Midwest to avoid the heat?!

I was running through Chinatown when I saw B. for the second time. He asked how I was doing. I answered that honestly I was doing pretty terrible, that my time goal was shot to hell but I was going to finish. I was doing a combination of walking and running when around mile 22 my left quad started cramping. I'm not sure why--I felt like I was staying hydrated--but I've never had a cramp there before. Given the choice of running dragging that leg behind me and walking stiffly, I chose walking stiffly. Up until this point, I'd done pretty well controlling my emotions, but now, the prospect of walking 4.2 miles in pain was too much. I was walking as fast as my leg would allow trying not to ugly cry. Happily, I held it down to a few quickly swiped away tear drops. I took solace in the fact that I was far from the only one having a hard time. I saw people from the seeded corrals walking hours off their expected finish times, runners sitting on the curb, and others heading to the medical tents to throw in the towel. At least I was still moving.

After a couple of miles, I started walk/running again. There was no way I'd be finishing in even the high end of my time range goal. Then I saw the mile 25 sign. Screw it, I thought, I'm going to finish running hard. Then, I saw the 1 mile left sign, followed by 800, 400, and 200 meters. I flew up the last hill and turned down the straightaway to the finish. I ran across the finish line triumphantly. I'd just done something that a year and a half ago, I'd never even dreamed of.

I collected my finisher's medal and made my way to the reunion area to find B. When he hugged m and told me how proud he was, I immediately burst into tears. No one tells you how emotional marathons are. I felt like I'd put every bit of myself into the endeavor, and I felt drained! On one hand, I was fiercely disappointed in my performance. Even though all the training plans said that first time marathoners shouldn't go into it with time goals, I'd trained super hard and just knew I could do it within this range I had in my head. Not achieving my goal time, even in the face of brutal weather conditions coupled with the fact that I'd had to walk some made me feel like I'd failed (at least partially). On the other hand, I knew I'd just completed a quest that I've been preparing for and thinking about for many many months. I'd finished what I started even in less than ideal circumstances. Yes, my time was about 10-12 minutes slower than the slowest time I'd hoped to have, but I'd given it my all. At no time did I walk when I could have been running. Given the circumstances, I did the very best I could do, and for that I'm unbelievably proud of myself.

I have to say--I'm incredibly grateful for the support I had from B. throughout training and during the race (He's 1 in a million)! You guys too--thanks for reading my journey and giving me advice and support. There will be another post soon with more about my feelings about the accomplishment of marathon running and where I'm going from here (as soon as I wrap my own head around it).

Final Countdown!

2010-10-08T09:33:00.001-05:00

I woke up to this in my Google Reader this morning:

I've watched that countdown go from 200 days (no kidding) to just 2. Insanely excited would be an understatement! Our flight leaves in just a couple of hours. And, in a little over 48 hours, hopefully I'll be able to call myself a marathoner (you can do that after just one race, right??).

Best of luck to everyone else running this weekend!

Come With Me!

2010-10-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

Well, come with me sort of...You can experience the marathon with me without actually running 26.2 miles or standing outside along the race route with a gazillion other spectators. Track my progress from the comfort of your own home via text messages. You'll get a message when I hit the 10k, half marathon, and 30k marks, as well as the finish line. All you have to do is sign up here. You can find me by bib number: 10458. Select me from the search results and then enter your cell number (Disclaimer: I'm sure all the usual text message charges apply).

9 Days & Counting

2010-10-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Next week at this time, I'll be packing my bags and heading to the airport for the (very short) flight to Chicago. This marathon is really happening! Be prepared for more posts similar to this in the coming 9 days. Because, I really can't believe it. I think I'm ready, though. And, running is at least 10% mental, right?

Tapering has been interesting. Good part: More time in my day to spend on things besides running. Hard part: Having to stop after only 3 or 4 miles once I'm out there. Surprisingly hard to do. Next week when I have scheduled a 3, 2, and 2 will be interesting for sure.

As far as race plans go, I have my outfits picked out...yes, outfits plural. I'm not sure how cold it's going to be, so I'm going to bring a few different tops (jacket, long sleeves, short sleeves, tank, throw-away shirt) to choose from that morning. I've got plenty of Hammer Gels. I've got a hand-held bottle that doesn't leak. I've made plans to pick up my Trader Joe's Greek yogurt (the true breakfast of champions) when we get into town. What else could a girl need?

Any tips/tricks/good to knows from you seasoned marathoners??

Basic Rules of the Road

2010-09-29T11:11:00.002-05:00

Since sunrise has been getting later and later in the morning, I've found myself running around 7:00 a.m., instead of the 5:30 a.m. of the summer months. And, I've come to the conclusion that early morning drivers are far more considerate of objects (especially humans) in the crosswalk than drivers later in the morning. Take this morning for example, when I was almost hit twice in the same intersection when the little crosswalk man symbol was blazing plain as day.

Offender #1: High school girl. I agree that the ability to turn right at a red light is awesome. I take advantage whenever possible. However, you don't get to turn right on red when there's a runner stepping into the crosswalk. I hope my mad face and "Watch it!" woke you up for the rest of your drive to school.

Offender #2: Mom in too-large SUV with kids in the car (!!!). Yes, green still means go. But, you need to realize that the crosswalk signal is also telling pedestrians moving in the same direction as traffic to go. So, if you're turning right, you gotta hold your horses for five seconds and let me get across before lurching into the intersection. Good driving lessons you're teaching those kids by the way.

It infuriates me when a run turns into a game of Frogger. And, it's not like I'm running blindly into traffic. I wait patiently on the curb to cross when I have the signal. During that time, you'd think they had noticed me standing there, sipping my water, waiting to go. Are we really in that much of a hurry? Is squeezing through the intersection in front of a runner or biker really going to get you to work or school that much more quickly? The correct answer here is "No."

I've definitely become more conscientious of my driving around bicycles and pedestrians of all types since I started running. I give them a wide berth, pause to let them cross in front of me, because I know they appreciate it! Especially when 90% of other drivers really and truly either don't notice them or don't care about their safety...that was a totally scientific percentage made up off the top of my head by the way...

Stay safe out there!

It's Official

2010-09-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

My official bib number for the Chicago Marathon arrived in the mail yesterday afternoon. I'll be runner 10458. My new luck number! It all seems so much more a reality than it did even a few weeks ago. I'm officially into the first week of taper (not so different from a step back week), so all I can do is hope I'm ready. It makes me nervous just thinking about it. If I feel this excited and scared now, I can only imagine what race morning will feel like!

Yep, I'm Still Alive...

2010-09-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd check in so you all didn't think Saturday's 20 miler had been the death of me. Just a few thoughts for you on this Wednesday:

1. I made it through 20 miles, no problem. It wasn't quite as transcendent an experience as the previous week's 18, but I did it, in a decent time, with no injuries. Can't ask for more than that. Why did I do 20 when I was only scheduled for 19? I know at least 10% of running is mental. And, for me, knowing that my longest pre-marathon run was scheduled to be 20, left me wondering how I'd feel about knowing there's 6.2 left when I hit that point on race day. For me, knowing there's 5 or even 4 miles left will seem more doable. See, it's all mental. So, next weekend when I'm supposed to do 20, I'm going to aim for 21-22. Just to make myself feel better. Of course, I'll listen to my body and stop sooner if things feel out of whack.

2. I had a small epiphany around mile 18 on Saturday. My feet hurt, my knees felt like they didn't want to bend any more, my legs felt heavy. The light bulb moment? What no one bothers to tell you (or me, anyway) is that marathon training isn't just about training to be able to cover the distance. It's about learning to deal with discomfort (not "ouch, something's not okay" pain, just the normal "I'm sick of running" fatigue and soreness) and to keep moving.

3. Cooler temps = faster legs? My splits have gone back to normal in the past couple of weeks, even a little faster some days. So, it's either the cooler weather, or my fitness level has made another (unexpected) jump up. Either way, I'll take it! Anyone else in the Midwest loving the advent of fall?

4. B. and I, in a moment of rare spontaneity, booked a couple of last minute tickets and spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago to hang out with one of his college BFFs. It was a whirlwind weekend of fun, friends, and food. It was exactly what I needed to recharge. Plus, in a flash of brilliance, when I signed up for PTO from work on Friday, I also signed up for Tuesday off. So, instead of getting back to the grind yesterday like the rest of the world, I took one more leisurely day to get things back in order around here. Amazing.

5. The day we returned from Chicago, I read a disturbing news story about 5 separate attacks on students at the university near our house. A couple were robbed, and a couple were robbed and sexually assaulted. The attacks had taken place mostly between midnight and 2 a.m., but I often start my long runs just a few hours later while it's still twilight. Luckily, the police caught the guy yesterday. Still, it was a sobering reminder to be vigilant. I'm pretty paranoid about stuff like that, so I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings. I hope to project a "way more trouble than she's worth" vibe to anyone with bad intentions. B. tried to get me to buy pepper spray. To me, that seems like more trouble than the good it might do. What, would I run with it in my hand? I already carry a hand-held water bottle. If I kept in a belt, that would be ridiculous: "Hold on, sir, while I access my pepper spray...okay, you can resume your attack; I'm ready." What do you all do? How do you plan for your safety while out on the road?

Have a wonderful short work week!

Own-ly Me

2010-08-31T18:01:00.001-05:00

One of my new favorite bloggers Rachel Wilkerson recently posted one of her rules for life: Thou shalt own it. It’s worth your time to click over and read. If you’re short on time, basically, her post was about deciding to start owning her decisions and stop letting other people second-guess her or express unsolicited disapproval. She said, “If you’re sick of feeling guilty and ready to own it, remember this: tell people what you want, what you’re doing, what you need. Don’t ask for permission or advice.” And, then she invited the rest of us to join her in declaring what we’re “sorry, I’m not sorry” for. This really really resonated with me. And, lots of other bloggers, check it out here and here and here. Here are a few things I OWN:

I like to run. I haven’t always, but I do now. You might even call it a passion. I don’t care if you think it’s crazy to pay money to run (race registration) or get up while it’s still dark out on a Saturday morning to run. I don’t need to hear about it. You don’t have to understand it or want to join me. Sorry I’m not sorry.

In fact, I don’t really like running with other people. I know I’m “supposed” to join a running club or make running dates with other like-minded runner girls. I see them all in twos during the week and in packs on the weekends. Not me. Running is my time to think and not about keeping up or slowing down or making conversation. Just call me the Lone Runner. I own it.
While getting healthy and then starting long-distance training, I’ve cut WAY back on my alcohol intake. It really affects my ability to run well. One glass of wine on occasion, and I’m good. But, you wouldn’t believe how much crap I get from people when we go out. Peer pressure much? It’s like others believe they can’t have fun if I don’t have a drink in my hand, too. I can enjoy my time out with or without a buzz. Consider it owned.
I like nice things--clothes, house wares, food, vacations. I’m (very) financially responsible, but I’d rather save up for top-of-the-line or my dream item than settle for whatever’s on sale. I’d rather go out to eat only occasionally and go somewhere fabulous than eat at chains with a coupon. I’d rather go on one vacation where I stay at the Four Seasons than five where I stay at Super 8. Call me a “consumer.” Call me shallow. It’s my money, and I spend it how I want. Sorry I’m not sorry
I don’t do anything, just because that’s what “people do.” I know, I know. I’m in my 30s. I’m supposed to fall in line and put a ring on it and get busy having babies. In fact, depending on who you ask, I’m way behind schedule. Well, I absolutely own my life choices thus far. B. and I are 100% committed, with or without the state’s stamp of approval, and I like that my “kids” can be left at home with food and a litter box while I go out for the day. I make choices when it’s what I want, when I want to do it, not because if fits everyone else’s conception what I should be doing. This applies to all areas of my life. Sorry, I’m not even a little sorry.

So, that’s what I own. What about you??

Force of Will

2010-08-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

I ran 18 miles on Saturday (18.18, if you want to get technical), and it was unbelievable. I won't bore you all with yet another blow-by-blow run report, but let me just say it was a one in a million run. There was no walking, my legs felt a-mazing, my splits were back to normal, and I wasn't even tired until the last mile. And, I went out just hoping not to end up with a bloody knee again!

While I was running, I had plenty of time to think...back to about a year and a half ago when I first started running, how difficult even short treks were then, and how much endurance I've built. If anything, the experience of running and training for long distance races has taught me about the power of, well, willpower. I've come to believe that (barring devastating disability or disease...and sometimes even then) you can train your mind and body to do almost anything with enough determination and patience. Most of the non-runners who find out about my marathon goal will say something to the effect of "there's no way I could do that." And, I tell them, sure you could, if you really wanted to. Most people don't really want to run a marathon (which is totally fine and understandable--do whatever activity floats your boat). But the point is, you have far more potential than you give yourself credit for. Trust me, the former non-runner who will rock her first marathon in 5 weeks.

Like I've said before, achieving your goal takes determination and sacrifice. Nothing worth having is free, right? But, for every ounce of effort and sacrifice I've put into my goal, I've gotten back more in the form of confidence in what I'm capable of. The following apply specifically to things I've learned while getting healthy and then in training, but I've found I now believe them to be true in other parts of my life, too:

I'm not so stuck in my ways that I can't make drastic positive changes in the way I live.
I'm much stronger than I think I am.
I can keep going even when my mind says I want to quit or not start at all.
I'm no longer intimidated by the enormity of my end goal--all I have to do is what's required right now, this minute.
If I genuinely want something, I'll do whatever it takes to get there.

I won't get into cheerleader mode on you, but I think those 5 bullets apply to pretty much everyone. There's nothing you can't accomplish, health and fitness related goals or otherwise, if you decide that's want you want for your life. Give yourself the chance to surprise yourself--b/c I guarantee you, you will!

Back on Track

2010-08-24T09:09:00.004-05:00

Soooo last week didn't go exactly as prescribed by my training plan. My motivation seemed to have floated out a window somewhere. I did my Tuesday morning 5 miles, but then on Wednesday morning, I was too tired to get up and decided to go with B. to get in 8 while he went biking on Grant's Trail. I failed to remember that there are no water stops there and that in general running after a full day of work just isn't my cup of tea anymore. I did 6 in the time it usually takes me to do 8. Not good. I made up for this on Thursday by doing 7 instead of 5. So, one way or another my midweek mileage was done.

I knew going into the weekend that getting in a long run, especially 18 was going to be difficult. B.'s brother was getting married on Saturday night. I'd already decided that I'd have to split up the run at the very least...I wanted to wear my favorite cute heels (that get far too little wear in these days of sore, tired feet), and I didn't want to be falling asleep in my wedding cake. So, the plan was 8 miles on Friday morning and 10 on Saturday morning. Friday didn't happen. Strike one. On Saturday morning, at 4:30 a.m. it was pouring. I reset my alarm. At 6:00, still pouring. I gave up at that point and went to sleep.

There was still time for redemption, I told myself. I could get up on Sunday morning before the scheduled wedding brunch and get in a minimum of 10. Not so much. My stomach is no longer used to consuming wine, red meat, and frosting all in the same night. I spent most of that night rolled in a little ball holding my tummy. After the brunch, I ran errands with B. and basically decided to consider the weekend a wash in both food and exercise and start fresh on Monday.

It's SO easy to get off track. It's like no matter how much exercise I do (and how much I love doing it most of the time) or how good I make myself eat, my "default" is lazy and fat. After a week of bad eating, it's like starting all over again to remind myself that no, in fact, we don't eat ice cream every day and that french fries are not our friends.

Exercise is easier for me to get back on a roll with. The weather is much cooler this week, so after work yesterday, instead of taking a full rest day, I went for an easy 12 mile bike ride out at Grant's Trail. It felt great! And, this morning, I put in 5 and tried to push myself a little bit faster than usual. There's something about watching the sun rise on a 65 degree morning that makes my whole day. I love rolling into work at 7:30 knowing I've done more already than most people do all day!

To make up for last week's lack of mileage, I'm doing 18 this weekend instead of taking the step-back to 13. That will mean doing 18 and 19 on back-to-back weeks, but I think I'm up for it. As far as food goes, all I can do is start fresh today and make good decisions one meal/snack at a time.

6 weeks to go!

Ruminations on "17"

2010-08-16T11:58:00.005-05:00

The week leading up to my planned 17 mile run was a rough one. My banged up knees were recovering from their trip from the bike to the pavement last Sunday. They were definitely in working order, just a little sore, but I took it easy on them just in case. Then there was the heat warning that stretched from Monday-Friday where heat indexes were in the 110's and above. Because of this, I made the decision to hold my long run until Sunday morning as the temps were supposed to be about 10 degrees cooler.

It was not. At 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, it felt like 87 degrees according to my weather app. It was still very dark, and I anticipated that I'd get about 5 miles in before sunrise, which would be a good thing. And, I was off...

Mile 1: I see a bunny rabbit crossing a major road...in the cross walk. Street-smart urban wildlife!

Mile 2: Stomach issue rears its ugly head, and I plan to stop off at the nearest Starbucks to use their restroom. I discover that Starbucks isn't open at 5:00 on Sunday.

Mile 2-5: Stomach settles down. Decide to wait until I reach the park at mile 5 to take my first nutrition gel just in case.

Mile 5-8: It's nice to see human beings again now that I'm on the park path. About a mile of the park path has been bulldozed out to be replaced. I, following one of those fellow human beings, ignore the detour sign and end up doing a little cross country running in the grass along side the muddy remains of the path. Note to self, follow signs, not people.

Miles 8-10: At a bathroom stop, as I'm pulling up my CW-X stability tights, I realize the seam in the inner thigh has begun to disintegrate and there's a hole. The same thing is happening on the other side, too. Good thing I paid extra for high quality gear. I begin composing my letter to the manufacturer.

Mile 10-13: I'm daydreaming about when I'll be done and at home stretching...My shoes feel literally water logged. Not kidding, I hear sloshing...I'm sweating that much. I don't let that stop me from stopping at McDonalds for a Powerade to refill my water bottle. I hand the cashier my $2 from my Spibelt. It's also water logged. She looks at me like I'm the nastiest person alive. Guess I should have put it in the plastic bag with my phone.

Mile 13-15: I'm celebrating having only a couple of miles to go and only one more big hill. I'm trying to hold my arms away from my body b/c the Body Glide has worn off and I'm chaffing big time. I mentally note that the sidewalks are in terrible shape and I need to watch it so I don't fall. Seconds later I bite it big time. Face plant into the sidewalk. I leave the better part of the skin on the heel of my right hand on the concrete and tear a hole in the knee of the aforementioned tights. I sit on the sidewalk momentarily, teary eyed, half hoping no one saw my clumsiness, half hoping someone will come out of their house and give me a band aid. No one does.

Mile 15-16: I limp along, bleeding profusely from the hand, calling B's cell phone repeatedly (he promised to leave his ringer on in case I needed something, but he's not answering). I realize the iPhone touch screen doesn't work touched with wet fingers. B. finally answers. Turns out his ringer was on but the volume was down. I tell him where I am and keep walking in the direction of home. He meets me at exactly 16 miles. Yes, I'm counting that last mile even though I walked it.

Conclusions:

Choosing not to be disappointed by being a mile short. I said when I started that I was doing a hybrid of the novice 1 and novice 2 training plans. Plan 1 said 15, Plan 2 said 17. I was in between.
Before my own feet got in the way, things were going pretty good. While being tired may have played some role in the fall, I won't allow that to make me think I can't do this!

Goal for next weekend's workout?

No bleeding!
Get into a good head space despite a couple of difficult experiences.

Questions I need to answer:

What's the etiquette for entering businesses or making purchases while sweating like a pig?
Can I still try to get my tights replaced for the defective inner thigh seams now that the knee is shot?

Here's to a better week this week!

Oooooh We're Half Way There

2010-08-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a little old-school Bon Jovi shout out on a Monday morning! This is start of week 10 of training for the Chicago Marathon. 9 weeks down, 9 weeks to go--half way there! Last week was a "step back" week and looked a little like this:

Week 9
Monday - rest
Tuesday - 3.5 miles (aforementioned toe issue was bothering me so I stopped early)
Wednesday - Sick
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 11 miles
Sunday - bike ride (cut short by a crash)

It was weird that 11 miles, once a big deal, felt like a short run. I returned home with all kinds of energy and proceeded to do some work after cleaning up as opposed to falling back into bed immediately. I'm psyching myself up for the next two weeks of mileage push 17 and 18 mile runs. I'm feeling confident!

All of that was momentarily called into question yesterday. I took my bike out to Grant's Trail for a little cross-training bike ride. It'd been almost two weeks since I'd had the opportunity to take Ruby out, so I was excited for a nice relaxing ride. I was enjoying the hot breeze in my face and the general lack of traffic on the trail when a kid, probably 10 years old, came riding towards me. Moments before he reached me, it seemed as though he decided to turn back in the other direction without looking to see if anyone was coming. He started to turn directly into my path. I yelled, braked, and swerved to no avail. Just off the trail on my side was a gravel parking lot with concrete parking stops. The combination of hitting one of those with my tire and the kid slamming into the side of me sent me off the bike and onto my right knee and wrist in the gravel. The kid and his bike landed on my other leg that was still straddling the bike. The kid was terrified but okay. His knee was scraped but otherwise he seemed okay. Although no parents were anywhere in sight and he wasn't wearing a helmet. Seriously, parents, manage your children. I asked him three times if he was sure he was okay before he sped off. My knee, on the other hand, was scraped and bleeding all over the place. Some nice people I'd passed earlier caught up with me and stopped to make sure I was okay. I was shaken and dripping blood but the scrape wasn't deep. And, my bike appeared to be in working order. So, I rinsed off the blood using my water bottle and headed back for my car. I could already tell my knee was swelling, so I decided to call it a day.

I showed up at home bawling, not so much because I was in pain but because I was afraid 9 weeks of training could be screwed up by one bike ride. Fortunately, I don't think that's the case. This morning, my knee is a little sore and swollen. The thing that hurts worst is my lower back...I feel a little like I've been in a minor car accident, scraped and sore in weird places but otherwise okay. I think I'm still going to do some light strength training this afternoon and my runs for the week as planned unless some new pain develops. Having a bike crash has been my biggest fear (right after accidentally catching a bug in the mouth...no, seriously I think about things like that). It sucked, but it could have been much worse. So, next Sunday, I'll suck it up and get back on the proverbial horse...er bike.

Happy Running!

Small Victories, Blisters, and Pestilence

2010-08-03T08:38:00.001-05:00

Better late than never, a report on Friday's run...Friday's 15 mile training run was AWESOME! No, I'm not being sarcastic. It seems my feelings of death during the 14 miler the previous week were due to the intense heat, not my inability to run. I left extra early on Friday morning with the expectation of getting in about 5 miles before the sun rose. The weather was uncharacteristically cool and even the humidity was bearable. My legs felt unbelievably fresh and light. The best part was that the when sunrise rolled around, it turned out to be an overcast, gray day. No direct sunlight! There was a soft breeze, and at certain points in the run, it sprinkled a little. And, 10 miles into a 15 mile run, a little rain is a welcome treat. I wasn't breaking any land speed records for sure. I took it slow and stopped to fill my hand-held water bottle at every fountain I encountered. Between mile 10 and mile 14, there aren't any fountains, so I stopped at Starbucks, dripping with sweat in line with people in suits, to buy some bottled water. Girl's gotta do what she's gotta do! Somewhere around mile 12, I became conscious that the seam of my sock was rubbing against toenail of my second toe. I crossed my fingers that I wasn't getting a massive blister and kept going...I finished strong. Tired, but so happy that I didn't feel horrible like I had the week before.

When I got around to checking out my feet, there were blisters in other places, but no rubbed spots around the cuticle of my second toe. It was tender, so I wondered if I'd managed to bruise it somehow. I didn't really think any more about it until Saturday evening when I took my shoes in the hotel room. My toe was throbbing under the nail. I grabbed some nail clippers to see if maybe the pain was from the nail poking the skin or something. On closer inspection, there was a huge blister under my nail. Just regular, not blood blister. I drained it, but my toe was still really tender. The only way I can really describe it would be a strange pressure under the nail near my cuticle. I ended up wearing flip flops for the rest of the trip. It was a great trip by the way...Here's a picture of me with my mom and sisters when we arrived at our hotel:

This morning was my first attempt at running since the problem started. The toe wasn't bothering me when I got up, so I decided to go ahead and run without figuring out how to wrap it with gauze and athletic tape. OUCH! Running up or down hill was extremely uncomfortable. I will definitely put some padding between me and my shoe for the next run. Hopefully this clears up quickly (and my toenail stays ON)!

Another experience from this morning...I had a flashback to the scariest summer of my life. I was around 5th or 6th grade age when one summer the area I lived in experienced a visit from the 7 year cicadas (ugly flying bugs the size of golf balls). They were gross on their own, swarming all over bushes and trees, but they joined forces with some other variety of cicada (13 year maybe?). I lived in terror for the few weeks that they were around. I specifically remember going to the local library and my mom having to force me from the car because the bushes near the door were covered in the little beasts. A few weeks later, they were nothing but a bunch of shells stuck on trees and bushes. What does that have to do with this morning? While the experience of my childhood was a plague of biblical proportions, I believe they're baaaaaack. I encountered 7 on my run this morning. Seven! They would be sitting on the sidewalk looking like dead leaves until my feet got near them at which time they'd dive bomb my head. So, there were also 7 flailing dances and screams like a little girl on my part. I went so far as to make a detour to the other side of the road to avoid a particularly large one after it didn't seem phased by the stream from my water bottle. At least it was early...I think only a couple of people saw my performance. Nature...gotta love it.

Anyway, this week is a step back week in my training plan. Mid week runs are the same length, but my long run is a mere 11 miles on Saturday. Ah, relaxation!

Any readers have tips or tricks to avoid blisters and toenail trauma? Please share!

Giveaway Winner and Mental Preperation

2010-07-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

First things first: The winner of the Gaiam Yoga Therapy Balls is:

Comment #3 from Jules! I've sent a note to the email address you provided. Just reply with your mailing address and your yoga massage kit will be on its way! Thanks for playing!

So, as I mention on Monday, this week's training schedule was moved up a day since I'm going on a girls' weekend road trip with my mom and sisters on Saturday when I'd normally do my long run. I'm off work tomorrow, so 15 it is. Today, I'm hydrating and mentally preparing. I'm also thinking of trying to leave the house by 5:00 instead of 5:30. That way I'd be around 5 or 6 miles in before the sun is even fully up. With any luck, I'll be showered and back to sleep by 8:30. My legs and hip have felt great this week, so I'm hopeful that tomorrow's run will restore my faith in my marathon-ing potential!

Week 8 Marathon Training
Monday - 4 miles (10:51 pace)
Tuesday - 7 miles (11:14 pace)
Wednesday - 4 miles (11:21 pace)...Is it me or am I getting slower as this thing goes on? Didn't think that was possible. Then again, the heat and humidity have been insane.
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 15 miles (scheduled)
Saturday & Sunday - walking doing touristy stuff/shopping and maybe a trip to the hotel fitness center.

Surviving 14...Barely

2010-07-26T10:18:00.002-05:00

Saturday was scheduled to be my first "really long" run. I'd never run 14 miles before--the half marathon in May was my previous farthest run ever. So, in that way I was kind of excited to break new ground. I did everything I could think of to prepare. I ate a little extra at breakfast. I packed extra Hammer gels, cash in case I needed to call a cab, (kidding...mostly), and iPod in my Spibelt belt (first time using that piece of gear on a run). On the other hand, I was less than thrilled about the conditions I'd be facing. StL was under a "heat warning" last week, and the expected heat index for Saturday was around 111F. I was out the door by 5:30 a.m. to beat the heat. I'd have been out even earlier, but the sunrise wasn't until 5:50-something as it was and I'm not super comfortable running alone in the dark.

And, let me tell you, it was HOTTTT! Yes, before the sun had even risen, it was 86 degrees with 70%+ humidity. But, I was practicing positive self-talk, "You can totally do this--You're so much stronger than you think!" The first 5 miles were actually pretty good. Yes, it was steamy, but my legs felt good, I was staying hydrated, and the thought that I was about 1/3 done didn't phase me. I was super annoyed that my belt, though it did not bounce, would not stay down on my hips no matter how snugly I fastened it...

Then, I think I made a poor decision from a mental perspective. At Forest Park, instead of running clockwise around the park as I usually do, I decided to go counter-clockwise. Doesn't sound like a big deal. In fact, it actually gets the hills out of the way sooner. But, it also put me on the less shady side of the park when the sun was well up and blazing. Not to mention there are multiple water fountains in the park that are barely working (water dribbling out in a way that can't fill a water bottle) or not working at all. By the time I made it back to my starting point in the park about 11 miles into my run, I was feeling it, and not in a good way! Note to self: don't try new things on long runs. Stick with the familiar.

I took my last gel, chugged some water, and set off for home. The way home is uphill. Since I took up running, I've discovered my neighborhood is in some kind of hole. The route I chose was fairly shaded, but I couldn't get over my exhaustion. I took several walk breaks on those last 3 miles. What really killed me was the couple of blocks where I was directly in the sun. I had on sunscreen, but it seriously felt like my skin was going to go up in flames. When my Garmin finally beeped for that 14th mile, I stumbled to a walk and hightailed it for the house.

Once inside, I felt like I was going to pass out. Everything was fuzzy around the edges, and throwing up wasn't out of the question. This was followed by chills. Not good. I splashed water on my face, grabbed some Gatorade and an oatmeal cookie and laid on the floor for awhile before I stretched out. Within an hour, I felt okay again. But, wow!

The difficulty of that run really shook my confidence. Not in that I don't think my body can handle the mileage. I feel like 14 wouldn't have been such a big deal if the conditions had been better. But, I'm concerned because temperatures aren't going to get any better until late September at least. Can I still get my long runs in with such heat? I can leave early, but let's be honest...I'm a SLOOOOOOW runner. 15+ miles is just going to take me awhile. So, inevitably the sun will be well up and hot before I'm finished. I don't want to feel like that every weekend. I thought I was going to black out (and/or sit on the curb and cry for awhile). And, without a gym (still renovating from fire/flood), I don't have a treadmill option readily available. It's outside or nowhere. My next long run is Friday (moving up all my runs by a day this week b/c I'm going out of town this weekend), and just being honest, I'm scared! And, dare I say it, what if it's freakishly hot the day of the marathon...a random blazing hot day has been known to happen in October in the Midwest.

I'm looking for a way to get back into a positive mental state. But, not by being blindly optimistic. I need a plan. Ideas? Have you felt like giving up during training? How'd you overcome it?

**Don't forget...You still have until midnight Wednesday to enter my giveaway (click here to enter). There are currently 0 entries, so your chance of winning is pretty darn good.**

Gaiam Yoga Therapy Balls Product Review & Give Away

2010-07-20T18:49:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, CSN Stores gave me the opportunity to choose a product from one of their 200+ online stores to review on my blog. It was a tough decision, but here's what I finally settled on after more than an hour of virtual shopping:

I picked the Gaiam Yoga Therapy Balls with instructional dvd. Now, I'm not a huge fan of yoga with lots of props. Yoga wasn't even the main reason I decided on this product. I don't know about you, but the increase in duration and frequency of runs in marathon training has made me sore in places I didn't know existed. The soles of my feet are sore! Even if you don't run, I bet you've experienced tightness between the shoulder blades from sitting at a computer all day, sore forearms from too much typing, or discomfort in your lower back from those beautiful but uncomfortable shoes. I'm pretty much always up for a massage, how about you?

I have a lovely foam roller, but I'd heard great things about ball therapy. And, what better time to try it out than when it's free! I ordered my yoga balls last Wednesday and they arrived today. About the same as Amazon if you don't have Prime. The box arrived on my lunch break, and I had to wait the rest of the day to rip into it! It had been a long day, and I was looking forward to a little relaxation. So, I broke out my new yoga mat and got ready to chill.

I was a little concerned about the dvd...I've tried Gaiam yoga dvds before with out much success, and one of the main instructors Rodney Yee was the host for this video. The instructional video is short (25 minutes total, including Yee's introduction). He instructs the helper yogi how to strategically place the balls to release certain trigger points. Those poses are great...I especially liked the one where you lie face down with the medium-sized ball between your hip bones and the two small balls under either side of your collar bone. Wow...with all the tension I'm holding in my lower abs, you'd think they'd look a little tighter! The part of the dvd that I wasn't impressed by were the random yoga poses interspersed between the trigger point bits. They seemed unnecessary, but Gaiam is known for yoga and it was called "yoga therapy" so it was to be expected. I just skipped the poses I didn't feel like doing and went back to my massage!

The balls themselves were great. I was a little unsure when I unpacked them because they seemed pretty light. I was afraid I'd flatten them if I laid down on them. But, they were very sturdy with just enough give to be comfortable to roll around on. For some poses like the neck and lower back, the two small balls are placed in a sleeve to keep them together. The bag that came in the box was fine, but the plastic fastener on the bag doesn't work too well (or I'm using it wrong...). I think I'd prefer a drawstring. I ended up putting them in a knee sock and tying a knot at the end...I'm nothing if not ingenuitive!

In the end, I was pleased with ball therapy, not so much with the dvd. I want something more geared toward running aches and pains. So, did a little googling and came up with the following links. They mostly refer to using a tennis ball, but these would be a nice substitution as they're smoother and a little firmer.

This one isn't entirely running focused, but the forearm stretch felt too good not to share.
These two articles show how to use balls to massage the lower and upper body.

I'll be on the look out for more to share with you.

Okay, now on to the good part--Of course, I couldn't do all this shopping for myself without passing on the love. 1 lucky reader is going to get his/her very own set of Gaiam yoga therapy balls. WooHoo--let the relaxation begin! Here's the deal:

The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian readers only. Sorry...shipping is expensive.
Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, July 28th at midnight (central time)
You can earn entries 3 ways (leave a separate comment for each):

Become a follower of the blog (or already are) and tell me about it via comment.
Spread the word on your Twitter, Facebook, or blog and let me know.
Share your favorite way to loosen up at the end of a long day or workout.

I'll randomly select 1 winner from those entries.

Good luck!

Fine print for "the man": The product I reviewed and am giving away were freebies, but my opinions (as always) are purely my own.

As If You Needed Another Reason to Get Healthy

2010-07-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note:

When I got to work and checked the news, I saw this CNN article. Take a second to read it. If you're a woman, this is just one more reason that being healthy is about more than six-pack abs or fitting into a particular size. We all know that being a healthy weight improves our physical quality of life, but it might just improve your cognitive function, too!

If you haven't already today, get out and get moving for a few minutes. Your brain will thank you!

Blisters Be Gone and a Sneak Peak

2010-07-13T13:49:00.003-05:00

On my last couple of long runs, I've come home with a wicked blood blister on my left foot where my big toe meets my foot. I was unsure why as I have quality synthetic socks and slather on Body Glide like it's ridiculous. Maybe it was my shoes. I bought them at the end of January, and according to my Garmin data, I've run about 375 miles on them. That was the low-end of the mileage cap, but I thought it worth checking out.

So, when I got off work yesterday, I headed out to Fleet Feet in Chesterfield, where I bought the shoes in the first place, fully prepared to shell out for a new pair of shoes. The team member who looked over my shoes and insoles told me they are wearing evenly and still have plenty of miles in them. Nice! $150+ saved. She shared that since the humidity had increased (seriously, it's like swimming through the air here), she'd also been experiencing more blisters. It made sense...gross but I've been soaked through with sweat after runs lately, and I can only assume my feet are more sweaty too. I got another style of sock that fits more snugly on the foot to reduce friction even more. I also got a pack of Liquicell blister bands. They're just like the blister band-aids you may have seen, but the middle of the strip is filled with liquid that provides great protection (used them on this morning's run and it worked!). So, hopefully, my blister will soon be a thing of the past.

Since it wasn't busy, I also asked about my lower calf pain. She gave me a compression sleeve to try wearing during and/or after runs when it's acting up. I didn't wear it running this morning, but I put it on afterward and it really relieved the discomfort. She also spent time talking about marathon training and offering some suggestions for exercises to strengthen the inner thigh (for muscle balance), nutrition, and stretches to do on the foam roller. As someone who constantly bitches about poor customer service, I also have to give props when props are deserved. I found it refreshing that 1.) she was interested in what I really needed, not on making the big sale, and 2.) that she spent time offering extra advice and encouragement.

In other news...I was recently contacted by CSN Stores about doing a product review / giveaway of one of the gazillions of items available on their online stores (there are over 200)! You can seriously find just about anything you could possibly want. I found stuff I wanted in pretty much every category...from fitness equipment to pet accessories to housewares...and even a bathroom sink. No, seriously, they sell those too.

I haven't quite decided which product I'll choose, but here are a few of the items I'm contemplating...

Stay tuned! And, if you can't wait until then, check out the CSN Stores and do some shopping of your own!

Know When to Say When

2010-07-08T11:08:00.006-05:00

I skipped my first training run this morning, and if you couldn't tell by my need to blog about it, I'm feeling a little guilty.

You see, I've been following my Novice 2 training plan religiously. No wait, that's not even true. I've patently ignored at least one of the rest days on a regular basis. Monday is supposed to be for resting and a little stretching, but I always do strength training and perhaps a little biking. I usually do better w/ Friday rest day (Friday's are for napping after work), except for this past Friday when I did a 17 mile bike ride when I had a long run the next day.

Being more active than prescribed seems like a good thing to me. There was a time in my life when I was a slug. Getting moving on a regular basis was a huge chore that I had to talk myself into every single time. That's changed drastically. Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion, and all that...When I run in the morning, I won't pretend I jump out of bed dying to get out there. But, by the end of the day, even on days I've already run, I tend to get a little antsy and feel like doing something to move the body, even if it's just taking a few laps around my local Target buying beauty products I don't need. Usually it's some ab or arm work. Or going biking when B. does. And then I wonder where the aches and pains have come from.

Extra strength training (especially when legs are involved) or too much hard biking leads to undue soreness. For instance, this past Monday since I was off work, I did a 50 minute strength circuit and then for an hour long bike ride. When Tuesday's short run rolled around, I was sore. When Wednesday's long-ish run came along, I was SUPER sore. My lower calf on my right leg was tender again, my hamstrings were tight, and I had a rubbed spot on my left heel (from cute but horribly uncomfortable shoes I wore to dinner over the holiday weekend).

So, this morning, I made an executive decision. I would skip my 3 mile run this morning and let my legs recover before this Saturday's 12 mile. If I do anything today, it will only be some ab work. Maybe not even that. I might rest entirely for the next 2 days.

While I haven't followed the plan exactly, I've certainly never skipped a run. And, while I feel a little guilty, like somehow missing one workout means I'm a lazy slob, I think taking an extra rest (or a make-up rest day) is the best decision in my situation. I keep reminding myself that missing one short run isn't going to derail my marathon aspirations. It's only one workout. I'll be back out there at sunrise Saturday doing my thing.

Sometimes, you have to know when to say when and live to run another day (injury free).

A Reminder

2010-07-03T14:20:00.003-05:00

This morning on my Week 4 (!) long run, I got a little reminder about why I'm really doing this, why I really run. It's not just to make my legs look great in shorts again. It's not just about looking a certain way. My run took me through Forest Park, and at one of the water fountains, I ran into a couple in their 70s out for their training run. They were both wearing tech shirts from marathons in the last two years.

THAT'S why I run. I want to be fit, active, and healthy for a lifetime.
Not for one race, one event, or one swimsuit season. For life!

I really admired them for being out there doing their thing. That's the kind of life I hope for myself and my future family.

This theme came into play yesterday before I'd even seen these inspirational folks. I was off work yesterday and B. finished early, so in the interest of spending time together while being active, B. and I loaded our bikes onto the back of his car and went out to the Katy Trail. I'd never been and wanted to scope it out as a possible location for some of my upcoming truly long runs. The trail is mostly packed gravel, but my hybrid held up pretty well. We usually don't ride together. He's faster than me, so I usually tell him to go do his thing and I take my time doing mine. But, yesterday he asked if I wanted to stick together. It was really nice to ride along side each other and chat. We ended up doing about 17 miles, which was way more than I expected. And, we both made it up the HILL. The trail runs along side a river, and the parking lot is up on top of a cliff (for lack of a better term). There was a twisty-turny paved road that led from the parking lot to the trail. We made bets about whether or not either of us would be able to make it to the top on the way back. We both powered it out and were jelly-legged but proud of ourselves.

I started this morning's run concerned that my legs would be sore or tired from our adventure yesterday evening. Not so much. My lower calves were a little tight, but other than that I felt strong. My goal for this run was to try to hold a semi-steady pace. I have a tendency to start out too fast and slow down the longer the run goes on. Today I was able to stay within 30 seconds of pace. I just can't help picking up speed on downhills...

So, three more glorious no-work days! Have a happy and safe Fourth!

Chicago Marathon Training Week 4
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 3.02 mile run (10:17 pace)
Wednesday - 6.00 mile run (10:45 pace)
Thursday - 3.00 mile run (9:20 pace)
Friday - 17 mile bike (11.5 mph)
Saturday - 11.02 mile run (10:49 pace)
Sunday - Probably a bike ride and some yoga.

And We Have a Winner

2010-06-30T09:24:00.006-05:00

My quest for the perfect pair of running shorts has come to a close. I finally found a pair that weren't too long, or too short, or too likely to ride up. As Goldilocks would say, "They're just right!"

After the raw-thigh disaster that was the Nike Tempo shorts, I tried a couple of different pairs of spandex. I had a pair of off-brand cotton-y spandex that I used for volleyball...I should have known anything cotton is a bad idea. Then I tried a pair of Under Armour spandex (I think they had a 5 inch inseam). They did okay but didn't have enough staying power to keep from working their way shorter as I ran. Doable, but there had to be something better out there.
When I found a good deal on Amazon for a pair of CW-X Pro Fit shorts, I knew I had to try them. I've spoken at length of my love for their 3/4 length stability tights. And, after this morning's run, I can safely add the shorts to my love list.

They have the same great core support as the tights, and the webbing on the sides provides nice pressure on my hip joints. The product specs said they have a 6 inch inseam, but looking at the actual product and trying it on, I'd say it's 3 inches at most, which is fine b/c I'm not a huge fan of long shorts. However, if you have any shame left (mine has left me), you might want to go for the allegedly 10 inch ones.

The best part? I was on a sweaty 6 miler, and those suckers didn't budge once. Now, I know what you're thinking..."Yes, but did your legs look like sausages b/c the leg openings were so tight?" Not at all. In fact, when I first put them on, I was concerned that the snug but un-sausage-like fit meant they were going to be all over the place. No problems at all during the run. The band at the leg openings is thin and sleek but stayed put. Unlike my bike shorts, which in addition to making me look like I'm wearing an adult undergarment, have thick bands that are possibly the most unflattering thing in the world. I will say that later when I was sitting on the floor stretching out, the elastic on the leg openings did flip up then. But, I can deal with that. If I wouldn't feel guilty about overspending on my hobbies, I'd buy three more pairs.

With July and August and ever increasing long runs approaching, I'm excited to be able to do it and stay cool at the same time!

3 Down 15 to Go

2010-06-27T21:25:00.002-05:00

Another solid week of training! I've been able to wake up early on days I run for the past three weeks. This is a major accomplishment for me. In the past, I've never sustained early rising for exercise for more than a couple of weeks. Then again, I've never tried to run this often in this kind of heat (105 heat index several days last week!).

Biking is also going great. My gel padded bike shorts were a godsend! The bruising is...still there but less noticeable. And, it's unbelievable how much it loosens all the muscles that running makes tight. My left hip has been an issue since I first started running. The more weight I've lost, the better it's gotten. But, after a long run, or several days in a row running, it still gets very tender. The foam roller helps, but the bike is like a miracle. When I went out biking this morning, it was pretty sore. 50 minutes later, it felt like new.

So, if you recall, a few posts ago, I was contemplating how to eat to fuel my high level of activity. I've been trying to eat healthy and spread the calories around throughout the day. When I started this, I was 8 pounds away from my goal weight (as I have been for like 3 months). According to my calorie calculator, I'm supposed to stick to 1,200 a day. Some days this works. On days I do a long run or if I do a run and strength training or an extra bike ride, it's just not enough. I get light-headed and tired. I won't pretend all my eating choices have been perfect since then (hello, frozen custard last night), but I'm up 2 more pounds. It's super disappointing to step on the scale and see that. I feel like I'm looking more toned and muscular, but the numbers don't lie (and I don't want to make excuses b/c that's what got me where I was before). I'm constantly starving lately and craving bread and trail mix...Any other long distance runners have advice on handling the ravenous appetite that comes with it? I just want to reach my goal already!!!

I'm taking a couple of days off this week going into the holiday weekend--And, oh do I need it! Lots of physical, mental, and emotional stress lately. If I don't check in before, Happy Fourth!

Re-Epiphany?

2010-06-21T08:11:00.005-05:00

If you recall, a few months ago when I was doing the volleyball thing, I was astounded that, although I thought myself in good shape, the quick pace of play during our first couple of games left me huffing and puffing. And, I was sore in places I thought were strong...

Fast forward to yesterday on my first real bike ride since I was a teenager sans driver's license. Five minutes in, I was breathing like I'd been doing sprints! What the heck?--I had wheels. I thought this was going to be easier than running. But, I was really feeling it and in a different way than when I'm out running. Completely different places on my legs were burning.

I rode around my low-traffic subdivision for a few laps to get the hang of things before taking the "secret passage" from this neighborhood into a local park. I rode around there until I felt brave (I needed to practice turning right without swinging out wide. Left turning was no problem--guess I'm not an "ambi-turner"). Then, I ventured onto some city streets, although I still limited my time on high-traffic areas. There were LOTS of hills on the route I took, but I made it up all of them but one. In the end, I rode a little more than 6 miles in my first 40 minutes out.

Fast forward again to yesterday afternoon. OWWWW! I'd completed my ride in a new pair of bike shorts (complete with the padding that feels like wearing an adult diaper). This helped a little, but apparently I'm in for some pain until my butt toughens up. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say there are bruises and that sitting in my desk chair today is a challenge. My back is also a little sore.

Nevertheless, I went for a run this morning before work (I had to shuffle my training schedule around due to some work stuff), and my legs felt great. None of the stiffness that I usually experience on my first run of the week.

Moral of the story? Cross-training is awesome! I got a great workout yesterday that apparently loosened the muscles I'd used on my long run Saturday. I'm hoping this combo of exercise working muscles in different ways will leave me with the badass thighs of my dreams! Stay tuned.

My New Toy

2010-06-19T13:00:00.006-05:00

I mentioned awhile back that I wanted a bike to use for cross-training days and that B. advised me against the cheap-o Target bikes. So, I've been saving my pennies, and today I went to adopt my new pet:

I was going to call her Red Robin until someone mention that it sounded like the burger joint I hate...Tossing around names like RedRum or something Cardinals related. I think I need a few more miles on her to figure out a really good nickname. I'll let you know!

More about the bike in a minute...First, the running portion of our story:
I hauled my ass out of bed at 5:20 this morning to get ready for this week's long run, just 9 miles, nothing new or crazy. But, I wanted to get out early to beat the 100+ degree heat indexes forecasted for the late morning/afternoon. I had the worst attitude when my alarm went off. I was sound asleep for once, cozy, dreaming. It was very cloudy and dark, and I'll be honest, I was hoping for it to be raining when I looked outside so I could postpone until tomorrow...It wasn't raining. So, I made myself get dressed, eat, and head out.

And, I'm SO glad I did. The humidity was insane (something like 92%), but it was pretty cool, in the low 70s the entire time I was out. Plus, my legs felt amazing today. The course I had mapped out for myself had several small hills, some of which I generally walk part way up on long runs. Not today, baby! My allergies were also firmly in check, leaving me to breath normally without all the huffing and puffing that's been the norm the last few weeks. I wasn't moving particularly fast, but my pace was unusually steady (something I've been working on). The best part was, I felt like I could have gone much farther without any problems. Overall, week 2 of training was amazing.

So, after I got cleaned up for the day ahead, I asked B. if he had time to take me to a local bike shop Big Shark where he got his bike and help me pick something out. The sales guy was great. They didn't have the bike I'd found on their website in stock, but he showed me other similar models and helped me determine what style and size I needed for my frame. I got helmet-ed up and took a couple of different bikes for a spin around the block. The red Marin was the second one I tried, and I didn't have the terminology to explain why, but it felt great to ride. They tuned it up for me and added a couple of water holders. B. and I also got a double bike rack, so if we bike on the same days we can go together.

When we got home, I took her on another spin around the neighborhood. In addition to being shiny and beautiful, she's also fast! I felt like a little kid zipping all over the subdivision. But it was SUPER hot, so I didn't stay out too long. Hopefully, I'll get a longer ride in tomorrow. On my short ride, I did, however, discover two things: 1. They aren't kidding about the value of getting those padded bike shorts. Ouch! 2. I don't remember the bike hand signals for turning. Might be something worth brushing up on before my next ride, eh?

Who knows, this could become my next great fitness passion. Could this be the future?

Marathon Training - Week 2:
Monday: 50 minutes circuit training
Tuesday: 3.12 miles (10.42 pace)
Wednesday: 5 miles (10.52 pace)
Thursday: 3.02 miles (10.34 pace)
Saturday: 9 miles (10.49 pace)
Sunday: bike riding & yoga!

Training: Chicago Marathon - Week 1

2010-06-12T09:25:00.003-05:00

Well, despite feeling like my sinuses are going to explode (thank you, StL allergens), week 1 of 18 is in the books. I say that like it's a big deal, but the first week didn't ask any more from me than I was already doing for regular workouts. In fact, I skipped a strength session I normally do...
Anyhow my week looked like this (Boring, yes, but I'm mostly documenting this for myself...):

Monday - 50 minute circuit training
Tuesday - 3.15 run (10.10 pace)
Wednesday - 5.01 run (10.31 pace)
Thursday - 3.01 run (10.00 pace)
Saturday - 8.75 run (11.03 pace)
Sunday - 60 minutes yoga (okay, so I guess week 1 isn't technically in the books yet...)

Since it's been so stupid humid around here, I did both Thursday's and today's run in the early morning...like 6:30 am early morning. I'm proud of myself, can't you tell? Look at me being a "morning person"! Thursday was incredible. It was cool and barely humid, and best of all, the streets were virtually empty except for a few other runners and cyclists. It made me want to run early more often. Today by 6:30, it was already 80 with something like 70% humidity. There were tons of other runners out this morning. I noticed something different about morning runners...they talk to you. Every single runner I passed said hi or good morning. When I stopped at the water fountain in Forest Park to refill my water bottles, I chatted for a minute with two old guys who were training for a half. I'm definitely a lone runner, but it was nice to have a few moments of human interaction just the same.

Anyway, that's all I've got. Have a great weekend, and happy running!

And So It Begins...

2010-06-07T18:01:00.004-05:00

Today is Day 1 of the 18 week ordeal they call marathon training. Sometimes if I think too hard, I still can't believe I volunteered for this. It's going to be a long summer, but I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do!

I'll be using the Hal Higdon Novice program. As I'm a newbie to running, I'd never heard of Hal Higdon when I found his training programs, but apparently these were constructed specifically for training for the Chicago Marathon. Perfect! There's a Novice 1 and a Novice 2 schedule to choose from...I printed out both. The only difference is that N2 has a little more mileage per week than N1 and starts out with about the same number as I put in currently. But, I figured I'll use both of them as an average. I won't do fewer miles than listed in N1, and I'll try to do as many as listed in N2.

The schedule in general looks like this:

Monday - Rest day (or in my case, probably a strength session)
Tuesday - Short run
Wednesday - Medium run
Thursday - Short run
Friday - Rest day (which I will observe with my customary Friday after work nap)
Saturday - Long run
Sunday - Cross training (which for me will be yoga class)

Two weeks ago, on Saturday for my long run, I was able to set my alarm for regular weekday wake up time and run 10+ miles before it got blistering hot. This week, I switched my long run to Sunday, did not wake up early, and ended up slogging through a measly 8 miles feeling like I was going to spontaneously combust. Waking up early (especially while it's hot) and getting the increasingly long runs done is going to be tricky for me. I get up early during the week, but no one would accuse me of being a morning person, or even well-rested for that matter. That will be a work in progress.

I'm also going to have to find a new yoga studio for a couple of months. True story: last Sunday when I rolled up to Bally's for yoga, the parking lot was strangely empty...completely empty, in fact. There was a pink sheet of paper on the front door. I laughed when I read it--Bally's was "condemned." I'm always complaining about how gross Bally's and its clientele are (I pretty much only go for this one really great yoga class), but it was funny to see that it was condemned. Turns out, there was a fire that set off the sprinkler system and flooded the building. According to an email from the Bally's corporate, they "don't have a time frame for when the repairs will be complete and the facility will reopen." But, they credited my membership dues until the end of August. So, until then, I'm gonna have to brave the uncharted territories of new yoga classes until I find one I like. I know yoga isn't technically cross training, but there are definitely elements of strength training involved and the stretching does wonders for my sad worn joints.

Anyway, blah blah blah. I'm on my way to becoming a marathoner--WooHoo!!!!

CW-X Stability Tights

2010-06-01T13:42:00.003-05:00

My self-portrait in the mirror skills need work, but here's a look at my new CW-X stability tights. I've been coveting them for ages and finally got my hands on a pair:

(my cat Karma just loves a photo op...)

They looked positively tiny when I pulled them out of the box. And, there were instructions for putting them on...the mark of a serious pair of tights! Basically, the instructions were to situate the knee caps in the center diamond. These tights were significantly thicker than my others (mostly Nike Dry Fit); they felt kind of like a wet suit. I could definitely feel the support around my knees and the lower part of my hamstrings.

They arrived just in time for my "long-ish" Tuesday run, so I was happy to take them out for a spin. I looked like a super hero in training, now it was time to see if them helped me run like one.

It was hot and humid here last week (surprise, it's suddenly summer in StL), and I was a little concerned that the extra thickness would translate to extra heat. But, all was well. The only difference between these and my Nike tights was the lack of the "vents" (i.e., a mesh) behind the knees that my Nikes have. I did sweat buckets, but the fabric did an excellent job of wicking.

I wasn't trying to run extra fast or anything, but my mile splits were all under 10 minutes (one as fast as 8:35). Was it the new tights? Probably just the placebo effect, but I was happy. I wore them again on my long run on Saturday (yes, I washed them in between times =) ). The support in the knees and core really helped. My hip was far less tender that day than it usually is after a double digit run. While these are pricey, for my wonky joints, they're well worth it. I'd love to get another pair of capris and probably a full length pair when winter rolls around.

These will definitely be joining me on marathon weekend!

Food as Fuel

2010-05-26T10:38:00.006-05:00

It's no secret that on my get-healthy journey my relationship to food has evolved. It started out pretty simple: Cut calories, reduce junk food intake, eat more fresh foods. And, at the time, that was good enough. I was seeing results.

Fast forward to present day. My activity level has increased drastically since last year at this time. The introduction of longer, more intense workouts has changed my dietary needs. A couple of weeks ago, I was surprised to feel dizzy during my strength circuit workout. When I evaluated things afterward, I realized that I'd only consumed about 400 calories up to that point in the day. I'm an evening eater, so I'd developed the habit of saving most of my calories for dinner and a snack/dessert. Clearly, this strategy wasn't going to cut it anymore. It's tough to go out on a successful run or kill a strength training session when your body has no fuel to go on. Duh--right?

So, I've been working on changing my relationship to food yet again...giving my body what it needs to do the work I'm asking of it. This is happening none to soon as I'm starting official marathon training in a week and a half! The major change I've made is spreading my calories out throughout the day better. I still eat my low cal breakfast and lunch, but I've added in a small mid-morning snack (usually a small apple or handful of grapes) and a pre-workout snack (I'm a huge fan of a banana or a spoonful of peanut butter prior to a run). This has forced me to work harder at planning healthier dinners, which benefits both B. and me. A sugar-free real fruit popsicle or a pudding cup tops out my night. And, if all goes well, I'm still within my calorie allowance for the day.

So, instead of thinking of food only in terms of calories and how it affects my weight loss, I'm focusing on food as fuel for my activities, while still being mindful of not over-consuming. This also applies to food/beverages that hinder my fitness goals...The girl who used to love a bottle of wine or two on a weekend night barely drinks one glass every couple of weeks now. I also avoid caffeine on days I run (the better to focus on hydration). And, I'm (trying) to limit dairy other than yogurt b/c it seems to affect my allergies (weird but true)...This one's tough as a frozen custard is my favorite thing in the world...sigh.

Summer has been a great time to start changing my eating habits. The availability of fresh fruits and veggies makes it easy to get more fiber, and because they're mostly low cal, you can really fill up on them. I've also learned to love protein in the form of peanut butter, hummus, beans, etc. By the time fall/winter rolls around and my desire for comfort foods increases, hopefully these new habits will be solid.

It's nice to feel like I'm not starving until dinner time. It's nice to go on a run and not collapse when I get home. I've noticed an improvement in strength both during my strength training sessions (I can do most of No More Trouble Zones with 8 lb weights now!) and during runs (the local hills are getting easier and easier). I'm sure marathon training will require further tweaks to this new food philosophy. I'm trying not to obsess about how this might affect the loss of my last 8 stubborn pounds. I'll let you know how it goes!

Dirrrty

2010-05-24T10:40:00.004-05:00

Remember these lovelies I bought back in January?

Now, they look a little more like this:

The color was my greatest concern about the shoes when I bought them. My old running shoes were black and despite being pretty beat-up, they still looked clean. The mesh portion of my new shoes has gone from gleaming white to dingy gray. What's a girl to do?

I've done the prerequisite Googling only to find a lot of contradictory information. One site will say to put them in the washing machine while another will say that's the worst possible thing to do. Another said the dishwasher was a good way to clean running shoes...but the idea of shoes in the same machine we clean our eating utensils just seems gross (and not much better than a washing machine if it's indeed so bad to do that).

To this point I've taken a wash cloth to the leather parts, but that hasn't done much good for the mesh areas. I feel like getting them soaking wet is a bad idea for preserving the integrity of the shoe. I paid a pretty penny for these, so I'd like them to last that full 300 miles if possible. But, who wants to run in grungy shoes?

So, I turn to you, fellow runners...How do you keep your good running shoes clean? Any techniques, tips, or tricks?

Questioning the Biggest Loser Model

2010-05-20T08:50:00.006-05:00

*Update* -- Turns out I didn't get the Target bike. I took B. with me to check it out since he's the cyclist in the family. He showed me several elements of the bike that weren't particularly well made and informed me that when bikes like these break, they're done. It costs way more to fix them than they're worth...So, I'm going to save my pennies a little longer and get a bike from a bike store where they'll custom size it and do all the maintenance.

On to the topic of the day...Last night, I was doing my usual Wednesday night long-ish run. It was one of those runs that reminds you what it felt like to run when you first started out. I think it was a combination of fatigue and allergies, but my legs felt like lead, and it was hard to breathe. So, about 4 miles in, I was desperately trying to get my mind off my discomfort and started thinking about the Biggest Loser Marathon episode I'd finally gotten around to watching on Tivo yesterday.

Whenever I see it, my first response is, "Well, if those people can do a marathon, it looks good for me..." But during this season's episode, I was struck by the ridiculousness of asking people who have only recently become active to complete a marathon. Granted, the contestants aren't required to run, although many of them do run at least part of it. During the pre-race segment, I watched Daris put on a knee brace and say, "This is what training too hard gets you." Duh. Even experienced runners usually spend more than 4 weeks prepping for a marathon. It seems like the show is risking the orthopedic health of the contestants for the drama of a long race.

I was also very surprised by the state of the former contestants who joined this season's final four at different points in the run. With the exception of the petite dark-haired woman, they were all quite a bit larger now than in the clips they showed of their particular season finale show. It got me thinking that they must have been working themselves silly and restricting their calories to the extreme to get that thin for the finale--something that was unsustainable in the long term. I've only watched the past two seasons of the show, and I do like watching, although sometimes I'm not sure why. I do enjoying hearing the contestants personal stories and seeing them take control of their lives. One major thing I don't like is the way weight loss is obtained. While the weight loss the contestants make in the 5 months or so of the show is dramatic and, on some level, inspiring, I don't think it's the healthiest.

Take for example, Koli (and even Sam while he was on the show). Once they started getting to a reasonable weight, they were in it for the money, whether they still "needed to be there" or not. There was more than one instance of footage of them working out at all hours of the night to burn extra calories. And, when he went home, Koli found out how hard it was and went to another training camp in Las Vegas. The show is setting up an abnormal expectation. People don't have the leisure to work out like that in the real world. To me, that will inevitably lead to either an unhealthy obsession with exercise or weight gain.

As far as injuries, I hate the footage of Jillian pushing someone to keep running when they're physically exhausted that ends with them falling and skidding off the back of the treadmill. That would be an injury risk for a fit person whose joints aren't already under extreme stress. When Ashley fell of the treadmill at at least two different times I can recall earlier in the season, I couldn't believe that her knees/ankles were still in working order when she got up. I know Jillian and Bob are professional trainers and there are doctors monitoring the contestants, but I feel like safety is sometimes pushed to the limits for the excitement factor the producers want to see.

The changes I'd make to the show would make for terrible television (nothing like reality tv as we know it). I'd take away those stupid temptations and even the prize money (saving your life is a pretty good prize). I'd lose the concept of voting people off. It undermines the support system they're encouraged to develop by turning it into a back-stabbing drama-fest. I think there should be group and individual therapy sessions so they can figure out why they're unhealthy instead of having Jillian give them her oversimplified cliches about being unhappy with themselves. There would be more segments about teaching them to shop and cook and eat out. The workouts would be tough but focus on listening to their body/knowing physical limits and extending those limits safely without over training. And, if anyone has to go home at all, it wouldn't be the one who didn't lose enough weight...People who are losing weight are doing fine. The person who's still struggling needs to stay in the supportive, structured environment. My show would be more like Intervention than the a reality tv game show. Like, I said, really boring television, but probably more helpful for the morbidly obese than the equivalent of crash weight loss.

Anyway, that's my rant for the day...

What do you think? Are you a fan of the Biggest Loser?
How do you feel about their methods?

Cherry Blossoms on Wheels

2010-05-18T13:52:00.007-05:00

I know this is technically a running blog, but I dream of riding a bike for cardio on days I don't run or when my knees just need a break from running.

I saw this one in Target recently. It's not fancy. I won't be riding it in any races. But, it's reasonably priced (for someone who will probably ride casually and only occasionally), and I think I'm going to go purchase it later this week.

Just a Little Something

2010-05-17T16:36:00.003-05:00

It's been raining for like a week straight...maybe more. I need a little sunshine!

Since I've gotten in good shape, I haven't ever run just one mile. I always run at minimum three. So I have no idea how fast I am. Of course, I could estimate from my splits on longer runs (usually around 9:30-10:00), but I have this fantasy that if I had only one single mile to run that I could really blow it out the water...relatively speaking. I dream of a sub 8 minute mile. To that end, I think I'm going to sign up for Big River Running's Macklind Mile on July 4th. It'll take mere minutes of my holiday (the dollar amount it will cost to sign up is actually higher than the amount of time it should take to finish...) and I need some races to be excited about between now and October.

I'd like to blog a little more and further procrastinate on doing an exercise dvd...I'd like to complain about how difficult it's been for me to workout and eat right lately and make a hundred excuses as to why. But I'm not. I'm going to get up and make at least one good choice today. Here's to good choice #1--may there be more to follow.

How fast can you run 1 mile?
Any of my StL peeps want to join me for 1 quick mile on 7/4?

Quest for Shorts

2010-05-06T08:50:00.007-05:00

When I went running on Monday evening, it was in the low 80's. I wasn't too hot, but I couldn't help but think how nice it would be to feel the wind on my legs. Even more so this summer when the Midwest gets all hot and humid. Maybe it was time to look into getting some shorts.

I've previously avoided shorts for running because a.) my legs were flabby, and b.) all the shorts I had rode up and I spent the whole time yanking them back down. But, times have changed. My thighs are far less jiggly (dare I say there's even some muscle tone). However, no matter how much smaller my legs have gotten, my upper thighs are still dangerously close together, and I was worried that shorts would still sneak up. There's also the issue of their ghostly whiteness, but that's another blog...

I'd already done some research on the subject of good running shorts, read all sorts of reviews in running magazines, websites, etc. The pair with the best reviews consistently was Nike Tempo Shorts:

After work, I stopped at Sports Authority to pick up a pair. I tried on both size medium and large. One of the articles I'd read said to make sure there was about half an inch of room in the crotch but no more. This was pretty accurate for the size medium, but there didn't seem to be much room in the legs. They just felt too small. I remembered reading in a customer review that these ran small, so I tried on the large. With these, there was definitely more than half an inch room, but the legs felt much more comfortable. I jogged in place in the dressing room, and it seemed like a win. No bunching. They were also on sale for $24, so I brought them home.

I was planning a 7 mile run and decided to try them out. In the future, I will try out shorts on much shorter runs. Much much shorter runs...

My first impression was, "OMG, what is that jiggling??" Apparently, compression tights, well, compress the wobble. So much so that I was convinced it no longer existed. But, I'm here to tell you, it's alive and well. Maybe all that shaking will work it right off like...sounds like a product from an infomercial. Anyway, I was less than a mile from the house when the bunching began. "Nooooooo!!!!" I thought. Maybe I just needed to adjust the placement of the waist band. I tend to wear things low on my hips, and maybe these needed to be up a little higher. No luck. I spent the better part of 7 miles intermittently tugging them down. Before I'd left the house, I'd also thought to swipe some Body Glide on my inner thighs, just in case. Thank goodness I did. The glide wore off before I got home, and I'm missing a thin layer of skin in that vicinity, but it could have been far worse.

And, so the quest for the holy grail of running shorts that stay put continues...next up spandex:

Anyone have insights on great running shorts for those of us with, uh "muscular" thighs?

Just Checking In...

2010-05-03T07:43:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a little bit. What have I been up to?

I'm S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D! Some changes have taken place at the job, and in addition to being super busy, I'm nervous to see how it will all shake out in the end. I also do some freelance work, which has added extra pressure. And, there have been, and will be for the next month or so, lots of personal obligations to keep me on the run. My refrigerator also broke...it still cools (thankfully) but makes the most horrible sound while it's running. The good news was that the building manager showed up to take care of it fairly quickly. The bad news is that due to the recent energy rebates, Lowes can't deliver it until this Thursday. It's so loud around here I can barely think. I can only imagine what the neighbors think.

For me, stress usually translates into eating badly. I'm trying to hold it in check I swear, but I've definitely been eating more than usual and craving the usual suspects of ice cream, candy, and the like. I've come to the conclusion that I need to be drinking more water, but I'm having a really hard time choosing H2O over the caffeinated drinks these days.

I've also been struggling with motivation. My official marathon training program doesn't start until June, which is great considering all the stuff I have going on in the month of May. I'm using this time to get used to running 4 days a week and being able to strength train after two of the shorter runs like I will be doing when training starts. But, it also leaves me feeling at loose ends. I like having a goal in mind. It makes every run or strength session feel like it has a purpose (b/c I guess being healthy isn't enough of a purpose??). I've still been doing the workouts, especially with all the guilt about the bad foods I've been consuming, but I haven't been feeling inspired. Maybe I need to sign up for a 5k or something...

Anyway, excuse the downer post...I prefer to think of it as being real. It's normal to get worn down by the journey sometimes, right? The important part is figuring out how to snap out of it. That's what I'm working on now.

What works for you when you need to snap out of a workout funk?

Any tips for increasing water intake during the day?

The Things I've Seen

2010-04-21T10:13:00.003-05:00

Now that I run without an iPod most of the time, I find myself noticing a lot more about my surrounding--sights, sounds, smells. I thought I'd share a few from last night's run:

1. A lone can of Libby's pumpkin puree lying on the sidewalk in a residential neighborhood. I wondered how it ended up there (b/c there weren't any driveways terribly near by) and who was making pumpkin pie in April.

2. A puffy dead squirrel--biggest squirrel I've ever seen; I thought it was a cat at first. Both disgusting and sad (but not as sad as if it'd been a cat).

3. The inviting smell of flowers (I have no idea what kind...purple) mixed with the nose-wrinkling smell of new mulch.

4. A fellow runner carrying the cutting edge discman...Who even needs an MP3 player??

5. A runner who, apparently used to the seas parting for him, ran directly down the middle of the sidewalk toward me, leaving me to practically leap into a bush to avoid being mowed over.

6. Honking...followed by a long leer out the window. Gross. Come any closer and you'll get an eyefull of pepper spray.

7. The green-yellow film of pollen covering cars and sidewalks everywhere I ran. But, my histamine-proofed nose was good to go--I love you Sudafed!

8. An ice cream truck playing a children's tune over the loud speaker...I couldn't remember the name of the song or the lyrics...All that came to mind was Chingy's version "Do Your Chain Hang Low."

9. A little girl running across the lawn and down the sidewalk after said ice cream truck, whose cries of "ICE CREAM!!!" turned into sobs as she collapsed onto the sidewalk in a forlorn heap when the truck didn't stop. Can't blame ya little sista, I've been known to do the same when I miss out on ice cream.

10. A rough kitten tongue licking my ankles as I stretched out...yum, salty!

Recap: My First Half Marathon

2010-04-12T13:13:00.012-05:00

This weekend was the much anticipated Go! St. Louis Half & Full Marathon. I took the day off on Friday to, among other things, attend the race expo and pick up my race packet.

The expo was held at the Chaifetz arena on the campus of St. Louis University. It was my first time to the arena. This was my first expo, but I have to say I was unimpressed by it. First, there were three separate stations, in three separate parts of the building to pick up 1. bib numbers, 2. race duffel bag, and 3. race shirt and goodie bag. I thought it was weird that I had to traipse all over the building just to do what I came there for.

The vendor area was set up in the floor of the arena. I really thought there would be more. There wasn't much in the way of free samples. I got a couple of Larabar samples and some cereal but that was it. I ended up buying a Bondi Band b/c they're supposed to both wick sweat and stay put (which is difficult with my slippery hair texture) and a pair of compression socks (in hot pink!). All the area running stores were represented, and there were booths for about half a dozen upcoming marathons and a couple of running clubs. All in all, I was out of there in less than an hour.

Between then and Sunday morning, I tried to lay low and rest. I planned to go to bed early on Saturday night, but we had a birthday party to go to for a very good friend. Even though I left early, by the time I got home and got my race stuff together for the next day, it was almost 1 a.m. before I fell asleep. My alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. I wanted plenty of time to eat and get to the Metrolink station to catch the first train downtown.

Dear sweet B. got up too and went with me. He brought his bike along so he could move between areas of the race more easily. Turns out, the instructions to arrive an hour early were kind of a waste. We were down there by 6:00 a.m., with nothing to do but mill around and try to stay loose (and take pictures...)

People didn't really start lining up until about 15 minutes before the race. I got in line near the 2:20 pace group. I wasn't sure yet if I would go faster or slower than them, but it seemed like as good a place as any to start. The crowd you can see in the picture below doesn't even do justice to how enormous the race field was...

While I was waiting, I spotted B. standing on the steps of a nearby building taking pictures, so I tried to get his attention:

While I waited, I made friends with some other first time marathoners. We watched the minutes tick by to start time...The start turned out to be pretty anti-climatic. There were so many people that when the race started, it took a good 12 minutes for our part of the crowd to even start walking towards the start. I pressed my Garmin timer when I stepped across the line 15 minutes later according to the race clock.

Maybe it was all the waiting and subsequent nerves, but I took off when I finally made it out of the gate. I knew I was running too fast, but I didn't even care. I just felt good to be moving. The first couple of miles took us past Busch Stadium and down Broadway toward the Anheuser Busch brewery. My first two splits were 9:37 and 9:54. I knew I should slow down to avoid burning out before the finish. Then we got to our first uphill as we ran past the brewery on our circle back toward downtown. That slowed me down plenty.

My first two water stops (which I'd been nervous about b/c I'm not coordinated enough to run and drink at the same time) went well. There were tables with Gatorade followed by water, and I'd made the decision that I'd walk through every single stop just to make sure I stayed adequately hydrated. The only thing that could have been better was the volunteers were having a very hard time keeping up with demand not just at the first tables, but all of them. This problem was continuous throughout the race.

After our little tour of Soulard, we were on our way back downtown. I saw B. again around mile 5. All the spectators were very encouraging and vocal, but it was nice to see a familiar face! PS: I love the expression of the guy next to me in this picture...

Back downtown, we headed down Olive, which we'd be on until we reached Vandeventer in Midtown. I'd run in this area before several years ago when I did the St. Patty's Day 5 miler, and I knew there was one rather large hill near Compton. Yes, there was a hill at Compton, plus about three others I didn't know about. The course had a lot more uphill than I'd thought going in. It made me glad that all my training runs involve a hilly course. None of them were too terribly hard. I just shortened my stride and kept moving. My splits were getting slower at this point, mostly in the 10:30s.

I didn't see B. again until the end, but he apparently saw me (I was really "in the zone" I guess and didn't hear him shouting my name).

At mile 8, they provided GU gels for us. I was going to skip it but I heard one volunteer call out that he had apple cinnamon flavor and decided to give it a try. YUM! Other gels I've tried have made me ill, but this one tasted like apple pie filling. I slurped down the whole thing. What they didn't give us for another mile was liquid. I would have liked a little something to wash my GU down with, but I'll know better for next time.

The hardest part of the race came around mile 9...We were approaching Forest Park Parkway, where the half marathoners were turning around to head back downtown and the full marathoners were splitting off to head toward Forest Park. In the distance, I could see runners headed right and others streaming off to the left. I thought this was the turn around. Sadly, it was not. Nor was it at the next block or the next or the next. It was completely psychological, but the constant wondering if we were "there yet" took a bit of a toll on me.

Finally, I made it to the turn around and a few feet later the 10 mile mark. "It's just a 5K from here," I kept repeating to myself. I tried to take it up a notch, although several more hills kept me moderately slow. I just tried to keep ahead or at the same pace as the 2:20 pace group that had caught up with me around mile 8. Miles 10-12 were somewhere between 10:45 and 11:00 minutes per mile. When I knew there was just a mile left, used absolutely everything I had left and sprinted (well, in my mind I was sprinting...) for the finish. Just for some perspective, about this same time, the first marathon finisher was also approaching the finish line--Oh to be that fast!

I hit the stop timer just as I crossed the finish at 2:18:30. Before the race 2:20 was a ideal goal and 2:30 was what I figured I was capable of. So, I was really pleased with that. I wound my way through the mob of people to find B. in the family reunion area. I had him take an after race photo since I'm pretty sure my finish line photo is going to be crap (I was looking at my watch...).

By the time we got home, my official results were posted:

Chip Time: 2:19:32
Clock Time: 2:31:17
Overall Finish: 5853 of 10702
Female Finish: 3048 of 6820
Age Div Finish: 497 of ?

I can't figure out why my chip time is a minute off from my Garmin since I started/stopped it exactly at the finish line. I did see on the Go! website that several people had commented that their times were wrong. 2:18 or 2:19, either way, it's a good first time for my fitness level and I'm happy with it.

Professional race photos should be out later in the week, and if any of them are decent, I'll post them. I'm not expecting much...there was the not looking up at the finish, not to mention almost mowing over the photog mid-race who was stationed in the middle of the road...Again, I'll just say I was "in the zone."

After the race, we took the Metrolink back home, and as soon as I'd eaten some lunch, I passed out for a long nap. I spent the evening icing my knees and hip and stretching. Today I feel pretty good--just a little sore in my right knee and left hip and dealing with a ginormous blister on my big toe. This week I'm going to cross train and give myself until next weekend before I go on a real run.

Next up, marathon training starting in June. I have to admit that I'm intimidated. Yesterday was TOUGH! I'm partially to blame for the lack of sleep and starting out way too fast, but I still wonder how my body will handle the twice as many miles required for a full marathon. *Sigh*
I guess that's what training is for, right??

Special thanks to B. for all the support and picture-taking. Thanks to everyone else for their well-wishes and encouragement!

The "Cheapest" Hobby

2010-04-08T10:18:00.005-05:00

When I first started running with the C25K program, I absolutely bought into the myth that running is the easiest hobby. No need to gather up a team. No special equipment, just throw on any old t-shirt, shorts, and beat-up pair of tennis shoes and hit the road. This philosophy worked for a very very short time.

By the time I was up to running for 8 minutes straight (what is it, like 2 or 3 weeks in?), I realized the old New Balances that I wore everywhere from the grocery store to the elliptical machine weren't going to cut it. My toes were jamming against the front, and the padding in the inside of the shoe that rests against my Achilles was ripped and rubbed with every step. New shoes were in order--shoes I picked out myself with zero knowledge and bought on a discount site online. It took even less time to realize that old sports bras were the worst for running and needed to be replaced with quality ones. I already had some yoga capris that worked for running, better than the old gym shorts that rode up and left me tugging them back down the whole time. And, I soon tired of cotton t-shirts that were soaked with sweat after a few minutes and chafed at my sides and underarms. The solution? Running tanks from Target.

A year later, I've come to terms with the fact that running isn't a cheap hobby at all. I've dropped a fair amount of cash to keep myself in appropriate gear. First there was the need for cold gear (tights, shirts, jackets...). Then, there was the Garmin. And, you've seen the haul of running stuff I got for the holidays. Then, I replaced my poor choice of "running shoe" with a professional fit pair. Next, there were new running capris for summer.

Lately, I've been considering new options for hydration packs, dying for a running skirt, thinking of trying compression socks, and longing for better quality tanks and maybe finally some running shorts. Today, I actually chose a new hydration pack over a pair of new summer sandals. Seriously?? What's wrong with me??

My latest obsession? I've been coveting these CW-X running tights since I read a review of them several months ago.

But, they run anywhere from $75 to $100 a pop. And, I balked at the $50 for my current running tights...I want them before Chicago in October. I'm trying to decide between 3/4 and full length and which would get the most wear. I'm thinking 3/4. If there was ever a time to get them, it's now when I have a $50 gift card to Dicks Sporting Goods from winning a giveaway from the awesome Jogger's Life.

If I do something, I like to do it "right." I wish I could be a running minimalist (or purist or whatever you want to call it), but why get unnecessarily chafed and blistered and risk injury with sub-par equipment? So cheap, not quite. But, I tend to think the money is well spent when I consider the physical and mental benefits I've gotten out of running.

How do you feel? Do you run in just the basics or do you like the best gear with all the bells and whistles? Have you tried CW-X tights? Are they worth the cost?

9 Days and Counting!

2010-04-02T10:03:00.004-05:00

I am so excited about the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon that I can hardly stand it! The race is a mere 9 days away!!

In the meantime, I've received my bib number: I will be runner 4327. As of right now, I don't think there's online tracking, but if that changes, I'll post an update. Next Friday, I'm taking a half day to pay a visit to the race expo. This will be my first expo, and while, the StL marathon isn't the biggest race in the world, I'm hoping for an expo full of free samples and other fun swag!

This Sunday is my last long run before the big day...I'll probably do 10, so I'll get a good workout but not push myself too hard. I really need a good run. Yesterday afternoon's run sucked plain and simple. It was hot, the exhaust from the passing cars was almost more than I could stand, and I was just tired. I did 5 miles, but walked a good little bit along the way. It's okay to have bad days, but this close to the race it made me a little anxious. But, I think a good run Sunday would improve my spirits.

Other things to do before the race?
1. Figure out how long it takes to get downtown to the starting area via Metrolink.
2. Print a map of the race area for B. so he can figure out strategic areas to intercept me for photo ops and cheering. (Side note: he's such a trooper...he's getting up at 5:30 on a Sunday morning to take me to the start and then hanging around waiting for me to finish. What a good boyfriend!)
3. Decide what I'm wearing. This is less girly than it sounds. I know what running tights I'll wear, but I need to figure out tshirt or tank and which one AND if I'm layering, what to wear that I don't mind discarding. I like all of my current workout wear and there's nothing I really want to say goodbye to forever. Might have to hit up the Target clearance section. At least all the discarded clothing along the route will be donated to a local charity.

ExcitedExcitedExcited! It's going to be hard to back off on runs this next week...my schedule has a 4 and a 3. I won't know what to do with myself!

PS: A shout out to a couple of friends doing the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon tomorrow morning in Springfield, IL. Good luck, Ladies!

Hot Weather Hydration

2010-03-31T11:18:00.006-05:00

Okay, so it's not exactly hot yet. More like warm. And, let me just say, I would never complain about beautiful sunny spring weather... but I'm experiencing a definite "transition" to running in warmth instead of sub-zero temps.

A couple of weeks ago when it first started to get warm, I went for an after work run in temps in the high 60s. I found that I was immediately thirsty. I had been drinking water all day and had downed about 16 ounces of water before I took off. Still, less than a mile in, I was unbearably thirsty. I think this might also have something to do with the decongestant allergy pills I have to take before running outside; they seem to give me dry mouth. However, I don't remember needing water during a short run (3 to 5 miles) last summer.

So, yesterday, I was planning a 6 mile run after work and it was about 72 degrees. I decided to use my water belt to avoid the misery of dusty throat. I drank a full 32 ounces of water before I left. And, finished my water bottles in belt in less than 3 miles... even though they got lukewarm very quickly. And, there was no good place on this particular route to refill.

If this super thirsty thing is how it's gonna be this summer (let's face it, it's only gonna get hotter and more humid), I need more water to carry with me. So, last night I did a little Amazon searching for hydration packs. I'm not a huge fan of my water belt, so I don't think the one with 4 small bottles would work for me. B. suggested a camel pack, but I feel like the straps would chafe. I've considered hand-held bottles, but at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I have trouble with keeping my arms moving with good form, and I think holding a bottle would exacerbate that issue. I found a waist pack with two 22-ounce bottles. That could be good, especially for long training runs this summer, but might be heavy.

But, for this one, I'm turning to the running community...

Is it normal to be thirstier when the weather changes?

Will I get back to normal once I'm used to warmer temps?

Anyone have a favorite hydration pack or ones you tried and didn't like?

Feedback would be much appreciated.

One Year

2010-03-28T17:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was one year since I first started recording my weight weekly in an attempt to lose 50 pounds. I'll be honest, when I realized that 12 months ago I started on what I thought was a 6 month plan and I still haven't completely achieved my goal, I was a little disappointed in myself. Lots of other health and fitness bloggers I've read have done so much more in a year: 60, 80, 100 even. Why haven't I?

I could list a hundred excuses, but really it comes down to focus. When I'm super strict with my diet and exercise 6 days a week, the pounds come off. But, I have a full-time job, and a relationship, and friends, and hobbies...So, some weeks, I just couldn't give 100% to this goal while giving my best in those other very important areas. I also couldn't deprive myself all the time. I heart ice cream. I eat far less of it than I did a year ago, but I still don't want to live life without any ever. The same could be said of a burger or a glass or two of wine. I could complain about not having reached my goal yet, but it was the product of my choice to lose weight "my way." The weight loss has been slow, but I've found a healthy life that I can live with long term and doesn't make me miserable.

But, that's not to say the numbers aren't going in a positive direction. Number on the scale yesterday? 159! Super excited about that. A mere 9 pounds to goal and then maintenance phase begins. And, I'm good at maintenance...There were lots of weeks when workouts or food were so-so, but my weight stayed about the same, give or take a couple of ounces. It's good to know that when I get to my goal, simply being mindful of what I put in my mouth, how much and how often will be enough to make sure I never ever have to do this again!

**PS: I've been working on a post about the fabulousness of the foam roller, but I haven't gotten around to taking any demonstration pictures. In the meantime, just let me say, my legs feel like new!**

Week in Review

2010-03-20T18:05:00.005-05:00

So week 1 of living re-committed is in the books, and let me tell you, it went well! How'd I do on my food goals? Well...

There were actually zero caramel machiattos this week! I had regular coffee twice. Couldn't believe it.
I stayed within my calorie limits 5 out of 7 days. One day it was just under 100 over, and last night was a bit more. It was B's brother's engagement celebration, so I allowed myself a couple glasses of white wine and a ice cream cupcake from Maggie Moo's (super yum!).
I did great on dinner out on Thursday. We went to Houlihan's, and I got a side salad and one of their small plates, so I got a taste of the good stuff with better portion size.
Until last night when I had ice cream, I had none of the "bad" stuff on my list that I was planning to cut out. In this week's weigh in, I was at 160.2, which was okay...I'd gained a couple of pounds in the week or so leading up to my decision to get it together.

I also did a good job on the exercise front. I kept the workout schedule I posted last week. The only slight changes was on Wednesday. I did a different strength circuit dvd and focused on just upper body and core. Why? Tuesday on my 5 mile run, I felt a twinge in my left calf again. After I got home and stretched out, it felt even tighter. So, I laid off the leg Wednesday. Thursday, I went out on a slow 5 mile run. I went out with the understanding that I would go for only as long as my leg felt okay. It got tight a couple of times, and when it did, I walked for a minute or two until it felt loose again.

That brings us to this morning. My left felt pretty good when I woke up, so I decided to go ahead and try a long run. Again, if things got bad, I was supposed to walk home. I started out slow, and when I'd have to stop at a traffic light, I'd stretch the calf while I waited. Everything felt pretty good. I did the same route as my 11-mile run. Luckily, one high-traffic water fountain had been turned on, so on my way home, I was able to fill my water bottles again. Hills were the hardest. I did a little googling about calf strain (and obsessed about whether it was actually an Achilles strain), and apparently hills aggravated the problem. So, I took it verrrrry slow up hills. It was amazing how much better the run was with ample water. To get the last mile in, I added a loop around our neighborhood and finished with 12 miles in 2 hours and 12 minutes!

I stretched out very well, but my calf is screaming still, and I'm sore in knees and hips. I tested out my new foam roller, and it did provide a very intense massage. I'm still not certain I was doing it right, but the instructions that came with it didn't really say how to do a calf stretch. Any tips or tricks?

That wasn't the worst part though...I'd been home for about 20 minutes when my stomach turned on me (if you know what I mean). B. kindly brought home a Quiznos veggie sub for lunch since I was curled in the fetal position moaning and wailing about my stomach cramps but desperately needed to eat. I finished off the afternoon with a nap, but my stomach is still not right. Has anyone else experienced this after a long run when a bug didn't seem to be the culprit? Any fixes?

Next week's workout schedule will look similar to this week's except that I'm switching out one or more short run with some other cardio (probably kickboxing or cycling) to give my leg a rest. It's going to be hard to resist going out if it's beautiful day, but I don't want to injure myself and end up jeopardizing my ability to participate in the half-marathon. And, hopefully, another week of commitment will put me in the 150s!

Re-Commitment

2010-03-14T13:03:00.004-05:00

Confession: In the constant battle between healthy, active living and lethargy, lethargy has been kicking my ass lately.

I've been eating what I want to eat (i.e., fatty bad things) instead of what I need to eat (i.e., low calorie good things). I skipped my workouts on Thursday and Saturday because of the poor excuse "well, I have an appointment and neither before or after that 'works' for me." I could have made one of these up on Friday, my usual rest day, but I didn't. The workouts I did have this past week were mediocre at best.

So, it's time re-commit to the process. Again. As many times as it takes until I get where I need to be. For the rest of my life. Here are my vows in this re-commitment ceremony to my body:

Body,
I promise to help you get rid of those last, stubborn but unneeded 10 lbs so you can be a healthy weight to drag me through all the activities I try to put you through. To make this happen, I will stop with the junk and give you the fuel you need. Specifically,

I'm cutting back to no more than 1 caramel machiatto a week. If I drink that machiatto on Monday, that's it. Regular coffee the rest of the week.
Back to measuring, counting, and recording the food I eat more carefully. Just because I ate that handful of cereal so quickly you couldn't see it doesn't mean it didn't have calories.
I'm going to stay within my calorie limits needed to lose a pound a week. If I'm going to dinner out, I'm going to adjust the day's calories accordingly. Splurging isn't splurging if you do it all the time; it's a way of life--the one that got you where you were before.
More veggies and fruit. Less (preferably no) chips, ice cream, candy bars, diet soda.

I'm also going to recommit to burning calories through meaningful workouts and the following:

I'm going to do 5 to 6 workouts a week, 3 cardio, 2-3 strength.
If I have an appointment in the afternoon, I will get my lazy self out of bed before work and do it in the morning.
I'm going to resist the urge to take a nap after work and then go work out. It messes up my sleep and starts a terrible cycle of staying up too late and waking up crabby and tired.
I'm going to recommit to strength training. It makes running so much easier when your legs and core and even upper body are strong.
I'm going to go to a minimum of 1 yoga class per week to help my body deal with the stress of running. I may also count this as a strength session.
Finally, to keep myself accountable this week, and possible going forward, I'm going to post my workout schedule on this blog and update as I complete each one.

And, while I'm doing all this for you, you use what I'm giving you to lose those 10 pounds already and keep getting toned and fit. Deal? Deal.

Workout Schedule 03/14 - 3/20

Sunday - Vinyasa Yoga (90 minutes): Check!

Monday - Strength circuits (50 minutes): Check!

Tuesday - Run (4-5 miles)

Wednesday - Strength circuits (50 minutes)

Thursday - Run (5-6 miles)

Friday - Rest

Saturday - Long Run (8-12 miles)

Back to business! Hopefully this keeps me accountable...

Yoga Meltdown with Jillian Michaels

2010-03-11T08:21:00.008-06:00

I've been meaning to post this for about a week, but work has been insane. I was playing around on Amazon about a month ago when I saw a new Jillian Michaels workout dvd for pre-release order: Yoga Meltdown. I love yoga and figured Jillian would provide a kick ass Ashtanga style workout, so I immediately placed my order.

Let me preface my review by saying I've practiced yoga for about 10 years now. I've done lots of different styles, but Ashtanga/Vinyasa style is my favorite. I'm kind of a "purist"...I hate those yoga/pilates (piloga? yogalates?) classes. I believe a class can be tough and still keep the meditative spirit of yoga.

Anyway...I finally got a chance to try out the dvd this week. It was a strength training day, but I was very sore and thought yoga would be just the thing.

The dvd is divided into two 30-minute practices. One is considered "beginner" and the other "advanced." Jillian is joined by two helpers, one who does the most advanced version of poses and the other who does the beginner/intermediate versions. I was a little put off by a yoga workout that's only 30 minutes long...yoga doesn't burn that many calories; my 90-minute Sunday class only burns about 450 calories. So, 30 minutes just didn't seem like enough going in.

I started with the first workout on the dvd as recommended. The workout started with some warm up movement, slow modified sun salutation variations. I didn't feel like my legs got warm enough from it. When it was time to do a complete vinyasa, I didn't like that she skipped the spinal extension at the beginning of the forward bend. Then the workout started...

The practice did follow a sort of "flow." In each circuit (she just can't get away from those circuits...if there was ever a time to do it, it was for a yoga dvd), we moved into a pose (for example, a lunge) and then "repped it out," meaning we moved deep into the pose, out of it and then back in. After a few reps, we held the pose for 15 seconds. I have to say I didn't think the reps did much good. I didn't feel as much burn as I do when holding a pose for a longer time or the heart rate increase from moving quickly through a variety of poses.

Some of the sequences seemed a little difficult or even dangerous for a beginner. Specifically, there's a sequence where we move in and out of half-camel and then hold full camel for 15 seconds. Camel is notoriously hard on the lower back for the inexperienced, and pulling in and out of the pose seems like a good way to get hurt if you don't know what you're doing. There were also some chaturanga push ups, which I enjoyed, but I'm not sure a beginner would be able to pull those off.

What made the dvd even harder to follow was the fact that camera tended to follow Jillian, who spent most of the session walking around, demonstrating form with the models. It made it difficult to see which version of a pose the other model was doing sometimes.

When the 30 minutes was up, I wasn't the least bit tired. I don't think I even broke a sweat. So, I took a look at the advanced practice. It followed a similar set up but included more core and balance work. I was hoping that I could string both workouts together for a decent workout, but enough of the moves are similar that it doesn't seem worthwhile. Plus, by the time you cut out the cool down in the first session and the warm up of the second session, you still aren't getting a very long workout.

So, as you can see I was disappointed. I was disappointed b/c I have yet to find a yoga dvd that comes anywhere near replicating a class. The closest I've found are the David Farmar podcasts, but those are also difficult b/c you don't get any visual help. I was also disappointed in Jillian...I love my other dvds from her so much. The Shred was what started me out on my weight loss journey, and the Blast Fat Boost Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones have made some great changes in the last few months I've been using them. But, Yoga Meltdown was just lackluster. I appreciate that she was trying to break out of her comfort zone, but Jillian should really stick with what she does best circuit training/cardio and leave yoga to the trained practitioners.

11 Down 2.1 to Go!

2010-03-07T08:35:00.008-06:00

This Saturday I was planning to push for 11 miles. A new farthest ever. One step closer to making sure I'll have a good first half-marathon experience (in just 35 days!!!) I had it all planned out...I'm not one of those people who can turn on the Garmin and just run aimlessly until the miles elapse. I did something similar when I ended up running 10 miles instead of 6, and it sucked. So, I got on good ole MapMyRun.com to figure out a good route. I decided on running from my apartment down Wydown, as I've done before, but when I get to Forest Park, I'd do the 5.66 mile loop and then head back home. It came out to just over 11 miles.

I also knew I'd be trying out some new gear for the first time. I'd been eyeing some capri-length running tights. The Fila yoga style capris I ran in last summer were fine for short distances, but the seams aren't anti-chafe enough for longer runs. I'd love to be able to rock a pair of spandex shorts, but embarrassing confession: even though, my thighs are significantly smaller, shorts of all kinds still ride up when I run. Anyone else have that problem?? I knew tights were likely to set me back about $50 a pair or more, so I was looking for a deal...then early last week, I saw a tweet from Deals Plus saying the Nike store was offering an extra 20% off their already 50% discounted clearance items. I scored 3 pairs of Dryfit capri tights for the price of 2 at a sporting goods store. And, even though I chose regular shipping, they arrived by Friday morning! It was supposed to be a high of 60 degrees yesterday, so I decided to give them a go.

I also know from past thirsty experiences that the water fountains in the parks around here and in Forest Park aren't turned on yet, so I decided to try out the water belt B. got me for Hanukkah. I filled the 2 bottles with a Gatorade/H2O mixture and stuffed some Sport Beans in the pocket.

I wanted to get on the road early, but due to a sinus headache (the only downside of spring) it was about 9:30 before I got out the door. I wasn't sure what to eat before I went. Eating too much results in a major stomach cramps, so I opted for my usual Greek yogurt w/ honey and cinnamon Puffins even though it's only about 170 calories. I was optimistic. My headache was subsiding, I'd had an extra rest day Thursday, I could definitely do this!

The first 3 miles to the park were good. I felt strong, and about half way there I mastered the water belt. Putting it around my natural waist didn't work; it kept moving higher and higher as I ran. Finally, I stopped and put it around my hips and pulled my shirt out from under it. That worked much better, and eventually I could hardly feel it.

Forest Park was hopping. Everyone and their dog was out enjoying the sunshine. A lot has changed since last year at this time. I felt like one of the "real" runners, not the miserable, chubby girl trying to keep her feet moving. I'm not saying a dad with a jogging stroller didn't still leave me in the dust...nothing like someone pushing an extra 50 lbs speeding by to make you realize you need to pick up the pace a little!

When I finished the park loop and stopped for the walk light to cross back to Wydown, I was TIRED. I tried to eat some Sport Beans, but they were sticking to my teeth and roof of my mouth and I was trying to conserve my water (those bottles are pretty small...maybe I should have opted for the 4 bottle belt). I'd gone 8.5 miles approximately, and the way home was on an incline until the last mile. I waited for my 9 mile second wind like my last long run. It arrived...and then disappeared at mile 10. The last mile was sheer will. My breakfast was a distant memory, my water was gone. I was never so happy to hear the Garmin beep for the last mile.

I finished 11.05 miles in 1:57. Considering I finished my first 10K in 1:02, I'm okay with that time. If race day goes well, I could finish the other 2.1 miles in about 20-22 minutes putting me at 2:20-ish, which I'd be completely okay with. At the end of every run, I always ask myself, could you have gone farther if you had to? In this case, could I have powered out another 2.1? If it were race day, and there was an aid station with orange slices and water, yes. As it was, no, I was just out of gas.

Some things to figure out before my next long run: getting up early enough to eat, let my food digest and still get running before it gets too hot. Also, plans for filling up my water bottles mid run...is it a faux pas to stop into a Starbucks or somewhere and use their water fountain if you aren't buying anything?

But, when it was all said and done, I had finished what I set out to do. Here I am exhausted but very (red faced and ) pleased with myself:

The Upside of Illness

2010-02-27T11:09:00.002-06:00

So, not only did I not gain 10 pounds on my trip, when I weighed in this morning, I saw a zero after the 1and 6. something I'd never seen before. 160. One more pound until I'm finally, at long last, into my goal range of 150s. Awesome! I guess there was a silver lining in being sick for the past 4 or 5 days. It certainly wasn't from exercise, as I have been lying around waiting for a mucous-y death. Maybe the body burns more calories fighting viruses? Probably not, but I'll take it!
I'm continuing the hard exercise hiatus through the weekend until the congestion clears up more. Maybe a walk tomorrow. In the meantime I'll be slaving away for work. Wish me luck!

If at First You Don't Succeed...

2010-02-22T11:11:00.003-06:00

Last week was unbelievably rough! Not a complete failure health-wise, but definitely not a success. The good news? I tried to keep my eating in check, even though every single meal was in a restaurant. I ordered the healthy option (although in some restaurants this was more of a lesser of two evils approach), didn't finish the huge portions, and drank LOTS of water.

The bad news: I did almost no exercise. Other than a few push ups and crunches in the hotel room. I hit up the so-called fitness center at the hotel the first night. It was in a sun room enclosure off the pool. And, it was unheated. Crazy me, when I packed, I packed to workout in a climate controlled indoor area; you know, shorts and tanks. I could literally see my breath in there. I lasted about five minutes before I gave up and went back to my room shivering. As the temperature was in the 20s-30s all week, I didn't bother going back.

I tried to get back on track over the weekend. Saturday, I went out for a short run. I only made it 3.5 miles. I looked at it as an exercise in listening to my body. I wanted to have a new distance record again this weekend, but I also knew I was going out completely physically drained. I committed to myself to only go as far as I felt good. When I got tired, time to go home.

Sunday was spent desperately trying to get caught up on all the things that have to happen before a new work week starts, no matter how tired you are: grocery shopping, laundry, errands, etc. Somehow in those short miles from Saturday, the top of my left foot started aching again (like it hasn't done in months), so I opted out of a hard workout and just did some stretching.

I'll be honest. I'm feeling discouraged that weight loss isn't happening faster. Why are the last 10 pounds the hardest?? It's also that point in February when I'm tired of the depressing cold and fiending for a little time in some warm sunshine. Spring can't get here fast enough! But, I'm going to try to power through. My goals for this week are to get back to my regular workout schedule. I have a strength workout scheduled this afternoon, no excuses! I also want to eat clean this week, to make up hopefully for the questionable restaurant-prepared foods from last week. I couldn't bring myself to weigh in (flying always makes me feel puffy), so I'm giving myself until this Friday to check back in on that front. Gotta be better than last week, right?

New Record

2010-02-13T13:02:00.002-06:00

Right before I set out on my long run this morning, I realized I was looking at the wrong week of the training program...What I thought was supposed to be a 9 mile run was really only scheduled for 6. But, it was a great morning to be out running, and when I was getting close to the 6 mile mark, I decided to go for 9 anyway. Especially since I won't have the opportunity to run outside again until next weekend. At 9 miles, I thought, I've done 9 before...I'd really like to reach a new goal this morning. So, I kept going for another mile...
I just ran 10.17 miles in 1:51:33. Not super fast, but my splits were around 10:30 to 11:00.
And, I found another edge...Last week I mentioned that around 4 miles into a run, my legs start to wake up. Around mile 9, they get a second wind. Good to know! I'm fully confident that my half, which is now 1 month and 25 days away will be within easy reach. Woo! What a way to start the weekend!

Mental Preparation

2010-02-12T09:45:00.005-06:00

I'm going on my first work trip next week. Starting on Sunday (yes, we're leaving on Valentine's Day), I'll be gone for a week. Where are we going? Somewhere warm? Nope, to snow-walloped Philadelphia. I'll be honest, I'm a little nervous.

First of all, I work from home, so my daily interaction with my coworkers or other employees is limited to e-mail/instant messenger and the occasional phone call. Now, I'll be with them for about 14 hours a day for a week. Apparently, we'll be having all our meals together, too. Yikes! That's a lot of togetherness!

It's also a lot of eating out. Our lunches will most likely be at the on site cafeteria. They almost always have a salad bar and some healthy sandwich options, so I'm not too concerned about that. Breakfast will be tough. I eat Greek yogurt every morning...next week, I have a feeling I'll be contending with something on the order of Panera. Dinner will most likely be a sit-down restaurant meal. I have no clue what restaurants are in the vicinity of our hotel, so there's not much scouting of menus I can do beforehand. My challenge will be to stick to the healthy eating rules I know: Grilled not fried, sauces on the side if at all, veggies not fries, etc. I just have to avoid eating badly out of stress.

I'm also concerned about having time to work out. When we meet for breakfast at 7:00, we have to be dressed and ready for the day. After the work day, we'll be having a dinner/planning meeting. When am I going to be able to visit the hotel fitness center (which is tiny, I might add)? At 5:00 a.m.? At midnight? I have to get at least a few workouts in. April 11 is rapidly approaching. To make away-from-home fitness as easy as possible, I'm taking my copy of Burn Fat Boost Metabolism. It doesn't require any weights, so I can do it in my hotel room from my laptop. I've also got several yoga podcasts on my iTunes. The tiny fitness center appears to have at least one mediocre treadmill. No matter how crazy my schedule is I'd like to get in at least 45 minutes of exercise a day. We'll be arriving at the hotel by around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, so hopefully I can get in a really hard workout before the hard work even starts.

I'm betting the key to making this week successful (both professionally and health-wise) is having a plan and being mentally prepared. It's going to be a tough week, but if I can make fitness and eating right a priority in the middle of madness, I can do it any old day, right??

Saturday Musings

2010-02-06T18:35:00.003-06:00

I went for a short run this morning, and here are few things I discovered/confirmed...

Running on snowy sidewalks is kind of fun. I enjoyed the satisfying crunch my shoes made and seeing the foot prints of others who'd been out before me.
I'm getting significantly more tolerant of lower temperatures (apparently it just takes practice). It was 24 when I went out this morning. I expected to do a super short run and come back inside b/c it was too cold. But, nope! I did a whole run and was fine. I think it depends highly on how windy it is.
When "they" say to watch out for ice on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, this also includes the pedestrian walkway on those overpasses! I skated across the McCutcheon bridge this morning.
I did some research the other day on arm swing while running. I knew the bit about holding your arms at about 90 degrees close to your body, but I didn't know that I was supposed to pump my elbows back instead of forward. Surprisingly this made a difference. What I didn't discover in my research was whether the arms should swing the same or opposite of your stride (e.g., right arm moving forward as left leg strides or vice versa)...maybe this doesn't matter?
The first 4 miles of any run (in the cold at least) are the hardest for me. The 4 mile mark is officially the point at which my legs wake up and are like, "Cool, we're going for a run?" At that point, I feel like I'm good to go indefinitely (well, indefinitely for the next 5 miles or so, haha).

Bonus musing--I love that a 5+ mile run has become a "short" run. I love that I cleaned house for an hour or so afterwards and then went on with my day with plenty of energy. There was a time when a run that long wiped me out. No more!

Happy Weekend!

Experimenting Part I

2010-02-02T17:51:00.002-06:00

So, the guidelines for the Go! St. Louis half say that iPods are "strongly discouraged." Not banned, just frowned upon...I don't want to be that asshole with the ear buds in, but 13.1 miles is also a very long way to go with no tunes. Currently, my plan is this: I will go music-less during the beginning of the race when quarters are close, but when the pack thins out and I need some motivation, I'll pull out the iPod. I'll keep the headphone cord contained. Heck, I might even buy a Shuffle to slip on my belt. But, in the meantime, since I always run with music, I've decided to try getting used to running a few miles in silence.

This afternoon was attempt #1. I started work early so I could quit while it was still warm (i.e., 37 degrees) and get in a 5 miler before dark. It was all I could do not to strap on my armband as I headed out the door, but I stayed strong.

The result? I finished in my usual amount of time. My splits were very similar. My only issues were mental (and easy enough to get over, I suppose)--I hated listening to myself breathe. Let me tell you, I sound like I am way out of shape! I blame bad allergies! And, even though my Garmin contradicts this, I felt a little lethargic, like I wasn't getting the energy boost from hearing my "favorite" song just when I needed it.

Not bad for the first go round. It's supposed to be warmish for the next couple of days, so hopefully I'll get to give it a try again later in the week.

Do you listen to music while you run or use the time to clear your head in silence?

How do you feel about iPod/mp3 players during races?

Call Me Crazy, But...

2010-02-01T09:27:00.009-06:00

Last night, I stayed up until midnight to register for the Chicago Marathon this coming October. I've been thinking about it, talking about it, even added it to my "Future Races" section ages ago. But, last night I was having serious second thoughts. If the sign up had occurred after my half marathon and that had gone well, I think I would have felt differently. Instead, I found myself debating whether to throw down $135 for something I don't even know if I can physically do. Between the half in April and October, I'll have to DOUBLE the miles I can run. Double! Why did I want to do this anyway? Had I lost my mind? Had reading all the Runner's World articles and people's running blogs given me a false sense of ability? May be I should wait for a while, maybe do another half...

Around, 9 p.m., I sat down for a long talk with B. about it. We determined that yes, I really did want to do this. Why? Because somewhere along the line, I really started to enjoy running, and I want to see what my body is capable of. While more experience would be great, why train for something without a goal in mind? So, what was I afraid of? Failure, plain and simple.

I've never been one to participate in things I'm not awesome at. I quite choir. I quit basketball. I avoided math classes as much as possible. I'm sure there are other examples...Just because I wasn't "the best." I don't like being mediocre. And, in running, I'm mediocre on a good day. I'll never be super fast. I'll never win any medals. Kara Goucher has nothing to look over her shoulder about here. I was worried that I'd get lazy about the time and sweat required to train. And, I was worried that I would get out there on the course and not be able to finish. There's a 6 1/2 hour time limit for the course. That's about a 15 minute/mile pace. I walk that fast. But, I kept obsessing about the unknown and worrying about getting part way through only to get kicked off the course for being too slow.

B. told me that while the decision was ultimately mine alone, he'd support me through it all (and kick me out of bed early on weekend mornings to get my long runs in). My mom replied to my tweet wondering aloud if I could do it with this: "You've always accomplished anything you set your mind to." True. At least two people believe in me...That was the reassurance boost I needed.

So, when midnight rolled around, I was sitting in front of my laptop with my credit card in hand, punching in the info that would make me a future Chicago marathoner.

While it's great to strive to be the best at things, I think I can learn a lot from doing something that's hard for me and sticking with it. I may never break the tape or qualify for Boston, but I can be the best runner I am personally capable of being. I'm not really competing with the other runners on the course. I'm competing with myself alone. Plus, I'll only get better with practice. I've already come much farther than I would have ever dreamed with a little determination and time spent on the road. I've gone from being the girl who said "I'd never run that far--that's just crazy" to being one of the so-called crazies.

Any advice from past marathoners?

Any training plan recommendations?

Has anyone done the Chicago marathon and have tips?

All or Nothing?

2010-01-28T08:18:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, the plan was to hit the gym after dinner (so it would be less busy and less competition for a treadmill). So, after work, I took a nice little nap, and when I woke up, I made roasted salmon & asparagus for dinner. And then I was done...

I was already in pajama pants, and all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch with my new Fitness magazine. Oh, the irony--lazily reading about fitness when I should be actually be doing some physical fitness. Kind of like eating pie while watching the Biggest Loser. Yes, this is what I did last night (although I did work out earlier that day).

I would have stayed there on the couch, too. But, B. dutifully got up and got his workout gear on and prepared to head out the door. So, I did too.

But my gym experience was less than optimal. My energy level had been in the gutter all day. So instead of a long treadmill run, all I could bring myself to do was 30 minutes on the bike doing a random hill program (while listening to the State of the Union on my NPR iPhone app) followed by a slooooow 15 minute random hill run on the treadmill.

I left feeling grouchy. There's nothing I hate worse than a workout that feels like a waste. Then I I got thinking...Well, I did burn around 350 calories. No, that's not as many as I usually like to burn, but isn't 350 calories better than the 10 (or however many) calories I'd have burned lying on the couch, turning magazine pages?

When I first started my get healthy journey, one of the things I changed was my lackadaisical approach to the gym. I had been going for 30-40 minutes several times a week but not working hard enough (i.e., reading a book on the sit-down bike or worse). To improve my results, I made gym time (or any other workout time) a time to push myself and work as hard as possible. If I wasn't burning as many calories as possible, what was the point? That's why I initially started running, by the way, because it burned way more calories in the same amount of time as other gym options.

So, is fitness an all or nothing game? If I don't feel like working out, should I give myself the day off and work out at full capacity the next day? Or, is something better than nothing? Is it okay to have an occasional off day where I just don't live up to my own standard, just so long as I moved my body a little?

I guess that's what a fit lifestyle is all about...figuring what combination works for you...I just have figured out which method will be sustainable for me going forward (especially once maintenance mode starts).

Change of Heart?

2010-01-25T10:42:00.005-06:00

I think I've changed...When the thought I'm about to share occurred to me the other day, I was like "Who are you and what have you done with ME?"

When I started my get-healthy journey last March, I bribed myself to continue by buying extra special presents when I hit milestones along the way. There was a comforter, new jeans, shorts, new shoes, etc. But, the ultimate bribe was the one I'd planned for reaching my ultimate goal weight: my very own pair of black patent platform pumps from Louboutin.

But as my goal draws closer (11 lbs to go!!!), I'm not so sure this final gift to myself is what I really want anymore. Even though I've carefully saved the funds to purchase them, even though I've done thorough research online for the best price and the size I'd need, I'm just not sure I need or want a pair of Louboutins.

What?! you say...I know, I'm surprised at myself, too. The Angela I know and love would NEVER turn down the chance for designer shoes. But, hear me out...here's my reasoning: 1. I work from home. I'd be able to wear them to work about three times a year (unless I'm going to sport them around the house). 2. I'm not sure a heel that high would even be office appropriate (at our particular office anyway). 3. When I go out on the weekend, it's rarely a dressy affair. 4. Should I really throw away $695 on one pair of shoes that will get minimal wear (even if they do last the rest of my natural life)?

I'm not sure I even need a final "Yay me" gift. At the risk of sounding like a cheeseball, my brand new body is pretty much gift enough. Liking myself again (both the image in the mirror and the inner self that feels like she can accomplish absolutely anything) is certainly gift enough. If anything, maybe putting that savings toward a really great vacation or even a nicer hotel for the Chicago Marathon weekend would be more satisfying. That, and maybe a good ice cream cone! =)

Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes!

2010-01-23T10:06:00.005-06:00

First things first - 161.4 at weigh in this morning!

My reward for two weeks of self-discipline!

Meet my new running shoes:

Asics Kayano 16

I was super excited for a professional fitting, so I talked B. into going with me after work on Friday evening (with the promise of dinner my treat anywhere he wanted to go). He had to take a colleague to the airport after work, so it was about 6:30 before he came home, and I was ready to go when he got here. I wasn't sure what to wear...I knew I'd have to run in the shoes, so I went with yoga pants and my new Nike long-sleeve thermal running shirt. Turned out I could have worn just about anything, but now I know.

Fleet Feet was only scheduled to be open until 8 p.m., and when we got there at about 7:00, all three employees were with other people. I was super nervous they wouldn't have time to get to me before close. But the manager was just about to wrap up his sale, so while I waited, I looked over the shoes on display wondering what I was going to get.

The actual fitting was an eye-opening experience. He measured my feet sitting and standing and evaluated my arches, which are medium-high when sitting but flatten a little when standing. My old shoes were too big (10s). He measured me at 9.5. Since the wear pattern on my old shoes was pretty much mid-foot, we started with a pair of Asics neutral shoes with arch support inserts. They felt like a dream. I went out front of the store to demonstrate my run. I was oddly nervous about this--I always wonder if do anything weird when I run. Anyway, he told me I run pretty neutral with just a slight outward roll. So next, he put me in a pair of Saucony stability shoes with the same inserts. I didn't feel nearly as comfortable in these. They seemed way more narrow through the front of my foot. But, the manager told me they had corrected my pronation issues. So, he bought out another pair of stability shoes, Asics this time. These felt like the best of both worlds: They were comfy in all the right spots, but I could definitely feel the support in the mid-foot/heel area. I was a little disappointed that there weren't any color options. I had B. look online while I was testing them out, and even online blue/grey was the only other option. So, I went with the pink/white ones available in the store.

The best part? I have 60 days to try them out, and if for any reason I have issues, I can come back in and exchange them. He also told me that if I start to experience any new aches and pains while I have them to come in and they can see if there's just a small tweak needed to make them feel better. I had lots of initial issues with the NB 805's that I chalked up to being heavy and out of shape that may have been because the shoe didn't offer the best support.

I would definitely recommend Fleet Feet if you need shoes. They spent TONS of time with me, even though it was definitely after closing by the time I went to the register. No one was in a rush to get me in a pair of shoes and out the door. I also did a little research online after the fact, and I definitely got an equitable price...Things there were no more expensive than on the Internet. I'll definitely be going back in the future!

It's kinda rainy and gross this morning, but I'm hoping to take the Asics out on a little test run in a little while.

One last thought: what does one do with their old running shoes? My first thought was donation, but it seems rude to think that anyone, no matter how poor, would want my stinky, beat-up old kicks. Right? Can they be recycled?

Suburban Explorer

2010-01-21T10:47:00.009-06:00

The weather has been "warm-ish" this week, so I've gotten back outside to run several times. HEAVEN! Running outdoors, I push myself harder and for longer than I ever do on the treadmill. Sunday, I even went on a 5-miler later in the afternoon after I'd been to a 90-minute yoga class that morning. Crazy, I know. =)

In this past week, now that I have a Garmin to track my distance, I've been trying to expand my horizons...literally. Before Garmin (B.G.), I mapped a route on MapMyRun.com to get an idea of where to go to get in the mileage I wanted. Since this was annoying and time consuming (the iPhone app that was supposed to work with my GPS never worked for me), I ended up running the same routes all the time. Now, I can just quick start Training mode or set a distance and go. On Saturday, I ran west down Clayton Rd into Ladue...turns out the sidewalk in front of my subdivision runs all the way to the interstate (and beyond, I think). Sunday afternoon, I cut through Clayton over to Delmar and did a little stint through the edge of U. City. I regularly cut away from the main roads now and run through the little neighborhoods and side streets.

Running is an amazing way to explore your city in a new way. You notice things you'd never see from the car. For example, on the routes I regularly run, I know there's been glass on the sidewalk outside an apartment building and it's been there since November. I know where the sidewalk slants at a weird angle or buckles unexpectedly. I've seen streets of gorgeous houses that I never knew existed. I've gotten to know who walks their dogs on certain streets on weekend mornings (Hi, lady with the two identical adorable Scotties on Davis!). I've even noticed businesses on side streets that I've failed to see driving by. Most unusual, I think, was noticing a monastery about two miles west of my neighborhood...Had NO idea. I'm psyched for warm weather so I can start venturing farther and longer and getting to know more areas of the city as I string together the miles for half and full marathon training.

In prep for that, I'm planning to get professionally fit for a new pair of running shoes, hopefully this weekend. My current pair, New Balance 805s, have been pretty good, considering I had no idea what I was doing and bought them online. Honestly, I bought them because I loved the all black w/ hot pink accents (What? I'm a girly girl). I love that they're light and don't have a huge heel build-up. But, they're technically trail shoes, so I had some issues with friction/blisters on the bottom of my foot. And, because they're so flat, they don't offer a lot of support, which starts to make my insole hurt after really long runs. So, for this pair, I'm gonna do it right. I'm going to try to let go of my fierce brand loyalty to New Balance and get what's really best for my body. I'm thinking Fleet Feet and probably a local shop Ghisallo where I've bought other equipment. Anyone else have suggestions local or otherwise?

Want to make your running safer? Head over to Endurance Isn't Only Physical and enter to win Tricia's giveaway for a free Road ID identification bracelet!

Looking for Inspiration

2010-01-15T22:25:00.003-06:00

It's been a tough week...

I've spent all week trying to get my eating back on track: No chocolate in the house. No ice cream in the freezer. Eating veggies with lunch. Measuring servings. Staying as close to my calorie allowance as possible. Making good choices is hard sometimes. I'll start eating and feel that old mindless shoveling mechanism kick in...Take a deep breath and step away from the food; it'll still be there later.

I exercised consistently all week. Volleyball double header on Monday, cardio on Tuesday, strength and kick boxing on Wednesday, and (finally!) 5 miles outdoors on Thursday. Planning another tomorrow morning if these spring like (40 degree) temps hold out! I was about a half mile into my run when I remembered yet again, why treadmill running just isn't the same as pounding the pavement. It'd been almost a month since I was last able to be outside, and I felt like I was back to my late November endurance. I'll be honest, there were three or four 30 second walk breaks! It makes me nervous about gaining enough endurance to make it through 13.1 in April.

So, weigh in is technically tomorrow morning, but I couldn't wait to see if all my hard work had paid off. It hadn't...Since my all time low of 161.4 on January 2nd, I've rebounded a couple of pounds, and I really wanted it back off. But, no such luck. 164.4. I've been dancing around the same couple of pounds for months now. I'm so sick of it--really struggling right now. I feel like I'm doing everything I know how. But, there has to be something I'm missing. What is it? How do I ditch these last few pounds (14 now, boo)??? Is this just the world's worst plateau or am I doing something wrong? Should I try something extreme like a cleanse or keep trying to do this in a realistic way?

Just as I was feeling this way, though, I read a great reminder from KK on Running Through Life. Just because things are rough is no reason to give in to eating junk or slacking off. I'd literally been just about to go buy cookies. After reading it, I'm sitting here hydrating (love that H2O) and thinking about doing the healthy thing. Wish me luck =)

Props from the Doc

2010-01-08T16:24:00.002-06:00

It was physical time again. That was where I got my reality check last year at this time to shape up or beware the health consequences. I used to dread going to the doctor and having to weigh and hear the "you really need to keep an eye on your weight" speech. It was so much more relaxing today. I used to wear the lightest clothing I could find so as not to add any embarrassing pounds on the scale. Today (in part b/c of the below zero temps), I wore jeans, a huge sweater, and boots and didn't sweat the couple of pounds difference from my bathroom scale. Because, let's face it, it's been a lot worse!

I won't know my cholesterol numbers for a couple of weeks, but my weight was significantly down on my chart, of course, and my blood pressure was a healthy 110/60. My doctor told me she was "thrilled" at my commitment to get healthy and active (and wished me luck in the half-marathon in April...apparently she'll be running too!). All I know is going to the doctor has gone from being a stressful, shame-filled experience to just another errand. I hope to keep it that way!

The Secret

2010-01-05T16:15:00.004-06:00

One of my neighbors (who seems to know way too much about what's going on in my life, even though I try to avoid her...) commented on my weight loss the other day. Then she asked the question I get a lot, "What's your secret?" This question, well meaning though I'm sure it is, has become a slight pet peeve of mine. Why? Because there's no secret to being healthy. There's no magical combo to losing weight. It's pretty cut and dry.

What's my big secret? Uh, just that you have to burn more calories than you consume. That means exercising more, whether that means you are going to start putting in 20 or 30 minutes a day walking or if you already exercise and need to push yourself a little more or try new things. Some people are okay with that one. "Well, you run," someone recently said. As if because of that one thing my body changed; as if because they don't like that activity, the same results aren't possible.

There's more to it than exercise (for me anyway). I could exercise an hour a day, but if I don't watch my calorie intake, it's not going to do a bit of good. That was the hard part for me to commit to in the beginning. Counting calories. Not in a crazy obsessive way. But, you have to know what you're putting in your mouth and how it's going to affect your goal to lose weight. I've said before that when I started counting calories in the beginning I was SHOCKED to realize exactly how much more I was really consuming than I would have guessed. Know your numbers!

And that's it...Barring some kind of other health condition, if you keep your calories within the daily limit for your BMR and exercise, you should lose weight and become healthier and stronger. There's no magic pill. And, don't even get me started about the Taco Bell diet. Are you kidding me?? The commercial makes me angry when the spokeswoman says, "I wanted to lose weight but I wasn't going to give up fast food." Really? I'm not saying healthy people never eat takeout. But, I will say that when I realized how counterproductive it was to my goals, I started visiting those drive-thrus significantly less often than I did before.

Changing your life requires some sacrifice. You might have to give up your venti white mochas (with their mucho calories) for something a little less fattening. You might have to make ice cream an occasional treat instead of your constant evening companion. You might have to miss your favorite show or get up earlier than you want to because there's work to do at the gym. There are things you'll have to eliminate, things you'll have to reduce, things you'll have to increase, and things you'll have to do whether you like them or not (hello, strength training). But guess what, when I started seeing the results of skipping Sonic, limiting sweets, and upping my intake of veggies and fruit, it didn't feel like such a huge deprivation anymore.

Maybe exercise and food awareness aren't the only ingredients to losing weight...Maybe there's one more very important, but certainly not secret, ingredient. Call it what you will: commitment, will power, determination. You have to be ready and willing to put the work in. As I found in the months and years of "trying to lose weight," if you're only sorta trying, you'll probably only "sorta" lose weight.

Stop looking for quick fixes and silver bullets. Stop imagining that people who have been successful got there easily or by magic. They did the work. If you want what they have, you have to DO THE WORK.

And, here's where I'll step off my soap box...*sheepish grin* If nothing else, this was a good pep talk for my inner dialogue about why I should get to skip working out today because it's 4 degrees. The gym is heated after all!

The Numbers

2010-01-04T17:25:00.005-06:00

For someone with a major math deficiency, I love to keep track of the numbers. Keeping track of my daily calorie intake is more like "fun" to me than a chore. Another example? Every day that I work out, I make an X in the corner of my desk calendar (kinda like a prisoner counting down the days...). Multiple workouts gets multiple Xs. At the end of each month, I count up the days I've worked out of 30 (or 31 as the case may be). Then, of course, I figure out the percentage. The best part comes at the end of the year when I figure the average amount of days I've worked out along with the average percentage for the year.

This year, I worked out...drum roll please...238 times. That's an average of 20 workouts a month, and on average, the number of days I worked out in a month was 65%. Not too shabby.

I could see a marked improvement in the numbers starting in March when my days for working out went up into the 20s. January & February were like 14 and 15 days. My max was 24 days in July. The only other month that was low was October, at 16 days, but part of that was due to having my wisdom teeth out and resting before my 10k. Overall nothing else kept me from getting out on the road or in the gym and doing what needed doing!

Here's to keeping that up in the coming year!

Plans for 2010

2010-01-02T14:15:00.004-06:00

Yep, this is the requisite goals for 2010 blog post...

Here are a few of my fitness/health related goals for this year:

Join a volleyball league (already started on this one: first game is 1/4!)
Run a half marathon
Run a full marathon
Drink at least 64 oz of water a day (and no coffee until I have had at least 16 oz of H2O)
Get back in the habit of making a healthy lunch at home instead of going out
Eat MORE veggies at every meal (I struggle with this in the winter...)
Reach my goal weight (11.4 lbs to go as of yesteday)
Maintain my goal weight when I get there (that's a whole other journey)
Get professionally fitted for running shoes
Support B. on his own journey to health

It's going to be a great year full of challenges, I can feel it!

Au Revoir 2009

2009-12-31T12:59:00.007-06:00

As 2009 draws to a close, I have to say, this year rates as one of my best years ever! Among other good times, this was the year that kick started my journey to health and fitness. Here are the highlights:

January-February
These were low months...I'd been working out consistently for the past year without losing any weight. I felt defeated and was at my heaviest point ever. In February I went to the doctor and discovered that my cholesterol and blood pressure were both high. She advised me to start watching my diet in addition to exercising.

March
I had begun paying attention to my diet in addition to going to the gym 3 or 4 days a week to ride the bike or elliptical machine. I used an iPhone application called Lose It! to track my calories. I also bought my first pair of running shoes and decided to take part in the 20/20 Challenge hosted by Ash Is Fit as a way to be accountable. I also discovered the Couch to 5K program and started trying to incorporate running into my workouts. Boy, was it tough. The first time the program called for me to run 8 minutes without stopping, I thought I was going to die!

April
By the middle of April, I'd lost almost 10 pounds. I'd taken my running outside and was doing short run/walks in the park.

May
In May I was down 16 lbs. overall and was back into a size 10 jeans. The day that I had to go get new jeans because my old ones wouldn't stay up was a great day. All the "sacrifices" I thought I was making to live a healthy life were really really paying off. I'd also decided to sign up for a 5k race since I'd completed the C25k program and could now get that far running almost all of the time.

June
This month I'd lost over 20 lbs. and completed my first ever 5k in just over 34 minutes. I was elated after the race, and all i could think about was finding another and improving my time. This month, I started upping my mileage as well. I found I could run about 4-4.5 miles at a time and I was gradually getting faster!

July
In July, I continued to improve on my running...to the point that I signed up for a 5k in September and a 10k in October! Most evenings, I went with B. to the park where he biked after work and would do my own run while he was working out. Even though it was hot, I found I had more strength than I'd ever imagined.

August
When August rolled around, I'd lost over 26 lbs. My size 10s were starting to get too big! I went to the doctor for a 6 month checkup--She was shocked at how much my weight was down. My blood pressure and cholesterol were also back down to normal.

September
This month, I ran a 5k in under 30 minutes, something that had been my goal going into the race. I felt invincible! Before the race, B. took this picture of me, and while I wasn't entirely happy with how I looked, I realized my body had drastically changed for the better.

October
The month began with purchasing my first pair of size 8 jeans in ages! Then came the 10k. I was incredibly nervous going in. I wanted to be able to run the whole time, but as I'd never fun a full 6.2 miles before, I didn't know if I had it in me. Plus, the morning of the race was a cold one, and I didn't really know how my body would function in such cold temps. Turned out, I love running in the cold! I ran the whole race and finished in just over an hour. By the end of the month, I'd set my next goal, a half marathon in April 2010!

November
In November, I ran the Girls on the Run 5k and improved my time by a few seconds from my race in September. I also began running much, much farther...By the end of November, my new "farthest I've ever run" was 8.5 miles! Pretty good for a girl who could barely run for 8 minutes straight a few months earlier! On the weight front, I was 35 lbs down with only 15 more to go. When my birthday rolled around this year, I recalled my 30th b-day the year before and how I cried getting ready to go out b/c I hated the way I looked. This year, I felt AMAZING! Not just thinner but strong and healthy.

December
This month has been rough...My weight has seemed to stagnate around 163 lbs., 13 away from my goal of 150 lbs. It also got blistering cold, and I've had to move my runs inside for the time being. I'm trying to make peace with the treadmill and still get mileage in. I don't want to lose endurance between now and when it gets warm enough to get back outside and start focusing on 13.1 miles before April. This month, I've also started speculating on whether I can be prepared to run the Chicago marathon in October 2010 and if that's something I really want to commit to. Registration starts on Feb 1, so that decision will need to be made before I've even completed my half marathon...more news soon!

So, as you can see, it's been quite a year. If I had one word of encouragement to any of you who want to get fit but feel stuck or overwhelmed by the prospect: If I can come this far, you can absolutely do it. Commit and make 2010 your year. It's life-changing and worth it!

I'm super excited for all the challenges 2010 holds. I've joined a v-ball league, I'll be running, running, and running some more. And I WILL get rid of those last pesky pounds! Speaking of...it's time to get in my last workout of 2009--Jillian's calling!

A Themed Holiday

2009-12-20T15:43:00.009-06:00

Last week was Hanukkah,and B. and I celebrated with one gift per night. Most of mine were running related (suprise, suprise). I got:

A Brooks Vapor Dry 2 headband:

A pair of Brooks Vapor Dry 2 gloves:

A Saucony DryLete skull cap:

A fuel belt for long runs:

A new iPod armband:

And the runner's best friend, a massaging foot spa:

Yesterday, despite the 20 degree temps, I suited up in all my new finery to go for a run...I was trying for 9.5 miles.

(There's no excuse for this cheezy smile...)

Sadly, even with my cold weather gear, it was just TOO cold for me. I've really enjoyed running in cooler temps. My body seems to work so much better at 40-50 degrees than at the higher temps from this past summer. But, apparently around the 20 degree mark is when I need to move it inside (at least for now). The wind was just too cold on my face and made it hard to breath, and I felt like my muscles/joints never really warmed up. So after 2.5, I was back home. Something to work on.

Any more seasoned runners out there have tips on how to improve the experience of running in very cold weather?

I Think They Call This Cross-Training

2009-12-16T13:48:00.005-06:00

If I could run every day, I absolutely would. But, I know my body, especially my battered knees and hips, and know that every other day is the best for me. That leaves the other days for cross-training. Generally, I do weight/cardio circuits or ashtanga yoga and call it cross-training.

One of my getting fit goals, though, has been to find a volleyball league when I was thin/in-shape enough. However, all the ads I saw for leagues at the YMCA or parks & rec places required an entire team to sign up. No one I know (who lives nearby) is very interested in volleyball. So, a while back, I decided to check the Craig's List activity section to see if anyone was advertising for an extra player for their ready-made team.

Long story short, I finally found one that sounded like a winner, and this past Monday, I went to an unofficial practice. I have not touched a volleyball in about 5 years. Let me tell you, I was nervous. Not only about meeting a bunch of new people but about not looking like a complete moron in front of said new people. I was rusty to say the least, but over the course of the evening, while we played 3 on 3, I managed a few good passes, sets, and even a hit and serve or two. Beneath the rust, I think there may be an inkling of skill left, and I can't wait for my next opportunity to play.

By the time I got home from practice, I knew I was going to be sore...My left knee was in need of ice after a poorly performed dive. I wasn't ready for what awaited me when I woke up the next morning. My back was SO sore. Not my shoulders/shoulder blade area. Not my lower back, even. But, in two vertical strips in the middle of my back on either side of my spine. The area of pull when you serve or hit. The area that apparently none of my weight lifting or other cardio activities even touches. Crazy!

I'm all better this morning, though. I'm definitely going to start thinking about other activities I can try to keep my body on its proverbial toes. What ways do you cross-train that surprises your body?

Playing in Traffic

2009-12-14T10:21:00.005-06:00

First things first...Saturday I did a "long" run of 9 whole miles. It's my new "farthest I've ever run". 13.1, I'm coming for ya!

While I was on this run, I was feeling pretty charitable toward the human race as a whole. I was thinking how great it was to live in a city where the motorists really seem to respect runners and bikers (excluding city buses, of course. They'll hit you without thinking twice whether you're on foot or a tricycle...). Several times as I neared the curb to cross the street, a car would pause a beat longer so I wouldn't have to stop. Wydown Blvd. has a fabulous double-wide bike path on both sides of the street, and no one pulls the "I think I'll pass this slow car in the bike lane" bit. People turning right wait (as they should) to let the pedestrians use the walk sign before turning. I was pleasantly surprised that StL drivers (some of the dumbest in the world, in my opinion) seemed to be tacitly cheering me on with their motor vehicle kindness...

Fast forward to this morning. I went for a run that takes me (mostly on sidewalk) through this enormous condo complex. Usually drivers there are pretty decent. Not this morning. Old lady in the blue Civic, did you really swerve at me, seriously?? To the 7 cars waiting to turn right at the McCutchon light, it's customary to let the pedestrian cross when the little walk figure is blinking, and btw, USE YOUR BLINKERS!!! And, skeevy dude in the red truck, we've been over this before...it's absolutely unnecessary to honk at me. I know I look awesome w/ my pony tail tucked into my wicking beanie like it's a swim cap.

Lack of faith in humanity restored!

Positive note? I get to play volleyball for the first time in like 5 years tonight. I'm so excited it's ridiculous--and it's just a team practice. Imagine what I'll be like when it's game time!

Running w/ Garmin

2009-12-08T10:50:00.008-06:00

Saturday was my first run with my new Garmin Forerunner 405 gps/hrm watch. Full disclosure: I spent a good two hours playing with the watch and trying out the functions detailed in the owner's manual earlier in the week. Since I started running in earnest back in March, I've worn a regular sports watch to track the time (You've seen how accurate that was in my estimated race times...) and used the map feature of MapMyRun.com to figure out distance. I had virtually no idea what my heart rate was. So, I was excited to know my stats for real and was hoping knowing what my pace was would inspire me to kick it up a notch!

Reviews I've read of Garmin watches said that sometimes it takes awhile to get GPS from the satellite. But, so far, I haven't had any problems. When I was first setting up the watch, the instructions said I'd have to go outside to get a satellite connection. Not so. I pressed the GPS button intending to look at the menu and go outside later. Seconds afterward, the GPS signal indicator showed up on the watch face. The two times I've been out with the watch, it's taken no more than a minute or so to get going. I haven't tried it out at the gym yet, but I'm hoping I can use the watch w/o having to order the foot pod.

The training mode features are amazing. Seriously, this watch does everything I've ever wanted to know during a workout. For my first run, I set up a Simple workout mode to run 6.5 miles. There's another mode, Interval, that you can use to set up your warm up and cool down walking portions as well as the run, but I couldn't remember exactly how to do that without breaking out the manual again. I was really excited to see that there was a setting for the watch to pause when I stop running. So, all those stop lights won't be screwing up my time anymore. That feature takes a few seconds to kick in and another few seconds to return to workout mode, but overall, it did a nice job.

I set the watch to scroll through my pace, time, and heart rate. The watch was already defaulted to include the "Virtual Running Partner". This screen shows two figures, you and your buddy, and shows how far ahead or behind you are depending on the pace set for the virtual partner. Apparently, my virtual partner was set to a much faster past, b/c he left me in the dust. In the future, I'll probably turn that feature off. But, overall, I loved knowing how many miles I'd gone and how fast I was moving. It really helped me keep a steady pace. That's something I'm having to work on: slowing down when I'm trying to run farther distances. I tend to start out too fast and get tired in the end.

I decided to try out the heart monitor on my first run as well. I've never worn one, and I was concerned that I wouldn't like the feeling of something strapped around my rib cage while I was running. But, it turned out to be pretty comfortable. Except for the time that it came unhooked when I yanked on my shirt, I didn't even know it was there. The read out seemed pretty accurate, based on heart rates I've taken myself at the gym. However, on Monday morning, I went for another run with the heart monitor on. I don't think I wetted the sensors good enough b/c the readouts during that run were really off. It said my average heart rate was 37...My resting is around 60, so I know those numbers were way off. I intend to try it again on my next run and see what happens.

Probably the most fun part of the watch is transferring the data to the Garmin Connect program. For each workout, I see a map of my path (and can even watch it as a video). I can see my overall calories burned, heart rate, speed, distance, etc. And I can also see the splits for each mile. I'm a nerd, and I love charting my progress, so this is a lot of fun.

Do you need a Garmin? It depends. I'm not sure I really "need" a Garmin. But, my goal is to be a "real runner" someday. And, I'm a perfectionist, so I want to be a good runner. The information I'm getting from this watch motivates me to improve, so in that way I'd recommend a Garmin for others with similar personalities. They're a little expensive, but if you look around (I got mine on Amazon), you can find some great deals. If you're a distance runner or competitive, a Garmin is the ultimate running accessory, second (in my opinion) only to an iPod.

Negative Reinforcement

2009-12-07T12:41:00.002-06:00

Let's take a trip down memory lane to Psych 101...remember the rats who could be taught to perform a behavior for a food reward, or Pavlov's dogs who learned it was dinner time when they heard the bell? All positive reinforcements....

Lately, I'm more like the rats who were taught not to do something on pain of electric shock. For the last three weeks or so, since it's really gotten cold, after I get back from a run (and sometimes after an indoor cardio workout), I've been getting blinding headaches, sometimes full blown migraines. While I'm running I feel great. When I stop running and cool down, I feel great. Then half an hour to an hour later, I'm in tears b/c my head feels like someone drove a stake through my temple.

It could be allergy/sinus related b/c when I run, regardless of the temperature, my sinuses go nuts. But that wouldn't explain the migraines really. I think I'm well hydrated in general, and I drink a little water before I go out and drink when I get back. I don't usually eat anything before I run b/c I cramp if I do, but I eat within the hour of getting home. Not sure what else to do. Or, what to do differently.

I have a doctor's appt. in less than a month, so ideally I'll be able to hang on until then, but the migraine I had this morning made me two hours late for work, so I might have to suck it up and make an appt. sooner rather than later.

Any other runners out there have similar issues? What did you do to fix the problem?

Highs & Lows

2009-12-03T17:11:00.005-06:00

HIGH:
I had my best run EVER on Thanksgiving morning. I woke up earlier than I intended thanks to my rascally little kitten, so I had time for a long run before heading out to my parents' house. It was a cold morning, but I bundled it up and took off. My original plan was a 6.5 to 7 mile loop from my house to Forest Park and back. Somewhere along Skinker, I thought, what in god's name am I doing?? But, by the time I reached the top of my neighborhood, I felt awesome and decided to take the back way through the neighborhood and take a quick spin through Shaw park. One hour and 35 minutes later I was done running. Could I have gone longer? Maybe, I don't know...I couldn't feel my knees anymore, so possibly. I mapped the course out on MapMyRun's website and was shocked to discover that I'd gone 8.5 miles. My farthest run to date! Makes me feel like 13.1 isn't such a distant goal.

LOW:
The Sunday after Thanksgiving I came down with a wretched cold that's been plaguing me all week. I'm drinking fluids, taking vitamins, and all that good stuff, but my throat has been raw and overall I've just felt crappy. And...I've only worked out once this week. I did my No More Trouble Zones dvd on Tuesday and was WAY more winded than usual during. The other mornings I've slept in. I feel guilty because my eating has been awful since Thanksgiving. I'm like an addict...I really can't have "just a taste" of decadent foods...b/c then I want them ALL the time. Pie, candy, ice cream, meat...you name it, I've been craving it, and since I haven't been feeling good, I've used that as an excuse to comfort myself with junk. Feeling gross and NOT looking forward to weigh in this Friday. I'm sure I've gained a few pounds. And, there's nothing worse than losing weight you already lost once. What a waste of time!

ONE MORE HIGH:
On a positive note...I order a Garmin Forerunner 405 gps/heart rate monitor watch with my birthday money and got an awesome deal on Amazon. It arrived moments ago. I'm about to break open the manual and get this puppy going. Have a feeling I'll be feeling motivated to run in the VERY near future! Yay!

Girls on the Run 5k Recap Updated

2009-11-15T13:50:00.007-06:00

So, awhile back I ran across the organization Girls on the Run...Mentors work with girls in 3rd through 8th grade and use running as a tool to talk about self respect and healthy living. I'm really not what you'd call a kid person...much more likely to volunteer for animals than children...But, this program seems like a really great way to help girls channel their energy in a positive direction. And, I wanted to do something, so I signed up for their 5k, which doubles as a charity event and the culmination of the girls' running training.

I've done a 5k in Forest Park before, but it's a huge park, and the course mapped out for the run yesterday was totally different than the other race, with several uphills.

Since this is my third 5k, I was really focused on improving my time. When I ran in September, I finished in 29:27. I was aiming this time for somewhere around a 9 minute mile.

The start time was 9:00 a.m., and I'd already picked up my race packet (complete with an awesome long sleeve wicking t-shirt), so I rolled into Forest Park around 8:15. Good thing...The roads surrounding the event were already closed due to a 1 mile fun run earlier that morning. I ended up parking about a half mile away at the Art Museum and walking to the event. Oh. My. Goodness. There were little girls everywhere. I had highly underestimated the size of the run. About 3,000 people were participating, about 3/4 of whom were kids.

Jackie Joyner Kersee was the guest emcee and gave the girls a pep talk before the race began. I positioned myself toward the start of the pack in hopes of getting out to a quick start. The starting horn blew at 9:00:32 and I crossed the starting line at 9:00:51. This didn't turn out to be a great race to plan on making PRs...The program focuses on having fun running, but I don't think they discussed things like "race etiquette." It took me awhile to get through the herds...About a mile or so in, I finally found myself with a free space to move.

I slowed down for a sip of water at the 2 mile mark, otherwise I kept moving. I was a bit sore, and frankly my legs just weren't moving that well, but I crossed the finish line at 9:29:15. Based on my own watch (the official times from our D-tags should be out later this week), I figure I ran in 28:06. Not bad for the slow start.

UPDATE
My math skills are worse than I thought...Offical results are in and according to chip time, I finished in 29:08...about 20 seconds faster than last time, but no minute faster like I thought from my watch. Boo! Still, out of 2662 participants, I finished 265th. And among 2253 female runners I finished 174th. Next time for the 28!

8 Months Later

2009-11-13T10:31:00.013-06:00

Eight months ago, I decided to change my life. At 30 years old, I'd been to the doctor for a check-up and discovered that my cholesterol and blood pressure were both borderline high. I was too young to be this unhealthy, so I decided it was time to get it under control. I'd once been an athlete, and I wanted that strong, healthy body back....
I started on March 20th as part of a small group of girls with similar goals through a weight loss challenge hosted by Ash Is Fit. I didn't blog much about my journey on here, not in specifics anyway b/c I was ashamed. Ashamed of the way I'd let my body go and of the unflattering numbers associated with it. But no more...Being honest (with myself mostly) has been a big part of my success. So here are a couple of before photos:

My starting stats were:
Weight: 198 lbs
Body Fat: 28.8%
BMI: 28.4
Body Measurements:

Bust - 40.5 in
Waist - 35 in
Hips - 46 in
Arms - 14 in
Thighs - 26 in
Calves - 16 in

When I started running, I did the C25K program and found even the interval running incredibly difficult. But I kept going...little by little, I was able to move farther and faster than I thought possible.

I also watched my calorie intake and came to really understand how many calories I had been consuming a day versus how many I actually needed according to BMR.

Fast forward 8 months...

Okay...these photos are from over a month ago but I haven't taken any of myself recently...need to work on that.

My current stats are:

Weight: 164 lbs
Body Fat: 22.8%
BMI: 23.5
Body Measurements:

Bust - 37 in
Waist - 31 in
Hips - 42 in
Arms - 13 in
Thighs - 21 in
Calves - 15 in

That's a lot of inches gone (2 full pants sizes)! My original goal was to lose 48 lbs by now. 8 months later I've lost 33 lbs. Two pounds a week was a bit ambitious it turns out. There were weeks I lost more than two and weeks I stayed the same or gained. I averaged about a pound a week. I'm not disappointed that I haven't lost all 50 yet...17 to go! If I can keep up an average of about a pound a week, I should reach my goal by the end of Feb/beginning of March!

Aside from the obvious health benefits, one of the biggest outcomes of all this has been the huge boost in my confidence. Not just in how I look, although shopping has become infinitely more fun again. But, I've really started to believe I can do anything. A year ago I never would have signed up for a 5k, let alone a half marathon. But, I set a goal to lose weight, and I have...I set a goal to become a runner, and I'm well on my way!

Why I've Been MIA

2009-11-11T16:13:00.006-06:00

There's been a new addition to the family...Meet Ozzie (as in Smith, not Osbourne). B. took me to a local shelter last Saturday to see if there was a kitten I wanted to adopt for my upcoming birthday. I was smitten with this little grey striped guy right away.

However, the transition at home has been rough. Karma, my other cat, has been an "only child" for four years and hasn't taken too kindly to the new kitten. No fighting, just lots of hissing. I think she's actually more afraid of him than angry. Which is weird b/c she's about three times the size of him.

Then on Monday night, I noticed that he was sneezing and wheezing a lot, so we had to go to the vet yesterday and found that he has an upper respiratory virus...That means we get to feed him (i.e., force into his mouth) antibiotics twice a day for 10 days. That's about as much fun as it sounds. Plus, I've been constantly worried that he's not eating enough or using his litter box. And, he stays up all night and sleeps all day. Yikes...if cats are this hard, what would I do with kids???

That said, I've skipped two workouts this week (partially from being exhausted and partially to rest my hip that was giving me trouble again). But, I've got a 5k on Saturday, so hopefully that will get me back into the swing of things!

Review: No More Trouble Zones & Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

2009-11-03T12:45:00.007-06:00

In addition to running, I'm a big believer in doing strength work. I don't have any hard science to prove this next statement, but since I started strength training on my days off from running, I've experienced far fewer aches and pains in my hips and knees.
That said, I'm not a fan of regular old weight lifting. You couldn't pay me to lift at the gym with all the sweaty, grunting men who populate the weight area. So, I resort to doing dvds at home. I've tried Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie, Mari Windsor: Pilates, and my favorite, 30 Day Shred. I love Jillian Michaels and the Shred was great, but I've been doing it on and off for over a year and want a workout longer than 20 minutes without having to do two levels in a row. I'd seen Jillian's newer dvds, No More Trouble Zones and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism but hadn't gotten around to picking them up until I saw both dvds on sale at Target for $10 a piece. It was too good a deal to pass up.

No More Trouble Zones is the strength training video. The work out is set up as a cardio warm-up (5 minutes), 6 strength circuits (40 minutes) and a cool down stretch (5 minutes). When I began the warm-up, I recognized some of the moves from the Shred dvd and was momentarily concerned that I was getting a lengthened version of what I was already burned out on. But, while there were a few repeated moves (plank row, squat/overhead press), there were plenty of different exercises to keep me interested.

I also liked the time break down in each circuit better than the Shred. Each circuit has about 5 moves that you work through twice. I don't have a ton of upper body strength, so it was nice to change moves frequently. It kept me from getting too tired and allowed me to really focus on that move. And, even though there was no cardio interval in this workout, the compound moves (lunges while doing curls, etc.) had my heart rate up, and by the time the cool down rolled around, I was covered in sweat.

One thing I'd recommend, though, that Jillian didn't mention until about half way through the circuit portion, would be to use lighter weights than you normally would. I started the dvd with 10 lb dumbbells and was having real trouble completing each set without resting. Then Jillian notes that she's using 3 lb weights even though she can lift much more because many of the circuits focus on the same muscle group nonstop for 5 minutes. When I heard this, I switched to my 5 lb weights and found it much more doable.

In addition to strength training, I also like to mix up running with a little cross-training. Banish Fat Boost Metabolism was made up of 6 cardio circuits of about 5 moves each repeated twice. Many of the moves were kicks and punches from kick boxing. I have also done Jillian's cardio kick boxing workout, and again there were a few repeated moves but plenty of new stuff I hadn't tried before.

I did this dvd for the first time right after I finished No More Trouble Zones...I was already a little tired, but it took no time at all before my heart was pounding out of my chest. However, Jillian alternated between calisthenic moves like jumping jacks and high knees to punches to kicks so that I felt like I had time to catch my breath and slow my heart rate a little between the harder exercises.

After I completed both dvds, I was dripping sweat and felt tired in the best way possible. The next day I was sore (not in a painful way, just enough to know I'd worked hard); my triceps and lower abs, two places I'm always trying to tone, were especially sore. Thus far, I'd have to say I'd recommend both dvds. I'm excited to see what the combination of these two dvds can do for me. I'm also interested to see how a stronger core and legs will improve my running ability. Two thumbs up, Jillian!

Creature of New Habits

2009-11-02T09:43:00.004-06:00

The fall time change is my least favorite event of the year...I'm a summer girl. I love the heat and the sunshine that lasts until late in the evening. And, functioning as it progressively gets dark earlier and earlier is always a challenge for me. When I finish work and it's already dark, something inside me says it's time to climb into pjs and eat comfort food. This is a bigger concern for me this year, 1. because I want to stay on track to reach my goal weight (17 lbs to go!) and 2. because of my desire to run outside.

Even if I finished my work day at 4 p.m., which is iffy on most days, by the time I got changed and on the road, it would be well on its way to dark. So, the solution? To avoid the soul-killing treadmill for as long as possible (and to make sure I'm not too sluggish to workout in the first place), I simply have to work out in the morning before work. I work from home and have a huge amount of flexibility in my hours. I'm not a morning person in the least, but I'm even less of a treadmill/gym-going person.

So, this morning, I got up at 6:30, threw on my gear, and hit the pavement running. It wasn't terrible really. Sunrise was at 6:29, so it was bright out. There were very few cars. The temp was chilly but doable. And, best of all, by 8:30, I was showered and in my home office eating breakfast over emails. And when the day ends at 5:00 or so...I'm DONE!

I only run every other day (to keep knee/hip issues at bay), but I think the best way to make getting up earlier a habit is to get up at that time every day. I can do my strength training at that time too (check back later in the week for a review of the two Jillian Michael's dvds I bought last week). My downstairs neighbors are going to HATE me and my cardio circuits on paper thin floors at 6:30 in the morning, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Just Do It

2009-10-30T08:23:00.005-05:00

So, last week, I was trying to decide whether or not to sign up for the Go! St. Louis half-marathon by the October 31st early registration deadline...

I'm doing it! My registration form and check are in the mail as of yesterday afternoon. I decided I didn't have any really good reasons not to give it a shot.

Now, I just need a half training buddy or two...Trying to convince my two sisters to do it with me, although none of us live in the same city.

In other race news, I also signed up for the Girls on the Run 5k on November 14th. It seems like a great organization--it uses running as a way to help middle school girls build self-esteem and prepare for high school. If I liked kids, I'd totally volunteer with them. Since I don't, I'm going to donate and run their 5k...
I'm really going to try to shave some more time off my current "PR" (if you can call it that...) of 29.27. Probably a bit of a stretch, but I'd like to finish in 27 minutes.

Happy weekend!

Use It Or Lose It

2009-10-29T11:36:00.005-05:00

Last night, during our short reprieve from the rain, I went on my first outdoor run since last Monday. Not for lack of desire, but last week I was a little sick, and then last Friday was the dreaded wisdom teeth surgery, which put me out of commission for a few days. Then came the incessant rain...
So, I found myself setting out not having run for 8 days. I didn't anticipate any problems, but it sure did start out hard. My chest felt like it was going to explode, my allergies kicked in, and I found myself taking a couple of 1 minute walk breaks.
But, sure enough, after about 3 miles, that recently familiar feeling of being able to keep going indefinitely kicked in. I ended up doing about two miles more than I intended when I started.
I didn't really want to stop when I did, but I had plans that evening that I needed to de-sweat for. I was just happy to get outside again and enjoy non-rainy fall for a minute.

I am concerned about this winter...I have cold-weather gear, and as it turns out, I run pretty well in the cold (possibly better than the insane summer heat), but when the snow hits, I'm gonna have to take it inside. Monday, I was at the gym and tried to use the treadmill....Yikes! I can't run as fast or as long on treadmill as I can outside. I feel like it makes me stride and hold my arms weird (to avoid flying off the back). Plus, it's so damn boring! I'll put gym going off as long as possible, but got to figure out something--Anyone have any suggestions?

Decisions

2009-10-21T10:18:00.006-05:00

I'm sitting here this morning, contemplating the race registration for the Go! St. Louis Half-Marathon...To get the lowest registration fee, I need to send in my application by October 31st. The question is do I really want to run a half?

I started considering the idea of a half marathon after my successful 10k. Then, last weekend at a friend's b-day party, I was telling my friend Chris, who runs half and full marathons, about my experience and my possible desire to push farther. He convinced me that anyone who can do a 10k can do a half marathon and that the early April date of the Go! St. Louis half would give me plenty of time to train slowly. He also managed to convince me that if the half goes well to consider training for the full in Chicago...He made it all sound so simple!

So, what's holding me back now? Partly, I think it's laziness. Preparing to run a half means a lot of time devoted to putting in those long runs. Do I want to commit? I don't want to sign up for (and pay for something) that I'm going to end up giving up on half way through training.

Second is my fear that I'm not a "real" enough runner yet. I looked up a half-marathon training schedule, and it was full of things that I don't fully understand like fartleks, tempo runs, etc. And, I thought, "can't I just add mileage to my daily runs and build up each week?" Is that naive to think? I'm also put off by the need to refuel during long runs...those gel packs and beans make me want to throw up. I just can't do it. So, maybe long distance isn't for me.

Finally, I'm held back by fear...fear of failure, fear of injury. Long distance is when runners start to get hurt. I'm coming into this with "bad" knees and hips from the beating I gave them during high school and college volleyball. Can my body take it? I don't want to end up at the physical therapist's and unable to run at all.

I have the clarity to know that while some of my concerns are valid, mostly they're just excuses. If I put my mind to it, I can totally be ready for a half in April. I can listen to my body and avoid unnecessary wear and tear. And, by April, I should be at my goal weight, if not before, so there'll be that much less fat to lug around with me on a run. I'm still not sure about the technical training and fuels, but I can figure out something I'm comfortable with. That's what Google is for, right?

Anyway, I've got a few more days to decide what I'm going to do. Any advice is welcome!

Never Too Late...

2009-10-17T17:47:00.004-05:00

This past summer (and the summer before that), one of my goals was to be able to run the entire outer path of Forest Park. According to the StL Track Club's website, that loop is 5.66 miles. Now, I've completed the loop many times with a combination of walking and running but never running the whole thing. After last weekend's success with the 10k, I knew 5.66 miles shouldn't be a problem. My only concern was that the south side of the park has several steep hills that have always given me problems.

So this morning, with the sun shining (finally!) although not doing much warming, I set out for the park to put a check mark next to another goal completed (even if it was a little out of chronological order). I started on Lindell near the Visitor's Center going clock-wise, that way I would hit the hilly section after only a mile or two. Some way, some how, without my realizing it, my legs have gotten WAY stronger. The hills really weren't that steep...I just slowed down when I needed to and kept careful watch over my breathing and form.

Another small victory...About 4 miles into the run, there's a very small hill, one that shouldn't give me any problems, but for some reason, whenever I've gotten to the top of the rise in the past, I've had to walk for a couple of minutes to catch my breath. Well, today, as I approached that section, I told myself, "This hill is so tiny compared to the others you've just conquered...the fact that you can't keep going when you get to the top is purely mental." And, it was. When I got to the top of the hill, I reminded myself to control my breathing to help slow my heart rate and to just keep going. It worked!

When I reached the end of the run, I still felt strong, so I pushed on for another quarter mile or so just to prove to myself that I could. I finished the whole run (5.66 + some) in 61 minutes. Not as fast as my 10k pace, but I was happy to cross off another goal, not to mention clearing a mental hurdle that's been holding me back. Now to get my eating back on track and finish off these last 16 unnecessary pounds. I think of it this way: the closer to my ideal weight, the easier it will be to run!

Legislating Health

2009-10-15T10:40:00.005-05:00

I was listening to NPR this morning, as per usual, and on the Diane Rehm Show, she was discussing the proposed tax on soda and sugary drinks that would allegedly drive down consumption and provide revenue for the health care overhaul. The tax could be somewhere around a penny per ounce. So, a 20 oz Coke from the vending machine would be an extra 20 cents or so. It reminded me of a commercial I saw recently on the same topic where a "mother" bemoans the fact that in this economy even a few pennies add up to strains on their budget. The commercial was paid for by a coalition that, among others, included soft drink companies.

I guess you can figure out where I come down on this issue...I'm all for the tax. In fact, I think it should extend to candy, chips, and other non-essential foods. If the government can tax the heck out of cigarettes under the assumption that it will deter smoking, which contributes to disease, why not tax junk food in a similar manner in hopes it will steer some people toward healthier food choices? A Coke a day may not kill you as quickly as a cigarette a day, but it will eventually affect you.

And, the argument that it's going to put a strain on the working American's budget...Uhmmmm, have you considered removing soda from your budget? Tap water is extremely cheap. The problem of unhealthy food being cheaper than healthy food is an entirely different (very serious) issue. As is the absence of grocery stores in certain urban areas.

I realize a tax won't deter everyone. No amount of taxing or even educational campaigns are going to keep the majority of people from doing exactly what they want to do, no matter how bad it is for them. In fact, if the tax goes into effect, it probably wouldn't stop me from having the occasional Diet Coke. But, as long as I'm going to make a less than healthy choice, someone else might as well benefit...as in the millions of people in our wealthy nation who can't get affordable health care.

Update on 10k Results

2009-10-13T11:50:00.003-05:00

So, I did even better than I thought...According to the official results list my time was 1:01:54 (a tiny bit better than a 10 minute mile pace). The place info is WAY less impressive...The race was divided up into competitive and non-competitive categories. I signed up for competitive, b/c as I understood the flier, I thought non-competitive weren't getting timed. Apparently not. But as a competitive runner, I'm exceedingly slow. I finished 154th out of 176 runners in the competitive category (they didn't list the results for the race as a whole) and in my age group for the competitive category I finished 15th out of 17 runners. But, whatever! I'm psyched about that one minute time difference :)

First 10k Result

2009-10-10T12:51:00.020-05:00

When did this become a running blog??

This morning, I rolled out of bed around 5:30 and headed to Edwardsville for the Route 66 10k. And, it was COLD this morning! Earlier in the week, I saw a weather report that said it would be around 50 degrees at race time, so I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and bought some cold weather running clothes. Good thing...It was more like 35 degrees at race time. There were tons of runners from all over, and I have to say the Metro Milers (the club that hosted the run) was awesome! The volunteers from the club working the race were great, and the other runners were super friendly.

One lady I met asked me what my goal time was...I hadn't really allowed myself to think about it...I didn't feel ready going into this race, and since it was my first 10k, I kept telling myself not to be competitive with myself and just do the best I could and see where I ended up. But, I told her I hoped to finish in under 70 minutes. Seemed reasonable, right?

The run went through residential Edwardsville and then about half the race was on the trails that wind through that area. I made myself start out at toward the back of the pack and kept telling myself to
s-l-o-w down. It was cold, but my cold compression gear was doing it's job, and I felt good. There were a few medium-size hills, but nothing crazy. There was a race clock at the 5k mark, and it was 30.23 when I crossed there. I couldn't believe that I wasn't even tired yet. It's all mind over matter, so I told myself that from this point to the end is the about the same length as the path I run at the park regularly (everything up to this point was just a warm-up) =}

The last half was easier than I imagined. The race volunteers were stationed along the route at about half mile intervals cheering us on. At the five mile mark, when I knew there was only 1.2 miles left, I tried to pick up speed a little. Before I knew it, the finish line was in sight...Since my watch was trapped under my shirt and jacket sleeves, I wasn't sure how I was doing on time. When the race clock came into view, I was surprised to see 1:02:26. I sped through the shoot and handed in my time sheet....The official results aren't in yet, obviously, but I think my time is definitely under 63 minutes.

I was super shocked with my performance. I didn't even think that I'd be able to run the whole time and figured I'd need at least a little walking break. Nope! I feel like Superwoman today! If I can do this, I can do anything. My birthday is fast approaching, and I have to say, I think I'm probably in just as good of shape as I was ten years ago, if not better, definitely eating healthier! And, even though I've said in this very blog that a half marathon is not for me...After today, when I wasn't even tired after 6.2, makes me wonder if that could be in the cards in the future!

Thoughts for an Early Weekend Morning

2009-09-19T08:29:00.002-05:00

I'd rather still be sleeping. But...Nothing boosts confidence like doing something you never thought you'd be able to do. Since I was wide awake for no apparent reason at 6:30 am, I went for a long run near my neighborhood. It's a route with about 7 hills, two of which are super steep, the others which are longer gradual rises. When I first started doing a shortened version of this route back in like May or June, I walked most of the hilly parts. I just couldn't make it up...like a Loony Toons character, I'd be chugging away and then grind to a halt part way up the hill. I've slowly improved on the hills and added mileage to the run. This morning, I made it up 6.5 hills and made the run a 4.5 miler. If I can do that, surely running 6.2 on a fairly flat course will be doable in about three week.
When it came to school or work, I've always been confident in my abilities. But in the past few years, I've felt that my body was on the downhill slide into old age and there was nothing I could do about it. I never thought I'd be able to run this far or fast again. I never thought I'd be able to get back in shape (30 lbs down 20 to go!). But I have, and I gotta say, it feels awesome! If I can do this, I'm pretty sure I can do anything at all.

5K Take Two Updated

2009-09-12T10:43:00.011-05:00

This morning, I ran my second 5K, Strides 4 Kids, in Tower Grove park in south city. Like the superb boyfriend he is, B. got up early and came with to take pictures and cheer me on. My goal for the race was 30 minutes, although I secretly figured it would be closer to 31.

Here's me, pre-race, sleepy but ready to rock it:

I've never run in Tower Grove, so I didn't realize that most of the second half of the race would be an up hill battle (okay, maybe more like a slight incline battle...) In fact, after the 2.5 mile marker, with all the twists and turns in the road, I was completely turned around and was suprised when I suddenly saw the finish line in the distance.

This is me, realizing I'm almost done and trying to kick it up a notch:

I'd been keeping tabs on my time on my watch b/c this event didn't provide timing chips, and I wanted to know my exact time from when I finally crossed the start line vs the race clock. My actual time was about 10 seconds faster than the official clock:

Mission accomplished: 29:27 was my personally recorded time. Not only was I under my goal time, but I improved from my last race by almost 5 minutes...all that work is actually paying off. It felt great!
Now the question is: 10K? It's at the beginning of October...just not sure yet.

**Race results came out: out of 96 runners, I came in 56th, and out of 56 women, I came in 25th! I was so excited I went ahead and signed up for the 10K. Wish me luck!

Logging the Time

2009-08-27T11:42:00.002-05:00

A blog I recently discovered, Running Through Life follows someone who started running as part of a healthy lifestyle change, like me. I noticed just below the banner of her blog that she's counting down 1,000 miles run. I am intrigued! Granted, she runs half marathons and I run 5ks (maybe 10ks), but I still like the idea of keeping track of how far I run. I might just start doing that. I'm goal oriented...something about writing stuff down makes me do it better. For example, I use an old-school day planner to put X's on the days I work out...at the end of the month, I figure out what percentage of the time I worked out, and at the end of the year I do the overall figure for the year. When I started watching my calorie intake, I started keeping a food diary on my iPhone. I've recorded every morsel I've put in my mouth for about six months now. So, maybe keeping track of how far I run will inspire me to go farther and faster.

Off to find a counter to post on my blog!

Pre-Reward?

2009-08-18T09:18:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited right now! You'd think something earth-shattering had happened...and depending on how you want to look at it, it just may have.

I was reading a fashion blog I visit regularly and discovered that The OutNet will be offering over 50 styles of Christian Louboutins for 50% off. Meaning, the $700 pair of shoes I wanted to splurge on when I met my weight loss goal may just be around $350.

My conundrum is this: If they do indeed have my size in the style I wanted, should I go ahead and buy them on the cheap and put them away for "Goal Day"? B. says no. He says I'll get them, see how awesome they are, and say screw it. I think I can handle it. Couldn't I order them, try them on to make sure they fit (of course), and then put them away until such time as I've reached the target? I'd like to think that the make-sure-they-fit try-on would be super motivational? As in, do you really want to eat an ice cream sundea right now, or do you want to put yourself that much closer to those beautiful beautiful shoes??

I'm thinking....In the meantime, I've gotta figure out what size I wear!

A Good Morning for a Rant...

2009-07-29T08:44:00.003-05:00

My first experience with the so-called "credit crisis": I received a letter yesterday saying that a credit card I've had since college had closed my account due to "inactivity." What?! Last year, I paid off the rather high balance and put the card away for emergencies. It was part of my attempt to get my finances together and use my credit cards responsibly. This is how I'm rewarded? Had I known this was a possibility, if they'd, oh say, sent a letter warning me this could happen, instead of just a letter saying the account was closed, I'd have made a small occasional purchase to keep the line of credit open. Instead, my credit score will take the hit. What a crock! I called to tell them so, and the representative's response was "Because this is mentioned in the terms of your credit agreement, there's nothing that can be done." Oh, the fine print in a document I haven't seen in 10 years. How could I have not noticed that?? What gets me is that they were way more into me when I was drowning in debt. When I was almost maxed out, they were more than happy to give me more credit, more rope to hang myself with. I was a "good" customer. One that would make them money, whether I survived or not. Now, ironically, I'm a "bad" customer, one who doesn't spend more than she makes and keeps her cards paid off. As far as I can tell from my online searches, this is perfectly legal under the current system. I really think that needs to change. It feels like all the laws protect the banks but less so the consumers. There's no neat conclusion here. I'm pissed! I don't know who to write angry letters to first. But first things first, I suppose: I'm off to buy a pack of gum on my other two no-balance credit cards...