Need to Train

Alright. With only about a month left to train for the Relay, I must say i'm not where I want to be. I haven't ran more than 6 miles at a time in a very long time. Now I must be able to run around 6 miles, three times within a 48 hour span. This would be no problem if I was already half way through marathon training. Unfortunately, I have not been training for a marathon. From here on out, i'm scheduling a morning run, then an evening run and then another morning run. This way I can come close in simulating the frequency of my runs. I figure, i'll start doing 3 miles for each run and gradually increase it each week.

Just to keep myself in some running condition. I ran tonight for 1:02:28, which I think is pretty close to 6 miles. It was a little breezy, but I felt great overall. My plantar fascitis was acting up again. At least the initial stages, but I can definitely feel something bothering me now. I haven't stretched it in a very long time and I must remember to continue stretching it as much as possible. Hopefully I can join the Spring team this weekend for a run and say "hi" to familiar faces.

My First 5K

On Sunday, I lead my mini-group (my sis and her bf) to their first running race. It turned out to be my first 5k race also. I've ran 10K, 12K, halfs and fulls, but surprisingly never a 5K.

Back in February, I signed us all up. Can't remember why they agreed to do it, but I like to think I inspired them. It was also local, so that was a plus. Nevertheless, I trained them what seemed like about a month's time. My sister did not get the full training because she got seriously sick one week. The race felt pretty short, but it had some great inclines. My sister stayed back and I pretty much hung with her bf throughout the 5K race to make sure he got through it. Official time was 36:02 and my sister surprised me by finishing 41 something. I'm proud of both of them from not ever running to completing something that was probably unattainable not too long ago.

My Fortune Cookie Said.....

Team Brenda here I come!

I vowed never to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon course again because two years in a row...it left me battered and defeated. But you know what? I really have nothing to bitch about. So, now i'm preparing for my most difficult running challenge to date. I've decided to not only go back and do the half course, but i'm gonna make it a full marathon. I'm definitely up for the challenge. Now it gets really interesting because if I get into the NYC Marathon, that run is only 2 weeks after Nike. Either way, I know it's not impossible. It's pain, but it's only temporary.

Full Training Weekend

Quickie recap:

Hit the weights Friday morning and Saturday afternoon, after 9 long months, I finally cleaned the cobwebs off my road bike and took it out for a ride in the beautiful 80 degree Nor Cal weather on Friday. I only road 8 miles, but I definitely tired my legs and my ass was sore come Saturday morning. Saturday morning, I headed out to Walnut Creek to join the Spring Team for their mentor-led run. I ran a little over 52 minutes and actually felt great through it all. Saturday night, attended the Bloc Party show at the Concourse and my calves are sore from jumping up and down like a mad man. Now, i'm off to the Lake to help my sis and her bf train for their 5K which is next week.

Dare I say?

Eight days since my last post and i'm down to 182 lbs. I've been more than careful in watching what to eat. To be honest, it's been a real bore. My days continue with just snacking on almonds three times a day and eating a sandwich for lunch. My sole beverage at work has been H2O. Dinner is when I get something tasty, but not too much of it. Meanwhile i've been doing something active at least four of the seven days in the week. Wednesday night I ran 4 miles in 42:09 on the treadmill. Thursday night I ran outside for 30 minutes on an easy pace.

Well i've decided i'm going to do a marathon this fall whether I get into NYC or not. The last marathon really left a bitter taste. Hopefully the third time is the charm. I think I have a better grasp of what and what not to do. I stress "think".

Enough is Enough!

Remember way back when....when I said I would concentrate on my weight loss? Well I didn't. I've been over-eating and eating bad stuff. I finally weighed myself last weekend and I was a depressed 189 lbs. Needless to say, I was a very distraught sad panda.

The hard work put into my first season with the team has gone to waste. I haven't seen the 175 lb mark in a long while. The good news is i'm re-dedicating my efforts and this time i'm serious.

After reading April's Runner's World, i'm following their suggestions on cutting down my portions and trading in for healthier foods. Thus far, i've literally cut my portions close to half and have been eating nothing but a sandwich and a handful of almonds during lunch. I've only been drinking water. My tummy is definitely pissed off. I've been hitting the weights more regularly and running at a faster pace for a shorter distance. I'm huffing and puffing during the entire run, but it definitely gets the heart going. After five days, i'm back down to 186 lbs. Baby steps, but at least I know it's paying off.. The goal is to get back to 175 lbs, but the ultimate goal is 170 lbs.....something I haven't seen since high school.