Training is in Full Swing!

My training for the Richmond Half Marathon is in full swing! I'm back to running every other day and doing yoga or working on my elliptical on my off days. I'm using Saturdays for my "long runs" as well. I missed my long run last week, but I'm picking up this week with a four miler.

Currently, my short runs last 30 minutes, including a three minute warm up and three minute cool down. During the 30 minutes, I usually run a little over 2.5 miles. By the time the half comes around, I would like to be up to three miles during the 30 minute period. Hopefully, my speed will be where I want it in November!

On a different note, I am still working on weight loss. I've started to use a website, www.caloriecount.about.com, to track my calories and activities. It's like Weight Watchers online, but it's free! It's very helpful when helping me understand the good and bad about what I eat.

Again, my weight loss strategy revolves around running. I'm very confident that I can stay on track with both!

Happy running!

Vacation and the Aftermath

We are back from vacation and had a wonderful time with terrific friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Prior to our departure, I was planning on running or walking on the beach every day that we were there. However, it became pretty obvious that this wasn't going to happen shortly after we arrived at the beach house. I was able to get in three good walks and one okay run (about ten miles total) during the week. This certainly is not bad at all, but it was overshadowed by the food and drink that I consumed. This brings me to the point of today's blog. I have decided to embark on a weight loss journey to lose about 30 lbs. (31.5 to be exact). Although I've never really been a weight by the number type person, I think that having a number in mind is very helpful. Running is already at the forefront of my plans. I need to start training for the Richmond Half in a couple weeks, so I already have plans up on my calendar. I'll supplement this by getting back to yoga class when I can and using my dusty eliptical. My goal is to cross the finish line at the Half 30 lbs. lighter than I am now. Wish me luck and Happy Running!!

Water, Water, Water

Despite the high temperature this evening, I was inspired to go for a run. I did not go because Saturday is a running day or because I needed some time alone. I was inspired by the bubblegum-pink running shorts that I bought today. I was excited because they were cute and on clearance; I was also happy because they were a size smaller than I normally wear but looked big enough to fit. However, when I put them on after dinner, they looked more like spandex than cotton. I immediately got out my running shoes and left the house.

I knew it was going to be very warm and humid this weekend, so I was going to fore go my run. I didn't prepare myself to be out in the heat. I felt worn out only five minutes into my run, but I initially blamed it on the heat. Then I thought back on some of my recent four to five mile runs that required running in very high humidity; I didn't feel this bad during those runs. I then realized that I hadn't had any water all day. My day was filled with my children, cleaning the house, and the weekly shopping. I had only had coffee and juice all day long, and I felt horrible. Of course, I had to finish my run, not only because I was upset about my too-small-bubblegum-pink shorts, but also because I had to prove a point to myself. Although it was dangerous, I continued my run. By the time I returned home, my teeth felt loose (from clenching my jaw), and I had a headache. I chugged about 20 ounces of water right away, and I'm starting to feel better now.

I have learned my lesson: I need to keep hydrated if I'm going to have enough energy to fit into my new shorts.

Happy running!

Friends

When I first started running, I read a book by Jeff Galloway. Among many, many useful tips was a blurb about running with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't take Jeff up on his advice. I've been going at it on my own for the most part. However, I made a change today.

This morning, a friend (and runner) made a comment to me about my blog; she said that it was great, and this made me pretty proud of what I have been doing. It made me happy to know that people are reading my blog and hopefully being encouraged by it. Also, it helped me understand what my buddy, Mr. Galloway, said about friends. It seems as though my running journey has made some of my bonds with friends, who happen to also be runners, stronger.

My conversation this morning stuck with me all day and made me think to call another friend for a run tonight. Not only was it a splendid night for a run, as the fireflies were out, the magnolias were in bloom, and the temperature was perfect, but it was better because I was with a friend. We were able to catch up while running, which made us run a little farther than planned (2.7 m). Also, it was nice to run at someone else's pace. She runs slower but twice as long before a walk break. It was a nice change. I think I'll do this more often.

Happy running!

A New Way to Increase Miles

I have discovered a new way to turn short runs into long runs: get lost. I was bored with my regular weekend run, so I thought I would try running in a different neighborhood. It's just across the street from my neighborhood, but the street I have to cross is pretty busy, so I had not been to the neighborhood before. I scoped out my route the night before, and I found that I would have to run on a two lane road. I didn't think it would be that busy during my 6:30 a.m. run, so I went for it only to find that it was very busy in the morning. Instead of cutting my run short, I thought I would take a different way home. This "way home" turned into a 5.5 mile run. I was a little tired when I was finished, as I had not prepared myself for such a long run, but I was happy that I went that far.

I'm hoping to get lost on some of my future runs as well. I enjoyed exploring a new neighborhood; I saw beautiful homes and landscaping, and I was able to challenge myself with some great hills. I look forward to doing it again.

Happy running!

The Great Week Continues!

I've had a great week! I was able to run 3 days, totalling about 7 miles. I also used the eliptical one night and plan on using it tonight as well. Most importantly, I found out that I dropped three minutes off my two mile run! It felt great to hit the pavement this morning; I am much more energized when I can run outside rather than on the treadmill. I think the route I took helped me stay energized as well. It's the same route that I have always taken in the past, but I did it backwards today.

I asked my five year old to go on my run with me this morning. I think he would have enjoyed it, but it's probably a good thing he turned me down. I need to keep my running time to myself. It's my chance to be alone without having to worry about anyone else. However, I am anxious for the day that we run our first race together!!

I am ending this week feeling great about what I have done, and I'm looking for another wonderful week to come.

Happy running!

Start of a Great Week

I see I have more followers...Welcome!! I hope you join with me in my running journey!

This week has started out great! It feels good to be back on track. I ran 2.5 miles yesterday. I could definately tell that I had not ran that hard in a few weeks. It felt terrific to get in a good work out! Best of all, I'm looking forward to another good run tomorrow.

I try to run every other day, and I want to get back in the habit of alternating my running days with another activity. I used to do yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I'm having a lot of trouble fitting the class into my day. Also, I have an eliptical at home, but I find it hard to motivate myself to use it, as I tend to get really bored. I don't have a TV or anything else in the room with it, and I find it a little difficult to read and get in a good work out at the same time. I'm downloading an audiobook on my iPod now, and I hope that holds my attention for an hour or so this evening.

On a different note, my eating habits are also better this week; however, I think my stomach grew last week with all the snacks that I had. I'm fighting the sugar cravings, but it should only be a few more sugar-less days before I stop craving it.

Happy running!