5K training

Before I ran the Wicked 10K, I registered for a 5K in December. Now I have a plan to help me get ready for my fourth race (third 5K). I am determined to have a good race and improve from my last 5K in May.

Mondays: Strength training (sometimes with cardio)
Tuesday: 1-hour spin class
Wednesday: 3-mile race pace run (ugh, not my favorite)
Thursday: Strength training plus V02 max training. V02 max training is basically high intensity interval workouts that help expand your cardio capacity. It should leave spent at the end of it. (Also not my favorite.) It usually involves jumping jacks, rowing machine, running sprints, burpees, etc.
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Speed work
Sunday: Longer runs (starting at 4.5 miles and topping out at 6.5 miles before the 5K)

Yoga as I can fit it in and the rest day gets changed some to fit my schedule!

What is your favorite workout?

Race recap: Stupid running

Me quite wind-blown post race.

I ran the Wicked 10K that I have training for since August. It was my first race that longer than a 5K.

I hear there is such a thing as having a good race or having a bad race. My first two 5Ks went relatively well... I finished them and my time improved pretty dramatically. This 10K was not like my previous two races. Let's just say I was asking my husband after the race why I actually paid to do that to myself. I definitely didn't feel like a runner afterward.

My goal was 1 hour and 15 minutes...it was a little ambitious for me. I am not speedy runner, but I thought I could do it and maybe even be a little faster than that. Well, I didn't reach that goal. My time ended up being 1:21:55.

There were several things working against me:

Weather: I was worried about it raining, but we were actually spared a drenching. Hurricane Sandy was heading right toward us on the coast of Virginia. The one thing I didn't think about was how wind could affect my race. The 10K was at the oceanfront at Virginia Beach. The beach is already a windy place to be, but add Sandy to the mix and the winds were approaching 20 mph. Running into the wind was not fun. A few times I felt like I was running in place! The craziest thing was in between the hotels or on the boardwalk I felt my feet being pushed by the wind. And the stupid wind blew off my hat!!

Nerves: I was so nervous and I am not really sure why. I have run over a mile longer than the distance of the 6.2-mile race. But I couldn't stand still while waiting in my corral at the start line and my stomach was doing summersaults.

My medal!

My body: I was determined to not be dehydrated and to make sure I had enough water. Well, I think I had enough to drink. I had to waste about five minutes waiting in line for a port-a-potty between the 1-mile and 2-mile markers. That was a frustrating delay, but I did feel better afterward. But that feeling only lasted until about mile 4.5 to 5. The side stitch of all side stitches arrived. I tried to run through it, but it would not go away. The pain became so severe at the end that I ended up walking over the finish line.

Positives: I finished! I did complete the race. A year and 58 pounds ago I never thought I would be running a race let alone a 6.2 mile race. I did actually run most of it even when you count the walking I had to do toward the end of it. And I got race bling... my first medal!! Actually, my first medal for any athletic achievement.

Fall running

A fast 3-mile run for me!

I have had a pretty good running week. The awesome fall weather certainly hasn't hurt.

Sunday's weather wasn't as awesome. It was chilly, which was nice, but overcast. I was feeling great and running faster than I normally do. I was attempting to run 6.5 miles (the longest I have ever run) for the first time. About half way through the run, I heard the rain hit the trees first and then the bottom fell out. Not just sprinkling, but a full on downpour. I took a shortcut back to the house and figured I might as well continue running till I got back. I was soaked!!

On Tuesday, it was speed work day...which I am not a fan of. The fastest I have ever run 3 miles in a non-race setting is 36 minutes. I am not a speedy runner by any means, but I have gotten faster. This time my goal was 34 minutes...eek! I was a little apprehensive. My comfort zone is running slow and steady, if you will. But I finished in 34:19... woo hoo! Didn't beat my goal, but I came pretty darn close. I will count that as a win!

I still had that pesky 6.5 miles I needed to get done for my 10K training. So Wednesday, it was on again. It sprinkled again and I was afraid I was going to get drenched but the rain held off! My time goal was 1 hour and 30 minutes. The last half mile was definitely the hardest, but I finished in about 1 hour and 23 minutes. 6.5 miles... check!

Now my next long run is 7 miles (double eek!) and only two weeks until the 10K! I am accepting all thoughts, prayers, meditation, etc. as I go into unchartered running territory!

Beth :o)

Sidelined

So, it has been a long time since I have updated the blog. Life gets in the way, but I am determined to make this a weekly place to commiserate with your running struggles by sharing mine and see how I am trying to live a healthier life! That is my goal from here on out.

My healthy living goals got a little sidelined this past Friday. Just after I got out of the shower, I felt overheated. I was already feeling a little dehydrated (gotta drink more water!). I went to leave the bathroom with a glass of water in my hand and I blacked out for a few seconds. (Note to self: No more glassware in the bathroom!!)

I woke up to my husband at the bathroom door asking if I was OK. I apparently fell, hit my head and the glass broke cutting me in a bunch of places. A bump on my head, a bruised ego and 12 stitches later I am healing. Friday was actually my birthday... not the best way to start off my 31st year!!

And apparently, running is frowned upon when you have stitches on your leg. Weights apparently also not a good idea when your other stitches are on your shoulder. Hmm... sidelined for 10 days. I never thought I would be upset by not being able to work out!!

So here's my plan: Walking as much as I can and make sure my eating is on point this week. I don't want to lose muscle or gain any weight if I can help it!

Beth :o)

It's not the heat...

...it's the humidity. Or something like that.

I hate the heat. The hottest July on record does not help either. I am so looking forward to fall's cooler temperatures and lower humidity. We may be past the worst of it, but unfortunately those fall temps are probably still a couple months away for me.

I just came back from a three-miler and I am soaked with sweat. It wasn't that hot, even a breeze every now and then, but it was quite humid. Humidity is like a straight pin popping a balloon... it seems to take all the air out of a run. I am slower, crankier and sweatier (which I didn't think was possible.) Running definitely does not come naturally to me and humidity just makes it harder.

But I don't think there is much I can do about it - with the exception of leaving the United States' sauna... a.k.a the South.

I hear about dedicated runners getting up at 5 a.m. or before to beat the heat/humidity. This is so not happening. Besides the fact that I am not a morning person, my work schedule does not allow for me to be up that early. I get home from work about 11 p.m. every night and about the earliest I can get up is around 7 a.m. And then I always eat breakfast, have a cup of coffee, etc. before I run. Usually it is about 9 a.m. before I get on the road, but hey at least I am doing it!

Well, there is my rant/whine about the heat and humidity. Any runners with any summer running tips?

Beth :o)

Back in black

Heat wave over... yay!!

I didn't run at all last week. I didn't want to risk it in triple-digit heat and running on treadmills doesn't agree with my knees.

But then there was rain, rain and more rain. I can't win!! But finally, Thursday after almost two weeks since my last run, I had an opportunity and I grabbed it. The weather was not too hot and finally no rain.

It was actually a good run. I ran two big loops around the neighborhood for about 3 miles. I even had a little milestone. I actually ran 1.5 miles without taking a walking break! I know that is not much for some of you serious runners out there, but it was huge for me. I am sure I could have done it previously, but I think my brain has finally gotten caught up with my physical abilities. I am sure my extra spin classes and elliptical time have helped my cardio capacity as well.

Anyway, it was nice to get back to running and to have a good run at the same time. I actually don't hate running any more... hard to believe, I know!! Hopefully, the heat this summer won't keep me from running.

Happy running everyone!!

Beth ;o)

Sidenote: Even after losing almost 50 pounds, I hate bathing suit shopping. I tried on quite a few. I am convinced that none of the cute ones are made for anyone over the age of 20 or bigger than a size 6. Boo on that!! I found something that I think will work, but not before getting annoyed in the process!

A bright night - race recap

The weather was ideal for the Bright Night 5K. It doesn't get much better than the 70s with low humidity in N.C. in May!! We got there super early and had time to make sure our race bibs were on right, get the chips tied into our shoes, get water, go tot he bathroom, etc.

The race was a pretty big one with 300-400 runners and walkers. I was definitely nervous as I found my spot in the middle of the crowd behind the starting line. At this point I wondered again why I decided to do this... I seem to always second-guess myself right before the gun goes off.

Started off pretty well ran nonstop for a pretty good while at the beginning of the race. The first water stop was early.. around the first mile. The side stitch from hell was starting at that point, but it was nice to hear a "Go, Beth!" from my friend Christie at the water station.

For awhile there I ran less than I wanted because my side was hurting so much. I tried taking walking breaks, massaging my side and breathing to help.

I pushed through...it was definitely hard. I felt like it took forever to get to the halfway and two-mile mark. I accidentally left my stopwatch at home, so I had no idea how I was doing.

I dealt with the side stitch through the end of the race. (My husband says better breathing and potassium-rich foods before the race may help next time.) I got re-focused and picked two women ahead of me as people to keep up with.

At the last water station the ladies did not stop, but my mouth was desert dry. I drank two sips of water, dropped the cup and kept trucking. Shortly, after the stop the two ladies started walking and I actually felt like running...so I passed them.

I ran for a bit more, took a brief walking break and was surprised to realize I had pulled ahead from the group around me. One thing that was great about the race was the volunteers cheering on the runners/walkers at each turn!! It helped there at the end.

I turned one of the last corners and decided to run the last bit of the race nonstop. I wanted to stop MANY times, but then I saw the finish line in the offing.

Before I could see the time clock, I saw my husband on the sidelines giving me a thumbs up so I knew my time was good. A smile lit up my face and that only got bigger when I saw the clock. It said 36:10!!! My goal was between 35 and 37 minutes...success!! My chip time was even better...35:53! :)

It was a great feeling that I reached my goal and my hardwork was worth it. My time in February was 39:48...pretty good improvement, I think.

Now onto the next race/challenge. My husband wants me to do a 10K in September...we shall see!

Beth :)

Moving target

Moving counts as exercise, right?! I have changed jobs and moved...not just moving across the street, but out of state. There has been so much to do... no time... not much sleep... not eating like I should.... not working out as much as I can. Can I have a giant glass of wine on the beach?! Like right now!

I don't love the process of moving. There is still stuff to be moved, but I am starting to get settled in the new job with a new routine. It has been a little hard adjusting since I had been at the same employer for eight years.

Moving didn't really help with my 5K training. But I made it through and the 5K went great! (Race recap and pictures to come.) Somehow my weight has still gone down (not much, but still!) throughout the moving process and I am figuring out a workout routine at my new gym.

Update: Running in shorts is not for me, yet. I tried it and they started riding up within 30 seconds of running on the treadmill... sigh.

Beth :o)

To drink or not to drink

I hate working out sans water especially as the summer heat approaches. Recently, I complained about running for an hour in about 80 degree weather without water. My husband then picked out for me a spiffy water belt. It comes equipped with a bottle, holster for said bottle and a zipper pocket (for keys, chaptsick, whatnot).

On Sunday, I had the first opportunity to use the water belt. My husband and I went to a canal trail for our workout. He ran 10(!) miles while I was just focusing on time. I am doing running/walking intervals and trying to increase my running times ever so slowly.

I was even somewhat color coordinated (actually unintentional!). Note the shirt, it is a somewhat slick workout shirt material. Bad move to use this with the belt. Also, note where on my hips the water belt started.

My first two running bursts I wanted to rip the belt off and throw it in the woods. It kept sliding up and spinning around. The belt would end up about where old men put theirs and the water bottle ended up somewhere unreachable. I tried tightening it twice. Finally I gave up and tightened it as much as could around the smallest part of my waist. Maybe not cute, but it was bearable. The water bottle/holster still slid to the back, but that was ok... since it was so high my arms would have knocked into it otherwise. And there was the swishing sound every time I ran...

But, the belt and I reached some sort of equilibrium and I was grateful to have the water.

Any suggestions for hydration while running?!

Beth :o)

The long and short of it

Yesterday was the first time I have EVER worn shorts to the gym. Somewhat of a mini milestone for me in my weight loss.

My 5K in a couple of weeks has the potential to be a quite humid and hot N.C. evening and I figured shorts might be in order.

But, there is no way I am wearing shorts for the 5K without first trying them out. I don't want to be miserable midway through the race. For all you ladies, I am sure you have experienced the annoying shorts that ride up. It doesn't help either if your thighs are rubbing together and there is chafing involved!!

Test 1: Walking on treadmill, elliptical and arc trainer all good. No riding up or anything. (Note: No shorts on spin bikes!!)

Next week I will try them out actually running!

Beth :o)

All in my head

Running is very much about your physical abillity and getting/staying in shape. But so much of it is mental as well. Your body wants to stop, but you have to force yourself to keep running until the next driveway, finish the next minute or mile.

I always thought it was just me who struggled with these things. It takes a lot for me to stick to my training schedule and I am not even running the whole time.

A lot of regular runners just make it look easy... they are just glowing and bounding along. I always feel like I look like I am on death's door — dripping sweat, out of breath, annoyed and just want to stop.

Apparently, I am not the only one feels this way about running. I have talked about trying to convince myself to run to that next mailbox or finish the block. A couple of people have said to me, "That's running." I guess it is not just me.

I don't think my brain has caught up to what my body can do. That is going to take some adjusting. That is part of the reason I am slowing down my training slightly. I hope my brain will hurry and catch up to the rest of me!

Beth :o)

Off track

The past week has thrown my training schedule off. Life does get in the way sometimes. Running was just not a priority and I haven't had the energy. (That may have had to do with not eating the best either. Is trailmix considered a health food?!)

Oh yeah, and just stress in general.

I am determined to get back on track and not let one blah week get in my way!

So, this week I am making a bit of a tweak to my training schedule. To get myself mentally and physically back on track, I am re-doing last week's running plan. Basically I am sticking to my run 3 minutes and walk 2 minutes intervals. If I feel up to it, I will go to 4 minutes running.

Today, I did Zumba, weights and 30 minutes of extra cardio. I am getting in some running tomorrow along with some Turbo Kick... wish me luck!!

Beth :o)

The right stuff

When it comes to running - or working out - having the right "stuff" is very important. (And yes, I meant to get a New Kids on the Block reference in there!)

Shoes are probably the most important, but having the wrong clothing can be quite annoying.

As I have lost weight and started running, I have picked up some new workout capris that are more fitted and a few new tops. The bottoms I have gotten have turned out great... no problems there. The tops, on the other hand have given me some issues.

Some tank tops slide after I get hot and sweaty. One in particular, I was quite excited about. It was cute (light blue bubble tank top) and easy on the wallet (under $20).

Then, I ran intervals in my new top. Every time I ran, up rode the top and I would have to pull it down every time I walked. It got quite annoying after 30 minutes of that. I decided try out the top in Zumba and then Turbokick. Unfortunately, jumping of any kind produced the same results.

I guess that shirt is resigned to the elliptical machine and other tame workouts. Sigh.