Running It Off

I am a runner

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:06:00 +0000

I was teary eyed when I read this blog post. This was posted by a runner at SparkPeople.com.

Here is an excerpt:

"If you were motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you were a runner. Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be a part of the running community--no matter what his or her pace per mile might be--was a runner. Period."

It is a must read!

I AM A RUNNER!

SparkPeople

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:38:00 +0000

I haven't been here in a while, mostly because I lost momentum. I think I will start posting here again soon but in the meantime you can catch up with me at SparkPeople.

I went on a search to find a way to plan meals so I could follow The Runner's Diet and I found SparkPeople.

It is awesome because the nutritional goals are based on my fitness goals which is great. I've lost 8 lbs since I signed up and the best part is it is FREE!

DailyMile is still my #1 place to post my workouts but I am loving the Nutrition Tracker at SparkPeople.

I also love my SparkPage and I have been posting to the blog daily. I am using it more as a food tracker and I will use this site for race reports, and anything else I decide but until I make more progress on my weight loss you can follow my blog at SparkPeople.

Applefest Run to the Edge Scenic 5K Race Report

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:30:00 +0000

This is my Applefest Scenic Run to the Edge 5K Race Report! Yea, yea, the race was Sept 18^th but I’m just finding the energy to write it now. In fact, I just viewed the results to this race published Monday online so in my defense I waited to get the official race times to write my report. I have many things I’d like to report and I will get to them eventually but it’s just about time I write this one so here I go.

I can’t believe it was three weeks ago. It seems so much longer! As I’ve reported before, since I ran the Ragnar Relay Great River and maybe before, I was having over training issues and I was in physical therapy for a “damaged” left leg. The pain just seemed to migrate from one part of my leg to another but just as I was finally feeling better, on Sept 9^th I pulled “something” in my left calf.

I ran the Morrie Miller 5K on Sept. 11^th then a week later I ran this one. I actually was sick for this one. I spent an entire day in bed on Sept 17^th as I explained in my post SOWL Challenge #9 Get Back on Track. So for this race, I would be happy to just finish.

It was a nice brisk morning, perfect weather for a race. Mr. Man and I did our warm-up, he more than I since I was not feeling well. It was a tad bit cool so I made the decision to wear the long sleeved technical shirt we received in our race packet and I’m glad I did. It was perfect. I would have been too cold.

We positioned ourselves within the pack of runners, moving towards the middle-front of the pack to find a nice spot. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go with my calf issue and my sickness. I just wanted to finish.

We have run this race before; it is a very scenic course, and a bit challenging as well. We basically run up the side of the bluff for about 2.5 miles then down to the finish. I love hills and this is not a race to compare to others for PR but it is a nice fun course.

As I ran the course, I started to remember. It does tend to roll a bit up so some nice ups and downs before the final grueling ascent then a quick down to the finish. I started to think, “Next year I can do this”.

I hadn’t run since the Morrie Miller 5K so my body wasn’t conditioned for running and being sick, I really wasn’t conditioned for running. At first I didn’t think the cold was going to hold me back but after about a mile in I started to feel dizzy and knew that the cold was definitely going to be an issue this time. Also, I was babying that calf so much that I opted to walk a few lengths of the course.

Once I reached the top I decided I had no more excuses. I was warmed up and sick or not I was going to run it in. So down the hill I flew. I kept calculating in my head, based on my pace, what I needed to do to make it in less than 40 min. I sprinted across the finish line wishing I had pushed myself more before now and looking forward to next year when I could run it strong, fast and prepared. I made it in exactly 40:00 min. I had so hoped it would be even 39:59 but I crossed the line at 40:00.

Mr. Man met me around the last corner and ran it in with me which I appreciated very much. I received my ticket at the finish and we got in line for our free bag of apples. I also got a very nice drawstring bag. The finish was nicely stocked with fruit, water, and yummy cookies. We loaded our apples up in our drawstring bags and hiked it back to the start which was a few blocks away. We went home and I was happily able to have a productive day. I had succeeded, I had finished the race. It was a good start to the beginning of my recovery. After this race I decided I was done being injured and sick. It was time to get it back in gear.

Last but not least and arguably the best part of the day, in Applefest Run to the Edge Scenic 5K tradition, Mr. Man made homemade apple pies. He used an old family recipe with a delicious homemade crust. We served slices with vanilla ice cream to family and friends. He is the best and the pies were absolutely the best. “This is better than my mom makes” was our friend’s direct quote. It was the perfect reward for a race day.

Cycling in Bluff Country

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:55:00 +0000

We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most gorgeous areas with miles and miles of country roads to cycle just outside our door. We have some of the best hill climbing for cycling in the country. We live in bluff country in south eastern Minnesota where nature abounds. We have the privilege of riding some of the best roads both in Minnesota and Wisconsin for cycling.

County Road 21 Winona, MN

Fall is upon us and soon we will have to bring in our bikes for the winter. Since I have been concentrating on running I have not gotten out there as much as I would have liked this season and I have sincerely missed my bike.

County Road 21 Winona, MN

These are some pictures from last nights ride. It was an amazingly warm 76 degrees when we set out. We had to take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather before it is gone for the season. I amazingly rode up CR 21 without stopping, straight up!! I have learned some tricks if the going gets tough but I was able to just ride it without stopping and without most of the tricks. So excited!

Me! Excited I made it up the hill so strong!

I am amazed I even have climbing legs. I am convinced it is all the running that carried me up that hill. It isn’t a huge bluff, it is about 1.2 miles to the top but it is all up. There are many more challenging bluffs but I haven’t been hill climbing since May so I wasn’t ready to take anything more plus this ride is one of our best, most versatile rides. Once we get to the top we have 3 or 4 choices on how we go home. This ride was an 18 mile ride. We chose the shortest since the sun was setting fast.

County Road 21 Winona, MN

I have a goal to get 100 miles in before the end of the season, before the bike comes in and sits on the trainer for the winter, but I hope to get more. I can run all winter, I can swim all winter but cycling is a seasonal sport. True, some people ride all winter long but that takes very expensive gear and special tires and we have plenty to keep us busy without winter cycling so until the weather dips below 50 we are going to get the miles in every chance we can get.

Tri-Curious

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:34:00 +0000

Can you see what's on my mind? I found this Beginner Swim Workout for people like me who haven't been lap swimming in a long time. I have done some lap swimming in the past couple years as part of a fitness workout but never with any regularity. It has been since high school that I've done any kind of actual lap swim workouts.

I like this plan, I am convinced that the 400m endurance workout is going to knock me out the first time. Maybe even for a whole week.

I'm planning on 3x a week, switching between endurance and form workouts and swapping for a speed every 2-3 weeks. So endurance, form, endurance then endurance, form, speed every 2-3 weeks. I think I found a plan I can work with until I am ready to move beyond the 1200m distance.

I think the pool is a 25 yd length. I don't think it is a metered pool. I'm not sure about the one at the University where they do the masters swim workouts. I might eventually join masters but not until I can graduate the pre-beginners workouts.

1 meter = 1.0936133 yds Good! I'm not going to worry about conversion. I'll just start with 400 yd.

My daughter is in her 2nd year on the high school swim team. She is loving it. I know she will be able to give me some tips plus there are coaches I can ask if needed.

The plan is regular swim workouts through the winter then open water swim in the spring to prepare for my first triathlon in June. I'm really excited!

I started out a swimmer in life, then became a cyclist, and most recently added running. I'm not done running, I love running. I'm just mixing it up a bit.

I also really miss my bike so we are planning to get out there while the weather is still good. There are still a few good weeks left! Maybe I have 100 miles left in the season. Now that's a good goal! 100 miles on the bike before it goes on the trainer for the winter.

So tri-curious I am! I have a goal.

Morrie Miller 5K Race Report

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:44:00 +0000

After finishing the Morrie Miller 5K Race

I don’t know how I keep doing this but I managed to damage my calf on the Thursday before the race doing absolutely nothing. I was rushing between activities to get ready for Yoga and pop! I could feel something in my left calf let go. Then it felt loose and I couldn’t put pressure on it…just lovely.

Just a day before, my first pre-race run was a two mile run on Wednesday which went quite well. I wish I had more training before the race but I’m recovering from injury, I’m glad I got out there and had a good run.

For this race, I was just determined to finish even if I had to walk. I had somehow encouraged Mr. Man to get back out there. He was training for this one so I was doing it; this race was for him. His previous PR was 24:31 and he was determined to try to beat it. He had let work get in the way of health and taking care of him and it was my influence that pushed him to make the active lifestyle a priority again.

This is the third time we have run the Morrie Miller 5K. The race is sponsored by the Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation which benefits Winona area youth activities. Our first was in 2006 when we moved to Winona which was actually the first annual race.

We had been together for a year at this point. We met on the job in Downers Grove Illinois. The commute was becoming too difficult in Chicago traffic so I took the job in Winona Minnesota and he soon followed. We had decided we were going to have an active lifestyle together and entering races is one way to keep the goal alive.

Mr. Man and I warmed up by running around the high school. I was able to run but cautiously, so cautious I was. I felt the calf tug but I was able to move so I did.

It was the Morrie Miller 5K that I had my PR 5K time of 33:07 in 2008. This year I knew I could not PR, I was not running anything close. I had hoped for at least 12 min/miles but I wasn’t counting on it; especially if I had to walk, it wasn’t going to happen.

The view of Sugar Loaf from Lake Winona

So we heard the bang and we were off. I was determined to focus on form and take it slow. I didn’t care if everyone passed me I was just taking it slow and steady. The first leg is on the road along West Lake Winona, and then it heads around West Lake Winona and back along the same road to the finish at the high school.

As I was running along the road towards the lake, an older man, in his 70’s, who is a life long runner and organizer of several area events, said “hamstring injury”. Wow, he could tell I was favoring that calf!

I kept it slow and steady I could feel the tightness in that calf but I kept moving forward. I never felt tired or winded because I was taking it so easy but as I approached that last mile I let it go. I was warmed up and stretched out and I finished at a 9 min/mile. I am shocked at my max paces overall: 9:35 for mile 1, 10:15 for mile 2 and 9:02 for mile 3. If I had known that I could actually run that fast maybe I would try harder to keep it up. I am so up and down in my pace I always average between 11-12 min/mile and again I averaged 11:43 min/mile overall.

The last stretch pushing a 9 min/mile pace to finish

My final time was 36:22. I was amazed I finished it that fast, actually, considering my injury. I am confident that the days of the 11 and 12 min/mile are almost behind me. I’m confident I can make my 10 min/mile goal this year and 8 min/mile for 2011. And as far as Mr. Man, he finished in 24:56 so close to his PR! He is shocked he accomplished that much. I am confident he will reach the 7 min/mile mark before he knows it. He is running a solid 8 min/mile.

I look forward to the day I can actually be fully prepared for an upcoming race and be able to run it like a race, not just like a training run I’m hoping to just finish. And most of all Congratulations to Mr. Man!

2011 Events

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:59:00 +0000

Polar Dash 10K, January 1, 2011, 1:22:07,
13:14 pace

New Years Resolution 5 Mile, January 8, 2011, 1:00:57,
12:11 pace

Cabin Fever Dash 5K, February 5, 2011 32:50,
10:35 pace

Valentine's Heart Throb 5 Mile, February 12, 2011 55:06,
11:01 pace

Get Lucky Triple 7K, March 19, 2011

Fools Five 8K, April 11, 2011

Root River Triathlon, May 21, 2011

Minneapolis Half Marathon, June 5, 2011

Trinona Triathlon, June 12, 2011

Grandma's Marathon, June 18, 2011

Catfish Days 10K, July 10, 2011

Cardinal Man Sprint Triathlon, July 16, 2011

Ragnar Relay Great River, August 19-20, 2011

Minneapolis Duathalon, August 28, 2011

Morrie Miller 5K, Sept 10, 2011

Applefest Run to the Edge Scenic 5K, Sept 17, 2011

TC 10 Mile, October 2, 2011

Autumn Woods 10K, October 8, 2011

Warrior Waddle 5K, October 15, 2011

Wisconsin Dells Half Marathon, October 23, 2011

Minneapolis Monster Dash Half Marathon, October 29, 2011

Chicago Monster Dash Half Marathon, October 30, 2011

Hot Chocolate 15K, November 5, 2011

Rails to Trails Half Marathon, November 6, 2011

Turkey Trot 5K, November 19, 2011

Jingle Bell Run 5 Mile, December, 2011

2010 Events

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:59:00 +0000

Catfish Days 10K, July 11, 2010, 78:58.0
12:44 min/mile

Ragnar Relay Great River, August 20-21, 2010
Team: Better Than Bond Girls
Overall Place: 277/286
Start Time: 7 a.m.
Total Time: 33:33:28
Team Average Pace: 10:30

Morrie Miller 5K, September 11, 2010, 36:22.0
11:44 min/mile

Run 2 the Edge 5K, September 18, 2010, 40:00.0
12:54 min/mile

Autumn Woods Classic 10K, October 9, 2010, 1:14:20
11:59 min/mile

Warrior Waddle 5K, October 16, 2010, 35:45.0
11:32 min/mile

Monster Dash 1/2 Marathon, October 30,2010, 2:34:20
11:41 min/mile

Rails to Trails 1/2 Marathon, November 7, 2010, 2:48:46.3
12:47 min/mile

Turkey Trot 5K, November 20, 2010, 35:27.10
11:26 min/mile

Jingle Bell Run 5 Mile, December 4, 2010, 1:09:44
13:56 pace

Rotary Lights 5K, December 12, 2010, 37:48
12:11 pace

This is a placeholder for the sidebar link!

2008 Events

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:53:00 +0000

2008 Goodview Gallop 5K, 34:46.0

2008 Morrie Miller 5K, 33.07.0

2008 Run to the Edge 5K, 34:40:00

2006 Events

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:50:00 +0000

2006 Goodview Gallop 5K, 45:20.0

2006 Morrie Miller 5K, Unknown

This is simple, instead of clogging up my sidebar with widgets I'm moving them to posts! I will replace the breakdown with a link to this post. I guess it's kind of an archive. I should have thought of this sooner.

SOWL Final Weekly Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:44:00 +0000

Ok for my next feat I will attempt my final report of the SOWL: Summer of Weight Loss challenge.

As far as weight loss, I have somehow managed to maintain a constant 165 since August 17^th. That’s 5 weeks of nothing. I have decided I am too dependent on running for weight loss. I really need to find a back up plan in the case of injury. Part of it I discovered yesterday: spinning. I should have gotten on my bike trainer and rode it hard. I’d have kept my cardio up and I could have still kicked it on my strength conditioning workouts.

So for a weight loss re-cap for this challenge. I joined the challenge on July 13^th. I think it was just what I needed to push me back on track. In the month of June I managed an 8 lb gain since May 26. I was doing horrible. I was kicking it back in gear with my July training but the motivation I found through this challenge I think carried me until the Ragnar Relay Great River on August 20-21.

So a big thank you to Kerri at mom vs. marathon and all the SOWL participants for their inspiring posts and progress. I have four draft posts for the Summer of Weight loss still pending so “my inspiration” will carry on beyond the September 22 finish date. Stay tuned!

Here is my final SOWL widget update which I will be taking down as of today.

Challenge Dates:
July 1-Sept 22, 2010

Total Lost Since 2/2010: 27.0

Weight on 5/26/2010: 170

Starting Weight on 7/01/2010: 178

Weight on 09/22/2010: 165

Weight -/+ this Week: +/- 0

SOWL Goal: 154

Final Goal: 125-135 (won't know till I get there)

SOWL Challenge #9: Get Back on Track

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:43:00 +0000

So this is “a SOWL thing”, a challenge posted on August 27^th, to get back on track. SOWL is the Summer of Weight Loss and a group of great people whom, lead by Kerri at mom vs. marathon, are connected in a common goal. I need to loose the weight and the inspiration provided through her challenges is one of the things that has kept going. Granted I’ve had a reason for my slack with injury but it has gone too far so I choose this post topic to get back to “the blog” of things.

So why I chose this to write about after such a long absence from blogging I don't know but this blog has been my inspiration to myself and hopefully to others. It is what I do; it is what I want to do; it is what I need to do. In my effort to keep it going, I will write about whatever I can.

This has been one of my “difficult times” methods: to do what I can and don’t worry about what I can’t. I just push through until I get to the other side. I’ve decided that life is never going to be perfect. It is in the imperfect moments that I need to remember what I learned the last time and hopefully it will get me through the difficult faster. That is where I am now, learning how to cope in imperfect times.

It has been 32 days since I finished the Ragnar Relay Great River. Yes, I did that. It was awesome and I haven’t published the report yet. I’ve even ran two 5K races since then but I have been stuck. I’m calling it “the negative creep”. There have been good moments and bad but it is time to get back on the positive track.

I ended up with a terrible cold/flu thing last Thursday night. I made it home from work and crashed. Other than getting up to eat and use the bathroom I slept until 4 p.m. Friday. Part of me things it is “the negative creep” that kept me down for so long but I was sick. I just wanted to sleep, to let my body heal. I don’t have time to be sick. I am struggling enough without being sick.

It was Friday, 4 p.m. and I had slept enough. It was time to get up and push. I went through the motions of living: I woke up, showered, brushed my teeth, drank my Reliv shake, and checked “my connections”. Yes, I’m talking about email, facebook, yahoo, etc. I caught up with the buzz.

One of the “buzz” items was a special two hour Yoga class at Simplicity Yoga and Wellness. I called to ask my friend and teacher what it was about. She told me it was a class focused on breathing, meditation and pose help. I told her I was sick and she said it would be perfect for me. I call it “YogaWellness”. I sneezed, I sniffed, I sucked down water, I hit the restroom 4-5 times, and I elevated my head so I could breathe better during some of the poses but it really helped. I left class feeling much better than when I arrived. Thank you Jennifer!

Saturday morning I was determined to be functional. I ran a 5K race up some amazing hills. (It was mostly uphill and I will write a race report.)

With a race behind me it was time to progress. Slowly, I managed laundry, shopping, lists, coupon tasks, and a nice relaxing tan. By about 4 p.m. I attempted a nap but didn’t need as long as I’d thought. We even had company for a little Madden 2011. I don’t play but I invite a friend over and watch him play. To top the evening off we saw a band at a local establishment that was absolutely amazing. I met some wonderful people who I think I can call new friends. I’d call it a successful day of renewal.

Monday I decided it was a new day and I was going to push. I’m at the point of injury where not running is causing more damage than good. It was the 5K race on Saturday that I started to think that the time of resting is over. It is time to kick it in gear. Time to put injury behind me, I can run.

It was hard to push but I managed a successful 45 minute strength conditioning workout and then headed to the lake to attempt a flat 4 mile run. Hubby went with and we accomplished a 3.6 mile run/walk. The first mile was great, second mile was starting to hurt and then I was done. We walked it back to the truck. I had to fight to keep the mental positive. In the end I convinced myself this was good. I did it.

Tuesday I jumped on the trainer and took “my love” for a spin. (I love my Trek) I sweat out 20 minutes at a 90-100 rpm cadence and managed 5 miles. I have no idea why I haven’t done this before. I could kick myself but this goes on my list of what to do next time. It was easy on the knee, no pain and I could push it all out. I haven’t been on the trainer since the winter months. Why didn’t I do this all along, especially for the past 4 weeks?

I then headed off to YogaCore/YogaPowerSculpt. I seriously love Yoga. The class was small and only the most powerful, challenge loving students attended so she pushed it hard. It was a good intense workout day.

I think I have finally got a momentum going. Today I’m pushing for a 4 mile run and another 45 minutes of strength conditioning. I can do this! Including this week, I have 6 weeks to train for the half in October. I also have a 10K on Oct 9 and a 5K on Oct 16. I am kicking it in gear; I am getting back on track.

SOWL Weekly Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:21:00 +0000

So far I've missed one official SOWL report the weekend of the Ragnar Relay. This report is my September 10th report and again, just last week, I have no progress to report. So I'll make this an injury report.

As of Thursday, September 9, I now have pulled something in my calf. I felt the pop, twinge but never pain, swelling or bruising. There is a definite sore lump inside the side of calf. I actually went to the doctor yesterday and thankfully she doesn't think anything is seriously wrong. Just keep exercising it and when I feel ready I can get back out there.

I was able to run on it Saturday, September 11 in the Morrie Miller 5K run. I concentrated on form, cadence, foot placement, and stride to increase pace and amazingly I ran a 11:40 min/mile while being cautious with my leg. I don't understand how I did that but I did. I think my soreness since the 5K race is more a result of lack of running since Ragnar than any specific injury at this point.

Today I'm limping and achy but the sore lump in my calf is definitely better. I'm definitely headed back to the YMCA today for some leg exercises, maybe a walk on the treadmill to see how that goes and then Yoga tonight. I'm convinced I'll be able to run the next 5K this Saturday. I will be able to do it even if I run it like last Saturday . I just wish I could be actually be fully prepared for one of these races. I'm just hoping to finish them at this point, a PR is out of the question sadly.

I'm so upset that I have actually cried over this. I would like to be able to run. I miss it and I miss the weight loss. I know that this is my first year as as runner. I don't think I pushed it too hard, and I am not discouraged. I will get back out there.

I'm going to have to learn to do more cross training and kick this borderline depressive behavior I've gotten myself into. Maybe get on the trainer and spin for cardio, definitely keep up Yoga, and get to the YMCA and concentrate on those leg exercises. Today is a new day. Again, I start over.

It's the Cherry on Top

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:43:00 +0000

I have been so busy I knew I saw this comment on one of my posts but not until today did I go seek it out and read it. THANK YOU Kelly at Maxi Fortend!

Per Kelly's post, here are the "instructions" for the reward. This is so fun! I have a reason for a post, even though I'm behind on my regular posts this is a fun task so here I go.

1. Answer the question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

What a good question. It's difficult to answer only because I believe that each and every event in my life, good and bad, has worked together to create the person I've become today. And I like me and I love my life. :)

The one and only thing I think I would change would to be a more active person from a younger age. I would have loved to have grown up in a fit household and learned to eat properly and healthy and not have had to fight with the "American" diet and laziness. It is frustrating, at 40, to be still fighting for that ideal weight and fitness level.

I wish I had the mindset and knowledge to accomplish the goal in my 20's so now I could say I've already ran that marathon (or two...or more), done that triathlon and/or duathlon, and now just maintaining and striving for that always better time.

But that's not the case. I am starting now, and I will run that marathon, I will compete in a triathlon, and I will always strive to improve.

The one thing that has always been my life goal: continuous improvement, never give up. That's me. I just wish I had found my place in the fit and healthy lifestyle earlier in life. It's never too late to start!

2. Pick 6 people and give them this award. Make sure to inform the person that they have gotten the award!

So I came up with this list of friends who I think deserve some recognition. Thank you to each one of you for your part in my life!

Tara - A runner girl, running friend and fellow Ragnar teammate!

YogaJen - My yoga teacher, runner friend and our Ragnar team captain!

Christina - A blogger world running friend and true inspiration!

Teri - The first blogger world running friend I found when researching the Ragnar relay and a true inspiration to runners everywhere.

Collin - The ultimate coupon/deal blogger. Without whom I would not have survived 2009 financially.

Deb - A very inspirational friend from childhood who has is a fantastically talented photographer. It is amazing all the things she accomplishes and with a smile!

3. Finally, be sure to thank the person who gave you the award as I did at the beginning of this post.

Thank you Kelly! This was fun. :)

SOWL Weekly Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Well, it's time for the weekly weigh-in. I have nothing at all to report actually. I've been trying to recover from injury. I am finally admitting to being injured.

It's been 13 days since my last real run. I'll have to cover that in my weekly training report. I am pretty much dependent on running for weight loss.

Thankfully I've been able to maintain pretty good. Up and down days but pretty stable. So still at 165 and holding since before Ragnar. I'm fighting to get back on the losing track. I think I need a big push!

I'm hoping to get back in the blogging habit as well, my days have been overwhelmingly busy as I can't seem to catch up with life after Ragnar! And I have to keep training for my half. Oh boy!

Weekly Training Update: August 20, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:59:00 +0000

Oh boy, it's the weekly training update and it's behind by 4 days! I know my running partner, Tara, from 2 Saturday's ago from A New Ending is anxious what I might say about her so I guess I should attempt to recall my week leading up to the Ragnar Relay.

So we left off last Friday when I hoped to get in a run but the weather just didn't cooperate. I wanted to get in a long run Saturday so I decided it was OK.

Saturday Tara came around 6 a.m. and off we went. I almost can't believe I did 9 miles and it felt great! New shoes, haven't run in 2 days, haven't run hills in a week, but the extreme humidity and heat was gone hurray! The miles just seemed to fly by! I think I'm going to start enjoying running and chatting with friends now! :)

I had a few issues with this run but mostly successes. First of all, I had to readjust my shoes a few times. They were new so I had to break them in but mostly it was either they were too loose or too tight. Eventually I got it right and it went just fine. I am also running slowly still which is frustrating but I am hopeful still. There are days I feel like I am just not going to ever be a "real" runner but I won't give up.

The best part was running with a friend. I can't believe how fast the miles went by as we were talking! It would just seem like the Garmin beeped a 1 mile lap time then there would be another. That was sooo cool! I will definitely look for Saturday long run partners regularly. I suppose there is always my mp3 player to keep me company but I will do anything to run with a friend! Thank you Tara!

Sunday I took as a rest day and Monday I had a great 3 mile run especially up hills. I managed a 6:18 min/mile best pace in a short burst! Why can't I just keep it up? At least 9 or 10 minute miles which I can do for short periods of time but I can't average it. I keep saying, "it'll come, it'll come" but when? I suppose that's a reason to keep blogging. To see where I've been and how far I've come.

Tuesday I hit the road early and got in a nice 6 mile run. I was so excited! It was the first time I've actually "ran". I was able to move my legs, long stride and kick up my heels like a real runner for miles. :) And it felt so good! Maybe I can finally pick up my pace. It was 57 degrees when I left the house as well, such a nice morning for a run. I averaged 11:53 min/mile for 6 miles!

Tuesday was a Yoga night. My yoga teacher is our Ragnar team leader and she took it easy today. More focus on stretching, core work and relaxation. The rest of the week I was heading into a taper week. It was a good end to a great few months of Ragnar Relay training.

Wednesday and Thursday I took it easy, fighting myself not to run. I wanted to sooo badly but I held off. Thursday night we decorated our vans for Ragnar and then another more relaxed yoga night.

Friday the Ragnar Relay finally began! At 7 a.m. in the morning we were off! Whew, without dailymile or facebook I would never have been able to recall a weeks worth of training. It has been a long week, I have so much to catch up on. Stay tuned for the Race report. ;)

SOWL Weekly Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:58:00 +0000

Finally I'm posting my weekly weigh-in! It has truly been a busy few days with the Ragnar Relay Great River behind me I can start to catch up.

So this report is from last Friday. I can happily report a 1 lb loss in the previous week leading up to the relay. :) Only one more pound to my next mini goal. It is going so slowly but at least it's going. I really had hoped to make it by Ragnar but it's OK.

I have 11 lb to go to make my SOWL goal by September 22. That's a month a way and I hate to say it but I don't think I can loose 11 lbs in a month. I am training for the half marathon now so I can't wait to see what kind of dent I can make in the next 11 lbs.

I will make the goal by the time of my half marathon but I'd really like to loose it faster. You never know, though, with all this running I just might get there. Follow my progress and see! It's getting exciting now, like when you can almost see the finish line, it's time to sprint to the finish. :)

Weekly Training Update: August 13th, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:53:00 +0000

I wish I had kept this up as the week progressed but it has been a busy week so here I go trying to recall! As of last Friday, I had visited the PT and we decided a pinched nerve in my lower back was affecting my leg. Now I don't know if it is the whole story but I can say that concentrating on my lower back has been helping quite a bit.

Friday I did my strength conditioning workouts and did not run. The weather around here has not been cooperating nor has my time. Saturday was a planned birthday outing for a friend. I did not run that morning either, but just planned a day of fun. I was still limping around a bit on Saturday so I was glad I took the time off. Sunday was yet another day of no running. I did, however, get quite a bit of cleaning done over the weekend! This is something I haven't done in quite some time. I planned the family meals, finished my laundry, cleaned the bathroom, and shopped for groceries. Yay me!

Monday I finally got out there and ran. I did a flat 5 mile around both lakes. It was the first day I felt absolutely no pain or tightness in my leg until I started the run! My leg wasn't happy with me for a the first few yards but it warmed up. It was a hard, hot and humid run. The weather is just not cooperating for a comfortable run this past week. I was determined to just get back into the plan and go. I did it late evening and finished after dark. It was still hot and humid. I finished the run with my first real ice bath. I am not taking any chances!

Tuesday I woke up and did my 45 minute strength conditioning exercises. Then after work I did a kick boxing workout and went to yoga. It was so humid outside and was trying to just ease my leg back into running after not running for 4 days. I haven't done the kick boxing workout in years. I was actually surprised I could do it. It was the easiest I have ever done it but I sweat like crazy!

Wednesday I struggled to find decent weather to run and around 9:30 at night I headed to the lake for another hot and humid (just can't seem to escape it) 4 mile run. Now this was fun, no pain, no complaining from my leg at all. I attempted a fartlek run. Now I've done this type of thing before, but not with a name to it. I ran the first mile or so at my normal pace then I started pushing it aiming for a point to run to and trying to sprint. Now this was difficult since it was DARK.   I really like my headlamp because I can really see but to be honest, running around the lake and through the woods, part of it in the dark, was scary. At my fastest sprint I ran a 7:26 min/mile. It wasn't for long but it was at around mile 2.5 which was right near the end of the stretch of woods. I'm thinking I just wanted to get out of there! I ended the night with another ice bath, again, preventative, I don't want more issues!

Thursday must have been the peak of the hot humid heat. The weather service issued a heat advisory and I just kept looking for the opportunity to run. My last opportunity was 6 pm before Yoga. I even compromised to run 2-2 mile runs, stopping at home between but by the time I was ready to run the heat index was still 104! I was begged not to go and gave in. I had a great yoga class that night and sweat like I never have before in an air conditioned studio! It was so hot, the studio could not cool off even at 7:30 at night. I guess I was glad I didn't run but I did miss it. :(

Today is Friday. I had set the alarm for 4:45 hoping to finally get in a decent run but no, of course I couldn't. Severe thunderstorm warnings and flood watch all morning. So I hit the doze and slept in. I think the severe heat and humidity has finally stormed away. I'm looking to do a 6 pm run in 80 degree weather with less humidity. I didn't want to run tonight, it's Friday. I hoped to just do my strength conditioning workouts and then relax but I need to run.

Tomorrow I have an early morning run planned with 3 other women. Now that should be interesting, last time I ran with someone it was my slowest pace of the season! Hopefully I learned some lessons and I can run without expending my energy talking too much.

So that's the week. What a disappointment! On a positive note my leg feels better and I can run without pain or tightness. I'm learning how to take ice baths, and next week is the race! I am excited about what's ahead! :)

SOWL Challenge #5: Little Rewards

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:53:00 +0000

OK, a couple more posts to catch up. I can't continually be so behind, can I? That's one thing about me, I will keep striving towards the goal no matter what. I'm don't give up.

This challenge is to discuss our rewards. Do I reward myself is a good question. I do plan rewards. I have 5 lb mini goals. As each approaches I do try to give myself a reward to work towards. This year one of my first rewards was a date night. Rewarding myself with food is not desired but this was a sushi dinner and a walk in the park. I figured it was healthy and didn't need to over eat. It was about spending time enjoying my evening out!

It's been a while since that reward. For my last reward I wanted a pedicure, manicure and another date night. I never did reward myself, I've decided to do the pedicure and manicure for my next 5 lb mini goal because that will likely be after the Ragnar Relay. If I don't hit the goal, I'll do it anyway, it will be a gift to myself for finishing Ragnar! I look forward to enjoying a foot massage and having my nails done. :)

More and more I'm finding myself rewarding my fitness, not my weight loss. I think this is working better for me. For example, I want to go out and have a drink with friends but I won't do it unless I accomplish the daily workout, usually a run and sometimes some strength conditioning, or yoga. After all it's the workouts that contribute to weight loss, right?

So what are my rewards? Short term rewards are that drink out with friends, a movie night, or a hot oil bath (not on long run days of course). Longer term are pedicure, manicure, or a new running outfit. As I get closer to my fitness goals there are rewards like new clothing (smaller sized of course!). I'm not sure what else I'd want. I do like the spa day idea. When I make my final weight goal maybe a mini spa vacation with friends. :)

How I Decided to Run a Half Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:01:00 +0000

Although I'm overwhelmingly busy right now I thought I'd take the time to answer a couple questions from last weeks Distance Dreamers post. Yes, I am again behind on my challenges but life itself is a challenge and I'm trying to keep up. :) Distance Dreamers is a source of motivation and encouragement for me since I have made the decision to attempt my first half marathon

What made you decide you wanted to run a long distance race?
Wow what a question. I do enjoy a challenge. I'd have to think back as to why I thought I could. It isn't the Ragnar Relay because I thought about running a half before I thought about the Ragnar Relay. I guess when the bug bit it took some time for me to catch the fever. I think the final answer is I know others who have done it and I decided I could do it too I just didn't know how to get there.

Before this year, I knew I liked the benefits of running. I liked the way it shaped my body, helped me control and lose weight, and the emotional benefits as well but it was always just a workout. I know with running some days are like that, you have to force yourself out the door, but I never ran more than 3 miles at a time before this year and it was always a struggle.

It was the Ragnar Relay that pushed me to run more than 3 miles at a time as I started my first ever training plan. I've never used a training plan but it certainly has helped me to get out of bed in the morning or out the door after work to run because the ITS ON THE PLAN I have to! Since I've started to run more miles, I have come to LOVE RUNNING! I enjoy it, I want to do it, it isn't a struggle to get out the door. Some day's it is by habit, some days it is by need, and I enjoy it. :) So I guess through training for the Ragnar Relay I found out how to get there. I can't wait!

Why the full marathon or half as your distance of choice?

I chose a half marathon because it is well, a HALF a marathon. I've ran 5K races and one 10K this year so half is the next logical step, right? I've chosen my first full marathon in June 2011. I haven't registered yet but when I do you can bet you'll see a post about it!

Why was this the year to go for it?
This IS the year and the answer is "why not"? I am on a roll. I am on a training plan and I am loving having a goal, a next race, something to get me out the door running. The plan keeps me going and I'm on track. I don't know if I will like it, but I know that I will do it again. I already know I want to run it faster, to PR, to challenge myself further, and I haven't even run one yet! I'm so excited! :)

SOWL Weekly Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:23:00 +0000

It has been a crazy busy week and the one ahead is even crazier! I have so many draft posts to complete but I just don't have the time. I'm sure I'll be back to blogging more after the Ragnar Relay.

Well, it's time to report the weekly weight loss again. I really didn't expect much out of this week and I didn't get much but I'm pretty happy with 1/2 lb. With it being female hormonal imbalance week and the lack of running due to the crazy humidity a half a pound is good.

I'm only 2 lb from my next 5 lb mini goal which I'm excited about! My scale almost faked me out and said 164 but I knew it was a fluke and re-weighed at 166.

I guess this is a pretty boring post but tasks are calling me to tend to them. I can't wait to tell you what has been going on because there has been so much! Stay tuned. :)

Weekly Training Update: August 6, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:31:00 +0000

As I said in my post Crazy Week of Running, I wasn't sure if I was going to run Friday or not. I did end up just doing my strength conditioning DVD which felt great! It stretched out my leg which has been stiffening up on me all week.

Saturday I had planned my 3X run but I just couldn't get motivated. With my leg being sore, and so many commitments I couldn't make the time. I did completely enjoy myself listening to my friends Gregg & Natt play the Midwest Music Fest at the Lyon Smith Art Gallery. Then I got to hang out afterward and enjoy my evening. I felt a bit guilty taking the day off but I was able to bump my training plans to Sunday. I really needed to rest my leg another day which turned out to be a really good idea!

For my 3x run I ran my Ragnar legs which are 6.3, 3.2 and 3.7 miles. Sunday I ran the first 6.2 miles in hot humid 2 pm weather. It must have affected my brain because I should have ran 6.3 instead. My leg was a little more stiff after this run. After the first leg I drank a Gatorade Recover, then I ate 2 slices of wheat toast, one with tuna, the other with smart balance chunky peanut butter, and a little later I had a slice of oh so yummy Green Mill Pizza. Then I managed to sleep 1-1/2 hrs before I woke up to get ready.

For my second leg I ran 3.4 miles at 10 p.m. in still hot but relatively much cooler temperatures. It was a gorgeous night run with clear skies and multitudes of stars. I thought I'd make up the .1 miles from the first run but it felt good enough to keep going just a bit more. I got to use my headlamp, tail light and reflective vest. I love the fact it is so easy to see even in the dark and I'm not limited by daylight runs. This time I showered and I'm headed to sleep for the next 6 hrs. :)

For my last leg I ran 4.1 miles at 6 a.m. in yet still humid and hotter than last night weather. Again, 3.7 turned into 4.1 miles. I was well rested and just ran a 4 mile route plus an extra .1 because I was running so well. 13.7 total miles in less than 24 hrs. I did it!

That night I made Kung Pao Chicken for dinner which my family loves. I modified it because I only had 1 package of chicken thawed and I added scallops and a couple fillets of tilapia and served it with whole wheat noodles instead of rice.

Typically I don't eat a full dinner, I eat my biggest meal at the noon hour and lightly in the evenings. As I age I noticed that if I eat at night I more easily gain weight. But I ate. Then as the evening progressed I even hit up dairy queen, something I only do a couple times a year.

Tuesday I woke up very emotional. I did not get to run Monday night because my leg just needed to rest. I took Advil at bedtime and iced it over night and woke up feeling OK. I could have run but I couldn't get out of bed. Maybe it was just the exhaustion of the 3x run. Sometimes I think I take things as though I screwed up so bad that there is no possible way to recover. Probably why it's good to write things down because I can see that just isn't the case. I think running is my anti-depressive, anti-anxiety drug.

I should have just run in the morning because it was over 100 with the heat index. I finally got motivated and decided I could get in my 8 mile run by breaking it up again. Another run, yoga, run! I did 4 miles in the hot humid heat and another 4 miles after yoga. I was able to try out my night gear again. It was fantastic!

Wednesday I managed to actually wake up and run an easy 3 miles. I ran it slow but it felt good to stretch my legs. By mid morning, my leg was stiffening up again and I could hardly walk down the hall at work to use the bathroom. I was not happy to say the least. I decided that I needed to take a break from running. I went home that night and put my leg up and just iced it. I was not happy.

Thursday I was starting to become a mess. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go to work but I did for 1/2 day. Then I stayed home after lunch to R.I.C.E. (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevate) my leg. I think depression was kicking in. I fitfully slept for 2-1/2 hours and woke up and got ready for Yoga. I needed Yoga! As usual it felt so good.

Today is Friday, and after limping around work all morning I called the PT at Sport & Spine . The pain is likely from running on banked roads. I am new to the whole mileage thing and it is just taking it's toll. The PT did some work on my lower back and amazingly my leg felt great. I find that really strange that my lower back could affect my leg. He gave me some exercises to do to build up strength.

Before PT I had just been practicing RICE after every run and it really helped. When my leg is warmed up, it feels great, but in between it tightens up and it's not so good. I will continue with my Yoga Pigeon Pose and add the exercises from PT. I also might get a foam roller. Eventually I'll build up the strength and flexibility. I am definitely learning.

The good news is I am free to run! Tonight I am planning a slow flat 3 mile run around the lake. Then I'll do the exercises the PT gave me and go from there. Maybe I can actually get my long run in this weekend! :)

Challenge: 80 miles in August from Tall Mom on the Run

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:36:00 +0000

I'm excited about a new blogger world challenge and I know I can do it! Tall Mom on the Run has posted an 80 miles in August challenge. I'm posting about it so I remember to email her on Sept. 2nd to let her know I did it. I love challenges! They are definitely a motivation to keep moving!

There is also an 80 miles in August challenge at Dailymile. I also joined that challenge. More and more motivations! Keep em coming!

SOWL Challenge #4: What are your motivators?

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:55:00 +0000

When I read this challenge I was touched to day the least. It did bring tears to my eyes some.

I’ll start with my long term motivator. I have never had a poor family medical history that I knew of until my parents got older. We weren't necessarily a very fit family. We were a family of musicians. My father was an engineer and musician and my mother was a music major turned school teacher. Music and education was our focus, not fitness. I was the rebellious one that was more interested in boys and hanging with friends as a teen but mostly my family was about music and education.

My mom did enroll me and my brother in every sport but it never lasted for me. My brother stuck with it more than me. He was a basketball, cross country and track star in high school as well as valedictorian of his class. Today he is finishing is PhD in Music Performance and is a professional trumpet player. He is quite the over achiever. We played soccer and baseball; figure skated and did gymnastics. I was interested in fitness but I never pushed it very hard. I ran track and joined swim team in high school but only so far as for the exercise, not the competition. I was never over weight in high school but I always wished I was just 10-15 lb lighter.

Then my mom got breast cancer. I was shocked. That doesn't run in our family! How could that be? My family is a family of people that live until they are in their 100's. It was very scary. She recovered but it was a rough road. My parents both also have diabetes, mom has osteoporosis, dad had Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, and a host of other old age issues (and they're not that old) that I must say just scares me.

Fortunately my mom got it under control. She lost all of the weight she wanted to loose by working out at the YMCA several times a week. She is a fitness freak now and an avid cyclist as well. She is one hot momma and definitely an inspiration.

I also want to be an example to my kids. I don’t want them to have the lack of fitness up bringing I did. They need to know it is important to exercise. My boys don't seem to be an issue . They are very active and participate in high school sports. They are thin, lean and muscular. I see my youngest daughter, however, following a lot of my mistakes with food and that scares me. I can’t keep up with her as far as clothing. I swear I refuse to buy her any thing bigger. She will just have to get it under control, but she is only 13 and I can’t seem to get her to understand. My 20 yr old daughter is doing well; she is lean and healthy. She isn’t completely committed to a healthy lifestyle but she seems to know what healthy is basically about.

After having kids and continually creeping the weight on, and the fear of family history, a healthy lifestyle and weight has become a major goal. I had hoped to be at my goal weight by 40 and I almost made it. Now I'm 41 and have to start over again.

Then there are the simple motivators. I want to feel and look sexy. I am active person and I have fun being active. I want to have the energy to be active and I want to run faster and run farther. And for me, I know that running is my key to loosing the weight and being fit.

Then there are the in the moment motivators: friends who want to run, friends who do run, encouraging posts from friends on dailymile.com and facebook.com, running blogs, the next race, to work off an over indulgence, to earn a night out, to fit into my clothes, to post progress each week on my blog!

I guess I am basically competitive by nature. There is my mom, if she can do it, I can do it. And there are my motivators, if they are doing it, I can do it too. And I will!

Canary Melon and Banana Fruit Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (runningitoff1) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Finally I am posting a new fruit for SWOL challenge #2. The recipe I decided to try is Canary Melon and Banana Fruit Smoothie. This challenge is complete several weeks late but I've finally found the opportunity to try my Canary melon. I was able to enjoy it after finishing my 3x run this morning.

Ingredients:

1 - Juan Canary Melon, ripe

3-4 Bananas, ripe

4 tbsp. Ground Flax Seed (modified for ingredients I have on hand)

12 oz. Ice

Preparation:

This recipe makes approximately four 12-oz. glasses of fruit smoothie. If you wish to make a smaller amount, cut the recipe in half. If the melon is small and the volume in the blender container is less that you desire, the volume can be extended by adding additional bananas and/or ice.

Begin by washing the Juan Canary melon. Cut it in half. (If you are using a high speed blender such as a Vita-Mix, scoop the seeds into the blender container. If you do not have a high speed blender, discard the seeds.)

Cut the melon into strips. Cut off the rind from each strip, and add the melon flesh to the blender container.

Add the flax seed to the melon in the container.

Peel the bananas and add the bananas to the blender container.

Add the ice, cover the container, and run the blender at high speed until the contents are creamy smooth, using the tamper as required.

Serve and enjoy!

Canary Melon, Bananas and Ground Flax Seed

Sliced Canary Melon

Ready for the Blender

Canary Melon Banana Smoothie

The perfect post run drink!

Honestly I'd like to find a way to make it a bit sweeter but it wasn't bad and it certainly was packed full of goodness!