Running and Blading

Run Distance: 5 miles, Run Time: 45 minutes

Yetersday's run pretty much rocked. I got my pace down to 9:13 on the TM (usually this only happens outside!). I probably could have done better but I was kind of afraid of pushing too far past my normal TM pace and having to slow it down. But I did end up throwing some incline in there in an attempt to do some hill training. I will tell you though, the treadmill does not appear to be a good place to do hill training. My biggest problem is usually trying to go down a hill after I've just climbed up the other side. My legs feel weaker going down after a large steep climb and it makes me a little nervous. You can't really train for the descent on a treadmill. Anyways, the run on the TM rocked yesterday and I probably could have kept running another 5 but I decided to stick to what Runner's World was telling me to do.

After my run yesterday I went home and rollerbladed with my roommate. We rollerbladed 10 miles and it really didn't feel too bad until we were zoning in on the last 3 or so. My feet started to kill me from being in hardshell boots or something. I wish I could take my rollerblades to Florida but I'm afraid that with the new luggage policies--it would probably cost me an arm and a leg to bring unneccary equipment.

Running and Roofing

Saturday Run Distance: 5 mile tempo Saturday Run Time: 40 minutes
Sunday Run Distance: 4 miles Sunday Run Time: 36 minutes

So my tempo run went well again. I picked up speed for my 3 miles in between the warm up and cool down and hit about 8:15 again.

Sunday I guess I was supposed to run 5 miles but somehow I only thought I was supposed to run 4 (didn't have my plan with me). So I was cut a mile this week.

Today, however, I may have a bit more of a problem on my hands. I'm supposed to run 4 miles. However, yesterday I was on a roof all day helping my boyfriend roof his house with his family. It was actually a good time but now I am absolutely exhausted. I really didn't even want to come to work today but I'm here. My legs are sore from standing at an angle for hours and my toes hurt pretty bad too. So thus, I don't know if I'm going to be able to muster up enough energy to get that 4 mile run in. Plus...I don't have my gym clothes with me today and unfortunately we are scheduled for thunderstorms again tonight. And you all know what happened the last time I headed out in a thunderstorm. Plus I'm a little worried about injuring myself when my muscles are clearly trying desperately to recover from the large amount of activity I put in yesterday. But the whole dilemma with putting my run off today again is that I'll have the 4 mile run tomm then and Wed is a 9 miler. I've found that I much better if I do cross training before the long runs rather than running. But I don't think I really have an option.

At this point I really am just babbling. I'm quite tired after that jam packed weekend. If I skip my run then I desperately need to go to the grocery store instead anyway. Maybe I'll take off running around the store with my shopping cart...

A packed Gym

Elipticals: 4 miles--40 minutes Running--2 miles--20 minutes

The gym was packed yesterday. I kind of thought that it would be a little lighter because it was starting to get warm outside but I guessed wrong. I would run outside but I've become terrified of slipping on ice since I've heard a few horror stories lately that involve some pretty horrid injuries. I think I'll definetly wait for it to get a little warmer outside to ensure that I stay safe enough to be able to run my half marathon.

My workout was pretty good. I pushed it pretty hard on the elipticals because all of the treadmills were taken for a good amount of time. I did get a small run in as well. I found it a little tough to transition from a hard workout on the elipticals to jumping on the treadmill but I was pleased that my body found it challenging.

I've attained a whole new goal other than just trying to complete a half marathon. Now, I really want to try to get into better shape even before I start training in May and hopefully even better shape when I do start training. Yesterday I had a rather big discussion with someone that made me really want to work to look my best.

Side Stitches

Run: 5 miles with some walking. Time: 1 hour. Additional workout: 3-12 Chest Press @ 60 lbs

I absolutely hate getting side stitches. I really wanted to make today a longer run but my side was killing me. I've done some research on the buggers because it affects my workout at LEAST once a week. Evidently these painful cramps are caused by your diagphram hitting your liver as you run. Sounds like a joy eh? You are supposed to be able to get rid of them by :
1) slowing down (I really hate slowing down when I'm trying to reach a goal)
2) Pushing down on your liver underneath your rib cage (I haven't a clue where my liver is...but okay
3) Breathing shallow (I try this and it works temporarily)
4) Stretching the side with the stitch

So in conclusion, I went through all of the advice that I have read and none of it seemed to work yesterday. I managed to make it 3 miles without the side stitch and then toughed out the other 2. Hopefully this problem gets better or maybe someone has some sort of advice that actually helps with this??

Overall I think that my goals will be reached. I hope to run at least one outdoor run a week once it starts to get warm outside.

Ready to Race

So I figured I'd start this blog up to help out those who ARE interested in my running. Those who aren't then don't have to read about it in my regular blog.

I have signed up for a half marathon finally! I will be running the Gopher to Badger Half Marathon that goes from Stillwater to Hudson on August 9th. This has been my ultimate goal for this year and I am determined to make it happen.

You can follow my training through this blog. I will be updating with my workouts and may work in some meal plans as well. I hope to share some insight into running for those are beginning to train right along with me!

Right now I am running about a 6 mile run 4 days a week. On occasion I will get side stitches and have some problems completing the run on a treadmill and will resort to doing my eliptical workout instead. I hope to get rid of this problem so that I don't have to worry about it on race day.

If you have any suggestions or advice, let me know!