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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.