Rain and thunderstorms have cheated me out of my running today. And another Kenyan Nights. I didn't go Monday, and not today, so I can't miss anymore until my trip to NY.
So, I've been in a teacher workshop today, and I return tomorrow and Friday. Some things I noticed about many of the teachers...
1)They are casual.
2) They look tired.
3) They looked frumpy.
4) Most were fat.
5) Most of the women had frizzy hair.
6) Most had NO fashion sense.
7) Many looked older than they probably are.
Moral of that list: Wow. I need to watch out for myself before I look like one of them! I'm determined to be a stylish, fresh-faced, smiley, beautiful, classy teacher. I am going to update my wardobe, do something with my hair and lose this weight before school starts. If I ever seem unruly, frizzy and frumpy, slap me. I will not let the kids drag me down!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
This morning, I jogged 6 miles. I didn't eat anything before I started, and at mile 3 I could feel my energy being zapped. I was tempted to stop running and just go home, but I trudged along the last 3 miles. When I got into my car, I noticed I did indeed have a chocolate Gu (I thought I didn't have any). Damnit!
I went to the movies and saw "X-Men III." Excellent. What a fun movie.
Afterwards, I went to Barnes and Noble. I finished the chick lit book yesterday and really don't want to delve back into the classics just yet. So I purchased another chick lit book - "The Devil Wears Prada." I plan on seeing the movie, so I thought I'd just go ahead and get the book. I also bought, "Chocolate Principles to Live By." I'm a chocoholic, and this book seeming interesting, so on an impulse I bought it.
Afterwards, I went to the gym. I set the elliptical timer for 55 minutes and also planned on doing weights afterwards. After 30 minutes, though, my body started shaking very oddly - like my blood sugar just dropped. I felt like crap and immediately left and came home, where I ate a lot of protein and some fruit to get back on track. I still feel like shit, and am seriously contemplating a nap.
Hopefully, I'll make it back to the gym for the weights later, but it's already 4:30. I'm thinking that the gym will just have to wait until Thursday (tomorrow is a double running day... no time).
So, as you can see, I'm taking this first part of my vacation very seriously - I am accomplishing nothing worthwhile and I'm enjoying being lazy. Oh, I did do a load of laundry. That's something. :)
The next three days, however, will be spent in professional development all day. Then I'm free again for 6 weeks.
Cheers!
I went to the movies and saw "X-Men III." Excellent. What a fun movie.
Afterwards, I went to Barnes and Noble. I finished the chick lit book yesterday and really don't want to delve back into the classics just yet. So I purchased another chick lit book - "The Devil Wears Prada." I plan on seeing the movie, so I thought I'd just go ahead and get the book. I also bought, "Chocolate Principles to Live By." I'm a chocoholic, and this book seeming interesting, so on an impulse I bought it.
Afterwards, I went to the gym. I set the elliptical timer for 55 minutes and also planned on doing weights afterwards. After 30 minutes, though, my body started shaking very oddly - like my blood sugar just dropped. I felt like crap and immediately left and came home, where I ate a lot of protein and some fruit to get back on track. I still feel like shit, and am seriously contemplating a nap.
Hopefully, I'll make it back to the gym for the weights later, but it's already 4:30. I'm thinking that the gym will just have to wait until Thursday (tomorrow is a double running day... no time).
So, as you can see, I'm taking this first part of my vacation very seriously - I am accomplishing nothing worthwhile and I'm enjoying being lazy. Oh, I did do a load of laundry. That's something. :)
The next three days, however, will be spent in professional development all day. Then I'm free again for 6 weeks.
Cheers!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Guilty Conscience? Just a Tad
June and I ran in a thunderstorm this morning. In our defense, the rain didn't begin to pour until we were at mile 4, but then we had to turn around to return to our cars.
Total mileage: 5.5 (approximately)
Other forms of exercise today: 1 hour of Tae-bo
Gym: nope. My arms are still sore, but much better than yesterday, so I will venture back to the gym tomorrow.
I also bailed on Kenyan Nights tonight. I can't do that anymore! I paid for the sessions; I need to make them. Christine was in town, however, and since I rarely get to spend time with her...
I felt like Frankenstein's monster this morning, but my soreness is gradually decreasing.
Tomorrow I plan to jog 6 miles in the morning, hit the gym and then maybe 45 minutes of either fat-burning yoga or pilates. I can feel the flexibility coming back into parts of my body that had begun to stiffen up.
I've also finished my chick lit book - and enjoyed every page. Tomorrow I will pick up "Crime and Punishment" again and continue reading it; although I am enjoying it, it can be a bit monotonous at times.
I'm going to bed early. Sometimes I feel like I'm old, and I actually have to remind myself that by no standards am I old. I just feel tired and worn down sometimes, as well as frumpy, and I forget that I'm not even 30 yet. I plan on doing something about this. Just what I will do, I don't know yet. Give me time.
Cheers!
Total mileage: 5.5 (approximately)
Other forms of exercise today: 1 hour of Tae-bo
Gym: nope. My arms are still sore, but much better than yesterday, so I will venture back to the gym tomorrow.
I also bailed on Kenyan Nights tonight. I can't do that anymore! I paid for the sessions; I need to make them. Christine was in town, however, and since I rarely get to spend time with her...
I felt like Frankenstein's monster this morning, but my soreness is gradually decreasing.
Tomorrow I plan to jog 6 miles in the morning, hit the gym and then maybe 45 minutes of either fat-burning yoga or pilates. I can feel the flexibility coming back into parts of my body that had begun to stiffen up.
I've also finished my chick lit book - and enjoyed every page. Tomorrow I will pick up "Crime and Punishment" again and continue reading it; although I am enjoying it, it can be a bit monotonous at times.
I'm going to bed early. Sometimes I feel like I'm old, and I actually have to remind myself that by no standards am I old. I just feel tired and worn down sometimes, as well as frumpy, and I forget that I'm not even 30 yet. I plan on doing something about this. Just what I will do, I don't know yet. Give me time.
Cheers!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Self-Torture
I have the tendency to punish myself, and I don't really know why. Maybe because I think I'm not worthy of some things? Maybe it's because of my low self-esteem? I don't have a precise answer, but I do it.
Yesterday's self-punishment took the form of exercise. I think I was punishing myself for having not been to the gym or doing aerobics in a while.
Yesterday's exercise stats:
7:45am - 5k run.
1pm - 40 minutes Tae-bo flex.
4pm - 35 minutes elliptical machine, 25 minutes weights (upper body).
Now, just three years ago I could do all of that and more with no problem (imagine 65 minutes on the elliptical machine, 25 minutes weights and 60 minutes Tae-bo or pilates in the same day). Lately, however, I've been concentrating on running distances and haven't added as much of the other forms of exercise. I can feel my limbs losing flexibility (I used to be much more flexible in the heyday of my exercising) and the lack of weight-training (due to time and running) is taking its toll on my upper body. Therefore, one of my goals this summer is to work out as much as I can, but incorporating alternate forms (that I used to do) including yoga, pilates and kick-boxing, as well as resuming weight training 5 times a week. When I was a Starbucks employee, and thus with much more flexible time schedule on my hand, I could do it. Now that I'm on a fixed teacher schedule, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it and therefore it's gone to the wayside.
I started yesterday with my multi-exercise (see above). And how do I feel today? Like crap. My hip flexors, hamstrings and glutes are sore from the Tae-bo (which I haven't done in months) and my deltoids and lattimus dorsi are sore from the weights (normally they wouldn't be, but I haven't lifted consistently in weeks and I tacked on extra weights to torture myself). This is a good pain, but I can barely lift my arms over my head or squat without grimacing slightly.
Plus I actually went out last night (hung out with my theatre friends at my co-actor's apartment), therefore got in late, woke up early (since I physically can't sleep late) and the little sleep I did have was horrible (thanks to a particular emotionally disturbing dream). I didn't do much at all today. I went to the movies ("Posiedon" was great!) and the bookstore (I'm intermingling my classics with chick lit) and back home. I took a three hour nap, woke up two hours ago, read and ate dinner. I'll be in bed shortly because I'm getting up early tomorrow morning to go running. I'm tired.
Tomorrow's exercise: am running, afternoon Tae-bo or fat-burning yoga, and pm running.
It's nice to be off. I hope I won't get bored for at least three weeks.
Cheers!
Yesterday's self-punishment took the form of exercise. I think I was punishing myself for having not been to the gym or doing aerobics in a while.
Yesterday's exercise stats:
7:45am - 5k run.
1pm - 40 minutes Tae-bo flex.
4pm - 35 minutes elliptical machine, 25 minutes weights (upper body).
Now, just three years ago I could do all of that and more with no problem (imagine 65 minutes on the elliptical machine, 25 minutes weights and 60 minutes Tae-bo or pilates in the same day). Lately, however, I've been concentrating on running distances and haven't added as much of the other forms of exercise. I can feel my limbs losing flexibility (I used to be much more flexible in the heyday of my exercising) and the lack of weight-training (due to time and running) is taking its toll on my upper body. Therefore, one of my goals this summer is to work out as much as I can, but incorporating alternate forms (that I used to do) including yoga, pilates and kick-boxing, as well as resuming weight training 5 times a week. When I was a Starbucks employee, and thus with much more flexible time schedule on my hand, I could do it. Now that I'm on a fixed teacher schedule, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it and therefore it's gone to the wayside.
I started yesterday with my multi-exercise (see above). And how do I feel today? Like crap. My hip flexors, hamstrings and glutes are sore from the Tae-bo (which I haven't done in months) and my deltoids and lattimus dorsi are sore from the weights (normally they wouldn't be, but I haven't lifted consistently in weeks and I tacked on extra weights to torture myself). This is a good pain, but I can barely lift my arms over my head or squat without grimacing slightly.
Plus I actually went out last night (hung out with my theatre friends at my co-actor's apartment), therefore got in late, woke up early (since I physically can't sleep late) and the little sleep I did have was horrible (thanks to a particular emotionally disturbing dream). I didn't do much at all today. I went to the movies ("Posiedon" was great!) and the bookstore (I'm intermingling my classics with chick lit) and back home. I took a three hour nap, woke up two hours ago, read and ate dinner. I'll be in bed shortly because I'm getting up early tomorrow morning to go running. I'm tired.
Tomorrow's exercise: am running, afternoon Tae-bo or fat-burning yoga, and pm running.
It's nice to be off. I hope I won't get bored for at least three weeks.
Cheers!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Ahh... Day 1
Today is my first official day off for the summer. Yep, I have survived my first year of teaching high school and I refuse to teach summer school. Except for the 8 days here and there of professional development I have to do, I am not going to do much this summer. I might sign up with a temp agency so that I don't get too bored, but I'll have to think about that.
How did I start off my first day of vacation? With a 5k. I ran the Astros Race for the Pennant 5k. Damn, was it hot. I wanted to PR. Then, after getting on the course, I just wanted to finish. I finished in 38:18, only 36 seconds slower than my previous best 5k time (and that was in 40 degrees, so imagine what I could've done in the same temperature!). Saw Christine, June, Jen, Jan, Edwin, Keith, Sarah and others. My speed training coach won first place in the master's division with a 15.11 win. The overall winner won in 15.07. Yeah. Sean is freakin' fast.
So the rest of the day will be spent relaxing and doing fun stuff. I was going to run another 3 miles, but the heat is just too unbearable right now. I'll probably do some Tae-bo and then head over to the gym. I think I'll even take a nap.
Damn, it's nice to not have anything important to do. Maybe I'll clean my bedroom. Maybe I'll clean my car. I'm not tackling my office for another week (that's where I have my school stuff and I refuse to look at it for a week).
Cheers!
How did I start off my first day of vacation? With a 5k. I ran the Astros Race for the Pennant 5k. Damn, was it hot. I wanted to PR. Then, after getting on the course, I just wanted to finish. I finished in 38:18, only 36 seconds slower than my previous best 5k time (and that was in 40 degrees, so imagine what I could've done in the same temperature!). Saw Christine, June, Jen, Jan, Edwin, Keith, Sarah and others. My speed training coach won first place in the master's division with a 15.11 win. The overall winner won in 15.07. Yeah. Sean is freakin' fast.
So the rest of the day will be spent relaxing and doing fun stuff. I was going to run another 3 miles, but the heat is just too unbearable right now. I'll probably do some Tae-bo and then head over to the gym. I think I'll even take a nap.
Damn, it's nice to not have anything important to do. Maybe I'll clean my bedroom. Maybe I'll clean my car. I'm not tackling my office for another week (that's where I have my school stuff and I refuse to look at it for a week).
Cheers!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wow... I'm Free
For the next 10 weeks (except for 8 days of teacher professional development mixed in), I am a free woman!! Woo-hoo, summer has begun and I can focus on ME for the majority of the next 10 weeks!
What will I do with my time, you ask?
1) Run. Now I can go early in the morning, but not too early as to run the risk of getting attacked.
2) Hit the gym again. And not have to wake up at 4:30am to do it.
3) Read. I need to finish: "The Count of Monte Cristo", "The Woman in White", "Crime and Punishment" and "War and Peace." I also need to re-read "1984" and "A Tale of Two Cities." If I have any time (or psychological stamina after these hard books), I'm going to tackle "Grapes of Wrath" and "King Lear." Can you tell I'm teaching different books next year? For the record, the first two books (and "War and Peace", to some extent) are my fun books for the summer. I am greatly enjoying "Crime and Punishment", though.
4) Write. I will finish 1 screenplay, and possibly another one that's half-written.
5) RELAX. This is something I struggle with constant. If I have nothing to do, my anxiety level raises. I am going to try to enjoy my spare time and relax when I have nothing to do. This might mean taking more naps, but I'm fully prepared to make that sacrifice. :)
6) Travel. NY and DC. Need I say more?
7) Write in my blog! Yep, now that I have more time, I will write more. My writings, however, might be more boring because I won't have many new and interesting things to write about.
8) Get ready for next year. Yep, I will spend the occasional day creating exams, lesson plans and activities, as well as looking over what I did last year and modifying it. I will be using several new approaches: new novels, I'm going to do a unit on poetry, and I will devote more time to grammar since these kids are way behind on their writing skills.
Random siting of the day: a camel at Rice University. Across from Rice is a small church and they were having a "kids day" last night and the kids were treated to camel rides. I saw the camel at a time of heat and fatigue and I half-wondered if I could hitch a ride on it to get back to my car.
Cheers!
What will I do with my time, you ask?
1) Run. Now I can go early in the morning, but not too early as to run the risk of getting attacked.
2) Hit the gym again. And not have to wake up at 4:30am to do it.
3) Read. I need to finish: "The Count of Monte Cristo", "The Woman in White", "Crime and Punishment" and "War and Peace." I also need to re-read "1984" and "A Tale of Two Cities." If I have any time (or psychological stamina after these hard books), I'm going to tackle "Grapes of Wrath" and "King Lear." Can you tell I'm teaching different books next year? For the record, the first two books (and "War and Peace", to some extent) are my fun books for the summer. I am greatly enjoying "Crime and Punishment", though.
4) Write. I will finish 1 screenplay, and possibly another one that's half-written.
5) RELAX. This is something I struggle with constant. If I have nothing to do, my anxiety level raises. I am going to try to enjoy my spare time and relax when I have nothing to do. This might mean taking more naps, but I'm fully prepared to make that sacrifice. :)
6) Travel. NY and DC. Need I say more?
7) Write in my blog! Yep, now that I have more time, I will write more. My writings, however, might be more boring because I won't have many new and interesting things to write about.
8) Get ready for next year. Yep, I will spend the occasional day creating exams, lesson plans and activities, as well as looking over what I did last year and modifying it. I will be using several new approaches: new novels, I'm going to do a unit on poetry, and I will devote more time to grammar since these kids are way behind on their writing skills.
Random siting of the day: a camel at Rice University. Across from Rice is a small church and they were having a "kids day" last night and the kids were treated to camel rides. I saw the camel at a time of heat and fatigue and I half-wondered if I could hitch a ride on it to get back to my car.
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
No Clever Title Today
I'm tired and can't think too well.
School is almost out!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to be done with my grades WAY before the deadline, and my room won't take that long to pack up. My mind is already on vacation.
I did bail on Kenyan last night, to give my tired legs a day of rest. Today I went to the gym (I could almost feel my arm muscles begin to atrophy) and then went running with June. It's so nice to have a running buddy! We did a simple 6 miles - not too fast because the heat is creeping up on us! It's only going to get worse...
I have decided that, for the remaining 3 days of this school year,to not even pretend that I will attempt to get up at 4:30am. Why bother? Starting next week, I can go to the gym at 9am if I want to! Why lose sleep now?
Speaking of sleep...
School is almost out!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to be done with my grades WAY before the deadline, and my room won't take that long to pack up. My mind is already on vacation.
I did bail on Kenyan last night, to give my tired legs a day of rest. Today I went to the gym (I could almost feel my arm muscles begin to atrophy) and then went running with June. It's so nice to have a running buddy! We did a simple 6 miles - not too fast because the heat is creeping up on us! It's only going to get worse...
I have decided that, for the remaining 3 days of this school year,to not even pretend that I will attempt to get up at 4:30am. Why bother? Starting next week, I can go to the gym at 9am if I want to! Why lose sleep now?
Speaking of sleep...
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Not Quite a Rock Star
It's official: I am registered for my next two races...
1) The Virginia Beach Rock-N-Roll half marathon on Labor Day weekend. Woo-hoo! April and I are running it together and we're going to wear custom/personalized singlets. After I get them made, I'll share pictures with you guys, but they're going to be funny. Or at least, funny to us.
2) The MCM 10k. I decided to not to the MCM since I still remember oh-so-fondly the pain I was in at Nashville. Since Andy is running it, I volunteered to be his cheerleader (it's his first marathon). Slightly remorseful, I was browsing on the MCM page and noticed it wasn't yet sold out. Before I could change my mind and sign up, I noticed that they had a 10K with it this year! Woo-hoo! And it comes with a mock turtleneck AND a medal. Oh, yeah. I signed up for that one. So I'll be his cheerleader in the middle/end of his race.
I'm also planning on doing the Astros Race for the Pennant 5k on Saturday, which I'm looking forward to because not only do the runners get the usual t-shirt, but they also get 2 free tickets to an Astros game!
I'm still hurting, by the way. A lot. Depending on how I feel tomorrow evening, I might be forced to take an evening off from Kenyan Nights, which doesn't make me happy. I'm going to the gym in the AM for a cross-training/non-weight bearing workout, plus weights. I need to strengthen my stabilizers!
Ooh, 4:20am is looming. Time for bed.
1) The Virginia Beach Rock-N-Roll half marathon on Labor Day weekend. Woo-hoo! April and I are running it together and we're going to wear custom/personalized singlets. After I get them made, I'll share pictures with you guys, but they're going to be funny. Or at least, funny to us.
2) The MCM 10k. I decided to not to the MCM since I still remember oh-so-fondly the pain I was in at Nashville. Since Andy is running it, I volunteered to be his cheerleader (it's his first marathon). Slightly remorseful, I was browsing on the MCM page and noticed it wasn't yet sold out. Before I could change my mind and sign up, I noticed that they had a 10K with it this year! Woo-hoo! And it comes with a mock turtleneck AND a medal. Oh, yeah. I signed up for that one. So I'll be his cheerleader in the middle/end of his race.
I'm also planning on doing the Astros Race for the Pennant 5k on Saturday, which I'm looking forward to because not only do the runners get the usual t-shirt, but they also get 2 free tickets to an Astros game!
I'm still hurting, by the way. A lot. Depending on how I feel tomorrow evening, I might be forced to take an evening off from Kenyan Nights, which doesn't make me happy. I'm going to the gym in the AM for a cross-training/non-weight bearing workout, plus weights. I need to strengthen my stabilizers!
Ooh, 4:20am is looming. Time for bed.
So Close, Yet So Far
I needed 5 miles today to get to my 30 mile goal, which is a number I haven't hit since about three weeks before the marathon (the marathon week doesn't count). I was recovering from an injury, then recovering from the marathon. I probably shouldn't've even tried to hit 30 so soon, but I tried.
I failed. I could only go 3 miles this morning, and I shouldn't've even tried that since I was just hurting (no injury, just regular leg usage). So I ended up with 28 miles, which I'm ok with. The week after the marathon, I ran 5. Last week 14. This week 28. Next week: 30. I can easily get to 30 (I could've done it this week, but I bailed on running on Thursday... dammit!).
So, June and I went a lap around Rice (although she did a second lap after I finished). My legs didn't feel too hot, so I stopped.
Next week is finals week, which means I don't have to worry about arriving to school early or staying late to work on worksheets or lesson plans. The students are out daily at 1, which gives me plenty of time to grade. I have a handful of make-up work to grade, but that won't take long at all. Hell, I might do that in between work and Kenyan tomorrow. Moral of this paragraph: I'm going to start going to the gym at 5am again, CONSISTENTLY. I need to get back to the weights. Especially the arm weights - my dress for Yvonne's wedding came in. It's a cute halter dress and, although I have some muscle definition in my arms, a little more won't hurt.
I'm off to go cheer on the National League Champion Houston Astros!
Cheers!
I failed. I could only go 3 miles this morning, and I shouldn't've even tried that since I was just hurting (no injury, just regular leg usage). So I ended up with 28 miles, which I'm ok with. The week after the marathon, I ran 5. Last week 14. This week 28. Next week: 30. I can easily get to 30 (I could've done it this week, but I bailed on running on Thursday... dammit!).
So, June and I went a lap around Rice (although she did a second lap after I finished). My legs didn't feel too hot, so I stopped.
Next week is finals week, which means I don't have to worry about arriving to school early or staying late to work on worksheets or lesson plans. The students are out daily at 1, which gives me plenty of time to grade. I have a handful of make-up work to grade, but that won't take long at all. Hell, I might do that in between work and Kenyan tomorrow. Moral of this paragraph: I'm going to start going to the gym at 5am again, CONSISTENTLY. I need to get back to the weights. Especially the arm weights - my dress for Yvonne's wedding came in. It's a cute halter dress and, although I have some muscle definition in my arms, a little more won't hurt.
I'm off to go cheer on the National League Champion Houston Astros!
Cheers!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Getting Back Up There
I went on my first Saturday long run since the marathon! If you remember, I was rained out the first Saturday and then last Saturday I had to man a water station for TNT.
I started out, trying to decide if I wanted to do the 14 miles TNT was doing. The halves were doing 8, so I knew I'd at least complete 8, but hoping for 14. Mid-way, I began to think about stopping at 12. My legs agreed, but they wanted to stop earlier. By mile 9, my legs began to stop working and I called it quits by mile 11. My legs just plain gave out on me, which was a bummer because I was having a good time.
Total distance: 11 miles
Weather: Humid!
Average time: 13:46
Pain: None at the beginning, but my knees began to get sore and my calves tightened up. By mile 10, my legs were not feeling all that great.
Total mileage this week: 25! I'll hit my goal of 30 miles with tomorrow's 6 mile run.
Now I must shower and get ready for a lingerie shower I'm hosting for Yvonne.
Cheers!
PS - If you haven't seen my play - come on over! It's at Company Onstage. Check them out at www.companyonstage.com
I started out, trying to decide if I wanted to do the 14 miles TNT was doing. The halves were doing 8, so I knew I'd at least complete 8, but hoping for 14. Mid-way, I began to think about stopping at 12. My legs agreed, but they wanted to stop earlier. By mile 9, my legs began to stop working and I called it quits by mile 11. My legs just plain gave out on me, which was a bummer because I was having a good time.
Total distance: 11 miles
Weather: Humid!
Average time: 13:46
Pain: None at the beginning, but my knees began to get sore and my calves tightened up. By mile 10, my legs were not feeling all that great.
Total mileage this week: 25! I'll hit my goal of 30 miles with tomorrow's 6 mile run.
Now I must shower and get ready for a lingerie shower I'm hosting for Yvonne.
Cheers!
PS - If you haven't seen my play - come on over! It's at Company Onstage. Check them out at www.companyonstage.com
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Highs, Lows and In-Betweens
Wow. So much to say. Is any of it important? Maybe.
June and I went two laps around Rice yesterday - it was a good run. It's nice to run with someone my own speed, since usually I run alone. Our first mile was 10:53, and it just went downhill from there, but at least we got one really mile in (time-wise) and totalled 6 miles.
Today was another Kenyan Night, with it being a time-trial. The mile loop was hard - it was on grass and dirt with many small hills and two steep hills that made my calves scream in agony. Sean said that we should expect to run 30-60 seconds slower on this course than on the street. I was hoping for a 12:30 finish. I finished in 11:24! Of course, I was very tired towards the end, but I managed to pull through! I felt so good after the whole workout that I went a slow lap around Memorial when I finished. Today's mileage total: 5.25 miles. I've already run more miles this week (in three days, nonetheless) than I have last week. This week I hope to get in a total of 30 miles, which is 16 more miles I have to do. I'm doing 6 tomorrow and 6 on Sunday (each with June) and I was planning on a long run on Saturday, so it looks like I'll get in more than my mileage goal this week, which makes me happy.
So much has been going on emotionally that I need the running to keep me sane or to keep me from doing things that I'll regret.
I went to my grandfather's funeral today. Afterwards, my mom and I discussed what we personally want and don't want at our funeral. Neither of us want scriptures. Neither of us want a Baptist preacher. Neither of us want an open casket. Neither of us want a long ceremony. Hell, I want to be cremated. I do realize this is a rather morbid topic on this blog, but death does it to a person.
I've been to more than my fair share of funerals. There was a 5-year span when I went to 13 funerals. I have very little family members left, and very few family friends from my childhood. On my 21st birthday, Hermann Hospital Life Flight crashed and killed all three on board - people I've known since I was a little girl (my father was a Flight Nurse). I went to two of their funerals (in one week). I've lost both grandmothers and my father in the span of 3 years. I've been to a funeral on the anniversary of my father's funeral. A friend of mine was murdered in New Orleans on the anniversary of my father's death. After my grandfather died, I jockingly said, "Well, it's about time I went to another funeral; I haven't been to one in six months." I don't handle funerals well at all. I get anxiety attacks and just want to run away. The last thing I want to do is hug people I haven't seen since a previous funeral, or people I haven't seen in a while, or people who are crying. I feel such a loss of what to do in those situations that I, as usual, run away, being my usual non-confrontational self. I know running away doesn't help problems, but I don't like to deal with problems head-on, so I run away, thinking that if I can't be found I can't be hurt. I don't want to be comforted, I don't want people to ask sadly, "How are you?" I don't want to see the bodies in the caskets (because let's face it, despite people saying, "He looks good", they never look good. They never look like they did when they were alive).
As I was sitting next to my mom in the first pew, I grew sad. My sadness wasn't necessarily over my grandfather's death, but it was more of a sadness of my life. If I was to die tomorrow, what would be said at my funeral? How many people would show up? Have I accomplished everything I want to do? When the preacher mentioned the death of my grandmother 12 years ago and how that the death of a long-time companion can slowly kill the remaining person, I grew sad because I don't have a long-term companion. I don't have and won't have what my grandparents had (they married young, and had kids by the time they were my age). What's wrong with me?
Luckily, my aunt noisily opened a large ziploc bag of hard mints and spent a great deal of time picking out mints and unwrapping them. That broke the disconsolate monotony of my thoughts and made me steal glances at other shocked family members. My brother-in-law was apalled, as was my mom. I just shook my head and tried to hide my smile. Sometimes tense situations, like funerals, make me laugh. I'm not being inappropriate, I just need an outlet for the stress and laughter just takes the lead. Also, the preacher messed up my grandfather's birthday and stressed a great deal about when my grandfather was "saved" as a young child. My super-religious aunt (the one loudly eating the mints during the service) asked that that little tidbit be stressed. My mom couldn't've cared less; she took charge of my grandmother's funeral, my aunt this one.
Although I might seem depressed, I'm better than I was earlier this week. Funerals bring back memories, memories that I'd rather not have. Luckily I started running last year. If I didn't have those endorphins coarsing through my veins, I don't know what I would do. Probably move into McDonald's or something worse. I'm probably also PMSing, which makes me more emotional anyways. Plus, tack on the stress of work/finals for good measure. It's no wonder I'm a temporary headcase.
I can't wait until the first day I have completely off. I'm going to Galveston beach with my journal. I think I'll write a book.
June and I went two laps around Rice yesterday - it was a good run. It's nice to run with someone my own speed, since usually I run alone. Our first mile was 10:53, and it just went downhill from there, but at least we got one really mile in (time-wise) and totalled 6 miles.
Today was another Kenyan Night, with it being a time-trial. The mile loop was hard - it was on grass and dirt with many small hills and two steep hills that made my calves scream in agony. Sean said that we should expect to run 30-60 seconds slower on this course than on the street. I was hoping for a 12:30 finish. I finished in 11:24! Of course, I was very tired towards the end, but I managed to pull through! I felt so good after the whole workout that I went a slow lap around Memorial when I finished. Today's mileage total: 5.25 miles. I've already run more miles this week (in three days, nonetheless) than I have last week. This week I hope to get in a total of 30 miles, which is 16 more miles I have to do. I'm doing 6 tomorrow and 6 on Sunday (each with June) and I was planning on a long run on Saturday, so it looks like I'll get in more than my mileage goal this week, which makes me happy.
So much has been going on emotionally that I need the running to keep me sane or to keep me from doing things that I'll regret.
I went to my grandfather's funeral today. Afterwards, my mom and I discussed what we personally want and don't want at our funeral. Neither of us want scriptures. Neither of us want a Baptist preacher. Neither of us want an open casket. Neither of us want a long ceremony. Hell, I want to be cremated. I do realize this is a rather morbid topic on this blog, but death does it to a person.
I've been to more than my fair share of funerals. There was a 5-year span when I went to 13 funerals. I have very little family members left, and very few family friends from my childhood. On my 21st birthday, Hermann Hospital Life Flight crashed and killed all three on board - people I've known since I was a little girl (my father was a Flight Nurse). I went to two of their funerals (in one week). I've lost both grandmothers and my father in the span of 3 years. I've been to a funeral on the anniversary of my father's funeral. A friend of mine was murdered in New Orleans on the anniversary of my father's death. After my grandfather died, I jockingly said, "Well, it's about time I went to another funeral; I haven't been to one in six months." I don't handle funerals well at all. I get anxiety attacks and just want to run away. The last thing I want to do is hug people I haven't seen since a previous funeral, or people I haven't seen in a while, or people who are crying. I feel such a loss of what to do in those situations that I, as usual, run away, being my usual non-confrontational self. I know running away doesn't help problems, but I don't like to deal with problems head-on, so I run away, thinking that if I can't be found I can't be hurt. I don't want to be comforted, I don't want people to ask sadly, "How are you?" I don't want to see the bodies in the caskets (because let's face it, despite people saying, "He looks good", they never look good. They never look like they did when they were alive).
As I was sitting next to my mom in the first pew, I grew sad. My sadness wasn't necessarily over my grandfather's death, but it was more of a sadness of my life. If I was to die tomorrow, what would be said at my funeral? How many people would show up? Have I accomplished everything I want to do? When the preacher mentioned the death of my grandmother 12 years ago and how that the death of a long-time companion can slowly kill the remaining person, I grew sad because I don't have a long-term companion. I don't have and won't have what my grandparents had (they married young, and had kids by the time they were my age). What's wrong with me?
Luckily, my aunt noisily opened a large ziploc bag of hard mints and spent a great deal of time picking out mints and unwrapping them. That broke the disconsolate monotony of my thoughts and made me steal glances at other shocked family members. My brother-in-law was apalled, as was my mom. I just shook my head and tried to hide my smile. Sometimes tense situations, like funerals, make me laugh. I'm not being inappropriate, I just need an outlet for the stress and laughter just takes the lead. Also, the preacher messed up my grandfather's birthday and stressed a great deal about when my grandfather was "saved" as a young child. My super-religious aunt (the one loudly eating the mints during the service) asked that that little tidbit be stressed. My mom couldn't've cared less; she took charge of my grandmother's funeral, my aunt this one.
Although I might seem depressed, I'm better than I was earlier this week. Funerals bring back memories, memories that I'd rather not have. Luckily I started running last year. If I didn't have those endorphins coarsing through my veins, I don't know what I would do. Probably move into McDonald's or something worse. I'm probably also PMSing, which makes me more emotional anyways. Plus, tack on the stress of work/finals for good measure. It's no wonder I'm a temporary headcase.
I can't wait until the first day I have completely off. I'm going to Galveston beach with my journal. I think I'll write a book.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sunday
Due to work and family issues, my posting will be sporadic this week.
Let me fill you in on what's been going on...
1) TAKS scores. 95% of my students passed! Only 7 didn't! Woo-hoo!
2) Running. I did indeed go 6 miles Friday morning. I was tempted to not go, but reminded myself that there won't be too many great running temperatures. The first three miles were fine, but my legs started to shut down after that. I did finish all 6, but was shuffling at the end. It's the longest I've gone since the marathon.
3) Play. The second weekend went well. I had one friend on Friday (he was one of the very tiny audience, but he enjoyed it). I had three friends on Saturday (and the audience was great). I think we still have 4 more weekends of it.
4) Social life. Getting better! But I have to take a break this week because of finals.
5) School. Hectic. I have so much grading to do, plus final exams to write and the final exam study guides. The final is to be turned in by Wednesday, and the study guide to be passed out by Wednesday. Problem: My grandfather died last night, so I have to hurry up and do this stuff now, since I have a funeral to attend. Oh, and I have to write an exam for my sophomores for Tuesday.
So, please bear with me. I might not write again for a few days. I will be running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly Thursday and Saturday. I hope.
Sigh.
Let me fill you in on what's been going on...
1) TAKS scores. 95% of my students passed! Only 7 didn't! Woo-hoo!
2) Running. I did indeed go 6 miles Friday morning. I was tempted to not go, but reminded myself that there won't be too many great running temperatures. The first three miles were fine, but my legs started to shut down after that. I did finish all 6, but was shuffling at the end. It's the longest I've gone since the marathon.
3) Play. The second weekend went well. I had one friend on Friday (he was one of the very tiny audience, but he enjoyed it). I had three friends on Saturday (and the audience was great). I think we still have 4 more weekends of it.
4) Social life. Getting better! But I have to take a break this week because of finals.
5) School. Hectic. I have so much grading to do, plus final exams to write and the final exam study guides. The final is to be turned in by Wednesday, and the study guide to be passed out by Wednesday. Problem: My grandfather died last night, so I have to hurry up and do this stuff now, since I have a funeral to attend. Oh, and I have to write an exam for my sophomores for Tuesday.
So, please bear with me. I might not write again for a few days. I will be running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly Thursday and Saturday. I hope.
Sigh.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
What a difference 10 years makes...
I was not pretty in high school; in fact, I was an ugly duckling. I didn't really become pretty until I was in my early twenties.
The photo on the right was taken in 1996 at the Hard Rock Cafe sometime right after my high school graduation. The other girl is my best friend from high school (the bride-to-be).
The photo on the left was taken last month, coincidentally with us posing the same. So for those of you who think I talk about dieting too much... this is why. I'm 80 pounds lighter now than when I graduated from high school (at least at my reunion in a few weeks I won't be lamenting over gained weight - I'm probably one of a few who can say that).
More Running...
Woo-hoo! Does anyone see the weather forcast for tomorrow! I am going to take full advantage of the low(er) temperatures! It'll probably be the best weather we'll have for months.
Actually, today is quite gorgeous, but I set aside the running to clean my house and write a final exam (or two).
Yesterday was day 2 of Kenyan Nights. I'm still a bit self-conscious, but that's what makes me want to stick it out. I am stubborn, remember, but will continue! I am going to make every single run (except maybe next Wednesday, but I'm trying to get out of the school thing I have). Actually, last night wasn't bad at all. We did less hill work (yippee!) and I felt pretty good afterwards. My abs have been hurting for days because we do a bit of ab work at the end; my abs are not as strong as they used to be, I guess.
My mileage is going back up, which makes me happy. Due to time constraints and soreness, I only got in 5 miles last week (that's a far cry from the 30+ miles I've been doing). This week I've already gotten in 8, plus I'm going 6 tomorrow, a couple Saturday morning and a couple Sunday evening. I hope to have 20 by the end of the week, and then I should be back to normal soon. By the end of the summer, I want to build the 30+ miles to 40; I have the time so why not?
Nothing else interesting happening with me. I was harrassed by a very aggressive homeless person at the post office this morning and I honestly thought he was going to hurt me. I was telling the story to one of my favorite co-workers and he told me I need to get an attitude and should learn to say, "Listen motherf****r" to peopl more often. I laughed. Don't get me wrong; I do curse, but I don't usually curse AT people.
Two more weeks until the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, today is quite gorgeous, but I set aside the running to clean my house and write a final exam (or two).
Yesterday was day 2 of Kenyan Nights. I'm still a bit self-conscious, but that's what makes me want to stick it out. I am stubborn, remember, but will continue! I am going to make every single run (except maybe next Wednesday, but I'm trying to get out of the school thing I have). Actually, last night wasn't bad at all. We did less hill work (yippee!) and I felt pretty good afterwards. My abs have been hurting for days because we do a bit of ab work at the end; my abs are not as strong as they used to be, I guess.
My mileage is going back up, which makes me happy. Due to time constraints and soreness, I only got in 5 miles last week (that's a far cry from the 30+ miles I've been doing). This week I've already gotten in 8, plus I'm going 6 tomorrow, a couple Saturday morning and a couple Sunday evening. I hope to have 20 by the end of the week, and then I should be back to normal soon. By the end of the summer, I want to build the 30+ miles to 40; I have the time so why not?
Nothing else interesting happening with me. I was harrassed by a very aggressive homeless person at the post office this morning and I honestly thought he was going to hurt me. I was telling the story to one of my favorite co-workers and he told me I need to get an attitude and should learn to say, "Listen motherf****r" to peopl more often. I laughed. Don't get me wrong; I do curse, but I don't usually curse AT people.
Two more weeks until the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
No Time! No Time!
Sorry for the lack of updates (some of you guys get snippy when I don't update regularly)...
I don't have a lot of time to type, so please pardon any typos you see..
Here's what's going on with me...
1) School. Finals are soon, so I have to write one, plus the study guide, plus catch up on the stack of grading I have. Plus Microsoft Excel crapped out on me and I lost my gradebook program for this six weeks. Luckily I have an updated printout, but I have to put it all back in my computer. Sigh.
2) The play. Thank God rehearsals are over. I'd have no time for them this week!
3) Running. Yep, still running. Started with the "Kenyan Nights" program last night. Hill work kicked my ass and I realized that I am the slowest person in the group, which hurts my ego. Whatever. I don't ever want to be super-speedy, I just want to speed up a bit. Today, June and I jogged 3 miles. We were going to go 6, but the heat got to both of us.
4) This weekend. I won't get anything done this weekend since I have a guest coming from out-of-town, so I'm trying to do everything now. Damn, I need more hours in the day. Or I need a day off. I am going to be busy during my off period tomorrow and I'm going to try to get to school and hour early each day to get this stuff done!
I must grade for the next 30 minutes. Hopefully I'll get a good chunk done.
I don't have a lot of time to type, so please pardon any typos you see..
Here's what's going on with me...
1) School. Finals are soon, so I have to write one, plus the study guide, plus catch up on the stack of grading I have. Plus Microsoft Excel crapped out on me and I lost my gradebook program for this six weeks. Luckily I have an updated printout, but I have to put it all back in my computer. Sigh.
2) The play. Thank God rehearsals are over. I'd have no time for them this week!
3) Running. Yep, still running. Started with the "Kenyan Nights" program last night. Hill work kicked my ass and I realized that I am the slowest person in the group, which hurts my ego. Whatever. I don't ever want to be super-speedy, I just want to speed up a bit. Today, June and I jogged 3 miles. We were going to go 6, but the heat got to both of us.
4) This weekend. I won't get anything done this weekend since I have a guest coming from out-of-town, so I'm trying to do everything now. Damn, I need more hours in the day. Or I need a day off. I am going to be busy during my off period tomorrow and I'm going to try to get to school and hour early each day to get this stuff done!
I must grade for the next 30 minutes. Hopefully I'll get a good chunk done.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Opening Night!
Well, the first showing is officially over and things will only get better. Overall, it was a pretty good show (noone in the audience could tell when a whole page was missed and some of our cues got screwed up) and having an audience is something that we, as a cast, really needed. We've gone over the lines so often that we forget what is funny and the audience has to remind us, or they show us something funny that we hadn't laughed at before. Mom, Andrea and Jeremiah came and gave me the biggest bouquet of roses I've ever seen - I felt like Miss America. They loved it, but Mom said that the acting for me wasn't much of a stretch - she's seen all of those facial expressions and attitudes before. :) What can I say, I'm a drama queen sometimes.
This morning I was awaken to the sounds of a very bad thunderstorm. It ended up going up until 7:30am, so I felt no shame and guilt in sleeping in. I did not go on a 10-mile run, since first it was raining, and then it was wet, but tomorrow morning I'll wake up early and go on a 6 mile jog. I start Kenyan Way on Monday, so I'm not going to cram in a long run before then. Next weekend Andy is in town, so I don't know what kind of long run we'll do. I might have to take a break from long runs for a couple of weeks, which won't do my any damage since I just finished the marathon a week ago.
I went to the gym today! I haven't been in weeks, due to rehearsals. I had fun on the elliptical machine for an hour (5.25 miles) and then hit the upper-body circuit machines. 3 sets of 10 on the chest press (35 lbs), 3 sets of 10 on the shoulder press (35 pounds), 3 sets of 10 on the lateral raise (27 pounds), 3 sets of 10 on the tricep push (35 pounds), and 3 sets of 10 on the lat pull-down (75 pounds). Tomorrow, after I get back from Galveston, will be a lower-body workout, but not very hard since my muscles are probably still a bit torn.
I also went to the movies. I saw "United 93." It was not at all what I was expected. It wasn't a typical "Hollywood" blockbuster and was very tastefully done - they used so much first-hand information and didn't fictionalize a lot. This version was based more on the events, not the people. In fact, flight 93 wasn't even hijacked until an hour into it - they focused on all of the hijackings from the points-of-view from various air-traffic controllers, which showed the confusion and fear of those on the ground, as well as reactions to the planes when they crashed into the WTC. The most "exciting" part was the last 10 minutes, which is when the passengers from flight 93 rebelled, leading to a very thought-provoking and appropriate ending. I won't give it away, but the ending is very well-done (yes, we know the plane crashes, but it's how the filmmakers portrayed it that made it interesting yet disturbing).
Time to go to Yvonne's bridal shower and then to the theatre.
Cheers!
This morning I was awaken to the sounds of a very bad thunderstorm. It ended up going up until 7:30am, so I felt no shame and guilt in sleeping in. I did not go on a 10-mile run, since first it was raining, and then it was wet, but tomorrow morning I'll wake up early and go on a 6 mile jog. I start Kenyan Way on Monday, so I'm not going to cram in a long run before then. Next weekend Andy is in town, so I don't know what kind of long run we'll do. I might have to take a break from long runs for a couple of weeks, which won't do my any damage since I just finished the marathon a week ago.
I went to the gym today! I haven't been in weeks, due to rehearsals. I had fun on the elliptical machine for an hour (5.25 miles) and then hit the upper-body circuit machines. 3 sets of 10 on the chest press (35 lbs), 3 sets of 10 on the shoulder press (35 pounds), 3 sets of 10 on the lateral raise (27 pounds), 3 sets of 10 on the tricep push (35 pounds), and 3 sets of 10 on the lat pull-down (75 pounds). Tomorrow, after I get back from Galveston, will be a lower-body workout, but not very hard since my muscles are probably still a bit torn.
I also went to the movies. I saw "United 93." It was not at all what I was expected. It wasn't a typical "Hollywood" blockbuster and was very tastefully done - they used so much first-hand information and didn't fictionalize a lot. This version was based more on the events, not the people. In fact, flight 93 wasn't even hijacked until an hour into it - they focused on all of the hijackings from the points-of-view from various air-traffic controllers, which showed the confusion and fear of those on the ground, as well as reactions to the planes when they crashed into the WTC. The most "exciting" part was the last 10 minutes, which is when the passengers from flight 93 rebelled, leading to a very thought-provoking and appropriate ending. I won't give it away, but the ending is very well-done (yes, we know the plane crashes, but it's how the filmmakers portrayed it that made it interesting yet disturbing).
Time to go to Yvonne's bridal shower and then to the theatre.
Cheers!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Thunderstorms
I didn't get my mileage in today because of thunderstorms. You know, it's nice not to be training for an event - I don't feel bad missing a day of running. :)
2 things of importance...
1) My play opens tomorrow! It's at Company Onstage in Westbury and we run every Friday and Saturday evening at 8pm for 6-7 weeks. I'll figure out how to put a link on this blog. I will send out the mass e-mail next week. Please don't come opening weekend - we're most nervous.
2) I joined "Kenyan Way: Kenyan Nights" this evening. Starting Monday, for 12 weeks I will be training with runners from all walks/runs of life. Sean Wade, 1996 Olympian and winner of the 2003 Houston Marathon is the head coach. Twice a week I will be doing hill training and speed work with the group. I'm excited. At the orientation, I discovered that Sean is one of the tiniest men I've ever seen (on par with Jeff Galloway) and that I was the largest person there! Not that I'm enormous, but everyone else there actually looked like a runner. I don't look like a runner. But that's not going to deter me - if anything else it makes me stronger and more stubborn. So 12 weeks from now I'm going to be speedier, lighter and much healthier! Bring it on!
Oh, and here's a sign that this is the running group for me: at the registration table, not only did we get a fun goody bag and a free Kenyan Way running singelet, but we also got gourmet chocolate. Chocolate! And it had a little Kenyan runner on it.
Cheers!
2 things of importance...
1) My play opens tomorrow! It's at Company Onstage in Westbury and we run every Friday and Saturday evening at 8pm for 6-7 weeks. I'll figure out how to put a link on this blog. I will send out the mass e-mail next week. Please don't come opening weekend - we're most nervous.
2) I joined "Kenyan Way: Kenyan Nights" this evening. Starting Monday, for 12 weeks I will be training with runners from all walks/runs of life. Sean Wade, 1996 Olympian and winner of the 2003 Houston Marathon is the head coach. Twice a week I will be doing hill training and speed work with the group. I'm excited. At the orientation, I discovered that Sean is one of the tiniest men I've ever seen (on par with Jeff Galloway) and that I was the largest person there! Not that I'm enormous, but everyone else there actually looked like a runner. I don't look like a runner. But that's not going to deter me - if anything else it makes me stronger and more stubborn. So 12 weeks from now I'm going to be speedier, lighter and much healthier! Bring it on!
Oh, and here's a sign that this is the running group for me: at the registration table, not only did we get a fun goody bag and a free Kenyan Way running singelet, but we also got gourmet chocolate. Chocolate! And it had a little Kenyan runner on it.
Cheers!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Too Hard, Too Fast
I've been called many names. Stubborn is the one that comes to mind today.
I wanted to go on a 4-mile run, thinking that I was feeling up to it. I planned on a nice, 13:30 average mile pace - a bit harder than Monday's run but easier than normal.
I stopped at a 5k. Why? Because I went balls-out and tried to go back to my pre-marathon pace. Not only did I did it while in my recovery week, but I was attempting to do it in 90 degree weather. And during "Hell Week" - dress rehearsals, which mean staying at the theatre later and getting less sleep. Plus I drank maybe 10 ounces of water all day.
I need to take better care of myself, especially since I'm still recovering from the marathon.
Distance: 3.1 miles
Place: All around my neighborhood. Damn, was it boring.
Time: 39:02
Average pace: 12:37
Intervals: Jog 4 minutes, walk 1 minute (still easier than my jog 5 minutes, walk 30 seconds or my jog 1 mile, walk 30 seconds). See, I'm still kinda taking it easy.
Mile 1 - 12:16. Felt pretty damn good.
Mile 2 - 12:33. Still feel good, but getting tired.
Mile 3 - 13:11. Getting very tired and hot.
.1 - 1:01. Must stop. All of a sudden, I felt like I could go no more.
I walked another 1/2 mile home - in the very shiny and hot sunlight.
Tomorrow I'm going to aim for 5 miles.
Cheers!
I wanted to go on a 4-mile run, thinking that I was feeling up to it. I planned on a nice, 13:30 average mile pace - a bit harder than Monday's run but easier than normal.
I stopped at a 5k. Why? Because I went balls-out and tried to go back to my pre-marathon pace. Not only did I did it while in my recovery week, but I was attempting to do it in 90 degree weather. And during "Hell Week" - dress rehearsals, which mean staying at the theatre later and getting less sleep. Plus I drank maybe 10 ounces of water all day.
I need to take better care of myself, especially since I'm still recovering from the marathon.
Distance: 3.1 miles
Place: All around my neighborhood. Damn, was it boring.
Time: 39:02
Average pace: 12:37
Intervals: Jog 4 minutes, walk 1 minute (still easier than my jog 5 minutes, walk 30 seconds or my jog 1 mile, walk 30 seconds). See, I'm still kinda taking it easy.
Mile 1 - 12:16. Felt pretty damn good.
Mile 2 - 12:33. Still feel good, but getting tired.
Mile 3 - 13:11. Getting very tired and hot.
.1 - 1:01. Must stop. All of a sudden, I felt like I could go no more.
I walked another 1/2 mile home - in the very shiny and hot sunlight.
Tomorrow I'm going to aim for 5 miles.
Cheers!
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Stick
I'm in love with "The Stick" - and get your mind out of the gutter.
I'm referring to the rolling-massage-pin thing that I bought at the Crescent City Classic 10k Expo. If you are a runner and don't have one - GET ONE!!!
My quads have been tight, and knowing that I had to wear high heels on stage at tonight's dress rehearsal, I massaged my quads with it. After about 10-15 minutes of rolling, my quads felt 100% better - at least, during normal standing and walking (stairs are still a bit tricky). I easily moved onstage, happy that I wasn't wincing at every step.
The show opens on Friday! Who's coming to see it??!! I'll give out more details tomorrow (and maybe a photo, now that I've figured out how to put photos on the page).
Cheers and happy dreams!
I'm referring to the rolling-massage-pin thing that I bought at the Crescent City Classic 10k Expo. If you are a runner and don't have one - GET ONE!!!
My quads have been tight, and knowing that I had to wear high heels on stage at tonight's dress rehearsal, I massaged my quads with it. After about 10-15 minutes of rolling, my quads felt 100% better - at least, during normal standing and walking (stairs are still a bit tricky). I easily moved onstage, happy that I wasn't wincing at every step.
The show opens on Friday! Who's coming to see it??!! I'll give out more details tomorrow (and maybe a photo, now that I've figured out how to put photos on the page).
Cheers and happy dreams!
First Run Back
Today's pain threshold was reasonably high; either that or I just didn't hurt that much. My feet feel fine (except my little toes are still sore as usual), my ankles were a bit stiff today, my knees ached only a little, my quads were screaming less and my glutes were only midly uncomfortable. Even my back is quickly healing. I find that if I sit too long, it takes a few seconds to stand up straight, and sometimes it's a bit sore to do that.
All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. In fact, I felt good enough for a short recovery run. I was looking back in my Runner's Log for 2005, and was slightly disturbed by my poor record-keeping skills around the marathons. I think that it took me two weeks to go for a run after San Diego, and Marine Corps took a week. For Marine Corps, I could just go back into my blog archive but I'm too lazy for that.
My recovery run was only 2 miles, due to the lack of time (I decided I wanted to go for a jog at 5:15pm, which was too late to put in more than 2 miles). I donned my running gear, happily put on my Aasics (I need to get new ones soon so that I can let these get dirty) and hit the pavement around my house. One block is a bit over 1/4 a mile, so I went up and down a few blocks to get in the 2 miles.
I decided to go nice and easy for many reasons. #1 - I'm not suicidal. #2 - I realize my muscles are already delicate and I didn't want to strain them so quickly. #3 - It's freakin' hot outside and #4 - I still hurt a bit.
Surprisingly, I didn't hurt while I jogged - the soreness popped out while I was on my walk breaks (I jogged 4 minutes, walked a minute). I know that my time doesn't matter, but it's a habit now.
Mile 1 - 14:16
Mile 2 - 14:44
I wasn't hurting, but my legs are still sore (duh). This week will be filled with tiny slow runs to get me back to where I was safely.
I've also decided to look into one of Sean Wade's running programs for the summer. I'm going to need something to do during the summer, I'll get to meet new runners and he does a lot with hill work which is something I want.
Time to set a new goal. Now that this race is done, my new goal is.... to get my half-marathon time down to 2.5 hours. Considering I was at 2:47 hours Saturday, 2.5 hours is extremely possible. Plus, my next half-marathon isn't until Labor Day, so I have plenty of time to work towards that goal.
Cheers and good running to all!
All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. In fact, I felt good enough for a short recovery run. I was looking back in my Runner's Log for 2005, and was slightly disturbed by my poor record-keeping skills around the marathons. I think that it took me two weeks to go for a run after San Diego, and Marine Corps took a week. For Marine Corps, I could just go back into my blog archive but I'm too lazy for that.
My recovery run was only 2 miles, due to the lack of time (I decided I wanted to go for a jog at 5:15pm, which was too late to put in more than 2 miles). I donned my running gear, happily put on my Aasics (I need to get new ones soon so that I can let these get dirty) and hit the pavement around my house. One block is a bit over 1/4 a mile, so I went up and down a few blocks to get in the 2 miles.
I decided to go nice and easy for many reasons. #1 - I'm not suicidal. #2 - I realize my muscles are already delicate and I didn't want to strain them so quickly. #3 - It's freakin' hot outside and #4 - I still hurt a bit.
Surprisingly, I didn't hurt while I jogged - the soreness popped out while I was on my walk breaks (I jogged 4 minutes, walked a minute). I know that my time doesn't matter, but it's a habit now.
Mile 1 - 14:16
Mile 2 - 14:44
I wasn't hurting, but my legs are still sore (duh). This week will be filled with tiny slow runs to get me back to where I was safely.
I've also decided to look into one of Sean Wade's running programs for the summer. I'm going to need something to do during the summer, I'll get to meet new runners and he does a lot with hill work which is something I want.
Time to set a new goal. Now that this race is done, my new goal is.... to get my half-marathon time down to 2.5 hours. Considering I was at 2:47 hours Saturday, 2.5 hours is extremely possible. Plus, my next half-marathon isn't until Labor Day, so I have plenty of time to work towards that goal.
Cheers and good running to all!
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