Taking a Day Off from the Cardio

July 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I was going to do some cardio this morning, but my husband and I decided to have a few glasses of wine and sleep in instead!

It’s always nice when that happens, though I do feel a wee bit of guilt for not getting up! However, I know that running and biking today would be too much. I can feel my knee a little. I think it is the flip flop obsession I have developed. Today I”m off to the store to find some regular sandals with some cushion. I think the flip flops are wrecking my knee (I’m going to post about that separately later).

Today I’ll do abs and arms as the girls nap and have quiet time. That will mean 5 days of cardio this week. I think that’s good. I don’ t want to get to the point I was last time and burn out. I have a tendency to really focus on cardio sometimes, I love that ‘feel’ when it is over, but then I get really tired after a few weeks. I think that has been happening lately.

I’m going to try to get to the gym to do my swim on Sunday. Husband has to go into work, but if I can get there right when it opens I can get back in time. That means my nine miler tomorrow, and then I will do a ten minute bike and a thirty minute swim on Sunday.

Hope everyone has a great running weekend! I’m ready for my nine tomorrow! I can’t wait to get back up to 13 miles. That was my favorite a while back, when I was steadily running 13.

Filed Under: Biking/Cycling, July 2008, Long Distance Running, Reflections on Running, Swimming, Training for a Marathon, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Tri, Tri Again!

July 17, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Today I was supposed to get up at 5, head to the gym, do ten to twenty on the bike, twenty on the treadmill and then twenty in the pool.

However, life got in the way.

Last night my youngest woke up several times and had difficulty even getting to sleep in the first place.

My oldest woke up at 3 and, for some reason, could not go back to sleep. I ended up sleeping with her for a while.

When I woke at 5:10 I thought ok, I’ll give myself five more minutes of rest time. I woke up at 5:40.

Instead I went for a run. I did 2 1/2 and then did some sprinting. Unbelievably, this was the best run of the week! No sleep, tired, a little bit of knee pain . . . and it was the best one I had. I could have done four miles but that knee is scaring me. I don’t want to blow it and not make it to Long Beach this October.

So, tomorrow is another day. My plan now: Head to the gym for a short bike and swim. No running since Saturday is my nine miles. I’m worried what the bike may do to the knee. I hope it stays strong through this. I may have to look up some knee strengthening exercises.

If I don’t do the gym tomorrow, I’ll work on arms and abs and take it easy with the cardio. Maybe that’s what I need: A day off of cardio, since I have been so tired.

Well, the kids are up from nap and it is time to go do something.

Hopefully tomorrow morning will be better for the work out!

Filed Under: Biking/Cycling, July 2008, Long Distance Running, Racing, Swimming, Training for a Marathon, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Running Through the Fog

July 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

I don’t know what is going on with me this week! I can’t seem to get out of this ‘fog’ that I am in when it comes to my running.

I thought maybe I was just having an off day on Monday, but today was the same. I started off feeling heavy and as though my breath wasn’t together-like I couldn’t get it together. I stopped at 1.6 miles and shook it off, I hoped, but still had difficulty finishing up the 3.3 miles.

After that I did my sprints and, guess what, had no issues running fast and short. I got into the 6 minute mile range. That wasn’t hard. The regular run was.

If I’m going to get to the Long Beach Marathon in October, which is just a few months away, I have to fix this fog! I hope it is just an off week.

So tomorrow I begin my tri training in full swing. I will do the bike for ten, running for twenty and swimming for I hope thirty.

There is also a class at the gym that focuses on ab work. I’d like to do this, but am not sure how to fit it into my schedule. They do have a Friday class, but my youngest daughter isn’t real keen on other people watching her. I’m afraid she will scream the entire time she is in daycare! But we will see.

Happy Running!

Filed Under: July 2008, Long Distance Running, Racing, Swimming, Training for a Marathon, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Swim, swim, swim!

July 15, 2008 By 4 Comments

Today I got up and went to the gym to begin my new swim routine.

I picked up a great new bathing suit at TJ Maxx the other day. A Nike for just $20! It worked perfectly. I did half an hour.

I forgot how much I love to swim, and can you believe it is a great calorie burner? Not only that but after the brutality of running on my ankles, legs and feet, swimming is just, well, easy! It’s like running in that I feel I’m on another world, alone in the water, no other sounds. I like that.

Found this fun calculator to use to see how many calories you’re burning while doing a variety of exercises.

For me, at 135 pounds, it says that half an hour of swimming can burn over 200 calories! I’m not sure how accurate it is though. It says 10mph runs will burn almost 600 calories; in my experience, and according to my forerunner, it would be closer to 300.
http://www.self.com/fitness/activity/calculators/running/result?weightPounds=135&duration=30&activity=&met=16.0&submit.x=83&submit.y=20&submit=submit seems a little closer to the calories burned.

Tomorrow I’ll do a four mile run and then abs and arms, and then on Thursday I’ll begin my triathlon combo! I’m excited about this routine. I’m going to start off with a 10 minute bike, 20 minute (or two miles, so a bit less) all out run on the treadmill and then a 20 minute to half hour run. Eventually before the race I’ll hope to get close to what I’ll be doing for that tri, which is a half mile swim, 14 mile bike and 4 mile run.

I’m a little nervous about the swim portion of the tri. I’m a strong swimmer, I think. Not fast, but strong. Yet I’m worried about all of the other people around me. How does it work that you don’t choke on the water or get kicked in the face!?

Ah, but I guess once you are there you figure it all out!

Happy Workouts Today!

Filed Under: July 2008, Long Distance Running, Racing, Swimming, Training for a Marathon, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Today’s Run: Poor at Best!

July 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Not sure what happened today.

Know those run days when you get out there and after a mile, if that, wonder how in the hell you’re going to get through the next few?

I only had to do three today and I had a bad time picking one foot up after the other.

Don’t know why it was so tough. I was really worn out yesterday, so maybe that was it. I didn’t work out at all yesterday, since Sundays are now my day off. No abs, no arms, nothing.

I should have been well rested, right?

At a mile and a half I stopped for a minute and just stood there, wondering what in the heck was going on. I couldn’t breathe right, couldn’t think straight, and didn’t feel like putting in the three.

But I did.

I have some womanly things going on. I’m not yet forty but believe I’m hitting menopause. I’ve got a yearly exam scheduled for next week, so we will see. I’m wondering if that has something to do with what is going on.

If that’s not it, I don’t know what is. I don’t think I’m getting sick. I don’t feel like I have a cough or cold coming on, and I can usually tell when I do.

I slept well the night before.

Took yesterday off.

Maybe it was just one of those runs.

I hate those runs! Makes me feel like I wasted a day!

This week I start training for my tri. I’m going to do biking tomorrow morning. I may do swim and bike, I don’t know yet. I’d love to swim but really need to bike . . .

Here’s hoping your next run is a good one!

Filed Under: Biking/Cycling, July 2008, Long Distance Running, Reflections on Running, Swimming, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , ,

Found the Tri I want to Try!

July 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

So I’ve been thinking about doing a triathlon for a while now. I dropped the idea for a few months while I concentrated on increasing my speed during running, and then a week or so ago started considering it again.

While looking through one of our local race magazines I found this:.
Seems like it would be a fun even to try. The swim and bike seem doable and 4 miles is fine.

My training, I think, will now go like this:

Monday-4 mile – 6 mile run
Tuesday-abs, arms
Wednesday-4 mile run
Thursday-bike, swim, run
Friday-ab/arms
Saturday-long run
Sunday-off

If I keep the schedule like this, I can increase my bike and swims on Thursdays at the gym as needed. I can also use Friday and/or Tuesday for swim and bike once I start getting closer to the date.

For now, I don’t want to overdue it. The tri would be Nov 30, which is just one month and a few weeks after the Long Beach Marathon. So, I want to increase my running up to 20 miles at least one time before then without overdoing it on the rest of the days.

I think this will work, though, as long as I can get in enough biking and swimming for the tri.

Anyone with experience training for these events can feel free to comment! I’m always open to workout and scheduling suggestions!

Filed Under: Biking/Cycling, Long Distance Running, Racing, Swimming, Training for a Marathon, Triathlon Training Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why I Don’t Join a Running Group

July 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment

So I’ve had a few people ask, when I tell them I’m training for a marathon, if I run with a running group.

Nope, I quickly answer.

Then I get the questions. Why not? Don’t you get bored? Aren’t you afraid running that far alone? What do you do with all of your time?

The funny thing is, I can’t imagine running with a group.

I have run with people a few times. Once, my girlfriend, who is much slower than I, and once with another girlfriend who is much faster.

Both runs were fun, yes, but honestly when I’m running I don’t feel like chatting. I’m not one of those who you hear in races talking about an upcoming wedding, anniversary or party.

Not that there is anything wrong with this. To me, this passes time in a long race. I love being a voyeur on these conversations!

Still, it’s not for me.

I don’t get bored when I do long runs. I love long runs. It’s the time that I have to think about things that need to be thought about.

I write a novel in my head when I run.

I fix problems when I run.

I forgive people when I run.

I plan when I run.

Sometimes I pass time by looking for things. Once I found $5 so I started looking in the gutter sometimes when I run. It’s amazing what people lose: tickets, CDs, cards, shoes. I mean, how do you lose one shoe out of a car window? Today I saw a glove. The other day I found $20. I’m looking for $100 or more now.

I don’t run with a group because, honestly, when I run I have time to myself. This is the only time in my busy life that I am alone. The rest of the time I have two loving children clinging to my legs like Saran Wrap. I love them, but I need my runs in order to destress. I need my solo runs so that I can have me time. It is my only me time, but that’s okay. I’ll take it.

So if you see me running solo and I’m at mile 15 with my headphones on, don’t worry. I’m not bored. I’m not unhappy. I’m not wishing for any company.

I’m simply looking for a few bucks in the gutter while enjoying the peace and quiet that an early morning long run brings.

Filed Under: July 2008, Long Distance Running, Reflections on Running, Training for a Marathon Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Yahooey! Mama Marathoner Bought Some New Running Clothes!

July 10, 2008 By 1 Comment

Ok I have always been the one runner in the pack with the belief that it doesn’t matter what you are looking like when you go out there: YOu are running, for Heaven’s sake! Running, sweating, grunting, breathing heavy. Who the hell cares how cute your outfit is, right?

That was pre-getting ready to turn 40.

Now that I’m just two years shy of that big 4-0 I’ve kind of hit this wall. Hm, how do I explain it? I’m feeling my age, so to speak.

Not that I feel old. No, I still feel quite young, actually.

More like I understand what 40 represents to many of the younger folk (OLD) and that soon I will be 40 (OLD) even though I feel very young. Others may think otherwise (OLD!)

So I’ve been working out like crazy and trying to look my best and I’m fairly proud of the recent results. I mean, after having two kids, two C sections, that’s fairly tough on the body. And I have to work out a heck of a lot more than I have in the past just to look the way that i do now, but it is working.

So I decided to treat myself to some new, cuter running clothes. I spent a few days shopping various stores and not finding what I wanted. I tried a running shop nearby, a sports store and Mervyns. Nada.

Then, today, just on a lark, I stopped at TJ MAXX.

JACKPOT!

I thought I’d spend $50 on one outfit. I instead purchased two pairs of running shorts, one sports bra, a new one piece for swimming at the gym and a cute top for $74!

I’m so excited about the new running shorts. My old ones are not flattering at all.

Yes, I understand I will never look 25 again (though I’m only 28, right?!) but at least I can FEEL good as I get out there and sweat my ass off!!

I’ll post some pics of them soon!

Filed Under: Equipment, July 2008 Tagged With: , ,

Becoming a Physical Fitness Trainer

July 10, 2008 By 4 Comments

So, I’ve been considering something for a while . . . tossing my triceps into the ring and getting certified as a personal trainer.

Those who know me may already know that I own a marketing company in Southern California. I do quite well for myself and am able to stay at home with my kids and work around my family’s schedule right now, which I love.

I also love fitness. I’ve become somewhat of a nut about it lately-nutrition, running, weights, working out.

My goal is quite large and includes a brick and mortar business in the fitness spectrum down the road.

Short term I’ve been considering becoming certified and then working as a trainer, running some classes for moms-both new and old-who are having a difficult time getting or keeping the weight off.

Above and beyond that, I have a few things in mind that I think would set this business apart from all others.

So, you ask, what is holding me back? I’m not sure!

Every new venture is a scary one, right? I remember getting my business license several years ago and stepping into the business arena then with the web design and writing services. SCARY!

Same thing now. But I think it is something that I would really, really love to do. Even if my very big brick and mortar business dream does not pan out, I believe that at this point, adding some fitness training to my plate would be a great way to be involved in something that I love to do.

I’ve been looking at ACSM program. If anyone has info on that, good or bad, I’d love to hear!

In the meantime, I’m hoping that if I do follow through, I can stop things like THIS from happening!

Filed Under: July 2008 Tagged With: , ,

Sleep Dear Child, Sleep

July 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment

My youngest daughter has been really sick this week, with a double ear infection and tonsillitis. And she’s only one and a half! So it has been a tough week for her, and of course for mom, since we are up every few hours battling a fever that just ended last night.

She has, unfortunately, been cursed with high fevers. I give her medicine, then an hour later her temp is still around 103. It can go as high as 104.7. Of course, they say if it hits 105 to get into the ER. Luckily we have not been that high, though we have come close several times.

Anyway, since she is not sleeping, mama marathoner is not sleeping, which of course crushes my workouts. I have been able to run so far, but last night she didn’t sleep at all. I did get up and do a half hour ab and arms workout, but I was so tired I’m not sure I did my best!

Tomorrow morning I’m supposed to get up and do a 4 miler. I really hope she sleeps well and I can go. I need to run a bit longer, since my last few runs were the race and then a few three milers. I would really like to do 6 or so but am supposed to do 8 on Saturday and don’t want to push it. The last thing I want right now is more knee pain.

Anyway, here is crossing my fingers and hoping that the angel gets some good, much needed rest tonight! And that I can get in a good run in the morning!!

Filed Under: July 2008 Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »