Double Workout!

Growing up a competitive swimmer, doing double practices was something you started doing pretty early on.  One practice before the sun broke the horizon and one where you watched the sun set.  I really haven't done too many double workouts since graduating college (the biggest one was the Wine & Dine Half that I made into a 20 miler), but today I made myself do one.

I had told myself that I was going to run at least 5 miles this morning.  In all actuality, my first mile felt pretty good and I thought it wasn't going to be bad.  Well, then the Mike's Hard Lemonades, chips, and other Super Bowl goodies my roommate and I partook in caught up with me and didn't let me get that much farther.  So yes, I stopped at 2.5 miles.

But I had told myself 5 miles today... and I wasn't going to let myself get by with half of that.  So I rested, hydrated, and got ready to head back out this afternoon.  I actually ran another 3.05 miles this afternoon, giving me a totally of 5.55 miles! So technically I did less, but more... ya I just like to be weird like that.

The Heart of An Athlete

Right before the Wine and Dine half marathon, when I was supposed to be "resting" I discovered some news that at the time I thought was Earth shattering, but has luckily been handled.  I found out that I had been wait listed for vacation time on the Sunday of the marathon.  They adjusted the rest of the week, but not the ONE day I needed.  My parents said I was over reacting, but at the time, all I saw was all my hard work going down the drain...

I knew my friends, family, and coworkers all knew how much this run meant to me.  Of course it's the 20th anniversary so that was a big deal, but it was also my very first full marathon.  That's something I never thought I would even consider doing and here I am actually getting excited about it!  So of course it was a huge disappointment that I wouldn't be able run.  I have literally put blood, sweat, and tears into my training and I could see it just evaporating into thin air. As weird as it was, it was like getting a broken heart and instead of it being over some boy (because men know better), it was over the race.  That's the heart of the athlete... Some call it dedication, others call it obsession, I call it love.

Now that I've calmed down and talked to my managers, I've been assured that one way or another, I will be getting that Sunday off.  Whether I trade the shift or get an authorized day off, I will be running in 2 months from today.  To say my stress level has fallen in the last few days is an understatement.

And yes, the marathon is in 2 months... 61 days... that's it!  I have 2 long runs left, a 23 miler and a 26 miler, but considering I've gotten my 20 miles in, I've relaxed in that sense too.  I do want to get at least 1 to 3 more 20+ miles in before the race, but we'll see how that goes.  I did read that since I did get to 20 miles I should be fine as long as I can keep my base up.

I really can't believe I ran 20 miles last week, but I did it and I'm extremely proud of myself.  It's interesting seeing just what I'm capable of, especially the things that I didn't think I would ever be able to do... like a marathon.

Hello Brick Wall- Wine and Dine Review

I want to start of by saying, yes running 7 miles before the half marathon probably wasn't one of my best ideas... actually it's probably somewhere around one of my worst ideas.

I had a lot of time to wait between when I parked my car and when the race started.  It was almost 3 hours in total, but luckily I had met up with some friends so we sat around and talked and stretched together.  I'm not going to lie, I was slightly jealous of the person who was able to fall asleep a few feet away from us...

The start was pretty typical of runDisney starts.  There was the nice archway you ran under and plenty of fireworks.  Actually, they had more fireworks than normal.  I was in Corral C and we had fireworks going off next to us for the first corral!  They also had high fireworks as well as the low ones around the start.  It was a pretty cool start from the fireworks perspective.

I was impressed that there was a character just after the first mile of the race.  When I got there, it was Goofy, but he soon left and was replaced by Chip and Dale.  Totally didn't mind, especially since I saw Goofy on my way back.

The run through Animal Kingdom (miles 3.5-6ish) was really cool.  They had a lot of animal based characters (Rafiki and Turk, Pluto, Fantasia Ostrich and Hippo...), but the coolest thing for me was seeing the Tree of Life lit up at night.  Tried to get a picture in front of it, but it didn't work out too well.

Between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, I really started getting tired and sore.  My calves started burning and my energy levels just plummeted.  I should have had gu or something like that, but alas, I didn't.  I've learned my lesson, trust me.

The course around and through Hollywood Studios was interesting conceptually.  Realistically, it was a little boring.  I knew what was coming up again (The Osbourne Lights) and that's what kept me going. You actually ran around the outside of the park on the main road leading to Magic Kingdom with cars speeding by.  I saw a few runners get close to the car lane and got a bit nervouse, but luckily nothing happened (at least when I was there).  You ran a lot backstage, but they did have Wreck-It-Ralph there to get pictures with!  It's nice they brought out a new character!

The Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights is always on of my favorite holiday traditions.  I actually went on Thursday with my roommate to see them get turned on on the first night.  My suggestion, if you can get there at dusk and see them get turned on... that's where the magic is.  The lights and the magic and memories connected with them helped push me through the rest of the studios.

To get from the studios to Epcot, you actually ran past the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club resorts, which, funny enough, is actually my vacation run.  If it weren't for all the people crowding the sidewalk around me, I probably could have run it with my eyes closed.

The run in Epcot was pretty much a straight shot right to the finish.  You came into the park near Journey into Your Imagination and then headed straight out where they have most of the finishes.  I wish they had brought Figment out, but it was late and that area was crowded so I guess I understand...

It was great have the mass of spectators in the park though.  The cheering and peer pressure (don't want to stop that close to the finish in front of everyone) helped me get to the end.  Just after the 13 mile marker there was a laser show kind of making a roof for you to run through right before your turn into the finish line.  It was really cool...

Chef Mickey and Minnie were at the finish cheering us on and giving high fives.  I always wish I could take a picture with them, but I'm not selfish enough to steal them even for a second from the other runners who are finishing as well.  Plus they were at the pre-race area and I just passed it up because it looked like a hour or more wait.

Overall, the run went well.  The wall I hit at mile 6 and then again at mile 8 (which lasted me the rest of the run) was a pain, physically and emotionally.  I tried to alternate between walking and running, but it really was a compromise between my calves and legs hurting or feeling like I was going to throw up... I deal with physical pain better than getting sick so that also helped me run for a while.  That was my athlete's determination really coming into play... there was NO way I was going to pull out of the race and that's the mentality I kept.

What did I learn?  Not to run 7 miles before a half, although I do have that marathon coming up which will be 2 halves pushed together.  Also, bring food!  Whether its a banana, cliff bar, gu, or whatever... this was the first time I really realized how important that extra nutrition and electrolytes really are.

Now it's 2 months and 2 days till the full... what have I gotten myself into????

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

When I was back in California in July, I had gotten some new shoes.  I wore them for a while, but while running felt great, afterwards I could barely walk.  My IT band was absolutely killing me.  Being the naive runner I am, I just figured that it was me breaking in the shoes... How wrong I was.

I talked to one of the physical therapists that were at the Tower of Terror run and they pretty much hit the nail on the head without me saying all that much.  They brought up a few points that I had never thought about.  When I got the new shoes, they had put me on a treadmill and video taped me running. However, I was barefoot and not running all that long or fast.  So pretty much, the video picked up the extreme issues with my running, not the everyday issues.

So I got fitted for a stability shoe when I needed a neutral, which I had in the first place.  So pretty much, every time I ran, I was overcorrecting for issues that weren't really issues.  Now, I'm suffering for that.

The same physical therapist told me to get Asics Cumulus, which guess what... was my original (and favorite) shoe!  I quickly bought another pair and have been getting better ever since.  The recovery process has been slow, but luckily this week I've finally been able to walk for most of the day (not all, but most) correctly and without too much pain.  Still, my IT band isn't totally better and my endurance has been shot.

So yes, I'm worried right now.  I've been able to get the right shoes so I can jump back into training, but unfortunately I'm not back up to where I need to be.  My endurance is shot, but hopefully that will start building back up quickly.  The good news is my speed is still there.  In fact, I ran 7 miles today and the last mile can in under 10 min pace!  Not all of the miles were like that, but it was a nice note to finish on.

The marathon is in just under 3 months and I don't know if physically I'm truly ready for it.  Mentally, I'm ready to take it on.  Let's just hope that my mental determination is enough to get me through the race if I'm not able to get my training back on track.

Determination

Determination... I finally found it.

My days have been up and down recently, but one constant I've had is looking forward to the 9 mile run I had scheduled for today.  It was a mixture of excitement and nerves because I wasn't sure if I was completely ready for it, but it was also my first true run on the Galloway plan.

Overall, the run went well.  Around mile 6 I started to die, but I just kept pushing.  Yes I walked a bit more than the Galloway plan instructed, but I just wanted to get to mile 9.  I had decided that no matter what, no matter if I had to walk to the 9 mile mark or not, I was going to finish.  In 1 hour and 33 minutes I was able to finish the 9 miles and I felt pretty decent about the time.

Was I completely prepared?  No.  But that's where determination came into it.  I might not have been in the best endurance shape for the run, but I wasn't going to let that throw me off my training plan.  Plus now, I have a nice week of conditioning.  I'm anxious for the rest of the training and the marathon in general, but I think part of it is also nerves from knowing that this is going to be one of the hardest training plans I've ever taken on...

After a run that I thought would have me confined to the couch or bed today, I actually got to the store (preparing for TS Isaac), and made lunch (Chicken curry sandwich), made dinner (Tortilla soup), and made cupcakes (Chocolate Strawberry cupcakes to be exact).  I got laundry done and cleaned the kitchen multiple times so I'm saying that today was a pretty good day.

Now, I just need to find people to eat these cupcakes...

Starting Over Again and Again and Again

The worst part about balancing a crazy life with workouts, is that when life gets really, really crazy and the workouts get forgotten for a bit, it seems like I'm starting all over... again.  This cycle is absolutely killing me!

It's not like I'm giving up and then deciding to restart in my determination.  Even in those periods where I don't want to run, I still am running and working out.  Yet I always feel like I get to a good place and then something happens (busy work schedule, vacation, getting sick...) and I'm back at square one.

Today was no different.  I was having a hard time getting going and getting back to the same speed and fitness level I was at before everything went crazy.  I know I'll eventually get there, I just hate the waiting and rebuilding.  Plus, I have my first real vacation home next week, but luckily I'm not planning on taking a vacation from running.  If anything, the change in scenery and the lack of a work schedule will probably be better for my motivation.

It's Going To Be A Lazy Day...

It definitely didn't start as a lazy day, but the rest of it will be.  It's kind of sad I'm saying that and it's not even 10 AM yet!

I was able to get up and get out for a run just as the sun was coming up.  Florida's been pretty cool the last few days and I was completely ready to take advantage of it.  I got up without a goal in mind, tied my shoes, decided on the general route I wanted to take, and started to run.  I was out there for 1 hour 10 minutes and was able to run just over 7 miles.  My pace is definitely coming back, which I'm excited about, and when I do walk, I'm walking sub 16 minute miles.

I found myself getting into my running the farther I went.  My miles 3.5-6.5 were the best.  I just felt good and walked some, but not too much.  Eventually my calves started to get tighter and tighter.  They didn't stop me from running, but I didn't want to push them too far so I ended at 7 miles.

Here's the funniest thing though, my ankles actually hurt more when I'm walking normally than when I run.  Isn't that crazy? Running actually makes me feel better!

So now that my run is over, it's time for me to relax and enjoy my TWO days off!  Yes, that's right, after working 6-7 days a week for the last month and a half, I finally get two full days off!  I plan on taking advantage of them as well, and by that I mean relaxing and not worrying about anything...

Surprising Myself

I have always been an advocate of running in the mornings.  I've never really liked running or even working out in the evenings just because I'm so tired from the rest of my day that I usually just pass out.

Today, I don't know... it was just different.  I got home and got my running clothes together before taking off on a run.  I set my Nike+ App to 2.5 miles because I knew that was the least that I needed to do for this run.  Well, I ended up getting 3.1 in.

I surprised myself on two fronts today.  The first being that I actually ran this afternoon and that I ran farther than expected.  I am definitely proud of myself.  Personally, this has been a great week.  My weight has been dropping pretty steadily and I've just felt good.

Considering today was the day 2 out of 13 days straight of work... I might not be singing the same tune next week.  We'll see though.  Maybe I'll continue to surprise myself.

The only surprise I wasn't happy with was the battalion of fire ants that showed up in my house this evening.  I have won the war... or at least the battle thus far.

Running In The Rain

I was planning on running somewhere around 8-9 miles this morning since I didn't have work, but when I stepped outside to get my headphones from my car, I found myself hesitating to leave the overhang.  It was raining... ok, well misting in Florida standards, but raining in California standards.

I will admite that I have used the rain as an excuse not to run, but today, I didn't give myself that option.  It goes back to that whole overcoming self-sabotage thing I talked about earlier this week.  I needed to get out and run.  While it wouldn't be the long run I had originally planned, I had to get out there for at least 3 miles.

So, I switched from my tech shirt to my dad's old long sleeve cycling jersey that I've come to rely on during colder times.  However, it wasn't really that cold.  I discovered that after I had started running and the rain decided to stop.

I did get my 3 miles in (and a little more), but they weren't my best 3 miles.  But you know what, today it doesn't matter.  I got out there and ran in conditions where I would normally hide inside.  I got out there and burned some calories, woke up, and got ready to take on the day.

So yes, I didn't get the 8 miles I had planned, but I'm not heart broken.  I'll get that run in, I'm already planning it for Sunday or Monday... The other good news, the knot in my calf is FINALLY loosening up.  It's taken its time, but it's finally loosening up.  So just remember...

Overcoming Self Sabotage

So I've been open about the fact that a part of my inspiration to complete these running events comes from me wanting to lose weight and get healthy.  However, the biggest obstacle to reach these goals is myself.

While working out I realized how often I am arguing with myself over what I should be doing or what I should be eating.  This morning I decided to do Jillian Michael's Boost Metabolism, Banish Fat video.  It is one of my favorites because of all of the kickboxing moves.  However, it's not like this workout is easy...

During the workout I was constantly telling myself I would finish the workout and I would not give up.  It was hard because I haven't done a workout that hard in a while and I will admit that I did want to stop halfway through and about 2/3 of the way through, but I continued to push.  It was hard, but it did feel good at the end.

But if I think about it, I even try and tell myself to end runs early.  It really does take a certain mental toughness to get through a long run.

My self-sabotaging does not end when it comes to working out.  No, it comes to eating.  I don't know about you guys, but I do spend a good part of the day constantly going back and forth and debating what I want to eat and what I should eat.  Sometimes I stay strong and eat what I should, and other days I just let myself get what's easy (which usually isn't great for me).

Another issue with my diet is snacking.  I'll have a handful here and a handful there, but those handfuls eventually do add up.

Today has so far been a good day for me fighting back and not letting myself fall to the temptation of different foods and ending my workout early.  My goal: continue this determination and willpower for who knows how long.  For now, I leave you with this picture and idea: