New Work Schedule, New Training Schedule

My work schedule varies by the day, with late starts on my Mondays (which in the real world is a Sunday), and my early days are my Fridays (also known as Thursday).  Well with an additional product my late days are getting later, but that has been a blessing in disguise.  I have more time to work on homework and I have more of a chance to workout without worrying about when I have to leave for work.

Before I had to worry about how far I was and what time it was and that's a level of stress I just don't want on my run.  So luckily now I can get away from that and just have my morning to myself and run or workout.  This morning it was a run on a treadmill.  The speed was great, the distance was great, everything was just great!

I did go farther than the picture... I just chose to take the picture at the 5k part... 3.5 miles today, we'll see where I get tomorrow!

Also, remember that time I signed up for the runDisney virtual run series?  Ya, I totally forgot about that until last week.  I have been running 5ks the whole time, but forgot to hashtag or log them as the virtual series run.  I did go into today's run with the mindset that it was for the series so that helped me get through the treadmill workout.  So I guess today was my White Gloves 5k race!

I guess I would want runDisney to send out reminders for the different starts, especially for those signed up for all three.  I think they would probably get better tags online of people completing the runs... Otherwise, I'm excited to get my medals.  Since I signed up for all three races I have to wait for the end of the series (June 30th) before all of my medals will be sent.  Still, can't wait... More medals, more bling!

More New Equipment

Having days off is lovely.  It's something that you don't really appreciate until you don't have any.  Today was my first in 20 days and I took advantage of it by actually doing house hold chores that needed to be done like last week and by getting to the gym.  I just had to get my feet on the new treadmills and the new elliptical looking machines.

The treadmills were first and it was like the elliptical last night.  They had readjusted where some of the controls were and had the new ipod connection point.  The TV's weren't connected again, but I just found another Strava playlist and started my workout.  I was happily surprised to see that there was another workout option though.  There was an interval option!

This new interval option didn't have a preset interval, but instead relied on the athlete.  It asked for your jog or walking speed and then your running speed.  Then it started on your jog speed and when you were ready for the run speed you just hit the button and it jumped to your running speed.  This is going to be fantastic since I follow the Galloway plan!  While it's been possible to readjust the pace for intervals, it took time and was slightly annoying, this is just easing that pain and making the treadmill workout much more convenient.

After the treadmill I headed over to the brand new incline elliptical machines.  Once I started I realized they were essentially an elliptical version of a stair master.  I fell in love with these machines almost instantly.  I've always wanted to do stair master workouts, but with my knees I have never been able to.  Since the climb on these machines are still on an adjustable incline, I was able to get that perfect hill/stair workout without nearly as much stress on my knees.

These new options and machines are making me excited to get back to the gym (especially once the TV's work).  Hopefully I'll be able to drag myself in after work more often... although I'm still not holding my breath on that.  However, I am still looking forward to October and November when the temperature drops and I'm able to run outside more.  I think at that point I'm going to look at more classes again to utilize the gym in that area.

New Gym Equipment!

It was almost like getting a new toy at Christmas, or new running shoes... either way, it's exciting.

My gym was closed earlier this week and I was finally able to get back in today for a nice jog on the elliptical.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was more than just new posters hanging from the walls.  They reorganized the cardio machines and all were brand new.

The machines are essentially the same, but with controls moved to new areas, a new TV screen, and now a spot to connect an iPhone/ipod.  I thought that was pretty handy, especially tonight when most of the TV's had yet to be connected.  I just simply plugged in my iPhone and my music (I was playing a list provided by Songza) and it was piped through the machine.  All volume and other controls were also controlled by the machine which I found to be convenient.  Now I'm just waiting for the TV to be connected.

There were also some other new elliptical machines that could incorporate inclines, which I would have tried, but they were a bit crowded, partially because they were the only ones that had working TV's for the elliptical row.

Tomorrow I'll be checking out the treadmills and seeing if they have any new gadgets or settings that could potentially be helpful for later training...

A Year In Review: 2011

It's amazing that after tomorrow we'll be running into 2012 and leaving 2011 behind us.  I want to give 2011 a few minutes though because there really were a lot of things that happened this year, especially in my running.

My first half marathon was in 2010, but that was more like an experiment to see if I could do it.  My first half marathon after deciding this was something I wanted to stick to was 2011's Princess Half Marathon.  It was also when I was able to inspire one of my closest friends to join me in 2012's Princess Half Marathon.

2011 was also the year I completed the Coast to Coast challenge by runDisney.  If anything, Disneyland Half Marathon was an extra special race to me.  It marked my 1 year anniversary from my first Half Marathon (and 1 year in sticking with the sport).  It also marked my first return to California after moving to Florida a few months prior.  Plus, I got to come home with an extra medal...

I can say 2011 was the year of the gym for me.  I started running on treadmills (still not my favorite, but very doable now), and really working on weight machines as well as free weights.  I also did a lot more circuits than before to keep my fitness level up.  Running is great for cardio, but you need strength to.  As my physical therapist always liked to remind me... "If you can't do a lunge, then you can't do a half marathon".

I didn't improve in everything though.  My eating habits weren't always spectacular (sometimes the exact opposite) and thus my while I didn't gain weight, I also didn't lose any.  I've found a weight my body has apparently decided it likes, even if I don't.  That's why I've already started my New Year's Resolution of losing some weight and keeping it off 2 days early... as in today.

My roommate, Kristin, and me at graduation

Other big things that happened this year.  I graduated college with a BS in Zoology and a minor in Professional Writing for Business Communications.  I moved from California to Florida (a big move considering I went to college only about an hour away from where I grew up).  I found an internship and will be staying on after the internship ends, even if it is just part time.



2011 was a great year, there's no doubt about it.  I'm looking forward to 2012 considering I already have a few races planned out (maybe a personal best time at one of them???) and life just looks good in general at this point.  Yes, I know there's going to be ups and downs, but I'm ready to take them on... let's just see if 2012 is going to be better than 2011.

Back Running

While running would have been nice yesterday, I'm in the middle of a marathon work week and so I went home and took a mini-nap. Thus my workout consisted of me walking around Disney's Hollywood Studios for a few hours and getting my heart rate up on Rock'n'Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror.

So this morning turned out to be perfect for my workout. I set my alarm a bit early and was able to get down to the gym for a nice little run.

I wasn't sore, but my IT band was tight and I definitely felt that for a bit. It looks like I might be doing some rolling once I get home from work. Other than that my run felt pretty good. I then did a few arm-focused weight exercises.

Yes, that does mean I faced the dreaded treadmill again, but I chose one I knew (or hoped) was working and things went well. I was still bored and I cannot wait for the humidity to disappear so I can run outside again. It's already starting to get better...

I was running in my new Asics Cummulus' and they felt pretty good. There weren't any shin splint worries or anything like that so maybe in the next few weeks I'll break them in and get out on a 5 miler... So, right now the reviews are positive on the new shoes!

Break Boredom

The taper before and break after the race are nice times to relax.  I already talked about how I relaxed during my taper and currently I'm getting ready to start running again... thus my break is coming to an end.

And thank heavens for that!  I've been wanting to run and workout again since only a day or so since I got back to Florida.  The weather is getting cooler, I have new shoes, and quite frankly I am bored.  

Just 2 days after getting back, I did get on the treadmill for a 1.5 mile run.  

Then yesterday, so nearly a week from the race, I was able to get back down to the gym.  Unfortunately, my foot was having some issues so I chose to just use the stationary bike and then I used some weights for abs and arms.  My arms are a bit sore, but part of that might have been from a shot I got for work that gave me dead arm.

I'm thinking I'll get back on the treadmill or out on the road in the next few days. Maybe Monday?  Maybe tomorrow even after work?  We'll see I guess.

O!  And check out my picture from the Disneyland Half Marathon.  All 3 medals (Princess 1/2, Coast to Coast, and Disneyland 1/2)...  

Thanks to my father for being a personal photographer for the day!

Dangers of Treadmills

Usually this close to a race I would be playing it safe and just trying to be relaxed as possible.  Things were going well... until today.

One of my greatest motivators is being frustrated with people or life in general.  Running has just always let me clear my mind and release those frustrations.  Yes, they might come back later, but that time hitting the pavement (or in this case treadmill) just gives me a sliver of peace in an otherwise hectic world.  It was exactly what I needed and got... well somewhat.

So, today was one of those days where I was just boiling inside and knew I needed to run to release everything.  I got home, got changed, put some new music on my iphone, and headed to the gym.  There weren't too many people and a single treadmill open so I jumped on and started running.

My mind was clear... I felt really good on my run (like, way better than I expected), my music was pushing me on, and I was letting go of all of that frustration.  Unfortunately, at 2.3 miles tragedy struck.

It would appear as though life was out to get me because my treadmill stopped.  The computer threw up an Error sign and the treadmill simply stopped.  No warning, no slowing down, but a hard stop.  I nearly ran into it since I was running a 9 min 13 sec pace.  Luckily I caught myself before any injuries happened, but still, it scared me for a bit.

I'm 6 days out from my race and the treadmill just tried to kill me... just what I needed.  But did I quite?

Of course not!  A women 2 machines over finished her workout and I was able to hop onto hers and get to the 5k mark without any other incidents. At the end I told management in hopes of preventing any other possible injuries.

Will I still run on treadmills?  Probably... but I'm still preferring to run outside.  The humidity is starting to go down so I'm thinking that might become more and more of a possibility as the heat index continues to drop!  I'll be avoiding that specific treadmill (probably even when it's fixed), but there's not much else I can do.  I know the possibilities and I'll be ready to catch myself the next time a treadmill decides it doesn't want to work...

Luckily my run did feel good and I'm still looking forward to the Disneyland Half.  I can't wait to get home and run in non-humid weather.  Only 6 days left!

Mini-Brick Workout

By definition, a brick workout is when you have a workout in one event or sport and then you follow it with a base workout in another event.  Brick workouts are popular with triathletes because it lets you practice 2 legs of a triathlon in one workout.  When I was on the college tri team, we would normally have brick workouts 2-3 times a week depending on where we were in the season.

What does this have to do with my half marathon training?  Especially since I'm only a week and 2 days out from my race?

Well, I had a mini-brick workout this morning.  I started with a 2.2 mile run on the treadmill (in my back up running shoes since I'm trying to keep my good shoes as alive as possible for the half).  After my run I let my heart calm down by focusing on my arms with some weights.  After that routine I got on one of the stationary bikes and spent another 20 minute bike workout to complete my overall workout.

Sure, when I was doing brick workouts for triathlons they were longer and more intense, hence the reason I called it a mini-brick.  It was still a good workout though and a bit fun considering I wasn't just on the treadmill staring at the TV or out the window. 

I will admit I was hoping for an outside run in the rain.  It's one of the things I'm missing from California.  I miss waking up to a foggy/misty morning and running in the fog.  The closest I'll get is running in one of the afternoon storms, but those usually happen while I'm at work.  We were supposed to have some morning storms because of the hurricane, but it looked like they came last night and there might be another storm moving in now... too bad.  I'll get my run in the rain eventually...

On The Road Again

I've mentioned before that I've been a bit nervous about running in Orlando.  Florida isn't exactly known for being the safest place for pedestrians (except maybe inside the parks... even then you contend with strollers, crazy kids, and electric scooters so you never know).  Still, I decided to suck it up and explore the area around where I'm living.

I had a brief idea of where I could run from seeing people on various streets when driving and by talking to a friend who runs in the afternoons.  So, this morning I laced up my running shoes, headed out to the front of my apartment complex, and started running.

I was not expecting to feel as good as I did on my run.  I felt stronger and faster than I did before using the treadmill.  I think my form was even better, but I couldn't say for sure.  I managed to keep my pace around a 9 min 40 sec pace for the first 2 miles, but ended the 4.23 mile run with a 10 min 14 sec pace.  That's still a pretty good pace for me so I'm excited.

I honestly felt better than I thought I would have since I've been training inside for so long.  I'm somewhat relieved that the Disneyland Half won't hurt as bad as it possibly could, but I still know it's going to hurt.  I'm a bit more excited about it now.  That and the fact it's become a reason for me to go home to Cali for a few days...

Running Faster

Today was yet another day on the treadmill.  I know I really need to get back on the road soon, but I am nervous since there are no sidewalks and in all honesty, I don't really trust the drivers around Orlando.  There's one route I'm thinking about running and I might do it pretty early in the morning when there aren't too many cars out.  But for now... I'm still on the treadmill.

While running on the treadmill is a test in mental endurance, there are some positives to the treadmill.  I ran 4 miles today with an average pace of 9 minutes 38 seconds.  Considering when I ran on the road I was running a pace just less than 10 minutes 30 seconds, this is pretty significant for me.  Yes I know I probably won't run this pace exactly when I run back out on the road and I definitely won't run that fast for all 13 miles, but it's still quite an accomplishment.

Who knows... at some point I might get back down to running about 9'15?  Or maybe less?  I think that's still a ways off, but it could be a nice goal for after the Disneyland Half Marathon...

Running In Place

After this morning I have been on a treadmill a grand total of 2 times.  Yup, once a few years ago when I went to the gym during my winter swim break with a friend and then today.

Like I said yesterday, I'm kind of nervous to run outside here in Orlando, mainly because there aren't great sidewalks near my apartment complex (ok, just grass on the side of the road) and I really don't know how drivers react and what not.  I have seen people running outside so I know it's nothing too terrible, but I'm still going to wait for a bit.  I've been told some of my future coworkers run during lunch so I figured I'd wait and run with them to learn some routes.  I'll just have to get used to the heat and humidity... joy.

Still, I need to run.  The half marathon will hurt if I just do abs, arms, and yoga workouts.  I might be stronger in general, but my cardio probably won't be where it needs to be and what not.  So I went back to the gym today and decided to try and run on the elliptical and then I saw the treadmills and decided I'd give that a go for a while.

My original plan was to run 4 miles total, 2 on the treadmill and then 2 on the elliptical.  I ended up just getting into a groove and the treadmill and went all 4 miles on it.  It just felt more natural to me than the elliptical and so I just fell into a rhythm and kept going.  It did help there were little mini-tv's set up on the treadmill so I was able to watch the news while I ran.

Overall, the run felt really good and the treadmill wasn't as bad as I originally thought.  Do I still like running outside better?  Of course.  Will I survive running on a treadmill?  In the humidity here, you betchya.

So the run report for the day:
Total Distance: 4.01 Miles
Time: 40:41
Pace: 10'08"/mi
Personal Record: 5K at 31:14

Since I've been using the Nike+ app on my phone, I've also been playing with the Nike website where it stores your run info.  A week and a half or so ago I had made a goal to run 10 times by July 14th and I can say I am perfectly on track for that right now, and who knows... I might just beat it.

Tomorrow I'll be resting, I think.  If I'm feeling good I might to a quick workout after work or something, but we'll see....