Sunday, October 31, 2010

back on track

We did a good job yesterday, getting back on track and heading out for a run. we mapped out a new route so we could measure our distance more. Considering we had not run in a week, we did pretty well, and now that we have a new route we can use that to see how we improve. Our initial route took us 32 minutes to run and we sped up so we had to keep adding in new side streets and cul-de-sacs to run along.

Today we are going to head to the gym and do some weights, i want to do some pull ups and really work on building my upper body strength.

Glad to be back in the game!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Ugh

Ok, well so you all know the running this week just did not happen, although Mark and I are planning to run today and then work out tomorrow (weights and stuff).

With Steve visiting, literally every day we were running around doing things from 8am til 12 midnight or later, so I found no time to take out and run. Thursday and Friday I could have run, but after a ten and a half hour work day on Thursday, and a ten hour work day on Friday I was frazzled. I am glad that Mark and I have pretty much no plans today and tomorrow so that we can spend some time relaxing, but also get right back on track with our running schedule.

I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things!

Friday, October 22, 2010

We ran 30 minutes straight!

We did it! This morning we ran for 30 minutes, non stop! I am so proud of us!

It got off to a rough start when mark asked to walk after only 2 minutes. So we walked for one minute, then ran for thirty! We were out for 35 minutes in total and I was so pleased with our progress!

At what point can one call themselves a runner? I contemplated this as I ran this morning. Six weeks ago the thought of running for 30 minutes was a little terrifying. Now here I am running, albeit at a slowish pace, for 30 minutes. But can I be called a runner? Shouls I call myself a slow paced jogger?

ANNNNNDDDD I am desperate for us to acquire a tracking device to figure out exactly how far we are running. If anyone can recommend one, let me know!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A hit and miss week

So Monday started off unexpectedly well with an afternoon run while Steve and Mark slept soundly. But here we are at Thursday,no second run in yet, and the chance of it happening today are slim to nil, Admittedly, I could leave work for an hour at lunchtime to hit the gym. However, I did that one time before and it was frustrating fighting the traffic just to get there and back. Plus I dont like to use their showers if I can help it!

Anyway, my current plan is to run tomorrow morning (Friday) and then run either Saturday or Sunday morning.

I am working my way through Jeff Gollaway's book regarding the half marathon, and I really enjoy all the things I learn.

Next thing to discover. what do you do if you need to poop during the race?!?!

Monday, October 18, 2010

more like a nature run today!

Well despite my brother Steve arriving less than 3 hours ago, I left him at home to go out for a run.  Kind of. Having been awake for over 30 hours Steve decided to have a kip...then Mark  decided to have one too. Not being the napping kind, I sprawled out on the sofa with a bag of Monster Munch (UK crisps), read women's health and did some sudoku.

Suddenly I though pah I should have gone for a run...and so I threw on my running clothes and out I went. I ran faster than usual, and only took one one minute walking 'break' and was really pleased with how I did.

While out I saw a deer. A DEER! I was so excited! It just looked at me, and was probably 10 feet awat at it's closest. I wish I had my camera, but then again, I never take my camera running. Nature wise I also saw a billion squirrels (well four), and some rabbit poo.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Something is up with my knee :(

I am not sure what...it is not painful per se, just an almost popping feeling when I bend it or lift it. It might be due to a lot of standing up yesterday, a lot of which was in the very cold weather. I am hoping if I take it easy it will be fine in a couple of days.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

I did run yesterday...

we did pretty well on our run yesterday - we walked 2, ran 9, walked 1, ran9, walked 1 then ran 8. We were proud  of ourselves especially as I had awoken feeling below par, and wanted to stay in bed and sleep more. I am proud of how our fitness levels seem to be improving.

So today, after my first oyster shot and only 4 hours sleep, I attended my first tailgating. It was fun, although we naturally bought too much food.

I am now sat blogging at the Navy football game because I am so bored.Seriously, this game is so slow, so stop and start, so anti-climatic, so dull. I would almost rather watch cricket, and that is saying something.

I did enjoy drinking at 10am though...

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

It feels so good to run!

Yesterday we gave ourselves the day off as it was a holiday...well I say that, Mark worked really hard all day finishing the handmade bookshelves, but we had a day of rest from running.

However, this morning we did the right thing and got up early, and ran...and ran some more! It's been great lately as we have added in little extra loops, and have still been running for the same length of time. It is incredibly satisfying seeing our improvements what feels like every time we run.

I also started  reading Jeff Galloway's "Half Marathon: You Can Do It" book. I totally multitasked and painted my nails at the same time...perhaps I can learn to knit while running or something ha ha ha!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

We totally didn't run yesterday morning...

...But we did run today!! Fair play to us for getting out of bed on a Saturday morning and taking a great run around the neighborhood. Mark and I Ran mostly our usual route, but also added some extra loops because we are taking less time on our usual route. We are not running for most of the thirty minutes, taking mayeb two-one minute walking periods. This is such an improvement already!! So proud!!

Tomorrow Mark and I are spending time with some friends, one of whom, Diane, has recently completed a half marathon. From what I have heard her dad is a bit of a marathon fiend!! I am excited to talk with Diane and pick up some more hints and tips for running the half marathon.

On a side note, I am totally addicted to coffee. TOTALLY. We had to make a pit stop at Wegmans at 11pm last night to buy some more coffee to get us through this morning, as we ran out yesterday. Dangerous!! Maybe when I grow up I will BE a cup of coffee. Or maybe I will be the spinach and artichoke dip at Vintage 50, I consume a lot of that too.

My weight 'control' is going well. Despite drinking most nights this week, and having Chinese foor for TWO meals yesterday I have lost a little this week. Always a good thing.

Today will consist of cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!! I am trying to get the house ready for Steve's arrival a week from Monday, and with us having to go away next weekend I have today plus two evenings this week to get the place sorted. UGH! I will blast some Jersey Shore Music and have a Jersey Shore Party while I clean!

Friday, October 8, 2010

I need to get a wriggle on...

Well I suppose the struggle that is finding the motivation to run outside when its cold has stuck me. I had no issues waking and getting up, its just that now Id rather stay in with a cup of tea or coffee than get dressed and head out to run.

BUT I have just downloaded an app to  track how far Mark and I run each day so I should go and give that a try...

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Getting the munchies...

So one of the things I had been concerned about when it came to training for this half marathon was that I thought that my appetite was going to rev up massively. As someone who has a pretty hearty appetite as it is and can pretty much eat a horse at every meal, I was concerned that soon enough I would be eating a horse AND cow at every meal.

But the last couple of weeks my appetite has remained the same, if anything I feel like it is reducing slightly. The only time I get the munchies as such is when Ive had a beverage or two, and then all I want is Dominoes pizza!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

So now Im an elephant...

Hahahaha Dan did it again, this time likening me to an elephant. To his credit, I was walking around with rolled  up rugs on my arms and probably looked like an animal out of lion king. Good job the marathon training is going well and the pounds are dropping or I would have a complex...

So yesterday morning we did not get up and run. After the busy weekend at the Rennaissance Festival in Maryland we were shattered. BUT we DID take a longer lunch break than usual and spent the time at the gym! I walked 1 min, ran 27 and walked the final 2. I also ran faster than I have before, which I was pleased about, though I know speed isn't a goal for me.

I am still really enjoying "Chew on This", and just got "Fast Food Nation" out of the library too. I find books on subjects like health and nutrition fascinating. It's fascinating but scary at the same time!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

An amazing weekend...with a sore head...

What an amazing weekend! Mark and I went with a group of friends to the Renaissance Festival in Maryland on Saturday, then camped out in a cute little log cabin...being round the campfire was fun, trying to sleep on the bunk bed without a pillow, not so fun.

So now my head and neck ache (though the head ache may be from too many Bee Sting drinks yesterday...) and my left leg is a little sore from sleeping weird I think. PLUS its raining outside, and will probably be raining in the morning...will we get up to run? OF COURSE WE WILL!

Well, I say that now, check in tomorrow for an update!!