Crazy Thing Is...

The crazy thing is that I started this whole thing with one little thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to say that I completed a half marathon?!"  A year later, I realized that I had the potential and started training.  That's when this blog started so that I could document the whole crazy adventure!  And, the crazy thing is...I have really enjoyed every bit of it.  So much, that I am even considering half marathon round two with the Eugene Women's Half Marathon on Labor Day weekend.

The crazy thing is that I had the idea.  The crazy thing is that I realized I could complete it.  The crazy thing is I dared to do it.  The crazy thing is that I trained from Jan through May.  The crazy thing is that I actually completed the half marathon.  The crazy thing is that Dan joined me on the whole darn adventure.  The crazy thing is that we were not even last!  The crazy thing is that it was a blast.  The crazy thing is...that I am training again.

I got back into my running shoes on Monday.  Just a little 35 minute workout with the usual 5 min warm up, 3/2 intervals, and 5 min cool down.  Boy, did it feel great!  On Wednesday, I did the eliptical for 30 minutes and strength training.  My poor legs are still angry with me but at least my arms and abs are not too sore!  I think a nice long walk is in order for tonight and a long run this weekend!  I think I will try to stop by the Eugene Running Company to see if there are any training groups for the Women's Half.  Should be a good time!

The Finish Line

Wahoo!  We did it all, all 13.1 miles of the Eugene Half Marathon!  I can still walk, stiff and a bit sore, but able to walk.  Even Dan was sore after this one. 

We made some poor decisions the day before.  We went to Myrtle Creek to support two friends and their football team.  That meant that we ate like crap, did not get enough water, got home late, had dinner at midnight, and went to bed around 12:30.  We had to get up at 5:45am in order to leave the house on time.  Between the little food and lack of sleep and nerves, I had a minor panic attack...totally not cool!  I just felt trapped to the bathroom and did not want to leave.  I got myself downstairs, first good move.  Dan was a trooper and said, "Let's just drive down there.  We can get there and if you can decide once we are there."  Of course, as soon as we started walking to the start line, I perked up.  I started the race on a completely empty stomach with little sleep so we decided to walk most of it.  We had 6 or 7 running stints but kept a good walking pace for the rest.  We finished in 3:33:??.  All I wanted was the finishers medal and now I have one!  Super awesome!

More to come later!

Gearing Up

I am not sure that I can even claim that this is tappering time as I took off most of last week and some other long stretches...so I am gearing up for Sunday's Half Marathon!  Wahoo!  Yesterday I did a 5 minute warm up, 30 minutes worth of intervals, and a 5 minute cool down.  Nothing too spectacular but it felt good to run.  2.41 miles down!  Today I rode the bike for a full 30 minutes and then did the eliptical for an extra 10.  Again, nothing too impressive but starting to feel good for Sunday.

Count Down on...6 days left!

Last Week

Last week was a bit of blur.  I ran for a half hour on Monday.  Nothing too special but it was my first run since the Pear Blossom and it felt great.  I was just a little stiff and sore the next day but nothing too bad.  On Tuesday I rode the bike for half hour and then bounced over to the eliptical for a few minutes.  Again, nothing too exciting but it still felt good.  Wednesday was the rest day.  I swam very briefly on Thursday, maybe only 10 minutes worth, for the first ever employee swim meet at Cascade Manor.  I took the rest of the week off because we were up in Portland for Jeff and Laura's wedding...so beautiful and perfect!  Only 7 days to go until the big race...wish me luck!

Pear Blossom Part 2

I have taken the first half of this week off to recover.  Tomorrow is my first run since the 10 miler!  I realized that I forgot to do a mile by mile breakdown so here it is:

Mile 1 came fast.  I was pleased with our pace of 14 minute miles, a little faster than we usually do.  The community cheers were awesome.  The only bad thing was that my legs starting hurting right off the bat with the first interval.  Thankfully, the pains and aches released a little as I warmed up.  It was a cold start!  We passed Black Bird.

Mile 2 also came pretty fast.  The school that passed out water was awesome.  The kids and parents were cheerleaders and it felt great.  I was shocked that only water was being served.  I thought for sure some sort of sports drink would be offered...good think I bought some gels just in case!  We passed Roadhouse.

Mile 3 felt like a long reach.  We were out of town and into the family ranches/farms with their owners cheering us on.  We passed softball field that I have driven past so many times so it was fun to see that.  Around mile three, the first place runner lapped us...he was on mile 7 while we were on mile 3!  He was pure grace and I thought, "in my dreams, I am a Kenyan runner..."  He was pure grace with equal determination.  The guys in second was fighting for the win but came in about a minute later.  Still, very impressive!  Around this time we could see the runners ahead of us turn the bend, run the next straight away, and climb the hill.

Mile 4 was past the bend.  So beautiful out in the country.  We would have been able to see Mt. Mc. but the clouds were there.  So beautiful.  We were still keeping a pretty good pace.  The bulk of the other runners passed us on mile 4.  We were able to cheer on Tamika as we approached the hill.  I thought the turn around was at the top of the hill...not the case.  We had to go up and over the hill TWICE!  I did feel encouraged when all the runners on both sides encouraged eachother to just keep going...one foot at a time.

Mile 5 felt like its own little victory.  Half way.  Awesome!  And then there was the hill again.  The second climb was terrible.  I was starting to hurt and I just could not keep the run interval going.  The sun did not help when it came out just for that one moment when I was trying to get up and over that darn hill...we walked some and then continued intervals.

Mile 6 was tough.  My heartrate had not recovered from the hill and my hips were really starting to ache.  My calves and shins really started to hurt but we powered through and continued our intervals and made it through the bend.  I was definitely encouraged to see so many people behind us...just to make sure we would not come in last.  I also realized that we could walk the rest and still meet the course time limit.

Mile 7 was the true start of more walking.  We never walked a full mile but I was hurting so badly that I did feel like crying.  All in all, mile 7 went pretty fast, all things considered.

Mile 8 felt good again.  We can to the school and the students and parents helped to cheer us on.  It's amazing how random strangers can pick your spirit up but it did not stop my from wanting to cry a little.  My stomach was not feeling well so I decided to not get water so that I could get a banana and energy drink at the finish line...bad mistake!

Mile 9 came and we were almost there!  I told Dan, "I know that this was my idea but why did you go along with it?" I just wanted it to be done.  I wanted to cry.  I wanted to just be done...anything to be done!  As we started to approach the end, I felt a little re-energized.  The best part was seeing Madison, Grant, Garret, and Kendra cheering us on with Shawna, Tamika, Kevin, and Dad!  We started running to the finish for the last stint...until my leg cramped up.  We walked for 25 yards and I pushed through the cramp and made it across the finish line with Grant and Madison running along us on the sidewalk...so cute! 

Mile 10 felt great!  The announcer read our time and names off as we crossed...we did it!  I was overjoyed and wanted to die all at the same time.  We were inundated with tons of hugs and cheers.  The booths were already down so we did not get our finish bananas or sports drinks...should have grabbed water at mile 8!  Dad walked us to the car and I fought off throwing up.  My whole body ached and hurt, especially my calves, shins, and hips but we did it.  We got back to the car and I stretched out and sipped on water.  I even got some Cheeze Its in my stomach.  Madison and Dad put their cold hands on the back of my neck which helps a ton!  All in all, awesome!

Dan definitely holds up better than I do.  He was able to keep a better pace, never hurt, never complained, and never had an upset stomach.  Could I have a better running partner?!  I think not!  We went to Dad and Shawna's to take showers, clean up a little, and get ready for the post-race party that lasted until 6ish.  I drank so much water, probably close to a gallon before I had a beer.  Dan fully took a two hour nap in the middle of the party...he was pretty cute.  Afterwards, Mika got her nap in.  I tried three time but was never able to fall asleep.  I did finally fall asleep for my nap around 8:20 but woke up only because I knew I had to.  If I stayed asleep, I would be watching six children as the adults went out to the bars.  I rallied because the bars sounded like less work...!  We had a fun even though we could not find a dancing place...sad, really, sad...yes, that is sarcasm!  I can't wait to wrap up the Eugene Half Marathon and decide on the next goal...maybe the Women's Half Marathon in early Sept?  Guess I will see how I hold up in the Eugene Half first.

Pear Blossom Run

We did it!  Slow but steady...and not last!  On Saturday, Dan and I ran the 10 mile Pear Blossom Run in Medford, OR.  The course was beautiful, the community support was awesome, and the weather was ideal.  We did our 3 minute run/2 minute walk intervals through most of it.  I knew there was a hill involved but thought that the top was the turn around so I was not mentally prepared to go up and over the darn thing twice.  The second up was the killer.  My heart rate skyrocketed, my legs cramped up, my hips hurt so we started walking a bit more.  We kept an ambitious 14 minute pace in the begining and finished with a 15 minute pace in the end.  Still, not too shabby!  The course was a there and back.  We saw the leaders around mile marker three (7 for them!)...amazing!  I saw the winner lap us and thought, "In my dreams, I am a Kenyan runner..."  He ran with such determination and grace...just beautiful!  I definitely feel more prepped for the Eugene Half Marathon now that I have a practice race under my belt! 

I had several things that I was pretty worried about with the outcome, including:
1. Not even starting...we started!
2. Not finishing...we finished!
3. Not finishing in the 2:55 time limit...rough finishing time of 2:34!
4. Being last...there were at least 100 people behind us!
5. Legs feeling hurt...well, that one happened...can't win the all!
6. Throwing up afterwards...I did not lose it!

So 10 miles in roughly 2 hours and 34 minutes.  I'll take it!

Big Day Tomorrow

I swam on Tuesday morning which felt good.  Nothing too special to note other than I still am not a morning person...but it did feel good.

We leave for Medford tonight and will pick up our Pear Blossom Run race packets tonight.  Keep your fingers crossed that my legs can make it ten miles within the time limit...

Scared Stiff! Yikes!

We had our best run to date on March 28.  Last week, I took Monday off to recover from the great run.  I swam on Tuesday.  Wednesday was a rest day.  I ran, sort of, on Thursday.  I went to go on a run in the neighborhood, made it about .75 of a mile and my poor legs were still very stiff and sore so I went home.  I did not give up though, I ran the stairs and in the house and then out on the deck...looked funny, I am sure, but I did not give up.  Friday was a swim day but my swim buddy was not around so Friday was a rest day.  We did not do a long run on the weekend...too much was going on!

So today, I ran for 20 minutes and did 1.45 miles.  My legs were so stiff and sore, especially along my shin and in the back of my calf, that I had to stop.  I made the switch over to the treadmill for 20 minutes, distance .45...I think it lies!  But, I still did not give up.  Now I am scared, scared stiff, with the Pear Blossom Run on Saturday morning.  My legs have got to recover, and fast, for it!  I signed up and paid for Dan and I to run it so...yikes!

Longest Run To Date

The long run should have techincally been on Saturday but I had my Mary Kay Career Conference all day so we decided to do the run on Sunday.  We slept in late, which was much needed, but got off to a late start.  We parked by the Valley River Inn.  We did our warm up and then went into 3 minute run/2 minute walk intervals.  We ran along the river all the way to the I5 bridge where we were stopped because of construction.  We needed to go another .75 miles to really get in our goal.  That turn around interval was pure evil.  I wanted to walk.  I wanted to stop but somehow found the strength to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.  We made it all the way back to where we parked and continued on to get our full run in.  My oh my how good it felt to do the final stretch, to meet the goal, and to be done!  We ran a full 7 miles in a 15:03ish pace...pretty darn impressive for us!  With warm up and cool down, our total distance was 7.8 miles in roughly 2 hours.  I'll take it!

That's another 7.8 miles for a weekly total of 15.36 miles and a training total of 56.65 miles!  Wahoo!

One Hour of Greatness

Again, I did not want to work out today but I challenged myself to a full hour of pure training, not including warm up or cool down.  That's an hour and ten minutes total on the treadmill.  So at the end of the 2 interval mark in the run, I gave myself the option to stop at 10 intervals which would have been cutting out two intervals.  The best thing happened, though...I got totally into the run!

I started to feel excited as time passed by.  My form was relaxed but with great posture.  I was working but not working myself to death.  I was excited as each interval passed.  I was not focused on the time or the distance but just enjoyed the run.  I watched my feet in the reflection and listened to my stride as my feet landed.  My breath was steady.  My heartrate recovered very well through most of the run.  All in all, the whole thing felt awesome.  I did 3.61 in one hour with 12 intervals...that's a 16:37 pace!  Not great but not too shabby either!  Total milage was 4.09 in 1:10:00 (pace 17:07)

Feeling good! 
Total 48.85 miles!

Swim Fishy Swim

That's the phrase that continually went through my head as I got my tired body in the water this morning.  I don't like waking up at 5:30am and I do not like driving into work to meet my swim buddy at 6am.  I start to feel a little better about the world once I get in the water and start swimming and usually feel great for the rest of the day...but, not today!  I did not like swimming this morning, even at the half way mark.  I certainly did not like it at the end, just grateful that it was finally over.  I have been so tired all day long and just dragging...but I still swam half a mile this morning.  I am proud of that.

The Pear Blossom Run

I have taken a few weeks off and sort of adjusted my training program.  I was going to only do the 5K or bail entirely on the Pear Blossom Run in Medford...until Shawna told me that she has told everyone that I am coming.  So either 5K or 10 mile.  I checked with Tamika to see which race she is doing and it is the 10 mile.  I am keeping to my goal of doing the 10 mile...YIKES!  When I realized that the Pear Blossom is only in about three weeks, I pushed extra hard on my run.  While I do believe that tiling should count as workouts, it's not a run. 

Today was my first run in a while and it actually went better than expected..pheew!  I did a nice five minute warm up and then my 3/2 intervals ten (yep, that's right, 10!), and a five minute cool down.  So my milage with warm up and cool down was 3.47 with a pace of 17:17.  With that pace, I would BARELY finish the Pear Blossom within the time limit.  Thank goodness my run, without warm up/cool down, was 50 minutes and 3.04 milage for a pace of 16:27...so much better.  I am not saying that's a good pace but if I keep that, then I will actually finish within the time limit!  Wahoo!

So another 3.47 down and so much more to go!

Maybe It Has Been Awhile...Oops

I went for my follow-up appointment with Dr. James about my knees.  The good news is that my shins and knees feel a lot better but my left foot and ankle still get pretty darn sore.  He gave me all sorts of fun exercises to do to strength and heal but he also gave me a return to run schedule.  I can't just dive back in...I don't think he understands that I am not the most patient person in the world but I am doint my best!  So next week, I start again...

I think my goal is still going to be to continue to build milage slowly but to do the half at a 3 minute run/2 minute walk intervals instead of the 4/1 that my training program was building up for.  I still want to run most of it but it's looking like a walk/run half might be better...just have to wait and see!

So Tired...

Saturday was another long run day.  We did not motivate until about 3 in the afternoon and ate very little throughout the day...so much for the lessons learned last week!  I also only had a two work out week so I am hoping that I have learned! 

We ran the Riverbank Trail by our home, down to VRC, and back.  The loop itself was so beautiful along the river with lots of wildlife.  There were a ton of people out.  It is amazing what a little sun does in this town!  The weather was perfect.  We did our 5 min. warm up, rotated between 3 min. runs and 2 min. walks, and finished with a 6 min cool down.  My legs were not at all happy with me and I felt like crap the entire run.  This was a good reminder that not all runs can be good ones.  Sure did not help at the time, though, especially when I felt like dieing the entire time!

Today I sucked it up and got on the treadmill.  Another 55 minute session down.  Same drill: 5 min warm up, 3 min run/2 min walk intervals (9 to be exact), and a 5 min cool down.  I felt sluggish but I am glad that I did it.  Hopefully it will make this weekend's long run more enjoyable...a girl can hope, right?!  3.09 done!

41.29 miles down and so much more to go!

Water Time

So I was right about yesterday needing to be a rest day for my left ankle/foot but I really want to stick to my training schedule.  I took yesterday off to let my sore ankle rest.  Today I have been walking much better, so that's relieving! 

I had a fun scare that made it look like I would not work out today.  My neck started to ache and it felt like I had an instant ear ache.  My awesome accupuncturist got me in for an office visit and made it feel so much better!  I went from being totally fine to turning into Quasimodo in 30 minutes!  I am still a little stiff and sore but SO much better!  Thank you Matt Sieradski!

Today was a cross training day so I got my tush in the pool because I still could get a workout without freaking out my foot or neck too bad.  I felt so strong in my breathing which was very nice, my form can still be improved upon.  I pushed while still taking it pretty easy and got in my 30 laps (.57 mile).  My shoulders felt worked pretty early in the swim but my legs felt nice and strong. Even better, my foot/ankle actually felt better when I got out of the pool.  So glad I was a fishee this afternoon!

Tomorrow is a rest day and I hope I can run again on Thursday.  Feeling good!

Saturday Long Run

After missing most of the week's workouts and all of the previous week, I was a bit nervous, especially because Dan and I did the run at night...after a decently large late lunch.  Note to self, do runs first thing in the morning and do not eat a large meal before the run!  We left the house at 6:50pm and I am so glad that we did.  By that time, it was really easy to make excuses not to run!  But off we went in our neighborhood with a five minute warm up, five mile run, and five minute cool down.  The whole thing took us about an hour and a half with total distance of 5.45 miles.  Our pace was a little slower than normal but I am okay with that considering we went from a three mile long run to a five mile long run!  I just can't believe that we actually ran a five miles!

The only downer is that my left foot and/or ankle, it's hard to tell, is very stiff and sore.  I think my new insoles have thrown my left foot.  Today's workout may be cross training or walking just to make sure everything is okay.  Just waiting to see how the pain is later this afternoon.

Another 8.2 miles for the week with a grand total of 34.10 miles!

First Day Back

I was nervous all day regarding how my first workout would be after my week off.  My time was longer with an extra interval, 8 instead of 7.  I was looking forward to a run with my new insoles yet dreading what might be...  I was also very nervous about the first run with the new insoles.  Dr. James said I should break them in for a few days or even weeks.  No surprisingly, I tried them out on the first run anyway...

Thankfuly, everything went very well.  I felt relaxed and strong in my run, even with the extra 5 minutes.  I managed another 2.77 miles on my shoes and felt like I could do more.  The insoles were a little uncomfortable on my arches but not too bad, very doable.  Best yet, my shins are not killing me!  I was a bit nervous about that, too.  All in all, it was a good first day back!

Miserable Malalignment

And I quote from Dr. James, "You have Miserable Malalignment."  Best news from yesterday, NO SURGERY.  I need to try out orthopedics inserts and do some hip strengthening exercises but no surgery.  My hip sockets are turned outward so that the muscles, bones, etc. compensate for the malalignment.  He said that's just how God put me together and there's not a whole lot that can be done.  Just cope and continue to train smartly.  Wahoo!  Sorry Mom, you did not make me perfect!  :)

This week has turned into an unofficial off week while we have worked on the crazy tile project.  I think the tile project should count as cross training strength training.  Have you ever moved backerboard/cement boards, tile boxes, mortar buckets, grout bags, etc.?  Pure evil!  And then there is laying the backerboards down, lifting one at a time, getting the mortar down, moving the board back, screwing the darn thing in, and finally taping the seams.  Holy Cow!  What were we thinking?!  Oh, yeah...it will be so much better than WHITE carpet! 

Back to the races next week!

A Bit Nervous

Missed work outs...I missed Monday and Tuesday work outs because my knees were still and sore.  Today is a rest day so I am feeling a bit lazy even though I have good intentions.  I really wanted to work out yesterday but just knew it was not going to happen with the tenderness in my legs.  I did get some strength training from lifting bags of mortar and tile boxes...oh the joys of home ownership! 

I finally made the appointment that I have been dreading for a while.  I see an orthopedic doctor tomorrow to see what is going on with my legs.  Keeping my fingers crossed I don't need surgery and nothing is too bad.  But, it's still scary to just wait and I am sure more waiting will be involved.  My hope is that I will not need surgery but that physical therapy will do the trick but who knows...

Long Run #2 and Renovations

On Saturday, I had my second long run.  I started at the Valley River Inn and ran towards Autzen on the River Bank trail.  The trail was mostly concrete which my poor knees did not appreciate.  The weather was overcast and sprinkling on and off at 45 degrees which my poor leg muscles did not appreciate.  This was my first run in less than ideal weather which I probably just need to suck it up and get used to because, well, I live in Eugene, Oregon.  The fun part was that there were still a lot of runners out on the trail.  I really do love that Eugene is so runner friendly with a great running community!  We started the run at 9:30 in the morning, did a 5 minute warm up, ran 3 minutes/walked 2 minutes for a little over 3 miles, and then finished with a 5 minuted cool down.  All in all, it was pretty good.  I finished the week with another 9.11 miles under my belt. 

Sunday was my rest day that turned into a renovation day.  We officially started our tiling project by ripping out the not-so-white carpet, the carpet padding, the staples, and the tile in front of the fireplace.  Man were we tired last night!  Today I am a bit stiff and sore, not sure if it was from the run, lack of rest, or the renovation.  Either way, I am taking today off to rest.  My knees are feeling a bit stiff and sore and the goal is to not get injured. 

No Good, Very Bad Week

It has been a no good, very bad week and I am so glad it is Friday.  Work and home have just been tough.  My attitude has been down and my energy level has been shot.  I had a decent workout on Monday, not great but not bad.  I completely boycotted Tuesday cross training and weights.  Wednesday was a rest day so by the time Thursday was here I was feeling like a two ton heifer and did not want to work out, not one single bit under any circumstance!  I checked the newspaper for when the sun was supposed to set and realized I had to changed and leave right then in order to get my 45 minutes in at Amazon Park. 

Thank goodness I did!  I got to Amazon and did my 5 minute warm up which was a nice way to get use to the park.  There were a lot of people on the trail which made it nice.  I did my 3 minute run, 2 minute walk intervals and felt relaxed and strong.  My 5 minute cool down was a great ending.  45 minutes and 2.97 miles later, I was finally feeling a little better about the week.

I realized that I hate indoor workouts, especially now that the days are getting longer.  I loved being outside.  It was crisp but not chilly.  I loved seeing all the other runners, walkers, bikers out and about.  I felt like I was an active part of the community.  The bark trial was so nice on my poor knees.  I felt strong in my form and breathing.  While I am a bouncy, wandering runner with little grace, I enjoyed watching people who were graceful.  There was a woman who ran like a gazelle, so smoothly.  Maybe one day I will learn to have the running form like she had.  A guy was running graceful but with a lot of power.  He just zoomed past with pure determination.  Even with my inefficient running legs, I actually started to feel like a runner.  Best yet, my pace was awesome.  If I keep improving, I might just have a pace to finish with for the Pear Blossom Run in Medford.  I would really like to get a race under my belt before doing the Eugene Half Marathon! 

Then came today...
I did not want to do my cross training.  I did not want to do the elliptical or the bike but I dragged myself downstairs, changed into my workout clothes, and got on the darn bike.   The 30 minutes just went by so slowly but I am glad I did it.  I just took it easy and did not push too much.  I want to make sure that my legs feel strong for run long #2 tomorrow.  Even though I did not want to and was bored the entire time, at least I got in my 30 minutes today.  Sure hope tomorrow gets better!

Week 2, Day 1

I felt in good spirits all day, even though I was a bit nervous about the first run after the first long run.  As the day krept on, I realized that I had a head ache and felt run down.  Note to self, drink more water and eat!  I barely ate yesterday and I think that's the major problem. 

When workout time came, someone else was on the treadmill so I warmed up on the elliptical for five minutes...nice but not quite the same.  The other person finished a minute into my warm up.  I switched over to the treadmill and did my 7 intervals (run 3 min/walk 2 min).  A nice 5 minute cool down and some stretching for good measure. 

I really hit my stride about half way through.  I bought a new arm band for my iPhone, which was worth EVERY penny, this weekend and ran with it today.  Music makes such a big difference!  I am reading a new running book, ChiRunning, which is supposed to help a lot on form and injury prevention.  I still need to look into going to an orthopedic but I will save that for another day.

Another 2.24 miles logged...one step at a time!

First Long Run

I was kicking myself for not doing my cross training on Friday.  I just did not want to do the elliptical or the bike.  My thought was that I would do the Wii Fit Plus at home but that never happened...sorta knew it wouldn't.  On Saturday, Dan and I ran some errands for items we needed for the run.  We got out to the wetland by Greenhill and did a nice warm up, 2min run/2 min walk intervals until we hit 3 miles, and then a nice cool down with stretching.  I felt great, like I could have kept going for another 2 miles!  I forgot that the high would wear off so even though I had a snack right after the run, I did not get enough protein in my system and had a mini crash.  I took a short nap.  Dan made a fantastic lunch.  I felt so much better after the nap and the filling, healthy lunch.

I am starting to remember how great running feels; that I can escape to my own little world and enjoy it.  The weather was perfect on Saturday and it was fun to run around such a beautiful setting.  The birds were a lot of fun to watch, too.  I can't believe I am going to say it but I even wanted to run on Sunday.  The rest days are hard! 

Week one of training done and 7.78 miles logged for the week.  Not great but not too bad!  A girl has got to start somewhere!

So Tired...

Today was tough! I did not sleep well and I had a 6:30am Rotary Auction Committee meeting. I did not want to work out at all today...not one bit! I found out my body fat percentage at the employee wellness kickoff...did not help the motivation! Just made me sad. I sucked it up and changed into my work out close, went downstairs, and got my work out on!

I did a light strength training session and followed it with some cardio on the treadmill. I fought through the first half and wanted to stop without doing cardio but I did it anyway! PS I am still a bit sore from Wednesday strength training so I REALLY hope I don't get too sore from today! I started to feel more comfortable with my warm up and more cofident as I worked my way through 2 minute run/2 minute walk intervals. I kept a slow, steedy pace but felt great and strong at the end of the workout! My cool down walk was perfectly refreshing and stretching felt great! So glad I got another 2.25 miles under my belt!

Cross Training and Days Off

Yesterday was my first official cross training day.  I did a 30 minutes session of strength training.  I was worried about being sore today but pleasantly surprised!  I can feel my workout in a few spots but nothing really noticeable.  I hope tomorrow is the same way!  The worst is when the soreness hits on the second day...so much more intense and lasts longer!  After some stretching, I did 25 minutes on a stationary bike...so...boring!  Thank goodness for my music!  I think on the next cross training day I will do the elliptical.  Hopefully I can do some hiking when the weather improves and there is more daylight.  Oh, and there is swimming!  I think I will really enjoy cross training days!

Today is the first official day off which sounds easier than it is.  I have to rest my body today, meaning I am not supposed to work out...period!  Should be easy but I feel like I am breaking my routine...like I am cheating...like I am slacking off.  I know that the rest days are REALLY important but it feels off.  Hopefully, I can get into the new routine and habit and the rest days won't feel so odd. 

You Gotta Start Somewhere

Today's workout was a tough one.  I did a 5 minute warm up, rotated between running for two minutes and walking for two minutes, and a five minute cooldown.  A total of 28 minutes and 1.6 miles on the treadmill.  My legs were not thrilled but one step at a time! 

Today's workout was also a good reminder that it takes courage just to start and that my only goal is to finish the half marathon within the 7 hour course limit.  That's it, just finish!  I really want the finisher's medal!  While I am still working out the kinks between doing it at a run/walk or a walk/run style, at least I have officially started.

Sometimes I Wonder...

I am not sure if it was brilliants or insanity but I signed up on December 31, 2009 for the Eugene Half Marathon. While I have wanted to do this race for the last few years, I have not been sure about my own ability. Seriously, who voluntarily pays money to enter a 13.1 mile race? I did! Between constantly being excited and terrified, I am doing it. There is this little voice in me that continues to say, "I can do this." Most surprisingly, the little voice is confident, a bit shy but confident. For the last 18 days, I have been continuing my normal workouts, trying to figure out how to train and what program to follow, and reading Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfeld. So, today marks my first day of training! We are off to the races...yikes!