Personal Training

My good friend, Ms. T and I, were at the gym. I have temporarily joined a second gym. Yes,  goofy, but I get a great month to month deal through my employer. We were attempting a weight machine, when I made it go **Clang!** A trainer walked by and gave me a hard time about breaking the machine. We chat with him for awhile... new training, just got out of the Marines, and he told us to come do our free orientation with him.

So we did. And at the end of it, Ms. T had signed up for 9 personal training sessions with me as her sidekick! Ms. T has always struggled to get in shape (at least in the 5 years I've known her) and felt like this was the only way to ensure success. We had had success one other time when we did a boot camp together. At this gym, it doesn't cost any extra for me to tag along, so when I can, I will and just give her money towards the cost of that session.

We had our first session last night.  Oh my gosh, I've lost a lot of strength.  This will be good for me too!  I love the idea of personal training and think I would really benefit from it... just not as much of a fan of the cost! It's fun doing with a friend as well. So this should help, since he is also going to function as an accountability buddy!  We even have to do a food diary. Ms. T is doing the next two on her own while I'm out of town, and then I'll join up again.

I'm excited!

Marine Corp Marathon!

Friday:
We at the airport Friday morning bright and early for a 5:30am flight. At the airport I ran into an old running buddy who asked if we were going to the rally? Rally?  What rally? It turns out the Cobert/Stewart rally to restore sanity was going on in DC at the same time!

After T and I got there, we checked into the hotel and headed to the Expo. It was crazy and we picked up our turtleneck long sleeve black race shirts. We also picked up two Marine Corp Marathon Christmas ornaments for my Grandpa (a marine) and ourselves.

We were both exhausted we went for dinner at 4pm at my favorite Old Ebbitt's Grill.

We wandered back to the hotel, changed into bathing suits and fell asleep before we made it to the pool!!!

T's brother came in late, so the boys went to grab food while I continued to sleep.


Saturday:
We went to grab breakfast and head to Air and Space Smithsonian. We had a good time, and when we left the rally was in full swing!  Silly us, we decided to walk through the rally just to see how it was.  45 minutes or so later, we made it across the mall, losing T's brother in the process!!!  T's parents made it in at this point and we met them at the hotel and relaxed until dinner. We had the Organization for Autism Research dinner (we fundraised) which was delicious and really nice. I tried to go to bed early, but we got sucked into watching Titantic... finally falling asleep around midnight.

Sunday: Race Day!!!
We were up and out just a few minutes behind schedule. and went to catch the metro. It was running funny and so we arrived at the race station right at start time. By the time we walked the mile to the start line, people were still waiting to start. We started about a half hour after the first person. It was perfect weather, cool and sunny, and I started with sleeves on (that I bought at NWM!) We took it slow and did well up the first hill at Mile 3. T's brother had multiple surgery's back and February and should not have been running. I left T around mile 4 while he waited to check on his brother. (His brother ended up making it somewhere between the 10K and 15K mark)  I just cruised on feeling good!  I was worried about hurting my calf again, so at the 1/3 mark I began to run walk. The rest was gorgeous, and I loved almost all of it. The worst part was the 1.5 mile bridge that just wouldn't end. It was awful, and I walked all of it. The remaining 5-6 miles were AWESOME. I love it, and I finished strong! Being the Marine Corp Marathon, half of the last .2 was a straight up hill!  According to my watch, I ran 26.5 miles in 5:34:51 for a 12:38 pace.

We then had a fantastic dinner and went to bed early!

Nike Women's Marathon 2010

So finally, a race recap.  It was an incredibly humbling experience. Let's look at the good, bad, and silver lining:

Good
* The energy was great in the beginning
* The first 10 miles were gorgeous; weather was perfect
* I powered up the big hills

Bad
* My hips and calves were so tight that I started walking around mile 11
* After running/walking for the next ~5 miles, my left calf started cramping like nothing else. I almost stumbled a few times
* I then had to walk the whole remaining 10 miles or so because my calf physically would not let me run
* The weather turned on me.. all along Ocean Highway it was cold and rainy... for the whole last 10 miles
* I finished with mild hyperthermia and was miserable
* The Facebook messages messed up and said I finished before it said I hit 21.7, so I missed my mom and T along the way. I saw no one :-(
* It took me 6 hours... my Garmin gave out at mile 25.15
* It took me so long they had run out of 2010 Tiffany's necklaces

Silver Linings
* Some nice guy around mile 25 with an umbrella walked with me for a quarter mile
* I got to eat all you can eat steamed crabs just a couple hours after! Yum!
* Because they ran out of 2010 necklaces, I got 2008's... and they are sending me 2010's!
* Because of the necklace incident, I have guaranteed entry into 2011's race, so I can REDEEM MYSELF!!

Bootie Buster!

I'm participating in the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge!

And I promise I will get my two marathon race reports up soon... it's back to the gym this weekend!

Never as much as I should...

I have done a little running the first part of the month...

Gym:  4 miles, 2 miles, 2 miles =8

Neighborhood: 3, 7, 2 = 12

So 20 more miles... 220/1000

I finally had a great run the other night. The weather is cooling down, and I just jogged real slowly and did over 6 and then cool down walk with the other dog and T to total 7. It was awesome!!!

So little time left... starting to freak out.

I have a 16-20 miler with a friend scheduled for Sunday.

200 miles!

Since the trip I've done a few runs... for a total of 24 more miles!  I finally hit the 200 mark... oh boy. I'm quite away from my goal, and not very far from the marathon.

My goal for September is to run 100 miles. This is going to be tough given I'm gone two of the weekends, but I need to make it happen!

Today the plan is to run to the track, a little over a mile from my house and then do a track workout of 2 quick miles with .5 miles in between (so 3) and a cool down run/walk back for a grand total of 6.

Successful morning run!!!

I got up nice and early, before 6am this morning and threw in some laundry and head out to one of our nice parks here. I did a solid 6 miles at just under a 10 min pace, walked for 10 minutes, stretched, then ran a mile in. So 7 miles before 8:30am. I love it!

Since the last post, I have done today's 7, a 5K (3), one 4 miler at the gym and one 3 miler at the gym. That's a grand total of 17!

Mileage Goal: 176/1000

Perhaps, I should make the goal 500 or 700 instead...

Quick Mileage Update

Although I did set my goal at "running" 1000 miles, I am counting run walks and long fast walks my mom and I took together when I was home.

June 11: 4 miles
June 12: 6 miles
June 13: 2.5 miles
June 14: 3.5 miles
June 16: 8 miles
June 23: 3 miles
June 25: 4 miles
July 5: 3 miles

Yes, there are some giant gaps. I will address those later...

Mileage Goal: 159/1000

New 5K Time!

I went to another one of the Sunstroke Series 5K races last night. My previous times have been just under 30 min, closer to 29 min, just under 29, and then last night... admist a raging down pour thunder and lightning storm I ROCKED it.

27:40. Oh. Yeah. Baby.

That's a 8:54 pace. I'm thrilled with myself, and remembered how much I love running in the rain!

I also got to feel what is was like to run close to max effort for a whole race. While my times varied just a little, I felt strong. Also, mile 3 was the fastest!!!

Other runs:
Last Thursday I did my own 5K then walked a tiny bit and jogged it out to 4 miles.
I was at a conference all weekend and manage to do a quick mile on the treadmill before workshops one day.

That's 4+1+3 = 8 more miles!

Mileage Goal: 125/1000

Keep the Miles Coming!

I feel like I am finally in training again!!

Friday late afternoon, when it was 90* out, feels like 95*, I did a hot 5 miles at around a 10:30 pace. I was just excited to have done it and felt good!

Saturday... well, we blew off Bikram since it was gorgeous out and T and I went to eat dinner on the water. The deal w/ the roomie was we'd get up for her to do yoga at 8 and me to run 8 miles. I got up and did my 8 miles in two runs. I brought the noodle pup at first, but she didn't do so well. We did about 4.4, and then I went on my own for the remaining and did 3.7 to be safe. They were slow, but I did it!

Last night, my Garmin hadn't charged and I had had a little wine so I just ran a quick mile around the block.

14 more miles added on!

Mileage Goal: 117/1000

More days; More miles!

So I got to my 5K late on Wednesday night, so no chip for me. I did have my trusty Garmin so I wasn't worried though. I finished the 5K at a 9:12 pace (better than last week!!!) and then jogged it out to get around 3.5 miles. That gets me to 101 miles for the year.

Last night, my roomie and I went out for a super easy jog. She is just getting back into running, so it was exciting that she ran 2 miles with me (and the pups) instead of walking! Go Roomie!

Mileage Goal: 103/1000

Today I finish work earlier than usual, so I hope to get a 4-5 mile run in again. Tomorrow I'm probably going to do Bikram Yoga with friends again and possibly an easy 2 miles. Sunday the goal is a long run (~8miles)

Let the training begin!

A Bunch of Little Updates

So I am slowly getting into training. Working partially in public education, these next 3 weeks are going to be crazy and then life will slow down. Right now, I leave my house too early (before 7am usually) to have time for a morning run. During the summer, I won't have to leave until about 8:15 at the earliest. In my summer schedule I have also squeezed in my midday Fitness Pilates class at the gym that I love as much as possible. And no more Satuday work!

So I hope I can remember all the runs since the 30th. I'm sure I did a short one that day... say 2 miles. I know I did 3 at the gym before yoga one day. I began a Summer Sunstroke 5K series (every Wed at 7pm for 12 weeks) last week, so that's another 3.1. Last Friday, I had an awesome run where I didn't look at my watch until I finished and it was 5.3 at a solid 10min pace. The next morning I ran another 2miles. I'm sure there was at least one more run in there somewhere, but I can't remember. I will just give myself that .1 from tomorrow's 5K.

I'm at 97.5/1000! Haha.... I need to get moving on this goal. Literately!

Starting Training...

The best way for me to actually get a run in is to not go home first! So I packed my running clothes, went to my last client, changed and ran at the golf course near them.

It was absolutely gorgeous out, humid, and a bit of a breeze. I hadn't run there before so I wasn't sure what I was up against. Turn out: HILLS! Tons of them... so I did about 3 miles (no Garmin) running and walked a little more than a mile probably.

Today I got a break and had a client cancel so I can fit in a run, extra work, and happy hour!

Mileage Goal: 82/1000

Two Marathons Two Weeks Apart

Oops...

So T signed us up for the Marine Corp Marathon fund raising through the Organization for Autism Research. If you are interested in donating, please visit www.firstgiving.com/lauraperoutka
There's a link to T's page there as well!

It has been amazing to see old friend and coworkers who have come out of the woodwork and donated. :-D

Then just last week... Friday I believe, I got an email saying I had won the lottery and gotten an entry to the Nike Women's Marathon on San Francisco. Yep, the one where hot men in tuxes with silver platters give you Tiffany's jewelry as you cross the finish line!

Here's the kicker...
Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco: October 17, 2010

Marine Corp Marathon in D.C. : October 31, 2010

Yep, that's right folks, just a mere two weeks and 3000 miles separating the two marathons.

I'm going to have to really train this time... ;-)

Jess at Run Girl Run Contest!

Jess over at Run Girl Run is having a blog-aversary giveaway! It's good one too, some awesome shirts from Thriv. I've tried on there shirts before and they are SUPER comfortable! Check it out!

Marine Corp Marathon!!!

As most know, the Marine Corp Marathon is a favorite of many. Registration fill up in less than a day. We missed registration. We had vaguely talked about doing it this year. Thursday afternoon, I get an emailing asking me to sponsor T for the Organization for Autism Research for the Marine Corp Marathon. A few minutes later, he forwarded me my registration as well!!!

So now to start training. Since people have to donate money to a charity dear to my heart in order for us to get a entry, I'm even more motivated to train properly! If you are interested in donating, please visit:

http://www.firstgiving.com/lauraperoutka

THANKS!

1st Trail Race

Yesterday, T and I did our first trail race. Now T twisted his ankle some during the Cap10K and neglected to tell me he had it wrapped all week. He still went and signed up for the trail race with me. It was raining and muddy, and we decided just to have fun with it and bond. We ran some, we walked some, and overall enjoyed ourselves. I was SO tired the rest of the day and in bed before 10pm. It was an 11K and we think we ran a little over half of it, so I'm giving myself credit for 4 miles.

Mileage Goal: 79/1000

Cap10K Race Report!

I woke up last Sunday with heavy legs. The right one even ached a little. Waiting for the race to start, I was a bit apprehensive. I hadn't really run in a week. The Cap10K is a BIG race! There are a few costume and over 20,000 runners and walkers. It's usually a fun time: bands every other mile, lots of interesting people watching. I have done this race every year I've lived in Austin.

Mile 1: 9:48: As anyone who has done a big race knows, the first mile is always a little slow given the crowds. This mile was actually faster than I would have thought. The first mile is a slight uphill to the capitol and around it with a little downhill then. I began to feel strong!

Mile 2: 9:30: There is still a big crowd and will be the entire race, but it wasn't as tightly packed as the first mile. This miles had some good up and down hills, but I was surprised when I saw Mile 2 all ready. I was feeling SO strong on the hills and just powering up them!

Mile 3: 9:42: This mile encompassed the last set of big old hills! There were a little tough, but I powered up them and used the flats as recovery. I hit the mile 3 marker and felt the urge to run faster even.

Mile 4: 9:03: So faster I did run! A good amount faster! This mile had just little slopes up and down and I was feeling good!!! I felt as if I should slow down and pace myself more but it just feel too right at that pace. I forgot how good it felt to find a nice fast pace.

Mile 5: 9:16: I was a little tired from that last mile and the ground was really uneven here which bothers that stubborn toe. I kept pushing knowing there wasn't that much left. Since I don't tend to stop for water on 10Ks I just kept moving along. This mile definitely felt like I was going slowing than 9:16, but apparently not!

Mile 6: 9:24: This was my hardest mile of it all. It's a gradual uphill to the bridge then over the bridge. I was really feeling it in the legs; they were tired! But I am not one to walk the last mile!!! Not after I had come this far feeling this good. I remembered back to last year and how it felt much worse then.

Final .31 (by the Garmin): 2:21, 7:40 pace: Yep, I kicked it. I LOVE sprinting it in at the end of a race. So the Garmin had me running an extra .21 for the race. I finished, guzzled a bottle of water, saw I was under an hour and my negative split and felt AWESOME!

Garmin Totals: .6.31 miles , 59:08 , 9:23 mile pace
Race Site: 6.2 miles , 59:04 , 9:31 mile pace.

I love racing!

To round out the Cap10K, I was done a doctors appointment earlier than planned and had about a half hour to kill. I ran 1.7 miles, doing the first mile fast around 8:30 and jogging the .7 before jumping in the shower to head back to work.

Mileage Goal: 75/1000

1 Mile at A Time!

As I was typing the title, it seems I have used this title before... that says a lot!

Anyways, T's brother was in town this weekend. He had ACL surgery about 2 months ago and PT is going well. Since he said he could run a little, we ended up running the mile around the block.

In other not so fun news, just hiking, with occasionally 30 sec running with one of my clients, my toe was throbbing. I think I need to see an orthopedic.

Mileage Goal: 67/1000

Hungry All the Time

Since the half on Saturday, I am hungry all day long! It starts pretty soon after waking up and I have trouble staying satiated. Oddly it wears off in the evening... just in time for dinner with T. He made steaks last night that I couldn't turn down though!

So perhaps I need to adjust my diet, or tweak something. All ideas are welcome!

Getting Back to the Gym

The last two nights T and I are getting back into the gym routine. While we only work out for about 45 minutes it's still better than nothing. To just get the legs moving I biked an easy 5 miles on Monday and then stretched a ton.

Last night I headed for the treadmill! T has recently convinced me that it's best to set it to random, since it's never just flat outside. So I did a super slow 5mph at random, and did an easy 2.5. My toe started to really ache, and T has finished his weights, so I stopped and stretched.

Mileage Goals: 66/1000

Half Marathon Done!

So in my usual style, I went into the race without really training. I tried out some new socks Thursday night and did an easy mile and a half to put me at 50.5/1000 miles so far. I discovered that thick socks and my feet do not get along! It's so comfy at first, then quickly my feet feel like they are suffocating!

Saturday morning the alarm failed to go off. My roomie, who was also running, left without even knocking on my door. I woke up at 6:05 and hauled to try and make it to the shuttle stop at 6:45... We got there at 6:47. Doh. Luckily, one of the race coordinators was super nice and let me ride with him and I got dropped off right at the start line!

So this was the Zooma half... by far the hardest half I have done (I've only done three but still!) It was WAY harder than SF. The first 7-8 miles were just up and down hills, no real flats at all. Then some little hills, and then the last 2.5 is curving through a flat golf course. That means tiny lanes with lots of people and tons of tight turns. It was miserable. A little before mile 8 my knee started to lock. Not wanting to push it I switched to run/walking at mile 8.

I finished in just shy of 2:26... :-( I'm not super happy, but I still finished. My usual half time is 2:17. Next time...

So of course; despite being MISERABLE, I spent last night looking up other races. There is an 11K trail race nearby in about 3 weeks which would be fun to try! I have a 10K in two weeks. And there is also a 10K in 4 weeks.

It's funny how a half marathon doesn't seem that big of a deal anymore... even though I didn't run it all this time...

Mileage Goal: 63.5/1000

Foot Go Numb

I went out for a run this afternoon since my last client was sick. I was feeling good and moving fast for me. The first mile was 9:11, then 9:32, then 10:07. It was a hilly route especially the last mile. Then my foot started to go numb. Now my toe goes numb; I'm used to that. But usually not my entire foot. I think it had to do with some big uphills and downhills where I was running on the balls of my feet mainly. Anyways, I walked a little after about 3.75 and tried running for a block or two after a big hill, but my foot was one big numb block. It felt like I was wearing ski boats! Even after walking half a mile it was barely started to come "un-numb". So I went to Carrabba's and they let me call T, and he came and picked me up. So I'm counting it as 3.5 miles.

So mileage count: 49/1000

Missing my old running buddy

Last week my old roommate and running buddy, E, was back in town. It was so great to see her and we managed to get a few runs in together!

On Thursday, I ran a total of 5.5 miles... I did a a quick mile in the morning, then did ~1.5 waiting for her at the trail, then we did another 3 together. Wednesday and Friday were 12 hour work days, and T and I slept in on Saturday so I didn't have time for a run before work. As soon as I was done work we headed off to see his family about 2 hours away for Saturday and Sunday.

I have another 12 hour day today, so I'm not sure about a run... still have that sore throat too. But tomorrow I am done early and will definitely get a good run in and hopefully the gym too!

Mileage Goal: 45.5/1000

Another 4 Miles!

Last night one of my old roommates who is visited went running with me. She had already done 4.5, but went with me for another 3. We probably would have done another mile, but her stomach was not happy with her so we walked the last mile.

Then my other roommate, who is not a runner, but trying to get in shape wanted to go for a short 1 mile jog around the house, so I joined.

Slowly getting the mileage up!

Mileage Goal: 40/1000 = 4%!

(I know we are about 20% through the year...gotta pick it up!)

3 more down...

T and I headed to the gym last night... I thought about trying a yoga class, but just ran instead. I did a solid 3 (10 min pace) then some good stretching, abs, and legs. All in all a semi success....


We're off to the gym again tomorrow... I need to start upping the mileage soon! Next week is much lighter, so hopefully!

Mileage Goal: 35/1000

Funny Hips & Legs + short runs

I have been slacking on the running... it's probably been 2-3 weeks since my last run. It's pathetic I know! It's been a whirlwind of starting with 3 new clients, and one new contract position (without dropping anything) a semi unschedule quick trip that threw scheduling all off, and generally not feeling so well.

Still. I have 19 days until the half and need to get my butt in gear!

Friday, I went to see a PT about some other issues. I had mentioned that we have uneven hips in the family and perhaps that might have to do with the other issue. So she felt my hips and said, 'Oh! Something's not right." Basically, my right hip rotates forward; when she makes them even I feel like i'm pointing right a little. And apparently, my right leg is 1/2 longer than my left... go figure!

So Saturday, T went off to work briefly, and i went out running. The Garmin was having trouble getting a signal, but I ran a good 3 miles and walked 1. My right foot was hurting in a new way...

Sunday, I was sadly sore and went off to the gym in the afternoon. I ran an easy 1 mile, then did a bunch of stretching and lunges and abs, which felt good. Need to get a couple miles in this evening. I finish work early today so I should have no excuse! I also need to get new running shoes...

Mileage Goal: 32/1000

Saturday Yes... Sunday No

Saturday I got up with T a little after 6am. While he left for work, I putted around a little watching SuperNanny and working on a report until the sun came up. Then I headed out and did a nice slow 3.25 mile run around the neighborhood. While it was slow, I was happy to have done it.

The rest of Saturday was busy... I worked from 9:30-4:45, then went off to scrapbook for the night.

Sunday I woke up feeling miserable... my throat hurt and I could not stop sneezing. After lots of medication, I felt just well enough to run a couple of quick errands with T then curl up on the couch. Needless to say the 7-8 mile run did not happen.

Tonight I am babysitting right after work until 11pm or so, so I won't get to run today either.

So tomorrow... I need to do some major make up running!

3 Miles: Not as Planned

After work yesterday I met T at the gym with the plan to do 3 miles on the treadmill. I had not had a great day and was just generally grumpy. My legs felt tight and I wanted to do anything but run. So I trudged through a mile, then we stretched and headed to the pool. There we played. We played catch, we raced down water slides (yes, my gym does rock), we play catch while sliding down water slides! I needed play time :-)

So today... I had to do the remaining 2 miles. I got home, changed, and headed out quickly before dinner. I did 1.75 in 16 minutes for a 9:04 pace. The Garmin wasn't working right and only had me recorded at .72 miles, so I had to google map it.

I'm going to count that as 3 and just add a little onto tomorrow's 3 miler. T is working the day shift, so he should be out of the house by 6:15am. I have to leave for work at 9am, so that should give me plenty of time to run 3.25 and have time to prep for the day. I'll get next week's running plan hammered out this weekend as well.

Mileage Goal: 25/1000

Interval Success!

I went to the gym tonight with the goal of doing 7 X 400s at an 8mi mile pace. That's 2 minutes per 400. I gave myself a minute walking work up and 1 minute intervals between each 400. I walked the intervals at a 3.5mph pace. I wasn't sure if I could do it, but I was determined to give it a shot!

And guess what?!

I DID IT! It was awesome :-) After, I jogged out an easy remained 400m to make it an even 2 miles run. (I did a total of 2.5 with the walking intervals)

Tomorrow I just have the Fitness Pilates on the schedule :-) Maybe I'll fit in a walk with the puppies

Mileage Goal: 22/1000

4 down!

I headed to the gym after work last night and had just enough time to get in 2.5 quick-ish miles before the Core class I wanted to try started. I finished in 24 minutes for a 9:36 pace.

The Core class was okay; I liked the fitness pilates a little better, but it was just 30 minutes. After, I dragged myself to the treadmill to do another 1.5 slow miles (12:00min/mile pace) to finish up the 4 miles I had planned.

Mileage Goals: 20/1000

Half Marathon Training Plan

I have 8 weeks until my half marathon and I really need a plan. I have semi used Hal Higdon in the past and I'm a fan! Given that, I am going to use (and just slightly modify for my schedule) his intermediate half marathon training plan.

Today: 4mi run
Tuesday: 7 X 400 at 5K pace
Wednesday: Fitness Pilates (unless I have a meeting, then just stretching at home)
Thursday: 3 mi run + strength
Friday: rest, or strength
Saturday: 3 miles
Sunday: 8 miles

Made it!

I made it to the gym today... did a good 3 miles on the treadmill. I ran hard and I felt strong which is good. The first minute I was just walking as I untangled my headphones. Despite that, I still finished all 3 in about 28:30. I kept realizing I was taking smaller steps so I could take more, so I kept upping the pace and just making my stride a little wider. Felt great!!! :-)

I forget sometimes how great a good run can feel.

Here's to another 3 or maybe 4 tomorrow!

Mileage Goal: 16/1000

Hiking, but no Running

So yesterday, despite my best intentions to make it to the gym, the lure of Target and having to clean the house before people came over led to no gym or run for me.

However, I do respite care with a little boy and we did go hiking for 3 miles. It's better than nothing I guess.

I'm at Starbucks working now, but as soon as I leave it's straight to the gym! I really need to get cracking on that mileage goal and half marathon training!

Quick Update from Roatan, Honduras!

Hi from Roatan!

Just a quick update... the Thursday before we left, I went for a 3 miler and finished at a 9:36 pace. I was excited. I also LOVE my Garmin watch! It's just too cool.

We brought it with us and on Friday we walked over 3 miles around town.

We'll be back to the States tomorrow night and regular life resumes on Wednesday. It's so gorgeous here; I'll miss it!

Mileage Goal: 13/1000

Another 2 Miles & New Fitness Class

I went the gym after work yesterday and did 2 miles at a 10 minute pace. Afterward, I did an hour long Fitness Pilates class.

I have never done Pilates before... and at least this class was 45 minutes of Abs, 10 legs, and 5 stretching. Ouch! But I'm glad I did it, and I want to do it again. It''s offered most evenings at the gym at a time I can make.

Tonight around midnight, we drive to the airport in a city about 2 hours away to catch our 4:15am flight to Roatan, Honduras!!! We have our quiet little beach place reserved and we're going to dive, and relax. I'm super excited to have this time with T. We need this :-)

Mileage Goal: 10/1000 (1%!)

1 mile at a time

I woke up this morning and took the NutPuppy out for a quick 1 miler around the block. Just over 10 minute mile...

Sadly, even with a big vacation coming on Friday, I think I'm sick. Slight fever, just generally snotty...

The scuba lessons over the weekend probably didn't help. Due to the scuba lessons, which left me exhausted, I didn't run and just counted scuba as cross training.

One day I won't feel stretched beyond my limit all the time!

Mileage Goal: 8/1000

Morning Run!

I got up the 2nd time the alarm went off (instead of 45 minutes after the second alarm like I have been doing) and had just enough time to do a quick little mile around the block with the puppy. Running with the puppy is always a little slower, but I finished around the 9:45 min time. It was also foggy and a bit drizzly.

Although it was only a mile, I'm happy I went out in the morning. I like starting my day that way. When I get the 30-Day Shred video I think I'll do that in the mornings.


Mileage Goal: 7/1000

Slowly getting into it!

I left a client's last night and ran around their neighborhood. I think this might be a good method! Most of my clients live in nice family communities, so I could just go for little runs at the end of the work day each day.

So run stats: 2.07 miles, 19.58 minutes, 9:36 pace.

Slow, but I'll take it!

That evening T and I went to a Churrascaria... so lots of protein. Still not hungry this morning!

Run Goal: 6/1000

Artic Invasion!!!

Down here in Texas when it drops below about 50 or 60, you'd think the whole world was ending!

So I took the older pup with me today for a quick little jaunt around the neighborhood before the National Championship game... it was chilly! 34* feels like 24* I managed two miles at about a ten minute pace. I'm still learning to use my garmin. (Figured out how to reset it about a mile in from Monday's run stats!) Hopefully, I'll start having more accurate times/paces.

Mileage Goal: 4/1000!

Slow Progress!

Goal Updates...
I signed up for the Zooma Women's Half Marathon! It's all women and there is a post race party with mini spa treatments and wine tastes. Two friends from work are probably going to do it too!

So the slow training begins. Right now I feel rather out of shape, combined with my body adjusted to the Gluten Free. I did an random (according to the button on the treadmill) 10 minute mile last night, followed by stretching core, and 20 minutes on the bike. Quick gym trip but it is better than nothing.

Monday night my roomie and I did a super easy 1 miler run as well. I should have time for just a quick 2-3 miles around the neighborhood tonight.

So goal: 2/1000

New Year, New Goals!

It's time to get back into this whole running thing again! I feel like I'm ready, here's why:

- No more classes, well, except for SCUBA the next two weekends!

- Making my work schedule a bit lighter

- Awesome gym membership

- Got the Garmin 405 for Christmas

- Super inspired by bloggers like Aron and Jess

So here are my running related goals:

1) Run (at least) 4 times a week, even if just the quick mile or so around the block

2) Pick a half marathon training plan and stick to it 80% (hey, I'm realistic)

3) Run a sub 2:15 half marathon

4) Run another marathon and beat my previous time (which shouldn't be hard)

5) Run at least 1000 miles... (only half of Aron's fantastic 2000!)