Injuries

February 23, 2010 · Filed under injury, Runs

Time: 39 minutes

Mileage: 3.39 (had to walk part of the way back)

Weight: 163 pounds

I have been anticipating and dreading some type of injury.  It seems like every time I progress with my weight loss or whatever I’m doing with exercise and advancing in, something happens and I sustain an injury.

In our Tuesday runs, we go out for half the time and run back for the other half of the time.  Tonight, on the way back (literally after I turned around), My right hip started acting up.  It is a sharp pain inside my hip. 

The strange part is that it is not the whole time.  It’s only when I’m running uphil, when I have to lift my knees higher.  The coaches told me to ice it down tonight and then put heat on it tomorrow and it’s supposed to be healed. 

We shall see. 

It was so incredibly frustrating to be the last one back tonight because I had to walk.  I usually run the entire way and pass the walkers on the way back.

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Rescheduled 5k

February 20, 2010 · Filed under Racing, Runs · Tagged ,

Time: 35.39

Mileage:3.1

Weight: 163 pounds

The 5k that was cancelled last week because of the freak ice and snow event in Georgia was rescheduled this morning.

My friend Rikki-Lynn ran the 5k with me this morning.  I was expecting her to run off and leave me in the dust.  She’s ran several Peachtree Races and runs very regularly and has been for years.  I stayed with her most of the time.  I would slow down and end up catching up to her on the hills.  I did walk a bit, but not nearly as much as I have before. I can see a huge difference in my athletic abilities just in the past few weeks.

My last time for a 5k where I ran half and walked half was 42.46.  This race was 35.39.  I have shaved off 7 whole minutes just by running most the way.  I am very pround of myself and shocked a bit.

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Treadmills

February 18, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged

Time: 25 Minutes

Mileage: 2.3 Miles

Weight: 163 pounds

My running buddy had an accident that prevented her from running this week.  Unfortunately, that means I’m on the treadmill since I am NOT running on the streets at 6 AM alone when it’s dark. 

I’m on the treadmill this morning.  The treadmill is great to get your workout in, but I get so bored.  There’s nothing to look at except the tv in the gym.  At 6am the only thing on is the news.  Oh well, it gets the job done.

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Cool Runnings

February 16, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized

Total Minutes: 30 minutes

Mileage. 2.98

Weight: 163 pounds

It was cold tonight.  I had on a tshirt, long sleeved tshirt, and a pullover.  It was too bad I wasn’t putting more layers on my legs. 

Again, our running group was a little smaller this week.  It was not wet this week. I thought some people were missing last week because it was rainy.  I guess not. 

We took the path with the hills again.  This week, I could tell again that I’ve improved since the first few weeks.  I took the last hill on at full force.  My mileage was higher up this week than the last time we did 30 too.  Pretty happy about it.

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A Freak Snowing in Georgia

February 13, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized

Total Minutes: 30 minutes (on Treadmill)

Mileage:2.98

Weight: 163 pounds

A freak snow cancelled my 5k race for today.

Yesterday, I took my dog out for a walk.  It was a little chilly, but nothing like it has been the past few weeks.  I didn’t have to put on three layers.  Anyway, I went out shopping after taking Charlie for a walk. About an hour after shopping, I looked out the window and the flakes coming down were just huge. You could hardly see out the window.  So, I finished my shopping and went home.

This morning, my husband had to call someone to come meet him at the top of our complex because the hill was iced over.  I kept checking the website for our 5k race this morning, The Mardi Gras Marietta 5k.  It assured the race was still on.  I called Mallory to ask if she could come pick me up since I knew I wasn’t going to make it up that hill in my car.

I put on my running gear, loaded my backpack with snacks, water, and my running shoes, and then I put on my boots over my running pants to be able to walk up that hill.  I get to the top and check Facebook on my phone.  Mallory was on her way and the Facebook status for the 5k was cancelled. 

We were both bummed out.  We both wanted to run and were even more excited to do the 5k since we had braved the weather. 

Anyway, I got my run in on the treadmill.  I did 30 minutes on a totally flat surface the whole time.  I can tell that my endurance has really improved from running all of those hills that I’ve been working on.  I ran the entire 30 mintues withou feeling tired.  I felt like I could have kept going.  It was definently easy.

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If the pants fit…

February 12, 2010 · Filed under Runs, weightloss · Tagged , , ,

Time: 20 minutes

Mileage: No idea.  I didn’t track it today because I was with my dog.

Weight: 163 pounds

The most exciting thing, for me, just happened.  I’m a teacher, so I don’t wear jeans a lot due to the work dress code.  When I do wear jeans to work, they certainly aren’t the in style skinny jeans that I have so many pairs of because “you shouldn’t wear what students wear.”

We were out of school today due to “anticipated inclement weather” (you gotta love Georgia).  I just put on a pair of skinny jeans that I probably haven’t worn since Christmas break (1.5 months ago). 

They fit so great! 

There was no bending down to stretch out the legs.  No lying on the bed trying to get them buttoned.  No jumping up and down to get into them. 

They fit just as they are. :)

One small victory at a time! 

I’m excited about tomorrow to see how I’ve progressed.  The Mardi Gras 5k is tomorrow.

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What to Wear

February 11, 2010 · Filed under Equipment, Runs · Tagged , ,

Time: 25 Minutes

Mileage: 1.96

Weight: 164 pounds

I met Mallory for a run this morning at 6AM.  We ran along the side walk that goes along Cumberland Mall.

It was about 25 degree farenheit.  I had on two pair of pants (leggings under the regular pants), wore running gloves, a long sleeved tshirt, running jacket, and a head band that goes around the ears.  Below is a guideline for what to wear when running in various temperatures.  It was still dark outside, so it was very important that we had our reflective vests on.  We were totally alone except for the two cars that passed us and the buses that were waiting in front of the bus stop at Cumberland Mall.

It is amazing how different running outside is than running on the treadmill.  The hills make a difference in how fast you can go and whether you slow down or speed up.  I really feel like my muscles are getting a better workout when I run outside. It was also much better to have someone to run with this morning since I had someone to talk to on the way.  It was nice to have someone who understands what I do.

On Saturday, Mallory, myself, a girl from work and another girl from our running group is going to do the Mardi Gras 5k.  I am planning on doing the AJC Peachtree Road Race in July.  It is beyond my current level and what I am training for right now; however, by then, maybe I’ll have progressed.

What to Wear

This is simply a guide however; you’ll want to see what works best for you.  Be sure not to overdress, and use layers and synthetic breathable materials when possible.  As a reminder, wear an SPF (15 or higher) with a UVA/UVB product that protects your skin.  The sun still provides radiation even through the clouds.  Protect your skin, hands, neck, face and lips (and don’t forget the skin area above your lips).
 
70 degrees and over – singlet or sleeveless shirt (or sports bra) / shorts and SPF
 
60-69 degrees – singlet or short-sleeve shirt / shorts and SPF
 
50-60 degrees – short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt (if windy) / shorts
 
40-50 degrees – long-sleeve shirt / lightweight windbreaker jacket (if needed) / pants or tights if below 45 degrees, gloves / ear warmers or running hat
 
Below 40 degrees – long-sleeve shirt / fleece jacket / pants or tights / gloves and hat or ear warmers / neck protection if needed.
Also use some type of facial moisturizer (i.e. I use my Keihl’s facial moisturizer with SPF 23) so that if there is any wind you’ll avoid any type of “wind burn”.

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Sweaty Bands & Nutrition

February 9, 2010 · Filed under Equipment, Runs · Tagged , , ,

Time: 35 Minutes

Mileage: 3.36 Miles

Weight: 164 Pounds

It was rainy all day and quite cold this evening.  Our group starts at 6:30.  It keeps getting smaller and smaller.  Tina called us “the die hards” because it was so cold and rainy.

I was really nervous about going into tonight’s run because it was 35 minutes, and I have NEVER EVER in my life ran for that long.  However, I really surprised myself.  About 1/2 a mile into my run, Tina caught up to me and ran about a mile and a half with me.  We were talking about how my training was going and caught up to the girl that was in front of me.

The area we’ve been running in is hilly up and down, so we are literally running up hills both ways.  Tina told Andrea (the girl that we caught up with) that it is better if you sing going up hills.  Apparently, part of the reason why the military sings in cadence while they run is not only because it keeps them in time with each other but also because if you sing going up hill it increases your ability to take in oxygen and develops your CO2 levels which in turn makes you faster because you aren’t panting and trying to get oxygen to your muslces.  Essentially, it increases your endurance and makes you faster. 

We were running through Buckhead singing our ABCs! :)  

After our meeting a nutritionist came to speak with us about what we should be doing to our bodies before running.  She said that it wasn’t such an issue with our short runs (apparently, to her, a 5k is short).  However, we should eat something before our runs.  Even if we go in the morning, we should be eating something like sports supplements.  They said it would be more beneficial for our performance if we ate something like sports beans or shot blocks.  In longer races, it is more important for us to eat and stay hydrated.

There was also a representative that came by and told us about Sweaty Bands.  They’re these head bands that have this velvet/velcro on the back that keep your hair in place.  They provided us with a 25% off coupon.  I ordered some yesterday.  I hope they come in soon.  They’re kind of expensive for head bands, so the coupon was welcomed!

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Chattahoocee Trail

February 6, 2010 · Filed under Runs · Tagged , ,

Time: 25 Minutes

Mileage: 2.3

Weight: 164 pounds

We get e-mails from our coach weekly.  Earlier this week, there was an e-mail asking for people who lived in the Vinings area (North Atlanta).  I had commented that I did, but I never e-mailed anyone specifically that was on the list.

Well, this morning, on a Saturday, I woke up at 8:30 (way too early for a Saturday when you’re supposed to sleep in).  I went down to the Chattahoochee trail.   The apartment complex that I live in has a lake in the center of the complex.  On the otherside of that lake, there is a door in the chain link fence that has a combination lock on it.  I went through the door and down the small hill.  It hits the Chattahoochee Trail right at the River where the line crosses the Cobb/Fulton County Lines.  I usually take Charlie, my dog out, but I didn’t this morning.

Anyway, I started on my run.  Halfway through it, I passed a girl from my running group!  Mallory lives in the apartment complex that is next door to us.  We’re both at the point where it’s hard for us to get runs in during the week because we’re afraid to run in the dark alone.  We agreed that we would e-mail each other and set something up during the week.

I e-mailed her after I got home about the benchmark 5k that we have coming up.  On our training program, the first weekend is supposed to be a 5k run so that we know what kind of time we are starting out with.  My slowest time was 42.36.  I walked quite a bit on that 5k.  Halfway through, we do another for a benchmark run to see how much we have progressed.  On Saturday, Feb. 13, I’m doing a Mardi Gras 5k and have invited Mallory and someone I work with to go with me. 

It will be nice to not be alone.

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Dwindling Companions

February 2, 2010 · Filed under Runs · Tagged , , ,

Time: 30 minutes

Mileage: 2.8

Weight: 165 pounds

Our group was small tonight.  It was cloudy tonight, but it wasn’t raining. 

A lot of the people that are about my pace were just not there.  I wonder if people are following their plans as religiously as I am.  I have only missed about one or two runs, but I haven’t missed any with the group.  I paid for the training program.  It was $50 for 12 weeks. 

I have planned to run a 5k on the 13th.  I am hoping to beat my own record which is 42.36 for a 5k.

We went the same route.  I did a lot better than last week.  My speed was better.  The hills were better. 

My breathing got off though.  I started getting side stitches on about .5 mile from where we started. 

In about a week and a half, I’ll be at the half way point of the program.  The 5k on the 13th is the benchmark run that marks the halfway point. 

Tina has sent out some stuff about interval training on the treadmill.  She explained that you should run at your greatest intensity for a minute and then back off for two, but she didn’t explain  if we should do this on every treadmill run or do it for speed work.  It was very confusing and will have to be asked.

Hills are speedwork.  Rapid turn over on the hills are supposed to develop the muscles in your thighs and get them ready for running faster.

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