Must Remember to Stretch

Because it really, really hurts when you forget to stretch. I went and ran on the treadmill during my lunch hour so I could go stretch really good at the fitness center.

I am slowly becoming friends with the treadmill. I am still worried I'm going to take another spill, but I am gaining some confidence and increasing my pace and the incline. I did intervals today. 2 minutes at a 15 min/mile pace and 2 minutes at a 18 min/mile pace. And then I foam rolled and stretched for a good 15 minutes. 

It's amazing how much energy I have after working out. And as a bonus I went at an off peak time and had the entire fitness center and locker room to myself. It was a nice break in my day.

Now I'm need to go slather on the Icy Hot! 

Love in Elevator

So my Trainer was trying to kill me helping me get fit, and Aerosmith's Love in Elevator came on and I couldn't help but get excited. That's one of the songs they play in the Rockin Roller Coaster Ride in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. And it happens to be my favorite ride at that park (well aside from The Great Movie Ride after a few drinks at Dad's Liquor Cabinet because that was awesome!). I got really pumped for my training for the Princess 1/2 Marathon. (PHM)

I mean I was so pumped, that I got dizzy from the effort. The hit man  Trainer said that it was the Anaerobic excercise we were doing. I was a little frustrated. Luckily, I recognized that I was headed towards feeling that way as last week I pushed too hard and then felt nauseous. It's no fun to feel like you are hung over without the shenanigans of drinking to go along with it!

My cute little Garmin Forerunner 15 was telling me my heart rate was up around the high  150-160 range.  I felt strong. Until about 4pm when I realized I didn't stretch after my workout. And  my legs felt  like Jello.  But hey! That's what they feel like at the end of the race.

My next mini-goal is to improve my time for the Ditka Dash 5K. It's this fun race where everyone gets aviators like  Da  Coach used to wear, a faux 'stach, and a race shirt that says Ditka on it like the Bears sweater he wore back in the 80s.  Apparently, these Anaerobic exercises and the sprints Dr. Death* prescribed will help me that.

Then it will be time to train for the Hot Chocolate 15K to qualify for a start corral  for the PHM.

*In all seriousness though, I really like my Trainer. We'll call him B. He's got some great energy and he's always smiling and he has good taste in music.  He pushes me when I need it and he has taught me how to approach my fitness. I look forward to our sessions even on days where he makes me stand on the Bosu and throws 10 lbs. balls at me.  

Same Thing, Right?

So in my quest to learn as much as I can about the best way to train as a runner, I read several places that Chocolate Milk was a great post workout beverage. Something about the right ratio of protein and carbs.

I ran thirty minutes on the treadmill this evening and foam rolled for another 15 and figured that if try out this whole post workout chocolate milk thing. But then I drove past the fast food place and thought- Chocolate Milk Shake!?! Pretty much the same as chocolate milk, right?

Right. 

The chocolate shake almost made up for the pain of the foam rolling. Foam rolling is great but it hurts like a mother when you are doing it the right way. 

I just keep thinking that after the Princess 1/2 I'll be able to pit a posture of myself in a Tiara on my desk at work and it will be perfectly acceptable!

Finished the 1st 1/2 Marathon

Yes,1st. Because I am already registered for a 2nd and considering a 3rd! 

Not only am I proud I finished a 1/2 marathon but I'm congratulating myself on reaching my goal without giving up. In the past I would have quit four times by now. But I kept going. Step after step after step.

I've learned a ton about willpower. I actually have some! And I like working out. I crave the days my body can sweat out all of the stress and aggravation. I can thrown all the negative energy and things that are unfair in the world into my workout and physically feel it dripping out of my body. 

My goal was to complete a 1/2 marathon. I did. I did it in under 4 hours. I was still upright at the end. I was in pain and I walked funny for 2 days but I was upright across the finish line. I didn't run all of it. I hit my wall between mile 8 and mile 9. And that was okay. I ran farther then I ever imagined I could. I beat all the people who didn't have the courage to start. I did it once, I can do it even better the next time.

The next time will be in Walt Disney World at the 2015 Princess 1/2 Marathon. I will run through the castle with my best friend and sister-in-law. My goal will be to finish and enjoy such a fun race. (And to collect as much princess swag as possible. Other runDisney runners don't judge tutus and tiaras!)

The focus for July and 1/2 of August is strength training for weight loss. Then in late August and September I will switch gears and focus on training for the Ditka Dash 5K in September and the Hot Chocolate 15K in November. 

I've made peace with the treadmill. I have conquered the fear if the gym. I am ready, ready to run.

5K

Did my first 5K race of the season. Ran it in under 48 minutes and at a 13:47 pace.  It was in honor of my grandma. As I started the 3rd mile, the sun started to come out and there was a sign that said, "U got this." I certainly did. 

First Run Outside

Distance: .81 miles

Time: 12:21

Temp: 19F Feels Like 6F

So we decided to head to a movie this morning which did not leave me time to go to the track and run my 4 miles like I had planned on my Training Schedule. Instead I decided to head outside. Yesterday was such a nice day I ran around with just a fleece.

Should have checked the weather before I headed out the door. I knew it was chilly but did not realize how chilly. So I put on running tights, shorts, wicking shirt, wicking pull over, and a zip jacket. As I was lacing up my running shoes my 7 year old said, "Mom, you look like a runner."

Well good. That was the look I was going for. I stepped outside and instantly regretted my decision to head outside. But, I need to run so I ran. I purposefully took a longer route because I knew I would chicken out. Had I had gloves and ear warmers I think I would have been fine. 

I can see why people love running outside. Much more to look at. I forget how much I used to love to be outside. My weight has hindered that over the years and I'm looking forward to spending the coming months enjoying green grass and chirping birds. (Well maybe. We've had a very cold, long, snowy winter here in Chicago. Despite the first day of spring being this week we are still wearing hats and gloves everywhere.

March

Down 11 pounds. Running at least 1 1/4 miles in 25 minutes. Able to hold a plank for 60+ seconds.

I've been working with the trainer at least once a week. He has the right mix of motivation and he doesn't yell. He was fairly optimistic about my abilities this week. We have been working on balance and leg strength in order to prevent running injuries.

Last week we introduced the Bosu ball into my work out. I loath the Bosu. It works everything. Basically it's 1/2 an exercise ball on a flat board. Last week we played catch. Today I did leg lifts and worked a medicine ball. 

Then we worked on triceps. I am not going to be able to wash my hair for days because I can't lift my arms. And forget getting out of a chair. 

It is all "good" pain. Mr. Trainer gently corrected my use of the word pain, trading it in for soreness. Whatever dude. At the end of my session he asked me if I had any concerns, questions, or comments. I quipped, "None that are nice." He told me to keep them to myself.

I'm glad it hurts. It reminds me I'm working hard. And I feel stronger every day. 13.1 miles is no joke. I have to train. My muscles have to learn. I feel great knowing that I'm sticking to my goal.