Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Sunday, April 29, 2012
twenty miles twenty dollars
I found a twenty dollar bill on my twenty mile run today.
The lonely bill was lost on a wet street corner in Washington.
Super soggy, just waiting for someone to pick it up.
And I did.
Without hesitation.
Tucked it into my pocket and kept running.
Didn't miss a beat.
And then when I wanted to call it quits at mile 19, that $20 bill kept me going.
Just so I could tell people that I found it.
That's all.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
{and running} in iowa
This blog is about my life here in Iowa.
My life as a wife.
My life as a full-time work horse.
My life as a wanna be chef.
My life as a runner.
Too bad it doesn't seem that I've shared much about my running on this little old blog lately, considering it takes up about 50% of my life.
So here's a quick little update about where I am at with my running as of late:
Sure, I've been running, but not following an "official" plan for a race that I am hoping to qualify for Boston at, is kind of making me nervous. I shared this thought with my mom the other week and she quite bluntly reminded me that I've been training since at least 8-weeks before the Fargo Marathon (which was in May).
Mom's are always right.
But alas, I haven't really been keeping track of how many miles per week I've been running (except on DailyMile when I actually log-in. Hey - be my friend on DailyMile!), nor do I have days set aside to do specific runs (tempos, speed, etc).
With all of that being said, my last few runs have given me a little boost of confidence that, yes, I will be able to maintain an 8:15 mile pace for 26.2 miles on Sunday, October 2.
Monday, August 15th - 17.01 miles at 9:31 pace (including an extended stop at home without stopping my watch)
Sunday, August 14th - 8.05 miles with 6 miles are marathon pace (whoops, those 6 miles clocked in at 8:03, 7:56, 7:55, 7:52, 8:00, and 7:59), 8:19 pace overall
Saturday, August 13th - rest
Friday, August 12th - 6 miles at 7:20 pace (whoopsies again! This was supposed to be an easy 4 with a few 100-meter pickups).
Thursday, August 11th - rest
Wednesday, August 10th - 11 miles at 8:10 pace
Tuesday, August 9th - 8.5 miles with 5 x 600 meters at 10K pace (technology free run, no splits)
Monday, August 8th - taught Spin class + 4.2 mile run at 7:51 pace
Sunday, August 7th - rest
Saturday, August 6th - rest
Friday, August 5th - 20.01 miles at 8:55 pace
I really really hope I am on track to qualify. If I don't do it at Twin Cities, I need to find another marathon to run in November sometime.
Hmmm....maybe I could find one in England??!
My life as a wife.
My life as a full-time work horse.
My life as a wanna be chef.
My life as a runner.
Too bad it doesn't seem that I've shared much about my running on this little old blog lately, considering it takes up about 50% of my life.
So here's a quick little update about where I am at with my running as of late:
- I am training for the Twin Cities Marathon
- I am hoping to qualify for Boston at the Twin Cities Marathon
- The Twin Cities Marathon is less than 7 weeks away
- I have yet to put a plan on paper for the Twin Cities Marathon
Sure, I've been running, but not following an "official" plan for a race that I am hoping to qualify for Boston at, is kind of making me nervous. I shared this thought with my mom the other week and she quite bluntly reminded me that I've been training since at least 8-weeks before the Fargo Marathon (which was in May).
Mom's are always right.
But alas, I haven't really been keeping track of how many miles per week I've been running (except on DailyMile when I actually log-in. Hey - be my friend on DailyMile!), nor do I have days set aside to do specific runs (tempos, speed, etc).
With all of that being said, my last few runs have given me a little boost of confidence that, yes, I will be able to maintain an 8:15 mile pace for 26.2 miles on Sunday, October 2.
Monday, August 15th - 17.01 miles at 9:31 pace (including an extended stop at home without stopping my watch)
Sunday, August 14th - 8.05 miles with 6 miles are marathon pace (whoops, those 6 miles clocked in at 8:03, 7:56, 7:55, 7:52, 8:00, and 7:59), 8:19 pace overall
Saturday, August 13th - rest
Friday, August 12th - 6 miles at 7:20 pace (whoopsies again! This was supposed to be an easy 4 with a few 100-meter pickups).
Thursday, August 11th - rest
Wednesday, August 10th - 11 miles at 8:10 pace
Tuesday, August 9th - 8.5 miles with 5 x 600 meters at 10K pace (technology free run, no splits)
Monday, August 8th - taught Spin class + 4.2 mile run at 7:51 pace
Sunday, August 7th - rest
Saturday, August 6th - rest
Friday, August 5th - 20.01 miles at 8:55 pace
I really really hope I am on track to qualify. If I don't do it at Twin Cities, I need to find another marathon to run in November sometime.
Hmmm....maybe I could find one in England??!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
good timing
Today is my first official day of training for the Twin Cities Marathon.
Of course I don't have a plan put together yet, that would be just too smart.
But there are only 11 weeks to go, so I figured I'd better get my rear in gear.
On tap for today, a nice and easy long run of 13-15 miles.
I am dreading it just a little.
Why?
Because at 7:00AM it is already 82 degrees, but feels like 89 degrees.
And the week is only going to get worse.
Cheers! To marathon training...
Of course I don't have a plan put together yet, that would be just too smart.
But there are only 11 weeks to go, so I figured I'd better get my rear in gear.
On tap for today, a nice and easy long run of 13-15 miles.
I am dreading it just a little.
Why?
Because at 7:00AM it is already 82 degrees, but feels like 89 degrees.
And the week is only going to get worse.
Cheers! To marathon training...
Saturday, March 26, 2011
short,slow, but oh so sweet
I didn't think I'd have to pull out all of my winter running gear for my first run back. But the chilly air could not keep me from testing out the legs in over 3+ weeks.
I don't think I have been so nervous for a run in a long time. In fact, I was so nervous to do this run that it took me 2 days to lace up the running shoes after I had been given the green light to do so.
3.02 miles
27:04 minutes
8:57 pace
Short - yes.
Slow - yes.
Pain free - yes.
Oh so sweet - yes.
I am sooo happy to be back pounding (softly) the beautiful streets of Iowa.
An honest question - do you think 10 miles is too much for my second run back?? {I only have 56 days until the Fargo Marathon.}
I don't think I have been so nervous for a run in a long time. In fact, I was so nervous to do this run that it took me 2 days to lace up the running shoes after I had been given the green light to do so.
3.02 miles
27:04 minutes
8:57 pace
Short - yes.
Slow - yes.
Pain free - yes.
Oh so sweet - yes.
I am sooo happy to be back pounding (softly) the beautiful streets of Iowa.
An honest question - do you think 10 miles is too much for my second run back?? {I only have 56 days until the Fargo Marathon.}
Sunday, March 20, 2011
two months one day
There are only two months and one day left until the Fargo marathon.
Eep!
My attempt at cross-training has been lacking in the past two weeks and I am getting nervous.
I see my physical therapist on Tuesday and am hoping I get a clean bill of health and am told to get out there and make up for all the miles I have lost.
No, I do not plan on telling him my knee still hurts occasionally.
Okay, I might.
I still have a feeling (in the very back dark dusty corner of my mind) that I have a chance at setting at PR at Fargo. And believe me, I am clinging to that feeling for dear life. It is the only way to keep my sanity.
So my question is, assuming I can start running pain-free this week, what should my last two months of training look like? I've already missed quite a few long runs and my first scheduled 20 miler is coming up next Sunday.
Suggestions? Ideas? Words of encouragement?
Eep!
My attempt at cross-training has been lacking in the past two weeks and I am getting nervous.
I see my physical therapist on Tuesday and am hoping I get a clean bill of health and am told to get out there and make up for all the miles I have lost.
No, I do not plan on telling him my knee still hurts occasionally.
Okay, I might.
I still have a feeling (in the very back dark dusty corner of my mind) that I have a chance at setting at PR at Fargo. And believe me, I am clinging to that feeling for dear life. It is the only way to keep my sanity.
So my question is, assuming I can start running pain-free this week, what should my last two months of training look like? I've already missed quite a few long runs and my first scheduled 20 miler is coming up next Sunday.
Suggestions? Ideas? Words of encouragement?
Friday, March 4, 2011
diagnosis - part II
An update so soon?
Yep.
So I saw my physical therapist today at an obesity prevention task force committee meeting that we both sit on. He asked me how my leg was feeling and lo and behold, I did the right thing and told him that I ran a mile yesterday, you know...to work on my form. I also told him that it hurt like hell.
I explained the pain and before I finished he smirked and asked me when our next appointment was.
Three weeks from Monday I told him.
No running until then he told me.
Whaaaaaat?
He thinks I might have a stress fracture.
But the x-rays didn't show a stress fracture!
Bummer. HUGE bummer if I really do have one.
Thankfully he said everything except running was still a go.
I came home and drowned my sorrows in five or six (who's counting??) spoon fulls of chocolate peanut butter that I made the other day (can you say YUM?!).
---------------------
In other news...I swam laps this morning for 30 minutes. Really, I probably swam for 20 minutes and rested for 10...swimming is H-A-R-D!
Yep.
So I saw my physical therapist today at an obesity prevention task force committee meeting that we both sit on. He asked me how my leg was feeling and lo and behold, I did the right thing and told him that I ran a mile yesterday, you know...to work on my form. I also told him that it hurt like hell.
I explained the pain and before I finished he smirked and asked me when our next appointment was.
Three weeks from Monday I told him.
No running until then he told me.
Whaaaaaat?
He thinks I might have a stress fracture.
But the x-rays didn't show a stress fracture!
Bummer. HUGE bummer if I really do have one.
Thankfully he said everything except running was still a go.
I came home and drowned my sorrows in five or six (who's counting??) spoon fulls of chocolate peanut butter that I made the other day (can you say YUM?!).
---------------------
In other news...I swam laps this morning for 30 minutes. Really, I probably swam for 20 minutes and rested for 10...swimming is H-A-R-D!
Monday, February 28, 2011
diagnosis
I saw a physical therapist today.
We have to amputate my right knee.
Crap.
Haha - that would not be fun.
Diagnosis #1 - I run funny.
Diagnosis #2 - My right leg is WEAK.
Prescription #1 - Get back to the basics and re-learn how to run.
Prescription #2 - Three itsy bitsy workouts to strengthen my right leg.
Whoop! I can deal with that news!
First things first - I hate going to the doctor for pain that causes you to stop in your tracks most of the time, but suddenly corrects itself once you walk through the doctor's door! I described my pain, when it began, where it hurt and then when he did he various tests...nothing hurt!
He probably thought I was faking it.
He then proceeded to so a few strength tests on both legs and my right leg consistently did way worse than my left leg. I made him redo a few tests and told him to use the same resistance for each leg - I couldn't believe how much weaker my right leg was!
I then hopped on the treadmill for all of one minute before he smirked and told me to get down. My right leg is all over the place while running. My knee angels in while my foot kicks out. Because that's how the cool kids run.
Put all of these things together and I have one pissed off IT band. He said this is pretty typical in awesome female runners who are training for way cool marathons.
Thankfully we can fix everything and part of fixing this is running a few miles each week and really focus on my form.
Perfect.
Clearly I won't be able to train as hard as I would like, but I am not down for the count.
I also have to mention that living in a small town has it perks - I only called this morning to schedule an appointment. My sister, who lives in Sweden, is on a waiting list three weeks long just to schedule an appointment with a PT!
Another perk - I know the PT through a variety of channels. Firstly, he is also a runner and appreciates my determination/enthusiasm for running and made it a point right away to ask what my race schedule was. He even reminded me of a 5K in April that I have to run (he beat me by a few seconds at the race last year)!
Secondly, we work together (kind of). The personal training that I am doing at the Y is with his patients that have "graduated" from physical therapy but still need a little motivation to keep up the workouts while out in the "real world."
So...three cheers for physical therapy! I have three weeks to work on my issues and then will go back in for some more tests.
Three weeks and 1 minute from now I will be out catching up on all my missed mileage! :)
---------------
Cool news - I found out tonight while I was working out at the Y that there are at least six people from town that are running Fargo - how awesome is that?! Considering how small our town is, and how far away Fargo is...it is very awesome.
We have to amputate my right knee.
Crap.
Haha - that would not be fun.
Diagnosis #1 - I run funny.
Diagnosis #2 - My right leg is WEAK.
Prescription #1 - Get back to the basics and re-learn how to run.
Prescription #2 - Three itsy bitsy workouts to strengthen my right leg.
Whoop! I can deal with that news!
First things first - I hate going to the doctor for pain that causes you to stop in your tracks most of the time, but suddenly corrects itself once you walk through the doctor's door! I described my pain, when it began, where it hurt and then when he did he various tests...nothing hurt!
He probably thought I was faking it.
He then proceeded to so a few strength tests on both legs and my right leg consistently did way worse than my left leg. I made him redo a few tests and told him to use the same resistance for each leg - I couldn't believe how much weaker my right leg was!
I then hopped on the treadmill for all of one minute before he smirked and told me to get down. My right leg is all over the place while running. My knee angels in while my foot kicks out. Because that's how the cool kids run.
Put all of these things together and I have one pissed off IT band. He said this is pretty typical in awesome female runners who are training for way cool marathons.
Thankfully we can fix everything and part of fixing this is running a few miles each week and really focus on my form.
Perfect.
Clearly I won't be able to train as hard as I would like, but I am not down for the count.
I also have to mention that living in a small town has it perks - I only called this morning to schedule an appointment. My sister, who lives in Sweden, is on a waiting list three weeks long just to schedule an appointment with a PT!
Another perk - I know the PT through a variety of channels. Firstly, he is also a runner and appreciates my determination/enthusiasm for running and made it a point right away to ask what my race schedule was. He even reminded me of a 5K in April that I have to run (he beat me by a few seconds at the race last year)!
Secondly, we work together (kind of). The personal training that I am doing at the Y is with his patients that have "graduated" from physical therapy but still need a little motivation to keep up the workouts while out in the "real world."
So...three cheers for physical therapy! I have three weeks to work on my issues and then will go back in for some more tests.
Three weeks and 1 minute from now I will be out catching up on all my missed mileage! :)
---------------
Cool news - I found out tonight while I was working out at the Y that there are at least six people from town that are running Fargo - how awesome is that?! Considering how small our town is, and how far away Fargo is...it is very awesome.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
sidelined
I am a runner.
Running is my time to meditate, to unwind, to think, to feel, to be.
Life without running is not a life I want to imagine living.
So you can imagine how hard it was for me this morning to realize, to accept, that the best thing for me to do right now is to really (like really) take some time off from running until I can get myself in to see a physical therapist.
No more taking a day or two off and then testing the waters with a speed session. No more taking a day or two off and then testing the waters with an attempted 16 miler. No more.
Yes - I totally headed out for a 16 miler this morning. I only made it 2 miles before the knee hurt, so I slowed my pace and was stubborn enough to think I would still be able to make the entire distance. Ha. Around mile 3, as I was preparing to land on my right foot, I knew mid-stride that I my knee would not hold my weight. A few more steps and it did it again.
Done.
A few tears.
Pissed.
Resigned.
I am a runner. A stubborn runner. There is nothing else like running.
Snap out of it Kier. Seriously.
So your knee hurts. Take a break from running and do some physical therapy. In the meantime, there are other things you can do!
That's right, I told me.
While working my short shift at the Y this afternoon I forced myself to get-over-myself and come up with a training plan for the next few weeks that is challenging and includes no running.
It is better to have a plan than to sit and sulk!
And who knows, after I see the physical therapist, my knee might magically heal itself and I can get back to my good 'ole Fargo Marathon training schedule.
Or I might be prescribed an exercise plan free of running for a while.
I will roll with the punches.
Here is the plan I created. Take a look and let me know what you think - maybe it is still too much, maybe I am overlooking something, many eyes are better than two!
Monday - rest or cardio (elliptical, bike, etc)
Tuesday - weights + cardio
Wednesday - spin + swim
Thursday - weights + cardio
Friday - spin + swim
Saturday - long cardio + core or weights
Sunday - rest or cardio
Either Monday or Sunday will be days of complete rest.
I shared my plan with Nic when I got home. A huge sigh of relief escaped his lips. While I was gone, he feared that if I was not able to run again, I would sit at home on the couch and eat cookies all day every day. I think he was about ready to take me up to Iowa City to buy a brand new shiny bike today. Seriously.
So anyway, I am done complaining. I will be smart. I will not try to squeeze in a tempo run or three before I see the PT.
I swear.
Running is my time to meditate, to unwind, to think, to feel, to be.
Life without running is not a life I want to imagine living.
So you can imagine how hard it was for me this morning to realize, to accept, that the best thing for me to do right now is to really (like really) take some time off from running until I can get myself in to see a physical therapist.
No more taking a day or two off and then testing the waters with a speed session. No more taking a day or two off and then testing the waters with an attempted 16 miler. No more.
Yes - I totally headed out for a 16 miler this morning. I only made it 2 miles before the knee hurt, so I slowed my pace and was stubborn enough to think I would still be able to make the entire distance. Ha. Around mile 3, as I was preparing to land on my right foot, I knew mid-stride that I my knee would not hold my weight. A few more steps and it did it again.
Done.
A few tears.
Pissed.
Resigned.
I am a runner. A stubborn runner. There is nothing else like running.
Snap out of it Kier. Seriously.
So your knee hurts. Take a break from running and do some physical therapy. In the meantime, there are other things you can do!
That's right, I told me.
While working my short shift at the Y this afternoon I forced myself to get-over-myself and come up with a training plan for the next few weeks that is challenging and includes no running.
It is better to have a plan than to sit and sulk!
And who knows, after I see the physical therapist, my knee might magically heal itself and I can get back to my good 'ole Fargo Marathon training schedule.
Or I might be prescribed an exercise plan free of running for a while.
I will roll with the punches.
Here is the plan I created. Take a look and let me know what you think - maybe it is still too much, maybe I am overlooking something, many eyes are better than two!
Monday - rest or cardio (elliptical, bike, etc)
Tuesday - weights + cardio
Wednesday - spin + swim
Thursday - weights + cardio
Friday - spin + swim
Saturday - long cardio + core or weights
Sunday - rest or cardio
Either Monday or Sunday will be days of complete rest.
I shared my plan with Nic when I got home. A huge sigh of relief escaped his lips. While I was gone, he feared that if I was not able to run again, I would sit at home on the couch and eat cookies all day every day. I think he was about ready to take me up to Iowa City to buy a brand new shiny bike today. Seriously.
So anyway, I am done complaining. I will be smart. I will not try to squeeze in a tempo run or three before I see the PT.
I swear.
Friday, January 21, 2011
two year plan
In January we tend to focus on setting goals for the upcoming year. We certainly did here in the PS household. And although setting yearly goals are wonderful, I think having some longer term goals are also good.
Nic and I have a few long term goals, although we are not quite sure on how long term they are. Some of which include: making a move back to Minnesota (could be FOREVER which we are totally okay with. We do love Iowa), having kids (okay, we go back and forth on this one - because we really don't need kids), and finishing the basement (we've given up putting this on the we swear we are going to start this summer list).
I would have to argue that having long term goals requires an action plan in order to be successful. We do not have any sort of real action plan for the goals I mentioned above, which is fine because we don't have a date that we hope to complete those goals by.
There is one goal that I have set with a very specific end date.
The date:: April 15, 2013
The goal:: The Boston Marathon
Sure, I could have my sights set on qualifying for the 2012 Boston Marathon, and who knows, maybe I will. However, once I saw that the 2013 event will take place on April 15th my mind was made up and I knew I had to run it...
April 15, 2013 will mark 10 years since my dad passed away from cancer. I can't think of a better way to honor his life than to qualify for and running the Boston Marathon (followed by drinking numerous vodka sours while eating shrimp and sauerkraut pizza, of course. Ick).
Being able to run Boston on this date will be a huge accomplishment in itself. But my name is Kier and I have big ideas, so I would also like to raise money for the American Cancer Society. And since it will have been 10 years since his death, doesn't raising $10,000 just make sense?
Wowza! $10,000 is a lot of money. So we'll sit on that idea and ponder it a bit more. Maybe the lovely people at ACS will have some ideas on how to raise such a huge sum of money.
In the meantime, I will do my best to qualify for Boston 2013.
The action plan:: Train my little butt off and run like the wind. My 2011 attempts at qualifying will be made at the Fargo Marathon in May and either the Twin Cities Marathon or the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
Do you guys set long term goals?
Nic and I have a few long term goals, although we are not quite sure on how long term they are. Some of which include: making a move back to Minnesota (could be FOREVER which we are totally okay with. We do love Iowa), having kids (okay, we go back and forth on this one - because we really don't need kids), and finishing the basement (we've given up putting this on the we swear we are going to start this summer list).
I would have to argue that having long term goals requires an action plan in order to be successful. We do not have any sort of real action plan for the goals I mentioned above, which is fine because we don't have a date that we hope to complete those goals by.
There is one goal that I have set with a very specific end date.
The date:: April 15, 2013
The goal:: The Boston Marathon
Sure, I could have my sights set on qualifying for the 2012 Boston Marathon, and who knows, maybe I will. However, once I saw that the 2013 event will take place on April 15th my mind was made up and I knew I had to run it...
April 15, 2013 will mark 10 years since my dad passed away from cancer. I can't think of a better way to honor his life than to qualify for and running the Boston Marathon (followed by drinking numerous vodka sours while eating shrimp and sauerkraut pizza, of course. Ick).
Being able to run Boston on this date will be a huge accomplishment in itself. But my name is Kier and I have big ideas, so I would also like to raise money for the American Cancer Society. And since it will have been 10 years since his death, doesn't raising $10,000 just make sense?
Wowza! $10,000 is a lot of money. So we'll sit on that idea and ponder it a bit more. Maybe the lovely people at ACS will have some ideas on how to raise such a huge sum of money.
In the meantime, I will do my best to qualify for Boston 2013.
The action plan:: Train my little butt off and run like the wind. My 2011 attempts at qualifying will be made at the Fargo Marathon in May and either the Twin Cities Marathon or the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
Do you guys set long term goals?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
dear kier
It is perfectly okay to take a few days off from running and not feel guilty about it, especially if your knee hurts.
Love,
Your Knee.
**EDITED TO ADD**
Dear Knee - you suck and I will run no matter what you say! Booyah - check out that 6:21 mile I ran tonight!
Love,
Your Boss.
Love,
Your Knee.
**EDITED TO ADD**
Dear Knee - you suck and I will run no matter what you say! Booyah - check out that 6:21 mile I ran tonight!
Love,
Your Boss.
Friday, December 17, 2010
running ninja
Me. Decked out in all my new running gear.
Good thing I have a flexible work schedule...running in this get up at night would not be a good idea.
I hear black is the new black in Paris...looks like I might have a chance of blending in while we are visiting!
Good thing I have a flexible work schedule...running in this get up at night would not be a good idea.
I hear black is the new black in Paris...looks like I might have a chance of blending in while we are visiting!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
cancer sucks.
Cancer Sucks.
I don't even have to state that out loud - every knows it. Since my dad passed away, I have devoted my life to fighting this awful disease. I am passionate about fighting cancer.
I Choose Me.
Last May, the American Cancer Society rolled out the new "Choose You" campaign - an initiative created to encourage women to schedule more "me time" into their hectic lifestyle. Well, I chose me a few years ago when I rediscovered my other passion for running. However, in just the past year I have really focused my energy on becoming a better runner, as well as creating a healthier lifestyle for Nic and myself.
Two Passions One Mission.
The American Cancer Society's DetermiNation program combines the two very things that I am so passionate about. I am addicted to running. I hate cancer. Why not raise a little awareness and money for the American Cancer Society while running a race that I was planning on running anyway? Enter - the 2010 IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. On Sunday, October 17th I will be completing my fourth half marathon if this summer and will be running as an official American Cancer Society DetermiNation athlete. My goal is to raise $1,000.
I will be running in memory of my dad and my 2nd Mom who just passed away after a short battle with cancer on Saturday, October 2nd.
Create A World With More Birthdays.
The American Cancer Society is all about creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays. On October 4th, 2009, Ike, Maddie and I completed the Twin Cities Marathon, our first marathon. My dad would have been celebrating his 55th birthday that same day if it hadn't been for that stupid cancer. To say he would have been proud of the three of us would be a total understatement. In hindsight, that would have been the perfect day to be running as a DetermiNation athlete for the American Cancer Society - running my first marathon in memory of Dad on his birthday.
You can help create a world with more birthdays by supporting me as I run the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. You can visit my personal fundraising website here to make an online donation. I very much appreciate your support.
Saving Lives Every Day.
Thanks to people like you the American Cancer Society is saving lives every day. For nearly a century, they have fought for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Together with the American Cancer Society, we CAN save lives.
It's Not Over Until It's Over!
The IMT Des Moines Half Marathon is only one stop on my running journey! On November 21st I will be heading south to run the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma! I have been training for this day since July 19th and am looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish. Ultimately, I would love to do well enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
...and then I hope to become an American Cancer Society DestiNation running - but more on that later! :)
Thanks again for your support. You truly are helping to create a world with more birthdays.
Kier
Me and Dad - a few weeks before he passed away.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
farmers market & whiskey
Beautifully unproductive day at work. Wonderfully full afternoon/evening with Nic.
One of the huge disadvantages (advantages??) of working from home is the many distractions that lay at arms reach, and a bed that calls your name the instant your eyelids get droopy. (Hope my boss doesn't read this...Hi Denise!) Why is it when you have the most work to do, you are the most unmotivated to work? Today was definitely one of those days...and I will make up for it tomorrow!
Once Nic walked in the door, we were on the move right up until...well, now.
Work it out::
We headed to the Y first for a much needed workout. After chatting with a few hYped friends for a bit, I hit the treadmill for a tempo run.
1 mile bike ride to the Y
mile 1: 8:47 pace
mile 2: 7:47 pace
mile 3: 7:30 pace
mile 4: 8:58 pace
1+ mile bike ride home
Farmers Market::
Immediately after our workout we hit up the farmers market and loaded up with a bunch of produce. Yeah, even though we are getting our CSA box tomorrow, I can't help myself when it comes locally grown produce.
We have been looking for a tray to put on our oversized ottoman for drinks and such for quite some time now and found the perfect one at the farmers market. However, with our large bag of produce there was no way we could get the tray home while riding our bikes.
Whiskey::
After the farmers market we rode home, changed and jumped in the car to head out to a whiskey tasting. But not before hitting one the farmers market once more to grab that tray!
Look how sweet it is!!
Whiskey tasting...blech. I hate whiskey. I wasn't planning on tasting anything, but thought I'd give it a go, but first made sure I wouldn't offend the representative by making a disgusted face. Oh and what the disgusted face he saw!
Nic liked it though, so we picked up a bottle. He also tried some gin that was apparently very delicious. We were also the lucky winners of raffle - and somehow this shirt made it home with us. It will be visiting the Goodwill tomorrow.
Dinner::
Black bean and sweet potato burrito anyone? Holy delicious. Served up with some yogurt cornbread (I loosely follow this recipe - including the whole stick of butter!)
Ingredients -
Serve up in a tortilla topped with tomatoes and a dollop of greek yogurt.
Check out my cute apron! I normally don't wear them, but thought I'd cook in style tonight! Nic's cousin Angie made it for me a while ago...thanks Angie!
Today's eats::
One of the huge disadvantages (advantages??) of working from home is the many distractions that lay at arms reach, and a bed that calls your name the instant your eyelids get droopy. (Hope my boss doesn't read this...Hi Denise!) Why is it when you have the most work to do, you are the most unmotivated to work? Today was definitely one of those days...and I will make up for it tomorrow!
Once Nic walked in the door, we were on the move right up until...well, now.
Work it out::
We headed to the Y first for a much needed workout. After chatting with a few hYped friends for a bit, I hit the treadmill for a tempo run.
1 mile bike ride to the Y
mile 1: 8:47 pace
mile 2: 7:47 pace
mile 3: 7:30 pace
mile 4: 8:58 pace
1+ mile bike ride home
Farmers Market::
Immediately after our workout we hit up the farmers market and loaded up with a bunch of produce. Yeah, even though we are getting our CSA box tomorrow, I can't help myself when it comes locally grown produce.
We have been looking for a tray to put on our oversized ottoman for drinks and such for quite some time now and found the perfect one at the farmers market. However, with our large bag of produce there was no way we could get the tray home while riding our bikes.
Whiskey::
After the farmers market we rode home, changed and jumped in the car to head out to a whiskey tasting. But not before hitting one the farmers market once more to grab that tray!
Look how sweet it is!!
Whiskey tasting...blech. I hate whiskey. I wasn't planning on tasting anything, but thought I'd give it a go, but first made sure I wouldn't offend the representative by making a disgusted face. Oh and what the disgusted face he saw!
Nic liked it though, so we picked up a bottle. He also tried some gin that was apparently very delicious. We were also the lucky winners of raffle - and somehow this shirt made it home with us. It will be visiting the Goodwill tomorrow.
Dinner::
Black bean and sweet potato burrito anyone? Holy delicious. Served up with some yogurt cornbread (I loosely follow this recipe - including the whole stick of butter!)
Ingredients -
- small red onion chopped
- jalapeno chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- green pepper chopped
- 1 sweet potato diced
- 1 can black beans
Serve up in a tortilla topped with tomatoes and a dollop of greek yogurt.
Check out my cute apron! I normally don't wear them, but thought I'd cook in style tonight! Nic's cousin Angie made it for me a while ago...thanks Angie!
Today's eats::
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
second trimester
Got your attention, didn't I? :)
Yesterday afternoon, while mentally preparing myself to get out and run for the first time since my hugely successful Fargo half, I got to thinking about all this running I have been doing lately. Not only all the running I have been doing, but all the healthy eating habits Nic and I have adopted, all the extra trips to the gym we have been making, etc. We have made a huge lifestyle change and we are both benefiting from it in so many ways. I don't think a day goes by without one of us flexing our HUGE biceps and telling the other person to, "Look how strong I am!" :) lol, really, that does happen every day.
So with my first race behind me, I started thinking about some goals that I could set out for myself before my next race on July 4th. And then I got to thinking that my spring/summer/fall running schedule is really broken down into three spans of time - hence the title of this post.
1st running "trimester":
January-ish until Fargo Half Marathon
2nd running "trimester":
Now until Red, White & Boom TC Half Marathon
3rd running "trimester":
July 4th - Des Moines Half Marathon
Due Date:
San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Marathon (or some other marathon...)
Pretty clever, eh?! With the first trimester being so successful I really want to make sure I continue on this path so I can continue to be successful throughout the summer and fall.
Highlights from the first "trimester":
Lost somewhere between 15-25 pounds
Increased my running pace by over a minute from Summer '09
Re-introduced weights into my workout routine
Smashed my half marathon PR by about 20 minutes
Goals for the second "trimester":
Lose 10 pounds by focusing on portion sizes and protein intake - I really do have about 10-15 more pounds to lose, but I also want to focus on building more muscle mass. So I feel that by focusing on portion sizes and protein intake, I will be able to accomplish this. Now the challenge is finding great sources of protein that are not dairy...
Sleep schedule - you've heard it here more than once, but I really need to focus maintaining a better sleep schedule. I really do feel better and am more productive when I go to bed early and wake up early. This is especially necessary now that it is getting H-O-T out. I hope to get my workout in as well as Maia's walk in before the heat of the day strikes with a vengeance.
Speed work - I truly surprised myself at the Fargo Half Marathon when I ran eight of my miles under 8 minutes. If I can do that during a half marathon, I should always be able to run at a sub 8-minute pace during my training runs. Now, I know this won't always be doable, but now that I know I can do it, I can push myself just a little bit harder, knowing that I will not keel over and die.
Swimsuit season - Yup, swimsuit season is upon us. But don't think you will catch me at the city pool catching some rays, I am not there yet. By "there" I mean, unless I am swimming some laps at the Y (which should also be a goal for this 2nd "trimester"), you couldn't pay me to put on a swimsuit and go out to some public place and feel comfortable. But with a trip to Belize possibly on the calendar for January, I need to get there. So I will be incorporating three 15-minute ab workouts every week. Tentatively Nic and I will be using Ab Ripper X from the P90X dvd set.
Stretch - yoga pilates hot yogo piyo - whatever is out there, I need to do it. My flexibility, wait - what flexibility?? I need to start stretching more.
So, here's to my second trimester!
Yesterday afternoon, while mentally preparing myself to get out and run for the first time since my hugely successful Fargo half, I got to thinking about all this running I have been doing lately. Not only all the running I have been doing, but all the healthy eating habits Nic and I have adopted, all the extra trips to the gym we have been making, etc. We have made a huge lifestyle change and we are both benefiting from it in so many ways. I don't think a day goes by without one of us flexing our HUGE biceps and telling the other person to, "Look how strong I am!" :) lol, really, that does happen every day.
So with my first race behind me, I started thinking about some goals that I could set out for myself before my next race on July 4th. And then I got to thinking that my spring/summer/fall running schedule is really broken down into three spans of time - hence the title of this post.
1st running "trimester":
January-ish until Fargo Half Marathon
2nd running "trimester":
Now until Red, White & Boom TC Half Marathon
3rd running "trimester":
July 4th - Des Moines Half Marathon
Due Date:
San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Marathon (or some other marathon...)
Pretty clever, eh?! With the first trimester being so successful I really want to make sure I continue on this path so I can continue to be successful throughout the summer and fall.
Highlights from the first "trimester":
Lost somewhere between 15-25 pounds
Increased my running pace by over a minute from Summer '09
Re-introduced weights into my workout routine
Smashed my half marathon PR by about 20 minutes
Goals for the second "trimester":
Lose 10 pounds by focusing on portion sizes and protein intake - I really do have about 10-15 more pounds to lose, but I also want to focus on building more muscle mass. So I feel that by focusing on portion sizes and protein intake, I will be able to accomplish this. Now the challenge is finding great sources of protein that are not dairy...
Sleep schedule - you've heard it here more than once, but I really need to focus maintaining a better sleep schedule. I really do feel better and am more productive when I go to bed early and wake up early. This is especially necessary now that it is getting H-O-T out. I hope to get my workout in as well as Maia's walk in before the heat of the day strikes with a vengeance.
Speed work - I truly surprised myself at the Fargo Half Marathon when I ran eight of my miles under 8 minutes. If I can do that during a half marathon, I should always be able to run at a sub 8-minute pace during my training runs. Now, I know this won't always be doable, but now that I know I can do it, I can push myself just a little bit harder, knowing that I will not keel over and die.
Swimsuit season - Yup, swimsuit season is upon us. But don't think you will catch me at the city pool catching some rays, I am not there yet. By "there" I mean, unless I am swimming some laps at the Y (which should also be a goal for this 2nd "trimester"), you couldn't pay me to put on a swimsuit and go out to some public place and feel comfortable. But with a trip to Belize possibly on the calendar for January, I need to get there. So I will be incorporating three 15-minute ab workouts every week. Tentatively Nic and I will be using Ab Ripper X from the P90X dvd set.
Stretch - yoga pilates hot yogo piyo - whatever is out there, I need to do it. My flexibility, wait - what flexibility?? I need to start stretching more.
So, here's to my second trimester!
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