A change of scenery...

Sorry for the lapse folks....I had an incredibly busy AND productive week - then collapsed Friday afternoon - and didn't feel better until Sunday. I did manage a run yesterday, though - on my own. I ran into our nearest town, visited a friend briefly, than pretty much walked home. I think it was around 8 miles - I'll have to check with the car. It was a LOT more fun heading into town - and having a water stop. It was also MUCH better on my own - at my own pace. I felt like I was accomplishing something - and wasn't worried about my speed or keeping up with a group. I wonder if I'm better off on my own, rather than driving an hour each way to do the group runs???

I was planning on participating in my first 5K race on Saturday - but since I couldn't stand upright - I figured running was out. I'll have to find another one - but that shouldn't be difficult - it seems to be race season!

Now I'm back into the craziness of the week - and working hard at being productive. Ok, to be fair - at this point I'm still planning on being productive - the work hasn't actually started yet!

Did I mention how nice it was run/walking in the cool weather yesterday, enjoying the breeze and the scenery, without stressing myself out to do better? How delightful. I wonder if this is why people run?

Baby steps....again.

I'm working on getting back in shape...slowly. I managed a half hour run yesterday - though it was broken up by the power flickering off. I'm drinking more water, and eating healthier foods.

Of course, my five year old has a fever today - which means I've spent the last 4 hours holding him - so my run (and diet) for today could be in jeopardy! I spent the time reading up on nutrition and diet - I need encouragement to eat well! And...as long as I leave the spinach out for a while - all should be good!

Baby steps....I can do this! (albeit SLOWER than most people!!!)

Some days you tear up the road.....

And some days the road tears up YOU! Guess who's ahead in THIS race???

Had my group run yesterday. A mere 8 miles - I was much relieved. There were even 3 other gals there who do the run/walk routine - perfect!

Or not. First of all - they run for 5, walk for three. And it's a faster pace run than I do when I'm going for distance. I maintained about 3 miles - then bailed at the drink stop and waited for the walking group.

They left me in the dirt, too.

The further I went, the more body parts that hurt, and the slower I went. I was tempted to call for a pick-up but told myself I'd feel better if I actually accomplished my goal, rather than giving up. I finished the 8 miles - but felt no joy in mudville. In retrospect, I wish I'd called for a pickup. At least my hips wouldn't hurt so much. Turns out I couldn't have called - my cell phone died. Totally died - not just out of battery. So...yet another thing on the "to-do" list for tomorrow.

And THEN I had to drag my body through 4 different stores, doing the weekly shopping for my family. And it kept raining. I finally got home, soaked in a hot bath, then collapsed into a chair.

I feel....inept. I figure I had a hard run because I've had such a hard two weeks. Not enough exercise, water or decent food - but too much stress and running around. But it still makes me doubt if I can do 26 miles. EVERYONE else is only doing 13 - and they're doing it better than me. I just don't know.

Just found out my friend with cancer is NOT going to do the marathon. She's worried about fund-raising. I understand...but I was looking forward to seeing Jamaica with her. My husband can't go - because of the kids. So...I'll be alone. :(

At anyrate...at the moment I'm doubting my ability to fundraise, run 26 miles, train, work, and keep up with the house and kids. The only thing I'm NOT doubting...is my ability to mess up. How comforting.

Well, as the song goes, "Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug."

Hang in there,
The Bug

A new week...

Let's see....life lessons: ummm....don't overcommit.....learn to juggle....drink LOTS of water....schedule regular time for exercise....eat healthy food! Pretty much the opposite of EVERYTHING I did last week.

I survived the week. I got everything done I HAD to get done (and NOTHING else). Including more running. I couldn't go to the group run on Saturday - had to give a six hour training class and then go to a pig roast in support of my girlfriend's marathon. Yesterday (Sunday) I crashed. Literally. Could barely lift my arms - let along my feet to run. I feel better today - although a whole new "to-do" list has started. Oiy.

I have to say, I was also intimidated by the goal of 12-14 miles - since my longest is 7 miles. I think I'll take your advice - and just shoot for 8-9 miles. Safe is more important than distance!

If you're new, please check out my cancer webpage at www.firstgiving.com/neversettle
And thank you for your support!

Uh-oh.

I've been on the run this entire day - but no actual running occurred. {{{sigh}}} Kids are finally in (or near) bed - and I'm working on materials for tomorrow's classes (teaching two classes to homeschoolers). Tried to buy some fudge for my kids at Baltimore's Inner Harbor - and the pushy saleswoman tried to guilt and manipulate me into buying more. Excuse me? And I didn't walk away - because my kids really wanted this fudge by now! But how dare someone encourage my kids to demand more???? Worse part - I was too tired to let her have it. I quietly told her she was about to lose any sale, and she eventually shut up - but I would have dearly loved to make a scene. {{{sigh}}}

And...just received an email from the Wellness Community. I was so happy about running 7 miles last Saturday - and planned to run 8-9 this week (can't make group run - have to work). Just found out they're planning on running 12 - 14 miles!!! I think they did 6 last time! I'm really apprehensive. First - I'll be alone. And second....from 7 to 12 miles???? That's really a jump. I just don't know.

Well, I survived taking 3 kids to the Inner Harbor alone - how bad can 12 miles be??? At least it will be child-free! I won't have time to do this until Sunday - so I can worry about for another 3 days!

Wow, I really shouldn't write when I'm this tired! Sorry, folks! I'll have better sentence structure next time!

Running lite

Too busy, stressed out and crazy for a real run (anyone wanna buy 3 cute kids - cheap!!!) But I had to de-stress before leaving for work - so took a 15 minute "mini-run". Decided that since I couldn't run long - I'd run fast! After a 5 minute warm-up I ran for 10 straight minutes!!! My longest is 2 minutes - usually 4 mph. This one varied from 4-6 mph - and I used 4mph as my recover pace! No walking!!!!

Tomorrow I'll try this again for 10 minutes - then walk for 3 and try running for another 10!

I'll get there! (and my children may fare better because of it!)

And the rains came tumbling down...

Wind....rain....flying tree limbs....driving rain.....wind making a 106 year old house whistle. Yup...that would be Ernesto!

I opted out the group run yesterday - couldn't face driving in the rain OR running in it! However....I went SEVEN MILES on the treadmill!!!!! Wahoo!!!! The first 2.5 miles were a struggle - than I hit my stride. It took a long time - but I got there and felt great!!! My left knee is a tad sore - why is it always the left side that hurts? Foot issue?

After the first few miles I settled into a 1 minute jog: 1 minute walk pattern. The two minutes running get to me after a while - but I can maintain the 1:1 ratio. I think I'll work on speed and increased ratios during the week - and then see what happens for the long run.

Seven miles.....WOW!!!! That's.......forever. (or almost!)