Un-"Freakin" believable...I can do this!

13.0 miles today....yes...13.0! I have said for a while that I wanted my first 13.1 to be at Disney so I made sure I stayed below that, but now I can say that with 99.9% certainty that I can do this.

I didn't know how far I would go today, but was set out to do 10. I bobbed and weaved through the neighborhoods and when I had an opportunity to push it a little further I would.  I even ran around the shopping center parking lot to get in some extra distance. I walked some of it, but maybe only every couple miles for about a 1-2 minute intervals.

At the 5-6 mile opportunity I was starting to hit a small wall---I was determined not to walk because that is when I would be running through the castle at Disney and I was NOT going to walk that part! While I was running that part the Bon Jovi song Livin' on a Prayer was on and the lyrics "We're 1/2 way there" stuck in my mind. What timing!

I was able to make it 10 miles so I thought I would push 11-12 miles. Once I hit 12 I just made a loop through the park to try to get to 13. I was at 12.90 when I was in front of our house. I was NOT going to stop there. I went up a 1/2 block and came back and hit 13.03

1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	11:37 min/mi	00:11:36
2.0 mi	11:25 min/mi	00:11:23
3.0 mi	11:54 min/mi	00:11:53
4.0 mi	11:54 min/mi	00:11:54
5.0 mi	11:07 min/mi	00:11:05
6.0 mi	12:28 min/mi	00:12:26
7.0 mi	11:34 min/mi	00:11:32
8.0 mi	12:34 min/mi	00:12:34
9.0 mi	11:59 min/mi	00:11:57
10.0 mi	11:35 min/mi	00:11:34
11.0 mi	12:17 min/mi	00:12:17
12.0 mi	12:28 min/mi	00:12:25
13.0 mi	12:56 min/mi	00:12:56
13.0 mi	11:21 min/mi	00:00:22

Today I also used an app called Charity Miles so when I run a sponsor gives money to a certain charity. There are so many to choose from, but today I chose the Wounded Warrior Project. That app had me running 12.76 and RunKeeper had me at 12.79, but MapMyRun is the app I have been using consistently from the start so that is the one I used to measure distance with. I am not sure which is the most consistent but I really don't care at this point...I am so excited about my accomplishment.

On a side note...FitBit 26,328 steps, 13.82 miles, 43 flights of stairs and 2,328 calories!

I didn't want to take a chance on the weather this weekend since they were predicting snow so I took advantage of the 34 degree and sunny skies today.

I realized that I had run earlier this week and did not post my progress. I want to be sure to track my progress so I know I didn't cheat myself. I went out on Tuesday after working a day subbing and ran. Again, took advantage of the nice weather. This following a run on the treadmill earlier in the week Sun/Mon.

mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	11:15 min/mi	00:11:15
2.0 mi	10:55 min/mi	00:10:54
3.0 mi	10:52 min/mi	00:10:51
3.7 mi	11:44 min/mi	00:07:52

Oh how I didn't want to run today...

.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	11:35 min/mi	00:11:35
2.0 mi	10:44 min/mi	00:10:44
3.0 mi	11:21 min/mi	00:11:20
3.1 mi	16:55 min/mi	00:01:06

Today was one of those days where I really didn't want to run...but I knew I had to while the weather was cooperating. I made myself get up and go and of course, once I was out there I was glad I did. I got in 3 miles today.

I used the PHM FB page for incentive and, of course, so much support came from others that it gave me cyber-support. 

Glad I forced myself to do it in the morning so I didn't have it looming over me the rest of the day. 

I have found that I days that I don't run it is hard to get my 10,000 steps in on my Fitbit. I don't think I made it to 6,000 yesterday. 

I see I did not post this the other day...so I will add to it. It was a great day out yesterday (Saturday) 57, sunny. However, I did not get out to run, I was too busy with other stuff and truly could not get out to run. I was hoping to get out today, but woke up to rainy, sleet and a bit of snow. I will get out later this week I am sure and will do a short treadmill run today, but just a reminder, that do not put off running on a nice day if you don't have to. 

4 miles outside

.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	11:21 min/mi	00:11:21
2.0 mi	11:06 min/mi	00:11:04
3.0 mi	11:38 min/mi	00:11:30
3.8 mi	11:40 min/mi	00:08:46

Another mild day in here so I took advantage yesterday and ran. I didn't want to take a chance and see what my "scheduled" run day would be. I am glad I did...yesterday was much nicer than what today is...plus I had to take mom to an appointment mid morning and didn't know if I would be able to get in my run in the morning.

Even though I had my new running shoes for Monday's run I didn't wear them until this run. I think I could have gone and run my 1/2 marathon in them they are so comfortable.

I ended up running up to church which by the time I ran around the back of the church was 2 miles. I spent some much needed time in church and got a couple of prayer cards for Katelyn and her baby girls. I got to see how it feels to run a few miles and take a break and start up running again. I think about those things for when Karen and I are in Disney.

 I ended my run at mom and dads house and spent some time there before walking back. I had spent too much time there and it was a bit chilly walking back.

Took advantage of the nice weather

.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	13:26 min/mi	00:13:25
2.0 mi	13:22 min/mi	00:13:22
3.0 mi	13:32 min/mi	00:13:31
3.3 mi	14:30 min/mi	00:04:40

Monday was another great day outside, so Joe and I went for a walk/run. I was able to get in 3.3 miles of walk/run while Joe got in 2.3 of walking. I noticed that this time I would run a little farther ahead and back then I did in previous times.

I did take it easy on bike path several places...I did not want to hit a thin layer ice. There was a spot especially bad on the trail by the softball fields. I thought it might be a little slippery, but it was much worse than I had imagined.

I was ready to get out Monday even after the 10K on Saturday. I don't think my recovery is taking quite as long as it did before...but mostly I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather outside while I could. You never know when it will take a drastic change. So no treadmill for me yesterday.

Frozen Buns...St. Louis 10K

What a great day it was...it was anything but a Frozen Buns event. the weather was gorgeous and the location was great! The event was in the Delmar Loop area of St. Louis and it is such a quaint and cool area.  They have a Walk of Fame so this is the closest I will ever be to becoming a Rockette. I


LOVED IT and the weather was Sunny and mid to upper 40's. Joe took me down the the race from the hotel and he and Roland save us a booth at Blueberry Hill so we could eat when we finished. I loved that he was there...it makes me happy.

I actually did better in this 10K than I did in October, I wasn't sure how I would do since I hadn't been able to run outside for a few weeks. Overall, the run went well..this was a little more "hilly" than the other one. By hills they were slight elevation changes that looked harder from a distance then they actually were. The first water station was about 3 miles in so I was more than ready for it. I had decided to walk through the water stations and that gave me a needed rest and ready to start running again. It only takes about 10-20 yards to feel "rested". There was another water stop between mile 4-5 I think. Again...it was nice to have it. I always try to take advantage of every water station...if only for a few sips and "spits".

I found I took "baby steps" a few times while doing them but kept going...I guess I figure the "faster" (which is not very fast) I do them the faster they will be over. Again...mind over matter. Karen and I stayed together a little more this run. We both understand to run our own race, but we are such similar runners that we end up staying close to each other...that will be easier for us to stay together when we are at the DPHM next month. When I was reaching the last .10 of the race there was a runner ahead of me that started walking...the finish line was in sight. I yelled from behind to her...you have been ahead of me this entire run, don't let me pass you now. I ran up next to her and made her run the rest of the way in. I know I appreciated that from some of my friends when I was struggling to finish the Maka Maka run. She must have looked up her results and found my name and friended me on FB, so we are now FB friends. Just a fun story.

Karen was about a minute behind me to finish so we pretty much stayed together, by the time I crossed the finish and high-fived Stephanie I saw Karen coming in to cross.  It was a smaller field of runners than the one in November...only 198 for the 10K and I was 168 when I finished.

 I was really disappointed that they were out of water by the time we crossed the finish line. I realize that the 5K field had already finished and the weather was a bit warmer than they expected but I don't think they should ever run out of water. I just needed something cold so I grabbed an orange slice, then Karen walked up with a cold beer so I took a few drinks of a cold beer at 11:15 in the morning! Ugh...didn't really quench my thirst but at least it was cold. We ended up only drinking a few drinks and throwing the rest away.


Start - 10:01:34AM    Finish - 11:12:12AM  01:10:39   11:23 min/mi01:10:39   11:23 min/mi

DISTANCEPACEELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi10:51 min/mi00:10:51
2.0 mi10:46 min/mi00:10:46
3.0 mi11:23 min/mi00:11:22
4.0 mi11:40 min/mi00:11:38
5.0 mi11:46 min/mi00:11:45
6.0 mi10:47 min/mi00:10:47
6.3 mi13:21 min/mi00:04:38

3.5 miles inside and 1 mile outside

Today is a beautiful day out 33 degrees and sun is shining. However the sidewalks are still snow and ice covered and the roadsides are narrow due to the snow and slush. Sooooo another day inside on the treadmill. Slow and steady again for 3.5 miles and I didn't even look at the time but I am thinking about 45-50 minutes.

I found that if I don't look at the time or mileage on the treadmill I do better, mentally that is. So I placed the IPAD over the screen so I wouldn't continually look at the progress. I turned on HGTV and started running. I think it was about 10:10. I was determined not to look until 2 commercial sets had completed so that was about 20 minutes. I was at 1.3 miles...I think. So I didn't look again for another 15 minutes...it was at 2.7. I kept going until I thought I had maybe hit 4 miles...I was at 3.37....UGH so I decided to finish to 3.5 then go outside and run my mile loop.

It was so refreshing outside... but quickly had to come back in for sunglasses. I bout a cheap pair of sunglasses the other day to run in. Glad I did.

I am kind of worried about the 10K this weekend with my longest run lately being 4.5 miles and most of it inside and slow. I will be curious to see how I do.

I needed to try out my new running pants today to make sure they would be ok for this weekend. I HATE it when my pants don't fit right and I have to keep adjusting them throughout my run. These are a size M...yay...and they fit great...no adjusting needed today. :-)

Another day inside...

But at least I got a quick run in. I did 2.5 miles and 32 minutes followed by 30 minutes of yoga. 

I'm hoping that the 10k this weekend won't be too difficult since I haven't been able to train outside for the past week and a half. 

I went and bought some new running pants...something a little brighter and a size smaller! Yay! 

The FB activity for the Disney run has been fun to follow. A lot of people posting questions and excitement! Only about 5 weeks before our trip! Wow! 

I talked to Karen today and we are already trying to figure out our game plan for it...hehe. It will change a hundred times in the next few weeks but it will be fun trying to figure it out.

Getting excited!

Quick post on a busy day

3.5 miles/45 minutes/4.5mph pace

Today I see the temperatures are above zero and the wind chills are not as bad...but the side streets and sidewalks are still a bit slick. I decided to run on the treadmill again so I wouldn't slip and pull anything. Also I had to run early since I have a busy day ahead.

I tried something a little different today on the treadmill. I placed my IPad over the display started the treadmill and ran without looking at the display. I didn't' know what speed I was running or for how long.
I looked after about 14 minutes and I was past the 1 mile mark. The next time I peeked I was at 1.87 and not sure of the time. I ended with 3.5 miles and about 45 minutes. It was then that I looked at my pace which was comfortable...4.5. Overall happy with the accomplishment today. Tomorrow it is supposed to be even nicer but I have to pick up Brad and Karen from the airport so I am not sure if I will get out so I am glad I did what I did today!

I followed the 45 minute run with 45 minute yoga. It felt good. We have only missed one day of yoga in the new year. My back is still feeling better so something seems to be working.

Let's hope for fairer weather this week so I can get back outside. I have a 10K next weekend and I haven't been outside for a while now.

Another day inside

With it being soooooo cold this week I have had to resort to my treadmill, but I have decided that since I don't run as far on the treadmill as I do when I am outside that I will run or walk on it everyday. I have done at least 2-miles everyday this week. So I guess there is a silver lining to this cold weather...I am making sure I get my 10,000 steps in one way or another and if it's on the treadmill so be it.

I have also been logging my food/calories intake to help keep me accountable. I am afraid though that even though I am staying under the allowed calories I am still a little too heavy on the carbs. I will need to work on that.

I have continued to do Yoga with Joe. Since we have been doing it I have noticed a lot LESS pain in my lower back. Time will tell if it is working.

Indoor training and a Fitbit

3 miles in 42 minutes

Since the weather has not been cooperating I have had to resort to running on the treadmill. I guess I shouldn't complain, since the start of my training in July this is really the first time the weather has not been conducive to running outside. Also, I am fortunate to have a treadmill so I can still train. 

Since I can't run outside and I don't run as far on a treadmill as I do when I am outside I have been running shorter distances more frequently. I ran for 3 straight days and today was the first day I ran 3 miles. The other two days I reached a little over 2 miles in 30 minutes.

I really wanted to quit after 30 minutes but I just pushed through it mentally and kept going until I hit 3 miles.
I went slow and steady so my breathing was regulated I just get bored...even watching t.v.

With the indoor training and since I really like tracking progress and can't do that indoors with Map My Run, I decided to purchase an activity tracker. I had been looking at them since before Christmas but didn't know which one to get. Several of my friends have the Fitbit so I went with that one. So far so good. I am going to learn more about all of the options and try to use them. So far I have figured out the food tracker and the exercise log.

Lots of posting activity on the FB page for the DPHM...it's been fun to encourage and get encouraged by the other participants from all over the country + Canada. I saw that there was another participant from Central IL. I will be curious to find out where she is from.

A little too slick out today

Yesterday was a bit rainy and I thought it was sleet, in hindsight I should have run yesterday the temperature was more mild. Today the temperature dropped and there is a dusting of snow...which isn't bad, but when I went out to run there was a thin sheet of ice under the snow...well at least on the sidewalks and side streets. I was not going to risk a slight slip and pull of a muscle. I am too close to my Disney 1/2 to risk injury.

I came back and did Yoga and ran on the treadmill...3 miles in about 45 minutes. It was slow but I ran so that is good. I don't like running on the treadmill but it beats not running at all. I ate too much yesterday not to run today. I really need to watch my eating a little closer to see if I can drop a couple more pounds before my trip to FL in 7 weeks. Oh my goodness...my 1/2 is in 7 weeks!

I worked on my outfit for the 1/2 yesterday. I still need to look for a yellow running tank. I have one but the yellows don't match but will do if I can't find anything else.

I don't track my progress when I am on the treadmill with my running app so I have several workouts that are not logged. My 3 from Italy and the several treadmill runs I have done.

Another week down and another week closer to FL!

My first 5K of 2015!

.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1.0 mi	10:23 min/mi	00:10:22
2.0 mi	10:25 min/mi	00:10:25
3.0 mi	10:29 min/mi	00:10:28
3.1 mi	10:43 min/mi	00:01:32

Happy New Year...2015 started with Yoga and then a 5K. While walking to the start of the race I ran into Jeff McLinden we stood and caught up for 15-20 minutes. He really motivated me about 1/2 marathons and running. He encouraged to run the 1/2 marathons and keep it social so they are fun, which makes sense since I will not be breaking any records. A good tip he gave me is to take along disposable cameras and get the pictures printed, that way if it rains or sweaty your phone and good camera don't get ruined.  I will have to remember that for DPHM. I forgot to get a picture with him...maybe next time.

I ended up having a PR today 32:24 with a 10:26 pace (official time from race). I knew I was going a little faster than usual since I couldn't get my breathing regulated, but I managed. At the start of the run I guess I was towards the front of the starting position because I was getting passed A LOT! At one point I didn't think there could be anyone else behind me. As I was just passing the 1 mile mark the lead runner was already heading back and completed 2 miles...a complete mile ahead of me! Oh well, I was out there. The weather was nice...mid 20's a slight breeze but nothing unbearable.

I wore my IC Blueboys pullover today and a gentleman walked by and said...Go Blueboys. I saw him on the course and then afterwards. His name was JC Wise (pictured) and went to IC in early 80's.

As I crossed the finish line they were calling out names and when they called out my name they said she will complete her first 1/2 marathon this year! That was so cool. I didn't know how they knew that...then I remembered. When I signed up for the run it asked what your NY resolution was and I put that. It was fun to hear it.

I also signed up for another Frozen Buns Run...this one is in St. Louis and I will run another 10K with Karen. It is the weekend we will be there for a STL Blues game to it works out great. I hope the weather cooperates.

I just looked at the picture I posted on here and on FB and UGH! I really need to be a little more selective on my photos...I may feel great after I finish a run, but not necessarily look so great. :-/

Here's to a healthier 2015!