Another Little Workout

I'm slooooowwwllly trying to get back into a running routine.  I did 1 mile on Tuesday and 1.25 miles today. I have prefaced each run with a .15 mile warm up walk.  I have followed each run with a .25 mile walk.  I am trying to take this very carefully.  I want to give my knee a chance to get back into it without hurting it right away.

After today's run, I did some strength training...trying to avoid using my knee.  Hopefully, I will feel okay tomorrow.

XOXO

2013 Goals

I really haven't set any yet...

Just two floating in my mind...

1.  Get into Nursing School.

2.  Heal my knee, so I can run again...

I did run a mile tonight.  Just one, but I wanted to test out my knee.  I ran it really slow.  1.01 miles in 10:15. So far, my knee isn't too bad.  I walked for a quarter mile (slowly) afterward to keep my knee loose and then I soaked in an Epsom salt bath.  It may sound like overkill, but I'm terrified I am not going to be able to run again (WHO AM I???).  

Get out there.

XOXO

Knee Problems

I'm having them...and I don't know what to do...

Keep on trying to truck with my training schedule for the Monster Dash Half in two weeks?

~OR~

Take it easy with my run schedule, so I can actually run the Monster Dash Half in two weeks?

Why can't I just not have crappy joints...???

XOXO

2012 Women Run the Cities 10 Mile

On Sunday, I woke up bright and early after our first night in the new house and buzzed out the door into the freezing cold.  My first 10 mile race was here: Women Run the Cities 10 Mile!

I got down to Minnehaha Park with plenty of extra time.  I got the best possible parking spot and ate a little Chobani for my breakfast.  I hadn't had time (with moving the days before) to pick up my packet, so I jumped out of the car and ran to do that.  It was only 32 degrees F outside...so it really was freezing!  After I got my stuff, I ran back to my car to decide what to wear and prep for the race.  Luckily, I had thrown on some gear, but grabbed a bunch of extra items, since I wasn't exactly sure what the weather would be like.  I settled on capri pants (that I haven't worn in FOREVER), my pink tank that I normally wear for races and my pick zip-up.  I was freezing to start, but was worried I would get too hot , but decided to go for it.  I ran to pee and then headed to the starting line.  I found the 10:30/min pacer and popped in around her and waited.  Soon, the National Anthem was sung and the race started.

In no time at all, I was across the starting line, trying to settle into a nice pace.  I will say this about pacers...I FREAKIN' LOVE THEM (most of the time)!  I have had pretty good experience with pacers in the longer races I have run.  I have seen them where they just run (at least close to) a steady pace for whatever their designated time is...fairly silent the entire time other than giving timing counts at the mile markers.  I have also seen them where they totally pump up their group.  This was the case of the 10:30 pacer for this race.  I don't recall her name (I believe it was Becky...), but she was checking on people, encouraging us, making comments about the weather and running and even making jokes every now and then.  Around mile 5, there is a giant climb of about a hundred feet.  She really helped to push everyone up it, telling us that it was the hardest part of the race and we'd be done going up in two minutes and ready to go slightly downhill.  She was really great.  She helped a lot of ladies get through those miles and she really helped get me through the hardest part of that race.  I was able to stick with the ground until mile 7, when my knee had to have a little walk break, but she really did get me to that point.

Anyway, I did alright up until that point, but then had a few walk breaks after that.  They were short, but they were there.  When I got to about a quarter mile from the finish, I told myself (internally) that I would walk to the next little bridge and then run the rest of the way.  Well, I took two steps walking and some lady told me not to stop, that I could do it, that I was almost there...and with that I ran with her the rest of the way.  Some random stranger pushed me to finish the race and I am super grateful for that random stranger.  :)

Apparently, my body wasn't 100% after moving the last week (especially on Saturday).   I did what I could, though, and while I'm not thrilled, I still finished ahead of the 11:00/mile pacer, which was my goal.

Official time: 1:47:15

After the race, I met up with my brother, who had served as a bike marshal for the race, and we grabbed lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings.  It was nice to spend a bit of time with him one on one.  After lunch, I buzzed home to find my sweetie pies crashed on the couch with the tv playing my favorite NFL team creaming the 49ers :)  Life is good.

My One and Only Picture from Race Day

XOXO

Du Training Day 3: Complete!

So hot!  Wish I would have worked out sooner, but I had a lovely breakfast date this morning, so a later training session, it was.


Ran 2.25 miles on the treadmill in 21:24 (9:28 pace)
Biked 13.66 miles in 1:00:01 (13.66 mph pace)
Ran 2 miles on the treadmill in 19:13 (9:33 pace)
Walked .5 mile on the treadmill in 8:30

A little ab work to round it out and lunch!  It was a great workout and I did better than I thought I would (especially since I REALLY didn't want to do it).  Finishing a workout is even sweeter when you had to FORCE yourself to do it in the first place, isn't it?

XOXO

Du Training Day 2: Complete!

I have made Monday my Du Training Day, since it is my day off.  I am really happy with my workout today:

Ran 2 miles on the treadmill in 19:15 (9:34 pace)
Biked 12.5 miles in 56:15 (13.4 mph pace)
Ran 1.25 miles on the treadmill in 11:59 (9:30 pace)
Walked 1 mile on the treadmill in 18:04

It is hot out and sunny.  Yikes!  According to dailymile, I lost 991 calories (without the walk...which put me over 1,000).  That makes me feel a little better about this past weekend, but that is a different post...

The first run felt pretty good.  I was a little tired, but it went well.  I figure if I can keep up some speed right now during training, when I tone things back a bit and slow down, it should be a little easier (I hope!).

The bike was decent.  I took a route with lots of rolling hills...and I suck at hills.  However, for being the second time on the bike...it went well enough.

The second run I was just wishing were over because I was so hot and sweaty and had jelly legs from biking.  I pushed myself, though, and I'm glad I did.  Once I build things up again...my endurance, my stamina, my muscle memory...I WILL be able to do this thing.

I feel great now that it is done!  Time for some ab work, a shower, more water/Gatorade and LUNCH!!!

XOXO

Du Training Day 1: Complete!

I would say I am satisfied with what I did!

Biked 4.54 miles to the beach in 21:00

Ran 1.67 miles on the path in 17:12

Biked 4.66 miles from the beach in 23:00

I haven't biked in I don't know how long...so that went alright.  I think my butt and legs will be sore tomorrow...  I got to the beach, locked up my bike, and took off jogging.  I went out on the trail through town, which was nice, but hot! The plan was to have a 2.5 mile run in the middle, but once I got about .5 mile in, I knew that my body was low on fuel and I still had to bike home (apparently, half of a PowerBar and some coffee three hours earlier won’t sustain you…what???).  I was still happy with the milage I did put under my feet.  Then, I chilled in the park for a bit.  After I cooled off just a bit, I hopped back on the bike and headed home.

Here I am, eating a turkey burger and getting ready to go for a swim.  I know I will be sore tomorrow, but I'm glad I got Day 1 out of the way.

Beautiful Day at the Park at the Beach

Happy Monday!  Have a great one!

XOXO

Humid Runs Don't Make You Pretty...

It is no secret that I bombed my last race.

I've said it before and I will say it again: the Minneapolis Half Marathon was Hell.

I haven't even put on my running shoes since.

Today, that changed.

Once the rain/lightening/thunder stopped, I put them on, laced them up, went for a quick walk with Dad, grabbed my iPod and was off into the sun.

It was terrible outside.  Like I said, it had just stopped raining and the sun was blazing, so the humidity was WAY up.  It was 85% by the time I got back...and it was better when I got back...  I'm not a fan of the summer because I DON'T. LIKE. HEAT.

I hate being hot...and ugh...I am hot right now.

Anyway, I had no plans for this run other than to stick in the neighborhood in case in went poorly.  I looped a few times and when I thought I couldn't run any further, I pushed down one more road and then home.  I saw that I had done 2.44 miles and knew I could bump it to 3.25 miles, but not outside.  Came inside and hoped on the treadmill to finish it out.

3.25 miles in 33:26 seconds.

It wasn't pretty, but I did it and I'm glad I did.

And I wasn't so pretty afterwards...

I had planned to do something else today, too.  Perhaps some strength training or biking or something, but being my first day back and in the humidity...just didn't happen.  PS...I think it is about to rain again...


Now, to shower, grab some grub, finish a bit of laundry, and go get my husband from work for his surgery.

BTW...Lee is having knee surgery today...he tore his meniscus and they are going to fix it...30 minute procedure...I will keep you posted.

XOXO

2012 Get in Gear 10k

Friday night, I got all my stuff together, knew what I was going to wear, yada yada yada.  The plan was to get up at 6:00 on Saturday morning, get ready, and be out the door by 7:00.  This was my first time doing an entire race thing from start to finish flying solo, so I was a bit nervous.

Saturday morning, I was up at 5:00 because I suck at sleeping.  I gave in and got out of bed at 5:20 or so, went upstairs, had some coffee and a bagel, and just sat for a while, watching my nephew play.  After a bit, I decided to get ready, so I quick showered, threw my hair up, double-checked my bag, pinned my bib on my jacket (I was waiting to see if the weather would actually WORK WITH ME...), got dressed, etc, etc.  I ended up getting out the door around 7:20 (for whatever reason it took me so long...), but knew it would still be plenty of time to get down there.

"Knowing" that was my first mistake...

Despite the freeway being down to one lane, I figured it would be pretty smooth moving on an early Saturday morning.  There were only a handful of cars, but, of course, I get behind the two cars going 55 mph the whole way.  This pushed out my travel time a little bit, but it was okay because I made up for it a bit after the freeway opened up to multiple lanes again.

Cue rain...awesome...

I get to the exit for where we were supposed to park for the race (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) and it is SUPER backed up...awesome...  I wait in line like everyone else and finally make it off of the freeway and onto the road for the VAMC.  Of course, that was super backed up, too.  So, I waited...patiently...and prepped my stuff, so I could jump out and go once I did park.

I finally get in the lot and park my car.  I realize I have about 30 minutes before the race starts.  I grab my stuff and jog over to the shuttle bus line.  It is very, very, very long.  Some other people were going to walk, so I followed them.  I knew it was a mile to the park, but I figured if I power walked/jogged there, it would be quicker than waiting in line for the bus.  I finally got to the park and was a little tired already, but had to run and check my gear bag and then hit the potties.

Despite having a bazillion port-a-potties, the lines were really long.  Of course, I picked the shortest one...but apparently the people in front of me had not yet mastered the "pre-race pee"...which should take no longer than 30 seconds.  My line was taking the longest.  I was still in line when the race started, but looked around and saw other 10k-ers around me, so I knew I was okay.  I FINALLY got up there, did my (quick) thang, and bolted out.

I noticed a bunch of people heading in one direction, so I ran .25 mile to where I thought the start was...only to realize they were 5k runners heading to their start.  I got really panicky when I couldn't figure out where the 10k start was, but then I saw some people running by on the street.  I finally found a girl without earbuds in and asked her if the 10k start was back the other way and she smiled apologetically and said, "Yeah...I think so..."  *sad face*  I took of running .25 miles back the way I had come from and then some, found where the start was and headed around the gates to the chute.  I was already pooped by this point, so I paused for a minute, got my iPod ready and shook out my limbs, and headed across that damn 10k starting line (about 15 minutes late...). 

The Get in Gear 10k Course

The race itself wasn't too bad.  I pretty much ran by myself for the first portion, but then started passing people the further I went.  Passing people that I saw walking was no biggie, but passing runners gave me a little boost.  It was wet to start with, but the further I got, the more it started to rain.  It stunk.  My shoe came untied twice, so that was no fun.  Regardless, after 6.2 miles, I had finished the 10k.  Based on the timer clock, I thought I was somewhere around 1 hour and 5 or 6 minute mark for time.  I was bummed because my absolute have to finish by time was 1:05:00, so I thought I hadn't made that.

Anyway, I grabbed a water and a cup of gatorade, slammed them, then hit the port-a-potty for my "post-race pee"...which can take as LONG as you like.  After that, I headed to get my post-race food.  Chocolate milk, a little bun thingy, butterfinger ice cream bar (true story...even though I was freezing), and a Nut Roll (there was a bunch more to choose from, but that is what I consumed).  After downing that, I headed to grab my bag (and did I mention it was raining even harder now?) and get some Peace Coffee.

By now, I was way, way icy, so I hoped in line for the shuttle...the really, really long line for the shuttle.  I rain/slush just kept coming down and I kept shivering so hard, the older gentleman next to me was worried I had hypotermia and offered to hold my spot in line while I went and got some coffee.  I thanked him, but told him I had tried that already and it hadn't worked.  After waiting for about an hour for the shuttle, we finally got on and were headed back for the VAMC.  I was very confused when we got back (since I hadn't taken the shuttle there), so as soon as I got off the bus, I started hitting unlock on my key thingy and searching for my lights.  When I saw them, I took off running for my car like a crazy person, whipped open the door, started the car and blasted the heat, ripped off my soaking wet jacket, and jumped in the car.  As soon as I was in, I started stripping off my wet clothes and shoes.  Luckily, I had a pair of dry PJ pants in my car that I had worn as coverups on the way to the race and a dry t-shirt.  I just sat there for a few minutes, soaking up the heat, and drinking an OJ that I had also grabbed at the race.  Then, I headed home.

All in all, it wasn't the best race I've ever had, but I know it could have been SO MUCH WORSE, too.  Shortly after I got home (while I was soaking in a very hot bath, in fact), I got an email with my official timing results.

1:04:45!

I had wanted to beat the hour mark, but I'm okay with the fact that I beat 1:05:00.  Something to shoot for, right?!?!?

Next up, LAKE MINNETONKA HALF MARATHON...yikes!  I can do it, right?

XOXO

Training

Run training lately?  Not so good.

I missed two runs last week which is really, really bad.

I missed my 3 mile run on Thursday because of my sore quad.

I missed my 12 mile run on Saturday because of my stupid ankle.

That was supposed to be my last BIG run before my first BIG race.

I'm going to still try to squeeze in some longer runs (maybe drag out a couple of my 3 mile runs to 4 mile runs...since I really need the mileage.

Otherwise...I'M IN TAPER MODE!!!

My half marathon is only 13 days away.  I'm getting nervous...really nervous (Especially since I missed the 12 mile run...)!

I have the Get in Gear 10k this weekend and then the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon the next and then the Race for the Cure 5k the weekend after.  Three races three weekends in a row.  At least I get a break when I'm in Europe, right?

I've decided that to fuel myself for these upcoming races, I really need to eat better...especially these next two weeks.  Gotta prep my body to run like a cheetah!

That's is all for now.

XOXO

7 Miles on a Wednesday Evening

I had a nice 7 mile run on the treadmill last night.  I really didn't want to do it, but I did it...especially after Lee said something along the lines of "You know you will be disappointed in yourself if you don't do it".  That made me do it.

It went great.  Felt good during the run and ran it in 1:04:50.  That's a pace of 9:15 per mile!  I've been trying to do some of my non-long/weekday runs at a higher pace, espcially on the treadmill where I can force myself to stay at the higher pace or risk falling off and getting treadmill burn!

(I'm not kidding...I seriously have nightmares that I will trip, slip off the back, and end up with treadmill burn on my entire face because the thing won't turn off and I'll be stuck!!!  Irrational???).

Anyway, after my run, I was fine, but as soon as I got upstairs, my left quad is really sore.  I don't know if it is because I didn't stretch enough after my run, or what, but it really hurts.

My Luurrrrrrrvvvveeeer for the Day (Along with my Coffee)

I'm going to try to get my scheduled 3 mile in today, but if I need to, I will err on the side of resting since I have my 12 mile (!!!) on Saturday...  Cross your fingers, so my leg will be better by the evening!  We are going to see Jess, Jerrod, Aiden and Bella tonight (Lilly is really excited!!!), so I have a little more time than usual.

XOXO

Gotta Love It When...

You are running on the treadmill like a bat out of hell and grab your iPod so you can pause your Nike + when you hit the 3.25 mile marker and...

...when you hit pause you realize that you already paused it when you grabbed it and your run distance and time are now all F-ed up... bollix...

My Run...According to Nike +...

My actual stats were 3.26 miles in 28:25...that is a pace of 8:43 per mile!

It was a really good run and gives me hope that I might actually be able to be a "runner" someday.

Happy Monday!

XOXO

You Can Call Me Lightening!

14:56?!?  LIGHTENING McQUEEN!

Yes, I ran 11.25 miles on the treadmill and walked .25 to cool down.

Yes, it says I did all that in 14:56.

What it really should say is 114:56.

FYI...our treadmill stops itself once you hit 100 minutes running.

The mileage doesn't reset, but it does the beeping thing and stops.

I noticed it (obviously) and quick hit the start button again to keep it going.

Why do I find this so funny???

I HAVE NO IDEA!

Lilly is napping, so I am off to shower, eat a morsel, and get ready for our "Adventure Afternoon" (I created it, but I haven't figured out what it is yet!!!).

Have a pleasant Saturday.  If you are in MN, it looks gorgeous out there!

XOXO

Sometimes, You Just Have A Bad Run...

I had one yesterday...big time...

I had a 7 mile run to complete.

Mapped out a nice out-and-back course and was headed out for my lunch hour.

It was windy and sunny and I heated up quickly.

I ditched my jacket around the first half mile, knowing I'd be there to pick it up on my way back.

It was another run where the wind was pushing against me every way I went.

By 2 miles, I was exhausted and thought about quitting.

I pushed myself (and felt AWFUL the entire time), but had to cut it short at 6.5 miles.

I hit the treadmill (where I could regulate my pace) as soon as I got home for the last half mile.

At least I completed the awful 7 miles.

And then I had to drive quick to pick up my jacket because I didn't pass it on the way home.

Winner.

XOXO

Are You Having A Productive Sunday?

10 Miles...DONE!

I survived...barely...but I did it!

That wind was killer...pushing against me every which way I ran...

Now, to dig in the garden, eat some lunch, get Lilly's sandbox ready, shower, do some laundry...yada...yada...

Hope your day is great!

XOXO

Like A Boss...?

Okay, I got home and got some bad news (stupid, stupid Katie...), so...

10k outside in the 20+ m.p.h. wind turned into 6.25 miles inside on the ol' treadmill.

Do what you can.

Like a boss.

(WARNING: SALTY LANGUAGE!!!)



XOXO

When I Get Home Tonight...

This 10k run will happen...like a boss...

XOXO

The Long and Hilly Road

Saturday was scheduled to be a 9 mile run.  Well, lately, it seems my long runs are creeping to a day after they are scheduled.  Not such a big deal...they are still getting done!  Chasey's birthday party was on Saturday and the morning was icky, so the long run moved to yesterday afternoon.  It was chilly and breezy, but the sun made an appearance, so it wasn't too bad!  I did get a little sunburned on my nose, though...  :(

My 9 Mile Route with Elevation


The elevation map may not make it look like much, but that portion highlighted in red with green arrows?  That is a giant...long...hill.  I realize it is only about a 60ft change in elevation, but it is long (about .4 miles) and it sucks.  I had to run up it twice.  There were lots of other places with hills, but that one kills me every single time and I run it just about every time I run.

My Run Report from my Nike +

My Nike + always shows that my pace is all over the place...I can't run at a consistent pace, it seems.  I'm working on this and getting better, but I appear to have a ways to go.  It looks like I'm doing some sort of fartlek training.  My splits, however, look a little better!

Overall Pace for the Run was 10'13"/Mi

It looks like I'm getting closer to keeping some sort of even pacing, based on my splits.  They are all withing 30 seconds of 10'00"/mi!  I would say that is pretty good for me.  I am shooting for 10'00" miles for my long runs, so I feel like I'm getting closer to where I need to be.

I just want to note that it is amazing how much a good or bad run can make or break how you feel.  Two weeks ago, with my 7 mile run, I struggled really bad and started worrying that I couldn't do this whole long-distance running thing.  I ran my 8 mile on the treadmill last week, where I had the comfort of controlling my environment.  This week, I knew I had to get back outside in the wind and whatever else to see where I was at.

Let me just say...it is crazy what a good run will do for you, as far as building you up.  I felt great on my run yesterday.  I ran a solid 9 miles and the only thing holding me back was my knee and my leg muscles getting a bit crampy.  Endurance-wise, I felt great and like I could have kept going!  I recovered fairly quickly after each hill and   I was sore afterward (after I rested for a bit), but was still so happy that I was able to do it.  It is a great run like that...where I feel like I won...that makes me tell myself "Hey!  You can totally do this Half Marathon thing!  This is your year for you, Katie!"  Lame?  Maybe, but it works for me.  It is what it is.

After my run (on which I burned over 1,000 calories!), I wanted pizza for dinner (SALT! YUM!).  I ate my piece and a half of chicken and green olive on garlic butter base (Thank you, Mr. Large $5 Pizza...I LOVE YOU even if you know my pizza and think it is weird!) and my slice of cheese bread and loved every bite of it.

Now, as I sit here struggling to get through my Monday morning...knowing that the next few weeks I am going to be SO ON EDGE (worse than I have been the last few weeks)...I can remind myself that at least my run yesterday made me realize that I'm capable of doing what I deem to be great things (even it has to do with nobody, but myself).


XOXO

8 Mile...The Run, Not the Movie

Monday night, I completed my 8 mile run!!!  On the treadmill (scary storms were a-brewin').

See that dip around mile 6?

Had to pause my workout for a quick three-minute potty break...

Yeah...running clears ya out...

TMI...I know.

XOXO

2012 Get Lucky 7k

Saturday, was the Team Ortho Get Lucky 7k!

The morning was a bit hectic (especially since we had had a very stressful Friday night) with me trying to get everything ready and be out the door in time to meet my brother in Minneapolis.  As I was leaving, I realized I had forgotten my bib and chip (that would have been good!) and it took me a while to locate them, despite the fact that they were right where I had stored them months ago.  I was out the door much later than planned, but had a nice 30 minute drive to chillax and calm down.

After parking, I kicked back and forth with what to wear.  There was a light breeze, but I knew I'd warm up once I started running, so I elected to stick with my green sleeveless shirt rather than the pink short-sleeved shirt (St. Patrick's Day race and wearing green...how festive!).  I got my chip on my shoe, pinned on my bib, fixed my iPod, grabbed my beverages and Clif Bar and we headed across the river to the potties starting line.

Game Faces ON!

This was my first race that had time corral's!  Jason and I popped into the 9:30 corral and bopped around until it was time to go.  This was also the first race where I wasn't all nervous and jittery...it was pretty exciting.  We gave bumps, wished eachother luck, and we were off!  We kept together for quite a while, despite having to weave through people walking within the first 500 feet of starting.  After crossing the Stone Arch Bridge and hitting 2k, I checked and realized I was running 8:29 miles.  Way to fast for me!  I slowed down a bit and kept going.  I realized that I lost Jason somewhere after that, but realized I was sweating so much that I could barely see.  Just kept pushing...pushing...WATER TABLE around 4k!  Ugh...big, stupid Plymouth Avenue bridge/hill at 5k or so.  Gotta pee...gotta pee...keep going...have to be almost done...gotta pee...don't pee your pants...where the $*&# is the finish line?!?...don't pee and embarass yourself...finish line just ahead!...SPRINT!!!...DONE!...don't pee...weave through finishers over potties...don't pee...don't pee...

FYI: I made it to the Jimmy Johnny just in time!  What is it about running races in this area that makes me want to pee myself?!?

The 7k Course...Very Similar to the Dave Ryan 5k Course

I finished with an official time of 40:38.  Better than I thought I would do, but I would have loved to break 40:00.  Oh well!  For the course being so packed and it being so warm, I'm happy with how I did.  My 9:21 pace was right on with my fastest 5k race, so I'm good with it.  The race was fun.  I finished my second race of the year and got my second medal of the series.

Jason and I with our newest medals!  Ignore my weird sweat/water spots...

While Jason was resting, Lee showed up to surpise me!  Mom and Dad kidnapped Bean and took her to see her cousins and so Lee and I had the afternoon to chill.  He took me to a post-race lunch at Granite City (and bottomless mimosas, thank-you-very-much!).  It was a good day :)

Now, I want to vent a bit:

I have to say that the more races I run, the more I find things that irritate me.  Example: people that jump in a pace corral that is CLEARLY not what they intend to run.  IE: If you run a 12 minute mile, please please PLEASE do not jump in the 8 minute mile corral.  If I am running in my proper corral (or even one behind), I do not want to have to weave around you in the first mile.  And, my goodness, if you intend to walk the entire race, please don't start in the front of the pack...go to the back and wait for those running the race to get out of the way.  It is just courtesy.  It takes so much out of you when you spend all of your energy bobbing and weaving around groups of people in front of you walking three people wide.  I'm not the fastest runner and have never (and will never) claim to be, but COME ON PEOPLE!

That is all.  Until next time...

2 Races Down...10 To Go

XOXO