January 29 - February 4

It is kind of a weird week. I just came home from a trip and Rob is leaving to go on one. Technically my marathon training starts next week. So I am just going to exercise this week, but not follow the training plan. I am not going to be able to run outside the three days he is gone.

Monday - Kickboxing - 30 minutes

I did the 10 minute kickboxing solutions. I had planned on going running at lunch, but unfortunately a major headache hit me around 11 AM--probably from exhaustion. Thankfully Derek and Kara played really nice and the ibuprofen kicked in. I felt better by 12:30. The kickboxing went well. I can tell my body is still tired from travel and an intense weekend.

Tuesday - Rest

I am not doing any kind of exercise routine this week. I could not run today due to scheduling conflicts. Honestly I felt like I was running all day because it was going from one thing to the next. Rob leaves for Philly tomorrow. Originally I thought about running at 6 AM until I realized he has morning Bible Study. He's not home until Friday at midnight. So I might do videos the next three days or even just rest. Next week begins marathon training and I want to hit it hard. My body needs the rest. Where I strained my hip is not hurting anymore--I think I will run even better since I laid low last week and this week.

I actually ate really well today without exercising. I am realizing our biggest issue is not snacks, but high calorie & high fat suppers. I am hoping to try out some new meals and I'm hoping that's not met with a lot of resistance! I refuse to make separate meals for everyone.

James also e-mailed me and found me a road bike!!!! Woo hoo! I might have it by Sunday!!! And I might re-start my gym membership with the reduced cost (I can't go on Mondays & Tuesdays and I have to join the South Club which is smaller). That would mean I could run on the treadmill on days like today where I can't run in the morning and afternoon. I could also ditch the videos for awhile. I don't mind them, but I would take a class over videos.

Wednesday - Rest

Still enjoying the running break. Managed to eat within the calories even without the running. Wow--it can be done! Was going to do a video in the afternoon, but lost Internet, phone, and Netflix. Managed to fix it myself two and a half hours later without freaking out. I got a lot of done which was a blessing. So distracted by facebook and e-mail it's not even funny! But could not squeeze exercise in there. Going to try and hit it hard come Monday when Rob comes home and we'll be back on a schedule. I might have my bike by then too!!!!

My moods have been so solid lately. Like even better than when I went on medication last winter. I am zero meds right now. Nothing. I have not felt this good in a very, very long time. It just makes me want to cry because I feel like I have control over my anger, rage, moods, frustrations, and disappointments. I don't constantly feel like I am on the verge of losing it. It might be that the kids are older and somewhat easier. Like this morning Kara had a 5:40 AM wake up call again and took forever to settle down. Normally I would get anxious and frustrated and even angry (especially because Rob is out of town). I was so calm about it. Getting the kids ready this morning was better. It didn't feel like a chore. Hailey and I were dancing around the kitchen and Derek and I were laughing about a book last night. I took all three kids out to Wendy's and it was a blast. I had so much fun with them. I have not had these kind of moments in a long time. I've never had them when Rob is out of town. It's always an anxiety ridden couple days with little sleep. I don't know if it was getting away by myself, going to a conference, some very very deep talks with friends lately that were super encouraging, or the counselor I am seeing sporadically. Maybe it's a mix of all. But I feel like something is awakened me and I am fully living again.

Rest of the week = rest

I am glad I took the whole week off. I caught a cold that started to get really bad Friday night and into Saturday. I took Nyquil Saturday night and was loopy all of Sunday--why can't my body handle that stuff? I take the normal dose! I slept so much on Sunday--like over two hours in the afternoon and ended up skipping out on the Superbowl Party. Oh well. I feel so much better today so it was worth it.

Pre-Marathon Training Week #8

Monday - Ran 3 miles, 11 minutes of stretch and abdominal workouts

This is my last week of pre-marathon training. Although when I looked at the calendar last night, I think I miscalculated it and I should have another full week before I train for the marathon. I think I am going to start Week #1 anyway. It could be I get sick and miss part of a week. Or I end up running an earlier marathon and have to adjust the weeks. At this point I would choose to run Newport, but it could be Tacoma works better. Or Newport sells out (I am told it sells out fast).

Today was the first day in forever I woke up at 6 AM and got my run in during the morning. I also got a bunch of work done before the kids woke up. I have a cazillion e-mails to send today. The run went fine. I like the early morning. I just ran to Sumpter Park and back. Stretching was a little crazy with Derek and Kara running all over the place and Kara trying to climb on me. I was happy to have it done. I need to do this more mornings. All morning and into the afternoon I was so calm and did not yell at the kids once. It helps the house in clean and the laundry is caught up. I don't feel stressed or anxious at all today. Man, I wish every day could be like this.

Tuesday - Ran 3 miles, 10 minutes of stretching and abs

I got up at 6:15 AM and got in an argument with myself. I did not want to run outside because it was wet and cold. I thought I would just work on other stuff until the kids got up and run at Rob's lunch. I knew it would be still be raining by lunch time and we might get home from Bible Study until 12:15. I opened and closed the door three times before I finally went out and ran in the cold rain and came back soaked again. The run itself was fine though. I think the combination of good eating, the stretching and cross training, and dealing with mental issues in the last month or so have made my running so much better. I enjoy it more and feel like my pace is faster too. Can't stand the weather, but can't do anything about that.

Trying to get catch up from the rest of the last week.

On Wednesday I was absolutely exhausted from all the running and I needed a break. On Thursday Andrew and I were leaving for the conference in the morning. My original plan was to get and run intervals in the park before we left. I was up too late the night before and I had my regular anxiety about traveling (though not nearly as bad since I was traveling without kids). It's hard to explain but I hate packing, I hate check-in, I hate security, and I hate how my appetite and stomach goes so up and down while traveling. On Friday I ran on the paths behind my parent's house which was awesome. I did about three miles. Parts of the path were icy and I had to stop and walk. On Saturday Andrew and I were in meetings all day and we didn't get back until the evening. I was so tired!! I still went to bed at midnight because I couldn't sleep. Sunday I slept in until 8 and we had church and travel. I don't feel guilty about taking a break because my body really needed it.

In terms of eating, that was tough too. I did a little bit better than at Christmas, but I went over the calories every single day. But not way over. I am not sure it is going to make all that much of a difference in my weight--maybe a pound or so. To be honest I don't really care. There just is something about someone offering you cake at their house and saying you don't want any. There are instances where you have to politely ask for a small piece and enjoy it. I told myself if I did this diet again I was not going to be get obsessed and become a slave to it. It's also hard eating healthy at a conference and especially when you're surrounded by people with different eating habits Andrew was making fun of my "rabbit food" and "salads." I did enjoy a big burrito and a hamburger without gorging and eating for comfort. It is pretty easy now to be home and revert back to the way I was eating before. And start running on a regular basis again. I don't think I am going to have any problem with that since I was on such a great routine before I left.

Pre-Marathon Training Week #7

Monday - Ran 3 miles, 13 minutes of stretching and ab workouts

It was not a very busy day but I had a friend coming over around lunchtime and she leaving her daughter here to play with Hailey. I was happy Hailey had someone to play with today. Rob ended up working from home for half hour from 3:15 - 3:45 so I went running in the snow again. It was actually more like rain. Almost all the snow melted by noon and the temperature warmed up. Then it started to get brisk around 4 PM, but so far it doesn't seem that snowy. Hard to say if school will be cancelled tomorrow--we'll have to see when we wake up.

I ran the regular 3 mile route to Holder. It went well and I felt pretty strong. The muscle in my left hip is sore and felt strained after I got back. The stretching helped. My lower back is also really sore. I have done a lot of running the past few days. It works with my schedule to run tomorrow and take Wednesday off. But if the pain gets worse, I am not going to overdue it. It feels good to be working out, eating better--my mood is significantly better.

Tuesday - Rest

We got hit with a major snowstorm and there was blowing snow and slush all over the roads and sidewalks. Running was too much of a challenge. I would have been running in a couple inches of slush. I did some major cleaning. Like I decluttered the whole family room. It was a workout. I was sweating and had to drink water. That might be my cross training this week...not sure what the rest of the week looks like.

Wednesday - Ran 4 miles, 15 minutes of stretching/karate abs

Today was one of those days in I don't know how long that I did not want to run. I was dreading it. Mood was crummy. We've had major cabin fever around here. We've not seen sun since last week. I wanted to do my six miler, but it was pouring rain. Not just a little rain--like buckets of cold rain. I did not want to deal with cold, numb feet and being drenched for an hour. And the wind was bad. So I switched to my other workout and did 4 miles. Because it was deathly cold yesterday I assumed it was today. I wore my jacket, wool gloves, and a knit hat. I was so overdressed. I really could have worn shorts and a t-shirt. The rain was more warm than cold. I can't judge the temperatures here. It could be in the 40's, but with the rain it can be so much colder. It depends on if it's a cold rain or regular rain. One day you might have to bundle up with layers and the other day you can wear t-shirt and shorts--so confusing. Once I peeled off layers, I felt fine. I started off crummy and thought there was no way I would be able to complete it.

Thursday - Pace Run - 45 minutes, 12 minutes of stretching and ab workouts

Salem is flooded. Crazy. It was so peaceful and quiet running because they are telling everyone to pick up their kids from school early and stay home. The man hole by Hailey's school is flooded. I saw dump trucks and pick ups everywhere. The kids love playing in the lake in back and side yard. :) The two creeks I run by were rushing and high--but not spilling on the road yet. It was rainy and windy when I started, but by the last half of the run it had stopped. Since I am told this rain came from Hawaii (Pineapple express) it makes sense it is such a warm rain. It feels like April outside. I was happy I was able to complete my run and do some stretching as well. My quads hurt so bad. I almost took Tylenol this morning. Not sure why. Never have this kind of soreness when I run. It has to be from something else I am doing. It actually feels better to do squats and run uphill (two things I usually hate) because then I am stretching them. It doesn't feel like an injury--just intense soreness.

Friday - Ran 6.7 miles, 12 minutes of stretching and abs

I was only supposed to run six miles, but I second guessed where a new street was I have not run on before. I made a wrong turn and ended up having to back track which also required me to go up a huge hill. Not a big deal. I felt fine running today. I was not crazy about the rain and starting to get cold. My feet stayed dry for the most part until the last mile or so. We haven't seen the sun in a week and I'm starting to feel a little drained by all the grayness. I feel good when I get outside--just wish I didn't come home so drenched. I ran by the creeks that flooded over the roads yesterday. They are down considerably. It's amazing how bad it got so quickly! There's still rain in the forecast the next couple days so I'm wondering if we're going to have flooding issues again.

Saturday - Cross training - 30 minutes of Crunch Boot Camp & 43 minutes of yoga

I have not done boot camp in a couple months and I was surprised how much it hurt. I added push ups this week into my stretching/circuit routine. They are so tough for me. I can barely do five in a row. I struggled with push ups the most. The rest was fine. Yoga hurt even more because my muscles are all so tight. Rob came home with the kids halfway through yoga and helped me extend the stretches. He said in karate they sometimes have stretching partners to help utilize the stretch to its fullest potential. Rob and I talked about doing 15-20 minutes of yoga twice a week in the mornings. We like the idea, but not sure how excited we'll be to get up and do it. We both have a hard time getting up early. On the first stretch I was pushing the stretch on my shoulder to hard and my bad shoulder actually popped out. I freaked out for a moment and got it to pop back in. It has not popped out in a couple of years--I think two years ago was the last time. It did not hurt that bad, but I wonder if the push ups is straining it too much. Eating wise I am doing OK. I ate too much at lunch--I really didn't need to eat that much. I had a smaller supper compared to other nights and hardly snacked at all. We did see the sun briefly today--ironically the day I don't run. :)

Sunday - Ran 8 miles & 11 minutes of stretching and abs

Weather was TERRIBLE! It started out with no rain--just gray skies. The wind was so strong. I ran against the first few miles. I was extremely thankful I did the headwind first so I could get it over with. It was so strong that it kept blowing my hat off my head. Going up hills I felt like I was almost walking. I don't think I have ever run in wind that strong. It was slightly better once I went down the last Sunnyside hill by the Creekside golf course. I was more in a valley and the wind was less. This is much lower elevation hence why it was all underwater on Thursday. By the time I got to Commercial, I felt better. The run was getting easier. The last two miles were awful. The rain started--not just a light sprinkle. Pouring rain. I was drenched and my arms were starting to go numb. I just wanted to get home. I was so cold when I got in the door. I felt like I had jumped in a lake. I was glad I completed it though and I only stopped to eat gu around Mile #5. I drank water at the lights. Stretching was fine. I am not doing push ups for a couple days. My bad shoulder is still moving and almost popped out again. Next week is a lighter week running wise so I am looking forward to that. I built up so much tolerance to crappy weather this week that I am pretty proud of myself. I ran in snow, pouring rain, and huge winds all in one week.

Pre-Marathon Training Week #6

Monday - Rest

It was a really bad day. Super crummy. Have had too many of those lately. :( I felt better in the evening.

Tuesday - Ran 3 miles & 30 minutes of Crunch Gym Ab Attack

It's sunny!! Yay! And cold, but not too bad. I needed a new three mile route so I ran in the neighborhood behind Salem Swim Club where Hailey takes lessons. I really like that route and would do it again. Not crazy about running on Commercial, but it's only a short stretch. I felt tired and winded on the Idylwood hill. I really think my body kicks in after 2.5 miles because that's when I start to feel good and strong.

I did the Crunch DVD I have not done in several weeks. The reverse crunches hurt! It was good and I am glad I fit in.

I feel like the workouts, recording what I am eating, and planning meals is a part time job. I do have time for it right now. And it's worth all the extra work. I thought about trying to run in the mornings again once it gets lighter out just to free up my daytime.

Wednesday - Ran 5 miles

I did my regular 5 mile route that goes through the Sumpter neighborhood. Again my body kicks around 2.5 miles because that's when I feel better. The run went fine, but I didn't feel as strong as I normally do. I kind of struggled with the kids off and on all morning. I was feeling a little mentally off. That affects it. I was glad to complete it. I did great eating all day except my carrot smoothie turned out to be disgusting--need to play around with more recipes.

Thursday - Kickboxing - 50 minutes

Last night I asked Rob if he was coming home for lunch and if I could do intervals. He was not sure. We woke up to Derek being sick. Rob arranged his schedule and did a lot of work from home so I could go to MOPS and take Kara. Then I took Kara to Hailey's swim lesson while Derek watched a movie and Rob worked from home. So it made sense to just do a video today. It meant us both not eating lunch until 2 PM and it was kind of a weird day. But Thursdays are flexible enough that he can do that. I did the whole kickboxing DVD--all 50 minutes. I have not done the fat burn track yet. I was a little scared when the first thing she says is, "This workout is tough." Oh my was she right! I really enjoyed it and I could feel it too especially in my abs. It is a nice break from running. Eating went well today except I felt like I had to starve myself all afternoon because I knew we were getting Arby's at night. I ordered the healthier things on the menu, but it still was high calories. I still managed to stay within the calories, but it was so much harder today. It doesn't help with MOPS too. I was really careful about portions--embarrassingly I used to pig out at MOPS. I told Rob the reason is because it's nice to have someone making food for you and being able to eat with friends--and not juggle kids. It's relaxing. The egg casseroles are higher in calories. I purposely did not eat any of the treats. I'm trying not to be a nazi about it. I'm allowing myself to go a little over on the one (sometimes two) day(s) I week don't exercise. I feel like I need to go hard core and be a little nazi like for awhile until I develop better eating habits--which I never really had to begin with.

Friday - Intervals & 15 minutes of karate abs

I kind of waited until the last minute to do intervals. Even though it was Rob's day off, there were lots of appointments and Hailey had a birthday party at night. I was kind was in a rush to do them and they were probably a little short of 400. But at least I got there and did some speedwork. I did karate ab workouts in front of the news and tried to have a conversation with Rob as the same time. That's the kind of day it was. :)

Saturday - 7 miles! & 12 minutes of karate abs

Rob took the kids out for a good part of the morning. The weather was awful. Cold, rainy--so wet. After a mile and half in, I was a little concerned I would get too cold. Even though I was avoiding the puddles, my feet were still pretty wet. I only got really cold when I stopped at the lights. I did not walk at all--just stopped for a minute on Fabry and ate a gu gel. I drank water at all the lights. It took forever for my body temperature to get back to normal when I got home--like well over an hour. A gym membership is looking nice right now. I do like being outside too. I am just hoping we do get a few rain free days this winter. I did see like three other runners out so I know I'm not the only crazy one. I did 12 minutes of karate abs. I am noticing a difference in my abs. They are getting firmer and one of my pair of jeans is too loose! Yay! Love seeing results. Eating went fine yesterday. I went about 100 calories over. Weekends are hard as we usually are more relaxed with meals and eat out. But I was not too far off.

Sunday - Ran 4 miles, Walked 0.5 miles, 10 minutes of karate abs

I went running in a snowstorm and it was awesome! I loved running through the big puffy flakes that tickle your face. Made me miss Michigan. I love Oregon and I am thankful that we get to live here. There is so much about the Pacific Northwest that is absolutely wonderful. I do miss the winter season and some days I would trade in our crummy rain showers for lake effect snow. Anyway the run went fine. I ran the Sumpter neighborhood 4.5 route. I wanted to walk a half mile as a cool down. Then I did the ab workouts. Night church was cancelled due to the snow so it made for a more relaxing Sunday evening.

Pre-Marathon Training Week #5

Monday - Rest

I did not run because it was 30 degrees in Chicago, windy, and slick out. I didn't think my body could handle it.

Tuesday - Travel Day

We traveled all day and were home early evening. SO TIRED! I hate flying.

Wednesday - Ran 3 miles, 20 minutes of kickboxing

Such a difficult run. I felt awful. Having a really crummy day and greatly dislike the post-vacation mode and unpacking. I made myself run because I knew I would feel ten times worse if I didn't do it all. I did not walk at all, but I did felt overly fatigued. I was not motivated at all to do kickboxing, but that went better than the run. I weighed myself and I gained two pounds. I did not keep track of food for three days and did not feel like I was overeating. I felt like throwing the scale out of the window. I was utterly ticked off. I still am not eating right. I never learned how to eat healthy. So much of this is new to me.

Thursday - Ran 5 miles, 10 minutes of ab workouts

Better run! I felt great! Rob worked from home so I could run at 2 PM. The rain had stopped and the sun was actually out. It's so warm--was pushing 60. I ran in a tank top and capri workout pants--could have worn shorts and been fine. I did my regular 5 miler by Sumpter School. Then I did 10 minutes of Rob's karate ab workouts before I went to pick up Hailey. Much better eating today. More fruits and veggies. I talked to Sandy at Bethany about healthy eating and keeping track of food. She sent me a long e-mail about it and look forward to reading it. Still so fatigued from the trip though. I felt like I could go to bed at 8. I always get a second wind after I put the kids to bed.

Friday - Pace Run - 45 minutes, 10 minutes of karate ab workouts

I am pretty sure our scale has a mind of its own. Rob set it back to zero (it was on 5) and I think I lost two pounds since I started My Fitness Pal. Then it was off again today. Need a new scale!

I think I have a minor stomach thing because my stomach has been slightly off. It has not affected my appetite. I am still hungry right before meals. I feel slightly stomach sick and very fatigued at night (which might still be from the trip). I did manage to run and I felt good most of the run. I ran the Sunnyside to Kuebler (love the new sidewalks!) route. I started slow, then built up to probably 8 minute miles for 1.5 miles or so, walked about two minutes, and ran slower the rest of the run. My stomach felt off again the last five minutes. I felt fine the rest of the night. We had the Council Party and I really watched what I ate. I really wanted the triple chocolate cheesecake Rob made--it looked SO good. I think it had around 800 calories and I just couldn't do it--not since I have worked so hard the last few days. He understood and didn't really want to eat it anyway. :) I did not have a lot of time so I did the karate ab workouts again. I know I am getting stronger because crunches are getting much easier.

Saturday - 3 miles & 40 minutes of kickboxing

I had an awful day. I was grumpy and irritable and I didn't know why. Rob made the kids breakfast and got them dressed so I could sleep in. He played with them before going into the office so I could kickboxing. Then I ran at 3:30 when he got home. I am getting tired of running on Lone Oak and the Sumpter neighborhood so I just ran to the Vista Roths and back up Liberty. It was easier running there than back. I think it's more downhill going there and I was against the wind on the way home. I made it. My stomach still hurts a little bit, but not affecting my appetite at all. I think that is affecting my running the last two days. Kara is a little under the weather so I'm assuming we have the same thing.

Sunday - 6 miles & 15 minutes of karate ab work

My stomach is back to normal. Kara seems to be doing OK. She's still probably eating half the amount she usually does (but still wants candy). I think she'll be fine in another day or two. She goes through periods where she eats a lot and then gets picky. Anyway I ran to the Wes Bennet neighborhood and haven't ran over there in a very long time--maybe since I trained for the marathon. The Baxter hill is so massive--I always avoided it and detoured around it when I trained for Sacramento. I decided to do it. I got 3/4 of the way up and walked the last 1/4. I was proud the only walking I did. I could hardly breathe going up the hill--it nearly took everything out of me until I could catch my breath again. The rest of the run was fine. I did Rob's karate ab workouts. Eating was fine. Still figuring some good meal ideas. I love some of my healthy breakfasts and lunches, but I am not one of these people who can eat the same thing every single day. I need like 5-6 different meals to pick from. I can't switch the whole family to skim milk or low fat yogurt. I think I'm going to buy my own lowfat yogurts once we're through the ones in the fridge...and maybe my own milk too. When I was on WW, I bought my own milk and I never got through it in time. I had to throw a bunch out. I could be like Grandma VW and freeze half of it. :) Anyway I am proud of all the running I did this week especially after doing nothing on Monday and Tuesday.