I decided to take a week off from running and exercise and like usual that week turned into two weeks. I am not going to beat myself up for it. I had a cold the week before the half marathon and I felt like it was almost gone. A few days after I ran it came back with a vengeance. I was congested and blowing my nose non-stop for two days. Although by the 27th I felt somewhat normal, I can still feel it a little bit. Kara unfortunately caught it and has had a runny nose, coughing non-stop again, and irritable. I have been having flashbacks to when she was a baby and was sick all the time. She would have a cold for 3 (sometimes even more like 4 or 5) weeks, be normal for about 10 days, and then it would all start up again. She just is a magnet for those respiratory and nasal colds. Since school started in September she's had two stomach bugs, one sinus infection that lasted over two weeks, and now a nasal cold. She's catching it from others and we've been around sick people constantly. Kara seems to get it much worse. I was really hoping we could all get healthy over Christmas Break and start next week somewhat normal but I am not keeping my fingers crossed.
I did register for the Minneapolis Marathon and this will be my goal for 2015. With all the colds going around, needing more sleep, and not having much of a schedule I am starting next week. I will be signing up for Spartan so I will start with a bang. I am sure I'll be pretty sore a week from now.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Half marathon and catch up
I have been neglecting this blog but not intentionally. I managed to run a half marathon on Saturday and have a final time of 1:54:52 with a 8:47 pace/mile. I placed 5th in my age category out of 28. I placed 24th out of 183 females. Overall I placed 67th. The weather was terrible. The night before there was talk of a massive rainstorm coming and there were flood warning everywhere. The forecast was 100% rain. Thankfully the rain was at its worst in Portland...though Salem was pretty bad too. As we headed further south to Eugene, it was still bad. But it was a little lighter. Once I started and kept moving, I just kept running. It was only bad between Mile #8 and #10 when there was a lot of blowing wind. I think we were on higher elevation and there was less trees. The course itself was pretty flat and all bike paths which was wonderful. I can't believe I was so fast. I honestly was figuring on 2 hours and after the weather report thought 2:05 or 2:10. It makes me think I could possibly finish a marathon in 4 hours. Some of the runners were much stronger than me at the end. I got passed quite a bit on the last mile. Still struggle with using that last bout of energy to get to the finish line. I think I just feel spent and want to be done.
I was surprised I did that well because I did not get in the long runs the last couple weeks like I had hoped. We've dealt with so much sickness this fall and it had affected training. Last year when we opened our home to more child care kids, I assumed we would catch all kinds of stuff. It turned out to be the opposite. We had our healthiest year ever. Hailey had a weird virus last March that lasted four days. It was mostly a high fever, but it stayed isolated. Not else got anything. Derek did not miss a single day of kindergarten. I think I got one cold last fall and another one in the spring. I didn't miss a single day of work. Most of my child care kids only missed one or maybe two days all year.
Now I don't think I have had a normal week of child care since mid October. I think every single child has been sick at least once and most multiple times since school started in September. We all got sick in late September with a stomach thing. The day after Derek's birthday Kara was sick. It turned into a sinus infection and she coughed for almost two weeks straight. There was a stomach bug in there she had. Derek had it the day before Thanksgiving and a little bit on Thanksgiving. I caught it the Saturday night after Thanksgiving and it was pretty mild. I actually went to church the next day and a luncheon afterwards. By the afternoon I was on the couch. Thankfully I was OK by the next day. Hailey caught it almost a whole week later--exact same symptoms.
A week ago Friday I had a sore throat that lasted about three days and turned into a cold. I took Sudafed and Muccinex to get through the day. We had a Christmas party at night and I took more Sudafed before we left. When we got home from the party, I was in a jittery state and I couldn't sleep. I slept from 11 PM to midnight, but then was awake close to 3:30 AM. I watched HGTV on the couch, but it took forever to settle down and fall asleep. Thankfully I managed to sleep from around 3:30 to 8:30 and I had very little to do that Saturday for once. By the following Friday I felt pretty much back to normal.
I would have a full week of running three times a week, Power, one swim session, and one Group Ride. Then I would get sick and take a full week off. I was really struggling with the consistency and it was getting super frustrating.
Now I am taking this whole week off. I decided I would post half marathon and plus we're going to the coast for a few days anyway. Next week I will get back into it. I may be doing Spartan just for the month of January which is an intense three times a week half hour workout similar to Crossfit. Then I am focusing on training for a marathon I will run in the spring, Lord willing, with mys sister.
The running was really good for Derek. He has so much bottled up energy and this time of year is hard for him as he can't always be outside. So I am going to try and run with him at least twice a week and we might do another race after basketball is over in March.
I am hopeful everyone will stay healthy for awhile, but I know anything goes around here.
I was surprised I did that well because I did not get in the long runs the last couple weeks like I had hoped. We've dealt with so much sickness this fall and it had affected training. Last year when we opened our home to more child care kids, I assumed we would catch all kinds of stuff. It turned out to be the opposite. We had our healthiest year ever. Hailey had a weird virus last March that lasted four days. It was mostly a high fever, but it stayed isolated. Not else got anything. Derek did not miss a single day of kindergarten. I think I got one cold last fall and another one in the spring. I didn't miss a single day of work. Most of my child care kids only missed one or maybe two days all year.
Now I don't think I have had a normal week of child care since mid October. I think every single child has been sick at least once and most multiple times since school started in September. We all got sick in late September with a stomach thing. The day after Derek's birthday Kara was sick. It turned into a sinus infection and she coughed for almost two weeks straight. There was a stomach bug in there she had. Derek had it the day before Thanksgiving and a little bit on Thanksgiving. I caught it the Saturday night after Thanksgiving and it was pretty mild. I actually went to church the next day and a luncheon afterwards. By the afternoon I was on the couch. Thankfully I was OK by the next day. Hailey caught it almost a whole week later--exact same symptoms.
A week ago Friday I had a sore throat that lasted about three days and turned into a cold. I took Sudafed and Muccinex to get through the day. We had a Christmas party at night and I took more Sudafed before we left. When we got home from the party, I was in a jittery state and I couldn't sleep. I slept from 11 PM to midnight, but then was awake close to 3:30 AM. I watched HGTV on the couch, but it took forever to settle down and fall asleep. Thankfully I managed to sleep from around 3:30 to 8:30 and I had very little to do that Saturday for once. By the following Friday I felt pretty much back to normal.
I would have a full week of running three times a week, Power, one swim session, and one Group Ride. Then I would get sick and take a full week off. I was really struggling with the consistency and it was getting super frustrating.
Now I am taking this whole week off. I decided I would post half marathon and plus we're going to the coast for a few days anyway. Next week I will get back into it. I may be doing Spartan just for the month of January which is an intense three times a week half hour workout similar to Crossfit. Then I am focusing on training for a marathon I will run in the spring, Lord willing, with mys sister.
The running was really good for Derek. He has so much bottled up energy and this time of year is hard for him as he can't always be outside. So I am going to try and run with him at least twice a week and we might do another race after basketball is over in March.
I am hopeful everyone will stay healthy for awhile, but I know anything goes around here.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
November 14 to November 18: Feeling better
Exercise:
I am struggling with the "unmotivation" that I think every single runner faces. I really didn't want to get up this morning. It is frigid cold right now...it would feel like a heat wave in Michigan...but we're not used to it having acclimated to our winters here. It's so dark in the morning. It makes it difficult.
Friday I made myself get up and go to Ride. I went out to Applebees with friends on Thursday night. I told myself I would shoot to leave by 10 and even if I got to sleep past 10:30, I would still go to Ride. I fell asleep around 11, but still went to Ride. Probably not enough sleep for a night, but it was well worth it. My Friday (especially the morning) went smoother because of it. On Saturday we hit some bazaars and went shopping which was really fun--nice to not have to be anywhere and be on our own schedule. I ran in the later afternoon and went four miles. On Sunday I wanted to run in the morning but it was so dark and cold--I didn't want to get up. I did run 9 miles around 1:30 PM and it was a beautiful afternoon...and a few degrees warmer. I switched from Hal Higdon's Marathon 3 to Half Marathon Intermediate at least until I run my half in December. Then I'll switch back to Marathon 3 because it will take me all the way to the spring marathon I tentatively hope to run. On Monday I did not do any exercise. Yesterday (it's now the next day--I started this blog post on Tuesday) I ran 4 miles in the morning. It was cold and it took me awhile to warm up, but at least it was dry. Today I swam for an hour in the morning and we did a lot of 150's and slow/fast swims. I felt better than last week.
Food: I am doing better than last week. I still have cravings for junk especially pumpkin bread, but it's not nearly as bad. My breakfasts and some of my lunches have been pretty healthy--I've slid a little for snacks and some dinners. I am not doing too bad.
Sleep: My sleep has been fine. The cat slept with us again and I didn't even know she was there until I went to the bathroom at 3 AM. Last night I woke up at 2:30 AM to noise in the other bathroom. I thought one of the kids was either sleep walking or else just making a lot of noise as they were going to the bathroom. I was going to get up if it continued but I heard them going back to bed. Turns out it was Kara throwing up and she threw up again later on...at least she made it to the toilet both times and nothing had to be cleaned up in her bed/floor--yay! She laid in bed all morning but really perked up by 3 PM. Aside from her appetite not fully back, she is acting normal. I am praying I don't get it and it stays isolated. Pending sickness makes me overly anxious...I almost felt like I was in a panic this morning. I had to find someone to cover youth group and change my plans for the morning...I am just too organized and don't do well when things get changed last minute. But it is a spiritual lesson I am learning and I am trying to not control but trust God's ultimate control. And I guess we'll just see what the next few days bring. Kind of stinks we were dealing with this less than two months ago. And we hardly got sick all last year. Our school has had several kids our sick again and all the toddlers have runny noses--we just can't avoid it all.
I am struggling with the "unmotivation" that I think every single runner faces. I really didn't want to get up this morning. It is frigid cold right now...it would feel like a heat wave in Michigan...but we're not used to it having acclimated to our winters here. It's so dark in the morning. It makes it difficult.
Friday I made myself get up and go to Ride. I went out to Applebees with friends on Thursday night. I told myself I would shoot to leave by 10 and even if I got to sleep past 10:30, I would still go to Ride. I fell asleep around 11, but still went to Ride. Probably not enough sleep for a night, but it was well worth it. My Friday (especially the morning) went smoother because of it. On Saturday we hit some bazaars and went shopping which was really fun--nice to not have to be anywhere and be on our own schedule. I ran in the later afternoon and went four miles. On Sunday I wanted to run in the morning but it was so dark and cold--I didn't want to get up. I did run 9 miles around 1:30 PM and it was a beautiful afternoon...and a few degrees warmer. I switched from Hal Higdon's Marathon 3 to Half Marathon Intermediate at least until I run my half in December. Then I'll switch back to Marathon 3 because it will take me all the way to the spring marathon I tentatively hope to run. On Monday I did not do any exercise. Yesterday (it's now the next day--I started this blog post on Tuesday) I ran 4 miles in the morning. It was cold and it took me awhile to warm up, but at least it was dry. Today I swam for an hour in the morning and we did a lot of 150's and slow/fast swims. I felt better than last week.
Food: I am doing better than last week. I still have cravings for junk especially pumpkin bread, but it's not nearly as bad. My breakfasts and some of my lunches have been pretty healthy--I've slid a little for snacks and some dinners. I am not doing too bad.
Sleep: My sleep has been fine. The cat slept with us again and I didn't even know she was there until I went to the bathroom at 3 AM. Last night I woke up at 2:30 AM to noise in the other bathroom. I thought one of the kids was either sleep walking or else just making a lot of noise as they were going to the bathroom. I was going to get up if it continued but I heard them going back to bed. Turns out it was Kara throwing up and she threw up again later on...at least she made it to the toilet both times and nothing had to be cleaned up in her bed/floor--yay! She laid in bed all morning but really perked up by 3 PM. Aside from her appetite not fully back, she is acting normal. I am praying I don't get it and it stays isolated. Pending sickness makes me overly anxious...I almost felt like I was in a panic this morning. I had to find someone to cover youth group and change my plans for the morning...I am just too organized and don't do well when things get changed last minute. But it is a spiritual lesson I am learning and I am trying to not control but trust God's ultimate control. And I guess we'll just see what the next few days bring. Kind of stinks we were dealing with this less than two months ago. And we hardly got sick all last year. Our school has had several kids our sick again and all the toddlers have runny noses--we just can't avoid it all.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
November 8 - 13: Feeling "off"
The past couple days have felt "a little off." It seems like one major schedule disruption and everything gets thrown off. I find my moods going south. Last Friday night was our middle school all nighter which is always a good time. It is very good for the kids to spend that much time together--relationships are strengthened and the barriers get broken down a bit. They also get to know me better and trust me as a result. The problem is I am 37 years old and my body doesn't handle the lack of sleep like it used to. I managed to sleep off and on from about midnight to 6:45 on the couch in the ETM room. But I was up several times...a full hour between 2:45 AM and 3:45 AM. I didn't feel tired on Saturday. I only took a 45 minute nap around 2:45 PM. But by 10:30 PM I was done and I slept all the way until 8 AM. I did a short 4 mile run Saturday afternoon, but I skipped the Sunday long run.
On Monday the kids were off school, but I did had four here for child care starting at 8:30 going all the way until right before 5 PM. I managed to get a run in around 7 AM, but it was a very busy day. Busy doesn't mean bad--just lots of activity and running from one thing to the next. Again I was really tired by 10 PM. On Tuesday the kids were off school and I had no child care. You think I would feel relaxed and at peace, but I felt "off" most of the day. I felt overly emotional too. I love having the kids home, but I did not feel relaxed. I went to the South Salem track and did a track workout totaling 5 miles in the late afternoon. That helped and I felt better the rest of the evening.
I managed to get to swimming yesterday morning and it felt great to be in the pool. I pushed myself pretty hard. I got a lot done during the day especially because I had no child care in the afternoon. Hailey, Derek and I ran 2 miles in the afternoon.
This morning I did not go to the gym because I felt overly tired again and we had an ice storm. The schools were delayed by two hours and the roads were not good. Our neighbors across the street lost a tree that almost fell on their house. Now the kids are home until 10:15 AM and don't really know what to do with themselves. I can't go to the gym later this afternoon or evening because Rob and I have meetings/Bible Study that conflict with one another.
I just continue to feel "off." My child care schedule has had no routine this week...it's been a lot of kids for a super busy day or one or no one for a day or part of the day. The kid's school routine has been different. My exercise routine has been all over the place. My sleep is still all over the place since the all nighter. I am sleeping good, but I am waking up in the morning anytime from 5 AM to 8:30 AM and that does not work for me. I need consistency. I think routine is something that helps tremendously with my anxiety and moods.
Eating
The inconsistency has affected my eating. I have not been eating great again. I have been craving sweets and chips again. Tuesday was awful...I just kept wanting to get into the Halloween candy. It doesn't help we don't have much fresh stuff in the house right now. I bought some bananas and pears last night.
Sleep
I sleep great at night and wake up very little. The problem is not going to bed at the same time and not waking up at the same time and I hope to get that back on track very soon.
On Monday the kids were off school, but I did had four here for child care starting at 8:30 going all the way until right before 5 PM. I managed to get a run in around 7 AM, but it was a very busy day. Busy doesn't mean bad--just lots of activity and running from one thing to the next. Again I was really tired by 10 PM. On Tuesday the kids were off school and I had no child care. You think I would feel relaxed and at peace, but I felt "off" most of the day. I felt overly emotional too. I love having the kids home, but I did not feel relaxed. I went to the South Salem track and did a track workout totaling 5 miles in the late afternoon. That helped and I felt better the rest of the evening.
I managed to get to swimming yesterday morning and it felt great to be in the pool. I pushed myself pretty hard. I got a lot done during the day especially because I had no child care in the afternoon. Hailey, Derek and I ran 2 miles in the afternoon.
This morning I did not go to the gym because I felt overly tired again and we had an ice storm. The schools were delayed by two hours and the roads were not good. Our neighbors across the street lost a tree that almost fell on their house. Now the kids are home until 10:15 AM and don't really know what to do with themselves. I can't go to the gym later this afternoon or evening because Rob and I have meetings/Bible Study that conflict with one another.
I just continue to feel "off." My child care schedule has had no routine this week...it's been a lot of kids for a super busy day or one or no one for a day or part of the day. The kid's school routine has been different. My exercise routine has been all over the place. My sleep is still all over the place since the all nighter. I am sleeping good, but I am waking up in the morning anytime from 5 AM to 8:30 AM and that does not work for me. I need consistency. I think routine is something that helps tremendously with my anxiety and moods.
Eating
The inconsistency has affected my eating. I have not been eating great again. I have been craving sweets and chips again. Tuesday was awful...I just kept wanting to get into the Halloween candy. It doesn't help we don't have much fresh stuff in the house right now. I bought some bananas and pears last night.
Sleep
I sleep great at night and wake up very little. The problem is not going to bed at the same time and not waking up at the same time and I hope to get that back on track very soon.
Friday, November 7, 2014
October 30 - November 7: Yay for good exercise
Exercise: It has been going so well that I can't remember a time like this when I have been this motivated. The alarm goes off and it takes me a minute or so to wake up...there have been a couple times I have almost fallen back asleep. I know if I don't work out in the morning then I can't work at all--my schedule does not allow afternoons or evenings anymore. Last week Thursday (the 30th) I went to early morning Power. Going to Power after a break like the week prior is painful, but this time was better. I did not feel as sore afterwards. Friday (the 31st) I went to Group Ride which I have only managed to go to once since school started. Of the swim, bike, run--biking is my weakness. I want to focus on biking more after the new year, but I want to get to Ride at least once a week while I can. The indoor biking helps the outdoor biking. On Saturday (the 1st) we had a full day. We had a workday at church in the morning and I did some heavy duty weeding from 8:30 to 10:30. Then I worked at the MOPS bazaar (which was not as much physical labor) from 11 to 2. I got home and ran 4 miles. The weather was perfect--clear and not too cool. On Sunday (the 2nd) I did my long run and got 13 miles in. I started out in the neighborhood behind Roths which is quite hilly (and dark!) but I felt safer than running on Battlecreek which is even darker with so little of a shoulder. It was a really great run, but I was 10 minutes later than I hoped as I had to stop at Mc Donalds and use the bathroom. Monday (the 3rd) was a well deserved rest day. Tuesday (the 4th) was another track run totaling seven miles again...very similar to last week except more 800's and miles. The track was busier which I liked...would rather be around other people than solo. There were like fifty seagulls on the field. Wednesday (the 5th) was another swim workout. I can't think of anything significant about it other than I felt stronger than the week before. Thursday (the 6th) was Power again. I increased my weight on two tracks and could probably increase it a little more. Friday (today the 7th) was Ride. I didn't push myself very hard...at times I was zoning out and going through the motions. I was really tired and not as into it this morning. I am not looking forward to the junior high all nighter and it has nothing to do with the kids. They are great and I don't mind spending that long a time with them at all. It's just the sleep deprivation and it messing up my sleep schedule. I've been so rigid in my sleep lately and it has helped with my anxiety and moods. I just don't want this to throw it off and take days to get caught up. I guess I have some anxiety about it. Rob and I were talking about specific things that trigger anxiety that might seem peculiar to someone else. One of mine is sleep or lack thereof. Another one is falling off my bike or getting a flat tire hence the need to focus more on biking. Because I do like to ride my bike.
Eating: I must be doing something right because I lost another pound and someone said out of the blue today in the locker room that they see I have lost weight. So go fruits and veggies because that is the only major change I have made...and not eating as much brown sugar on the oatmeal. I used to have it almost every day and now I think I've had it twice since school started. I do have ice cream, small candy bars, a cookie, but it is much less than before. I really crave it around that time of the month which makes it quite challenging especially if I am irritable too.
Sleep: I had one small bout of insomnia a couple nights ago and I'm almost positive it is related to that time of the month. The app on my ipad where I track it helps. I managed to calm my brain down so I could fall asleep, but it took a little longer than I would have liked. My mind was racing with stuff I had to do...which really isn't much...but seems bigger than it really is.
Eating: I must be doing something right because I lost another pound and someone said out of the blue today in the locker room that they see I have lost weight. So go fruits and veggies because that is the only major change I have made...and not eating as much brown sugar on the oatmeal. I used to have it almost every day and now I think I've had it twice since school started. I do have ice cream, small candy bars, a cookie, but it is much less than before. I really crave it around that time of the month which makes it quite challenging especially if I am irritable too.
Sleep: I had one small bout of insomnia a couple nights ago and I'm almost positive it is related to that time of the month. The app on my ipad where I track it helps. I managed to calm my brain down so I could fall asleep, but it took a little longer than I would have liked. My mind was racing with stuff I had to do...which really isn't much...but seems bigger than it really is.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
October 27 - 29: Back into the groove
Exercise: So far this week has been better. I originally planned on taking Monday off. Rob was in Portland all day leaving at 5:30 AM so I had no time I could exercise. Monday has generally been my day off so schedule wise--it is fine. Yesterday I did a track workout at South Salem High running a total of 7 miles. I did a 2 mile warm up, 2 mile build, 3 x 800, 1200 cool down all with 400 recoveries. It was so incredibly dark out and was still pitch black when I got home, but there were other runners out too on the track. It felt great to run again after a little break. I know I pushed myself because I am a little sore today. Today I swam with my swimming friends. I really felt slow seeing as I have not been in the pool the past two Wednesdays. I like I was dragging at times. My goggles were on too tight giving me a horrible head ache that was started to make me queasy. Once I loosened them, I felt better. I still felt like the workout kicked my butt. My abs are sore and I can't figure out if it is from Power last week, swimming, or picking up toddlers--maybe a combo of everything.
I did register for the holiday half so I will be doing a half marathon in December!
Food: I am not struggling with meals...still eating pretty healthy. I am struggling with sweet cravings and this always happens around Halloween. Someone brought us a plate of Rice Krispie squares which I love...and Derek won a carrot cake so we've had carrot cake the last two nights. I don't know how much is OK to have. Seeing as I burn a lot of calories every morning, but I can't use that as an excuse for everything. I have not weighed myself in a couple of weeks so I don't know where I'm at right now.
Sleep: Monday was sunny and the only sunny day we've had in awhile. I hung laundry outside, took kids for a walk, played in the backyard with the kids--I felt great. Tuesday was blustery rain starting around late morning and being in the house gave me cabin fever. I felt overly fatigued. I took a half hour snooze while Kara and the infant I watch napped. I ran with Hailey in the afternoon. But I still felt so tired. Rob and I watched Office reruns and I fell asleep at 9:30 and just went right to bed. I didn't realize the cat (who never ever sleeps in our bed) was curled up next to me. At 2:30 AM when I went to the bathroom, she was still there. Not sure if this is going to be a new thing sleeping in our room--normally she sleeps in the girl's room or on the mats in the eating area. Today even with getting up early for swimming I had way more energy. I did take a short power nap at 5 PM, but other than that I don't feel the fatigue. Sometimes it's hard to know what the root cause of it is. My caffeine intake was the same both days--just a cup of coffee in the morning.
I did register for the holiday half so I will be doing a half marathon in December!
Food: I am not struggling with meals...still eating pretty healthy. I am struggling with sweet cravings and this always happens around Halloween. Someone brought us a plate of Rice Krispie squares which I love...and Derek won a carrot cake so we've had carrot cake the last two nights. I don't know how much is OK to have. Seeing as I burn a lot of calories every morning, but I can't use that as an excuse for everything. I have not weighed myself in a couple of weeks so I don't know where I'm at right now.
Sleep: Monday was sunny and the only sunny day we've had in awhile. I hung laundry outside, took kids for a walk, played in the backyard with the kids--I felt great. Tuesday was blustery rain starting around late morning and being in the house gave me cabin fever. I felt overly fatigued. I took a half hour snooze while Kara and the infant I watch napped. I ran with Hailey in the afternoon. But I still felt so tired. Rob and I watched Office reruns and I fell asleep at 9:30 and just went right to bed. I didn't realize the cat (who never ever sleeps in our bed) was curled up next to me. At 2:30 AM when I went to the bathroom, she was still there. Not sure if this is going to be a new thing sleeping in our room--normally she sleeps in the girl's room or on the mats in the eating area. Today even with getting up early for swimming I had way more energy. I did take a short power nap at 5 PM, but other than that I don't feel the fatigue. Sometimes it's hard to know what the root cause of it is. My caffeine intake was the same both days--just a cup of coffee in the morning.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
October 22nd through 26th Not really what I expected
Exercise:
On Wednesday I was able to go to 5 PM Group Power which I rarely if ever can attend since we often have church activities on Wednesday night. I enjoy Group Power and always walk away feeling like I had a great workout. The 5 PM class tends to be the "buff class" as their weights are always double mine or even more. It is motivating and a good pick-me-up after a day of working. On Thursday I literally had no time I could even exercise. Early morning was out because I had to an interview for the Banner. I worked from 7:15 AM until 4:30ish. Then clean-up, supper, and Bible Study which I did not get home from until 9 PM. Friday was my plan was to go Group Ride at 5 AM. The alarm went off and I threw that plan out the window because I felt overly fatigued. After work I had to get ready for the Family Fun Night at the kid's school. Saturday my plan was to run in the afternoon. Then our plans with Hailey's friends got changed last minute which required me to drive to the other side of the town at the time I had planned on running at the South Salem track. It was also blustery with high winds--it would be miserable running outside. So I threw running out the window. Since I cancelled it for Saturday, I cancelled it for Sunday too and figured I would start next week. It is inevitable with working, kids, and vacation--schedules are going to be like this. Unless it happens repeatedly like week to week--the time off does not set you back. In some ways it has the opposite effect. I want to swim next week, go to Power, and get my running in. I am confident that will happen.
Eating:
It has not been a challenge eating healthy since we've been home. I have done pretty well. The challenge is the Halloween candy which is overly tempting to eat. It only is going to get worse with Christmas around the corner.
Sleep:
My sleeping has been great except Thursday night. I woke up around 3:30 AM and had some anxiety. My heart was beating fast and I felt jittery. I was able to clear my mind, relax my body, and fall asleep. It probably took a half hour but I intentionally don't look at the clock as it feeds the anxiety.
On Wednesday I was able to go to 5 PM Group Power which I rarely if ever can attend since we often have church activities on Wednesday night. I enjoy Group Power and always walk away feeling like I had a great workout. The 5 PM class tends to be the "buff class" as their weights are always double mine or even more. It is motivating and a good pick-me-up after a day of working. On Thursday I literally had no time I could even exercise. Early morning was out because I had to an interview for the Banner. I worked from 7:15 AM until 4:30ish. Then clean-up, supper, and Bible Study which I did not get home from until 9 PM. Friday was my plan was to go Group Ride at 5 AM. The alarm went off and I threw that plan out the window because I felt overly fatigued. After work I had to get ready for the Family Fun Night at the kid's school. Saturday my plan was to run in the afternoon. Then our plans with Hailey's friends got changed last minute which required me to drive to the other side of the town at the time I had planned on running at the South Salem track. It was also blustery with high winds--it would be miserable running outside. So I threw running out the window. Since I cancelled it for Saturday, I cancelled it for Sunday too and figured I would start next week. It is inevitable with working, kids, and vacation--schedules are going to be like this. Unless it happens repeatedly like week to week--the time off does not set you back. In some ways it has the opposite effect. I want to swim next week, go to Power, and get my running in. I am confident that will happen.
Eating:
It has not been a challenge eating healthy since we've been home. I have done pretty well. The challenge is the Halloween candy which is overly tempting to eat. It only is going to get worse with Christmas around the corner.
Sleep:
My sleeping has been great except Thursday night. I woke up around 3:30 AM and had some anxiety. My heart was beating fast and I felt jittery. I was able to clear my mind, relax my body, and fall asleep. It probably took a half hour but I intentionally don't look at the clock as it feeds the anxiety.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Catch up from last two weeks....
Ah I have not been keeping up this blog! I am going to try to remember all my workouts.
Exercise: Monday (the 6th) = Rest Tuesday (the 7th) = I did an easy four mile run in the neighborhood first thing in the morning. Wednesday (the 8th) = Swimming with the triathletes--I believe our workout had a lot speed swims which were tough but good for me to do. Thursday (the 9th) = Track Run...a total of six miles. I did 1600 warm up, 1200, 2 x 600, 2 x 400, 1600 and 800 cool down all with 400 recovery. Friday (the 10th) = nothing. This was a very full busy day and my moods turned irritable by 5 PM. I couldn't motivate myself to go to the gym. Saturday = rest. Rob was gone all day at meetings and I couldn't get away but I got the whole house cleaned! Sunday (the 12th) = Long 12 mile run. I started earlier like 5:45 and it was pitch black out. I did the same route I did the week prior except ran through the Rees Hill neighborhood instead. Running on Battlecreek before the sun fully rose was very dark...probably not safe. I don't like my reflector vest besides it rides up. I feel like I am wearing all this extra gear just to run. Monday (the 13th) I rested and was a little sore. Tuesday (the 14th) was the day before we left for vacation. I did manage to squeeze a 4 mile run in to South Village Park and back. It was refreshing after chasing kids and packing all day. I was so thankful I was not feeling frazzled compared to other times we have gotten ready for a trip. Wednesday (the 15th) was a travel day and no exercise. Thursday (the 16th) I also rested. Friday (the 17th) I ran on the Virginia beach boardwalk about 4 miles which I love! There is nothing like running by the ocean seeing the sun rise surrounded by runners and walkers. Friday (the 17th) I rested but we did some walking and playing on the beach. Saturday (the 18th) I rested but again we did some walking. Sunday (the 19th) I ran the whole boardwalk which was about six miles...maybe slightly more. My goal was to do 8, but it was so incredibly windy. I was a little pressed for time as well. Monday (the 20th) was rest and traveling back home. Which bring me to today--the 21st. I ran 4 miles this afternoon. My body is tired from the travel and weird sleep schedule and time change. I was slower than normal but still appreciated the break in the day. I can rarely run in the afternoons anymore and it's a treat when I can.
Food: I didn't eat the greatest on vacation, but I don't feel guilty about it. It is going to be easy to get back into it again now we're home.
Sleep: I have sleeping great. Even on vacation! I normally don't sleep very well on vacation, but every night I slept amazing. That has helped with the transition as home. I feel a little irritable and tired but not the normal post vacation slump.
Exercise: Monday (the 6th) = Rest Tuesday (the 7th) = I did an easy four mile run in the neighborhood first thing in the morning. Wednesday (the 8th) = Swimming with the triathletes--I believe our workout had a lot speed swims which were tough but good for me to do. Thursday (the 9th) = Track Run...a total of six miles. I did 1600 warm up, 1200, 2 x 600, 2 x 400, 1600 and 800 cool down all with 400 recovery. Friday (the 10th) = nothing. This was a very full busy day and my moods turned irritable by 5 PM. I couldn't motivate myself to go to the gym. Saturday = rest. Rob was gone all day at meetings and I couldn't get away but I got the whole house cleaned! Sunday (the 12th) = Long 12 mile run. I started earlier like 5:45 and it was pitch black out. I did the same route I did the week prior except ran through the Rees Hill neighborhood instead. Running on Battlecreek before the sun fully rose was very dark...probably not safe. I don't like my reflector vest besides it rides up. I feel like I am wearing all this extra gear just to run. Monday (the 13th) I rested and was a little sore. Tuesday (the 14th) was the day before we left for vacation. I did manage to squeeze a 4 mile run in to South Village Park and back. It was refreshing after chasing kids and packing all day. I was so thankful I was not feeling frazzled compared to other times we have gotten ready for a trip. Wednesday (the 15th) was a travel day and no exercise. Thursday (the 16th) I also rested. Friday (the 17th) I ran on the Virginia beach boardwalk about 4 miles which I love! There is nothing like running by the ocean seeing the sun rise surrounded by runners and walkers. Friday (the 17th) I rested but we did some walking and playing on the beach. Saturday (the 18th) I rested but again we did some walking. Sunday (the 19th) I ran the whole boardwalk which was about six miles...maybe slightly more. My goal was to do 8, but it was so incredibly windy. I was a little pressed for time as well. Monday (the 20th) was rest and traveling back home. Which bring me to today--the 21st. I ran 4 miles this afternoon. My body is tired from the travel and weird sleep schedule and time change. I was slower than normal but still appreciated the break in the day. I can rarely run in the afternoons anymore and it's a treat when I can.
Food: I didn't eat the greatest on vacation, but I don't feel guilty about it. It is going to be easy to get back into it again now we're home.
Sleep: I have sleeping great. Even on vacation! I normally don't sleep very well on vacation, but every night I slept amazing. That has helped with the transition as home. I feel a little irritable and tired but not the normal post vacation slump.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
October 3 - 5: 10 miles!
Exercise:
Friday = Rest
The only reason I did not exercise was a scheduling issue. Rob was gone the almost the entire day doing a wedding in Florence by the coast. I had to work all day. Knew this would be the case when I planned out the week.
Saturday = Group Power
I haven't been to Power in three weeks so I knew it would hurt...and be tough. I tried to keep the weight the same and do most of the push-ups on my toes. Biceps, Triceps, and Shoulders were by the far the hardest and I feel it right now. I weighed myself at the gym and it's about the same...maybe a tenth of a pound lower.
Sunday = Run 10 miles!
I am thrilled to have my mileage this high again. I ran in the Battlecreek neighborhood I have not run in a very long time. Because of my Power my glutes are tight and that made getting up some of the hills hard. I did take little thirty second walk breaks at the tops of some of the hills. I was a bit slower than I hoped, but I did not push myself too hard for speed. Especially with the Battlecreek hills. I love running and seeing the sunrise over the mountains. Amazing beautiful weather for the fall and I am soaking it all up while I can.
Food:
I have done very well the last few days. Lots of fruits and vegetables. I have had proteins shakes for snacks. Dinners have not been as healthy as lunch and breakfast, but with all the exercise--it is OK with me for right now. I love my apple avocado breakfast salad. I really enjoy avocado on sandwiches as well. I don't seem to eat too many sandwiches like I used to, but I am going to look for a healthier bread at the natural food store.
It is difficult to know at this point because I only started tracking it, but I would be due for PMDD episodes this weekend. It could be it comes early next week, but I felt it mildly yesterday. Honestly it was so incredibly mild. I still could function fine all day. I could eat my words and it comes tomorrow or Tuesday. It is actually easier to deal with during the week when I am working and busy.
Sleep:
I have had no sleep issues the past few nights. I also have had zero caffeine after 1 PM. I have not been dealing with any GI issues for well over a week now.
Friday = Rest
The only reason I did not exercise was a scheduling issue. Rob was gone the almost the entire day doing a wedding in Florence by the coast. I had to work all day. Knew this would be the case when I planned out the week.
Saturday = Group Power
I haven't been to Power in three weeks so I knew it would hurt...and be tough. I tried to keep the weight the same and do most of the push-ups on my toes. Biceps, Triceps, and Shoulders were by the far the hardest and I feel it right now. I weighed myself at the gym and it's about the same...maybe a tenth of a pound lower.
Sunday = Run 10 miles!
I am thrilled to have my mileage this high again. I ran in the Battlecreek neighborhood I have not run in a very long time. Because of my Power my glutes are tight and that made getting up some of the hills hard. I did take little thirty second walk breaks at the tops of some of the hills. I was a bit slower than I hoped, but I did not push myself too hard for speed. Especially with the Battlecreek hills. I love running and seeing the sunrise over the mountains. Amazing beautiful weather for the fall and I am soaking it all up while I can.
Food:
I have done very well the last few days. Lots of fruits and vegetables. I have had proteins shakes for snacks. Dinners have not been as healthy as lunch and breakfast, but with all the exercise--it is OK with me for right now. I love my apple avocado breakfast salad. I really enjoy avocado on sandwiches as well. I don't seem to eat too many sandwiches like I used to, but I am going to look for a healthier bread at the natural food store.
It is difficult to know at this point because I only started tracking it, but I would be due for PMDD episodes this weekend. It could be it comes early next week, but I felt it mildly yesterday. Honestly it was so incredibly mild. I still could function fine all day. I could eat my words and it comes tomorrow or Tuesday. It is actually easier to deal with during the week when I am working and busy.
Sleep:
I have had no sleep issues the past few nights. I also have had zero caffeine after 1 PM. I have not been dealing with any GI issues for well over a week now.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
October 1 & 2: Swimming and Track Runs
Exercise:
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
I had not swam in two weeks and I felt incredibly slow. My legs still hurt and were tight. I could not maintain a fast speed and I felt tired. Usually I am not watching the clock as much, but this time I was. I don't regret getting up and going because I needed the morning workout time. I always like the feeling afterwards and the extra boost of energy it gives in the morning. Sometimes on Wednesdays I am tired by 3 PM and feel like I need to take a quick nap. Sometimes this is possible and other days there are child care kids here or my own kids need help with something. Today I did not feel like I needed it all. I did not feel tired until around after youth group.
Thursday - Track Run - 5 miles total
The triathlon club has not been updating the Facebook page with workouts. I might have done this one before. It was 1 mile warm up, 2 x 800, 2 x 400, 1 x 800, all with 400 recovery and then 1200 cool down. It was incredibly dark out and colder than I anticipated. I was OK with shorts and a t-shirt, but I could have used something for my head. The track was pretty dead--only 1-2 runners at a time. I did not feel as sore yesterday and the run felt great. Originally I wanted to go to Power this morning but I figured I would go on Saturday instead. I am probably more motivated to run on the track today versus Saturday morning.
Food:
Yesterday was better eating wise and so far today even better. I am down another pound. I am trying protein shakes not as a replacement meal but as a snack. I want to see if it helps with the afternoon snack cravings. I had a vegan salad for breakfast which is always a great way to start the day. It is filling and fresh.
Sleep:
My sleep has been pretty normal the last two nights aside from the cat waking me up. For many weeks I never heard her in the night and now it seems like it's non-stop starting at 2:30 AM. I had put her in the laundry room where I can't hear her at 2:30 AM. I have done really well training my brain to fall asleep again quickly.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
I had not swam in two weeks and I felt incredibly slow. My legs still hurt and were tight. I could not maintain a fast speed and I felt tired. Usually I am not watching the clock as much, but this time I was. I don't regret getting up and going because I needed the morning workout time. I always like the feeling afterwards and the extra boost of energy it gives in the morning. Sometimes on Wednesdays I am tired by 3 PM and feel like I need to take a quick nap. Sometimes this is possible and other days there are child care kids here or my own kids need help with something. Today I did not feel like I needed it all. I did not feel tired until around after youth group.
Thursday - Track Run - 5 miles total
The triathlon club has not been updating the Facebook page with workouts. I might have done this one before. It was 1 mile warm up, 2 x 800, 2 x 400, 1 x 800, all with 400 recovery and then 1200 cool down. It was incredibly dark out and colder than I anticipated. I was OK with shorts and a t-shirt, but I could have used something for my head. The track was pretty dead--only 1-2 runners at a time. I did not feel as sore yesterday and the run felt great. Originally I wanted to go to Power this morning but I figured I would go on Saturday instead. I am probably more motivated to run on the track today versus Saturday morning.
Food:
Yesterday was better eating wise and so far today even better. I am down another pound. I am trying protein shakes not as a replacement meal but as a snack. I want to see if it helps with the afternoon snack cravings. I had a vegan salad for breakfast which is always a great way to start the day. It is filling and fresh.
Sleep:
My sleep has been pretty normal the last two nights aside from the cat waking me up. For many weeks I never heard her in the night and now it seems like it's non-stop starting at 2:30 AM. I had put her in the laundry room where I can't hear her at 2:30 AM. I have done really well training my brain to fall asleep again quickly.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
September 29 & 30: Back to running
Exercise:
Monday = Rest (legs STILL hurt)
Tuesday - Ran 3.92 miles
It is so good to be running again after a long break. My legs feel tight and my endurance not what it normally is, but was just wonderful to be out there again. Especially not dealing with any GI stuff or allergies or anything. I did the Sumpter neighborhood but took La Cresta street which I never run on before. Big massive hill, but I felt like I needed the challenge. I do like a little bit of rolling hills to keep things interesting.
Food:
It is funny how when you are not exercising, you crave junk. It is easier to eat it. Using the "I climbed a mountain and burned off all kinds of calories" excuse can only be milked for so long. I am not eating terrible but I am gravitating towards the greasy fattening stuff and unfortunately I drank a Coke today. It is hard when we are near the end of the groceries too. But tomorrow is a new day, of course.
Sleep: Last night I had a horrible, scary dream. I don't remember much of it except someone or something was getting close to my face with every intention of harming me...I think stabbing or suffocation. I think it was similar to the Bones episode Rob and I watched last night. Anyway I cried out enough to make Rob wake up and he was concerned. I had a Diet Mountain Dew at 6 PM, and it probably was enough to disturb my sleep. I also took a half (more like a quarter) of a Unisom so I would get good sleep. I also took another Immodium as my GI stuff was slightly coming back. It was probably like mixing some sort of bad cocktail and let's just say it backfired with bad sleep. I have found that medication that causes drowsiness like Bendaryl, Nyquil, and Unisom can backfire with me and cause excitability instead of sleepiness. The only one that has seems to work is Sudafed PM and the generic versions of it. I only take this when I have a bad cold.
Monday = Rest (legs STILL hurt)
Tuesday - Ran 3.92 miles
It is so good to be running again after a long break. My legs feel tight and my endurance not what it normally is, but was just wonderful to be out there again. Especially not dealing with any GI stuff or allergies or anything. I did the Sumpter neighborhood but took La Cresta street which I never run on before. Big massive hill, but I felt like I needed the challenge. I do like a little bit of rolling hills to keep things interesting.
Food:
It is funny how when you are not exercising, you crave junk. It is easier to eat it. Using the "I climbed a mountain and burned off all kinds of calories" excuse can only be milked for so long. I am not eating terrible but I am gravitating towards the greasy fattening stuff and unfortunately I drank a Coke today. It is hard when we are near the end of the groceries too. But tomorrow is a new day, of course.
Sleep: Last night I had a horrible, scary dream. I don't remember much of it except someone or something was getting close to my face with every intention of harming me...I think stabbing or suffocation. I think it was similar to the Bones episode Rob and I watched last night. Anyway I cried out enough to make Rob wake up and he was concerned. I had a Diet Mountain Dew at 6 PM, and it probably was enough to disturb my sleep. I also took a half (more like a quarter) of a Unisom so I would get good sleep. I also took another Immodium as my GI stuff was slightly coming back. It was probably like mixing some sort of bad cocktail and let's just say it backfired with bad sleep. I have found that medication that causes drowsiness like Bendaryl, Nyquil, and Unisom can backfire with me and cause excitability instead of sleepiness. The only one that has seems to work is Sudafed PM and the generic versions of it. I only take this when I have a bad cold.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
September 25-28: Up the Mountain and Down
Exercise: On Thursday and Friday I continued to rest. Whatever GI bug that went through the house that unfortunately is still lingering is taking its time to fully exit the body. I did not want to push it with early mornings and long runs. Plus with climbing South Sister on Saturday, I wanted to be at my best.
Yesterday morning I left for Karen's house around 5:40 AM. We had hoped to get to the trail head by 8 AM. We had to stop in Sisters for gas and some wanted to grab breakfast. It took a bit longer than we had hoped. Then we took a wrong turn in Bend. We did not reach the trail head until about 9:15 AM and started the hike at 9:30 AM. There were about 12 in our whole group and we split up into a couple different groups. People seemed to like my pace so I led our group for most of the uphill and Karen led most of the downhill. The beginning of the hike through the forest was quite steep. Once we got out of that we had a little bit of a break with rolling hills and meadow by Morraine Lake. After we passed through the lake area, it was like we were at the actual rocky part of the mountain. We were doing steep rocky climbs again.
I felt totally fine. It actually was harder to stop and start up again. I grazed throughout the climb rather than stopping for a big lunch. As we passed people coming down, we were told getting to the summit might not be possible. Past the false summit which is about 1 1/2 miles before the actual summit, there was fifty miles/hour wind enough to blow people over, little visibility, and people were having a hard time finding the trail. Bart who was from our church and climbed up earlier is an experienced hiker and warned us about all this, but said conditions can change really quickly on the mountain so it might be clearer by the time we get up there. He said we should have no problem getting to the false summit.
We stopped for another break and it was the temperature dropped. I didn't have any gloves or hat for my head. I felt like I had enough layers, but my hands were freezing. Putting my hands in my sleeves helped, but I knew once we hit snow--there was no way I could hike with my hands exposed to the snow and wind. We reached the false summit and it was amazing. The winds had died down and we could see everything. We took another break there. Then Karen, Rhonda, and I decided to continue to the summit. Rhonda realized she had thick socks I could put on my hands and a head warmer and let me borrow them. It made a significant difference and I was not cold anymore. We reached a point we were hiking in snow and the winds were getting stronger. We wanted to summit and a few other groups were. Once we reached deep snow, we were losing the trail. I just didn't feel confident continuing. The other girls agreed. We were about 200-300 feet below the summit--we were so close! So basically we did summit. That last little bit was not safe for us as amateur hikers.
Coming down seemed to take forever, but it usually is that way. Once we reached the rocky parts, I started getting an upset stomach and cramping. This was really frustrating as I wanted to enjoy the downward climb, but I was feeling sick in and out. Once we reached the forest I felt better. My appetite was coming back and the cramping was getting less. We made it to the car around 6:30. We stopped for supper in Bend and my appetite was fine.
The ride home seemed to also take forever. That is the way it goes with dark two lane highways. Rhonda and I took turns resting and then keeping Karen awake. Karen didn't feel tired until we reached Stayton where she had to drop Rhonda off.
By the time I was home it was 11 PM. I was pretty wired and could not fall asleep right away. Derek got the GI bug last night around 7:30 PM. It's all the same symptoms. I woke up at 2:45 AM to a loud crash in the bathroom. Apparently he went to the bathroom and got disoriented and fell right by the toilet hitting the trash can. He was laying there curled up in a ball. I woke him up and he started crying, but thankfully was not hurt. We don't think he passed out...just was in that sleep stage and disoriented. He seems better this morning, but I think this GI thing lasts a few days.
My GI system is still not back to normal from yesterday on the hike. I also have a sore throat and might be catching a cold too. It was still well worth the hike and everything--I just would like to feel back to normal soon. I guess rest is the best medicine for today. Unfortunately I am missing church for the second week in a row.
Food: I did manage to eat healthy through all this. Friday morning my breakfast was not great--a chocolate chip pancakes and apple bread. We are near the end of our groceries and that make it difficult. But for lunch I made mostly fruits and vegetables.
Sleep: The last two nights I have not slept great and that might be making the GI bug not heal properly. Friday night I was nervous for the hike and awoke several times in the night. Last night it was waking up to Derek and having a slight headache. Nothing GI related kept me up in the night--it has all seem to come this morning. I am hoping to take a nap this afternoon and get to bed by 10 tonight and hopefully have a healthy upcoming week.
Yesterday morning I left for Karen's house around 5:40 AM. We had hoped to get to the trail head by 8 AM. We had to stop in Sisters for gas and some wanted to grab breakfast. It took a bit longer than we had hoped. Then we took a wrong turn in Bend. We did not reach the trail head until about 9:15 AM and started the hike at 9:30 AM. There were about 12 in our whole group and we split up into a couple different groups. People seemed to like my pace so I led our group for most of the uphill and Karen led most of the downhill. The beginning of the hike through the forest was quite steep. Once we got out of that we had a little bit of a break with rolling hills and meadow by Morraine Lake. After we passed through the lake area, it was like we were at the actual rocky part of the mountain. We were doing steep rocky climbs again.
I felt totally fine. It actually was harder to stop and start up again. I grazed throughout the climb rather than stopping for a big lunch. As we passed people coming down, we were told getting to the summit might not be possible. Past the false summit which is about 1 1/2 miles before the actual summit, there was fifty miles/hour wind enough to blow people over, little visibility, and people were having a hard time finding the trail. Bart who was from our church and climbed up earlier is an experienced hiker and warned us about all this, but said conditions can change really quickly on the mountain so it might be clearer by the time we get up there. He said we should have no problem getting to the false summit.
We stopped for another break and it was the temperature dropped. I didn't have any gloves or hat for my head. I felt like I had enough layers, but my hands were freezing. Putting my hands in my sleeves helped, but I knew once we hit snow--there was no way I could hike with my hands exposed to the snow and wind. We reached the false summit and it was amazing. The winds had died down and we could see everything. We took another break there. Then Karen, Rhonda, and I decided to continue to the summit. Rhonda realized she had thick socks I could put on my hands and a head warmer and let me borrow them. It made a significant difference and I was not cold anymore. We reached a point we were hiking in snow and the winds were getting stronger. We wanted to summit and a few other groups were. Once we reached deep snow, we were losing the trail. I just didn't feel confident continuing. The other girls agreed. We were about 200-300 feet below the summit--we were so close! So basically we did summit. That last little bit was not safe for us as amateur hikers.
Coming down seemed to take forever, but it usually is that way. Once we reached the rocky parts, I started getting an upset stomach and cramping. This was really frustrating as I wanted to enjoy the downward climb, but I was feeling sick in and out. Once we reached the forest I felt better. My appetite was coming back and the cramping was getting less. We made it to the car around 6:30. We stopped for supper in Bend and my appetite was fine.
The ride home seemed to also take forever. That is the way it goes with dark two lane highways. Rhonda and I took turns resting and then keeping Karen awake. Karen didn't feel tired until we reached Stayton where she had to drop Rhonda off.
By the time I was home it was 11 PM. I was pretty wired and could not fall asleep right away. Derek got the GI bug last night around 7:30 PM. It's all the same symptoms. I woke up at 2:45 AM to a loud crash in the bathroom. Apparently he went to the bathroom and got disoriented and fell right by the toilet hitting the trash can. He was laying there curled up in a ball. I woke him up and he started crying, but thankfully was not hurt. We don't think he passed out...just was in that sleep stage and disoriented. He seems better this morning, but I think this GI thing lasts a few days.
My GI system is still not back to normal from yesterday on the hike. I also have a sore throat and might be catching a cold too. It was still well worth the hike and everything--I just would like to feel back to normal soon. I guess rest is the best medicine for today. Unfortunately I am missing church for the second week in a row.
Food: I did manage to eat healthy through all this. Friday morning my breakfast was not great--a chocolate chip pancakes and apple bread. We are near the end of our groceries and that make it difficult. But for lunch I made mostly fruits and vegetables.
Sleep: The last two nights I have not slept great and that might be making the GI bug not heal properly. Friday night I was nervous for the hike and awoke several times in the night. Last night it was waking up to Derek and having a slight headache. Nothing GI related kept me up in the night--it has all seem to come this morning. I am hoping to take a nap this afternoon and get to bed by 10 tonight and hopefully have a healthy upcoming week.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
September 24: I drank a green smoothie
Exercise = Rest
I am still resting and hopefully will run tomorrow morning. My stomach is back to normal, but whatever we had does not go away right away. Kara threw up in the van yesterday late afternoon and woke up from a nap today with an upset stomach. I don't want to push it and get sick again especially since I am climbing South Sister this weekend with friends from church.
Food
This morning I had cereal and milk again. For lunch Kara and I made a green smoothie. I don't make these very often and I never get the consistency quite right. This time it was way too liquidy. I managed to drink a glass down. I think I am more bothered by the texture and color versus the actual taste. Kara loved it and had two small glassfuls...hmm...I hope that's not why she feels sick again this afternoon. My thoughts are why not eat all the foods in their actual solid form than blend them all together? I would much rather eat a plate full of spinach and fruit versus drink it from a glass. I see why people like these...they are convenient. If I had an office job, it is something I would keep on my desk and drink throughout the afternoon. For dinner we are trying a new beef and vegetable stew that was a freezer meal I made a few weeks ago. We are trying to keep a couple meals in the freezer for busier weeks...might be a good thing especially when basketball starts.
Sleep
I slept amazing last night. I just woke up to the door constantly rattling. It is time to shut the windows, but I think I am still in denial that fall is actually here. I am not turning on the heat until I am actually cold.
I am still resting and hopefully will run tomorrow morning. My stomach is back to normal, but whatever we had does not go away right away. Kara threw up in the van yesterday late afternoon and woke up from a nap today with an upset stomach. I don't want to push it and get sick again especially since I am climbing South Sister this weekend with friends from church.
Food
This morning I had cereal and milk again. For lunch Kara and I made a green smoothie. I don't make these very often and I never get the consistency quite right. This time it was way too liquidy. I managed to drink a glass down. I think I am more bothered by the texture and color versus the actual taste. Kara loved it and had two small glassfuls...hmm...I hope that's not why she feels sick again this afternoon. My thoughts are why not eat all the foods in their actual solid form than blend them all together? I would much rather eat a plate full of spinach and fruit versus drink it from a glass. I see why people like these...they are convenient. If I had an office job, it is something I would keep on my desk and drink throughout the afternoon. For dinner we are trying a new beef and vegetable stew that was a freezer meal I made a few weeks ago. We are trying to keep a couple meals in the freezer for busier weeks...might be a good thing especially when basketball starts.
Sleep
I slept amazing last night. I just woke up to the door constantly rattling. It is time to shut the windows, but I think I am still in denial that fall is actually here. I am not turning on the heat until I am actually cold.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
September 22 & 23: And I got sick too...
Exercise = REST
My stomach was hurting Sunday night and I thought I would be up during the night throwing up, but I managed to sleep OK. I got up and did not feel great, but did not feel horrible either. So I decided not to cancel child care. I figured I could get through the day. One of my toddlers was sick anyway with the exact same thing Kara had so it was quiet morning here with just one child. By mid morning my appetite was completely gone and I was tired. After the child care kids got picked up at 4:30 I laid down and read, check e-mails etc. Then I slept from 5 PM - 7 PM. I watched TV and read the rest of the night until 11 PM. I think all that rest helped because I woke up today feeling almost back to normal.
Food
What I hate most about being sick is you lose weight, but it's not normal weight loss. You will gain it all back. It's not true losing weight. It is the equivalent of a crash diet. What I also hate is when my appetite comes back, I crave junk. I would rather eat a candy bar or cookie or fast food instead of a piece of fruit. So today was hard. I had cereal for breakfast. I had a few Wheat Thins, a few pieces of deli chicken meat, a piece of cheese, and some of Rob's leftover tuna. I had zero fruits or veggies because I could not stomach them. Dinner was even worse--I took the girls to Wendy's while Derek was at a birthday party. I was craving fast food more than anything else. I am not going to beat myself up because yesterday all I ate all day was a bowl of cereal and milk, a slice of bread with peanut butter on it, Saltines, and a glass of blue Gatorade--that is all. So hopefully my normal appetite will come back soon.
Sleep
Last night I slept great almost all the way to the alarm. I think all the extra rest and sleep helped me fight whatever stomach bug I was dealing with. I am glad it was mild and I didn't miss any days of work.
My stomach was hurting Sunday night and I thought I would be up during the night throwing up, but I managed to sleep OK. I got up and did not feel great, but did not feel horrible either. So I decided not to cancel child care. I figured I could get through the day. One of my toddlers was sick anyway with the exact same thing Kara had so it was quiet morning here with just one child. By mid morning my appetite was completely gone and I was tired. After the child care kids got picked up at 4:30 I laid down and read, check e-mails etc. Then I slept from 5 PM - 7 PM. I watched TV and read the rest of the night until 11 PM. I think all that rest helped because I woke up today feeling almost back to normal.
Food
What I hate most about being sick is you lose weight, but it's not normal weight loss. You will gain it all back. It's not true losing weight. It is the equivalent of a crash diet. What I also hate is when my appetite comes back, I crave junk. I would rather eat a candy bar or cookie or fast food instead of a piece of fruit. So today was hard. I had cereal for breakfast. I had a few Wheat Thins, a few pieces of deli chicken meat, a piece of cheese, and some of Rob's leftover tuna. I had zero fruits or veggies because I could not stomach them. Dinner was even worse--I took the girls to Wendy's while Derek was at a birthday party. I was craving fast food more than anything else. I am not going to beat myself up because yesterday all I ate all day was a bowl of cereal and milk, a slice of bread with peanut butter on it, Saltines, and a glass of blue Gatorade--that is all. So hopefully my normal appetite will come back soon.
Sleep
Last night I slept great almost all the way to the alarm. I think all the extra rest and sleep helped me fight whatever stomach bug I was dealing with. I am glad it was mild and I didn't miss any days of work.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
September 19-21: Long run, apples, and sickies
Exercise:
Friday - Ran a little over 3 miles. I ran through the Sumpter neighborhood. I still had a head ache when I woke up, but it was not as strong as the previous day. Running was fine. I might have been a tiny bit slower than normal. I took two Advil when I returned and the head ache was gone soon after.
Saturday - Stationary Bike - 42 minutes
I wanted to bike today outside, but had a lot of cleaning to do in the morning and mid afternoon. By the time 5 PM hit, it was 93 degrees and there was no way I was going to exercise in that. Even hanging up the laundry, I could feel the intense heat. I settled for the air conditioned gym and did intervals on the stationary bike. I don't like these bikes as much as the bikes we use in Group Ride, but I can still get a good workout on them.
Sunday - Ran 9.45 miles
I got out the door at 6:27 AM and it was still dark, but I could see hints of the sun beginning to rise...very pretty out. I started in the Welcome Way neighborhood, took Sunnyside to Rees Hill area, back down Commercial to Winding Way & Browning and Lone Oak to home. I felt like my pace was slower. At times my legs felt like they had weights attached to them and I could not gain any speed. The hills were much harder than last week even though I intentionally planned my route avoiding the large hills. I took a few little walk breaks for like 30 seconds instead of one or two longer breaks. Just enough to catch my breath and sip some Ultima. I am doing Hal Higdon's program that includes three days of running and the rest is cross training. The mileage jumps from seven to nine miles which does not seem like much. My mileage has not been this high in quite awhile. When training for triathlons I stayed in 4-6 mile range since the run was never more than a 5K.
Food:
Friday morning I had an avocado and apple breakfast salad--liked this one too. I had homemade guacamole with a few chips plus some fruit for lunch and carrots and peanut butter for a snack. It was Hailey's birthday party so we did have pizza, but it was homemade. I think Rob's pizza is healthier than Papa Murphy's or Figaro's. I did have cake and ice cream in the evening...which tasted so good. Now unfortunately I am craving sweets again. It always seems to happen on the weekends. Rob made me a ham and veggie omelette this morning. We picked apples in the late morning and I have been snacking on those this afternoon. Sunday morning I did a long run and you think I would be hungry. I think the gu gels suck the hunger right out of you. All I have eaten so far is a small bowl of Rice Krispies and I am not hungry at all. I will probably snack on apples and grapes later. We have a bucket full of apples and Camelia brought us more grapes. The grapes only last a few days and then we start getting those little fruit flies.
Sleep:
Last night was a rough night. I had over active bladder again and I attribute to this to any caffeine I drink after 6 PM. It is comparable to when I was pregnant with Derek and I'm peeing every hour. It is not every single time I have caffeine that late, but I don't sleep as deep. I have bizarre dreams and sometimes nightmares. Thankfully I slept from 11:15 PM until 3 PM. The cat woke up at 3 probably looking for Hailey who was sleeping in the family room with her friend with door closed. I ignored her until 3:45 when she was meowing again. I locked her in the laundry room. Slept until 5:30 AM and went to bathroom yet again. Around 5:50 AM Rob woke me up saying someone was throwing up. My first thought was "I hope it's one of our kids and not Hailey's friend." I asked Rob if he could check it out since I already had been up a few times dealing with the cat. It was Kara and she didn't quite make it to the toilet. We had to do clean-up at 6 AM on a Saturday morning. One of my thoughts was it has been a very long time since we had to do this with any of our kids. Slept about 45 minutes until Rob told me Kara was throwing up again. Checked her and thankfully she made it to the toilet. Derek was waking up and I told him we were not getting up for awhile...he had to play quietly and not wake anyone up if he was going to get out of bed. We didn't get up until 8:45 and still could have slept longer. I hate nights like this but thankfully we don't have much going on today. I guess it could be a lot worse.
Saturday night I woke up at 1:30 AM and went to the bathroom. I think I awoke to the people yelling outside on the street. We are pretty used to this especially on Friday and Saturday nights and when the windows are all open. The bar up the street lets out around this time and people peel out of the driveway (not very safe--we have witnessed one crash in front of our house and a couple fights). I woke up at 5:50 again and had to go to the bathroom. I had no caffeine yesterday aside from my morning cup of coffee, but I had a lot of water and ice tea in the afternoon and evening. Kara is feeling better but still not quite ready to be out so we are staying home from church.
Friday - Ran a little over 3 miles. I ran through the Sumpter neighborhood. I still had a head ache when I woke up, but it was not as strong as the previous day. Running was fine. I might have been a tiny bit slower than normal. I took two Advil when I returned and the head ache was gone soon after.
Saturday - Stationary Bike - 42 minutes
I wanted to bike today outside, but had a lot of cleaning to do in the morning and mid afternoon. By the time 5 PM hit, it was 93 degrees and there was no way I was going to exercise in that. Even hanging up the laundry, I could feel the intense heat. I settled for the air conditioned gym and did intervals on the stationary bike. I don't like these bikes as much as the bikes we use in Group Ride, but I can still get a good workout on them.
Sunday - Ran 9.45 miles
I got out the door at 6:27 AM and it was still dark, but I could see hints of the sun beginning to rise...very pretty out. I started in the Welcome Way neighborhood, took Sunnyside to Rees Hill area, back down Commercial to Winding Way & Browning and Lone Oak to home. I felt like my pace was slower. At times my legs felt like they had weights attached to them and I could not gain any speed. The hills were much harder than last week even though I intentionally planned my route avoiding the large hills. I took a few little walk breaks for like 30 seconds instead of one or two longer breaks. Just enough to catch my breath and sip some Ultima. I am doing Hal Higdon's program that includes three days of running and the rest is cross training. The mileage jumps from seven to nine miles which does not seem like much. My mileage has not been this high in quite awhile. When training for triathlons I stayed in 4-6 mile range since the run was never more than a 5K.
Food:
Friday morning I had an avocado and apple breakfast salad--liked this one too. I had homemade guacamole with a few chips plus some fruit for lunch and carrots and peanut butter for a snack. It was Hailey's birthday party so we did have pizza, but it was homemade. I think Rob's pizza is healthier than Papa Murphy's or Figaro's. I did have cake and ice cream in the evening...which tasted so good. Now unfortunately I am craving sweets again. It always seems to happen on the weekends. Rob made me a ham and veggie omelette this morning. We picked apples in the late morning and I have been snacking on those this afternoon. Sunday morning I did a long run and you think I would be hungry. I think the gu gels suck the hunger right out of you. All I have eaten so far is a small bowl of Rice Krispies and I am not hungry at all. I will probably snack on apples and grapes later. We have a bucket full of apples and Camelia brought us more grapes. The grapes only last a few days and then we start getting those little fruit flies.
Sleep:
Last night was a rough night. I had over active bladder again and I attribute to this to any caffeine I drink after 6 PM. It is comparable to when I was pregnant with Derek and I'm peeing every hour. It is not every single time I have caffeine that late, but I don't sleep as deep. I have bizarre dreams and sometimes nightmares. Thankfully I slept from 11:15 PM until 3 PM. The cat woke up at 3 probably looking for Hailey who was sleeping in the family room with her friend with door closed. I ignored her until 3:45 when she was meowing again. I locked her in the laundry room. Slept until 5:30 AM and went to bathroom yet again. Around 5:50 AM Rob woke me up saying someone was throwing up. My first thought was "I hope it's one of our kids and not Hailey's friend." I asked Rob if he could check it out since I already had been up a few times dealing with the cat. It was Kara and she didn't quite make it to the toilet. We had to do clean-up at 6 AM on a Saturday morning. One of my thoughts was it has been a very long time since we had to do this with any of our kids. Slept about 45 minutes until Rob told me Kara was throwing up again. Checked her and thankfully she made it to the toilet. Derek was waking up and I told him we were not getting up for awhile...he had to play quietly and not wake anyone up if he was going to get out of bed. We didn't get up until 8:45 and still could have slept longer. I hate nights like this but thankfully we don't have much going on today. I guess it could be a lot worse.
Saturday night I woke up at 1:30 AM and went to the bathroom. I think I awoke to the people yelling outside on the street. We are pretty used to this especially on Friday and Saturday nights and when the windows are all open. The bar up the street lets out around this time and people peel out of the driveway (not very safe--we have witnessed one crash in front of our house and a couple fights). I woke up at 5:50 again and had to go to the bathroom. I had no caffeine yesterday aside from my morning cup of coffee, but I had a lot of water and ice tea in the afternoon and evening. Kara is feeling better but still not quite ready to be out so we are staying home from church.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
September 18: I lost two pounds
Exercise: Group Ride (1 hour)
I have been using my ipad as an alarm clock. The updates last night screwed up the alarm and I did not wake up to go to Group Power. I have missed Power the last two weeks unfortunately. Again like usual this is a weekend I cannot make it Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Fortunately we had a light Thursday evening so I could go to 5:30 PM Ride again. It was harder today versus last week. I have had a pulsing headache off and on all day which I quite sure is related to hormones. I have been drinking water like crazy so it is unrelated to dehydration. I was glad I did get to exercise today even if it was Ride versus Power.
I also weighed myself at the gym and I am down two pounds. I have not been at this weight since I went on Weight Watchers right before I ran the California International Marathon in 2010. Granted, I've not tracked my weight on a regular basis and was consistently the same weight for years...I did not bother checking it. Now I am curious with the changes in eating. My exercise has not really changed at all.
Food:
Today I had another vegan salad for breakfast. We are going apple picking this weekend so I am looking forward to eating fresh apples in the mid morning. The last two days I have had an early lunch/late second breakfast that is not the greatest healthy wise. Yesterday was the kick-off for our mom's group and I cannot turn down egg casseroles. Today I met a friend at Mc Donalds and had a sausage biscuit with egg. But I gave my hash browns to my child care kids. I snacked on ham slices around 3 PM. We ate super healthy for supper. Rob made homemade tomato soup with carrots. The tomatoes were from our garden or the Quinn's garden. We have so much tomato in the house right now I need to make salsa before it goes bad. I am drinking Ultima instead of Gatorade--I just love the stuff. It tastes so good while running/biking. I wish it was not so expensive. I am looking into some protein shake mix not as a meal replacement but for snacks or busier days. I read some reviews today and found out what is good and what has a lot of processed stuff in it.
Sleep:
I have been falling asleep consistently around 10. I have been sleeping great. I don't drag as much in the morning and I have not dealt with nighttime or morning anxiety in several weeks.
I have been using my ipad as an alarm clock. The updates last night screwed up the alarm and I did not wake up to go to Group Power. I have missed Power the last two weeks unfortunately. Again like usual this is a weekend I cannot make it Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Fortunately we had a light Thursday evening so I could go to 5:30 PM Ride again. It was harder today versus last week. I have had a pulsing headache off and on all day which I quite sure is related to hormones. I have been drinking water like crazy so it is unrelated to dehydration. I was glad I did get to exercise today even if it was Ride versus Power.
I also weighed myself at the gym and I am down two pounds. I have not been at this weight since I went on Weight Watchers right before I ran the California International Marathon in 2010. Granted, I've not tracked my weight on a regular basis and was consistently the same weight for years...I did not bother checking it. Now I am curious with the changes in eating. My exercise has not really changed at all.
Food:
Today I had another vegan salad for breakfast. We are going apple picking this weekend so I am looking forward to eating fresh apples in the mid morning. The last two days I have had an early lunch/late second breakfast that is not the greatest healthy wise. Yesterday was the kick-off for our mom's group and I cannot turn down egg casseroles. Today I met a friend at Mc Donalds and had a sausage biscuit with egg. But I gave my hash browns to my child care kids. I snacked on ham slices around 3 PM. We ate super healthy for supper. Rob made homemade tomato soup with carrots. The tomatoes were from our garden or the Quinn's garden. We have so much tomato in the house right now I need to make salsa before it goes bad. I am drinking Ultima instead of Gatorade--I just love the stuff. It tastes so good while running/biking. I wish it was not so expensive. I am looking into some protein shake mix not as a meal replacement but for snacks or busier days. I read some reviews today and found out what is good and what has a lot of processed stuff in it.
Sleep:
I have been falling asleep consistently around 10. I have been sleeping great. I don't drag as much in the morning and I have not dealt with nighttime or morning anxiety in several weeks.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
September 15 - 17: Fruits and vegetables and track running
I am in Day #11 of eating healthy and I think I see results. It might be too early to tell. You often cannot see the changes in physical and mental health after only eleven days. There are always other things you can attribute to how you feel...anything from nice weather to a good night's sleep. I am using an app on my ipad to track my moods related to the monthly cycle. Again I will not see patterns until it has been more than eleven days. I should have done this years ago and at one point I tried with a written calendar. There is something easier about having an ipad...especially with chimes to remind you of things.
I loved this quote about healthy eating from my gym's website:
Clean food is basically food without any added unnatural or processed ingredients. If you can’t find the ingredient or food in nature, then it probably isn’t clean. For example, an orange is a better option than orange juice (processed and added sugar). And orange juice is better than an orange creamsicle (who knows what is actually in one of those). The more steps food has to take from its natural state, the less clean it tends to be.
I loved this quote about healthy eating from my gym's website:
Clean food is basically food without any added unnatural or processed ingredients. If you can’t find the ingredient or food in nature, then it probably isn’t clean. For example, an orange is a better option than orange juice (processed and added sugar). And orange juice is better than an orange creamsicle (who knows what is actually in one of those). The more steps food has to take from its natural state, the less clean it tends to be.
Clean foods are the best because our bodies are designed to thrive off real food.
This is simple yet why do these nutrition gurus make it complicated? This is exactly what I have been doing. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and "clean" foods as much as possible. Not everything I eat would be considered "clean" but I am incorporating more of it in my diet.
Exercise:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Track workout. I ran at South around 5:30. I did one of the workouts from the triathlon Facebook page, but cut it in half so it was five miles total. Hal Higdon's plan had me doing five miles so it worked well. I had not been to the track since the first week of August so it was great to be back there. I liked running with others doing their own workouts versus the elite triathletes I cannot keep up with. I do like the track the more I do it. The speed workouts do make a difference.
Wednesday: Swam 45 minutes. My swim partner slashed her tire on the way into the gym parking lot. She hit something in the road. We waited with her while she called Triple A so we had a bit of a late start. It was still a good workout. We chose a workout with more 400's and 300's versus speed swims.
Eating:
I have been having a bowl of cereal and milk or vegan salads in the mornings. I have not had brown sugar on my oatmeal in almost two weeks. For lunch I have been eating a lot of fruits like banana, grapes, or apple and vegetables like beets, cherry tomatoes, or carrots. I have been eating deli slices. For snacks I have been having rice cakes or a few wheat thins. For supper Monday night we had Rob's potato dish and last night we had pulled pork. Tonight we eat at church so who knows what it is--going to try to avoid the junk. It's hard when the youth group's diet is chips and Mountain Dew, but I can resist more than I could years ago.
Sleep:
I've had no sleep or insomnia issues the past two night. I just have had full days of child care--today I have the afternoon off. I am pretty much done at 8 PM. I am trying to not to leave anything for the evening so I can relax and read and get to bed by 10. It helps the kids are not doing fall sports right now. This might be harder once basketball starts, but I am hoping to stick with the established routine.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
September 12 -14 Weekend Recap
Exercise:
Friday = Rest
Saturday = I ran 3.5 miles at the absolute worst time of the day. It was at 5 PM which is our hottest time of the day. It's been in the high 80's/90's here. I took a water bottle along and that helped, but it was still tough. I had to take a few walk breaks. I intentionally did the Cunningham Hills because getting more comfortable with hills is one of my running goals. Other than being overly hot, it was good run. I did a tempo run where I did slow 1 mile, fast 1 mile, and slow 1 mile.
Sunday = 7 miles. I love running Sunday mornings. It makes the day go smoother. Sundays have always been days of high anxiety for me even before I had kids. I often feel uptight at certain times of the day. Sometimes I struggle with the church small talk and the fellowship halls feels overwhelming. I ran through the Welcome Way neighborhood to the Sumpter neighborhood and again intentionally took on some large hills.
Sleep - I have been sleeping amazing the last few nights even when we were camping. I am hardly waking up at all in the middle of the night.
Food - Friday breakfast & lunch, I ate very healthy--fruits and vegetables, some ham slices, oatmeal with honey and banana. Friday night & Saturday were difficult because we were camping. I had some fruit but I also ate junk. I can tell today I am craving junk again. I ate cereal and milk for breakfast and leftover homemade pizza (not great, but could be worse) for lunch. Right now I am craving sweets. I ate an apple for a snack and that helped with the cravings. We still have quite a bit of fresh produce in the house and that is helping with snack alternatives. This week is going to be harder because we have Hailey's birthday and my Bible Study is meeting at a dessert cafe. I am going to really try and eat healthy for the meals as much as I can.
Friday = Rest
Saturday = I ran 3.5 miles at the absolute worst time of the day. It was at 5 PM which is our hottest time of the day. It's been in the high 80's/90's here. I took a water bottle along and that helped, but it was still tough. I had to take a few walk breaks. I intentionally did the Cunningham Hills because getting more comfortable with hills is one of my running goals. Other than being overly hot, it was good run. I did a tempo run where I did slow 1 mile, fast 1 mile, and slow 1 mile.
Sunday = 7 miles. I love running Sunday mornings. It makes the day go smoother. Sundays have always been days of high anxiety for me even before I had kids. I often feel uptight at certain times of the day. Sometimes I struggle with the church small talk and the fellowship halls feels overwhelming. I ran through the Welcome Way neighborhood to the Sumpter neighborhood and again intentionally took on some large hills.
Sleep - I have been sleeping amazing the last few nights even when we were camping. I am hardly waking up at all in the middle of the night.
Food - Friday breakfast & lunch, I ate very healthy--fruits and vegetables, some ham slices, oatmeal with honey and banana. Friday night & Saturday were difficult because we were camping. I had some fruit but I also ate junk. I can tell today I am craving junk again. I ate cereal and milk for breakfast and leftover homemade pizza (not great, but could be worse) for lunch. Right now I am craving sweets. I ate an apple for a snack and that helped with the cravings. We still have quite a bit of fresh produce in the house and that is helping with snack alternatives. This week is going to be harder because we have Hailey's birthday and my Bible Study is meeting at a dessert cafe. I am going to really try and eat healthy for the meals as much as I can.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
September 11: Indoor cycling and food successes
Exercise: Group Ride - 1 hour
I went to the 5:30 PM Ride class as I had a harder time getting up this morning. It worked with our schedule this evening. I really enjoy Ride more than I used to. Of the the bike, swim, run, component--biking is by far my weakest. I have anxiety about crashing, scared of getting flats, terrified of hills and ride the brake, and still scared of biking in clips (though made some progress). I had anxiety of open water swimming too. But getting lots of pool time helped in the outdoors. So I am hoping indoor cycling will impact my outdoor cycling.
Sleep: I slept amazing until about 4:30 AM. I sometimes go to 5:15 AM Group Power Thursday mornings (it's often a goal the night before at least). But female problems like bad cramping and head aches kept me in bed. I slept restlessly until Rob's alarm went off at 6:30 AM. The good thing is I often only have one day of this. I am hoping the change in eating can help more with the mood swings, but the physical issues are much less of a problem.
Food:
Some successes...
1) I declined ice cream last night. I even looked at the rich chocolately scoops and almost went for it. I ate a rice cake with peanut butter instead which was actually very good. Rob buys them as a snack since his gluten intolerance does not allow him to eat cookies, Oreos, graham crackers, etc. I think he is going to have to buy more.
2) I had another vegan breakfast salad and found leftover berries in the freezer from picking this summer. I read berries are rich in carbohydrates and good for runners. I am kicking myself I did not pick more blackberries in August.
3) I had a beet for lunch. I grew them this summer with hopes to make red velvet brownies with them. I tried to make them in July and it was an epic failure. They tasted terrible and I did not like the texture either. I do not think I ever eaten beets at any point in my life except they may have been in a salad. I grated them, tossed them with them with some olive oil and lemon juice. It actually tasted really good--kind of carrot-like.
I went to the 5:30 PM Ride class as I had a harder time getting up this morning. It worked with our schedule this evening. I really enjoy Ride more than I used to. Of the the bike, swim, run, component--biking is by far my weakest. I have anxiety about crashing, scared of getting flats, terrified of hills and ride the brake, and still scared of biking in clips (though made some progress). I had anxiety of open water swimming too. But getting lots of pool time helped in the outdoors. So I am hoping indoor cycling will impact my outdoor cycling.
Sleep: I slept amazing until about 4:30 AM. I sometimes go to 5:15 AM Group Power Thursday mornings (it's often a goal the night before at least). But female problems like bad cramping and head aches kept me in bed. I slept restlessly until Rob's alarm went off at 6:30 AM. The good thing is I often only have one day of this. I am hoping the change in eating can help more with the mood swings, but the physical issues are much less of a problem.
Food:
Some successes...
1) I declined ice cream last night. I even looked at the rich chocolately scoops and almost went for it. I ate a rice cake with peanut butter instead which was actually very good. Rob buys them as a snack since his gluten intolerance does not allow him to eat cookies, Oreos, graham crackers, etc. I think he is going to have to buy more.
2) I had another vegan breakfast salad and found leftover berries in the freezer from picking this summer. I read berries are rich in carbohydrates and good for runners. I am kicking myself I did not pick more blackberries in August.
3) I had a beet for lunch. I grew them this summer with hopes to make red velvet brownies with them. I tried to make them in July and it was an epic failure. They tasted terrible and I did not like the texture either. I do not think I ever eaten beets at any point in my life except they may have been in a salad. I grated them, tossed them with them with some olive oil and lemon juice. It actually tasted really good--kind of carrot-like.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
September 10: swimming & breakfast salads
Exercise: swim for 1 hour
I swim with triathletes almost every Wednesday morning. The alarm goes off at 4:45 AM. I sleep in clothes that I can wear into the gym without looking like I showed up in pajamas...when in reality I do just that. I grab my gym bag, water bottle, and eat some sort of snack in the van. It really depends what we have in the cupboard...something that does not take too much effort to open or prepare. I usually default to graham crackers, but may try protein bars.
There is often a few groups of two or three swimmers who swim together. Some are elite triathletes and some are simply exercising for the benefits of staying in shape. There have been times there is no one there and I have to figure out my own workout last minute. Before I started swimming in March of 2012, I had no idea swimmers did actual workout plans like 100 yards with the kickboard, 200 yards freestyle easy, 100 yards fast, breathing techniques, drills, "pull," etc. I used to simply swim back and forth laps...which gets super boring.
My crew is two to three ladies who have competed at the Ironman level, but currently exercise for the sake of staying healthy. One of them brings a workout we all follow. They keep track of how many yards they want to go. I believe their yardage goal is around 2200-2600 yards which is about 1.25-1.5 miles. I swim slower than they do and I do about 3/4 of their workout. I modify it as I go.
Our warm up is almost always 300 free, back, or breast (you can do whatever you want), 200 pull (swimming with the pull buoy between your legs thus you can work on your arms), and 100 kick (using the kick board). Today we did a ladder workout. Start at low yardage such as 3 x 50's and work up to one 200 yard and then back down to 50's. It was a good workout. Some mornings I feel like my form is off and my arms are not following through. I felt that way a bit this morning. There are good running days and bad running days and swimming is the same way.
Sleep: I also am blogging about sleep because the eat/sleep/exercise is a cycle. All three components affect one another. I slept better, however I woke up at 1:30 AM to a scary dream of a man coming at me with a knife. I hate these kind of dreams! Then I woke up again at 2:30 AM. I finally slept until right before the alarm goes off.
Eating: My cousin mentioned the idea of eating breakfast salads. I had never heard of a salad for breakfast. I did a little research via "Google" and discovered there are a ton of good recipes. We had baby spinach in the fridge leftover from dinner. I made a vegan salad with fresh fruits, peanut butter for dipping, baby spinach and sprinkled with lemon juice. I could eat this every morning. It was delicious. My husband would tease me about eating this way for breakfast, but I would rather eat this than a bunch of processed stuff. I have leftover salad to eat for lunch plus fresh carrot and cucumber from the garden. We are not eating as healthy for dinner with homemade macaroni and cheese, but I feel like I can afford to slide a little bit on dinners if I eat healthy the rest of the day and continue my exercise.
I swim with triathletes almost every Wednesday morning. The alarm goes off at 4:45 AM. I sleep in clothes that I can wear into the gym without looking like I showed up in pajamas...when in reality I do just that. I grab my gym bag, water bottle, and eat some sort of snack in the van. It really depends what we have in the cupboard...something that does not take too much effort to open or prepare. I usually default to graham crackers, but may try protein bars.
There is often a few groups of two or three swimmers who swim together. Some are elite triathletes and some are simply exercising for the benefits of staying in shape. There have been times there is no one there and I have to figure out my own workout last minute. Before I started swimming in March of 2012, I had no idea swimmers did actual workout plans like 100 yards with the kickboard, 200 yards freestyle easy, 100 yards fast, breathing techniques, drills, "pull," etc. I used to simply swim back and forth laps...which gets super boring.
My crew is two to three ladies who have competed at the Ironman level, but currently exercise for the sake of staying healthy. One of them brings a workout we all follow. They keep track of how many yards they want to go. I believe their yardage goal is around 2200-2600 yards which is about 1.25-1.5 miles. I swim slower than they do and I do about 3/4 of their workout. I modify it as I go.
Our warm up is almost always 300 free, back, or breast (you can do whatever you want), 200 pull (swimming with the pull buoy between your legs thus you can work on your arms), and 100 kick (using the kick board). Today we did a ladder workout. Start at low yardage such as 3 x 50's and work up to one 200 yard and then back down to 50's. It was a good workout. Some mornings I feel like my form is off and my arms are not following through. I felt that way a bit this morning. There are good running days and bad running days and swimming is the same way.
Sleep: I also am blogging about sleep because the eat/sleep/exercise is a cycle. All three components affect one another. I slept better, however I woke up at 1:30 AM to a scary dream of a man coming at me with a knife. I hate these kind of dreams! Then I woke up again at 2:30 AM. I finally slept until right before the alarm goes off.
Eating: My cousin mentioned the idea of eating breakfast salads. I had never heard of a salad for breakfast. I did a little research via "Google" and discovered there are a ton of good recipes. We had baby spinach in the fridge leftover from dinner. I made a vegan salad with fresh fruits, peanut butter for dipping, baby spinach and sprinkled with lemon juice. I could eat this every morning. It was delicious. My husband would tease me about eating this way for breakfast, but I would rather eat this than a bunch of processed stuff. I have leftover salad to eat for lunch plus fresh carrot and cucumber from the garden. We are not eating as healthy for dinner with homemade macaroni and cheese, but I feel like I can afford to slide a little bit on dinners if I eat healthy the rest of the day and continue my exercise.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
September 9: Honey is OK...Starbucks is my downfall
Exercise: Rest (Tuesdays was my rest day a good part of last year and that is working pretty well this time around as well)
Food:
I slept terrible last night. I did not have insomnia but my body kept waking up every hour. I was in a restless state of sleep most of the night. When I woke at 5 AM, I felt like "Can we just end this night--I'm sick of waking up!" I slept until 6:50. I went out to Applebees last night with friends and I drank a Sam Adams at 9 PM. When I got home, I felt thirsty. I did not want to drink water and be up every hour peeing. Sometimes I have over active bladder at night. I also felt way too warm. I would rather sleep with the windows open and sleep under a pile of blankets whereas Rob said he's been freezing the past couple nights.
I had steel cut oats for breakfast with banana and honey and loved it! So good. Rob brought home lunch from the funeral...salad and ham on buns. We had a very healthy dinner--homemade broccoli soup and salad. It was a little bit of a crazy mid morning as I will have two infants on Tuesdays for about one hour--that's all. It was an adjustment for me as I have not taken care of an infant since last fall and she was a bit older than the two I had this morning. I've never done two at once. It went fine and Kara went above and beyond helpful the entire morning. I have been trying to do special one on one things with her when there are not child care kids here. So we went out to Starbucks and I got a frappucino. To my credit I did not have ice cream at night which was becoming a regular occurrence up until this change in eating.
I also went to the natural grocery store because they sell the sports drink I used when I trained for the California International Marathon back in 2010. I loved the stuff. It is a natural electrolyte and not as sugary as Gatorade. When I did Portland in 2006 and CIM in 2010, it was the official sports drink at all the aid stations. I ordered it on line because the nearest store that sold it was all the way out in Lebanon. I never go out that way. Then I discovered it was in a store in Palos Heights close to where my parents live. So my mom would send me packets until that store closed. Being in Natural Grocers was overwhelming. I have never seen so many vitamins, protein shake mixes, supplements in my whole life. I felt dizzy walking through the aisles.
Food:
I slept terrible last night. I did not have insomnia but my body kept waking up every hour. I was in a restless state of sleep most of the night. When I woke at 5 AM, I felt like "Can we just end this night--I'm sick of waking up!" I slept until 6:50. I went out to Applebees last night with friends and I drank a Sam Adams at 9 PM. When I got home, I felt thirsty. I did not want to drink water and be up every hour peeing. Sometimes I have over active bladder at night. I also felt way too warm. I would rather sleep with the windows open and sleep under a pile of blankets whereas Rob said he's been freezing the past couple nights.
I had steel cut oats for breakfast with banana and honey and loved it! So good. Rob brought home lunch from the funeral...salad and ham on buns. We had a very healthy dinner--homemade broccoli soup and salad. It was a little bit of a crazy mid morning as I will have two infants on Tuesdays for about one hour--that's all. It was an adjustment for me as I have not taken care of an infant since last fall and she was a bit older than the two I had this morning. I've never done two at once. It went fine and Kara went above and beyond helpful the entire morning. I have been trying to do special one on one things with her when there are not child care kids here. So we went out to Starbucks and I got a frappucino. To my credit I did not have ice cream at night which was becoming a regular occurrence up until this change in eating.
I also went to the natural grocery store because they sell the sports drink I used when I trained for the California International Marathon back in 2010. I loved the stuff. It is a natural electrolyte and not as sugary as Gatorade. When I did Portland in 2006 and CIM in 2010, it was the official sports drink at all the aid stations. I ordered it on line because the nearest store that sold it was all the way out in Lebanon. I never go out that way. Then I discovered it was in a store in Palos Heights close to where my parents live. So my mom would send me packets until that store closed. Being in Natural Grocers was overwhelming. I have never seen so many vitamins, protein shake mixes, supplements in my whole life. I felt dizzy walking through the aisles.
Monday, September 8, 2014
September 8: A Rainbow of Veggies
Exercise: Ran 4 miles
I did the Skyline/Davis route. The gradual hill on Skyline always kills me. I end up walking at some point. Today I did not have to. I made it the whole way. I also did not have much trouble getting up. I am enjoying running with the sunrise and seeing the mountains in the horizon. Fall here is an amazing season.
Food: A friend of mine mentioned putting honey in oatmeal instead of brown sugar. Add some banana or berries. I was going to do it this morning, but I love my brown sugar too much. I never cared for the taste of honey, but maybe I have not given it a fair shot. So I had a bowl of Cherrios instead.
I was reading about eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. The house is currently stocked with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, apples, bananas, blackberries, and broccoli. I had some yogurt and berries and tomatoes and cucumber for lunch. I could eat lunch like this every day. I just wish my garden produced food year round. We do have a year round farmer's market that I might be checking out come winter.
I did the Skyline/Davis route. The gradual hill on Skyline always kills me. I end up walking at some point. Today I did not have to. I made it the whole way. I also did not have much trouble getting up. I am enjoying running with the sunrise and seeing the mountains in the horizon. Fall here is an amazing season.
Food: A friend of mine mentioned putting honey in oatmeal instead of brown sugar. Add some banana or berries. I was going to do it this morning, but I love my brown sugar too much. I never cared for the taste of honey, but maybe I have not given it a fair shot. So I had a bowl of Cherrios instead.
I was reading about eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. The house is currently stocked with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, apples, bananas, blackberries, and broccoli. I had some yogurt and berries and tomatoes and cucumber for lunch. I could eat lunch like this every day. I just wish my garden produced food year round. We do have a year round farmer's market that I might be checking out come winter.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
September 7: I miss the cinnamon buns
Exercise: Ran 6 miles
Food: I am not going to write out everything I ate. It gets way too tedious and I won't stick with it if that's my expectation. I think I don't give myself enough credit because I really do know how to eat healthy. I get flustered sometimes by the trend diets and the good carbs versus bad carbs. Every Sunday morning we make cinnamon rolls out of the Pillsbury tube. They are so incredibly delicious. I often have two. Today I had none. I had a small bowl of Cherrios. Maybe Cherrios are not as good for you either, but they sure are better than gooey cinnamon buns. This is why nutrition is so incredibly frustrating for me. One time in a group discussion at my mom's group someone at the table asked: "Well which cereals are healthy?" to which one of the nutrition gurus replied: "None of them." I really wanted to roll my eyes, but I contained myself. We obviously have different standards when it comes to "healthy."
The husband who was blessed with wonderful metabolism that I will never have makes desserts on the weekend. It's a hobby of his and he's really good at it. Amazing in the kitchen, I might add. I am forever blessed. So Sunday will be a dessert day and I am not going to feel guilty about the Boston cream pie sitting in the refrigerator right now.
My other goal was to have my favorite drink of Diet Mountain Dew once every day instead of every day. One every day, I know. Judge me if you want to. I know people who consume much more than that in a day. We all have our weaknesses. I am going to see what cutting down caffeine does. Not quite ready to throw out the morning coffee yet. One thing at a time.
Food: I am not going to write out everything I ate. It gets way too tedious and I won't stick with it if that's my expectation. I think I don't give myself enough credit because I really do know how to eat healthy. I get flustered sometimes by the trend diets and the good carbs versus bad carbs. Every Sunday morning we make cinnamon rolls out of the Pillsbury tube. They are so incredibly delicious. I often have two. Today I had none. I had a small bowl of Cherrios. Maybe Cherrios are not as good for you either, but they sure are better than gooey cinnamon buns. This is why nutrition is so incredibly frustrating for me. One time in a group discussion at my mom's group someone at the table asked: "Well which cereals are healthy?" to which one of the nutrition gurus replied: "None of them." I really wanted to roll my eyes, but I contained myself. We obviously have different standards when it comes to "healthy."
The husband who was blessed with wonderful metabolism that I will never have makes desserts on the weekend. It's a hobby of his and he's really good at it. Amazing in the kitchen, I might add. I am forever blessed. So Sunday will be a dessert day and I am not going to feel guilty about the Boston cream pie sitting in the refrigerator right now.
My other goal was to have my favorite drink of Diet Mountain Dew once every day instead of every day. One every day, I know. Judge me if you want to. I know people who consume much more than that in a day. We all have our weaknesses. I am going to see what cutting down caffeine does. Not quite ready to throw out the morning coffee yet. One thing at a time.
I Am A Nutrition Rebel
I am a nutrition rebel. I am not one to sit with a bag of Cheetos watching a TV program and polish off the whole bag in one sitting. I can eat 2 or 3 call it good. Aside from drinking too much Mountain Dew at different points in my life, I don't deal with many food addictions.
But I'm a nutrition rebel because I have heard several "healthy eating" talks in the last few years and I often leave frustrated and confused. Here's my reasons why...
1) The speakers do not emphasize exercise enough. Healthy eating and exercise are partners. Our bodies were made to move and be worked...not to be stagnant. Many of my "non-running" and "little to no exercise" friends don't really get it. Their thoughts are: "Ugh I have to exercise...it's something I HAVE to do but I don't want to" whereas my thoughts over the years became: "I can't afford NOT to exercise and I can't imagine not doing it."
2) I get flustered by all the proteins, good carbs, bad carbs, vitamins, good fat, bad fat, and keeping it all straight. Not to mention fad diets (it seems like everyone is gluten free these days). It seems like if one thing is bad for you then in a few years it's all the sudden good for you again.
3) I don't want to spend more money than what I am already spending. I don't want to buy expensive vitamins or shakes. I don't want to buy pricey foods at specialty stores.
But this is the problem: I exercise six days a week and compete in running races, but I still was asked last spring if I am pregnant. I have to accept my body the way it is, but yet is it OK to want my abs less flabby? Is this even possible? Am I chasing the wrong goal?
I have done My Fitness Pal in the past. I don't gain a lot of weight nor do I lose much. So it's a little bit up and a little bit down. My profile looks like I lost 15 pounds, but it is not true. I also don't think they give me enough calories. Sometimes I have felt dizzy and faint and extremely hungry by 5 PM. There is no way I could have three meals and two snacks and stay within the calories unless I was eating massive amounts of kale and lettuce.
I struggle with anxiety. Depression and anxiety run rampant in my family. I also get bad PMS and would probably be diagnosed with PMDD. I don't want to keep taking more medication. I have heard that cutting out caffeine, white sugars, sweets, bad carbs, etc. helps with the symptoms. So maybe this is an experiment. Maybe it's a lifestyle change. Maybe I'll stop putting my nose in the air when someone else gives me a nutrition talk.
But I'm a nutrition rebel because I have heard several "healthy eating" talks in the last few years and I often leave frustrated and confused. Here's my reasons why...
1) The speakers do not emphasize exercise enough. Healthy eating and exercise are partners. Our bodies were made to move and be worked...not to be stagnant. Many of my "non-running" and "little to no exercise" friends don't really get it. Their thoughts are: "Ugh I have to exercise...it's something I HAVE to do but I don't want to" whereas my thoughts over the years became: "I can't afford NOT to exercise and I can't imagine not doing it."
2) I get flustered by all the proteins, good carbs, bad carbs, vitamins, good fat, bad fat, and keeping it all straight. Not to mention fad diets (it seems like everyone is gluten free these days). It seems like if one thing is bad for you then in a few years it's all the sudden good for you again.
3) I don't want to spend more money than what I am already spending. I don't want to buy expensive vitamins or shakes. I don't want to buy pricey foods at specialty stores.
But this is the problem: I exercise six days a week and compete in running races, but I still was asked last spring if I am pregnant. I have to accept my body the way it is, but yet is it OK to want my abs less flabby? Is this even possible? Am I chasing the wrong goal?
I have done My Fitness Pal in the past. I don't gain a lot of weight nor do I lose much. So it's a little bit up and a little bit down. My profile looks like I lost 15 pounds, but it is not true. I also don't think they give me enough calories. Sometimes I have felt dizzy and faint and extremely hungry by 5 PM. There is no way I could have three meals and two snacks and stay within the calories unless I was eating massive amounts of kale and lettuce.
I struggle with anxiety. Depression and anxiety run rampant in my family. I also get bad PMS and would probably be diagnosed with PMDD. I don't want to keep taking more medication. I have heard that cutting out caffeine, white sugars, sweets, bad carbs, etc. helps with the symptoms. So maybe this is an experiment. Maybe it's a lifestyle change. Maybe I'll stop putting my nose in the air when someone else gives me a nutrition talk.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
September 1 - 9
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
Rob & I had insomnia issues. His was most likely due to eating gluten on Monday. Mine was just plain waking up every hour for no apparent reason. I have things on my mind, but honestly don't feel overly anxious. The summer to fall transition used to be the worst time of year for me starting in high school...I would hate it. I often didn't feel better until late October and sometimes later. I stopped feeling this way after moving here (it helps it stays warm here as late as November), but this year I probably lean more towards not ready for the transition. Since this year also means going back to work. Looking back on last year we just had way too much going. I wouldn't say it was more than we could handle, and it was a good year. I have some awesome memories of it and I enjoyed my job too. I just don't feel like we need such a "run everywhere--on the edge of stress life." The kids aren't doing any fall sports until November when Kara or Derek will do swim lessons. Hailey has decided not to do swim team...at first I was a little sad, but now I totally understand and it's the best decision. She can always pick it up again later and she wants to swim lessons in the spring. She's already doing piano and will do basketball in the winter. We're continuing to do running together. All three kids raced last week and Kara won in her age category. Hailey got her mile time down to 9:38 which is amazing--she was at 13 minutes at the beginning of the summer.
The cat has been meowing in the halls again--I don't know why. Ugh it drives me nuts. I don't want to lock her up again at night, but I think I'm going to the next three nights. I had to laugh last night I came out at 4 in the morning after she was doing that shrill meow and she took of running for the laundry room knowing I was going to lock her in there--kind of a "I surrender."
So bad insomnia. Didn't get up and run. I was able to do a quick 3 miler over Rob's lunch. I will have some Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons completely off this year. I would much rather have afternoons off versus morning. I am already liking this schedule. I'm also liking having more toddlers around. They're busy of course. But the preschoolers could be more demanding at times (especially the last half of the year) with finding things to do to keep them busy and getting along. Ironically it was the preschoolers who followed me everywhere not the toddlers. :) Looking back I would maybe do things differently and try to set some boundaries, but last year was my first year and I had a huge learning curve.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
I slept hard from 10:30 until around 4. Then the cat was meowing. I was completely wide awake and couldn't sleep. I just laid in bed until 4:45 and then went to the pool. I was not as into the workout. It wasa lot of the same thing today--lots of 100's. I was getting a little bored with it. I also felt tired and cranky mostly because I miss the summer already. It turned out to be an OK morning and I need the morning exercise to get me through the day...even if I'm not as into it.
Thursday - Power 1 hour
Power was really good. I think it's harder doing it first thing in the morning versus the afternoon, but kept my weight about the same as last week.
Friday - Ran 3 miles
Really hard to get up! I ran the 3 mile route through the Welcome Way neighborhood. Nice hills and quiet neighborhood. Really good run.
Saturday - Group Ride
Ok so 7 AM doesn't feel early anymore to get up now that school is back in session. Went to Ride and probably one of the best times I've had at Ride in awhile. Way more into the workout and less looking at the clock waiting for it to end. I'm getting more into it.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
Rob & I had insomnia issues. His was most likely due to eating gluten on Monday. Mine was just plain waking up every hour for no apparent reason. I have things on my mind, but honestly don't feel overly anxious. The summer to fall transition used to be the worst time of year for me starting in high school...I would hate it. I often didn't feel better until late October and sometimes later. I stopped feeling this way after moving here (it helps it stays warm here as late as November), but this year I probably lean more towards not ready for the transition. Since this year also means going back to work. Looking back on last year we just had way too much going. I wouldn't say it was more than we could handle, and it was a good year. I have some awesome memories of it and I enjoyed my job too. I just don't feel like we need such a "run everywhere--on the edge of stress life." The kids aren't doing any fall sports until November when Kara or Derek will do swim lessons. Hailey has decided not to do swim team...at first I was a little sad, but now I totally understand and it's the best decision. She can always pick it up again later and she wants to swim lessons in the spring. She's already doing piano and will do basketball in the winter. We're continuing to do running together. All three kids raced last week and Kara won in her age category. Hailey got her mile time down to 9:38 which is amazing--she was at 13 minutes at the beginning of the summer.
The cat has been meowing in the halls again--I don't know why. Ugh it drives me nuts. I don't want to lock her up again at night, but I think I'm going to the next three nights. I had to laugh last night I came out at 4 in the morning after she was doing that shrill meow and she took of running for the laundry room knowing I was going to lock her in there--kind of a "I surrender."
So bad insomnia. Didn't get up and run. I was able to do a quick 3 miler over Rob's lunch. I will have some Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons completely off this year. I would much rather have afternoons off versus morning. I am already liking this schedule. I'm also liking having more toddlers around. They're busy of course. But the preschoolers could be more demanding at times (especially the last half of the year) with finding things to do to keep them busy and getting along. Ironically it was the preschoolers who followed me everywhere not the toddlers. :) Looking back I would maybe do things differently and try to set some boundaries, but last year was my first year and I had a huge learning curve.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
I slept hard from 10:30 until around 4. Then the cat was meowing. I was completely wide awake and couldn't sleep. I just laid in bed until 4:45 and then went to the pool. I was not as into the workout. It wasa lot of the same thing today--lots of 100's. I was getting a little bored with it. I also felt tired and cranky mostly because I miss the summer already. It turned out to be an OK morning and I need the morning exercise to get me through the day...even if I'm not as into it.
Thursday - Power 1 hour
Power was really good. I think it's harder doing it first thing in the morning versus the afternoon, but kept my weight about the same as last week.
Friday - Ran 3 miles
Really hard to get up! I ran the 3 mile route through the Welcome Way neighborhood. Nice hills and quiet neighborhood. Really good run.
Saturday - Group Ride
Ok so 7 AM doesn't feel early anymore to get up now that school is back in session. Went to Ride and probably one of the best times I've had at Ride in awhile. Way more into the workout and less looking at the clock waiting for it to end. I'm getting more into it.
Monday, August 25, 2014
August 25 - August 31
Monday - 6 miles
Yay! 6 miles. My goal was to get to 6 by this week. Good run. Had to walk a little on the Mildred hills. Took me a little longer than I hoped, but still made it. Beautiful morning. Perfect weather!
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
The pool was busy--most of us had to share lanes for the first 1/2 hour. It was a tough workout...pretty intense. I was actually sore afterwards. It was great to push myself too. Also played street hockey at night--last night. :(
Thursday - Yoga 1/2 hour
I wanted to go to Centergy, but with swimming yesterday, the school picnic, and hockey--it was a full day. I slept the extra hour and did another yoga video on You Tube. It actually felt really good to stretch my sore muscles.
Friday - Ran 3 miles and Group Power
Rob was gone all day with the kids. I ran 3 miles around 4 PM. It was a really good run--maintained a good speed. Then I went to 5 PM Group Power. There was a very low turnout like 15 people. It was an intense workout and I did almost all the push ups on my toes. The biceps and shoulder track killed me again. I was so glad I went.
Saturday - Stationary Bike - 42 minutes
I didn't bike outside because it was really rainy and I didn't want to get up early for Ride. So I did the stationary bike at Level 4 and did rolling hills. It was hard, but I got a great workout in.
Sunday - Ran 3 miles
I got in 3 miles before church. Perfect cool running weather. The mornings are so great this time of year for running. Lots of people out too. I did the Sumpter Park route.
Yay! 6 miles. My goal was to get to 6 by this week. Good run. Had to walk a little on the Mildred hills. Took me a little longer than I hoped, but still made it. Beautiful morning. Perfect weather!
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
The pool was busy--most of us had to share lanes for the first 1/2 hour. It was a tough workout...pretty intense. I was actually sore afterwards. It was great to push myself too. Also played street hockey at night--last night. :(
Thursday - Yoga 1/2 hour
I wanted to go to Centergy, but with swimming yesterday, the school picnic, and hockey--it was a full day. I slept the extra hour and did another yoga video on You Tube. It actually felt really good to stretch my sore muscles.
Friday - Ran 3 miles and Group Power
Rob was gone all day with the kids. I ran 3 miles around 4 PM. It was a really good run--maintained a good speed. Then I went to 5 PM Group Power. There was a very low turnout like 15 people. It was an intense workout and I did almost all the push ups on my toes. The biceps and shoulder track killed me again. I was so glad I went.
Saturday - Stationary Bike - 42 minutes
I didn't bike outside because it was really rainy and I didn't want to get up early for Ride. So I did the stationary bike at Level 4 and did rolling hills. It was hard, but I got a great workout in.
Sunday - Ran 3 miles
I got in 3 miles before church. Perfect cool running weather. The mornings are so great this time of year for running. Lots of people out too. I did the Sumpter Park route.
Monday, August 18, 2014
August 18 - 24
Monday - Ran 5 miles
New day. New week. Doing better today. Saw two other wonderful friends today I have not been able to hang out with since earlier in the summer. So incredibly refreshing to be with them. More at peace. Rob & I both had very bad insomnia last night. We both fell asleep around 11:45 and I slept until around 12:30ish and woke up to Rob tossing and turning. When he can't sleep he is all over the bed and extremely restless--he felt bad and went to the couch so I could sleep. But I couldn't sleep. We should have stayed up and watched movies since we were both so awake. I finally caved and took a Unisom at 1:30 AM hoping I wouldn't wake up overly groggy. I didn't fall asleep until after 2:15. Woke up to the cat meowing--turns out she had no water. I ended up locking her up in the laundry room around 4:30 AM. Finally slept uninterrupted until 7 and then slept another hour until 8. Crappy, crappy night. Some of it was anxiety--I couldn't get my mind to stop racing. Some of it might have been I took a longer nap later in the afternoon and that screws up my sleep. Rob is still not all the way better and coughing and congested. I got it mildly. I've had a scratchy throat at night and very mild cough. Thankfully I was not too groggy in the morning--I had an extra cup of coffee and that helped.
There was no way I was going to get up and run but I was able to do an evening run at 7:30. It was hot but not unbearable. I went through a whole little bottle of Gatorade. I did five miles. Good run. Hopefully good sleep. I hate Unisom and sleeping pills in general. Most of the time I sleep wonderfully and have not had the insomnia I struggled with as a kid and then had here and there in high school and college and when we lived in the Fruitport house.
Tuesday - Track Workout at Wendy Kroger Park--intervals and about 3 miles total
We both slept last night. It was just hard to get up because we were so tired from losing all that sleep the night before. So I didn't run in the early morning. I was busy all morning with a dentist appointment, swim lessons for the kids, and watching my friend's kids for two hours. I wanted to take the kids to the track because they need to run too if they are going to race next month. I knew more than likely the track would be in use with soccer tryouts or football or both. I kept putting it off. Rob said he wanted to go to karate and suggested I take the kids running at the park. The path at Wendy Kroger is 0.17 miles so six laps is a little over a mile. Derek & Kara ran three laps and Hailey ran six without stopping. She's doing better. I modified the track workout from the triathlon club for this week by cutting it in half and then tailoring it to Wendy Kroger's path versus the track. It worked out really well. I got a good workout in. I did 6 lap warm up, 3 laps with 1 lap recovery. 2 laps with 1 lap recovery, 2 x 1 laps with 1 lap recovery, 3 x 1/2 laps with 3 1/2 lap recovery, and then 3 laps cool down which equals just under 4 miles. Not bad. The kids ran, rode their bikes around the loop, rode their bikes on the trail, and played on the playground. It was perfect.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
Nice to be back in the pool with the girls. We were all there. We did a workout they call "Oreo" where you do steady, fast, steady and then repeat it again with the pull buoy. I tried to focus on speed with the the fast tracks. It was really good.
Thursday - Ride
I wanted to go to Centergy in the morning. I decided I am going to make Centergy more of a priority until after Christmas and try to go to Power Wednesday or Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings instead of Power. If there are weeks I can't go then--I just won't be able to do Power. I really wish they weren't offered at the same--it stinks. This week I can't go to Power on Friday or Saturday because we have too many other things going on and I'm back to doing child care on Fridays. :( However during the night the cat was making all kind of ruckus because she somehow got locked in the girls's room so at 2:30 AM she was so loud scratching the door and meowing. After I figured out what the noise was, I got her out. Then I was awake for like well over an hour. So I slept in until 8 instead of getting up. I hate insomnia.
Our schedule worked out that I could go to Group Ride at 5:30 PM. I have not been to Ride in months. I really really enjoyed it. I know the inside cycling is going to help me so much with the outside. I really pushed myself and kept my gears high. I learned about better form with biking and how to keep my shoulders more relaxed.
Friday - Yoga 40 minutes
Since I couldn't make Centergy this week, I opted to do 40 minute yoga video instead. Wow my legs are so tight--it hurt in some spots. The flexibility training was good and a great way to start the day.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Ran 3 miles
It didn't feel hot out when I started, but it was hot. Dry cleaners said 86 and Insurance Co said 93. Probably high 80's. Felt really thirsty and too warm. Glad I only did a short run today!
New day. New week. Doing better today. Saw two other wonderful friends today I have not been able to hang out with since earlier in the summer. So incredibly refreshing to be with them. More at peace. Rob & I both had very bad insomnia last night. We both fell asleep around 11:45 and I slept until around 12:30ish and woke up to Rob tossing and turning. When he can't sleep he is all over the bed and extremely restless--he felt bad and went to the couch so I could sleep. But I couldn't sleep. We should have stayed up and watched movies since we were both so awake. I finally caved and took a Unisom at 1:30 AM hoping I wouldn't wake up overly groggy. I didn't fall asleep until after 2:15. Woke up to the cat meowing--turns out she had no water. I ended up locking her up in the laundry room around 4:30 AM. Finally slept uninterrupted until 7 and then slept another hour until 8. Crappy, crappy night. Some of it was anxiety--I couldn't get my mind to stop racing. Some of it might have been I took a longer nap later in the afternoon and that screws up my sleep. Rob is still not all the way better and coughing and congested. I got it mildly. I've had a scratchy throat at night and very mild cough. Thankfully I was not too groggy in the morning--I had an extra cup of coffee and that helped.
There was no way I was going to get up and run but I was able to do an evening run at 7:30. It was hot but not unbearable. I went through a whole little bottle of Gatorade. I did five miles. Good run. Hopefully good sleep. I hate Unisom and sleeping pills in general. Most of the time I sleep wonderfully and have not had the insomnia I struggled with as a kid and then had here and there in high school and college and when we lived in the Fruitport house.
Tuesday - Track Workout at Wendy Kroger Park--intervals and about 3 miles total
We both slept last night. It was just hard to get up because we were so tired from losing all that sleep the night before. So I didn't run in the early morning. I was busy all morning with a dentist appointment, swim lessons for the kids, and watching my friend's kids for two hours. I wanted to take the kids to the track because they need to run too if they are going to race next month. I knew more than likely the track would be in use with soccer tryouts or football or both. I kept putting it off. Rob said he wanted to go to karate and suggested I take the kids running at the park. The path at Wendy Kroger is 0.17 miles so six laps is a little over a mile. Derek & Kara ran three laps and Hailey ran six without stopping. She's doing better. I modified the track workout from the triathlon club for this week by cutting it in half and then tailoring it to Wendy Kroger's path versus the track. It worked out really well. I got a good workout in. I did 6 lap warm up, 3 laps with 1 lap recovery. 2 laps with 1 lap recovery, 2 x 1 laps with 1 lap recovery, 3 x 1/2 laps with 3 1/2 lap recovery, and then 3 laps cool down which equals just under 4 miles. Not bad. The kids ran, rode their bikes around the loop, rode their bikes on the trail, and played on the playground. It was perfect.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
Nice to be back in the pool with the girls. We were all there. We did a workout they call "Oreo" where you do steady, fast, steady and then repeat it again with the pull buoy. I tried to focus on speed with the the fast tracks. It was really good.
Thursday - Ride
I wanted to go to Centergy in the morning. I decided I am going to make Centergy more of a priority until after Christmas and try to go to Power Wednesday or Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings instead of Power. If there are weeks I can't go then--I just won't be able to do Power. I really wish they weren't offered at the same--it stinks. This week I can't go to Power on Friday or Saturday because we have too many other things going on and I'm back to doing child care on Fridays. :( However during the night the cat was making all kind of ruckus because she somehow got locked in the girls's room so at 2:30 AM she was so loud scratching the door and meowing. After I figured out what the noise was, I got her out. Then I was awake for like well over an hour. So I slept in until 8 instead of getting up. I hate insomnia.
Our schedule worked out that I could go to Group Ride at 5:30 PM. I have not been to Ride in months. I really really enjoyed it. I know the inside cycling is going to help me so much with the outside. I really pushed myself and kept my gears high. I learned about better form with biking and how to keep my shoulders more relaxed.
Friday - Yoga 40 minutes
Since I couldn't make Centergy this week, I opted to do 40 minute yoga video instead. Wow my legs are so tight--it hurt in some spots. The flexibility training was good and a great way to start the day.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Ran 3 miles
It didn't feel hot out when I started, but it was hot. Dry cleaners said 86 and Insurance Co said 93. Probably high 80's. Felt really thirsty and too warm. Glad I only did a short run today!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
August 11 - 17
Monday - Half hour open water swim
We spent a good part of the day in Bend & Sisters. It was SO hot in Sisters--felt like high 90's. We got back to our campsite around 6 PM and went right to the lake. It was pretty dead compared to Sunday when it was jam packed. The kids were very content to play & swim (the water is pretty cold so they played by the shore most of the time). I was able to do an open water swim which was amazing! Suttle Lake is much clearer than the reservoir and VB's lake. Reminded me more of Hagg Lake. Very little lake weed too--I was so happy I was able to get a swim in.
Tuesday - 40 minute run on the beach
We got to Lincoln City early afternoon. I went running around 4. It was in the 60's but warm enough to run in shorts and t-shirts. No rain, but pretty cloudy. Love running on the beach! Always feel like I'm in my element.
Wednesday - 50 minute run on the beach
Ran around 5 PM and went the opposite way towards Newport. A little bit easier as they weren't many streams to jump over. And less crowded because I was going away from the city and the big resorts. It was very very foggy--could hardly see a quarter mile ahead. No rain though and still a great run.
Thursday - Bush Park Race--5K--around 26 minutes
My friend's son who was in my kid's running club was doing the mile run. I wanted to go see him and then do the 5K afterwards. The kids were staying home with Rob as they were pretty tired from the trip. Starting the 5K I didn't feel as good as normal--dry throat and fatigued. The air felt so humid to me even though I don't think it's overly humid. It's only in the mid 70's so not extremely hot. Once I was about seven minutes in the race, I felt better. I found a pack to run in which was mostly high school cross country girls. I always get passed on the downhill as it's not strength. In the last mile the lady in my age category that kept trying to pass me walked so I stayed ahead of her the rest of the race. I felt really good because some of the girls were slowing down and walking and I was able to hold my pace. I finished around 26. I usually am around 24 or 25--but this course is mostly grass and trail with some big hills. I stuck around because I thought I placed. Turns out I got second in my age group! There are so many elite runners at this race I never come to close to placing--was excited that I did this time.
Friday - Power
I went to 5 PM Power and I love the instructor. She pushes us hard and it's so good. Except I am so incredibly sore today. Back, triceps, biceps, legs. I pushed it pretty hard. The shoulders track was by far the hardest. Struggled on triceps and biceps as well. It was really good though.
Rob is getting over being sick. Super congested and fever. Kara had it so mildly for only a day. It hardly affected her energy level or her sleep. He got hit hard. Curious if anyone else is doomed or if it's isolated. We've not had a pass around sickness in a very very long time. My throat is mildly sore right now, but I have had on and off allergies basically all summer.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Approx. 40 minute bike ride
Yesterday was a very cruddy day and I can't really go into details why--except that it had nothing to do with the kids or our church or our families or Rob--just an isolated event. We're slowly dealing with it. I am thankful for my awesome summer friend who was there at the right time by God's grace and sent me an encouraging e-mail this afternoon. I just NEEDED to get out the house and think and I think best when I'm in motion. So I biked at Minto Brown. I hadn't ridden my bike since the triathlon. It helped a lot. It was a good ride.
We spent a good part of the day in Bend & Sisters. It was SO hot in Sisters--felt like high 90's. We got back to our campsite around 6 PM and went right to the lake. It was pretty dead compared to Sunday when it was jam packed. The kids were very content to play & swim (the water is pretty cold so they played by the shore most of the time). I was able to do an open water swim which was amazing! Suttle Lake is much clearer than the reservoir and VB's lake. Reminded me more of Hagg Lake. Very little lake weed too--I was so happy I was able to get a swim in.
Tuesday - 40 minute run on the beach
We got to Lincoln City early afternoon. I went running around 4. It was in the 60's but warm enough to run in shorts and t-shirts. No rain, but pretty cloudy. Love running on the beach! Always feel like I'm in my element.
Wednesday - 50 minute run on the beach
Ran around 5 PM and went the opposite way towards Newport. A little bit easier as they weren't many streams to jump over. And less crowded because I was going away from the city and the big resorts. It was very very foggy--could hardly see a quarter mile ahead. No rain though and still a great run.
Thursday - Bush Park Race--5K--around 26 minutes
My friend's son who was in my kid's running club was doing the mile run. I wanted to go see him and then do the 5K afterwards. The kids were staying home with Rob as they were pretty tired from the trip. Starting the 5K I didn't feel as good as normal--dry throat and fatigued. The air felt so humid to me even though I don't think it's overly humid. It's only in the mid 70's so not extremely hot. Once I was about seven minutes in the race, I felt better. I found a pack to run in which was mostly high school cross country girls. I always get passed on the downhill as it's not strength. In the last mile the lady in my age category that kept trying to pass me walked so I stayed ahead of her the rest of the race. I felt really good because some of the girls were slowing down and walking and I was able to hold my pace. I finished around 26. I usually am around 24 or 25--but this course is mostly grass and trail with some big hills. I stuck around because I thought I placed. Turns out I got second in my age group! There are so many elite runners at this race I never come to close to placing--was excited that I did this time.
Friday - Power
I went to 5 PM Power and I love the instructor. She pushes us hard and it's so good. Except I am so incredibly sore today. Back, triceps, biceps, legs. I pushed it pretty hard. The shoulders track was by far the hardest. Struggled on triceps and biceps as well. It was really good though.
Rob is getting over being sick. Super congested and fever. Kara had it so mildly for only a day. It hardly affected her energy level or her sleep. He got hit hard. Curious if anyone else is doomed or if it's isolated. We've not had a pass around sickness in a very very long time. My throat is mildly sore right now, but I have had on and off allergies basically all summer.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Approx. 40 minute bike ride
Yesterday was a very cruddy day and I can't really go into details why--except that it had nothing to do with the kids or our church or our families or Rob--just an isolated event. We're slowly dealing with it. I am thankful for my awesome summer friend who was there at the right time by God's grace and sent me an encouraging e-mail this afternoon. I just NEEDED to get out the house and think and I think best when I'm in motion. So I biked at Minto Brown. I hadn't ridden my bike since the triathlon. It helped a lot. It was a good ride.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
August 4 - 10
Monday: Ran 3 miles
I slept really good and felt very awake at 6:30 AM. I just did a simple three mile run, but it was nice to be out there. It felt great.
Tuesday: Track workout: 1 mile warm up, 800, 600, 400 with 400 recovery, 800 cool down
I did the triathlon club workout of the week--I just cut it in half. I was hoping to get to the track by 6, but it was more like 6:30. At least I got there. There was another group running. They were not elite runners--I think it was a walking group because they didn't run very much. The problem was they didn't follow the track etiquette. It's my understanding Lane 1 & 2 are for fast runners and the rest for slow runner and walkers. That's the way it is when the tri club practices. They wouldn't move over for me at all. It wasn't that big of a deal, but I had to maneuver around them all the time and keep changing lanes.
Wednesday: Centergy
I was able to go to day centergy because Rob is off this week. My friend Karen was there too because she's on a 21 day membership. It felt so incredibly good to stretch. The ab workout was good too. The room just feels so hot to me. I sweat almost as much as in Power and it's not as intense of a workout.
Thursday: Power
Alarm went off and I was going to back to sleep. I was awake and knew it would be awhile before I'd fall back asleep if I ever did. So I made it to Power and it was great to be there. I pushed myself and kept my weight around the same it was when I went two weeks ago.
Friday: Swam half hour
I did a plan off swim plan. It was so much lighter than the last one. I almost needed more of a workout. I'm sore from Power and tired today so I didn't push myself too hard. I also worked on breaststroke a little bit. I had been informally practicing in the pool when we take kids swimming.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 3.9 mile hike
We were in Suttle Lake and the kids wanted to do the hike around the lake. It's relatively flat--just a few ups and downs. We said we'd go one quarter of it and decide to either turn back thus doing half or keep going and complete it. The kids were doing really well. Kara actually hiked the best and complained very little "when she could be the leader" and set the pace. I was wearing my Nikes, but for some reason my left little toe hurt almost like it was blistering. It hurt and was forced me to go slow at the end. Still a great hike though. I love Suttle Lake!
I slept really good and felt very awake at 6:30 AM. I just did a simple three mile run, but it was nice to be out there. It felt great.
Tuesday: Track workout: 1 mile warm up, 800, 600, 400 with 400 recovery, 800 cool down
I did the triathlon club workout of the week--I just cut it in half. I was hoping to get to the track by 6, but it was more like 6:30. At least I got there. There was another group running. They were not elite runners--I think it was a walking group because they didn't run very much. The problem was they didn't follow the track etiquette. It's my understanding Lane 1 & 2 are for fast runners and the rest for slow runner and walkers. That's the way it is when the tri club practices. They wouldn't move over for me at all. It wasn't that big of a deal, but I had to maneuver around them all the time and keep changing lanes.
Wednesday: Centergy
I was able to go to day centergy because Rob is off this week. My friend Karen was there too because she's on a 21 day membership. It felt so incredibly good to stretch. The ab workout was good too. The room just feels so hot to me. I sweat almost as much as in Power and it's not as intense of a workout.
Thursday: Power
Alarm went off and I was going to back to sleep. I was awake and knew it would be awhile before I'd fall back asleep if I ever did. So I made it to Power and it was great to be there. I pushed myself and kept my weight around the same it was when I went two weeks ago.
Friday: Swam half hour
I did a plan off swim plan. It was so much lighter than the last one. I almost needed more of a workout. I'm sore from Power and tired today so I didn't push myself too hard. I also worked on breaststroke a little bit. I had been informally practicing in the pool when we take kids swimming.
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 3.9 mile hike
We were in Suttle Lake and the kids wanted to do the hike around the lake. It's relatively flat--just a few ups and downs. We said we'd go one quarter of it and decide to either turn back thus doing half or keep going and complete it. The kids were doing really well. Kara actually hiked the best and complained very little "when she could be the leader" and set the pace. I was wearing my Nikes, but for some reason my left little toe hurt almost like it was blistering. It hurt and was forced me to go slow at the end. Still a great hike though. I love Suttle Lake!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Goal for next week...
The past week I have felt like singing Bruno Mar's lazy song--"Today I don't feel like doing anything--" What turned into a week off became two weeks off. I got a lot done around the house. I played street hockey, gardened, rafted on the Deschutes for six hours, took the kids swimming almost every single day. In terms of exercise--just didn't have it in me. I didn't run with Rob. I took the kids to the track and watched them run and timed them--but didn't run myself. I just didn't want to. Rob said not to feel guilty because I am not training for anything and rest is really good. My moods have been up and down roller coaster like and I think exercise or lack thereof affects it.
Next week I hope to get back into it again. Even though the following week we're on vacation--I can still run and maybe even do a swim in Suttle Lake. My goal for this coming week is:
Monday: Run at the track
Tuesday: Run in the neighborhood
Wednesday: Swim with triathletes
Thursday: Centergy
Friday: Group Power
Saturday: Long Run
I am not going to focus on biking much until this winter. Once school starts I might try to go to Group Ride once a week and increase that to twice a week after Christmas. Until then I am going to try to get to Centergy once a week--I might not have time for it after Christmas once I go to Ride more often.
Next week I hope to get back into it again. Even though the following week we're on vacation--I can still run and maybe even do a swim in Suttle Lake. My goal for this coming week is:
Monday: Run at the track
Tuesday: Run in the neighborhood
Wednesday: Swim with triathletes
Thursday: Centergy
Friday: Group Power
Saturday: Long Run
I am not going to focus on biking much until this winter. Once school starts I might try to go to Group Ride once a week and increase that to twice a week after Christmas. Until then I am going to try to get to Centergy once a week--I might not have time for it after Christmas once I go to Ride more often.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
7/21 - 7/27
My goal for this week is to do Centergy once and Power once. I need the rest and there's no point in getting child care for the kids because I'm not training for anything yet. I've been swimming with them too and biked with them last weekend. We might get our bikes out again tomorrow unless it rains again.
Today (Wednesday) I went to Centergy. I have not gone in like two years. It's very similar...it's not changed a whole lot. It was a lot of seniors but I think the early morning class is more working people--similar to early morning Power. That is the only one I can go to. Because Rob is gone, I went to the 9:15 class and Derek & Kara went to the playroom. Derek went to Kids Strong which he loves and is his treat when Rob is out of town. Kara doesn't mind the child care.
The stretching was great. It hurt in some positions and I'm pretty tight in some areas. My flexability has never been that great hence why I why struggled in gymnastics as a kid. But I felt so much better afterwards. I need to do it once a week. It's really hard to schedule because it's at the same time as Group Power. It's not offered very often. I am going to try to go Thursday mornings if I can do Power on Friday or Saturday. I am thinking my gym might change the schedule anyway come September so that could affect things too.
At this point I would love to do a half marathon late fall or early winter. I think it would be feasible to run three times a week, swim once, Power once, and Centergy once. I question whether running only three times a week is enough? I've never trained for a long race and only ran three times a week. Going to look at some training plans before I commit.
Today (Wednesday) I went to Centergy. I have not gone in like two years. It's very similar...it's not changed a whole lot. It was a lot of seniors but I think the early morning class is more working people--similar to early morning Power. That is the only one I can go to. Because Rob is gone, I went to the 9:15 class and Derek & Kara went to the playroom. Derek went to Kids Strong which he loves and is his treat when Rob is out of town. Kara doesn't mind the child care.
The stretching was great. It hurt in some positions and I'm pretty tight in some areas. My flexability has never been that great hence why I why struggled in gymnastics as a kid. But I felt so much better afterwards. I need to do it once a week. It's really hard to schedule because it's at the same time as Group Power. It's not offered very often. I am going to try to go Thursday mornings if I can do Power on Friday or Saturday. I am thinking my gym might change the schedule anyway come September so that could affect things too.
At this point I would love to do a half marathon late fall or early winter. I think it would be feasible to run three times a week, swim once, Power once, and Centergy once. I question whether running only three times a week is enough? I've never trained for a long race and only ran three times a week. Going to look at some training plans before I commit.
Monday, July 14, 2014
7/14 - 7/20
Monday - Rest
Surprisingly I am not that sore from Saturday but I still want to give my body a few days to recover. I am not doing another triathlon this summer as much as I would love to do the Mid Summer Triathlon or Best in the West. I think I could do the full sprint now with the 1/2 mile swim. The #1 reason being is the cost. Triathlons are $70-90--so much more than running races. I would rather put that money towards other things. It's also takes up a good part of a Saturday and I feel like our Saturdays in August & September are valuable and we have other things planned anyway. Some of my thoughts as to What Next? are any or all of the above: 1) take a flat repair biking class--this would help ease my nervousness about flats. The new REI offers a class once a month as does the Bike Peddler every few months. 2) work on my running and buy a Running GPS to track my mileage and speed. With that possibly train for a half marathon I would run in the fall or winter. 3) work on strength training and also go to Centergy once a week and work on yoga/flexibility 4) work on biking--tackle hills, do longer rides, try to ride with others (I'm almost thinking of tackling this next spring and just do normal rides at Minto Brown for the time being).
I really want to keep swimming Wednesday mornings. Once school starts I'll probably do Centergy on Thursday mornings for awhile and Group Ride on Fridays. That would mean trying to do Power on Saturdays which doesn't always work--we often have things on Saturdays. I could do Power Wednesday or Friday afternoons otherwise. Then Monday, Tuesday or Sunday would possibly be running days. My day off would be either be Monday or Tuesday.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles and 1 mile with Rob
Rob wants to start doing some kind of cardio. He hates running. I think he should bike instead. But he said he wants to run twice a week and have me run with him. The kids are finally at the age we can leave them for 15 minutes as long as run on our street--it's about a half mile to the end of the street and he only wants to run a mile for now. I ran 3 miles beforehand and did the last mile with him.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour, Group Power 1 hour
Wow pretty active day. I swam in the morning with Erica. Then I took the kids to the pool and played in the water with them. Then I went to Group Power at 5 PM. Then I played street hockey at night.
Thursday - Ran 1 mile with Rob
I wanted to go to Centergy but I had leg cramps during the night and was so tired from all the activity yesterday. I did do Rob's 1 mile run with him.
Rest of the week: Aside from swimming with the kids and short bike rides and walks with them, I am taking the rest of the week off. We're pretty active, but I am not doing any hard core workouts on my own. Rob & Hailey are in Philly and I really see no point of getting child care when I'm not training for anything. My body probably needs the rest after the triathlon. Next week I only plan on going to Group Power once and Centergy once and that's probably it. Once they are back from Philly I will put together some sort of exercise plan for the rest of the summer. Right now I am enjoying the break.
Surprisingly I am not that sore from Saturday but I still want to give my body a few days to recover. I am not doing another triathlon this summer as much as I would love to do the Mid Summer Triathlon or Best in the West. I think I could do the full sprint now with the 1/2 mile swim. The #1 reason being is the cost. Triathlons are $70-90--so much more than running races. I would rather put that money towards other things. It's also takes up a good part of a Saturday and I feel like our Saturdays in August & September are valuable and we have other things planned anyway. Some of my thoughts as to What Next? are any or all of the above: 1) take a flat repair biking class--this would help ease my nervousness about flats. The new REI offers a class once a month as does the Bike Peddler every few months. 2) work on my running and buy a Running GPS to track my mileage and speed. With that possibly train for a half marathon I would run in the fall or winter. 3) work on strength training and also go to Centergy once a week and work on yoga/flexibility 4) work on biking--tackle hills, do longer rides, try to ride with others (I'm almost thinking of tackling this next spring and just do normal rides at Minto Brown for the time being).
I really want to keep swimming Wednesday mornings. Once school starts I'll probably do Centergy on Thursday mornings for awhile and Group Ride on Fridays. That would mean trying to do Power on Saturdays which doesn't always work--we often have things on Saturdays. I could do Power Wednesday or Friday afternoons otherwise. Then Monday, Tuesday or Sunday would possibly be running days. My day off would be either be Monday or Tuesday.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles and 1 mile with Rob
Rob wants to start doing some kind of cardio. He hates running. I think he should bike instead. But he said he wants to run twice a week and have me run with him. The kids are finally at the age we can leave them for 15 minutes as long as run on our street--it's about a half mile to the end of the street and he only wants to run a mile for now. I ran 3 miles beforehand and did the last mile with him.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour, Group Power 1 hour
Wow pretty active day. I swam in the morning with Erica. Then I took the kids to the pool and played in the water with them. Then I went to Group Power at 5 PM. Then I played street hockey at night.
Thursday - Ran 1 mile with Rob
I wanted to go to Centergy but I had leg cramps during the night and was so tired from all the activity yesterday. I did do Rob's 1 mile run with him.
Rest of the week: Aside from swimming with the kids and short bike rides and walks with them, I am taking the rest of the week off. We're pretty active, but I am not doing any hard core workouts on my own. Rob & Hailey are in Philly and I really see no point of getting child care when I'm not training for anything. My body probably needs the rest after the triathlon. Next week I only plan on going to Group Power once and Centergy once and that's probably it. Once they are back from Philly I will put together some sort of exercise plan for the rest of the summer. Right now I am enjoying the break.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
7/7 - 7/13 - Taper Week
Monday - Yesterday (I'm writing this on Tuesday) I just was so nervous about the triathlon on Saturday I felt like I couldn't think of myself else. My kind was racing. I was incredibly nervous about the bike portion and getting a flat or not being able to clip in or falling...and getting lost to get to Hagg Lake...or arriving super late. I was able to calm myself down which I am really proud of. I enjoyed the rest of the day. We went swimming at VB's lake. It was nice to be in the water playing with the kids, laying on rafts etc. versus swimming laps.
Tuesday - Swam about 15 minutes open water in Silverton Res and about 45 minute bike ride
Rob had a visit in Silverton and we went along. So we swam in the res. When he came back, I was able to swim about 15 minutes. It was a good last open water swim before the tri on Saturday. On Sunday I somehow did not fasten my wet suit properly and I got major chaffing on my neck. As Rob said, "Wow it looks really bad." It does hurt, but it didn't affect me swimming at all today. I am going to pick up some bodyglide at the sport goods store. I also biked in clips all over the neighborhood around 5:30 when traffic was busy. I am such an anxious biker and feel like I'm back in the beginning of driver's ed. When I left the driveway it took me forever to clip in--worst yet. As time went on, I did fine. Probably nervous the most about the bike. I think my next tri goal will be to attack biking and focus on that. I know I will really love it more once I get over these fears like I had with swimming.
Wednesday - Ran about 2 miles around the track
I took the kids to the track this morning so they could run. I did one lap with Kara and then I ran with Hailey. The kids played in the long jump pit while my finished running. My chafed neck looks better today but it hurts more. :( It makes my whole neck sore. Starting tonight I feel like it's better than it was this morning. Pretty nervous about Saturday, but trying to stay confident too.
Thursday & Friday - Rest
Saturday - RACE! It went great but it was tough too. I am so glad I accomplished my goal. I blogged all about it on my other blog.
Sunday - Rest
Tuesday - Swam about 15 minutes open water in Silverton Res and about 45 minute bike ride
Rob had a visit in Silverton and we went along. So we swam in the res. When he came back, I was able to swim about 15 minutes. It was a good last open water swim before the tri on Saturday. On Sunday I somehow did not fasten my wet suit properly and I got major chaffing on my neck. As Rob said, "Wow it looks really bad." It does hurt, but it didn't affect me swimming at all today. I am going to pick up some bodyglide at the sport goods store. I also biked in clips all over the neighborhood around 5:30 when traffic was busy. I am such an anxious biker and feel like I'm back in the beginning of driver's ed. When I left the driveway it took me forever to clip in--worst yet. As time went on, I did fine. Probably nervous the most about the bike. I think my next tri goal will be to attack biking and focus on that. I know I will really love it more once I get over these fears like I had with swimming.
Wednesday - Ran about 2 miles around the track
I took the kids to the track this morning so they could run. I did one lap with Kara and then I ran with Hailey. The kids played in the long jump pit while my finished running. My chafed neck looks better today but it hurts more. :( It makes my whole neck sore. Starting tonight I feel like it's better than it was this morning. Pretty nervous about Saturday, but trying to stay confident too.
Thursday & Friday - Rest
Saturday - RACE! It went great but it was tough too. I am so glad I accomplished my goal. I blogged all about it on my other blog.
Sunday - Rest
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