Note to SELF...Charge your GARMIN!

Stats for 1.29.10:

Distance: 8.20 miles
Pace: 10:07
Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Calories burned: 1090

947.37 - 8.20 = 939.19 miles left to run in 2010


**************

Pro's and Con's of my long run!

Pro's:

• 
  
  Felt GREAT!
• 
  
  Got to walk "NICE" hill!
• 
  
  Good Pace
• 
  
  Love this route
• 
  
  Burned over 1,000 calories!
• 
  
  Longest run this year and I liked it.

Con's:

• 
  
  Garmin died at mile 5 :(
• 
  
  Frustrated not knowing exact details of my run!
• 
  
  My legs were sore from my speed workout yesterday.
• 
  
  Had some clothing issues...chafing...not fun...OUCH

All in all it was a fabulous run and I don't think it could have gone much better.  Finishing my miles before "NICE" hill was great so I didn't feel guilty about walking it.  I liked that I was able to finish my run with a good walk to stretch out. 

My first "official" speed workout!

This was my first speed workout and it was HARD. I can see how it can make you a faster runner so that is good. Speed workout day's are going to be tough ones. I ran for 10 minutes to warm up and then started my speed workout.  I run a fast lap and then a recovery lap.  Those recovery laps are NICE! 
 
Splits:
Lap 1: 6:53
Lap 2: 10:27
Lap 3: 7:31
Lap 4: 10:52
Lap 5: 7:54
Lap 6: 10:46

Distance: 2.57
Time: 24:14
Calories Burned: 337


949.94 - 2.57 = 947.37  miles left to run in 2010

It was fun to see my speed and then to see that my recovery lap is my regular pace. I have a lot of room to improve which is very exciting. My friend who has done 3 marathons did speed workouts for the first time for her marathon in October and took 20 minutes off her time. It can only help me...RIGHT!

I feel good...nu (x4), so good!

Stats for 1.26.10:

Distance: 4.05 miles

Pace: 10:15

Time: 41.34 minutes

Calories burned: 522

953.99 - 4.05 = 949.94 miles left to run in 2010

Great run! It was a beautiful day. Loving this weather.  I felt very good from the beggining which makes for a great run. 

A couple giveaways!
Also check out some great things to win at Thomas's blog "Beyond ACTN3 Friends Appreciation Giveaway" Ends on 5 p.m. Pacific Time Zone on Friday, February 12.  GOOD LUCK!

and

Tricia - Nathan Fuel Belt Ends 2/2

My trusty 5 mile route!

Stats for 1.25.10:

Distance: 5 miles

Pace: 10:52

Time: 54 minutes

Calories burned: 653

958.99 - 5 = 953.99  miles left to run in 2010

 

I feel like I am always so negative. I think since I took a break from serious running it's just hard to get back into it again. My mind is so there but my body is tired...I will get there again. It was an early morning run so my body was still tired.

Oh running...

Stats for 1.22.10:

Distance: 7.10 miles

Pace: 10:43

Time: 1:16:05
Calories burned: 919

966.09 - 7.10 = 958.99 miles left to run in 2010

I love to burn those calories, just wish my body felt up to it as much as my mind did! I knew I had my long run of the week today and I was going to go for 8 but than talked to my dear friend, Kate who has run 4 marathons and she said to not push myself too much, to early on so I don't burn myself out. I opted for a 7 miler which wasn't bad except I had my 8 miler all mapped out and to lose a mile was going to take some creativity. My body felt tired from the start and I was hoping that it would loosen up after a few miles but knowing I had some good size hills in front of me I was a little worried. The weather was about 10 degrees cooler than the rest of this week so it was a little chili out today. It's strange how you have some days that are great and than others that are just ok. Well I got my miles in for today and am happy to have it behind me. I have a long way to go to get to my marathon...training is the fun part...right? Yes it is...working towards something and achieving it is wonderful.

On a side note...I was so bummed to lose one of my favorite socks, Balega...I just lost one of them and have missed my cozy, cushy socks. I never buy more than one pair until I test them out to see if I like them...fell in love with these and having been needing more. I have been using some cheap ones and couldn't wait to get some new socks. Went to Road Runners in Kent and they were on sale so I got 2 packs and now I am set. I have run the last 2 days with them and LOVE them! They are RRS Drymax , but the thicker ones. Strange how socks can make a difference.

Giveaways!!!! On other bloggers sites!

Tall Mom- Tutu ends 1/27
Tricia- Road ID ends 1/26
Fitness for Foodies- Nike Gift Cards ends 1/24
Marcia- I Declare Giveaway ends 1/22
Rookie on the Run- Favorite things ends 1/31


Now go win some stuff!!!

Almost didn't but then I did!

Tried taking a picture of the 3 of us...not an easy task.  Out of 8 pictures...this is the best one and it showed everyone face!

Stats for 1.21.10:

Distance: 3.25 miles

Pace: 10:03

Time: 32:37

Calories burned: 422

I almost didn't run due to numerous reasons, busy, not feeling great and the list goes on. It's so easy to make reasons not to run and a lot of them are valid, but that is the exact reason why I signed up for my marathon because when you are training it makes it more of a "I HAVE TO" or else, so I figured even though I wasn't going to do a long run today since that is tomorrow I should just do it because I will feel way better if I do. And I did and it was amazing due to the weather being unbelievable today! It's summer in January. I didn't wear my jacket, no gloves and even almost wore my capri running shorts...crazy I know! Live it up! It was a short run with 1 big hill about a mile long. My pace for the first 2 miles where great, 9:53 1st and 9:26 2nd and then came the hill which put me at 11:05 for the hill but overall a great 3 miler!

969.34 - 3.25 = 966.09  miles left to run in 2010

Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon ! I registered!

I registered for the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon.  I actually did it...now it's real! 

I have plenty of time to train which is great.  I can't believe I am going to run my very first marathon.  I have thought about running a marathon my whole life...well at least as long as I can remember.  Something I never thought I would actually do! 

Well I am going to do it...

Time for ME! And some ADVICE...PLEASE!

What a great 5 miler today! I ran an old course I haven't done in a while that included 3 big hills. Loved it and wish I had more time to do more. According to my training schedule I was supposed to run 2-3 miles but I felt like doing more. I struggle with the training schedule sometime because of the few miles during the week. One long run a week and small runs, consisting of 2-5 miles seems so little to me. I want to do more to burn more calories and I just like to run. What do you guys do? Can someone help me understand why this is and if it's important to follow the training schedule exactly? To me just running seems like training, but all of these special runs…training, tempo, speed…I get confused and often wonder…is it really needed? Any advice would be great.


One thing I find while I run is sometime "thinking" can be exhausting...does that make sense? Sounds weird I know but on a long run when you start to get fatigued focusing on some major things can make me even more fatigued. What I love about listening to my Christian music is it lets me just listen and meditate on God's truth while I run. I LOVE IT! I can't tell you what it does for me. It's one of the main reasons I love to run...it's my time to talk to God and also hear from him. The Christian Artists right now are writing amazing "Truth" songs...that's what I call songs that aren't just emotional songs, but songs that actually tell you something about who Christ is and all he has done for us. I LOVE IT! It also helps when it's a beautiful day, with the sun shining and clear, blue skies! Gods Creation....beautiful!

Stats:
Distance 5.16 miles
Pace: 10:41
Time: 55 minutes
Calories burned: 664

974.50 - 5.16 = 969.34 miles left to run in 2010

Running with Jill...not me...my friend Jill

If you were in Washington this morning or Tacoma and you ran...wasn't it perfect! I woke up at 7am so I could get ready and be at Ruston Way by 8am to meet up with, Jill. Looking outside won't tell you what the temperature is so I had to check and was shocked to read 51 deg....wow isn't it January? Yes and I will take it and not layer as much knowing that I could get too hot. Got to Ruston before Jill well actually I pulled up next to someone thinking it was Jill and waved and realized that is not Jill! A little embarrassing...oh well. Took a few pictures of the view that we would enjoy on our run! Jill got there and we started our run with a little walking warm up and then started running at a faster pace than I have been running lately...looked at my watch and we were at a 9:30 pace...not bad since this is a flat run. A mile into the run I realized my Garmin had not started, SHOOT! I am a numbers girl so this is so annoying to me and the first time I have ever done that....oh well now I have to guess on my totals. It was a great run with Jill while we caught up on our holidays and what’s been happening. The funny thing about running with someone is you end up talking a lot about running. Let's face it, all of us runners can become a little obsessed or maybe I am the only one. Jill ran her first marathon last year in Portland and she trained with Team in Training. She loved it and I love picking her brain about her training and the whole marathon experience. Trying to get her to do the Rock and Roll with me in June but she is a busy teacher getting her masters so not sure her schedule will allow it...but come on Jill when you have run a marathon...what’s another one, right...piece of cake! We finished our run and walked up to the Old Town Starbucks and had some tea and coffee and did some stretching and more chatting. I love mornings like this...perfect. Looking forward to more runs with Jill and more training advice. Great run with a great friend!

Stats:

Distance: 4.25 Miles

Time: 43 minutes

Pace: 10:07

Calories Burned: 520

978.75 - 4.25 = 974.50   miles left to run in 2010

Before our run...

                                

After our run

My races...so far!

I have completed 2 half marathons and 1 sprint triathlon and thought I would link them so you can read about my races. 

1st Half Marathon on June 27, 2009
Rock and Roll Seattle

2nd Half Marathon on August 1, 2009
Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon

1st Triathlon on September 5, 2009
Bonney Lake Sprint Triathlon

Oh How I love a GREAT RUN!

Stats:
Distance: 7.25 Miles
Time: 1:23:47
Pace: 11:34
Calories Burned: 911


Wow what a great run! These are the days that I love running; I mean I really love it. I was planning on running 5 miles but woke up a decided that I like my 7 mile route better so figured why not. My only concern...the long, long hill and my most hated hill around my house...that is 2 hills. Oh well I will do it and build my hill endurance. It was a great day because it was not raining which is always a treat in Washington in January. I had good energy and felt very good throughout the run. I hit my first very hill and it's a really long one...almost a full mile of incline but I had a couple good songs and I took it slow which made it doable. I hate running on busy roads and all of the ups and downs of the sidewalk so i prefer to run on the road but this street is way to busy to allow that. Then came the hill of death which maybe wouldn't looks as bad if you were just driving it...no it actually looks hard even in the car...it's really steep and is around a corner so you can't see the top which can be good and bad. It's always harder at the end of a run too...it's about a 1/4 mile long. Every time I finish that hill I'm always relieved and feel so GOOD. At least I have a great training ground for a Mercer Island...right!

All in all in was a great morning for myself to think, enjoy the sites, reflect oh and try to find some sanity!

986 - 7.25 = 978.75 miles left to run in 2010

Oh the treadmill...blah!!!

My mom is here visiting and we really wanted to do a 5 mile run together...outside but if you are in Washington today you will notice that the rain and wind is strong today so that changed our plans.  I can run in the rain but rain and strong winds...not my cup of tea!  So we opted for a treadmill workout which I just struggle with but since I missed out on running this week due to busy schedule and not feeling well I had to do it. 

Treadmill stats:
Distance: 3.25 Miles
Time: 32 minutes
Pace: 10-11 minute mile
Calories burned: 400

Running on the treadmill makes you realize how MENTAL running is...it's so hard not to push the stop button and just get off...I have to focus and stick with it.  I ran a couple hills and finished...3 miles is about my max on the treadmill. 

989.25 - 3.25 =  986  miles left to run in 2010

Mercer Island Half Marathon

My mom and I have talked about running the Mercer Island Half Marathon on Sunday March 21st. It fits in with our marathon training and I know a handful of friends that are running it so thought I would look more into it. One of the best things my mom and I did when we were preparing for the Rock and Roll marathon was to drive the course...I am a very visual person so knowing the route really mentally prepares me and allows for no surprise hills. I really think it's one of the reasons we both really enjoyed the rock and roll half marathon. So we ventured out today in the rainy, true Washington kind of day to check it out. We had are map and my two boys in the back.
(Beware....if you are running this race and want to be surprised by the route and all its hills...don't read any further!)


We got to the starting point and were happy to see a downhill start...because of all the hills I thought to start downhill would be nice! It would be one of the last downhill we would see through much of our drive. The route is nice because it's on the outer road of the island so you see the water and some very nice homes. It's a very twisty and curvy route with many hills and a good size one at mile 11 and if you are like me...mile 11 is not the most energetic mile.


We came to the assumption that this will be a very challenging run for many reasons. One...we have 8 weeks to train which is enough time but with our lovely Washington weather its hard this time of year but we can to do it, Two...its so hilly! But hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...right? Right? We both agreed we would feel so good to finish this half marathon. We haven't registered yet...probably put that off another week or so or before the cost goes up again. My mind is there...I think!

Starting 2010 RIGHT!

I meant to log my first run after I started my running blog, but that never happened so we will start with 2010. This actually works since I am going to try and run 1,000 miles over this next year. My friend and running buddy, Mel aka Tall Mom on the Run, has a club for those of us who made a goal of 1,000+ miles for 2010 and since I decided to make this a goal before I knew about the club I figured I might as well join the club and have a group to work with. Looking forward to the next year and all that I will learn in each of those miles.
I have taken a little break from running, not really on purpose but due to weather and laziness I wasn't running as much as I was in the spring and summer. I of course gained some of this lovely weight back and now have to work it off...again! Nothing like running to work it off. I hate having tight jeans!
I am trying to figure out how to work the running in during the week and also weight training. I tend to just want to run, but I also know lifting is important too. I have a great lifting routine that really helped my core last year so I will continue that even if it's only a couple days a week.
Getting back into running when you have only run a few days a month for the last couple months can be difficult. More weight on my body slows my down and so does my lack of running, but I know it will come back.
Yesterday I set out on a run which I had hoped to do on Saturday but due to a friend who I haven't see in way too long I had to delay which is so hard when you have mentally prepped for a good run and it was a perfect running day but oh well...Sunday worked too even if it wasn't as convenient! This was the second time I was going to try a new route because I am just bored with my usual route. The only hard part is the whole first mile is up hill! Gotta love my neighborhood. The beginning was hard and got my heart rate going but after I recovered from the hills it went well. I was running so slowly but I felt good so I figured that really doesn't matter and I will get faster as I train.
1.10.10 Stats:

Miles: 4.38
Time: 49:45 (told you I was slow)
Pace: 11:21
Calories burned: 567

993.64 - 4.38 = 989.25  miles left to run in 2010

Total miles for week 1...10.74 
Not where I need to be to get to 1,000 miles but I will get there!

3rd Run...Very quick!

1.6.2010

Miles: .90
Time: 9:07
Pace: 10:10
Calories Burned: 114

994.54 - .90 = 993.64  miles left to run in 2010

I was limited on time again and figure one lap around the gym which includes a good size hill would be better than nothing!

2nd Run...Treadmill

1.4.10 Stats

Treadmill Run...
Miles: 2 miles
Time: 22 minutes
Pace: 11
Calories Burned: ?

996.54 - 2= 994.54  miles left to run in 2010

Had limited time so did what I could.  Ran an incline of 5 & 7 for 2 minutes each.

First Run of 2010

1/1/10 Stats:

Miles: 3.46
Time: 38:29
Pace: 11:07
Calories Burned: 440

1,000 - 3.46= 996.54 miles left to run in 2010


Slow but good run!  Great way to start off 2010!  New, hilly start route!