Wednesday, December 28, 2016

OMaD - Week 52

It's the week of Christmas!

December 18 - December 24 

Day 353: 0.0 Miles -I got to sleep in! It was glorious! Then I had to go to work. Boo! It was also in the 30s today! Whah?! Freezing! So glad the polar vortex weather didn't arrive the week before during the marathon!

Day 354: 3.15  Miles - Hello, gym and treadmill! It felt good to run, again. Mentally I was thinking of running longer than a 5k, but my body wasn't quite wanting to do that just yet. So I settled for the hold good standby. I spent lunch and part of the afternoon with LS, who is my fiance's little sister and my future older-sister-in-law. This was the first time we have ever hung out together without MS around. It was a little awkward, but not bad! Whew!

Day 355: 0.0 Miles - Work, work, work!

Day 356: 0.0 Miles - Kettlebell workout today! My leg was shaking at the end of it... clearly it has been too long of a break since I last did a full workout! I got to spend the afternoon with my best friends for lunch and fun.

Day 357: 0.0 Miles - Work, work, work!

Day 358: 4.01 Miles -A nice four-miler on the treadmill to start my holiday weekend To help get through any mental blocks I watched The Barkley Marathons on Netflix, which puts four mile so a treadmill to shame! If you haven't seen that documentary... do it! It's so interesting and crazy! I then pic

Day 359: 0.0 Miles -What a crazy day! I hired my brother and his girlfriend to be my engagement photo photographer. We went to a book store and a record store, and it was fun once we got going! 

Total Miles this week: 7.16 Miles

Miles to Date: 853.86  Miles

How was your week?

OMaD - Week 51

What a week! My ran my full marathon! Then it was onto Christmas thinking!

December 11 - December 17

Day 346: 26.60 Miles - BCS Marathon day! I can't believe I ran another 26.2 race! All day Saturday, I would realize, "I'm running 26.2 miles tomorrow." I was pretty calm yesterday and when I prepped in the morning. I had woken up at 4:30am to get some coffee going and making my waffles (actually brought my toaster to the hotel). Around 6am was when I was getting nervous cause I had to leave the hotel to be driven to the start line. It was warmer than I was expecting, and I didn't need to worry about a rain poncho! I did my usual portapotty stops before the race. Me, my fiance, my running buddy HC and her hubby hung out for the 30 minutes before the race. During the race, HC dusted me right after the first water station. She was in my sights for a while before she was completely gone. I was running my own race and didn't care too too much! Anyway, Between Mile 13 and 15 I grouped myself with an experienced married couple who were doing intervals and entertaining enough to distract me from my tight hamstring. Anyway, I stuck with them until Mile 25 then it was on my own. It too my 06:19 and some change to finish. That's slower than my first marathon last year, but definitely not 06:30, which I was suspecting. I'll write more details in my review later on, but I have to say... I cried after a volunteer put a medal around my neck. All the hard work and I did it!

Day 347: 0.0 Miles - After getting home yesterday I strapped the Tens unit on and believe that helped me to feel how I felt today. I slept a lot this morning, with breakfast (cinnamon roll and coffee... in bed) in between, and felt good by the time I did get of bed eventually. I could walk just fine, squat and sit on the floor. I only had one major achy spot on the side of my thigh, and that was pretty much it! Nice! I went to see my parents for lunch before meeting up with my fiance for dinner. All day today, I felt itching to run or to find a new race to run (such as another full marathon!). I think it was withdrawal from my runner's high!

Day 348: 2.60 Miles - I felt good today! I went to the gym for a light cycle to get some my restlessness out.

Day 349: 0.0 Miles - First rest day for the reminder of the week!

Day 350: 0.0Miles - Nothing! I was tempted, but knew it'd be best to fully rest. I guess.

Day 351: 0.0 Miles - I'm so ready for a sleep in day! 

Day 352: 0.0 Miles - Looong day at work. I'm ready for the holidays!

Total Miles this week: 29.20 Miles

Miles to Date: 846.70 Miles

How was your week?

Saturday, December 10, 2016

OMaD - Week 50 - aka RACE WEEK!

Race Week!!!! Aaaah!!!

December 4 - December 10

Day 339: 0.0 Miles - I didn't run today cause I had to go to a fun baby shower for my good friend and future bridesmaid, HL!

Day 340: 8.01 Miles - It was a chilly day! I test wore an outfit that I would wear on Marathon Day! Eeek! It's coming up fast!

Day 341: 0 Miles - Rest day! I've now been stalking the weather for race day. So far it's a chance of rain race day morning! Boo! 

Day 342: 0 Miles - Another Rest Day. Weather stalking continues.

Day 343: 4.01 Miles - It was FREEZING this morning, literally. So I headed to the warmth of the gym for my last run before the race! Today it's says 60% chance of rain on race morning.

Day 344: 0 Miles - My fiance and I bought good snacks for the trip down College Station and I found a clear poncho for me to wear at the race!

Day 345: 0 Miles - Heading out to College Station for my packet for the race! Catch you on the flip side!

Total Miles this week: 12.02 Miles

Miles to Date: 817.50 Miles

How was your week?

Thursday, December 8, 2016

OMaD - Week 49

Where as the time gone??? How many days until the marathon???

November 27 - December 3

Day 332: 12.01 Miles -This wasn't a bad run, but I know mentally I was hitting the wall about 3 miles till the end. Boo! What was great though was that my sweet and I put our tree together!

Day 333: 4.03  Miles - I hit the gym for a cycle time. Then I went down to my mom and dad's. It wasn't the greatest day in a lot of respects. It was very stressful and upsetting and I emotionally ate and it was horrible.

Day 334: 0 Miles - I didn't run. I felt crummy physically and emotionally that I stayed in bed until it was time to go to work.

Day 335: 0 Miles - Rest day! Our Christmas tree is all finished and is awesome! Now I need some hooks for our stockings, which I had bought back in January on sale. It was like I knew we were going to be together the following Christmas time!

Day 336: 6:01 Miles - A wonderfully nice and easy run! I loved it! Then I had a fun work day with some coworkers that I rarely get to see!

Day 337: 0 Miles - I began my doggy-sitting stint today! Plus, I've begun the stalking of weather websites for the cold rain that is coming in this weekend and for what it's going to be like in College Station for the marathon!

Day 338: 0 Miles - A very rainy day, but it ended well with my sweet coming down to keep me company!

Total Miles this week: 22.05 Miles

Miles to Date: 805.48 Miles

How was your week?

Friday, December 2, 2016

OMaD - Week 48

Holiday week! Aaaaah! 20 miler! Aaaah!

November 20 - November 26

Day 325: 20.01 Miles - What a long run! I wasn't as anxious about it as I thought I would be. My first set of little worries was seeing how dark the lake was at 6am. Spooky! But I had my flashlight and I didn't listen to music. Thankfully there were other runners too. I ran 4 miles until I met my running buddy HC at 7am. Then we we just ran and ran and ran and ran. Some how my Garmin or her Fitbit got off by a mile or so. Technically she was done, but I still had another mile to go. Thankfully she was willing to do another 1/2 mile out and back with me. I was so happy and proud that I did it! My legs/hips were definitely tired after 13 miles and my pace slowed down a lot, but I did it! I'm starting to feeling better about my finish time for the marathon. The rest of the day involved a nice nap and going shopping for our first Christmas tree! Eeeh!

Day 326: 6.80 Miles - I got to the gym for a 30 minute cycle, which wasn't too bad. Then I got to relax before meeting my best friends for lunch, coffee, and pie. I also got to show them my wedding venue. Oh, and I gave them my cards and they loved them! Yay!

Day 327: 0 Miles - I should've run today, but I work up not feeling the greatest. My dehydration caught up to me and I also had no motivation.I felt crummy after eating all that rich and sweet food the day before. Oh well.

Day 328: 0 Miles - Rest day!

Day 329: 0 Miles - Happy Thanksgiving! My fiance and I had a great morning before heading down to my parents for breakfast and lunch. It was a lot of fun cause I got to see my love helping my mom in the kitchen! After that we headed to his parents for dinner, was good and nice! 

Day 330: 0 Miles - 7.01 Miles - I was off today as well. This was a good run. Maybe because I had Tuesday off from running, but getting the mileage in this morning went really well! I went down to see my Mom for a little before meeting MS since he got out of work early.

Day 331: 0 Miles - Work day was soo slow since it was the holiday weekend.

Total Miles this week: 33.82 Miles

Miles to Date: 783.43 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

OMaD - Week 47

Another crazy week!!!

November 13 - November 19

Day 318: 0 Miles - No running today! My love and I woke up in Houston then had coffee with my Mom and Dad before we left to head back to Dallas. We felt really good cause we had really good feelings about the wedding venue we saw a few days back. It wasn't as a horrible drive back home, but it was looong! By the time we were home we didn't want to go back into the car for dinner! Good thing we love rice with fried eggs and sausage!

Day 319: 12.01 Miles - Ran my long distance on my day off. I felt good, but I could tell I had eaten junk food all weekend. I was going to try to add in another mile to help make up for the ones that I've lot over the past month or so, but it didn't happen. I met with MS to look at another wedding venue, just a couple of doors down from the one we liked. We were going in thinking we'd hate it, but there were nice stuff there too. But I was really digging the other place. We pretty much talked to Mom and Dad a little bit afterwards cause

Day 320: 0.0 Miles - I should've gone to the gym, but I didn't. I need to rest before I did a lot of stuff at work.

Day 321: 0 Miles - The craziest day! I was talking to my parents all morning and afternoon, and it drove me nuts. Then after work we met them at the wedding venue that we liked, and well, my dad offered to pay for it! Yay! So, now we have a when and where! Look out October 28, 2017!!!

Day 322: 7.50 Miles - These miles felt easy! What a relief! I'm feeling so good!

Day 323: 0 Miles - A frustrating day! I was trying to make these cards for my wedding party and it wasn't working. I ended up being a grump all night. I was hating everything.

Day 324: 0 Miles - This was a way better day cause I finally figured out what to do for the cards!

Total Miles this week: 19.51 Miles

Miles to Date: 749.61 Miles

How was your week?

OMaD - Week 46

A nice start to the week! I think Fall is finally here! My brother got hitched!

November 5 - November 12

Day 311: 17.01  Miles - I got the White Rock Lake just before 6:00am today to meet HC for our run. I didn't realize until I got there that the Dallas Running Club was having their DRC Half Marathon that day. At the least the part of the lake we were running on was not park of the course. I felt pretty good all the way up to about mile 10 or so, which was when my legs were starting to fill stiff and tired, but not horrible. Once I got to mile 14 or 14.5 I was starting to feel muscle aches in the area that I had hurt myself. So, running only 17 miles versus 19 because that take my straight to car. I did not want to push myself too much, especially after coming out of recovery and it being the longest distance to day since that injury. After I stretched a bit and walked at the car I did feel like I could go for at least another mile, but erred on the side of caution. So there you have it. I felt so good having a running buddy cause we talked about everything running and how our training has gone. We also talked about lots of other things. It. Was. Great!

Day 312: 7.01 Miles - Rest day! I finally was able to take advantage of the time change, by accident. I did a 10 minute kettlebell exercise before cycling for 30 minutes. It felt good to be back at it again.

Day 313: 6.01 Miles - I didn't get the mileage that I wanted or needed. I was suppose to run 9 miles, but I got to it all too late in the morning. Plus, I had to go to the gym instead of outside because of all the rain we're having. I think the treadmill makes me slower, in some respects. I did get to go through a lot of episodes of Parks and Recreation, which was nice!

Day 314: 0 Miles - Rest day! Got through a mundane day of work and finally got have a great dinner with my fiance and his siblings. We were celebrating my love's birthday!

Day 315: 0 Miles - I totally woke up too late in the morning to do anything worth while running wise. So, I chilled at home with my cat and started chores to be ready for the trip to Houston.

Day 316: 8.01 Miles - This was a crazy day! I ran 8 miles instead of 9 since I had so much to do before meeting my fiance for a wedding venue appointment. Well, we got everything done. The venue was really nice! Grabbed a late lunch then it was a long evening driving to the outskirts of H-Town. We finally made it to the hotel and met up with my family for a late dinner at Dave and Busters with the wedding party. We were so tired!

Day 317: 0 Miles - Wedding Day! For my brother, that is. We had lunch with part of the family then it was down to getting ready for the late afternoon ceremony. The entire day was really nice, and the wedding was just lovely. My brother (who is about 4 years younger than me) looked like a kid wearing a suit and standing in a candy store! It was so cute! And my new sister-in-law was beautiful!

Total Miles this week: 38.04 Miles 

Miles to Date: 730.10 Miles

How was your week?

Sunday, November 6, 2016

OMaD - Week 45

Trying to get my head in the game, again, and it's hard!!!



October 30 - November 5 

Day 304: 13.01  Mile - I pretty much cried twice during this run. Once when I was near the end and once I finished I was stretching. I started to cry, but not completely, a couple times during the run too. It was a rough 13. I was so discouraged, and dare I say it, bored. I wasn't doing too badly, but about half way through or so I was mentally on. I called my fiance when I was done so that it forced me to stretch and not just jump into the car to go home. It was a rough day.

Day 305: 0 Mile -No cross training today. This was the last day of our four day weekend together to celebrate our anniversary. We also got to view our first wedding venue! It was cool, but pricey. We have A LOT to think about!

Day 306: 4.01 Mile - I ran a rough 4 miles before getting home to be cleaned up for a dentist appointment.

Day 307: 0 Mile - Rest day!

Day 308: 7.01 Miles - I went to the gym today because it looked like it was going to downpour on me any minute if I was at the park. Of course, it did not rain when I was at the gym. I ran 7 miles before it was time for me to get ready for work.

Day 309: 0 Mile - It was a staff development day for my job, which meant I got to get out early. MS and I had some tasty Greek food while we talked about all sorts of things.

Day 310: 0 Mile -Work day that was for the most part. My old running buddy HC and I decided to do our long run tomorrow together. I'm nervous, but excited!

Total Miles this week: 24.03 Miles 

Miles to Date: 692.06 Miles

How was your week?

Thursday, November 3, 2016

OMaD - Week 44

This has been torturous in some respects, but it ended on a great note! 



October 23 - October 29

Day 297: 0  Mile - So, I didn't run today. My fiance was right. I needed to rest my IT band, leg, hip, whatever. So I slept in until 9am, which was glorious. I used a tens unit to massage some of my achy areas. That night we had dinner with our friends BM and his wife. We got to carve pumpkins before our food, which was a lot of fun. After that the dudes and I went to the Propagandhi punk rock concert. My leg/hip were achy for the rest of the night, but it was worth it!

Day 298: 0 Mile - No gym for me today. I completely took it easy and had lunch with my good friend HL. Plus! I got peak through the window of two wedding venues that were across the way from our restaurant. Then it was home with the kitty cat and a little cleaning.

Day 299: 0 Mile - I could've gone to the gym, but I didn't. I wanted sleeeeeep!

Day 300: 0 Mile - After we got to go to the movie theater and watch a special showing of Stanley Kubrick's The Shinning on the big screen! Oh boy! It was good!

Day 301: 8.01 Miles - I ran!!!! I ran!!! I had the urge to run this morning. I was still getting achy feelings in the problem areas, but it wasn't bad! I started out slow to monitor how I was feeling. Aches were moving to various of my hip/upper thigh/butt cheek, and pretty much the last few miles it mostly in the butt. Tee hee. I would've been happy with 5. I would've excepted 3, but would've been upset because it'd make me feel more behind in my training. But I got it to 8! That's one mile less than what I should've done today! Yay! So, maybe I'll be able to run 13 this weekend. We shall see!

Day 302: 0 Mile - First day of my four day weekend! I got my hair taken of, finally. It was our anniversary of our first date. We had our delicious Mediterranean food at Afrah in Richardson complete with Arabic coffee then we went down into Deep Ellum to get some delicious donuts at Glazed Donut Works. Yum!

Day 303: 0 Mile - Lazy day! We lounged around and at more donuts. We met my parents for lunch then had some fun looking at a vintage t-shirt shop and looking at Crate and Barrel as a possible registry spot (it isn't).

Total Miles this week: 8.01 Miles 

Miles to Date: 668.03 Miles

How was your week?

Saturday, October 22, 2016

OMaD - Week 43

This has been a rough week...



October 16 - October 22

Day 290: 17.01 Mile - This started out as a great run. 15 miles weren't too hard. I had basically zigzagged back and forth on the side of the like that I prefer to run on. The last four miles involved the hills near the area I typically park. The last two miles were the hardest. I was hitting the wall, but I got it done. I felt like dying when I got to my car. I tried to stretch it out, but I just needed to get home. So I drove home. The moment I got out of the car I realized that I was in a lot of pain. I could barely walk. My fiance had to help me into the apartment (literally step up 3-4 inches), take of my shoes helped me to the floor where I laid there. I foam rolled. I didn't feel so bad. But I hobbling for the reminder of the day. It was bad, guys. I had shooting pain in my hip and side upper thigh. Hip flexor area? I had texted my mom that night that I would probably need her help when it came to getting some chores done the next day.

Day 291: 0 Mile - I was limping more than hobbling, but I was still in aches and pains. I managed to get some chores done before my mom decided to kidnap me to spend time with her. I needed it!

Day 292: 4.00 Miles - So, I decided I would try to run to see how I felt. After 21 minutes and 1.5 miles I knew that I shouldn't run.

Day 293: 0 Mile -Yep. Wednesday.

Day 294: 7.00 Mile - So I gave the elliptical another try. This time I made it to 6 or 7 miles. I'm thinking 7, but my memory is a little foggy. I didn't feel bad the rest of the day, just achy. My hip did hurt later in the evening when I was on my feet a lot at work, but then it popped and there was some relief.

Day 295: 0 Mile - Today the hip/leg deal is hurting, and it was frustrating. MS and I ended up going to Winco after work. This was the first time I've been been to such a store, and I was completely unprepared! I got some veggie chips, dried fruit and some chocolate chips, but I should've gotten more! By the time we got home it was late, and we ended up getting Taco Bell for dinner. Hmmmm! It took us practically a whole year of us dating and getting engaged to go to Taco Bell together.

Day 296: 0 Mile - I pretty much did not want to work today. The aches and pains have gotten to me. There are other stresses that I cannot control and they got to me. I pretty much had a breakdown before work to the point I was late to work. I'm not sure I'm gonna be able to run 18 or anything at all tomorrow.

Total Miles this week: 28.01 Miles 

Miles to Date: 660.02 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

OMaD - Week 42

This is the week that I've felt like crap and really want to make some changes... and stick to them.



October 9 - October 15

Day 283: 0 Mile - It felt amazing to sleep in! This may be my last or second the last Sunday that I'd be able to sleep in until after the marathon in December! Aaah! My fiance and I had brunch out before getting to work on some things like writing and mailing our thank you cards for our engagement party (I still made the month deadline!). 

Day 284: 0 Mile - No cross training again, but I should have. I was achy still from the half marathon last Saturday. I got my oil change done and visited my parents for a bit. Then it was office to the Texas State Fair with my hubby-to-be. We had a lot of fun. Got to try a Fletcher's corn dog for the first time. Got to see adorable animals and ride the Ferris Wheel. We probably could've used at least another hour or two to see everything that we wanted, but we also were just plain stuck in line for the Ferris Wheel for a while. It was a lot of fun. We did try the new Fried Jello treat, and it was pretty good tasting!

Day 285: 7.00 Miles - My achilles was achy at the beginning of the run, but disappeared around the 5k mark. Then at mile 4.5 or 5 it was back, and it was starting to hurt worse. I pretty much cut my run from 8 to 7 cause I felt like I was hobbling while running. Not good. I got the car and headed home. The rest of the day I was achy until around 7pm that night. I think my one pair of running shoes are worn out even thought I'm not quite up to 300 miles on them yet. But, I also think I'm getting to the point of training where I'm feeling everything. I also talked to my running friend and 10x marathon JDB. She just finished her 10th marathon in Chicago, and while she was training she lost 14 pounds. I had to ask how she did it cause I need to some serious help. Basically, portions, counting calories, more fruits and veggies and so on. Everything that I need to do...

Day 286: 0 Mile - The day started out well, but after eating a box lunch provided by work I felt like crap. All I had was a roast beef sandwich and chocolate chip cookie, but I felt sick afterwards complete with headache and stomachache. I ate a small portion of spaghetti for dinner then had a banana and a slice of sourdough bread to help the hunger. I probably should've had more pasta, but I really want to get better this eating thing!

Day 287: 8.01 Mile - For this morning run I wore my knee-high compression socks for the first time (while running). It wasn't too bad! I was worried that I'd be annoyed with them after awhile. However, that wasn't a case. I tried to take my time with this run because I didn't know how my legs and achilles were going to act during this run. Plus, I was trying to slow myself down. Basically. My legs felt good, but my hip flexors were achy! Finally around mile 5.5 or 6 that went away (I think it helped that I was running on an even surface). I finish the run and felt pretty darn good! Yay! While on my run I was thinking about yoga. I've been wondering if I should try a class somewhere to see if it'd help me with aches and pains but also help give me some tone? Hmmmm.

Day 288: 0 Mile - Rest day! Full of good food and junk... My besties and I went to Shakespeare in the Park last night after work. We proceeded to stuff ourselves with Pei Wei and cheesecake. It was a lot of fun!

Day 289: 0 Mile - Work! But it was great afterwards cause MS and I had dinner with our friend (his bestie) BM.We went to this new vegan restaurant and it was really good!

Total Miles this week: 15.02 Miles 

Miles to Date: 632.01 Miles

How was your week?

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

BCS Marathon Training - Progress Report 2

I've changed things up a little in the training schedule. Since I was having trouble waking up early enough on Fridays for cross training, I've switched to Monday for gym cross training. I'm still going to try to get a kettlebell work out on Friday morning, but I can basically jump out of bed and do that in my apartment. We'll see how it goes!

Here's what's going on so far in training!

KEY
R = Rest*
# = Miles (running or cycling)
CT = Cross Training


*Rest days I don't do anything other than chill/work/walk 1 mile. I may do light core workouts, especially if I missed it on CT day.

WEEK #5
12/CT/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 12.01 miles - This was such a great run! The weather was perfect. Only a little too warm at the very end. I

Monday: 7.35 miles cross training - This was a good training day. I actually went to the gym! Cycled for 30 minutes. Then I did a 20 minute kettlebell workout. I should have done the kettlebell another time or just start doing it more often cause I was so sore the next few days.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - Slow run. So sore! Ack!


Thursday: 6.01 miles -I finally loosened up during this run, but not a lot. I was still sore, but it was definitely better! It was sooo humid this day! I was dripping sweat from the brim of my hat! I totally ran in the shade back and forth, back and forth to help me survive!

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I didn't do any cross training this day since I was so sore. Plus, as expected I was tired! 

WEEK #6
9/CT/8/R/7/R/3.1

Sunday: 9.01 miles - This was a good run. I purposely made myself walk to get the timing right for a surprise party for my boyfriend that turned into a surprise engagement party for the both of us. It was a little harder to do than the 12 last week, but I also think it was the heat and humidity that was getting to me.

Monday: 7.33 miles cross training - I rode for 30 minutes on the gyms' cycle. I did a little arm work out with the kittlebell, but nothing of significance.



Tuesday: 6.52 miles -  Running 6.5 instead of 8 was a great idea (remember I'm running a 5k race on Saturday) cause I don't think I was mentally prepared for it. I'm glad I had the htought that I could just minus out the mileage that I'll be running on Saturday at the Plano Balloon Fest 5k. Not that running 3.1 miles could push me over into over training, but I was thinking of my long run this coming Sunday, which is set for 14 miles. I don't want to be tired for it.

Thursday: 5.50 miles - This was a mentally tough run. But I got it done. Thankfully it was cooler than last Thursday!

Friday: 0 miles/cross - Nothing! Exhausted as usual this morning and was just happy to make it to work on time! I know I sound like a broken record when I say I'll try again next week. However, I'm starting to think that won't happen.

Saturday: 3.10 miles - Plano Balloon Fest 5k. It was a good little race. A little challenging because of all the other runners. It started to thin out around mile 2 or so. I ran the entire thing in 34 minutes, which was nice. 

WEEK #7
14/CT/8/R/7/CT/R

Sunday: 14.01 miles - Horrible run. I hated it. My heart and my head wasn't into it from the moment I woke up, especially since there was potential rain/storms heading my way. It was humid. I was already a little achy from the race the day before. I got rained on twice, which was fine with me cause I felt a little bad ass. But then I got a little chilly. Then my feet were achy cause they were in wet socks and shoes. I was ready for home. I pushed through the last 6 miles after I stopped by the car to dry my phone off and find a plastic bag for it. I seriously talking to myself that maybe this would be my last marathon training and just focus on half marathons after this year. We'll see. I was so happy to be home and dry.

Monday: 0 miles - I didn't do any cross training today. 

Tuesday: 7.51 miles - I split the two mid-week miles evenly, which I started doing during last year's marathon training. This was a good run with good weather and temps. Little humidity. So nice. I'll take more like it. Since my shoes were were still damp I did get to run in a new pair, which felt great. But I'm not yet ready to transition to a new pair yet, but they were oh, so nice.

Thursday: 7.51 miles - Another good run! This is great! Granted I had a heck of a time to wake up, but I definitely had some personal stuff to run through. I felt good during the run. After the run.... not so much. Extreme tiredness and mental exhaustion kicked in. I should get some gold stars for making it through work.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - No cross training today either.


WEEK #8
15/CT/8/R/7/CT/R

Sunday: 15.01 miles - This was a really good run! I got to the lake super early, and was surprised as to how many runners were out there already. It wasn't even light out! The run was easy goes it for the most part. I decided that I would double back every so often instead running back then down the other side of the lake. I think that helped my mental block that sometimes happens after I get past 8 miles. I had given myself 4 hrs to complete the run (if it was going bad), and I got it done in 03:25 (complete with potty break). So, not too bad. I felt very accomplished!

Monday: 00 miles/cross - Completely unmotivated today. Nothing done again.

Tuesday: 7.51 miles - This was a challenging run during the middle of it. My muscles felt tired. I was dehydrated the day before, which doesn't help. Plus, I didn't go to the gym and cycle out in kinks from Sunday. Oh, well.

Thursday: 7.51 miles - Sluggish miles. I was muscle-tired going into the run, which pretty much was the reason why it took time and effort to complete.

Friday: 0 miles/cross -

Saturday: 13.20 miles- I had a good race experience at the Showdown Half Marathon in Fairview. I decided to wear a newer pair of shoes for the cushion, which was the best decision I made. I think I fueled properly, which was some waffles and peanut butter before I got to the race. Then one of those new Clif Nut-Filled bars 30 minutes before the start. I had extra waffles and peanut butter for fueling during the race. I did have to pee a couple times during the race, which was annoying, but manageable. It was good race overall, and it was nice to be back in my average finish time. I did feel pretty achy when I got home, to be expected. After a nap I went out to shop, and I got achy (right in the hip area) again. I'm not sure if I didn't stretch properly or if I'm just starting to feel things more during training.

THOUGHTS 

There were a lot of ups and downs mentally during the last four weeks. Toward the end of this month I was also feeling it physically. As of right now, I'm not sure if I'm gonna be running another full marathon after the BCS in December. Of course, that could all change.



Tuesday, October 11, 2016

OMaD - Wekk 41

A long week full of awesome stuff and gobs an gobs of running. 



October 2 - October 8

Day 276: 15.01 Miles - Since I had to work this day, I got up uber early to get to the lake at a decent time. I was giving myself 4 hours to compete the 15 miles. I actually completed the miles in 03:25, which includes a potty stop. The weather was nice. There were actually a lot of runners out running the dark, which is good to know cause I'll have to be going out earlier now that my mileage is going to be above 13 pretty much from now on every Sunday. Eek! I got home and my fiance made a delicious breakfast, which put me into a food coma. So I got a snooze then I was off to work, where I work compression socks all day. It was a loooong day.

Day 277: 0 Mile - No cross training today. I was so tired and unmotivated that I pretty sat on my couch and had a phone call with my mom. I did manage to shower and go to the grocery store before spending the evening with MS.

Day 278: 7.51 Miles - This was a tough run cause my muscles were not ready to run after a certain distance. It got better at the end, but was still a challenge. I ate horribly after that and my blood sugar was all over the place. Work was so much fun. Yeah, not so much.

Day 279: 0 Mile - Rest day, and another stress breakdown day. Thankfully my hubby-to-be helped out and we have a game plan to help us out with this monumental task of a wedding.

Day 280: 7.51 Miles - So sluggish and tiring run. Thankfully I had the day off to rest and do absolutely nothing until it was time to meet up with my bestie and drive to a music concert. We stood for hours and rocked out.

Day 281: 0 Mile - I'm getting old...er. Granted I'm in the middle of marathon training, but my body is so sore from running and a concert yesterday. But it was all worth it!

Day 282: 13.20 Mile -Showdown Half Marathon! I don't do the football thing, so I was a "neutral runner"instead of choosing Texas or OU. The race went really well. It was a good size with just enough people. The course was challenging enough with hills and basically going out into the middle of nowhere where there big fancy houses. Plus, the mileage was only 0.10 difference (ran 13.20 instead of 13.1). It was great having a running buddy (HC) with me this time around to talk to or to just know that there was someone there for you. Oh, and not to mention a slight competition that tends to happen between us. My average pace was went between 11:30 and 13:10. What was great was I was going about an average 13:00 mile for the middle of the race, but for Mile 12 - 13.2 I had negative splits with 11:30 mile average. Nice! We were given big heavy medals, which was very cool, and I finally got try my first Nothing But Bundt cake. It was so tasty! I got to chat with Heather for a bit before going home to spend the rest of the day with my love!

Total Miles this week: 43.23 Miles 

Miles to Date: 616.99 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

OMaD - Week 40

Cold front. Rain. Tough long distance run. Better mid-week runs.



September 25 - October 1

Day 269: 14.01 Miles -This was the hardest and most horrible run I have had yet during this training season. My head and heart wasn't into the run. I was up before dawn trying to figure out the weather forecast. The cold front was moving in and that means rain an scattered thunderstorms. I ended up going. It started out ok. It humid. Then at around mile 3 or so it down poured. About 1.5 miles later it stopped. I didn't feel bad about running in the rain. It was definitely cooler. But I was worried about my phone getting wet (my Fitletics belt doesn't seem to water resistant). My legs hurt. My feet hurt. I was hungry at one point and didn't bring enough fuel so I had ration it carefully. Then it rained a little more. Basically. It took 30 minutes longer than expected for me to get this run in. I was doubting myself. Doubting ever running marathons again after this one since at the rate I was going it'd take my 6.5 hours to finish a full marathon. It was rough. I made it home through a big rain storm. Thankfully my fiance was ready for me with a towel, and made me a great breakfast while I warmed up in a shower.

Day 270: 0 Miles Cross Training -No cross training today. I felt like I had so much to do in terms of errands and such. Thanks to the cool front, rain in the morning and cloudy skies all day... I had to wear jeans today!

Day 271: 7.51 Miles - Technically I was supposed to run 8 miles today, but I think I'm getting to the point that I'm going to try to evenly split the miles for my two mid-week runs. Since the shoes I ran in on Sunday were still damp I pulled out one of my new pairs, which were a lot of fun to run in.  The run was really good, which makes me happy.

Day 272: 0 Mile - Rest day, and I'm happy about it! I felt blah all day and had stressful discussions via text, which resulted in a stressed evening.

Day 273: 7.51 Miles - Woke up feeling like I could sleep for days. But I got out there and did the run. It was a nice run. Hoping to have more like it, especially on Sunday! But by the time I got to work I was done.

Day 274: 0 Mile - Rest day! Yay!

Day 275: 0 Mile - Not too bad of a day. Trying to keep myself positive for my long run tomorrow morning.

Total Miles this week: 29.03 Miles 

Miles to Date: 573.76 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

OMaD - Week 39

Surprises. Change to training. A 5k race.



September 18 - September 24

Day 262: 9.01 Miles - Last short-er run until taper! Aaaah! I slept in this morning because I was up late with my love. We got engaged after all! Plus some rain was coming through early this morning. It all worked out because I was still under the impression that I was surprising M with brunch with his friends and I had a time schedule to follow. I got to his place right on schedule and we headed out for brunch soon after. Little did I know it was actually an engagement party! After that it was spending time with friends before hitting up the families. Then we made the announcement on Facebook and proceeded to break it!

Day 263: 7.33 Miles Cross Training - While I ran a load of laundry I went to the gym for 30 minutes. I cycled while I talked to my mom. Got more chores done. Bought my first ring holder to keep my sparkly pretty safe when I'm running or doing chores or cooking. Oh, and I think we broke Facebook with our engagement announcement.

Day 264: 6.52 Miles - I was suppose to run 8 today per the training schedule I have. However, since I'm running a 5k race on Saturday I didn't want to go over my mileage because I'm always a little worried about over training. So,  subtracted 1.5 miles from each of my mid-week runs. It was a hard run cause it was already 85 degrees and it was humid in the morning before the clouds moved out. A lot of walking, but I got it done.

Day 265: 0 Mile - Rest day! I was so tired this morning that I slept in till the very last minute without being late to work.

Day 266: 5.5 Miles - It's been a long day. My run was less than stellar, but it's done. Now I just have to run a 5k for the Beef Team on Saturday at the Plano Balloon Fest. I kept on thinking that it was Friday too, which totally sucks! Also last night I had a moment of reality hitting me. I'm engaged. This is really happening. Not a year from now, but now.

Day 267: 0 Mile - Extremely tired this morning so no cross training. I got to have lunch with my good friend HL and helped boost my day.

Day 268: 3.10 Miles - Plano Balloon Fest 5k! I woke up before dawn to get myself ready for the race. I got there about 1.5 hr early, which was a little too early for my taste, especially I was there by myself (HC couldn't make it... bummer). They had some good amount of porta potties that were clean (nice!). I scared a guy when he opened the door to mine (thankfully I had my shorts up already!). I was starving 30 minutes before the race, which made me frustrated. Thankfully, however, there was a Clif bar tent with samples and I totally took advantage of that. I met some other Beef Team runners, which was nice. The race started a little later than 7:30 for some reason, but all was good. I ran the entire race (minus 30 seconds or so right before a hill), and finished in 34 minutes. That was great! Last year I ran it in 30 minutes and some change, but I know my body is a little different now. All in all it was good. After that my boyfriend fiance and I spent the afternoon shopping at places that we can't get to (aka the stores that are closed on Sunday!).

Total Miles this week: 31.46 Miles 

Miles to Date: 544.73 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

See Dot Engaged!

So. I mentioned in my last One Mile a Day update post that on Saturday I was going to surprise my boyfriend by leaving work early to get to the grocery store then to his apartment to start cooking him dinner. All of this was in connection of celebrating an important anniversary for him. Additionally, his best friend BM and I had been in cahoots to surprise him with brunch with all of his friends.

As of Saturday night, everything was going to plan. M was surprised. He loved my dinner. Yay! Score! After we did dishes I got into comfy clothes and plopped onto the couch. I was guessing that we were going to watch a movie or Netflix next. M disappeared into the bathroom then came back and sat down on the chaise part of the couch. He was facing me... as I'm still lounging. He started getting all mushy. Saying how much he loved me. How he can't wait to see what the next chapter will be in our future. That he can't wait to start writing that chapter with me.

As he was saying that he was struggling to pull out something from his pant packet. I thought it was his phone, but nope.

It was a box. A little black box. He cracked it up open and said, "Dorothy, will you marry me?" There was a beautiful ring staring at me.

I was stunned! I stared at the ring. It was so quiet in the room! I know one of my hands went to my mouth, and I thought "Don't do that!" and I dropped it down to my lap. I looked up at him, and said, "Yes!" And he slipped the ring on.

The picture doesn't do it justice. It's VERY sparkly!


I started to giggling like crazy. To the point that tears were coming out of the corner of my eyes. Giggle, giggle, giggle, giggle.

I did ask him if he had talked to my parents. He did. A couple days before.

I was completely surprised. I knew that we would get engaged at some point, but probably next year at the earliest. Boy was I wrong!

Wanna know another surprise? That brunch party for M. It was actually a surprised engagement party for me. He had his friends and two of my friends were there (more were suppose to come but things like sickness happen). My boyfriend was in on that brunch idea the. entire. time. It was his idea. I was basically double-crossed. I'll forgive the him and his friend. But I may not trust them for a little while. Hee hee!

After brunch we had coffee with BM and my bestie JM. Then it was off to my future in-law's house. Then to my parents. Then it was a dinnertime alone.

We don't have any dates and plans yet because we want to enjoy the engagement. But we're prepping ourselves for that planning stage when we're ready!

Oh, I already got an engagement gift. A wife of one of M's friends framed a picture of us and gave me D Magazine Wedding and The Knot's Texas Look Book. And a punch of ring pops!

Aaah! I can't believe it happened!!! I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and the love of my life!

So, yes, I will be talking about wedding stuff eventually!










OMaD - Week 38

It's the middle of September already! What is happening to the time?!



September 11 - September 17

Day 255: 12.01 Miles - I had one of the best days so far this year. It started out a little rough with not being able to find my running shorts, which is crazy. But I found them after 30 minutes. Grrr. I was a little grumpy at the fact that I was off schedule, but stepping outside and feeling the cool 66 degree weather totally made up for it. My 12 miles were really good, especially compared to last week's 11. Only the last 3 miles were hard and required more walking intervals, but I got it done. Then when I got to my boyfriend's I found flowers on the dining table. He made me breakfast then I totally took a nap on his couch while he vegged on a Netflix for an hour. After that, it was time to stroll around the Galleria for a while. We eventually found our way to our favorite ramen place for dinner, which was so good. We had such a good time, and at least I was laughing a lot. It was a great day and I want more like this!

Day 256: 7.35 Miles - Well, I  decided to do my cross training today. At the gym I cycled for 30 minutes and gained 7.35 miles. Then I did a 20 minute kettle bell workout. After getting clean and snuggling with my kitty cat I went to my parents' house for lunch. My mom and I went out to Nordstrom Rack were I tried on at least 15 dresses to find something to wear to my brother's wedding that's coming in a couple of months. I found three dress, two of which are potentials for the wedding. My mom was totally awesome and she helped pay for one dress and a pair of shoes. Yay! I'm also excited that I found a dress (that matches the girly shoes that I got) I could wear for my anniversary dinner that's coming next month! Score!

Day 257: 6.01 Miles - So I learned a lesson to day. Do not kettle bell work out the day before a run. Nope. I was so sore that running this morning was hard. It took me an extra 10 minutes or so to get it done. There was a lot of walking involved.

Day 258: 0 Mile - REST DAY! Yay! I'm hoping that my muscles will recoup from working out three days in a row. Doh! I was certainly walking a little funny today, and sitting down is hard. Hee hee. Anyway. I'm hoping that running tomorrow is going to go well. In other news I totally spent my entire lunch our to drive to my hair dresser's so that she could take 5 minutes to trim my bangs. I've been trying hard to wait to get my hair cut until next month a couple weeks before my brother's wedding, but also for my anniversary. I think I'll pull it off, but it's gonna be hard! Oh! I'm so happy I spent the time to get them trimmed cause I'm meeting my boyfriend's friends and wives again for a surprise brunch on Sunday! (I'm posting this after the brunch so that he won't see it before hand!).

Day 259: 6.01 Miles - I woke up extra early this morning to get my run in because I had a business meeting set for 2 hrs before my normal work schedule. Ack! I started out at 7:30 then all of a sudden my phone is blinging! My mom started a group text with my sister and I to talk about plans for my brother's wedding! Oh boy! Well, every 0.25 - 0.5 mile I would stop and say something. What also made it a challenge was the humidity. It was at 88% that morning. I was dripping sweat from the brim of my hat it was that bad! After my meeting I got some nice strong cold brew fro the local coffee shop (it's stronger than Starbucks, people!) and I was set for the entire day! No joke!

Day 260: 0 Mile - Rest Day! I was definitely tired, as usual. So it was a good thing I switched my cross training days to Monday. But I would really like to be able to get some core or arm strengthening work out of the way on Fridays. Work in progress... again!

Day 261: 0 Mile - I was up late last night I'm kinda paying for it now. Just overall tired in the head an eyes. What helped with my work day is I got to leave 2 hours early so that I can get some grocery shopping done and surprise my boyfriend. I made him dinner tonight, which he loved! Then it was his turn to completely surprise me! More to come on that!

Total Miles this week: 31.38 Miles 

Miles to Date: 513.27 Miles

How was your week?

Sunday, September 11, 2016

OMaD - Week 37

Back to running,... but still no cross-training.... what's up with that?  



September 4 - September 10

Day 248: 11.01 Miles -Well. After spending a day and a half with a low grade fever I felt well enough to go for my run. It was hard after 6 or so miles, which caused a lot of walking breaks. Basically, it took my 2:50:00-ish to finish the miles, which is typically a slow half marathon pace for me. That was frustrating, but I know I was coming off of being sick. At least I got the miles done. My boyfriend made the most tasty breakfast to go along with the watermelon I bought on the way home (I was dying for some watermelon during my run). After that it was a pretty relaxing day. We made some pulled chicken taco meat for a housewarming party. Then we stayed up late watching The Following, which unfortunately gave me bad dreams.

Day 249: 0 Miles - Holiday! Well, I never work on a Monday, but it was a holiday for my boyfriend. We chilled before running some errands. I did finally got to the local running store to get some socks and glide. I forgot they were having their sales for the holiday, and I totally scored big time. I got a new pair of shoes and four pair of socks all for less than the price of new shoes!

Day 250: 6.01 Miles - This run was a challenge, it helped that the humidity dissipated half way through the run. I'm hoping that I'm not losing my motivation for the marathon already. I know it's part mental, also physical that it's taking me forever to even run 6 miles.

Day 251: 0 Mile - A long day that just dragged and dragged. At least it was a rest day!

Day 252: 6.01 Miles -This morning's run was better than Tuesdays. I had a lot more protein Wednesday night than I did Monday night, which probably helped. I also noticed how my pace and stamina changed a little (for the better) by how I kept my arms closer to my body or not. Oh, and I need new music to listen to during running.

Day 253: 0 Miles -Yet again... I'm too tried to get to the gym or do a kettlebell workout before work. I'm going to rethink this cross-training schedule so that it's earlier in the week. I'm just too tired on Friday. The best part of my day, really, was having lunch with a good friend who just announced her first pregnancy! I'm so happy for her and her hubby. It put me in such a better mood that I was able to accomplish some things at work for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 254: 0 Mile - Rest Day! It was cooler and rainy this morning, and perfect to stay in bed with coffee and movie or a book. But it was off to work I go to get things ready for the following week.

Total Miles this week: 23.03 Miles 

Miles to Date: 481.89 Miles

How was your week?

Saturday, September 10, 2016

BCS Marathon Training - Progress Report 1

The first training update for this year's marathon training season? Whah?!?! Ok. Where to begin?!

Well, as you know that I'm running the BCS Marathon in December. I'm using the Novice 2 Hal Hidgon training schedule with some modification. I talk a little bit about it here.

Here's what's going on so far in training!

KEY
R = Rest*
# = Miles (running or cycling)
CT = Cross Training


*Rest days I don't do anything other than chill/work/walk 1 mile. I may do light core workouts, especially if I missed it on CT day.

WEEK #1 
8/R/6/R/5/CT/R

Sunday: 0 miles - I ran the SeaWheeze Half Marathon the day before, and Sunday I spent half the day walking around Vancouver, BC before going to the airport to come home. I was so tired! I didn't get home until Monday morning at 5:30am. Oh boy!

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - It was a challenging run. But I got it done. No rest for the weary!

Wednesday: Rest - Last I ended up not doing very much cross-training on Wednesday since I ended up being sore on my Thursday run. So total rest day!

Thursday: 5.01 miles - This was a "run" run in terms of the training schedule. Better than the 5 miles, but still a little challenge. Then, I did it. Later that night at work, I squatted down quickly to put something away and I tweaked something on the inside of my knee and the feeling went down my inside shin area. Damn.

Friday: 0 mile and 0 cross - Instead of going to the gym, I had to spend my morning packing a bag so that I can go to my parents' house to stay the weekend to dog sit.


WEEK #2
9/R/6/R/5/CT/R

Sunday: 9.01 miles - Since tweaking my knee last Thursday it's been feeling a little "eh," but not painful. I could definitely feel something was up with the knee, nonetheless. 


Tuesday: 5.01 miles - I was supposed to run six but I was having a little bit of a frustrating time. I was running around the park in my parents' neighborhood, and I was getting bogged down by loads of moms who were doing their walking thing after dropping the kids off from school. So one mile short cause I just couldn't run anymore... other than my knee feeling funny too. 

Thursday: 5.01 miles -Knee felt blah during the run, but I did alter my foot fall and it helped it out.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I was waaay too tired to even get to work on time. I got up early enough to get to the gym, but I just couldn't get moving from my couch where I had eaten breakfast. I actually ended up falling back to sleep.

WEEK #3
6/R/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 6.01 miles - A good 6 miler before I had to go to work. It was one of the first runs without my knee feeling nasty.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - The run wasn't too bad, but I can remember that I was just glad it was over. At least the weather was getting better, and there was a nice breeze that cut some of the heat down.


Thursday: 6.01 miles - I was sooo frustrated at the end of the run. I couldn't understand why running 6 miles could be so hard. Of course, later that night I had a low grad fever and chills... So I was probably sick already.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - Sick day. No gym. Boo!


WEEK #4
11/R/6/R/6/CT/R

Sunday: 11.01 miles - I felt well enough to get out to the lake and run. I had set a minimum of 8 miles (if not less if I was suddenly wasn't feeling well), but I was feeling good towards the end. I did have to walk a lot during the last mile or so. In the end I was so glad that I was able to finish the miles. However, it took my 02:50:00, which is typically a slow half marathon pace for me, to complete the miles. That was disappointing, but I had to remember that I had a low fever for a day and a half leading up to that morning.

Tuesday: 6.01 miles - Six long and slow miles. I felt a little disheartened that it's still hard to complete a run as short as this. I think it's a mental game, but at the same time I know my body is not what is was a year ago. I was thinner and faster last year and was doing two mile intervals. But I know things change.

Thursday: 6.01 miles -This run was better, but still a challenge mentally. I did play around with how to carry my arms. Closer to the body seemed to have helped in my energy than when they were lower and more free. I'm going to play around with this a little more to see if it's will help get the miles done more efficiently.

Friday: 0 miles/cross - I didn't make to the gym this morning. My alarm went and I snoozed it so many times it was ridiculous! I know I stayed up past my bedtime by a little (I think I was in bed by 11 or 11:30, but that's kinda late for me... I think I'm getting old-ish). So I'm going to have to move my cross-training day to Monday morning. That may help things out. I'll try to do some strength training or yoga or a something on Friday to help get going, but I just won't be able to get the hot and heavy stuff done that morning any more.


THOUGHTS 
Well. Mentally, I feel like I'm not quite there in the training. I know last year I was all about training and it was all I could think about and look forward to. Well, that was because I was still getting over a break up, and basically all of last year's training was me getting over it all and becoming the new me. Oddly enough in the second half my training I met my boyfriend, who I'm madly in love with, and I'm so much happier now. So my motivation is different this time around. I feel like this year I'm seeing that I'm just a one flash in the pan in the marathon realm. Other than that, I know my body has changed. I'm not as thin as I use to be, but I'm just as strong as last year. I'm trying to not over analyze everything and get myself stuck in my head. I just want to be a good, fit, strong runner who can accomplish a goal.


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

OMaD - Week 36

What happened to August? More running. And a sick day.



August 28 - September 3

Day 241: 6.01 Miles - A short run today (I love how 6 miles is considered short today). I felt a little self conscious cause all the college girls and really fit runners were at White Rock Lake already who were half my size with abs of steel. My knee felt pretty good and did not annoy me until I was in Mile 4. I also had to half mile intervals instead of one mile intervals half way through. But I still felt strong, which is a good thing. All in all, it was a good run but I felt like I was wimping out because it was shorter than my normal weekend runs. When I got home my boyfriend was cooking bacon, eggs and pancakes. YUM! We watched a couple shows of NCIS before I had to go to work for the day (boo! Sunday work!).

Day 242: 0 Miles - Rest Day! I did Nothing with a capital N today. I should've gone to the gym. I should've gone to the grocery store. But I didn't. I laid on my couch, ate food and binged on NCIS season 13. Then I went to my boyfriend's to help him out with things and to make dinner. I felt so lazy and a little guilty about most of the day, but it was good. I think switching my training from Monday to Sunday has finally hit me. :-P

Day 243: 6.01 Miles - Not too bad of a run. It was cooler, with a slight breeze, but it was muggy. It was sweat central! But I got the miles done.

Day 244: 0 Mile - Rest Day that I really don't do any light cross training. It was a total "Blah Day," peeps. I slept in as much as I could before work. Then work was stressful cause I've been getting my end of year reviews done so that my boss can evaluate me later and send it onto Admin. Yay! So much fun. Plus, I just haven't felt great as the day went on.

Day 245: 6.01 Miles - Rough training run today. I was frustrated with myself that running six miles was so hard. I've been doing shorter intervals than I'm used to, especially in comparison to last year's marathon training (I started out doing 2 mile intervals then dropping to 1). Work took forever to finish.

Day 246: 0 Miles - Well, it's my day off and... I'm sick. I had chills late last night. At 3am I took my temperature and I had 101 degree fever. So I popped some ibuprofen and watched NCIS for a couple of hour since I couldn't get to sleep. The rest of the day I felt better then got worse again in the afternoon. All the symptoms I had was chills and body aches. Maybe some sinus pressure. That's it. My boyfriend and I went to out to get some medicine, kitty food, and the most tasty sandwich from Which Wich I ever had. Some day I will actually be able to go to the gym.

Day 247: 0 Mile - I made it to work and got through the day. By the end of the work day my 99 degree fever was gone. Even MS said that I looked better when I got home. I haven't been sick of any sort since February 2015.

Total Miles this week: 18.03Miles 

Miles to Date: 458.86 Miles

How was your week?

Sunday, August 28, 2016

OMaD - Week 35

My knee is still acting weird (great...). NCIS season 13 is on Netflix! My boyfriend and my bff JM bonded over raw fish.



August 21 - August 27

Day 234: 9.01 Miles - Ran my miles. I was worried that I may have to cut my mileage short because of my knee. I didn't have any pains, but I could feel my ACL being annoying and my inner shin had a spot that was annoyed too. After my turn around I didn't feel it as much, but I was glad I was done. My boyfriend made me breakfast, and while I iced my knee we got to watch 4 episodes of Stranger Things. We took a break in between to have St. Louis style pizza with my sister. PS... if you haven't watched Stranger Things on Netflix... do it. Goonies crossed with sci-fi. 'Nuff said.

Day 235: 0 Miles - Rest day. I did nothing other than watch TV, snack and watch the family dogs.

Day 236: 5.01 Miles - I was suppose to run 6, but I had to run in my parents' neighborhood park and contend with walking moms who don't like sharing the side wall. Beside that, my knee and lower leg and achilles weren't too happy. So I cut 1 mile off of the run.

Day 237: 0 Miles - I cooked us dinner tonight. Asian pork meatballs with sweet chili sauce (from scratch), roasted veggies and rice noodles. It was pretty good! And I finally got to see NCIS season 13 episodes.

Day 238: 5.01 Miles - Knee and leg feeling a little better. The last three miles I worked on my foot strikes to see if it'd help alleviate any funky feelings, and it did.

Day 239: 0 Miles - I was so tired that I didn't get to the gym to cross-train and I was late to work. I was in a sleepy state all day. I did have enough energy to make some pretty tasty nachos for my MS and I for dinner. My knee started getting shooting pains near the ACL. We're starting to think that it' really isn't the ACL but just a case of Runner's Knee. Irregardless, I don't like it. Boo!

Day 240: 0 Miles - It was a slooww day at work, but it totally got better when my bestie JM came in to do some volunteer work to help me get some things done. Then we met up with the boyfriend from SUSHI! Now. I'm not a raw fish girl (it's the squishy texture) but I did try so uni (sea urchin) and some salmon row. Now bad. Not my favorite, obviously. Lol. Anyway! I finally saw a little bonding between MS and JM, which is prefect because they're two of my best friends and I totally excited that it's happening.


Total Miles this week: 19.03 Miles 

Miles to Date: 440.83 Miles

How was your week?

Friday, August 26, 2016

OMaD - Week 34

OMG! What a weekend! Red-eye flight back home. Jet lag. Marathon training!



August 14 - August 20

Day 227: 0 Miles - Last day in Vancouver! We checked out of our apartment around 11. We explored the city a little more, which was kinda hard cause we were so tired but also cause our backpacks were so heavy! We finally ate some Poutine, which was pretty tasty! I was surprised. Hee hee. Then we hung out at the Seawall for a little bit. We ended up at the airport about 4 or so hours before our flight because we figured we could take a nap at the gate and have easy access to bathrooms. Security wasn't bad and we went to U.S. Customs right after that! Yay! Our flight to Seattle was on a propeller plane, which was so cool and scary! Lol. Then we had a red-eye flight to Dallas (it left at 11:50pm PT and landed 5:30am CT).

Day 228: 0 Miles - Still a travel day, so to speak. 5:30am my mom picked up and took us home. JM got coffee and food and headed out to work (crazy!) and I changed clothes before I left to get to my boyfriends who promised me breakfast. Pretty much after breakfast I crashed on his couch for 2 hours. I was so sleepy the entire day until he took me out to our favorite Tex-Mex place... Chuy's!!!... for some pretty damn good fajitas!

Day 229: 6.01 Miles - Officially first day of Marathon Training! Aaaah! 6 miles in the bag. It was slow and a little achy. The first 2 miles were hard, but it got better after that. I'm hoping that this training season and the more advance plan won't kill me!

Day 230: 0 Miles - Rest day!! It was a good day at work. Then I got to my boyfriend's and he was already cooking dinner (a test sample of what he was going to cook at work the next day). Then after that I finally got to watch the first two episodes of Stranger Things! This is the life right here! :-)

Day 231: 5.01 Miles - This one was a little harder than the 6 miler earlier this week. I think the humidity was up, and my pace was faster since I'm trying to stick to the training schedule. There was more walking during this run, but I finished strong though. I wore compression socks for half of the work day then took them off. Then at the very end of the day I squatted down quickly to put away something and I totally hurt my leg from the knee to angle area. I think it's a sensitive tendon.

Day 232: 3.5 Miles -Well, I got up uber early to pack some clothes for my doggy sitting gig for the weekend and to hit the gym. I had a 20 minute easy bike ride. All day at work my leg ached. Awesome. Not.

Day 233: 0 Miles - A nice and quiet day at work. Granted a giant rain storm helped with that. They my awesome boyfriend decided to cook for my sister and I. Yum!


Total Miles this week: 14.52 Miles 

Miles to Date: 421.80 Miles

How was your week?

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Marathon Training... It Begins!

All right people! It is time! Marathon Training!

I can't believe that it's time already! I had been hemming and hawing over it for months back in the springtime. I talked to my mom about it. I talked to my boyfriend about it. I decided I would run Dallas again. Then I flipped and wanted to run the BCS. Then I would talk to my running buddy HC about it and I would flip back to Dallas. Then I realized that the BCS would make me happier and more excited than Dallas. So! Back in May I registered for the BCS Marathon on December 11. Aaaah! Once I had registered it was then time to wait. And wait. And wait.


I'm excited that I get to test myself again to see what I'm made of.


TRAINING PLAN 
Well. I'm sticking with Hal Higdon's plan, but I'm gonna try to bump it up a notch by doing the Novice 2 training plan.  Last year I did Novice 1, and I felt it was good schedule to go with. After some thought earlier this year I felt that I needed to get more LSD runs in that were 20 miles long or close to so that I don't hit the wall as hard (preferably not at all) during the race like I did last year during the Dallas Marathon (which reminds me that I never got to post my race recap for that day... oops! You'll get it soon, I think! ).

http://halhigdon.com/training/51143/Marathon-Novice-Supreme-Training-Program

My running buddy HC has decided to try out the Hanson method and will be running 6 days a week. I don't think that's for me. I'm good running 3-4 days a week with strength training mixed in. We'll see how it goes!


To keep myself going here is a nice thing to think about every time I run....

On different occasions, I have had two US Marines say, "F that!" when I told them a marathon is 26.2 miles. Now, if that doesn't make you feel like a badass then I don't know what will!

Are you running/training a marathon this season? 

What marathon training plan do you like to follow? 

Sunday, August 14, 2016

OMaD - Week 33

OMG! What a week! First spent the weekend with my boyfriend, then the first part of the week at work, then my best friend JM and I head out to Vancouver for a mini-vaca complete with a half marathon! Plus! Technically (unofficially) BCS Marathon Training begins this week!



August 7 - August 13

Day 220: 0 Mile - A good day, but an upsetting day because I tried to find a new pair of pants. So not only have I gone up a pant size, but I can't fin anything in my size 12 size... I felt so lousy and disgusted with myself. I even snapped at my boyfriend. Thankfully he was understanding and we talked it out, but I shouldn't have taken it out on him.

Day 221: 6.70 Mile - Initially, I was thinking of running 8-9 miles since this week, no matter what, was going to be different than my training schedule. But... it was hot. My back/shoulders were wrecked from sleeping wrong. I didn't want to run another 1.3 miles to get to 8. So I decided to stop at 6.70. P.S. I find that 7 milers are slightly unlucky for me... so I don't run just to seven anymore. I had dinner with my boyfriend since I probably won't see him until I come back next Monday.

Day 222: 0 Mile - Spent the morning getting things ready for my trip to Vancouver! Only two more days! I'm starting to stress out about getting everything done and to get everything packed into my backpack (that's right, people, I'm only traveling with a backpack!).

Day 223:  0 Mile - Last day of work before flying to Vancouver! My nerves are all over the place!

Day 224: 0 Mile - Today's the day! My bestie and I got up uber early to have my mom take us to the airport. Security wasn't bad, which is always my worries. We got to Seattle with 30 minutes to spare, whew! Canadian customs wasn't too bad either. I got to say, the moment we walked outside of the airport it felt AH-MAZING! We took the Skytrain into downtown and we walked to our Airbnb host and apartment. We were so excited to be here. Then we passed out for a nap before waking up and getting some tasty ramen on Robson street and going to a Whole Foods before walking along the Seawall.

Day 225: 0 Mile - First full day in Vancouver! We went to the convention center to get my package. Surprising, the SeaWheeze you don't wear a shirt bib - just two chip ribbons for your shoes. I really like the little duffel bag, sunglasses and water bottle that came with my swag. I wasn't able to go to the Lulumon store because of the CRAZY line to get in. Plus, I knew things would be expensive. After that JM and I explored and went to Granville Island! Such a fun place! The fruits there looked amazing! For dinner we went to a little grocery store, Urban Fare, to get some hot food at their cafe. I had prime rib, roasted potatoes and veggies. Yum!
 
Day 226: 13.66 Miles - Race day! I got up before dawn and watched the sky and water change colors as the sun came up. I was nervous because I felt a little out of place since I'm not much of a girly, yoga, Lulumon runner than a LOT of these runners are. But I had fun once I started running in my Beef Team jersey. The course was really pretty and quite hilly. I think I started out too fast, but my Garmin didn't help me with because of the buildings I running between. My overall time was 03:00:06, which is 20-30 minutes slower than normal. I knew the hills were going to get me along with the fact that I had walked around the city the day before. Plus, I did have to the bathroom that was off course cause I couldn't wait in a porta-potty line at the next water station. After the getting some more swag and skipping out of the food line, JM and I went back to the apartment for breakfast, a shower, and nap. After that we explored Chinatown, Gastown, then made it the shuttle for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which was amazing! At the end of the day I had ran/walked 22 miles! Whoa!!!  I wore my compression socks during the first part of city exploration, which helped a lot!


Total Miles this week: 20.36 Miles 

Miles to Date: 407.28 Miles

How was your week?