This has been a terrible week in my world of running. My full-blown cold has turned into bronchitis and a severe ear infection. I ran 3 or 4 days this week (that's how bad it it, I can't even remember) and all of my runs were at a very easy pace. Yesterday I went to the doctor, which was how I found out about the bronchitis and ear infection, and told her I had a race next week that I was training for. I am allowed to run, however I am not suppose to push it. In other words, its all easy runs this week (with the exception of the race), or at least until I start getting better.
I am still hoping to PR on Saturday, but I am not getting my hopes set too high.
Its ironic that we started studying the immune system this week in biology. Not only has my immune system gone on vacation, but I have been researching, evaluating and thinking a lot about nutrition. Stress, nutritional choices, bacteria or viral exposure and many more things affect your immune system. The decline in my immune system most likely stemmed from the stress of a family member dying, which led to improper nutrition, lack of appetite and sleep deprivation, further leading to low calorie intake while maintaining and even increasing my training, all of this allowing the bacteria I was exposed to take up residence in my body.
I have lately realized that I am not giving my body the proper nutrition not only for running, but just to function normally. I spent a few hours researching and evaluating nutrition, weight loss, eating dysfunctions, athletes, etc. I have set some goals for myself and am currently (starting today) making an effort to eat healthier, more quantities, more often, and at optimal times for energy and recovery during training.
In other news, I discovered that I can graduate with my bachelors in May 2013 and hopefully my masters two years after. I am very excited as I will probably be able to graduate a semester sooner than I have originally thought.
Well, off to go to Sam's Club and then for an easy run. So tired still...
Happy Running :)
The crazy normal life of a running-addicted woman.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The Wonderful World of Running
This past week has been great! I have achieved running goals and had a great week of training. Last Saturday I went for a long run. Usually I can't get myself to run longer than 45 minutes at a time and any runs that have been over 5 miles have usually been split up. However, this time I was determined to run for an hour without stopping. I grabbed my iPod, put on my ankle bunga pads (for those of you that don't know, those are typically used by figure skaters) to avoid scrapping all of the skin off of my heels again, and started off on my run. The first mile was difficult. I am not good at setting a slow pace (I always want to push myself faster) and was struggling to find a pace that wouldn't kill me. Finally I got settle into a pace. I ran 6 miles in 60 minutes, which I consider a fairly good pace for the first long run.
Thursday morning I woke up with a slightly scratchy throat that had transformed by Friday into a full blown cold. Yesterday morning (race day) I ran a 5k in 25:26, cutting 34 seconds from my race time last month! I am very excited! My Mom also ran the 5k, it was her first 5k and she did great! She ran the entire race! We had a lot of fun.
Our next 5k is in two weeks (March 5th). My goal is to cut another 30 seconds off my time and finish under 25 minutes.
Thursday morning I woke up with a slightly scratchy throat that had transformed by Friday into a full blown cold. Yesterday morning (race day) I ran a 5k in 25:26, cutting 34 seconds from my race time last month! I am very excited! My Mom also ran the 5k, it was her first 5k and she did great! She ran the entire race! We had a lot of fun.
Our next 5k is in two weeks (March 5th). My goal is to cut another 30 seconds off my time and finish under 25 minutes.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Running Gadgets and Cognitive Running
When it comes to running gear and gadgets I am sort of a "naturalist". I believe in having the essentials; shoes, shorts/pants, sports bra, and shirts/jackets. I also will run with an iPod on occasion (the occasion that I actually remember to grab it). I think the idea of a Garmin running watch is fine and I wouldn't mind having an iPod touch with "cool" running applications. But honestly, those things tend to be more distracting to me while running than helpful and are not essential for running.
However, I have discovered a gadget that I would LOVE to have. It is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. It was created to be used with the Nike+ shoes, however there are ways around it if you do not have Nike shoes, which I do not. The kit comes with a wonderful little wireless sensor that you place inside the special pocket in the sole of your running shoes (assuming you wear Nike shoes). There is also a wireless receiving device that you plug into your iPod. As you run the shoe sensor sends information to your iPod that tracks your progress, pace, distance, calories burned, and duration of the run. My favorite feature is that it gives you real-time updates during your run. You can choose to have spoken feedback alerting you of milestones reached your pace and time, or how far away you are from your goal. You can find more information and buy it at the Apple Store.
I have high hopes of purchasing this gadget sometime in the near future. However, between the cost of college, 5k entry fees, bills and everything else going on in life right now, it does not have a high ranking in our budget. But as soon as I do purchase it, I will test it out and let you know my thoughts and feedback on it.
I was very excited to discover that I have had 71 people view my blog. I only have two followers, but viewers are good.
Running Update:
Grandma Gibbs will be missed by so many loved ones. She was an amazing woman who will continue to live through the memories of her legacy: her children and grandchildren. We are sad because we miss her and it hurts to know we will never see her again in this lifetime. But we rejoice in her homecoming. She will is no longer in pain, no longer suffering, but has been welcomed into The Father's embrace. She is home.
However, I have discovered a gadget that I would LOVE to have. It is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. It was created to be used with the Nike+ shoes, however there are ways around it if you do not have Nike shoes, which I do not. The kit comes with a wonderful little wireless sensor that you place inside the special pocket in the sole of your running shoes (assuming you wear Nike shoes). There is also a wireless receiving device that you plug into your iPod. As you run the shoe sensor sends information to your iPod that tracks your progress, pace, distance, calories burned, and duration of the run. My favorite feature is that it gives you real-time updates during your run. You can choose to have spoken feedback alerting you of milestones reached your pace and time, or how far away you are from your goal. You can find more information and buy it at the Apple Store.
I have high hopes of purchasing this gadget sometime in the near future. However, between the cost of college, 5k entry fees, bills and everything else going on in life right now, it does not have a high ranking in our budget. But as soon as I do purchase it, I will test it out and let you know my thoughts and feedback on it.
I was very excited to discover that I have had 71 people view my blog. I only have two followers, but viewers are good.
Running Update:
- I have recruited my Mom to run her first 5k. We are running in one and half weeks. My goal is to run the 5k in 25:30 or less, but I am not going to beat myself up if I do not reach my goal considering I haven't been training hardcore over the last few weeks.
- Sunday: My husband and I ran 4 miles. I love when my husband decides to run with me and it was a wonderful run.
- Monday: I ran two miles with a friend and continued to run two hard miles.
- Tuesday (today): I ran two miles this morning at a moderate pace. I had hoped to run this evening, but too many variables were against me.
Grandma Gibbs will be missed by so many loved ones. She was an amazing woman who will continue to live through the memories of her legacy: her children and grandchildren. We are sad because we miss her and it hurts to know we will never see her again in this lifetime. But we rejoice in her homecoming. She will is no longer in pain, no longer suffering, but has been welcomed into The Father's embrace. She is home.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Results
Saturday morning begin with my alarm going off and me jumping out of bed (okay, I don't actually jump at 6am). I put warm running clothes on (I heard it was around 38 degrees at that time) and drove to Winter Park. After I figured out the confusing parking situation, I went to the registration table to pick up my number, chip and awesome t-shirt and head back to the warmth of the car. Over 2300 runners showed up. Needless to say, the beginning of the race was extremely crowded. I, of course, had been fighting a case of nerves for the last 12 hours and spent half of the race convincing myself (and the butterflies in my stomach) that all I had to do was run. I reminded myself over and over again that I was running this race for ME and that I was the ONLY PERSON setting the goals. I felt like I was getting ready to get on the ice at a major figure skating event (I use to be a figure skater) and had to worry about landing huge jumps, when I all really had to do was RUN!
Anyways, after calming my nerves, I discovered that my legs were getting really tired and I wasn't even running as fast as I have in the past. Apparently I over did it the day before. I decided that I need to add some strength training into my workouts (the day before a race). Oh, and I forgot to eat breakfast (oops!).
In the end, I was happy with my results. I ran the 5k split in 26:00 (exactly!) and ran the entire race in 27:05. My goal was to run the 5k in 26:00 or less and I (barely) achieved my goal! I was running 8:22 miles. The last 5k I ran was 6 months ago and I finished in 29 minutes, so I cut over 3 minutes off of my time!
Things I Learned:
-I have to eat something before a race. A banana, a little oatmeal, a protein bar (yuck), etc.
-I need to wear a zip up jacket on cold days, not a hoodie.
-If I run at all the day before the race, I should take it easy and not push my muscles.
-I LOVE RUNNING!
I am planning on running in another 5k next month. I was looking at one in two weeks, however, I just came down with a nasty cold. I think I am going to do the one in four weeks to give myself sometime to get well again and to train. I would really like to cut a minute off of my time. My best 5k time (unofficial, during training) was 24:25. By the summer I would like to be consistently running 5ks in the 22:00 range. I am thinking about joining a running group to help push me farther.
Happy Running :)
Anyways, after calming my nerves, I discovered that my legs were getting really tired and I wasn't even running as fast as I have in the past. Apparently I over did it the day before. I decided that I need to add some strength training into my workouts (the day before a race). Oh, and I forgot to eat breakfast (oops!).
In the end, I was happy with my results. I ran the 5k split in 26:00 (exactly!) and ran the entire race in 27:05. My goal was to run the 5k in 26:00 or less and I (barely) achieved my goal! I was running 8:22 miles. The last 5k I ran was 6 months ago and I finished in 29 minutes, so I cut over 3 minutes off of my time!
Things I Learned:
-I have to eat something before a race. A banana, a little oatmeal, a protein bar (yuck), etc.
-I need to wear a zip up jacket on cold days, not a hoodie.
-If I run at all the day before the race, I should take it easy and not push my muscles.
-I LOVE RUNNING!
I am planning on running in another 5k next month. I was looking at one in two weeks, however, I just came down with a nasty cold. I think I am going to do the one in four weeks to give myself sometime to get well again and to train. I would really like to cut a minute off of my time. My best 5k time (unofficial, during training) was 24:25. By the summer I would like to be consistently running 5ks in the 22:00 range. I am thinking about joining a running group to help push me farther.
Happy Running :)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Let the Races Begin!
To begin (and further motivate me) this new running "season", I am going to run the Seasons 52 5.2K on January 22nd! I have a week to prepare for this. I am already pumped! I am just hoping that the weather warms up some before then because otherwise its going to be a very cold morning run. My goal is to run it is 26:25 (8 minute miles). I would love to run it in under 26 minutes, but I haven't ran a race in awhile and I don't want to pressure myself with overbearing goals for this first race.
I love the weekend. Especially this weekend. Last night was my last class until Tuesday and I worked for half a day today. Its almost like having a 4 day weekend. Plus Mark has today off, so we are going to be taking off on a date in the next hour. I love date night. Usually Mark works on Fridays and its Ladies Night with my Mom, my Char and Teresa (and Holly when she is not at school or busy). We haven't decided where to go yet though. I am hoping Mark will decide, but I do kind of want to try out the Elephant Bar.
My husband just informed me that he is really hungry. I think that translates to "let's go!'.
Happy running :)
I love the weekend. Especially this weekend. Last night was my last class until Tuesday and I worked for half a day today. Its almost like having a 4 day weekend. Plus Mark has today off, so we are going to be taking off on a date in the next hour. I love date night. Usually Mark works on Fridays and its Ladies Night with my Mom, my Char and Teresa (and Holly when she is not at school or busy). We haven't decided where to go yet though. I am hoping Mark will decide, but I do kind of want to try out the Elephant Bar.
My husband just informed me that he is really hungry. I think that translates to "let's go!'.
Happy running :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Classes and Work and Running....Oh My!
Everybody says the first week of school is the easiest week...I would like to find out who "everybody" is and then "beg to differ". I have already had two quizzes, lots of reading and an assignment. Not to mention the English CLEP Test I took, but I am fairly certain most people do not take that during the first week of school. Yesterday the Registration, Testing and Advising Offices had me running back and forth all afternoon. But the end result was worth it. My class schedule for the semester is officially set and I am enrolled in English 2.
I experienced taking the bus for the first time in 6 years. It was a much better experience than in high school. In addition, riding the bus is EXTREMELY inexpensive compared to driving to school. It only costs $1.00 for students. I cannot drive to school and back on $2.00 worth of gas (not to mention that it is hard to drive a car you don't have). I did consider running home...however I cannot run with my school bag and the direct route is not really pedestrian-friendly. It might be a possibility in the future though (when its warmer). Its only 7.5 miles.
I did run yesterday, only 3 miles though. I am hoping this weather warms up soon. I am hoping I don't break my running goals on the 3rd day. I planned on running this afternoon, but then I remembered I have homework before classes and I have to make a decision. Unfortunately the consequences of neglecting my homework is much higher than if I miss a run. However, I may try and talk Mark into going on at least a mile run (ugh) after classes. At least one mile means I still ran.
RUNNING TIP #2:
Our bodies naturally send warning signals to our brain when something isn't normal. When you run and start to labor a little in your breathing, you may experience slight panic and your body may try to "shut down" (mostly your muscles may feel suddenly stiff or your chest may get tight). The best thing you can to is to relax. Slow your running down, remind yourself that you are still breathing and not "dying", relax your hands (don't clench your hands into fists) and arms, and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. As soon as you relax and your brain is back to normal just pick your pace back up and continue on.
Happy running :)
I experienced taking the bus for the first time in 6 years. It was a much better experience than in high school. In addition, riding the bus is EXTREMELY inexpensive compared to driving to school. It only costs $1.00 for students. I cannot drive to school and back on $2.00 worth of gas (not to mention that it is hard to drive a car you don't have). I did consider running home...however I cannot run with my school bag and the direct route is not really pedestrian-friendly. It might be a possibility in the future though (when its warmer). Its only 7.5 miles.
I did run yesterday, only 3 miles though. I am hoping this weather warms up soon. I am hoping I don't break my running goals on the 3rd day. I planned on running this afternoon, but then I remembered I have homework before classes and I have to make a decision. Unfortunately the consequences of neglecting my homework is much higher than if I miss a run. However, I may try and talk Mark into going on at least a mile run (ugh) after classes. At least one mile means I still ran.
RUNNING TIP #2:
Our bodies naturally send warning signals to our brain when something isn't normal. When you run and start to labor a little in your breathing, you may experience slight panic and your body may try to "shut down" (mostly your muscles may feel suddenly stiff or your chest may get tight). The best thing you can to is to relax. Slow your running down, remind yourself that you are still breathing and not "dying", relax your hands (don't clench your hands into fists) and arms, and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. As soon as you relax and your brain is back to normal just pick your pace back up and continue on.
Happy running :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
20 Days of Running: Day One
Today was crazy busy! I went to work (to the job that I quit three weeks ago...but then they offered me more money to train my replacement, I couldn't refuse...oh and they bought me lunch, yum!), got off work 40 minutes after I was suppose to, rushed home to try and get the car home by 2:00pm (our car died a few weeks ago so my Mom has graciously been juggling her car around and helping me get to school and work), which of course didn't happen (traffic at 1:45pm? Where are all you people going at this time?). Thankfully it worked out.
I was also rushing home to try and fit in a run before my evening classes. Thankfully I double checked my schedule and discovered that I only have one class on Tuesday evenings, not two. That made my day! However, by the time I got home this evening, it was already dark out and Mark was working (he also hurt his foot), which meant no running outside for me. It settled for the neighborhood clubhouse and ran on the treadmill. Every time I run on a treadmill I am reminded of how much I HATE running on treadmills. Its boring, unnecessarily extra work and I always end up getting some sort of muscle cramp. The first half of my run was fairly decent, I was running about 8 minute miles. Suddenly a muscle in my stomach seized and I had to slow it down even more (ugh). I ended up running a 3.15 miles in 26 minutes, running the last .15 of a mile at a sprint (finish strong baby!).
Still working on the water consumption...
Good news: 01/11/11 - 3.15 miles ran
Bad news: 26 minutes? Yuck! Okay, that's not actually the bad news. The bad news is that we have a cold front moving through (cold for Florida). It is suppose to drop down to 31 degrees tomorrow night! Yikes!
I am trying to decide what 5k to run next. I was going to run a 5k in Daytona at the end of the month, but our currently car situation makes that slightly unrealistic. However, there is a 5k in town on the 22nd and another on the 5th of next month...I just need to make a decision. Any thoughts?
Running Tip #1 - Start out slow, even if you can walk as fast as you run, don't give up, just keep pushing to your goal. Mentally distract yourself by listening to music or running with a friend. Try to chat if you can. If running alone, focus on your grocery list, a book your are reading, a movie, a blog you are writing, anything that will keep your mind off actually running. Eventually, you will reach your goal and begin to enjoy feeling your feet hit the pavement (or dirt), the mental relaxation and the "runner's high" most runners experience.
Happy running :)
I was also rushing home to try and fit in a run before my evening classes. Thankfully I double checked my schedule and discovered that I only have one class on Tuesday evenings, not two. That made my day! However, by the time I got home this evening, it was already dark out and Mark was working (he also hurt his foot), which meant no running outside for me. It settled for the neighborhood clubhouse and ran on the treadmill. Every time I run on a treadmill I am reminded of how much I HATE running on treadmills. Its boring, unnecessarily extra work and I always end up getting some sort of muscle cramp. The first half of my run was fairly decent, I was running about 8 minute miles. Suddenly a muscle in my stomach seized and I had to slow it down even more (ugh). I ended up running a 3.15 miles in 26 minutes, running the last .15 of a mile at a sprint (finish strong baby!).
Still working on the water consumption...
Good news: 01/11/11 - 3.15 miles ran
Bad news: 26 minutes? Yuck! Okay, that's not actually the bad news. The bad news is that we have a cold front moving through (cold for Florida). It is suppose to drop down to 31 degrees tomorrow night! Yikes!
I am trying to decide what 5k to run next. I was going to run a 5k in Daytona at the end of the month, but our currently car situation makes that slightly unrealistic. However, there is a 5k in town on the 22nd and another on the 5th of next month...I just need to make a decision. Any thoughts?
Running Tip #1 - Start out slow, even if you can walk as fast as you run, don't give up, just keep pushing to your goal. Mentally distract yourself by listening to music or running with a friend. Try to chat if you can. If running alone, focus on your grocery list, a book your are reading, a movie, a blog you are writing, anything that will keep your mind off actually running. Eventually, you will reach your goal and begin to enjoy feeling your feet hit the pavement (or dirt), the mental relaxation and the "runner's high" most runners experience.
Happy running :)
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