So much has happened and not really much at all.
I had my second race, the 10 mile Get Moving Tucson. I beat my goal time of 1:37:00, running the race in 1:34:17! I had a very special man running with me for about 6 miles who I believe made that time possible.
I just finished my last Co-requisite for the nursing program, Developmental Psychology, and I passed with an "A"! Now I just have to wait... and wait and wait. The tentative start date I received last spring said, "Fall 2013" but I just have to hope it will be sooner than that.
I guess I will just focus even more on my running, cooking/baking, and mothering. I really do miss adult interaction, though. A lot of people think I have a dream life because I don't have to work, I get to run and be with my daughter almost 24/7. Maybe I'm just too spoiled to see how nice it is to not have a job.
Which brings me to the reason I've come crawling back to my blog: I woke up this morning feeling sorry for myself. I actually cried about 4 times. Around 3 PM I ran. And I pushed myself a little bit. And it's very hard to feel sorry for yourself when you have two strong legs that can carry you for miles and miles, however fast or slow you want to go.
Something I want to focus on next year is making myself happy instead of waiting for other people to make me happy. I'm so exhausted by all the effort I've wasted trying to make everyone else happy in hopes that they will return the favor! It's insane that I even try.
Okay /poetic waxing.
Tonight for dinner I had half of a butternut squash, roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon and cayenne. And a couple hard boiled eggs. Not exactly something you'd expect to find paired but it made me happy. :-)
Blog, I'm back if you'll have me!
Amy and Aria Makin' it Happen
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
A Great Run Under My Belt
Finally had a good, strong run that left me wanting more.
I need to come up with a new running plan based on my measly mileage for last month and ending with the 10 miler on October 9th that I registered for.
On top of wanting to feel better running, I've, also, felt a big pull to feed myself really great, wholesome food. I already ate pretty healthfully but I'm trying so hard to get food out of my diet that isn't found in nature. Even though my english muffin seems pretty healthy, you don't just stumble upon wild English muffins.
I'm doing pretty great, only eating several food items per week that are really processed. I don't think I will ever eat completely clean but that's okay. As long as I'm trying and paying attention, I'm doing okay.
My latest obsession that has been making this easier: soup. Mmm. I can make the biggest, tastiest batches of soup in my slow cooker and they last all week. Here is the red lentil/chickpea/kidney bean/potato/tomato/carrot soup I made last night.
Super chunky goodness.
When this batch runs out I am going to try a black bean soup.
This soup really makes the perfect lunch. Keeps me full until my afternoon snack and because it is full of potassium and a bit of sodium, it is a great post-run meal. Mmm!
And since I haven't posted a picture of Aria in forever, here she is! She looks like a kid now and not a baby! Except for the fact that she only has 2 bottom teeth...
I need to come up with a new running plan based on my measly mileage for last month and ending with the 10 miler on October 9th that I registered for.
On top of wanting to feel better running, I've, also, felt a big pull to feed myself really great, wholesome food. I already ate pretty healthfully but I'm trying so hard to get food out of my diet that isn't found in nature. Even though my english muffin seems pretty healthy, you don't just stumble upon wild English muffins.
I'm doing pretty great, only eating several food items per week that are really processed. I don't think I will ever eat completely clean but that's okay. As long as I'm trying and paying attention, I'm doing okay.
My latest obsession that has been making this easier: soup. Mmm. I can make the biggest, tastiest batches of soup in my slow cooker and they last all week. Here is the red lentil/chickpea/kidney bean/potato/tomato/carrot soup I made last night.
Super chunky goodness.
When this batch runs out I am going to try a black bean soup.
This soup really makes the perfect lunch. Keeps me full until my afternoon snack and because it is full of potassium and a bit of sodium, it is a great post-run meal. Mmm!
And since I haven't posted a picture of Aria in forever, here she is! She looks like a kid now and not a baby! Except for the fact that she only has 2 bottom teeth...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
New Plan
School starts up again in a few weeks. I'm only taking one real class and one dance class but I will still need to change up my running schedule a bit.
I will have school MWF from 3-6 ish. Friday has been my long run day of the week but since I have bellydance on Friday, a long run doesn't seem like the brightest idea.
So I work-out 6 days per week. 4 runs & 2 strength training sessions. I don't like to run and lift on the same days and I don't like to lift the day before my long run. I can't do long run on the weekends because that is family time.
I've been doing 1 tempo run/week and 1 speed work session/week. I may have to drop one of those each week and just alternate. Then, I could do:
I took a week from training off last week. Just walking and running when I felt like it. It was super nice! I lifted yesterday and the break had really done me good! I felt so great while lifting and I'm really sore today.
I guess tomorrow will be long run day; better start mentally preparing! :-)
I will have school MWF from 3-6 ish. Friday has been my long run day of the week but since I have bellydance on Friday, a long run doesn't seem like the brightest idea.
So I work-out 6 days per week. 4 runs & 2 strength training sessions. I don't like to run and lift on the same days and I don't like to lift the day before my long run. I can't do long run on the weekends because that is family time.
I've been doing 1 tempo run/week and 1 speed work session/week. I may have to drop one of those each week and just alternate. Then, I could do:
- Monday- Long run
- Tuesday - Recovery jog
- Wednesday- Strength
- Thursday- Speed work or Tempo run
- Friday- Bellydance
- Saturday - Strength
- Sunday- Off
I took a week from training off last week. Just walking and running when I felt like it. It was super nice! I lifted yesterday and the break had really done me good! I felt so great while lifting and I'm really sore today.
I guess tomorrow will be long run day; better start mentally preparing! :-)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July
I accomplished my goal of running 100 miles in the month of July! Look at the progression from when I started running again at the end of February! I am just so proud of myself. Next month my focus is less on mileage and more on speed.
It was my birthday this month, too, and I ran a 13.1 miles to celebrate all that my body and mind can do.
A big emphasis on the mind part because running that long on a treadmill requires the meditative skills of a Tibetan monk. I think for the rest of the summer my runs will be capped at 10 miles until I can get my ass outside without fear of rattlesnakes and/or heat stroke.
A more normal approach to birthday celebrations was also enjoyed. Clif took me, Brian and both girls to an authentic Irish Pub in Phoenix. The decor was amazing and the food was amazing-er... Well, it was.
I also baked myself a blueberry peach pie. Officially my best pie to date.
And red velvet cupcakes with blue cream cheese frosting. (Autumn was over and so they were Spiderman cupcakes) I didn't give one to Aria but she found Autumn's plate and apparently she approves.
Autumn enjoyed them, too. Duh.
Brian and I also stayed one day and night at the fancy hotel sans babies. It. Was. Glorious.
It was my birthday this month, too, and I ran a 13.1 miles to celebrate all that my body and mind can do.
A big emphasis on the mind part because running that long on a treadmill requires the meditative skills of a Tibetan monk. I think for the rest of the summer my runs will be capped at 10 miles until I can get my ass outside without fear of rattlesnakes and/or heat stroke.A more normal approach to birthday celebrations was also enjoyed. Clif took me, Brian and both girls to an authentic Irish Pub in Phoenix. The decor was amazing and the food was amazing-er... Well, it was.
I also baked myself a blueberry peach pie. Officially my best pie to date.
And red velvet cupcakes with blue cream cheese frosting. (Autumn was over and so they were Spiderman cupcakes) I didn't give one to Aria but she found Autumn's plate and apparently she approves.
Autumn enjoyed them, too. Duh.
Brian and I also stayed one day and night at the fancy hotel sans babies. It. Was. Glorious.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Whoa
I just ran 8 miles and I wasn't considering it my "long" run of the week... WHAT THE HELL?!
:-D
It was a tempo run with the 4 middle miles around my goal half marathon pace, 9:40. When cool-down time rolls around I have a really hard time even running 1 mile because I usually am just so ready for it to be over. But today I ran 2 warm-up and 2 cool-down miles! CRAZY!
It's about 4 hours post-run now and I'm still feeling okay. I don't feel beat up, just crazy positive about everything.
It seems pretty common sense that if you push yourself, your body will adapt and you WILL become a better runner but for the years that I ran before this year, I felt like I was pushing myself. That's the thing, running is a challenge, running slow, running fast, running loooooooooong distances, it doesn't matter! It's all pretty tough but the hardest part is starting!
No matter what type of run I have planned I can definitively say that making the initial transition from stationary, or walking, or whatever, to running proves the toughest challenge! Once you get moving, pushing yourself harder is not any harder than actually starting in the first place.
Well with the exception of trying to make yourself run when you really shouldn't. Like when your head weighs 8 pounds more than usual due to the snot filling your sinuses... Yeah, then the whole run is really, really hard and I don't recommend trying it...
Today was a good run day, though. I am feeling more confident in my abilities as a runner with every step!
:-D
It was a tempo run with the 4 middle miles around my goal half marathon pace, 9:40. When cool-down time rolls around I have a really hard time even running 1 mile because I usually am just so ready for it to be over. But today I ran 2 warm-up and 2 cool-down miles! CRAZY!
It's about 4 hours post-run now and I'm still feeling okay. I don't feel beat up, just crazy positive about everything.
It seems pretty common sense that if you push yourself, your body will adapt and you WILL become a better runner but for the years that I ran before this year, I felt like I was pushing myself. That's the thing, running is a challenge, running slow, running fast, running loooooooooong distances, it doesn't matter! It's all pretty tough but the hardest part is starting!
No matter what type of run I have planned I can definitively say that making the initial transition from stationary, or walking, or whatever, to running proves the toughest challenge! Once you get moving, pushing yourself harder is not any harder than actually starting in the first place.
Well with the exception of trying to make yourself run when you really shouldn't. Like when your head weighs 8 pounds more than usual due to the snot filling your sinuses... Yeah, then the whole run is really, really hard and I don't recommend trying it...
Today was a good run day, though. I am feeling more confident in my abilities as a runner with every step!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
25/100
Big sigh of relief that I made 25 miles in my first week. I was 11 short this morning and a long run truly seemed like the worst punishment anyone could dole out.
Brian told me last night that a 10 mile run on the treadmill is easily the equivalent to a 20 mile run outside just because the treadmill sucks and requires so much mental will power. I'll take it. So technically I ran 20 miles today but I'll only count 11, I guess...
Once I got moving and to about 4 miles, it didn't seem so bad. I thought about nursing school a lot. Thinking, if I can get through this run, I can get through nursing school. Haha, I don't know how that works exactly but it got me through the run.
I ran slowly enough that I didn't feel dead tired at the end and even though I definitely feel pretty tired right now, I was able to go grocery shopping and make another pie. :-P
Oh yeah, I also thought about pie while I was running. That helped, too.
I really feel 100% now that I can run a half marathon but I have no idea how I could possibly run it in 2:15! That is the goal time a calculator told me I should be able to run based on my 5k PR, After 10 weeks of training. We will see I guess.
Either way, I'm stoked and happy to have strong legs and an incredible, napping daughter! I really cannot wait until I can run with her again when fall comes!
Brian told me last night that a 10 mile run on the treadmill is easily the equivalent to a 20 mile run outside just because the treadmill sucks and requires so much mental will power. I'll take it. So technically I ran 20 miles today but I'll only count 11, I guess...
Once I got moving and to about 4 miles, it didn't seem so bad. I thought about nursing school a lot. Thinking, if I can get through this run, I can get through nursing school. Haha, I don't know how that works exactly but it got me through the run.
I ran slowly enough that I didn't feel dead tired at the end and even though I definitely feel pretty tired right now, I was able to go grocery shopping and make another pie. :-P
Oh yeah, I also thought about pie while I was running. That helped, too.
I really feel 100% now that I can run a half marathon but I have no idea how I could possibly run it in 2:15! That is the goal time a calculator told me I should be able to run based on my 5k PR, After 10 weeks of training. We will see I guess.
Either way, I'm stoked and happy to have strong legs and an incredible, napping daughter! I really cannot wait until I can run with her again when fall comes!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
6/100
First run of the month. 100 miles seems very far away. Some days running feels like such a chore but I just gotta keep telling myself, "an hour is a very short amount of time and it will be over before you know it and you can go as slow as you want"
I feel good. And proud of myself for putting in the effort when I really wanted to just sit on the couch.
I feel good. And proud of myself for putting in the effort when I really wanted to just sit on the couch.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
I'm Running Away to Phoenix
Not literally. . . Our house chills about 100 miles south of the Valley of the Sun and in the month of July I WILL run 100 miles!
25 miles/week. It doesn't have to be too hard or too stressful. I have a general guideline I plan to follow.
Long run of ~8-10 miles
Tempo Run ~ 5-6 miles
Easy Run ~4 miles
Speed work~6-7 miles
And around 2-4 extra miles that are run as warm-ups/cool-downs for my strength training.
Total for each week will range from 25-29 miles.
I'm very excited to attempt this feat. I turn 24 this month and I will be so excited to let loose for my birthday knowing that I've earned it with my running!
25 miles/week. It doesn't have to be too hard or too stressful. I have a general guideline I plan to follow.
Long run of ~8-10 miles
Tempo Run ~ 5-6 miles
Easy Run ~4 miles
Speed work~6-7 miles
And around 2-4 extra miles that are run as warm-ups/cool-downs for my strength training.
Total for each week will range from 25-29 miles.
I'm very excited to attempt this feat. I turn 24 this month and I will be so excited to let loose for my birthday knowing that I've earned it with my running!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
La Vita e Bella
That is how I feel everyday lately. I'm just so happy to be alive and so happy with the possibilities of each and everyday. Most days consist of nothing but being a mama and "wife" but those are two amazing jobs. I'm starting to feel like a "real" runner and finally, and more importantly, a REAL mom.
I don't know how it took so long but it just clicked for some reason this week. I know. My child is 14 months. But I guess it took that long for me to really realize she is mine and we will hopefully love each other for the rest of our lives.
What brought it on was a conversation I was having with Brian about how weird it is for me to think that Autumn is actually his daughter even though she's not mine. And so I started to really think about that idea. That she REALLY is Brian's daughter. And so I tried to really think about her being my daughter as well and my role as a parent to her. And for some reason as I started to let myself accept Autumn as a daughter, I really grokked and believed that Aria is my daughter, forever.
I think this sounds kind of weird but it is what it is. I'm so used to people coming and going from my life and I guess it just kind of always felt like Aria would one day go as well. But, barring something horrible and unforeseen, she won't. She is MINE forever.
I hope I can be a really healthy mom for her and the healthy but sometimes tough (10 mile runs, passing that delicious looking cinnamon roll, etc) choices I make every day really increase my chances of that!
Here is what this healthy mama is looking today. I must say I am in LOVE with my arms, a first for me. These are also my size 6 jeans again, fresh out of the dryer and NO muffin top! Hurrah!
And the post wouldn't be complete without a picture of my favorite healthy partner in crime:
Teeth Finally!
I don't know how it took so long but it just clicked for some reason this week. I know. My child is 14 months. But I guess it took that long for me to really realize she is mine and we will hopefully love each other for the rest of our lives.
What brought it on was a conversation I was having with Brian about how weird it is for me to think that Autumn is actually his daughter even though she's not mine. And so I started to really think about that idea. That she REALLY is Brian's daughter. And so I tried to really think about her being my daughter as well and my role as a parent to her. And for some reason as I started to let myself accept Autumn as a daughter, I really grokked and believed that Aria is my daughter, forever.
I think this sounds kind of weird but it is what it is. I'm so used to people coming and going from my life and I guess it just kind of always felt like Aria would one day go as well. But, barring something horrible and unforeseen, she won't. She is MINE forever.
I hope I can be a really healthy mom for her and the healthy but sometimes tough (10 mile runs, passing that delicious looking cinnamon roll, etc) choices I make every day really increase my chances of that!
Here is what this healthy mama is looking today. I must say I am in LOVE with my arms, a first for me. These are also my size 6 jeans again, fresh out of the dryer and NO muffin top! Hurrah!
And the post wouldn't be complete without a picture of my favorite healthy partner in crime:
Teeth Finally!
Monday, June 14, 2010
I've got 37 miles left to run in the month of June to make my goal of 80 miles.
Yay! I'm very excited to accomplish this goal and I'm very excited about the progress I'm making with my running. Slowly but surely I am becoming a better runner. Running is one of the most rewarding activities I have experienced. The way I feel after a great run is akin to the way I feel after reading a great book + endorphins. It's the BEST!
I can meditate while getting my sweat on. I can rock out to some of my favorite tunes while getting my sweat on. I can think about my life, the universe, and everything or nothing. It's just the best and I'm so grateful that I put my gym shoes on 3 and a half years ago and started my running journey. I sincerely hope that I can lace up my shoes and go for a looooooooooooong time. And I think it would be so cool if one of my children loves to run, too. But the great thing about running is I don't need any one but me to get going and so if none of my kids likes to running, I still can!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway! Here's my plan for the 3rd week of June.
Tuesday- Cycling and strength training Well, no time to get to gym this morning so, did a one mile warm-up, then Strength, then 1 mile cool-down
Wednesday- 2 mile warm-up, 2 miles at 5k pace, 2 miles cool-down. Almost but I did 3 miles tempo and just 1 mile for my cool-down.
Thursday- Cycling and strength. Neither. Walked on the treadmill for an hour. Incline ranging from 4.0-7.0 and speed from 3.5-4.5 MPH.
Friday- Speed work: 1 mile warm-up, 4X800's, 1 mile cool-down
Saturday- off
Sunday- 4 easy miles
Monday- Long run of indeterminate length
Yay! I'm very excited to accomplish this goal and I'm very excited about the progress I'm making with my running. Slowly but surely I am becoming a better runner. Running is one of the most rewarding activities I have experienced. The way I feel after a great run is akin to the way I feel after reading a great book + endorphins. It's the BEST!
I can meditate while getting my sweat on. I can rock out to some of my favorite tunes while getting my sweat on. I can think about my life, the universe, and everything or nothing. It's just the best and I'm so grateful that I put my gym shoes on 3 and a half years ago and started my running journey. I sincerely hope that I can lace up my shoes and go for a looooooooooooong time. And I think it would be so cool if one of my children loves to run, too. But the great thing about running is I don't need any one but me to get going and so if none of my kids likes to running, I still can!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway! Here's my plan for the 3rd week of June.
Tuesday- Cycling and strength training Well, no time to get to gym this morning so, did a one mile warm-up, then Strength, then 1 mile cool-down
Wednesday- 2 mile warm-up, 2 miles at 5k pace, 2 miles cool-down. Almost but I did 3 miles tempo and just 1 mile for my cool-down.
Thursday- Cycling and strength. Neither. Walked on the treadmill for an hour. Incline ranging from 4.0-7.0 and speed from 3.5-4.5 MPH.
Friday- Speed work: 1 mile warm-up, 4X800's, 1 mile cool-down
Saturday- off
Sunday- 4 easy miles
Monday- Long run of indeterminate length
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Plan for Second Week in June
So I set the bar high this month with a lofty goal of 80 miles run in one month. With being slightly sidelined last week, I am already off track to hit my goal.
I've got to run 22 miles this week to catch back up.
Tuesday- I would like to run 4 miles today. This may or may not involve speed work. I haven't made up my mind yet. Ended up running 5 miles, 1 for warm-up and cool-down, 4X800's each followed by 400m recovery. 5 miles in all.
Wednesday - cycling. No running Oops. Change of plans. 1 mile warm-up jog, then strength training, then 1 mile cool-down jog.
Thursday- 4 miles: 1 mile warm-up, 2 miles at 5k pace, 1 mile cool-down. Did this almost exactly but the 2 middles miles were about 30 seconds per mile slower than 5k pace.
Friday- 40 minutes cycling and 2 miles run. Took today off from running. Biked 15 miles in 61 minutes and then did a fast walk on the treadmill.
Saturday- 4 miles Yep, did it.
Sunday-off. Done.
Monday- 8 miles. Did 9. Yep! Kicked my plan's ass! I ran 23 miles this week!
Should be doable.
I've got to run 22 miles this week to catch back up.
Tuesday- I would like to run 4 miles today. This may or may not involve speed work. I haven't made up my mind yet. Ended up running 5 miles, 1 for warm-up and cool-down, 4X800's each followed by 400m recovery. 5 miles in all.
Wednesday - cycling. No running Oops. Change of plans. 1 mile warm-up jog, then strength training, then 1 mile cool-down jog.
Thursday- 4 miles: 1 mile warm-up, 2 miles at 5k pace, 1 mile cool-down. Did this almost exactly but the 2 middles miles were about 30 seconds per mile slower than 5k pace.
Friday- 40 minutes cycling and 2 miles run. Took today off from running. Biked 15 miles in 61 minutes and then did a fast walk on the treadmill.
Saturday- 4 miles Yep, did it.
Sunday-off. Done.
Monday- 8 miles. Did 9. Yep! Kicked my plan's ass! I ran 23 miles this week!
Should be doable.
Monday, June 7, 2010
I've Been Stationary for Too Long!
So yes, I hurt myself last Thursday morning and I didn't accomplish any of my work-out goals for last week except for the 5K on Saturday.
I don't know why but 3 days off felt insanely long but also very refreshing. I ate maintenance Calories for the most part.
The race was awesome. And now I know a little bit more what to expect and how to behave for my next race. Not too much to say about the race. It was a 3.1 miles, a distance which I am very comfortable running by now. I'm not a very competitive person, at all, but I won't lie, it felt surprisingly good to pass people that I thought looked like they were in much better shape than me. :-P
The next race that I have on my agenda is a Half Marathon but that is not until November. So I will hopefully find something fun to do before then.
I am so conflicted about running a marathon. One minute Brian says he would support me, another he gives me all these crazy reasons that he is vehemently opposed. Seriously CRAZY reasons. I won't even state them here because they are that absurd.
He asked me what I wanted for my Birthday and I told him I want him to pay for the registration for the Arizona Rock N' Roll Marathon on January 16th.
He said he would pay for the Half Marathon but no way would he pay for me to run 26 miles. UGH!
So anyway. My plan for summer is to get faster and have one longish run, 7-10 miles, per week. Then come September I will start proper Half training and maybe just try to run a faster half at the Rock n roll half? I dunno.
It's extremely difficult to pump yourself up and train and eventually accomplish something incredibly physically and emotionally taxing without the support of at least one person you are very close to.
The same way that I needed his support to have an un-medicated birth, I need his support to train for and run a marathon.
I have over a month until my birthday and hopefully I will know by then what direction my training will take come September.
Cheerleader or HateLeader? :-D
I don't know why but 3 days off felt insanely long but also very refreshing. I ate maintenance Calories for the most part.
The race was awesome. And now I know a little bit more what to expect and how to behave for my next race. Not too much to say about the race. It was a 3.1 miles, a distance which I am very comfortable running by now. I'm not a very competitive person, at all, but I won't lie, it felt surprisingly good to pass people that I thought looked like they were in much better shape than me. :-P
The next race that I have on my agenda is a Half Marathon but that is not until November. So I will hopefully find something fun to do before then.
I am so conflicted about running a marathon. One minute Brian says he would support me, another he gives me all these crazy reasons that he is vehemently opposed. Seriously CRAZY reasons. I won't even state them here because they are that absurd.
He asked me what I wanted for my Birthday and I told him I want him to pay for the registration for the Arizona Rock N' Roll Marathon on January 16th.
He said he would pay for the Half Marathon but no way would he pay for me to run 26 miles. UGH!
So anyway. My plan for summer is to get faster and have one longish run, 7-10 miles, per week. Then come September I will start proper Half training and maybe just try to run a faster half at the Rock n roll half? I dunno.
It's extremely difficult to pump yourself up and train and eventually accomplish something incredibly physically and emotionally taxing without the support of at least one person you are very close to.
The same way that I needed his support to have an un-medicated birth, I need his support to train for and run a marathon.
I have over a month until my birthday and hopefully I will know by then what direction my training will take come September.
Cheerleader or HateLeader? :-D
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June Week 1 Fitness Plan
Tuesday- Bikini Body Work-out ; 4 miles run, 2 at tempo
Wednesday- Bike 45 minutes; run 30 minutes
Thursday - Speed Work 4X 400's, 2X800's; strength training
Friday - X-training
Saturday - First Official 5k!
Sunday - Off
Wednesday- Bike 45 minutes; run 30 minutes
Thursday - Speed Work 4X 400's, 2X800's; strength training
Friday - X-training
Saturday - First Official 5k!
Sunday - Off
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Last Week in May Training Plan
M- Long run 10 miles
T-10 miles on bike 15 miles on bike in AM, strength training PM
W-Speed Work 2X400, 1X1200, 1x800, 1X400
T-10 miles on bike, 1.25 miles on treadmill
F-Off
S-strength training. Bikini Body Month 5. 3 sets of all 8 moves
S-3 miles
Did mooooooooost of what I set out to do.
T-
W-
T-
F-
S-
S-
Did mooooooooost of what I set out to do.
Blog Needs More Pictures
Will start off with one of the baby. Just riding her trike around the living room on a Sunday afternoon.
Now onto the weekend recap. Had a great weekend with my Brian and my Aria. Made omelettes and fried potatoes for breakfast. Then got in a great strength work-out. I only had 15 miles run for the week and I really wanted to up that by just a few miles so I hopped on the treadmill.
Did 2.5 mile tempo run. I want to run my upcoming 5k at about a 9:00 min/mile pace so that is what I did for the 2.5 miles and I went a little bit faster for the last half mile so I ended up with a 5k time of 28:20 which is a super personal best for me! Yay!
To reward me for my running progress and being such a great mama, Bri took me shopping.
We got him some new work jeans and me a new pair of *drum roll please* size 6 jeans!!!
I was at the weight I am now when I got pregnant but I was wearing a snug size 10! WEE size 6. And I tried on several size 6's and it's a sure thing. They are levi's and I'm not sure if they run large or what but I really don't care.
Following jeans purchase we drove across town for purchase of delicious BBQ from Brushfire Grill. Zoot fell asleep on the drive so Brian went inside and got the food and we ate in the car.
Aria sleeping through delicious BBQ
After eating in the car, we drove a few blocks to The Running Shop to get Mama some new running shoes that fit right. I had been running in cross trainers that I bought on sale for 20 bucks...
After being examined and trying on several different pairs of shoes that should work for me and taking runs around the building, I decided on these ba
d girls:
Mizuno wave something or others. I have never had a real pair of running shoes that I didn't just pick up because they were on sale. I'm beyond excited to try these on my long run tomorrow.
Then we headed home with our treasures and put the baby to bed and watched an episode of HBO's The Pacific and ate some ice cream.
I got up first thing this morning and baked some cookies. Of which I have had none, cookie dough included!
Aria with her cookie.
Aria with her cookie AND the cookie she stole from Brian.
(Yes, Brian is playing some early 90's RPG in the background and forcing us to watch.)
This is the first weekend in a LONG time that it has been just our family chilling all weekend. It was PERFECT.
Now onto the weekend recap. Had a great weekend with my Brian and my Aria. Made omelettes and fried potatoes for breakfast. Then got in a great strength work-out. I only had 15 miles run for the week and I really wanted to up that by just a few miles so I hopped on the treadmill.
Did 2.5 mile tempo run. I want to run my upcoming 5k at about a 9:00 min/mile pace so that is what I did for the 2.5 miles and I went a little bit faster for the last half mile so I ended up with a 5k time of 28:20 which is a super personal best for me! Yay!
To reward me for my running progress and being such a great mama, Bri took me shopping.
We got him some new work jeans and me a new pair of *drum roll please* size 6 jeans!!!
I was at the weight I am now when I got pregnant but I was wearing a snug size 10! WEE size 6. And I tried on several size 6's and it's a sure thing. They are levi's and I'm not sure if they run large or what but I really don't care.
Following jeans purchase we drove across town for purchase of delicious BBQ from Brushfire Grill. Zoot fell asleep on the drive so Brian went inside and got the food and we ate in the car.
Aria sleeping through delicious BBQ
After eating in the car, we drove a few blocks to The Running Shop to get Mama some new running shoes that fit right. I had been running in cross trainers that I bought on sale for 20 bucks...
After being examined and trying on several different pairs of shoes that should work for me and taking runs around the building, I decided on these ba
d girls:Mizuno wave something or others. I have never had a real pair of running shoes that I didn't just pick up because they were on sale. I'm beyond excited to try these on my long run tomorrow.
Then we headed home with our treasures and put the baby to bed and watched an episode of HBO's The Pacific and ate some ice cream.
I got up first thing this morning and baked some cookies. Of which I have had none, cookie dough included!
Aria with her cookie.
Aria with her cookie AND the cookie she stole from Brian.
(Yes, Brian is playing some early 90's RPG in the background and forcing us to watch.)This is the first weekend in a LONG time that it has been just our family chilling all weekend. It was PERFECT.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Another Week in Paradise
SO the title of my post may be the result of post-exercise euphoria but that is besides the point.
I have had a great week. Exercised everyday. Cooked everyday. Loved my babies everyday.
I did have a few times where I got cabin-fevery. It is my first real SAHM type week in a while and sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. It's like, "okay, 4:30 PM and I'm in sweats and watching the 3rd episode of Yo Gabba Gabba. What was the POINT of today?"
I start feeling really unaccomplished and sometimes I start thinking darkish thoughts about where my life is going... I don't know. Spending time with my baby is awesome and I spend tons of time with her all the time but when I'm not in school, I have NOTHING else to occupy my thoughts and I get a little weird.
I'm feeling much better today and I am hoping some of those thoughts were hormonally driven.
Hoping to get another great work-out in tomorrow AM and then taking Sunday off.
I have had a great week. Exercised everyday. Cooked everyday. Loved my babies everyday.
I did have a few times where I got cabin-fevery. It is my first real SAHM type week in a while and sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. It's like, "okay, 4:30 PM and I'm in sweats and watching the 3rd episode of Yo Gabba Gabba. What was the POINT of today?"
I start feeling really unaccomplished and sometimes I start thinking darkish thoughts about where my life is going... I don't know. Spending time with my baby is awesome and I spend tons of time with her all the time but when I'm not in school, I have NOTHING else to occupy my thoughts and I get a little weird.
I'm feeling much better today and I am hoping some of those thoughts were hormonally driven.
Hoping to get another great work-out in tomorrow AM and then taking Sunday off.
Monday, May 17, 2010
I Like the New Doctor
Never got around to my 8 miler Saturday morning. Managed a somewhat quick 5k for a grand total of 11 miles last week... Oops! But I gave my knee the rest it needed and it felt great on my 9 miler this afternoon!
I had to do it on the t-mill. The baby was napping and that glowing thing in the sky that we fondly call "the sun", yeah, that thing sucks. Just kidding, I love the sun and warm weather but I'm not going to subject my body to that and I'm definitely not going to make Aria sit in her stroller for an hour and a half with the temps going on.
In fact, I've retired the stroller until the fall and, even then, just maybe once a week for easy runs.
9 miles felt great. Running on the treadmill was a bit dreadful but I survived. I listened to music for the first 4.5 miles and watched an episode of Doctor Who for the last 4.5. I find it really difficult to pay attention to TV while running but it made the time go by faster.
My time for this run was faster than my time for 8.65 miles 2 weeks ago. That is super exciting!
I had to do it on the t-mill. The baby was napping and that glowing thing in the sky that we fondly call "the sun", yeah, that thing sucks. Just kidding, I love the sun and warm weather but I'm not going to subject my body to that and I'm definitely not going to make Aria sit in her stroller for an hour and a half with the temps going on.
In fact, I've retired the stroller until the fall and, even then, just maybe once a week for easy runs.
9 miles felt great. Running on the treadmill was a bit dreadful but I survived. I listened to music for the first 4.5 miles and watched an episode of Doctor Who for the last 4.5. I find it really difficult to pay attention to TV while running but it made the time go by faster.
My time for this run was faster than my time for 8.65 miles 2 weeks ago. That is super exciting!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Many Ways to Have a Good Time.
To treat myself for my hard work training and for getting an 'a' in Microbio, I joined my local YMCA today.
I had been thinking about it for awhile but a coupon in the mail yesterday pushed me over the edge. The joining fee was waived so I pay only a monthly fee.
Because I have my own treadmill, I am most looking forward to using the bikes and pool there and also the group classes that are offered. Super stoked about child care, too. I just hope that Aria cooperates!
I had planned on taking tomorrow off from running because Saturday is my long run but I think I will go to the Y first thing in the morning. Like 5:30 AM and hop on a bike!
I'm very excited about this. My mom's insurance also covers a membership to the Y so she said she would go with me maybe once a week!
I had been thinking about it for awhile but a coupon in the mail yesterday pushed me over the edge. The joining fee was waived so I pay only a monthly fee.
Because I have my own treadmill, I am most looking forward to using the bikes and pool there and also the group classes that are offered. Super stoked about child care, too. I just hope that Aria cooperates!
I had planned on taking tomorrow off from running because Saturday is my long run but I think I will go to the Y first thing in the morning. Like 5:30 AM and hop on a bike!
I'm very excited about this. My mom's insurance also covers a membership to the Y so she said she would go with me maybe once a week!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I Jinxed Myself
Writing about how good running has been lately seems to have jinxed me!
On this morning's run, for no good reason my left knee began to feel strange about .5 mile in.
Then the right started feeling off. I figured once I got properly warmed up they would feel right as rain but no such luck. They both felt weird the whole run and my left actually hurt and still hurts now almost 2 hours later.
If you have ever twisted a knee, you know where your foot doesn't move but your hips twist and twist your knee with it? It feels like that happened but that didn't happen. I really don't grok why this would be occurring. Popped an 800mg Ibuprofen and that has had minimal effect.
I hope, hope, hope this feels better tomorrow. Until this moment I have never had any lasting pain associated with running.
On this morning's run, for no good reason my left knee began to feel strange about .5 mile in.
Then the right started feeling off. I figured once I got properly warmed up they would feel right as rain but no such luck. They both felt weird the whole run and my left actually hurt and still hurts now almost 2 hours later.
If you have ever twisted a knee, you know where your foot doesn't move but your hips twist and twist your knee with it? It feels like that happened but that didn't happen. I really don't grok why this would be occurring. Popped an 800mg Ibuprofen and that has had minimal effect.
I hope, hope, hope this feels better tomorrow. Until this moment I have never had any lasting pain associated with running.
Monday, May 10, 2010
This is How We Do It
Ran 21 solid miles last week! The goal I set for the month was 70 miles so 21 is above and beyond what I need.
Took today off after my long run yesterday.
Tomorrow the aim is 4 miles, easy money jog in the AM and Bikini Body Work-out after school.
Wednesday: 3 miles super easy.
Thursday: speed work. Bleh.
Friday: no running but BBW.
Saturday: Long run to give me extra Cals for eating and drinking at Sarah's College grad party!
Sunday: off.
SO hopefully around 18-19 miles for the week.
Took today off after my long run yesterday.
Tomorrow the aim is 4 miles, easy money jog in the AM and Bikini Body Work-out after school.
Wednesday: 3 miles super easy.
Thursday: speed work. Bleh.
Friday: no running but BBW.
Saturday: Long run to give me extra Cals for eating and drinking at Sarah's College grad party!
Sunday: off.
SO hopefully around 18-19 miles for the week.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Life is Great
Despite being sick earlier this week, things are going well. I've stuck to waking up early in the morning to get my run in and that rocks! Never thought I would keep up with that!
Aria has 2 teeth finally and she doesn't really crawl anymore. Just walks and (tries to) run everywhere. She says dada and when she's pissed she'll scream "Mama!" She says hi and bye and waves when she says them and she waves goodbye when I say, "nigh-night"
At her 1 year visit she was 20%ile for weight and 90%ile for head circumference! I thought that was hilarious; all her weight is in her head and belly. We went swimming yesterday and her in a bikini was downright obscenely cute.
Anyway, I'm really excited for the 5k on June 5th. The even takes place in the evening which I think is pretty cool because I always run faster at night anyway! I have about 4 more weeks in which to train for it so i can feel sure I'll set a PR! I'm shooting for 27:20. I'll have to run just a little faster than a 9 min/mile. I think I can do it!
Also, I have never run in a public event before and I am hoping that being around people will give me that extra boost!
After the event, which takes place downtown, Brian and I are going to have a date! I'm excited as many businesses are having drink and dinner deals for runners!
I would like to run 5 miles tomorrow morning and then do Bikini Body workout tomorrow.
For Saturday I'm thinking Jillian and Sunday a long run 7-8 miles in the morning and then we are driving to phoenix to spend time with Autumn. I'm thinking I can sleep in the car and that will be nice.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Another (Tentative) Week Exercise Plan
So I found that having a plan, even though I made some major changes, helped me push it this week.
This upcoming week (4/19-4/25) could prove a challenge but I'm going to try.
Monday - OBGYN appointment at 9 AM to check on my IUD, if all goes well this means No Holds Barred love making again! Woot. ALso, Aria's 1st Birthday! Today is my Xtraining day and since it also coincides with Zoot's birthday and, thus, the age at which she can ride in the bike seat, I am going to bike for my cross-training!
My plan is to take a little test ride around the block and then drive to a really great bike path a few miles from our house. I sort of feel like an ass for driving somewhere to bike, but she's my baby and I'm too scared to bike on the open road with her! So we are going to aim for 45 minutes biking.
Work-out: 45 minutes X training and Bikini Body Work-out.
Tuesday - Brian's 30th Birthday! Off. I have school and a HUGE test, paper and two labs in Microbio on Thursday so I am going to try to study and finish the paper today. I also want to try to make something special for Brian's B-day and I don't want to worry about anything.
Work-out: None
Wednesday - Gotta get some massive studying in today. But I want to get 4 miles in, too. I will give myself an hour to work-out and the rest of the day will be devoted to school and keeping child alive.
Work-out: Speed work, 6X800's + 1 mile warm-up
Thursday - Test day! After test, I would like 4 miles, I think. A tempo run. 1 warm-up mile, probably around a 5.5 MPH, 2 miles at just under aerobic threshold (for me about a 6.0-6.2 MPH), then 1 mile light jog.
Work-out: 4 miles, 2 miles tempo.
Friday - Aria has a doctor's appointment at 1:45 but that is all I have to do that day. I want to do some strength training and a light 5k, before tomorrow's long run.
Work-out: Bikini Body Work-out and 3.1 miles.
Saturday - Long run day. Gotta get outside by 9 AM. FOR REAL. I think we Brian's parents are driving down to T-town from Phoenix today to take us out for Brian's birthday. They are also bringing Autumn down to visit so we don't have to drive to Phoenix this weekend. Yee Haw! I will be fantasizing about what I'm going to eat for lunch on my run. :-P
Work-out: Ideally, 10 miles.
Sunday - Glorious day off with My Brian! He worked every day last week! Including, a 16 hour day on Monday.
Okay, 21 ambitious miles but I did 28 miles last week!
This upcoming week (4/19-4/25) could prove a challenge but I'm going to try.
Monday - OBGYN appointment at 9 AM to check on my IUD, if all goes well this means No Holds Barred love making again! Woot. ALso, Aria's 1st Birthday! Today is my Xtraining day and since it also coincides with Zoot's birthday and, thus, the age at which she can ride in the bike seat, I am going to bike for my cross-training!
My plan is to take a little test ride around the block and then drive to a really great bike path a few miles from our house. I sort of feel like an ass for driving somewhere to bike, but she's my baby and I'm too scared to bike on the open road with her! So we are going to aim for 45 minutes biking.
Work-out: 45 minutes X training and Bikini Body Work-out.
Tuesday - Brian's 30th Birthday! Off. I have school and a HUGE test, paper and two labs in Microbio on Thursday so I am going to try to study and finish the paper today. I also want to try to make something special for Brian's B-day and I don't want to worry about anything.
Work-out: None
Wednesday - Gotta get some massive studying in today. But I want to get 4 miles in, too. I will give myself an hour to work-out and the rest of the day will be devoted to school and keeping child alive.
Work-out: Speed work, 6X800's + 1 mile warm-up
Thursday - Test day! After test, I would like 4 miles, I think. A tempo run. 1 warm-up mile, probably around a 5.5 MPH, 2 miles at just under aerobic threshold (for me about a 6.0-6.2 MPH), then 1 mile light jog.
Work-out: 4 miles, 2 miles tempo.
Friday - Aria has a doctor's appointment at 1:45 but that is all I have to do that day. I want to do some strength training and a light 5k, before tomorrow's long run.
Work-out: Bikini Body Work-out and 3.1 miles.
Saturday - Long run day. Gotta get outside by 9 AM. FOR REAL. I think we Brian's parents are driving down to T-town from Phoenix today to take us out for Brian's birthday. They are also bringing Autumn down to visit so we don't have to drive to Phoenix this weekend. Yee Haw! I will be fantasizing about what I'm going to eat for lunch on my run. :-P
Work-out: Ideally, 10 miles.
Sunday - Glorious day off with My Brian! He worked every day last week! Including, a 16 hour day on Monday.
Okay, 21 ambitious miles but I did 28 miles last week!
My Tummy Hurts
Ran 9.88 miles today for my long run! Furthest I've ever gone.
Started out cloudy and that was nice but around mile 5 that awful, horrid thing we all like to call "the sun" came out and Damn, I could feel it. I actually used water fountains today. Something I always forget to do. I definitely felt better after each stop (3 in total around 3.5 miles, 4.5 miles and 5.5 miles)
All the sweating I was doing was hardly noticeable because pollen stuck to it and my skin felt awful and dry and my nose was running and my stomach hurt. :-D
I didn't know the exact distances after 7 miles but I think around mile 8 my right knee really felt uncomfortable. Not horrible pain or anything but I could tell it was getting a little P.O'ed at me. I went for 1:50:47 and I could probably have gone for 2 hours but I didn't want to pass out or faint and I was starting to feel like that was a very real possibility. Damn you, Arizona!
I'm definitely going to have to work on running earlier. Just doesn't feel natural to me and I feel better when I run in the afternoon. :-( I'll figure it out. I do not want to stop running again. I love it and am addicted but, unfortunately, quitting exercise is far more easy than dropping an unhealthy habit.
Started out cloudy and that was nice but around mile 5 that awful, horrid thing we all like to call "the sun" came out and Damn, I could feel it. I actually used water fountains today. Something I always forget to do. I definitely felt better after each stop (3 in total around 3.5 miles, 4.5 miles and 5.5 miles)
All the sweating I was doing was hardly noticeable because pollen stuck to it and my skin felt awful and dry and my nose was running and my stomach hurt. :-D
I didn't know the exact distances after 7 miles but I think around mile 8 my right knee really felt uncomfortable. Not horrible pain or anything but I could tell it was getting a little P.O'ed at me. I went for 1:50:47 and I could probably have gone for 2 hours but I didn't want to pass out or faint and I was starting to feel like that was a very real possibility. Damn you, Arizona!
I'm definitely going to have to work on running earlier. Just doesn't feel natural to me and I feel better when I run in the afternoon. :-( I'll figure it out. I do not want to stop running again. I love it and am addicted but, unfortunately, quitting exercise is far more easy than dropping an unhealthy habit.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Plans for the Week (Very Tentative)
Tuesday - Strength and short, comfortable run (Comfortable run did not occur. comfortable 2 mile walk instead)
Wednesday - 4 mileswith the stroller trying to push slightly out of comfort zone. (I did four slightly uncomfortable miles but I did them on the t-mill while Aria napped.)
Thursday -OFF, maybe yoga and/or long walk (Ended up jogging 4.8 miles by myself. 51.25 minutes. Felt so good and strong and healthy!)
Friday - Strength and easy run, 3 miles. (Done and done! I even had a setback on the run at 1 mile but I still finished!)
Saturday - OFF. CPR class all day. (Am now officially trained as a professional rescuer. Try and die around me, I DARE you!)
Sunday - My long run for the week, thinking 7-9 miles. Normally do long ones on Saturday but with CPR class throws that off. (Totally killed it. 9.88 miles)
Wednesday - 4 miles
Thursday -
Friday - Strength and easy run, 3 miles. (Done and done! I even had a setback on the run at 1 mile but I still finished!)
Saturday - OFF. CPR class all day. (Am now officially trained as a professional rescuer. Try and die around me, I DARE you!)
Sunday - My long run for the week, thinking 7-9 miles. Normally do long ones on Saturday but with CPR class throws that off. (Totally killed it. 9.88 miles)
Running Progress
I made the decision to actively try to become a faster runner by doing speed work. The first few times I did it, I would just push myself hard for a minute or two and then recover and repeat several times.
Yesterday I actually researched speed work on the internets, and then attempted 6X800's.
I ran the first 400 at 5.5 MPH and the next 400 at 6.0MPH
1st 800 at 6.5
2nd 800 at 6.5
3rd 800 at 6.3
4th 800 at 6.3
5th 800 at 6.3
I had to spit the last 800 up into two 400's because I just couldn't hack it!
so 1st 400 was at 7.0
2nd 400 was at 6.5 for the 2/3 and 8.0 for the last 3rd.
It was super hard and after the first two intervals I really didn't want to keep going but I did!
Next time should be better!
I'm doing a resistance routine right now before school and then maybe a short run when I get home.
Aria just slept for three hours and this was her awesome bedhead.
Yesterday I actually researched speed work on the internets, and then attempted 6X800's.
I ran the first 400 at 5.5 MPH and the next 400 at 6.0MPH
1st 800 at 6.5
2nd 800 at 6.5
3rd 800 at 6.3
4th 800 at 6.3
5th 800 at 6.3
I had to spit the last 800 up into two 400's because I just couldn't hack it!
so 1st 400 was at 7.0
2nd 400 was at 6.5 for the 2/3 and 8.0 for the last 3rd.
It was super hard and after the first two intervals I really didn't want to keep going but I did!
Next time should be better!
I'm doing a resistance routine right now before school and then maybe a short run when I get home.
Aria just slept for three hours and this was her awesome bedhead.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Go Away Insomnia
After listening to Aria cry for 20 minutes before falling back asleep, I find myself very awake. I want to be sleeping but I'm sure if I go to bed I will just day (or is it night in this case o_O) dream about running or cutting my hair or packing for Disneyland or any of the other numerous things I have going on right now.
So I figured I could think about them in a more concrete way by writing them down and getting them out of my head. (If only it actually worked like that...)
As far as running goes, I cannot stop thinking about running a half marathon. And taking a vacation in Prescott with Brian and Aria while I do it. I perused Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Guide today (and by perused I mean obsessively read and absorbed each and every word.) And it got me ridiculously excited to accomplish this. I mean, seeing as how I ran nearly 8.5 miles on Monday and the longest run in this training is 10 miles and I have seven weeks to do it in, I should be totally golden!
My knee has been slightly bothered after that 8 miler but in all honesty I had no business running 8 miles. I have NOT been training my body to go that far. So for next week my long run will be six miles and I will do 8 again in a few weeks.
Tomorrow(Friday) I plan on doing the 30 day shred while Aria naps and jogging 4 miles with her later in the afternoon. I need to keep my legs and knees strong and I know strength training does that.
Okay. Better get to bed...Someone slip me an Ambien.
So I figured I could think about them in a more concrete way by writing them down and getting them out of my head. (If only it actually worked like that...)
As far as running goes, I cannot stop thinking about running a half marathon. And taking a vacation in Prescott with Brian and Aria while I do it. I perused Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Guide today (and by perused I mean obsessively read and absorbed each and every word.) And it got me ridiculously excited to accomplish this. I mean, seeing as how I ran nearly 8.5 miles on Monday and the longest run in this training is 10 miles and I have seven weeks to do it in, I should be totally golden!
My knee has been slightly bothered after that 8 miler but in all honesty I had no business running 8 miles. I have NOT been training my body to go that far. So for next week my long run will be six miles and I will do 8 again in a few weeks.
Tomorrow(Friday) I plan on doing the 30 day shred while Aria naps and jogging 4 miles with her later in the afternoon. I need to keep my legs and knees strong and I know strength training does that.
Okay. Better get to bed...Someone slip me an Ambien.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Lots to Do Today
Okay. 1 week left until we (Mary, Chuck, Sarah, and Rita) leave for Anaheim. I have a lot to do this week and even just today to be prepared for the trip.
Today, I need/want to
Before we can jog I need to clean the jogging stroller. We took Autumn and Aria to the Renaissance Festival yesterday and it POURED and the strollers are now wet and very, very muddy. To get this all done, I need to start now. So, peace.
Today, I need/want to
- Jog at least 3 miles (it is rainy and cold, which as an Arizonan I am so not used to but I have tights and pants and long sleeve shirts.)
- Grocery shop for the week
- Pull the money for my trip and bring it to Sarah's
- Buy hair dye and other toiletries I need for Dland
- Find and purchase one of those gates that people use to keep babies in one room.
- Read for microbio
- Cook dinner
Before we can jog I need to clean the jogging stroller. We took Autumn and Aria to the Renaissance Festival yesterday and it POURED and the strollers are now wet and very, very muddy. To get this all done, I need to start now. So, peace.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
5.4/45
I convinced myself a long time ago that treadmill running was superior in almost every way to running outside. When I first started running in winter of '06, it was on the treadmill in my apartment gym. The gym was small and neglected and I did not have to worry about people seeing and being offended by the fat girl trying to run.
Well even after I lost weight and continued to run, I still kept to treadmills. In the fall of '07 I was running 5 miles M-F on the treadmills at the ASU gym. I wasn't embarrassed to be seen running but I just felt so comfortable on the treadmill and I liked how a treadmill makes you feel in control. In reality, the treadmill controls you! Taunting you with the display of time and distance. Once you have selected a speed, that is the speed you run. Unless you feel like
constantly toying with the controls.
Running outside, as soon as I want to be running faster, I am. Slower? Done instantly. I don't have to play mind games to make the time go by faster. Being a mama kind of forced me to discover how awesome it is to run outside.
When Aria was first born I could not take her in the jogger. Well, I actually didn't even have one until she was 5 months old... But I couldn't have even if had one. So I tried to run on the treadmill while she napped and it sort of worked. But her napping was erratic and I could not count on getting a run in on any given day.
Now that she can fit in the jogger, running is easy and so enjoyable! No mind games needed to get through the runs.
Anyway. We ran 5.39 miles yesterday and the time passed quickly. No more long runs for the week. Just 3 milers. I told Brian I wasn't going to run today but now I really feel like it... Hmmm.
We will see how I feel when I get home from school and Kickboxing. I'm starting to get addicted to running how I used to be. It is awesome.
We had a slumber party at Aria's house yesterday
Nothing makes your head look huge like putting it next to a baby head... :-D
Well even after I lost weight and continued to run, I still kept to treadmills. In the fall of '07 I was running 5 miles M-F on the treadmills at the ASU gym. I wasn't embarrassed to be seen running but I just felt so comfortable on the treadmill and I liked how a treadmill makes you feel in control. In reality, the treadmill controls you! Taunting you with the display of time and distance. Once you have selected a speed, that is the speed you run. Unless you feel like
constantly toying with the controls.
Running outside, as soon as I want to be running faster, I am. Slower? Done instantly. I don't have to play mind games to make the time go by faster. Being a mama kind of forced me to discover how awesome it is to run outside.
When Aria was first born I could not take her in the jogger. Well, I actually didn't even have one until she was 5 months old... But I couldn't have even if had one. So I tried to run on the treadmill while she napped and it sort of worked. But her napping was erratic and I could not count on getting a run in on any given day.
Now that she can fit in the jogger, running is easy and so enjoyable! No mind games needed to get through the runs.
Anyway. We ran 5.39 miles yesterday and the time passed quickly. No more long runs for the week. Just 3 milers. I told Brian I wasn't going to run today but now I really feel like it... Hmmm.
We will see how I feel when I get home from school and Kickboxing. I'm starting to get addicted to running how I used to be. It is awesome.
We had a slumber party at Aria's house yesterday
Nothing makes your head look huge like putting it next to a baby head... :-D
Monday, March 1, 2010
Curried Lentils
So for my lentil concoction, I used 4 cups of veggie stock, 1 can of coconut milk, and 1 cup of water as base. I mixed in some green curry paste, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, loads of garlic, 1 sweet potato, some Thai chili sauce, 1 stick of cinnamon, 1 cup of lentils and 1/2 cup of wild rice. As I'm sure you noticed, this is a very exact and scientific type of recipe... (I love the slow cooker)
I'm really hoping that it tastes okay. Lentil stews always fill me up and keep me full for a long time.
I did the Shred about an hour ago and am going to take a jog in about an hour and I think curried lentils sound like amazing post-run grub.
Edited to add:
The lentils are sooo delicious! And since I figure I burned at least 800 Calories on top of breastmilk production calories, I can enjoy it completely guilt free! I'll probably imbibe some delicious fermented grapes with dinner, too!
I'm really hoping that it tastes okay. Lentil stews always fill me up and keep me full for a long time.
I did the Shred about an hour ago and am going to take a jog in about an hour and I think curried lentils sound like amazing post-run grub.
Edited to add:
The lentils are sooo delicious! And since I figure I burned at least 800 Calories on top of breastmilk production calories, I can enjoy it completely guilt free! I'll probably imbibe some delicious fermented grapes with dinner, too!
Pre-baby Body
I really feel like my body looks greater than or equal to what it did pre-pregnancy.
I have a tummy that perhaps sags a bit more than the average Jane but it was like that before I had baby. I'm feeling very body positive right now and want to write about it before I change my mind.
My body does whatever (within reason) I ask it to. It loves me and it loves Aria and Brian and with practice there is not much it cannot do. I don't look like a porn star but why the hell would I want to? I really, really need to get over my jealousy of porn. I am awesome in the sack. :-P
So, maybe cat pose is not the most flattering for my belly but it looks pretty hot during corpse pose. Not that I think corpses are hot... Okay, moving on...
On Saturday, Brian took Aria for a car ride so Mama could work-out. Did level 2 of the 30 Day Shred. I wonder if maybe one day I will move on to level 3... The magic 8 ball says, "doubtful".
When they got home we fixed some sandwiches for lunch and after some digestion Aria and I went for a 3 miler. Clouds completely covered the sky and the air was slightly chilly and wet. Not a typical Arizona scene. Totally beautiful, though. The colors of all the desert flora really shine when they don't have to compete so much with the sun. The desert is not as tan and gray as some might think.
Aaaaaaaanyway, while we were on our run Brian took an online parenting class that is one of the last things he needs to do before his divorce is finalized. Thank God. I cannot wait to say "ex-wife" for real.
Okay. Going to run 3 miles with Zoot at some point today and maybe the 30 day shred if Aria naps.
For now I'm going to concoct some sort of lentil stew in the slow cooker. I have lentils out the A** and I love them just don't have any awesome lentil recipes.
I would post a picture of Aria here but I cannot find the memory card for my camera... Uh-oh...
I have a tummy that perhaps sags a bit more than the average Jane but it was like that before I had baby. I'm feeling very body positive right now and want to write about it before I change my mind.
My body does whatever (within reason) I ask it to. It loves me and it loves Aria and Brian and with practice there is not much it cannot do. I don't look like a porn star but why the hell would I want to? I really, really need to get over my jealousy of porn. I am awesome in the sack. :-P
So, maybe cat pose is not the most flattering for my belly but it looks pretty hot during corpse pose. Not that I think corpses are hot... Okay, moving on...
On Saturday, Brian took Aria for a car ride so Mama could work-out. Did level 2 of the 30 Day Shred. I wonder if maybe one day I will move on to level 3... The magic 8 ball says, "doubtful".
When they got home we fixed some sandwiches for lunch and after some digestion Aria and I went for a 3 miler. Clouds completely covered the sky and the air was slightly chilly and wet. Not a typical Arizona scene. Totally beautiful, though. The colors of all the desert flora really shine when they don't have to compete so much with the sun. The desert is not as tan and gray as some might think.
Aaaaaaaanyway, while we were on our run Brian took an online parenting class that is one of the last things he needs to do before his divorce is finalized. Thank God. I cannot wait to say "ex-wife" for real.
Okay. Going to run 3 miles with Zoot at some point today and maybe the 30 day shred if Aria naps.
For now I'm going to concoct some sort of lentil stew in the slow cooker. I have lentils out the A** and I love them just don't have any awesome lentil recipes.
I would post a picture of Aria here but I cannot find the memory card for my camera... Uh-oh...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
First Longer Run
No running on Wednesday or Thursday. Wednesday, Aria slept and Mama 30-day-shredded. :-)
Thursday involved lots of errand running and by the time we were dressed and out the door, Brian called to say he was 5 minutes from home. It sucks to say but I know that he would have been upset if I went through with the run. He can be very needy. And he loves to spend every spare moment with his girls. So we turned around and came home.
I told him that since I came home for him, he would have to accept that Aria and I would be taking a jog over the weekend. He agreed and reminded me that he never said I needed to abort my run in the first place. I know him, though, he would have been mad and/or sad.
Anyway, Yesterday the Zootster and I beat out 4.4 miles! It was seriously the most beautiful day for a run, too. I did not know at the time how far we were going, I just knew how long we had been going for.
At about 50 minutes I wanted to try for sixty because I figured at my usual pace that would be around 5 miles but I called it quits because Aria seemed impatient and my goal is only 10 miles/week for now and I don't want to overdo it and set myself up for failure! So 4.4 miles we did.
Today looks to be just as beautiful as yesterday and technically, we could run 2.45 miles and have 10 miles but I think we'll do a 5k because I know the exact route that is that distance.
I might also do the 30 day shred but maybe not. We'll see how I feel.
Thursday involved lots of errand running and by the time we were dressed and out the door, Brian called to say he was 5 minutes from home. It sucks to say but I know that he would have been upset if I went through with the run. He can be very needy. And he loves to spend every spare moment with his girls. So we turned around and came home.
I told him that since I came home for him, he would have to accept that Aria and I would be taking a jog over the weekend. He agreed and reminded me that he never said I needed to abort my run in the first place. I know him, though, he would have been mad and/or sad.
Anyway, Yesterday the Zootster and I beat out 4.4 miles! It was seriously the most beautiful day for a run, too. I did not know at the time how far we were going, I just knew how long we had been going for.
At about 50 minutes I wanted to try for sixty because I figured at my usual pace that would be around 5 miles but I called it quits because Aria seemed impatient and my goal is only 10 miles/week for now and I don't want to overdo it and set myself up for failure! So 4.4 miles we did.
Today looks to be just as beautiful as yesterday and technically, we could run 2.45 miles and have 10 miles but I think we'll do a 5k because I know the exact route that is that distance.
I might also do the 30 day shred but maybe not. We'll see how I feel.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
30 Miles by March 14th
Not the loftiest goal ever set, to be sure, but I am leaving for Disneyland (without my child, I know, I know, spare me your disapproving looks) March 15th and even though it is a sure thing, I want to feel like I earned it.
So 10 miles a week from now until then. Easy enough, I think. I can do two 3's and one 4 or three 3's and one 1 or two 3.3's and one 3.4. The possibilities are endless. :-)
We knocked out 3.2 yesterday so we've got 6.8 to go for this week. Very exciting. Also, kickboxed some ass. We shadow box with weights as part of our warm-up and my lats are always sore afterward. They feel amazing. I want a sexy back!
Brian woke-up late this morning and being the good house baby mama that I am, I got up, too, and fixed him some fried eggs on a bagel so he could shower and then run. I wanted to take this little bit of time I had left before Aria wakes up and squeeze in a 2o minute shred but the moment the front door closed behind Bri, a little squeak sounded from Zoot's room.
Now, I just feel tired. I drank two cups of coffee after my usual oatmeal in a futile attempt to feel more awake. Now I just feel sick and am having some serious stomach cramps. >:)
Going to let my OB-GYN fondle my cervix this afternoon and hopefully she will implant an IUD while she's down there. Then Aria and I are going to have some much needed friend time with Mary and Sarah.
Maybe we will get a run in before we leave for the pappy.
This is what Aria is doing right now (and, yes, she is still in her pajamas. I may or may not also be...):
Her 1st apartment!
So 10 miles a week from now until then. Easy enough, I think. I can do two 3's and one 4 or three 3's and one 1 or two 3.3's and one 3.4. The possibilities are endless. :-)
We knocked out 3.2 yesterday so we've got 6.8 to go for this week. Very exciting. Also, kickboxed some ass. We shadow box with weights as part of our warm-up and my lats are always sore afterward. They feel amazing. I want a sexy back!
Brian woke-up late this morning and being the good house baby mama that I am, I got up, too, and fixed him some fried eggs on a bagel so he could shower and then run. I wanted to take this little bit of time I had left before Aria wakes up and squeeze in a 2o minute shred but the moment the front door closed behind Bri, a little squeak sounded from Zoot's room.
Now, I just feel tired. I drank two cups of coffee after my usual oatmeal in a futile attempt to feel more awake. Now I just feel sick and am having some serious stomach cramps. >:)
Going to let my OB-GYN fondle my cervix this afternoon and hopefully she will implant an IUD while she's down there. Then Aria and I are going to have some much needed friend time with Mary and Sarah.
Maybe we will get a run in before we leave for the pappy.
This is what Aria is doing right now (and, yes, she is still in her pajamas. I may or may not also be...):
Her 1st apartment!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Finished My Tote Bag!
I have very recently become friends with an awesome old lady. Her name is Louise H. and she is the mother of Brian's best friend, C. They live together and he takes care of her. She is pushing 80. And in early January we started visiting them because Brian was working on a car for C.
Well, while Brian got his man hands good and dirty, Amy got to have many conversations with this cool lady. Although, her body has been failing her, she is still sharp as a tack and her deep southern accent lets you know right away that she's not originally from around these parts. A veteran mother of 4, she always has cool advice and hilarious stories.
She took a liking to Aria and I and has been giving us random little (and big) presents. Among these nifty gifts, a deep dish 10" cast iron skillet, a bottle of delicious almond tequila, some clothes for Aria, and ,the best present ever, a like-new sewing machine!
Determined to let her see that I deeply treasure this present, I vowed to make something and fast!
I realized I needed a new tote when I started my kickboxing class and had nothing to carry my boxing gloves and sneakers in! So I looked to my diaper bag for a model, ran out to Joanne Fabrics to get the necessary supplies and began my gym tote about a week ago!
and
I definitely consider myself a novice and I see that the lines lack neatness but I am so proud of myself!
I had to limit sewing time to after baby's bedtime and try to work studying in. I made it two tone. Red on the inside and the paisley on the out. I also finagled a zipper on the inside! So not beautiful but precious to me!
Well, while Brian got his man hands good and dirty, Amy got to have many conversations with this cool lady. Although, her body has been failing her, she is still sharp as a tack and her deep southern accent lets you know right away that she's not originally from around these parts. A veteran mother of 4, she always has cool advice and hilarious stories.
She took a liking to Aria and I and has been giving us random little (and big) presents. Among these nifty gifts, a deep dish 10" cast iron skillet, a bottle of delicious almond tequila, some clothes for Aria, and ,the best present ever, a like-new sewing machine!
Determined to let her see that I deeply treasure this present, I vowed to make something and fast!
I realized I needed a new tote when I started my kickboxing class and had nothing to carry my boxing gloves and sneakers in! So I looked to my diaper bag for a model, ran out to Joanne Fabrics to get the necessary supplies and began my gym tote about a week ago!
and
I definitely consider myself a novice and I see that the lines lack neatness but I am so proud of myself!
I had to limit sewing time to after baby's bedtime and try to work studying in. I made it two tone. Red on the inside and the paisley on the out. I also finagled a zipper on the inside! So not beautiful but precious to me!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Second Attempt at a Blog
Mama is very sick. Last week's UTI has progressed into a bladder and kidney infection because the antibiotics I was prescribed did not work.
Went to the ER with Brian yesterday and my mom watched Aria. They started me on some new antibiotics and gave me morphine for pain.
I have been feeling really out of it since then. I think it's the morphine what did me in. I woke up all night long sweating profusely or shivering furiously. Brian said I felt hot and I could tell he was really worried about me.
This morning I did not want to get up with Aria. I can't even hold her on my waist because my kidneys hurt so badly. And I just feel dizzy and, well, awful! So I poured some multi-grain cheerios on the ottoman next to me and that kept her near for a long time without much effort on my part.
Then she proved to be the best baby ever and took a two hour nap. During that time I also napped. Something I have not done in a looooooong time. Naps rock. Especially when sick.
Now she's eating more Cheerios and climbing all over the furniture.
Brian should be home soon, thank goodness. I really hope I feel good enough to run tomorrow. If not I still have 3 more days to get runs in on. Hope these clouds and cold go away soon.
Aria rocking the pony tail and crazy eyes.
Went to the ER with Brian yesterday and my mom watched Aria. They started me on some new antibiotics and gave me morphine for pain.
I have been feeling really out of it since then. I think it's the morphine what did me in. I woke up all night long sweating profusely or shivering furiously. Brian said I felt hot and I could tell he was really worried about me.
This morning I did not want to get up with Aria. I can't even hold her on my waist because my kidneys hurt so badly. And I just feel dizzy and, well, awful! So I poured some multi-grain cheerios on the ottoman next to me and that kept her near for a long time without much effort on my part.
Then she proved to be the best baby ever and took a two hour nap. During that time I also napped. Something I have not done in a looooooong time. Naps rock. Especially when sick.
Now she's eating more Cheerios and climbing all over the furniture.
Brian should be home soon, thank goodness. I really hope I feel good enough to run tomorrow. If not I still have 3 more days to get runs in on. Hope these clouds and cold go away soon.
Aria rocking the pony tail and crazy eyes.
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