Last week was a little bit of a bust. My cold got worse and the week went on and I fought sinus headaches and muscle aches I am pretty sure were due to stress. Between Rob and I, we had the congregational meeting, double basketball, youth group/Family Night, child care training, the GEMS auction on top of everything else. I was fatigued by Sunday afternoon. Exhausting. I know for some moms this is their lives and they function like this on a regular basis. I don't do well in that kind of state. It hit the kids too at various degrees at different times. We had a couple of bad afternoons or mornings. I am glad I went to Power on Tuesday and after that I took the whole week off from exercise. I think I would have been functioning even worse had I not. The weather did not help at all either. Today is the first sun I think we have seen in 8 days. Mornings and afternoons have been dark and dreary. If you did not know the time, you would have thought it was 5 PM.
So this week has been more manageable and doable. Everyone seems to be in a bit better state of mind and mood. I did run Monday morning with Tracy. I had to cut my run short. It was a little less than four miles. There was too much rain and flooding. Yesterday morning I went to Power. It was a great workout. Today I swam a little less than a mile with Tracy and Erica.
I also counted calories this week and chose healthier eating options. I feel better. I think I mostly feel better due to a lighter schedule this week.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
It is so cold for running!
Here is this week continued.
Tuesday was a long tiring day. I was in a crummy mood by the end of it. I had major PMS. Since I didn't have to get the kids up for school and day care kids were not coming until 8:30, I was going to swim at 7 AM. By 9 PM I threw that plan out the window and decided to take the day off. I was really glad I did because I did not feel the greatest Wednesday morning (mostly due to PMS). I had another pounding sinus head ache for the second day in a row.
On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) Derek and I ran in the Keizer Turkey Dash and he rocked it! He got 35:56 which I thought was great. 11 1/2 minute mile pace. Last year he got 45 minutes...although he was sick and walked practically the whole thing. He loved it and said he wants to keep going with running an do another race. I think we will shoot for running 1-2 times a week and maybe do a 5K this winter depending on the weather. It is going to be a little more challenging to squeeze that in with basketball starting up.
On Friday I did a 6 mile run and my pace through most of it was at 9 minutes or under. I ran through the Sumpter neighborhood into Josh and Stephanie's neighborhood and back home. I really like knowing where all these hidden sidewalks are because it keeps me from having to run on busy roads like Kuebler.
Yesterday I did my first brick workout in a long time. I swam about 1/2 mile and then went to Ride. It was a good workout.
On Sunday (it is now Monday) I did a quick 3 mile run in the afternoon maintaining an under 9 minute pace again.
This morning Tracy and I ran about 4 miles. It was SO cold. I have run in that cold of temps in a long time. It was hard to breathe. I am glad I squeezed a workout in because today is full. This whole week basically is. My IT band is starting to hurt again. I had no pain during the run except very slightly at the very end. I have felt it all morning. It is probably good I am not running again until the weekend. I have the rest of the week to cross train and then hopefully do a 6-7 mile run this weekend. I stretched this morning and will do so again this afternoon.
I have been craving candy and chocolate again. I am going to once again try to count calories, but we'll see if I actually stick with it.
I am a little congested. Some of us have colds. I rubbed coconut oil with a few drop of lavender and eucalyptus last night and it helped me sleep. It was really soothing.
Tuesday was a long tiring day. I was in a crummy mood by the end of it. I had major PMS. Since I didn't have to get the kids up for school and day care kids were not coming until 8:30, I was going to swim at 7 AM. By 9 PM I threw that plan out the window and decided to take the day off. I was really glad I did because I did not feel the greatest Wednesday morning (mostly due to PMS). I had another pounding sinus head ache for the second day in a row.
On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) Derek and I ran in the Keizer Turkey Dash and he rocked it! He got 35:56 which I thought was great. 11 1/2 minute mile pace. Last year he got 45 minutes...although he was sick and walked practically the whole thing. He loved it and said he wants to keep going with running an do another race. I think we will shoot for running 1-2 times a week and maybe do a 5K this winter depending on the weather. It is going to be a little more challenging to squeeze that in with basketball starting up.
On Friday I did a 6 mile run and my pace through most of it was at 9 minutes or under. I ran through the Sumpter neighborhood into Josh and Stephanie's neighborhood and back home. I really like knowing where all these hidden sidewalks are because it keeps me from having to run on busy roads like Kuebler.
Yesterday I did my first brick workout in a long time. I swam about 1/2 mile and then went to Ride. It was a good workout.
On Sunday (it is now Monday) I did a quick 3 mile run in the afternoon maintaining an under 9 minute pace again.
This morning Tracy and I ran about 4 miles. It was SO cold. I have run in that cold of temps in a long time. It was hard to breathe. I am glad I squeezed a workout in because today is full. This whole week basically is. My IT band is starting to hurt again. I had no pain during the run except very slightly at the very end. I have felt it all morning. It is probably good I am not running again until the weekend. I have the rest of the week to cross train and then hopefully do a 6-7 mile run this weekend. I stretched this morning and will do so again this afternoon.
I have been craving candy and chocolate again. I am going to once again try to count calories, but we'll see if I actually stick with it.
I am a little congested. Some of us have colds. I rubbed coconut oil with a few drop of lavender and eucalyptus last night and it helped me sleep. It was really soothing.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Cooler air and normal workouts
It's been about a week since I posted. Last Thursday I rested. I am incredibly tired Thursday mornings because Wednesdays are long and running from one thing to the next. I spent almost the entire afternoon getting ready for Derek's birthday...which I was more than happy to do. But I got nothing else done. I skipped Bible Study and was grateful it was cancelled anyway. Apparently others were in the same boat as me and needed another week to get caught up. I did manage to get to Group Ride Friday morning which helped with the long day on Friday. I have almost all the day care kids on Friday and if they cannot go outside much--it's a long day. Thankfully it was better than the week before. I was slightly embarrassed at Ride I could not clip into the pedals until halfway through the warm up and I'm hoping no one noticed. I honestly feel quite self conscious about it hence why I try to get a bike in the back row. They were all taken.
On Saturday I ran 7 miles! I started around 8 AM. My whole Saturday went smoother and I was less moody since I got up before the kids. And got a workout in. It was cold, but a good run. I ran some of my old marathon training routes I don't do as much right now. I had zero IT band pain or ankle pain the whole run.
On Sunday I ran with Derek. We did three full miles at about a 12 1/2 to 13 minute mile pace. His first mile is always around 11 minutes. He did not really stop at all. He pushed through it. My IT band was starting to hurt at the end.
On Monday (yesterday) I ran almost five miles with Tracy. I stretched and rolled beforehand. I again didn't have much pain, but felt maybe a little coming on near the end. I got lazy with the yoga again and have only been rolling once or twice a day. It is something I am going to have to keep up with especially if I want to get back into the longer distances.
Then today I made it to Power. I increased my weight a little bit and it was a great workout. My ankle is still not healed all the way. I can feel it pretty bad with lunges and squats. I don't feel it as much when I walk around.
Eating wise, I am doing fine. I am not keeping track of calories. It is just so tedious and I feel like a slave to it. I might do so after the holidays. Especially if I gain a few pounds.
I slept amazing last week falling asleep right away. The past two nights have not been as good, but I am sure 90% is PMS. It always affects my sleep. I am kind of count on it.
The weather is getting very cool for Oregon but dry again. I don't mind the crisp winter air. It's nice to run outside in it.
On Saturday I ran 7 miles! I started around 8 AM. My whole Saturday went smoother and I was less moody since I got up before the kids. And got a workout in. It was cold, but a good run. I ran some of my old marathon training routes I don't do as much right now. I had zero IT band pain or ankle pain the whole run.
On Sunday I ran with Derek. We did three full miles at about a 12 1/2 to 13 minute mile pace. His first mile is always around 11 minutes. He did not really stop at all. He pushed through it. My IT band was starting to hurt at the end.
On Monday (yesterday) I ran almost five miles with Tracy. I stretched and rolled beforehand. I again didn't have much pain, but felt maybe a little coming on near the end. I got lazy with the yoga again and have only been rolling once or twice a day. It is something I am going to have to keep up with especially if I want to get back into the longer distances.
Then today I made it to Power. I increased my weight a little bit and it was a great workout. My ankle is still not healed all the way. I can feel it pretty bad with lunges and squats. I don't feel it as much when I walk around.
Eating wise, I am doing fine. I am not keeping track of calories. It is just so tedious and I feel like a slave to it. I might do so after the holidays. Especially if I gain a few pounds.
I slept amazing last week falling asleep right away. The past two nights have not been as good, but I am sure 90% is PMS. It always affects my sleep. I am kind of count on it.
The weather is getting very cool for Oregon but dry again. I don't mind the crisp winter air. It's nice to run outside in it.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Adrenaline Wednesday
Whatever crummy mood I was in yesterday dissipated. Even though it is Adrenaline Wednesday, I am feeling OK. I swam with Tracy & Erica this morning. I often have no problem getting motivated to go. I like swimming and I like their workouts. I usually do 30-31 laps total, but I think I was more like 28-29 this morning. I always like getting in the water and taking my time getting out & getting ready. By the time I get out of the pool and have to drive home--I usually have a good 40 minutes.
I only rolled once yesterday and did a yoga session in the afternoon. There is no major change from yesterday. I am hoping it is slowly healing. My arms are just sore from Power, but that always happens when I miss one week.
I have tomorrow afternoon off (thankfully) and hope to get caught up on things. I have been taking Thursdays off from exercise as well and then Rob can take his time at the gym in the morning.
The weather is better today and I think that elevated my mood. I am sleeping better. Eating wise I am doing pretty well. There is still too much candy in the house. I hate the temptation.
I only rolled once yesterday and did a yoga session in the afternoon. There is no major change from yesterday. I am hoping it is slowly healing. My arms are just sore from Power, but that always happens when I miss one week.
I have tomorrow afternoon off (thankfully) and hope to get caught up on things. I have been taking Thursdays off from exercise as well and then Rob can take his time at the gym in the morning.
The weather is better today and I think that elevated my mood. I am sleeping better. Eating wise I am doing pretty well. There is still too much candy in the house. I hate the temptation.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Power today and tired
I did not fall asleep until around 11 last night and my anxious brain followed by the cat woke me up at 4 AM. I'm quite surprised I am not as tired as I thought I would be...often it hits me later. I don't feel normal today anxiety-wise, but I am doing OK holding together. One thing that is hard is I just strongly dislike Wednesdays. I am starting to dread them. I work 8 to 5, go right to Leadership training class, and jump into youth group sometimes not coming home until close to 9. It's a long day. My class will be over after Christmas and that will help. I'll at least get 1 1/2 hour break before youth group. For now it is what it is.
I did make it to Power. I knew I wouldn't fall back asleep and I told Tracy I would be there anyway. Power hurt! It's amazing how far behind you get after missing just one week. It was tough. I was glad I went and it felt great to do strength training again.
My IT band hurts more this afternoon, but I didn't get a chance to roll it until an hour ago. My ankle feels better than yesterday. I have been still been doing yoga consistently and I think it makes a difference physically and mentally.
The cold rainy weather is very normal for November, but it's not been an easy transition for me. I really crave being outside. I am sure I will get used to it as the winter goes on and frankly we need all this rain--but I tend to struggle when it is like this day after day.
I did make it to Power. I knew I wouldn't fall back asleep and I told Tracy I would be there anyway. Power hurt! It's amazing how far behind you get after missing just one week. It was tough. I was glad I went and it felt great to do strength training again.
My IT band hurts more this afternoon, but I didn't get a chance to roll it until an hour ago. My ankle feels better than yesterday. I have been still been doing yoga consistently and I think it makes a difference physically and mentally.
The cold rainy weather is very normal for November, but it's not been an easy transition for me. I really crave being outside. I am sure I will get used to it as the winter goes on and frankly we need all this rain--but I tend to struggle when it is like this day after day.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Pain free running session!
So last week was a little bit of a bust...but not totally. I swam with Erica on Wednesday. My intention was going to go to Power on Thursday but I was so tired Wednesday night after youth group I knew it was not going to happen. I watched kids all morning on Thursday, spoke at the senior's lunch, and baked literally all afternoon until early evening. I made it to Bible Study but I was tired...my mind was wandering a lot...I felt a little guilty. I decided not to get up Friday. Friday was a very crazy day child care wise. I had one extra child, but it was just a little more chaotic than normal. By 4 PM I was ready to crash. Our bazaar on Saturday went great. Getting ready and set up for that felt easy compared to child care on Friday. I was not as tired Saturday night as I was Friday night. I ran with Derek Sunday afternoon. We went two miles. He ran the whole way--didn't walk at all. We maintained about a 12 minute mile pace...not bad.
I did 1 10-15 minute yoga session on the Yoga Works app everyday last week except I missed Thursday. I rolled three times a day except I missed one day (I think Thursday as well). I iced about once a day (sometimes twice). I did IT band stretching after rolling. My ankle is much better. I did not wear heels at all except for one hour yesterday...I really think my black boots caused some of the tendonitis.
This morning I ran 5 miles with Tracy and I had zero IT band pain! Yay! I totally expected it come on around Mile #3 especially as we went up a big hill. But it didn't!
I am finding the afternoon yoga session helps with my focus issues and reduces my stress level. I look forward to it now. The stretching helps with all the tightness is my glutes, hips, and lower thighs. The rolling is obviously making a difference too.
Now on to another week. It is going to be full again...but manageable. Eating and sleeping wise I am doing fine. Not a lot of major issues there. I kind of like making healthy lunches with the child care kids now because I eat with them...and it keeps me accountable.
I did 1 10-15 minute yoga session on the Yoga Works app everyday last week except I missed Thursday. I rolled three times a day except I missed one day (I think Thursday as well). I iced about once a day (sometimes twice). I did IT band stretching after rolling. My ankle is much better. I did not wear heels at all except for one hour yesterday...I really think my black boots caused some of the tendonitis.
This morning I ran 5 miles with Tracy and I had zero IT band pain! Yay! I totally expected it come on around Mile #3 especially as we went up a big hill. But it didn't!
I am finding the afternoon yoga session helps with my focus issues and reduces my stress level. I look forward to it now. The stretching helps with all the tightness is my glutes, hips, and lower thighs. The rolling is obviously making a difference too.
Now on to another week. It is going to be full again...but manageable. Eating and sleeping wise I am doing fine. Not a lot of major issues there. I kind of like making healthy lunches with the child care kids now because I eat with them...and it keeps me accountable.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Injuries stink
If I had to diagnose myself (which I claim to have zero sports medicine experience and no medical knowledge other than the six veterinary technology classes I took years ago) I would say that I have another bout of IT syndrome again and tendonitis or bursitis in my ankle on the same leg. Whether the two are related is beyond me...I have no idea. The problem is my ankle hurts while I am not running. It actually feels OK while running. I can feel a very slight discomfort but nothing that hinders my running. I have no IT band pain while I am not running. I don't feel it at all. I do have more discomfort while running. I only ran a little less than two miles with Derek today going about a 12 1/2 minute mile pace. I felt slight IT band pain coming on--not nearly as bad as yesterday--but it was there.
All the websites I read said you don't really have to stop running with either of them. I am not pushing it super hard because I am not training for a long distance right now. I am icing 2-3 times a day, rolling the IT band 2-3 times, and stretching. I have been doing yoga the last two afternoons. I think it helps...if anything the lack of stretching is what probably caused this in the first place. I was pretty tight all the time. I only stretched really well after Group Power and Ride...rarely before or after running.
So I am babying the ankle and the leg itself. Probably walking in my black boots with a heel on them aggravated the ankle. I wore these boots almost the whole time I was in Chicago and I wore my brown boots with a heel on them to the pumpkin patch--kind of dumb. I put a lot of pressure on my ankle the way I sit and rest my other leg on it--changing that.
Today I didn't feel at peace. Like I really want to run long distances again. I am nervous this is the end and this will be my life. Then I think--hey I am still running. I can still actually run. It's not like a stress fracture where I can't run at all. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
I think the rolling helps the most. Like I can feel the pressure points and I feel relief even if it hurts. I am not as worried about the ankle because it don't think it's shin splints or a stress fracture--it would hurt way more.
The good news is I am eating really well. It's not that hard to jump back into that. I am sleeping pretty well too.
I will call Dr. V if this pain continues well into the New Year. I know some of these injuries are stubborn and take a long time to heal. Praying for recovery so I can run again without pain--which ironically I was doing in September & October. Then the IT band started to flare up again and the ankle got worse.
All the websites I read said you don't really have to stop running with either of them. I am not pushing it super hard because I am not training for a long distance right now. I am icing 2-3 times a day, rolling the IT band 2-3 times, and stretching. I have been doing yoga the last two afternoons. I think it helps...if anything the lack of stretching is what probably caused this in the first place. I was pretty tight all the time. I only stretched really well after Group Power and Ride...rarely before or after running.
So I am babying the ankle and the leg itself. Probably walking in my black boots with a heel on them aggravated the ankle. I wore these boots almost the whole time I was in Chicago and I wore my brown boots with a heel on them to the pumpkin patch--kind of dumb. I put a lot of pressure on my ankle the way I sit and rest my other leg on it--changing that.
Today I didn't feel at peace. Like I really want to run long distances again. I am nervous this is the end and this will be my life. Then I think--hey I am still running. I can still actually run. It's not like a stress fracture where I can't run at all. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
I think the rolling helps the most. Like I can feel the pressure points and I feel relief even if it hurts. I am not as worried about the ankle because it don't think it's shin splints or a stress fracture--it would hurt way more.
The good news is I am eating really well. It's not that hard to jump back into that. I am sleeping pretty well too.
I will call Dr. V if this pain continues well into the New Year. I know some of these injuries are stubborn and take a long time to heal. Praying for recovery so I can run again without pain--which ironically I was doing in September & October. Then the IT band started to flare up again and the ankle got worse.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Last Week and IT Band Pain...again
There were some bright spots from last week...Kara's birthday, taking Kara and her friends out, youth group, Saturday night with friends etc. But overall it was a hard week. There was more emotions than normal. I felt frazzled and behind all week long and it's been awhile since I felt that way. I felt fatigued...not tired...because I am getting enough sleep and sleeping well. Just fatigue. And Derek was sick too and on my absolute busiest day. I was not convinced I was not getting it because my stomach felt really off Thursday night. I had a sinus headache off and on all day Thursday that lingered into Friday. Saturday I was an emotional mess because I knew I was not going to get everything done. And I didn't. But life goes on.
Exercise wise I did not do as much last week as I hoped. I ran Monday evening, did Power with Tracy on Tuesday, swam with Erica and Tracy on Wednesday and that was it. Nothing Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. That is just the way it goes. Eating was not great either.
So now it's Monday. I got out the door at 5:50 to go running with Tracy. At first it was a great run. Even though she dragged me up the Jones hill I always avoid. It was good for me to face my fears and run up it. My right calf has still been hurting. Around mile 3 1/2 my IT band flared up. I felt like whole right leg was throbbing. I was a little frustrated because I haven't felt it since August. I have had so many good runs since then. I don't know if it's related to the calf muscle or if it's two separate injuries. The fact I have not been rolling, not been stretching, and I did yoga two weeks ago and it hurt like crazy. I am too tight so it's not a big shocker.
The last time it came on I felt so much anxiety and thought my running days were over. No more marathons. No more long races. Good-bye running. Today I actually feel peace. It's just an injury and I may do long distances again. Even if I don't--it was a blast doing them and I loved the experience. Some people only do one marathon or no marathons. I got to do four. Running is not my whole identity. I love swimming. I am learning to love biking. I like Group Power. There are other things I can try too. I am so excited to do triathlon again this spring and work on that. Because I can run about 3-4 miles right now without pain and that's a sprint tri distance.
I need to be (and I will be) more consistent with the rolling, stretching, and try to do 10-15 minutes of yoga. I am going to try and run again this weekend. I'll stop at 3 miles if I feel the pain coming on again.
I just have been struggling to take care of myself again--eating junk, not stretching, giving into my anxiety, etc. I think I can get back on track again. I have a feeling it's going to be a really good week!
Exercise wise I did not do as much last week as I hoped. I ran Monday evening, did Power with Tracy on Tuesday, swam with Erica and Tracy on Wednesday and that was it. Nothing Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. That is just the way it goes. Eating was not great either.
So now it's Monday. I got out the door at 5:50 to go running with Tracy. At first it was a great run. Even though she dragged me up the Jones hill I always avoid. It was good for me to face my fears and run up it. My right calf has still been hurting. Around mile 3 1/2 my IT band flared up. I felt like whole right leg was throbbing. I was a little frustrated because I haven't felt it since August. I have had so many good runs since then. I don't know if it's related to the calf muscle or if it's two separate injuries. The fact I have not been rolling, not been stretching, and I did yoga two weeks ago and it hurt like crazy. I am too tight so it's not a big shocker.
The last time it came on I felt so much anxiety and thought my running days were over. No more marathons. No more long races. Good-bye running. Today I actually feel peace. It's just an injury and I may do long distances again. Even if I don't--it was a blast doing them and I loved the experience. Some people only do one marathon or no marathons. I got to do four. Running is not my whole identity. I love swimming. I am learning to love biking. I like Group Power. There are other things I can try too. I am so excited to do triathlon again this spring and work on that. Because I can run about 3-4 miles right now without pain and that's a sprint tri distance.
I need to be (and I will be) more consistent with the rolling, stretching, and try to do 10-15 minutes of yoga. I am going to try and run again this weekend. I'll stop at 3 miles if I feel the pain coming on again.
I just have been struggling to take care of myself again--eating junk, not stretching, giving into my anxiety, etc. I think I can get back on track again. I have a feeling it's going to be a really good week!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Where did October go?
What happened to October? Yikes I have not been blogging about my workouts. I find this blog quite helpful tracking my workouts, training, and moods. So I hope to get it rolling again.
I have been working out pretty regularly--about 4-5 times a week. Tracy and I have been running on Mondays. Since I took on another client, Mondays are my only mornings I start work at 8:30. Tuesdays and Thursdays are 7:10 and Wednesdays and Fridays are 7:30. Tuesdays I have tried to go to Power. I missed once due to setting my alarm for pm instead of am. I felt bad because I told Tracy I was going and she even set up my bench for me. I think she was annoyed. Wednesdays I have gone to swim consistently. I only missed this week with Rob being away. Thursdays are my new day off and that has worked well. I have youth sometimes as late as 9 Wednesday nights. It's too hard to get up. Fridays I have gone to Group Ride consistently. The weekends really vary. I have mostly done some runs. I have not done Saturday Power or Saturday Ride since August. I have not ridden my bike outside since mid September.
I was in Chicago for a few days and I ran 6 miles in the nature preserve while I was there. It was a fabulous run. I was not too tired after I came home. I managed to run last week Monday with Tracy. Rob left for Ukraine a few hours later. So I have done nothing in a week, but I have not minded the time off. I am not craving exercise like I normally do when Rob is away, but I am ready to get back into it.
My right calf still hurts off and on. It does not hurt much when I run. By the end of the day it is always sore. It has been sore throughout the day as well. I have iced it off and on. I tried rolling it, but it's hard to roll your calf. Sometimes I think it might be related to the IT band injury because it's the same leg. I have only been running 1-2 times a week since the marathon in May so I don't feel like it's overuse. I feel like if I can run without pain, I am not going to worry too much about it. I ran into a piano bench in the fellowship hall (it was dark--not that clumsy) and thought for sure I injured my knee. It hurt so bad I was wincing in pain. It hurt the rest of the evening but I barely have a bruise at all.
I have eaten terrible while Rob has been gone and a little afraid to step on the scale. We have eaten the quick meals and pizza twice. Halloween candy doesn't help. I am going to have to be more disciplined starting this coming week. I really don't want to be a slave to the calorie counting.
Anxiety wise I did awesome while Rob was away the first seven days. I was thinking--"Wow, people must be praying for me because I am doing amazing." I had zero anxiety and was very motivated. Everything went smoothly. Even with having zero time to myself and the house crawling with kids. Yesterday except for the Halloween festivities at night was hard--I felt really off. This afternoon was even worse...I lost it with the kids. I almost called someone because I felt so overwhelmed. The kids and I talked it out and we got through it. Rob comes home tomorrow. Little triggers of things cause anxiety and some days are worse than others.
I have been working out pretty regularly--about 4-5 times a week. Tracy and I have been running on Mondays. Since I took on another client, Mondays are my only mornings I start work at 8:30. Tuesdays and Thursdays are 7:10 and Wednesdays and Fridays are 7:30. Tuesdays I have tried to go to Power. I missed once due to setting my alarm for pm instead of am. I felt bad because I told Tracy I was going and she even set up my bench for me. I think she was annoyed. Wednesdays I have gone to swim consistently. I only missed this week with Rob being away. Thursdays are my new day off and that has worked well. I have youth sometimes as late as 9 Wednesday nights. It's too hard to get up. Fridays I have gone to Group Ride consistently. The weekends really vary. I have mostly done some runs. I have not done Saturday Power or Saturday Ride since August. I have not ridden my bike outside since mid September.
I was in Chicago for a few days and I ran 6 miles in the nature preserve while I was there. It was a fabulous run. I was not too tired after I came home. I managed to run last week Monday with Tracy. Rob left for Ukraine a few hours later. So I have done nothing in a week, but I have not minded the time off. I am not craving exercise like I normally do when Rob is away, but I am ready to get back into it.
My right calf still hurts off and on. It does not hurt much when I run. By the end of the day it is always sore. It has been sore throughout the day as well. I have iced it off and on. I tried rolling it, but it's hard to roll your calf. Sometimes I think it might be related to the IT band injury because it's the same leg. I have only been running 1-2 times a week since the marathon in May so I don't feel like it's overuse. I feel like if I can run without pain, I am not going to worry too much about it. I ran into a piano bench in the fellowship hall (it was dark--not that clumsy) and thought for sure I injured my knee. It hurt so bad I was wincing in pain. It hurt the rest of the evening but I barely have a bruise at all.
I have eaten terrible while Rob has been gone and a little afraid to step on the scale. We have eaten the quick meals and pizza twice. Halloween candy doesn't help. I am going to have to be more disciplined starting this coming week. I really don't want to be a slave to the calorie counting.
Anxiety wise I did awesome while Rob was away the first seven days. I was thinking--"Wow, people must be praying for me because I am doing amazing." I had zero anxiety and was very motivated. Everything went smoothly. Even with having zero time to myself and the house crawling with kids. Yesterday except for the Halloween festivities at night was hard--I felt really off. This afternoon was even worse...I lost it with the kids. I almost called someone because I felt so overwhelmed. The kids and I talked it out and we got through it. Rob comes home tomorrow. Little triggers of things cause anxiety and some days are worse than others.
Friday, October 2, 2015
My workout schedule for the fall and winter
I think I figured out a great exercise schedule that is going to work for this school year. Last year I did not have as much of a set schedule because I was doing most of my workouts alone...with the exception of swimming once a week. Once I started half marathon training around this time last year, I was running at least three times a week. My schedule varied week to week. Now I am doing about half of my workouts with friends and half alone and only running twice a week. The last three weeks have been pretty similar:
Monday = Run with friends
Tuesday = Power with friends
Wednesday = Swim with friends
Thursday = Rest
Friday = Group Ride
Saturday = Outside bike ride (if the weather is bad, then Ride or Power--if we have stuff in the morning than swim in the afternoon)
Sunday = Run alone
The weekends will still vary. Like last weekend I did not do anything on Saturday & Sunday because we were camping. If I can get to 5 PM Power on a Friday, I am going to try and go. I really miss the 5 PM class as the instructor is awesome.
Come February or March, I will re-evaluate. At this point in time (and I realize my plans always seem to change) I would love to do the Stayton Triathlon again and then maybe Blue Lake in June at the Olympic distance. Then just work out to maintain fitness the rest of the summer like I did this past summer. And then maybe think about doing a winter or spring marathon. I loved the marathon I did in 2010 in December because I didn't start really training until late August when I was trying to establish a school routine anyway. I was able to do my long runs on the weekends most Saturdays or Sundays.
I'm happy with this schedule and it's a good variety of workouts. I like running the most. Then probably swimming. Ride and Power are tied. I still have a lot of anxiety about outside bike riding but I have made a lot of progress! Someday I hope I will be able to bike with my friends on a weekend, but it might have to wait until the spring.
Monday = Run with friends
Tuesday = Power with friends
Wednesday = Swim with friends
Thursday = Rest
Friday = Group Ride
Saturday = Outside bike ride (if the weather is bad, then Ride or Power--if we have stuff in the morning than swim in the afternoon)
Sunday = Run alone
The weekends will still vary. Like last weekend I did not do anything on Saturday & Sunday because we were camping. If I can get to 5 PM Power on a Friday, I am going to try and go. I really miss the 5 PM class as the instructor is awesome.
Come February or March, I will re-evaluate. At this point in time (and I realize my plans always seem to change) I would love to do the Stayton Triathlon again and then maybe Blue Lake in June at the Olympic distance. Then just work out to maintain fitness the rest of the summer like I did this past summer. And then maybe think about doing a winter or spring marathon. I loved the marathon I did in 2010 in December because I didn't start really training until late August when I was trying to establish a school routine anyway. I was able to do my long runs on the weekends most Saturdays or Sundays.
I'm happy with this schedule and it's a good variety of workouts. I like running the most. Then probably swimming. Ride and Power are tied. I still have a lot of anxiety about outside bike riding but I have made a lot of progress! Someday I hope I will be able to bike with my friends on a weekend, but it might have to wait until the spring.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Last week and beginning of this one
I did not post at all last week. Last week was very similar to the week before. Tracy and I ran in the dark again on Monday. We were a bit faster and I got around five miles. There was a slight rain in the air as well. Welcome to fall. On Tuesday I went to Power and Wednesday to swim. I have been keeping track of my laps and it about the same every time...although I believe our swim was shorter. We were out of the pool about five minutes early. On Thursday I had every intention of going to Power. When it was just me and no accountability to meet someone I cave into sleeping in. I had youth group the night before and was not home until 9. I was pretty tired. Even still, I hate the rush of trying to get ready by 7 AM while waking up at 6:40. Not sure if I should just not try to exercise at all Thursday mornings or really push myself to get there. On Friday I did get to Ride which was very very good. We camped all weekend on the coast and I had no planned on exercising at all. If someone would have wanted to go running or hiking, I would have joined them. For the most part it was relaxing and sitting on the beach which I was more than OK with. I did roller blade with some of the kids. We got home Sunday and I was utterly exhausted. I went to bed at 8:50 PM and slept hard all night long. I went running with Tracy. She had some stomach issues and had to stop around 3 miles. I looped around and did 4 miles and offered to drive her home, but she made it home OK run/walking. The run was kind of a bust for both of us because I felt tired and fatigued. I was glad I got out there anyway. I probably would have been crabby around the kids had I not gotten up and run. Then today we met up at Power. We hardly got to talk because I was late and she had to leave early. It is so nice to going to Power with someone--the accountability is enough to get me there. I would have slept in had she not made plans. It was one of those mornings I had no desire to go. The workout was pretty hard and I struggled. I had a better morning because of it I probably would not have had.
Eating wise I am doing OK. We're at the end of our groceries so that often present challenging food choices. Even camping we ate really well. There was a good variety of food and tons of fruits and veggies. I actually slept OK camping--the first night was better than the second. My sleep has been pretty normal.
Hailey had a stomach bug and then got a cough and cold. No one else got anything which surprised me. I thought at least one other person would get the bug as it has been going around the junior high. We've all been pretty healthy as of right now. My anxiety has also been very mild. I have not had any major bad days since one bad day in August. I will have little minor panic episodes that are not paralyzing or anything-- I do have to either journal or talk through them. I have not had any in the past week or so. I would say the summer to fall transition as a whole for all of five us was the smoothest it has ever been. I remember being so stressed and tired the first two weeks of September last year and the year before. It just has been much easier. I am grateful for that!
Eating wise I am doing OK. We're at the end of our groceries so that often present challenging food choices. Even camping we ate really well. There was a good variety of food and tons of fruits and veggies. I actually slept OK camping--the first night was better than the second. My sleep has been pretty normal.
Hailey had a stomach bug and then got a cough and cold. No one else got anything which surprised me. I thought at least one other person would get the bug as it has been going around the junior high. We've all been pretty healthy as of right now. My anxiety has also been very mild. I have not had any major bad days since one bad day in August. I will have little minor panic episodes that are not paralyzing or anything-- I do have to either journal or talk through them. I have not had any in the past week or so. I would say the summer to fall transition as a whole for all of five us was the smoothest it has ever been. I remember being so stressed and tired the first two weeks of September last year and the year before. It just has been much easier. I am grateful for that!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Good Week,Bad Day With A Good Run
This past week was a very good second week of school. I can't say I have too many complaints. The beginning of the week was a little more busier than I would have liked...but still manageable. Nothing too crazy.
On Monday I ran with Tracy. I realized we are now back to our full workout in the dark. Miss the sunrise runs. It is only going to get worse. Pretty soon we will have rain to deal with as well. But at least I am not running it alone. On Tuesday we went to Power. I enjoyed it. We were talking about how we get bored with some of the classes. I am not to that point with Power yet, but I do get bored sometimes with Ride. On Wednesday we swam. I like the midweek swim better but it doesn't always work with everyone's schedule. Wednesday was a full day. I was busy almost the whole entire day with a short break in the afternoon. I allowed myself to sleep in on Thursday. Although I could only sleep in until 6:45 and then I was rushing to get ready before Jacob came. It's almost easier to give up the sleep and go to the gym. On Friday I had the afternoon off and Rob was home. So I did a hill workout on Mildred and did a little over five miles. On Saturday I biked at Minto Brown and forgot my phone. I probably I went 12-13 miles. My biggest pet peeve with Minto Brown on busy weekends is people not staying on their side of the bike path. I had a few close calls. One was a little kid who probably did not know better, but still. One of these times I fear I will crash into a dog or a little kid. I also played hockey in the late afternoon.
Today I ran three miles faster than normal. We had a rougher day around here and it has nothing to do with the kids or Rob & I--crummy situation involving something else. I cannot say much more than that. The kids were so good today that it actually kept me from delving too much into my frustrations with this situation. Running fast really helped me too. Derek also ran one mile at Bryan Johnson park on the little course which is all uphill and downhill. Kara did one lap which is approximately a half mile.
I am doing much better with my eating. I am not eating a whole lot of dessert anymore and not craving the unhealthy snacks.
I had a bad night of sleep due to my aching arm from the flu shot. Last night the bedroom was way too hot and I could not get comfortable. We went from cold temps back up to summer like weather.
Hailey is sick with a stomach bug. It is not long lasting. Chances are someone else will get it including myself. I am not going to stress about it. I am not going to live my life around fear of illness anymore like I've done in the past. If I get sick, I get sick. And I just deal with it. Getting sick in St. Louis kind of helped me face that fear head on. Often when I do get sick, I get very very anxious. The anxiety is almost worse than the sickness itself. I dealt with the anxiety better in St. Louis and was able to rest and relax...and maybe that helped me get better faster too.
On Monday I ran with Tracy. I realized we are now back to our full workout in the dark. Miss the sunrise runs. It is only going to get worse. Pretty soon we will have rain to deal with as well. But at least I am not running it alone. On Tuesday we went to Power. I enjoyed it. We were talking about how we get bored with some of the classes. I am not to that point with Power yet, but I do get bored sometimes with Ride. On Wednesday we swam. I like the midweek swim better but it doesn't always work with everyone's schedule. Wednesday was a full day. I was busy almost the whole entire day with a short break in the afternoon. I allowed myself to sleep in on Thursday. Although I could only sleep in until 6:45 and then I was rushing to get ready before Jacob came. It's almost easier to give up the sleep and go to the gym. On Friday I had the afternoon off and Rob was home. So I did a hill workout on Mildred and did a little over five miles. On Saturday I biked at Minto Brown and forgot my phone. I probably I went 12-13 miles. My biggest pet peeve with Minto Brown on busy weekends is people not staying on their side of the bike path. I had a few close calls. One was a little kid who probably did not know better, but still. One of these times I fear I will crash into a dog or a little kid. I also played hockey in the late afternoon.
Today I ran three miles faster than normal. We had a rougher day around here and it has nothing to do with the kids or Rob & I--crummy situation involving something else. I cannot say much more than that. The kids were so good today that it actually kept me from delving too much into my frustrations with this situation. Running fast really helped me too. Derek also ran one mile at Bryan Johnson park on the little course which is all uphill and downhill. Kara did one lap which is approximately a half mile.
I am doing much better with my eating. I am not eating a whole lot of dessert anymore and not craving the unhealthy snacks.
I had a bad night of sleep due to my aching arm from the flu shot. Last night the bedroom was way too hot and I could not get comfortable. We went from cold temps back up to summer like weather.
Hailey is sick with a stomach bug. It is not long lasting. Chances are someone else will get it including myself. I am not going to stress about it. I am not going to live my life around fear of illness anymore like I've done in the past. If I get sick, I get sick. And I just deal with it. Getting sick in St. Louis kind of helped me face that fear head on. Often when I do get sick, I get very very anxious. The anxiety is almost worse than the sickness itself. I dealt with the anxiety better in St. Louis and was able to rest and relax...and maybe that helped me get better faster too.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Productive Week
This has been one of the most motivating productive weeks I've had exercise wise in a very long time--and it's the first week of school/work to boot. I hate thinking that I am not going to always feel this way. That moodiness, PMS, unmotivation etc. waxes and wanes. It will come back. But I am trying to think positive and be proud of how good of a week it's been.
On Monday I ran by myself in the afternoon and did about 5 miles. It was a beautiful day. And a really nice Labor Day. I am glad we stayed home and did not attempt any major day trips. On Tuesday I swam with Erica and we followed one of her workouts. I think I hit 1700 yards. On Wednesday I ran alone in the morning starting at 6:40--I need to start earlier than this. It made the morning a little more crazier getting home after 7 AM. I did four miles. It was one of those runs where I felt great and fast the whole entire run and cruised up hills. Yesterday I went to Power. Morning Power is harder and I feel like I cannot lift as much. Or it hurts more. I pushed through it and kept my weight the same except I took about 5 pounds off from my legs track. My shoulders don't feel as strong in the mornings...it is more getting the bar on and off my back. Today I went to early morning ride which again was a great workout. I pushed it pretty hard. Tomorrow I am biking about a hour north of here on a bike trail. Doing Power twice a week is going to be tough--not sure I can make it happen realistically without giving something else up. I may bump down to cycling once a week and doing Power instead come late fall/winter. The problem is I can hardly get to Saturday classes once basketball starts. Anyway I feel good and that's worth being excited about.
Eating wise, I am doing OK too. My sleep has been great the last couple nights aside from Sunday night when these drunk people decided to hang outside in the church driveway a stone's throw from our window. They were so loud at 2 AM and very drunk. I watched from the window because I thought one of the girls was going to pass out in our driveway. She looked terrible. They left around 2:30 and not sure where they ended up. It always seems to happen at some point in the summer. Happens when you live so close to a bar. It stunk for me because I did not fall asleep again until 4 AM.
On Monday I ran by myself in the afternoon and did about 5 miles. It was a beautiful day. And a really nice Labor Day. I am glad we stayed home and did not attempt any major day trips. On Tuesday I swam with Erica and we followed one of her workouts. I think I hit 1700 yards. On Wednesday I ran alone in the morning starting at 6:40--I need to start earlier than this. It made the morning a little more crazier getting home after 7 AM. I did four miles. It was one of those runs where I felt great and fast the whole entire run and cruised up hills. Yesterday I went to Power. Morning Power is harder and I feel like I cannot lift as much. Or it hurts more. I pushed through it and kept my weight the same except I took about 5 pounds off from my legs track. My shoulders don't feel as strong in the mornings...it is more getting the bar on and off my back. Today I went to early morning ride which again was a great workout. I pushed it pretty hard. Tomorrow I am biking about a hour north of here on a bike trail. Doing Power twice a week is going to be tough--not sure I can make it happen realistically without giving something else up. I may bump down to cycling once a week and doing Power instead come late fall/winter. The problem is I can hardly get to Saturday classes once basketball starts. Anyway I feel good and that's worth being excited about.
Eating wise, I am doing OK too. My sleep has been great the last couple nights aside from Sunday night when these drunk people decided to hang outside in the church driveway a stone's throw from our window. They were so loud at 2 AM and very drunk. I watched from the window because I thought one of the girls was going to pass out in our driveway. She looked terrible. They left around 2:30 and not sure where they ended up. It always seems to happen at some point in the summer. Happens when you live so close to a bar. It stunk for me because I did not fall asleep again until 4 AM.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
End of Summer and Goals for the Fall
I have not blogged in awhile but I am thankful that I have been more consistent with exercise this summer compared to other summers. My goal was to work on cycling and I have done that...and gained more confidence too. I have only been running once a week mostly due to IT band issues that I am not convinced are completely gone. Tracy and I ran the last two Monday mornings. Our pace is faster than normal and we're pushing for 5-6 miles versus 3 or 4. We may start doing more hill training as well. I can keep up just fine and I only feel the IT band slightly around Mile #5. I'm going to try running twice a week once school starts, but I am not training for any running races anytime soon. I need to be more consistent with rolling and flexibility training--I have slacked off the last two weeks.
I have been consistent with Power once or twice a week. I went last week on Friday at 5 PM. I went this week on Monday at 5 PM and plan on going tomorrow at 9:30 AM. I have not gone to early morning Power since I went with Tracy in early July. It is very hard to get up for it when I was having hockey Wednesday nights. My goal once school starts is to go to it since I start work at 7:15 AM on Thursdays. The problem is I will now have youth group on Wednesday nights and sometimes won't be home until 9. I think I can still make it work.
I have biked twice a week consistently--one of those times being Ride and the other outside cycling. Last Friday I biked from Lockhaven to Keizer all the way to Willamette Mission State Park and back--a total of 25 miles. It was a great ride. I really wish I could bike with my tri friends but it has not worked out schedule wise. They are all single or married without kids and be gone for several hours on a Saturday late morning whereas I have to work around four other schedules. I don't mind biking alone because I enjoy the solitude of it. But I do worry about being stranded with a flat tire or crashing. I try to bike in places that have biker traffic. I'm sure eventually I will be able to do a ride with them, but it doesn't look like it will be anytime soon. I also enjoy biking at Minto Brown in the mornings and I have done that a couple times this summer.
So my tentative schedule for the fall starting next week would be: Monday = Run with friends Tuesday = Swim with friends Wednesday = Ride Thursday = Power Friday = Rest Saturday = Outside bike and/or Power Sunday = Run by myself
It is obviously going to vary week to week especially with weekend plans. But it's good to have a tentative plan. Once triathlon season gets closer late winter, I'll start following some sort of tri plan. I want to do one more tris next spring/early summer and then re-evaluate. Then maybe train for a longer running race or just simply do what I've doing all summer--exercise for the benefit of it instead of training for something.
I have been consistent with Power once or twice a week. I went last week on Friday at 5 PM. I went this week on Monday at 5 PM and plan on going tomorrow at 9:30 AM. I have not gone to early morning Power since I went with Tracy in early July. It is very hard to get up for it when I was having hockey Wednesday nights. My goal once school starts is to go to it since I start work at 7:15 AM on Thursdays. The problem is I will now have youth group on Wednesday nights and sometimes won't be home until 9. I think I can still make it work.
I have biked twice a week consistently--one of those times being Ride and the other outside cycling. Last Friday I biked from Lockhaven to Keizer all the way to Willamette Mission State Park and back--a total of 25 miles. It was a great ride. I really wish I could bike with my tri friends but it has not worked out schedule wise. They are all single or married without kids and be gone for several hours on a Saturday late morning whereas I have to work around four other schedules. I don't mind biking alone because I enjoy the solitude of it. But I do worry about being stranded with a flat tire or crashing. I try to bike in places that have biker traffic. I'm sure eventually I will be able to do a ride with them, but it doesn't look like it will be anytime soon. I also enjoy biking at Minto Brown in the mornings and I have done that a couple times this summer.
So my tentative schedule for the fall starting next week would be: Monday = Run with friends Tuesday = Swim with friends Wednesday = Ride Thursday = Power Friday = Rest Saturday = Outside bike and/or Power Sunday = Run by myself
It is obviously going to vary week to week especially with weekend plans. But it's good to have a tentative plan. Once triathlon season gets closer late winter, I'll start following some sort of tri plan. I want to do one more tris next spring/early summer and then re-evaluate. Then maybe train for a longer running race or just simply do what I've doing all summer--exercise for the benefit of it instead of training for something.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
IT Band Better & Clean Eating
So far this week has been better. I had side effects again last night, but they didn't come on nearly as strong. Dr. M said I could have it for another week or so.
On Sunday I went for a city bike ride. I rode through downtown. I did not wear my clips because I was too worried about clipping in and out at all the intersections and traffic. It felt weird biking in regular shoes--not as comfortable. I have gotten used to clips. There were so many lights that I felt significantly safer. I only did about 12 miles and it was a lot of stop and start. But I am getting more comfortable on the bike. On Monday I hiked about 5 miles with the kids at Silver Falls. Despite Kara throwing up on the way there (she gets motion sickness) and then having to find a second hand clothes store (forgot an extra outfit) we got a later start. We still got a good hike in and went to four of the ten waterfalls. Yesterday I swam with Tracy. I am keeping track of my distance and I got in about 1500 yards which is a little less than a mile. Today Tracy and I ran. I went 4.80 miles and I thankfully had no IT band pain. I think it was coming on slightly near the end, but not like last week. I am using my foam roller 2-3 times a day and doing IT band stretches. I am icing after workouts. It is all helping significantly. I may move up to running twice a week after school starts up but still keeping my mileage around 4-5 miles at least until winter.
Eating has been so much better. Dr. M and I talked about eating. She recommended cutting back on caffeine and sugar. I have really cut back on caffeine the past 2 weeks...just a cup or two of coffee in the morning. I don't eat a lot of sweet treats but I did at camp and on vacation. It was hard to break that. I've been having sweet potato breakfast burritos and vegan salads at lunch again. My friend brought us fresh cucumber & cherry tomatoes. The kids & I have been snacking on that. Dr. M agreed with me that these shake diets and cleanses are trend diets and only selling an image--I really get annoyed with them. I think the companies take advantage of people. She said maybe look into being magnesium deficient because there are some connections with this and anxiety. I really see Hailey moving towards the clean eating on her own initiative. She would rather have a bowl of yogurt and berries or a salad instead of processed stuff.
My sleep is getting a lot better to. Dr. M is pretty sure my insomnia was due to side effects and not anxiety itself. I had no problems sleeping earlier in the summer. I still wake up maybe once or twice, but I am not up for hours. I fall asleep pretty quickly.
On Sunday I went for a city bike ride. I rode through downtown. I did not wear my clips because I was too worried about clipping in and out at all the intersections and traffic. It felt weird biking in regular shoes--not as comfortable. I have gotten used to clips. There were so many lights that I felt significantly safer. I only did about 12 miles and it was a lot of stop and start. But I am getting more comfortable on the bike. On Monday I hiked about 5 miles with the kids at Silver Falls. Despite Kara throwing up on the way there (she gets motion sickness) and then having to find a second hand clothes store (forgot an extra outfit) we got a later start. We still got a good hike in and went to four of the ten waterfalls. Yesterday I swam with Tracy. I am keeping track of my distance and I got in about 1500 yards which is a little less than a mile. Today Tracy and I ran. I went 4.80 miles and I thankfully had no IT band pain. I think it was coming on slightly near the end, but not like last week. I am using my foam roller 2-3 times a day and doing IT band stretches. I am icing after workouts. It is all helping significantly. I may move up to running twice a week after school starts up but still keeping my mileage around 4-5 miles at least until winter.
Eating has been so much better. Dr. M and I talked about eating. She recommended cutting back on caffeine and sugar. I have really cut back on caffeine the past 2 weeks...just a cup or two of coffee in the morning. I don't eat a lot of sweet treats but I did at camp and on vacation. It was hard to break that. I've been having sweet potato breakfast burritos and vegan salads at lunch again. My friend brought us fresh cucumber & cherry tomatoes. The kids & I have been snacking on that. Dr. M agreed with me that these shake diets and cleanses are trend diets and only selling an image--I really get annoyed with them. I think the companies take advantage of people. She said maybe look into being magnesium deficient because there are some connections with this and anxiety. I really see Hailey moving towards the clean eating on her own initiative. She would rather have a bowl of yogurt and berries or a salad instead of processed stuff.
My sleep is getting a lot better to. Dr. M is pretty sure my insomnia was due to side effects and not anxiety itself. I had no problems sleeping earlier in the summer. I still wake up maybe once or twice, but I am not up for hours. I fall asleep pretty quickly.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Biking and Power and less running
So the side effects are still there but much, much less. Last week was actually a good week in terms of exercise. I actually made it to Power twice, swim once, Ride once, and I went on 20 mile bike ride Sunday afternoon on the Willamette Scenic Bikeway which was awesome! I am so glad I hit 20 miles! It was tough near the end but I pushed through it.
This week I ran with Tracy on Monday morning. It would have been a great run except my IT band started acting up bad around Mile #4. I did have to stop and walk a bit. It throbbed every time I started running again. I am rolling it and it seems to help. I'm wondering how long it is going to take to heal. I am only running once a week right now. I did not go to Swim Tuesday morning because I had people over Monday night. They ended up staying until after 11 which was fine--we were having fun! But I was not about to get up at 4:45 AM. It was a pretty busy day and I couldn't really get away at any other time. Wednesday I went to Ride. I am enjoying Ride SO much more. I am getting really used to the tracks and finally enjoying biking for once in my life. Thursday I planned on going to Power but I slept instead. It is VERY hard getting up Thursday mornings when I play hockey Wednesday night. Hockey has been going until around 8:30 and then I had a meeting right afterwards that went to after 10. Wednesday I cleaned literally all day. I don't think I sat down hardly at all. Yesterday we were supposed to go hiking in the Detroit Lake area, but the weather was bad. So we postponed it. I swam in the afternoon and worked on some arm drills--not sure if I'm doing them right. But it felt great to get in the pool. This morning I went to Power and it was SO hard. I felt like so much weaker than normal. I think it is just an "off" day. I still tried to push myself, but I had to take way more breaks than normal. I had a mild head ache and just felt fatigued.
I lost about 1 1/2 pounds and am eating better. Zucchini bread is my biggest temptation. It is my "go to" food before early morning workouts. I am going to make some homemade protein bars this weekend. We've not been eating out nearly as much since we got back from vacation and trying to utilize the fruits and veggies in our garden and what's in season too. I know I can get back to my marathon weight. I have cut back a little on diet pop and I don't know if it makes any kind of difference, but I've not craved it like I did on vacation.
The last two nights of sleep have been bad. I think it is due to my sleep schedule being way off. The time I get up my early mornings and the time I sleep in is like a 3 1/2 hour difference. I need to get up and go to bed around the same time. This was the cause of my insomnia in college. It also could be a side effect to the medication. I haven't napped during the day really at all. Once fall comes, it will be a little bit easier to stick a schedule especially with working. If I can implement it now, it will help even more with the adjustment into fall. Last year the first weekend of the school year I had such an anxiety ridden day I hardly left my bedroom--It was awful. Want to avoid that.
This week I ran with Tracy on Monday morning. It would have been a great run except my IT band started acting up bad around Mile #4. I did have to stop and walk a bit. It throbbed every time I started running again. I am rolling it and it seems to help. I'm wondering how long it is going to take to heal. I am only running once a week right now. I did not go to Swim Tuesday morning because I had people over Monday night. They ended up staying until after 11 which was fine--we were having fun! But I was not about to get up at 4:45 AM. It was a pretty busy day and I couldn't really get away at any other time. Wednesday I went to Ride. I am enjoying Ride SO much more. I am getting really used to the tracks and finally enjoying biking for once in my life. Thursday I planned on going to Power but I slept instead. It is VERY hard getting up Thursday mornings when I play hockey Wednesday night. Hockey has been going until around 8:30 and then I had a meeting right afterwards that went to after 10. Wednesday I cleaned literally all day. I don't think I sat down hardly at all. Yesterday we were supposed to go hiking in the Detroit Lake area, but the weather was bad. So we postponed it. I swam in the afternoon and worked on some arm drills--not sure if I'm doing them right. But it felt great to get in the pool. This morning I went to Power and it was SO hard. I felt like so much weaker than normal. I think it is just an "off" day. I still tried to push myself, but I had to take way more breaks than normal. I had a mild head ache and just felt fatigued.
I lost about 1 1/2 pounds and am eating better. Zucchini bread is my biggest temptation. It is my "go to" food before early morning workouts. I am going to make some homemade protein bars this weekend. We've not been eating out nearly as much since we got back from vacation and trying to utilize the fruits and veggies in our garden and what's in season too. I know I can get back to my marathon weight. I have cut back a little on diet pop and I don't know if it makes any kind of difference, but I've not craved it like I did on vacation.
The last two nights of sleep have been bad. I think it is due to my sleep schedule being way off. The time I get up my early mornings and the time I sleep in is like a 3 1/2 hour difference. I need to get up and go to bed around the same time. This was the cause of my insomnia in college. It also could be a side effect to the medication. I haven't napped during the day really at all. Once fall comes, it will be a little bit easier to stick a schedule especially with working. If I can implement it now, it will help even more with the adjustment into fall. Last year the first weekend of the school year I had such an anxiety ridden day I hardly left my bedroom--It was awful. Want to avoid that.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Side effects and healthy eating
It has been a weird 24 hours to say the least. Yesterday I started back on my medication. I swam in the morning with Erica and Tracy and it was a great workout. Aside from my quads feeling very sore from Group Power and a little nausea, I felt pretty normal. I did child care all day and all the kids including my own did awesome. We had a fabulous day and I couldn't ask for anything better. By 5 PM I felt weird--intermittent anxiety, dizziness, nausea, head ache, and my quads felt like lead. I felt like how I did after I climbed Mount Defiance. It just got worse. The anxiety was intense at times that I could not really do anything but lay on the couch. The nausea would increase the anxiety. I hate side effects!
I went to bed at 10 PM and slept pretty well aside from waking up a few times. I did get up at 5:45 am to meet Tracy for a run. The run was really hard. I did maybe three miles. I felt tired, anxious, and slow. My quads hurt. I really just wanted to walk. I am so thankful I got up and went anyway. I am grateful I pushed through it. The routine and consistency is what I need--not running is almost worse. I came home and the jittery anxiety, nausea, and muscle aches were in full swing. I laid on the couch from 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM. When I woke up I felt significantly better. I think it is going to be off and on like this until my body get used to the medication again. The anxiety and the muscle aches are the worst--I can handle the weird appetite and nausea.
I started eating healthier again and tracking calories just until I get back down to my normal weights. I had oatmeal for breakfast yesterday and a vegetarian quesadilla for lunch. It is not the meals though--it really is the snacks. I'll probably get back into the vegan salads and make some protein bars again next week. I love having fresh stuff from the garden--that helps too.
My sleep has not been terrible but not great. I think it will get better once these side effects dissipate.
I went to bed at 10 PM and slept pretty well aside from waking up a few times. I did get up at 5:45 am to meet Tracy for a run. The run was really hard. I did maybe three miles. I felt tired, anxious, and slow. My quads hurt. I really just wanted to walk. I am so thankful I got up and went anyway. I am grateful I pushed through it. The routine and consistency is what I need--not running is almost worse. I came home and the jittery anxiety, nausea, and muscle aches were in full swing. I laid on the couch from 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM. When I woke up I felt significantly better. I think it is going to be off and on like this until my body get used to the medication again. The anxiety and the muscle aches are the worst--I can handle the weird appetite and nausea.
I started eating healthier again and tracking calories just until I get back down to my normal weights. I had oatmeal for breakfast yesterday and a vegetarian quesadilla for lunch. It is not the meals though--it really is the snacks. I'll probably get back into the vegan salads and make some protein bars again next week. I love having fresh stuff from the garden--that helps too.
My sleep has not been terrible but not great. I think it will get better once these side effects dissipate.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Today
We are back from vacation. Today was pretty productive and brought some answers. I saw Dr. V this morning and decided I am going back on my old medication. If I get any side effects (which I had very little before) or my anxiety gets out of control (which is also likely as this medication helped), then we'll try something new. For now he recommends not trying anything new and not going back to the SSRIs which did give me unwanted side effects.
While on vacation I ran once in the evening and did an open water swim. I swam about a half mile. I did not do much else. I think if there were others who wanted to run or swim, it would have been more motivating. We stayed up late playing games and everyone was in such a relaxed mode--it was hard to do much beyond that. I did a lot of swimming with the kids and walking back and forth up the boardwalk. It was not all sitting around. All in all it was a fabulous vacation. I loved being with Rob's cousins especially...I got to know some of them much better. I only had one major anxiety moment and Rob & I were able to work it out quickly. It didn't ruin that day or put a damper on the trip. Thankfully we didn't have to drag others into it either. It was so minor. I felt in control of my anxiety. There have been times I have been able to tell Rob: "I am getting anxious because of this--" I don't need him to soothe me or calm me down. He can recognize what is causing it. It greatly helps to not overreact.
I have been doing OK since we got home. I have moments of being jumpy and jittery. I have weird sleep again. I have been pretty good about not overreacting, but I still have the noise sensitivity.
I decided not to do a triathlon this fall. I really want to do it and I know I could. My training has not been consistent, but I have the ability and strength to complete it. It was a hard decision. I honestly felt in church yesterday God was telling me not to do it. When I talked to Rob about it he suggested not doing it either. The main reason is the long drive...it is past Portland. It would take up a whole weekend in September. Some of the factors is the cost though I had been saving for it. I still feel burnt out from the marathon even though it was two months ago. I love triathlon and I want to do more of them. I am postponing it until the spring. I really need a break from training for anything.
Right now I am really enjoying Group Power...like more than I ever have. I increased my weight on every track and it was very motivating to go the last few weeks. I went this afternoon and loved it. I'd love to go twice a week for awhile. I can't do that if I have to do brick workouts and squeeze in extra open water swims. I also want to continue to work on my biking because I have done so well the last couple weeks. It might do me some good to back off on the running and focus on other things. I can still run with Tracy once a week. We've only been doing four to five miles at a time. So we'll see what the end of the summer/the fall brings. I do know the kids want to do one or two of the Bush Park races and the Turkey Trot again so I can run with them too.
My eating got bad again over vacation and I've gained about five pounds since last spring. So I need to get that back off again. It will be easier now once vacations are over. I need to get back into my healthy breakfasts and lunches and back off on desserts. I was surprised I had gained that much though I really should not be when I look at all the ice cream we ate on vacation.
I hope I can stay motivated even though I'm not training for anything. Having exercise buddies helps with that. My friend Anna may even start going to Group Power with me which help too.
While on vacation I ran once in the evening and did an open water swim. I swam about a half mile. I did not do much else. I think if there were others who wanted to run or swim, it would have been more motivating. We stayed up late playing games and everyone was in such a relaxed mode--it was hard to do much beyond that. I did a lot of swimming with the kids and walking back and forth up the boardwalk. It was not all sitting around. All in all it was a fabulous vacation. I loved being with Rob's cousins especially...I got to know some of them much better. I only had one major anxiety moment and Rob & I were able to work it out quickly. It didn't ruin that day or put a damper on the trip. Thankfully we didn't have to drag others into it either. It was so minor. I felt in control of my anxiety. There have been times I have been able to tell Rob: "I am getting anxious because of this--" I don't need him to soothe me or calm me down. He can recognize what is causing it. It greatly helps to not overreact.
I have been doing OK since we got home. I have moments of being jumpy and jittery. I have weird sleep again. I have been pretty good about not overreacting, but I still have the noise sensitivity.
I decided not to do a triathlon this fall. I really want to do it and I know I could. My training has not been consistent, but I have the ability and strength to complete it. It was a hard decision. I honestly felt in church yesterday God was telling me not to do it. When I talked to Rob about it he suggested not doing it either. The main reason is the long drive...it is past Portland. It would take up a whole weekend in September. Some of the factors is the cost though I had been saving for it. I still feel burnt out from the marathon even though it was two months ago. I love triathlon and I want to do more of them. I am postponing it until the spring. I really need a break from training for anything.
Right now I am really enjoying Group Power...like more than I ever have. I increased my weight on every track and it was very motivating to go the last few weeks. I went this afternoon and loved it. I'd love to go twice a week for awhile. I can't do that if I have to do brick workouts and squeeze in extra open water swims. I also want to continue to work on my biking because I have done so well the last couple weeks. It might do me some good to back off on the running and focus on other things. I can still run with Tracy once a week. We've only been doing four to five miles at a time. So we'll see what the end of the summer/the fall brings. I do know the kids want to do one or two of the Bush Park races and the Turkey Trot again so I can run with them too.
My eating got bad again over vacation and I've gained about five pounds since last spring. So I need to get that back off again. It will be easier now once vacations are over. I need to get back into my healthy breakfasts and lunches and back off on desserts. I was surprised I had gained that much though I really should not be when I look at all the ice cream we ate on vacation.
I hope I can stay motivated even though I'm not training for anything. Having exercise buddies helps with that. My friend Anna may even start going to Group Power with me which help too.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Anxiety, Bike Ride, and Back to Good Eating
I am still dealing with off and on anxiety issues. Saturday morning it came on strong and I ended up not biking or doing any kind of exercise. I felt better by late morning. We spent most of the day at the Jefferson festival and at the pool. We went out to dinner and played games at night. I was feeling significantly better. Sunday morning I biked about 17 miles to Independence and back. It went great. I was very proud of myself for getting up and getting a ride in especially on a Sunday. The rest of the day was good. On Monday I slept until 7:30ish and did not exercise. I really did not have any anxiety issues that I can recall. I ran with Tracy on Tuesday. We ran 5 miles and I had no IT band issues. It was wonderful to run without any pain. It also was nice it was a bit cooler out. My anxiety felt high in the afternoon and evening. I felt out of control of my emotions and jittery. It lingered into yesterday morning. I did get up and swim, but I drove all the way the pool and realized my goggles were in my other swim bag. I had to go all the way back. I missed like the first 15 minutes of the workout. I could have stayed later since I didn't have to be home until 8. I probably should have. I just did not have the motivation. I wanted to be done since everyone else was. I realized how much I need my swimming friends or I don't complete workouts or try my hardest. My anxiety got significantly less as the day went on.
Some of the kids are going to bed too late and getting up super early...like sometimes before 6 AM. I felt like I had toddlers yesterday and this morning. It was like 2 year old tantrums. I about lost it.
I did not go to Power this morning. I decided when the alarm went off I needed the extra sleep. My body felt fatigued after swimming yesterday and then hockey last night. I think getting in 5 workouts a week is fine. I'm not going to beat myself up for taking two days off instead of one.
Thankfully I am eating better. Back to my salads and fruit. No more candy bar cravings. Or chips. We won't be eating great on vacation but we won't be eating crazy like at camp. So I think I will be OK.
Some of the kids are going to bed too late and getting up super early...like sometimes before 6 AM. I felt like I had toddlers yesterday and this morning. It was like 2 year old tantrums. I about lost it.
I did not go to Power this morning. I decided when the alarm went off I needed the extra sleep. My body felt fatigued after swimming yesterday and then hockey last night. I think getting in 5 workouts a week is fine. I'm not going to beat myself up for taking two days off instead of one.
Thankfully I am eating better. Back to my salads and fruit. No more candy bar cravings. Or chips. We won't be eating great on vacation but we won't be eating crazy like at camp. So I think I will be OK.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Fatigue, Tennis, and Back to Routine
Yesterday was the first day since coming home from Camp Calvin I did not feel fatigued or on edge. I took the kids to Neskowin Beach and we had a wonderful day. I had so much fun with them and I loved exploring a new coastal town. We were home at a decent hour too.
I went off my anxiety medication soon after school let out. I noticed zero change whatsoever. I was dealing with some stressful projects such as directing VBS, going to camp, Rob being gone for over a week, and the kids transitioning to summer. It wasn't always easy, but I felt in control of my anxiety. This past week was the first time I felt like I dealing with out of control anxiety again and it stunk. However, it was only one day (Wednesday) and I felt calm and totally normal yesterday as well as today. As Rob and I talked and sorted it out, we attributed to a bunch of other factors. Which makes me think I don't really need to call Dr. V yet and go back on. The fall will be a bigger factor once I go back to work.
The fatigue and emotional drain was frustrating. I hated being so tired. Coming home and getting back into routine was much harder than I thought it would be. For one I came home to lots of unfinished VBS follow-up and Camp Calvin follow-up which took up a lot of time. I was sitting at the pool on Wednesday and I felt like I could have literally shut my eyes and been asleep in five minutes. I'm used to having way more energy.
I did go swimming on Wednesday which I probably should not have. Usually I get to swimming bleary eyed and tired. But by the time I get in the pool I am woken up. I feel quite energized by the end of the workout. This was not the case. Erica and I had a great workout. I came home so tired and almost went back to bed. I felt better in the evening and played tennis for the first time with Cheryl which was way more fun than I thought it would be. We planned on doing this for a long time so I felt like I should not cancel on her. I really wanted to go. I just did not want to be a drag because I was too tired. It was a great workout. I can feel it in my arms. I would like to try it again.
I decided not to go to Power on Thursday seeing if sleeping until 8 would help. It totally did and I had way more energy. This morning I again slept until 8 and went to 9:30 Power since Rob has the day off. I didn't want to go at first, but I got more into it as time went on. I had a good talk with the instructor about some IT band stretches. It has not been hurting but I also haven't run since Tuesday. It could take awhile to heal and it could be an ongoing problem if I continue to run marathons.
I will probably be less fatigued next week and more on a routine. However we leave for vacation a week from Monday and then it will be the same thing all over again. This is one of the reasons we planned very little for August.
I went off my anxiety medication soon after school let out. I noticed zero change whatsoever. I was dealing with some stressful projects such as directing VBS, going to camp, Rob being gone for over a week, and the kids transitioning to summer. It wasn't always easy, but I felt in control of my anxiety. This past week was the first time I felt like I dealing with out of control anxiety again and it stunk. However, it was only one day (Wednesday) and I felt calm and totally normal yesterday as well as today. As Rob and I talked and sorted it out, we attributed to a bunch of other factors. Which makes me think I don't really need to call Dr. V yet and go back on. The fall will be a bigger factor once I go back to work.
The fatigue and emotional drain was frustrating. I hated being so tired. Coming home and getting back into routine was much harder than I thought it would be. For one I came home to lots of unfinished VBS follow-up and Camp Calvin follow-up which took up a lot of time. I was sitting at the pool on Wednesday and I felt like I could have literally shut my eyes and been asleep in five minutes. I'm used to having way more energy.
I did go swimming on Wednesday which I probably should not have. Usually I get to swimming bleary eyed and tired. But by the time I get in the pool I am woken up. I feel quite energized by the end of the workout. This was not the case. Erica and I had a great workout. I came home so tired and almost went back to bed. I felt better in the evening and played tennis for the first time with Cheryl which was way more fun than I thought it would be. We planned on doing this for a long time so I felt like I should not cancel on her. I really wanted to go. I just did not want to be a drag because I was too tired. It was a great workout. I can feel it in my arms. I would like to try it again.
I decided not to go to Power on Thursday seeing if sleeping until 8 would help. It totally did and I had way more energy. This morning I again slept until 8 and went to 9:30 Power since Rob has the day off. I didn't want to go at first, but I got more into it as time went on. I had a good talk with the instructor about some IT band stretches. It has not been hurting but I also haven't run since Tuesday. It could take awhile to heal and it could be an ongoing problem if I continue to run marathons.
I will probably be less fatigued next week and more on a routine. However we leave for vacation a week from Monday and then it will be the same thing all over again. This is one of the reasons we planned very little for August.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
VBS Week, Camp Week, IT Band issues, and back to routine
I did not post at all during VBS week but I was quite successful at keeping up the exercise regimen. On Monday of VBS I did a short four mile run with Tracy. On Tuesday we both went to Group Power as well. On Wednesday I swam with Tracy, Erica and Kristen. On Thursday I did about a 14 mile bike ride all through Minto Brown. Friday I needed to sleep in as I was exhausted from the week. Saturday was the 4th of July and we were gone pretty much from 10 in the morning until midnight. I slept in on Sunday and took it easy most of the day. The kids were extremely crabby. We were all so incredibly tired that we did not even go to the pool. On Monday morning I left for Camp Calvin. I had not planned on exercising at all camp even though some girls invited me to run in the morning. I really wanted to run with them but I was not getting a lot of sleep nor was I sleeping well. I really had to sleep until 7:30 am in order to function.
Anyway I did two hikes while at camp. The two mile up and two mile down hike to Edgar Rock was harder than I anticipated. The kids flew through it and literally ran down the mountain. I could not keep up with them at all. Going up I felt my IT band acting up. It had been hurting since the marathon but started to go away. It was hurting more going up but I did feel it intensely going down. I hiked most of the way down alone which was quite lonely...and I wasn't sure on how to get back. Not safe. The counselor in front of me seemed oblivious to the whole thing but that is another story in and of itself. Thankfully I got back to camp.
The second hike was less intense mostly through a cave and river bed. I had no issues with my IT band or anything else.
Coming home I dealt with extreme fatigue. I think the last time I felt that tired was when Rob and I came home from Saint Martin and we slept on the floor of LAX for maybe 2-3 hours at the most. By the time we got back home, I was so happy to be see the kids but so tired I was nearly in tears. I slept Friday night from 10 PM to 8 AM Saturday, took a nap on Saturday from 2-4 and slept in on Sunday until 8 AM. No nap Sunday afternoon because I brought Hailey to camp. Sunday was a busier day but I got to bed a decent hour. I allowed myself to sleep in Monday at least until 7:30 AM. So now it's back to reality and it's been a rough transition. Hailey is away and I miss her. The younger two did not have the greatest day. I think tomorrow will be better. I did run four miles with Tracy this morning. My IT band started hurting the worst it has been around Mile #3. I almost could not continue.
I bought a foam roller this afternoon and rolled out the band. It hurt like crazy but I think it helped. I'm not going to run anything more than 3-5 miles until it's not hurting so much anymore.
We ate so terrible at camp that it's been a transition to get back to the healthy foods I was eating before. It's amazing how quickly you get thrown off from that. I am allowing myself time to transition but it's not been easy.
I did not sleep great at camp having shared a room with too many noisy middle school girls who were not told to go to bed which again is another story in and of itself. I think I almost to the point I don't feel as fatigued. Even this afternoon I felt fatigue setting in and just felt drained. I think in a few days I will feel even better and then we go on vacation where we will get some much needed down time and rest.
I really am loving summer and spending time at the pool. And getting extra time with the kids. It really has been a good summer. Looking forward to the whole family being together this weekend.
Anyway I did two hikes while at camp. The two mile up and two mile down hike to Edgar Rock was harder than I anticipated. The kids flew through it and literally ran down the mountain. I could not keep up with them at all. Going up I felt my IT band acting up. It had been hurting since the marathon but started to go away. It was hurting more going up but I did feel it intensely going down. I hiked most of the way down alone which was quite lonely...and I wasn't sure on how to get back. Not safe. The counselor in front of me seemed oblivious to the whole thing but that is another story in and of itself. Thankfully I got back to camp.
The second hike was less intense mostly through a cave and river bed. I had no issues with my IT band or anything else.
Coming home I dealt with extreme fatigue. I think the last time I felt that tired was when Rob and I came home from Saint Martin and we slept on the floor of LAX for maybe 2-3 hours at the most. By the time we got back home, I was so happy to be see the kids but so tired I was nearly in tears. I slept Friday night from 10 PM to 8 AM Saturday, took a nap on Saturday from 2-4 and slept in on Sunday until 8 AM. No nap Sunday afternoon because I brought Hailey to camp. Sunday was a busier day but I got to bed a decent hour. I allowed myself to sleep in Monday at least until 7:30 AM. So now it's back to reality and it's been a rough transition. Hailey is away and I miss her. The younger two did not have the greatest day. I think tomorrow will be better. I did run four miles with Tracy this morning. My IT band started hurting the worst it has been around Mile #3. I almost could not continue.
I bought a foam roller this afternoon and rolled out the band. It hurt like crazy but I think it helped. I'm not going to run anything more than 3-5 miles until it's not hurting so much anymore.
We ate so terrible at camp that it's been a transition to get back to the healthy foods I was eating before. It's amazing how quickly you get thrown off from that. I am allowing myself time to transition but it's not been easy.
I did not sleep great at camp having shared a room with too many noisy middle school girls who were not told to go to bed which again is another story in and of itself. I think I almost to the point I don't feel as fatigued. Even this afternoon I felt fatigue setting in and just felt drained. I think in a few days I will feel even better and then we go on vacation where we will get some much needed down time and rest.
I really am loving summer and spending time at the pool. And getting extra time with the kids. It really has been a good summer. Looking forward to the whole family being together this weekend.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Better rest of week and better ride
I had a much better week exercise wise as it went on. On Wednesday I swam at the River Road club with Tracy, Erica, and Kristen as the Battle Creek pool is shut down all week. The water is a couple degrees warmer and we were feeling it after a half hour or so. It was still a good workout and kind of fun to be in a different place. On Thursday Tracy and I went to Power. I lifted about the same as last week. I could probably increase my weight a bit. On Friday I redeemed my terrible bike ride and had an awesome one. I took Orange Mango out around 6 AM and biked the Willamette Scenic Bikeway from the River Road Courthouse all the way to Independence and back. Despite it being a shared road, I felt safe almost the whole time. The hills are rolling--nothing crazy. I need to practice drinking water on the bike because I still have to stop. It was a great ride. I could maintain a good pace almost the whole time. On Saturday I took a break and rested. I took the kids to the pool and swam with them for almost two hours. It felt incredibly refreshing to be in the water. It has been so incredibly hot here. Today I did a short 3 mile run around the neighborhood before church.
I am feeling more confident I can do Aluminum Man at the end of the summer, but I need to keep biking at least twice a week. After biking on River Road, I think I can handle that better than the city biking.
We're coming on VBS week and typically I have every intention to exercise and I fail. One thing I am trying to do differently is be able to rest in the afternoons. I am trying to get all my work done in the morning. I got so much prep done yesterday I have very little to do today. I need to use my time wisely. Getting up early all week with the exception of yesterday helped prepare me for next week.
I am feeling more confident I can do Aluminum Man at the end of the summer, but I need to keep biking at least twice a week. After biking on River Road, I think I can handle that better than the city biking.
We're coming on VBS week and typically I have every intention to exercise and I fail. One thing I am trying to do differently is be able to rest in the afternoons. I am trying to get all my work done in the morning. I got so much prep done yesterday I have very little to do today. I need to use my time wisely. Getting up early all week with the exception of yesterday helped prepare me for next week.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Bad bike ride but good swim and run
Yesterday I got out my bike for the first time in probably a year aside from some bike rides with the kids. I give the whole ride a D+. I am still struggling to clip in and out at intersections. I thought taking back roads would be easier versus main roads. It really wasn't because I had to keep crossing over main roads and that was almost worse. There was so much stop and start I felt like I was hardly on the bike for more than a few minutes at a time. I really don't mind biking with traffic. It doesn't freak me out. I struggle more with crossing traffic. City biking in clips is not going to work for me. I went a little less than 10 miles which isn't bad but the whole experience just plain stunk. I am going to try biking along River Road and starting out there. I'll park at the gym out there. Or finding places a little bit out of the city. Even biking Sunnyside Road to the Rees Hill neighborhood is less congested in the mornings and there is no traffic light after Mildred. I give myself a hard time about only sticking to Minto Brown but it is such a nice and safe place to bike--there are no cars. If we lived in a place with long bike paths, I would be on those paths versus the streets. I may even look into biking with one of the local clubs. I really can do this. I beat myself up over it yesterday and it caused me some anxiety. I even thought about quitting triathlon. But I am feeling better today.
Today I ran four miles with Tracy and we talked about anxiety and biking anxiety which was helpful. I also did my first open water swim of the season which went exceptionally better than my first bike ride of the season. I swam about 0.4 miles. I felt super strong in the water and I stayed relatively straight on.
So it's not all bad.
Today I ran four miles with Tracy and we talked about anxiety and biking anxiety which was helpful. I also did my first open water swim of the season which went exceptionally better than my first bike ride of the season. I swam about 0.4 miles. I felt super strong in the water and I stayed relatively straight on.
So it's not all bad.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Running with people and olympic triathlon
Today was one of those days where I realized how GOOD it is to have someone to run with. There was no way I would have been motivated enough to get out of bed and run had I not made plans with Tracy. It's Saturday, we were continuing our garage sale--I would have laid in bed until 8:30 AM. There's also no way I would have run up the Madrona hill--I would have totally skipped over it. There's no way I would have tackled 8 close to 9 miles...we do exercise better when we're with people. It doesn't mean we should never tackle alone, but we do great when we have running or triathlon buddies. We ran around the Fairview Industrial Drive area which I am not as familiar with. It was a good run.
My IT band is acting up. Now that I learned more about it from my sister and Tracy, I almost positive that is exactly what it is. It is the most common running injury. I need to get a foam roller. My gym has ones you can use but obviously only at the gym. Because it is a tendon you cannot ice it or put heat on it--that doesn't do any good. It is all rolling and stretching.
I am strongly considering...well pretty much planning on doing the the Aluminum Man triathlon in September. I would do the olympic distance--yikes!! So if I were to follow intense schedule, I would need to do the following next week: Swim 1000 yards & Bike 15 miles, Swim 1250 yards, Run 25 minutes (that's around 3 miles), Bike 25 miles, Swim 1750 yards and Run 30 minutes, Run 45 minutes and Bike 35 miles. All of it sounds doable except for the biking. I need to figure out a schedule for the next couple weeks! I have more time in the mornings but not sure if doing each discipline twice a week is possible unless I didn't have a life.
My IT band is acting up. Now that I learned more about it from my sister and Tracy, I almost positive that is exactly what it is. It is the most common running injury. I need to get a foam roller. My gym has ones you can use but obviously only at the gym. Because it is a tendon you cannot ice it or put heat on it--that doesn't do any good. It is all rolling and stretching.
I am strongly considering...well pretty much planning on doing the the Aluminum Man triathlon in September. I would do the olympic distance--yikes!! So if I were to follow intense schedule, I would need to do the following next week: Swim 1000 yards & Bike 15 miles, Swim 1250 yards, Run 25 minutes (that's around 3 miles), Bike 25 miles, Swim 1750 yards and Run 30 minutes, Run 45 minutes and Bike 35 miles. All of it sounds doable except for the biking. I need to figure out a schedule for the next couple weeks! I have more time in the mornings but not sure if doing each discipline twice a week is possible unless I didn't have a life.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sick of running laps
Exercise is hard when the husband is away. It really doesn't work so well and leaves a big hole in my life. On Monday & Tuesday I did nothing. We were going to go to the track Tuesday but the oldest child was so tired after having a friend over. She actually slept in the afternoon. The kids were super tired and I still had to make dinner. On Wednesday I took Derek to soccer camp and the girls came to the gym with me. I went to Power and it was wonderful to be at Power for the second week in a row. It really makes a difference when you can go on a routine. I felt bad because the girl's exercise class was cancelled so they had to hang out in child care. They are both a little too old for it. But they had good attitudes about it. Today we tried to go to the track again and we had girl drama. The girls didn't want to run at all and complained about being there. After every lap they asked, "how much longer?" and I about lost it. Well I did lose it and didn't have a good mom moment. The thing is I didn't really want to be on track either. I can only take so much of laps. I had no music (forgot the ipod) and it was getting pretty hot. I canned the workout and we left. I talked to the girls what they want out of running...not what I want...and if/when they even want to run. We came up with a better plan. I felt good about it.
My eating has been pretty crummy since Rob left. I have been eating super healthy lunches with fresh stuff...some from my own backyard. The other meals and snacks have not been the greatest. But I'm not beating myself up over it.
It really was a hard day. We had a bad day on Saturday and got better from there. Today was a set back. When the youngest child is tired she is so hard to play with and she just picks fights. There is no better way to describe it but she acts outwardly mean. It's hard for the other two not get riled up about it. So we dealt with that pretty much all day in different doses. She was out cold by 8 PM which makes me realize she can't stay up late (we were up late Wednesday night) and not have some sort of long quiet time in the afternoon the next day. She needs her sleep. Kindergarten should be interesting in the fall.
So ready for Rob to come back so I can get into a regular exercise routine.
My eating has been pretty crummy since Rob left. I have been eating super healthy lunches with fresh stuff...some from my own backyard. The other meals and snacks have not been the greatest. But I'm not beating myself up over it.
It really was a hard day. We had a bad day on Saturday and got better from there. Today was a set back. When the youngest child is tired she is so hard to play with and she just picks fights. There is no better way to describe it but she acts outwardly mean. It's hard for the other two not get riled up about it. So we dealt with that pretty much all day in different doses. She was out cold by 8 PM which makes me realize she can't stay up late (we were up late Wednesday night) and not have some sort of long quiet time in the afternoon the next day. She needs her sleep. Kindergarten should be interesting in the fall.
So ready for Rob to come back so I can get into a regular exercise routine.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Post marathon week...
It has been awhile since I posted. I ran the Minneapolis Marathon on May 31st and rocked it. I wrote my race report on my other blog. My time was 4:04:22. I did not break four hours, but I did PR. It was awesome to share the experience with family especially my sister.
Coming home post marathon I took the week off. Which actually was quite necessary because I went into a very busy week with the kid's musical, street hockey, Education meeting, 8th grade graduation, last day of child care, strawberry picking, two church kid's Open Houses, and Rob's Open House. Not to mention it was in the high 90's here which is atypical for the valley this time of year. By Sunday night I was ready to crash. I did not exercise Monday either--gave myself one extra day.
Last week Tuesday I ran just under five miles most of it with Tracy through the Crossler neighborhood. On Wednesday I swam with both Tracy and Erica. Josh & Stephanie took the kids most of Wednesday as I took theirs on Tuesday. So I was able to go to Group Ride at 5:15 PM. There were about fifteen people in the class! Never seen in that small. By the time we got to the cool down I was the ONLY person there doing the cool down...a little awkward but I did not want to leave the instructor in the dust. On Thursday I went to Power early morning with Tracy. I have not been to Power in probably six weeks so I kept the weight lower. I'm not too sore from it. Rob left for Iowa Thursday late morning. I took Friday off from exercise. Yesterday I ran three miles at the track while the kids ran too, practiced long jump, and played in the long jump pit. I may not get to exercise again until Tuesday which is one of the hardest things for me when Rob is gone. I may try a video or take the girls to the track on Monday while Derek is at soccer camp. We will see how the time goes.
My friends invited me to the Lake Stevens Half Ironman in August and I said I would consider it. Now a bunch of them are dropping out for various reasons. I think it would be a huge challenge for me to get up to that many miles on the bike by August. Especially with being gone two weeks in July. I can swim and run in Penticton but doubt I can bike long distances unless we had room in the van for my bike (which I doubt we do). Since they dropped out it is less incentive for me to take it on. Plus I have missed a lot of Sundays this spring with travel. So I'm looking at an olympic triathlon in the Dalles in September. It's on a Saturday and I only want to do it if Rob can come and watch me with the kids. It is a little lonely going solo. So we will see. My goal is to start getting my bike out regularly once Rob comes home next week and work up to about 20-30 miles.
Coming home post marathon I took the week off. Which actually was quite necessary because I went into a very busy week with the kid's musical, street hockey, Education meeting, 8th grade graduation, last day of child care, strawberry picking, two church kid's Open Houses, and Rob's Open House. Not to mention it was in the high 90's here which is atypical for the valley this time of year. By Sunday night I was ready to crash. I did not exercise Monday either--gave myself one extra day.
Last week Tuesday I ran just under five miles most of it with Tracy through the Crossler neighborhood. On Wednesday I swam with both Tracy and Erica. Josh & Stephanie took the kids most of Wednesday as I took theirs on Tuesday. So I was able to go to Group Ride at 5:15 PM. There were about fifteen people in the class! Never seen in that small. By the time we got to the cool down I was the ONLY person there doing the cool down...a little awkward but I did not want to leave the instructor in the dust. On Thursday I went to Power early morning with Tracy. I have not been to Power in probably six weeks so I kept the weight lower. I'm not too sore from it. Rob left for Iowa Thursday late morning. I took Friday off from exercise. Yesterday I ran three miles at the track while the kids ran too, practiced long jump, and played in the long jump pit. I may not get to exercise again until Tuesday which is one of the hardest things for me when Rob is gone. I may try a video or take the girls to the track on Monday while Derek is at soccer camp. We will see how the time goes.
My friends invited me to the Lake Stevens Half Ironman in August and I said I would consider it. Now a bunch of them are dropping out for various reasons. I think it would be a huge challenge for me to get up to that many miles on the bike by August. Especially with being gone two weeks in July. I can swim and run in Penticton but doubt I can bike long distances unless we had room in the van for my bike (which I doubt we do). Since they dropped out it is less incentive for me to take it on. Plus I have missed a lot of Sundays this spring with travel. So I'm looking at an olympic triathlon in the Dalles in September. It's on a Saturday and I only want to do it if Rob can come and watch me with the kids. It is a little lonely going solo. So we will see. My goal is to start getting my bike out regularly once Rob comes home next week and work up to about 20-30 miles.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
So close to Minneapolis
Last week Tuesday I ran with Tracy about 4 miles. On Tuesday it was also our anniversary and we did dinner & a movie at home. I didn't really want to get up super early. Instead I went swimming at 9 PM which is such a weird time to go to the gym. And they were interesting people there too. I did nothing on Thursday. Wednesday was such a full busy day and Thursday was not much better. On Friday morning I ran about 5 miles. I had every intention to run last weekend at least once at Camp Tadmor. The following happened 1) Rob got sick at camp. He woke up Sunday feeling "yucky" and it got progressively worse as the day went on. He ended up hitching a ride home with someone Sunday night. I am pretty sure he had what I had in St. Louis. I did get breaks from the kids because they don't need to be watched as closely. However, going running was not possible. 2) I didn't realize how "hilly" Tadmor is. I should have realized that...it's in the foothills after all. The ground is uneven and there are roots everywhere...I feared falling. I'd have to run on Mc Dowell Creek Road which has no shoulder and cars flying by at high speeds. I did get plenty of uphill walking. Jerry put us in the second to the top cabin in the mountain cabins. I of course had to load the van and go up and down with kids all day long. I was active walking around the whole weekend--just not running.
Kara got sick Monday afternoon after we got home. Hailey got sick Tuesday morning mildly with same symptoms. We chose to keep her home because we assumed it would get worse. She was slightly feverish but not near as bad as Kara was. Derek has had no sign of it. I keep hoping I already had it and it is indeed what I had. Because I fly to Minneapolis in less than 48 hours. It is so dangerously close. The girls have been fine as or Wednesday morning. It was short lived.
Today is kind of another crappy day. It's been a hard week in a lot of ways. I don't know this spring to summer transition always brings this. You think we would all be happy happy joy joy because it's so close to summer. But's more like stress, irritability, and frustration.
I am excited to run this marathon. I really just want to be in Minneapolis and take off and run. The "waiting" and "counting down days" and "hours" is making me a little crazy.
Kara got sick Monday afternoon after we got home. Hailey got sick Tuesday morning mildly with same symptoms. We chose to keep her home because we assumed it would get worse. She was slightly feverish but not near as bad as Kara was. Derek has had no sign of it. I keep hoping I already had it and it is indeed what I had. Because I fly to Minneapolis in less than 48 hours. It is so dangerously close. The girls have been fine as or Wednesday morning. It was short lived.
Today is kind of another crappy day. It's been a hard week in a lot of ways. I don't know this spring to summer transition always brings this. You think we would all be happy happy joy joy because it's so close to summer. But's more like stress, irritability, and frustration.
I am excited to run this marathon. I really just want to be in Minneapolis and take off and run. The "waiting" and "counting down days" and "hours" is making me a little crazy.
Monday, May 18, 2015
And yes it's May
I have not posted yet it May! Where did this month go!? After I got over my throat cold I had an awesome week of exercise. A beautiful 10 mile run on a Monday morning, a great run with Tracy, and a 20 miler the day before Mother's Day. The 20 miler wasn't as great as my other two, but I completed it nonetheless and felt good. I got my garden planted and worked in it faithfully. I got to Group Ride and kept up with swimming.
Last week we left for St. Louis on the Red Eye Tuesday night. I went to Ride on Monday and ran Tuesday morning with Tracy. I planned on running twice in St. Louis, but it did not happen. Early Thursday morning in St. Louis I woke up with an uncomfortable pain in my stomach that only got worse. I was up every hour and a half throwing up. By 8 AM I just felt so weak and listless I pretty much slept the whole day. I only drank Gatorade and Sprite and ate nothing. By 7 PM I was feeling significantly better but still queasy stomach and just tired. I texted Laura who was watching our kids and had something similar on Tuesday. We had the exact same symptoms and I am pretty sure I caught it from the child care kids. By 1 AM I woke up and felt even better and knew with more sleep I'd be fine by the late morning. I was OK the rest of the time in St. Louis. My appetite was just messed up for days (it's still not totally back to normal) and I got queasy in crowds and in the heat, but I did OK. I think I lost a couple pounds because I ate no desserts and only like two meals a day which were really small. Ironically the only things that sounded good to me were fresh fruit and salad. I am still eating small meals. It was a great trip and glad I only missed a day and my appetite is slowly getting back to normal and my strength is fully back.
Today was getting back in the swing of the things. I have a lot to do this week, but it's slowly getting done. I will start exercising tomorrow (Tuesday) by running with Tracy. I am so glad to be on the taper and I am getting excited for Minneapolis coming up soon.
Last week we left for St. Louis on the Red Eye Tuesday night. I went to Ride on Monday and ran Tuesday morning with Tracy. I planned on running twice in St. Louis, but it did not happen. Early Thursday morning in St. Louis I woke up with an uncomfortable pain in my stomach that only got worse. I was up every hour and a half throwing up. By 8 AM I just felt so weak and listless I pretty much slept the whole day. I only drank Gatorade and Sprite and ate nothing. By 7 PM I was feeling significantly better but still queasy stomach and just tired. I texted Laura who was watching our kids and had something similar on Tuesday. We had the exact same symptoms and I am pretty sure I caught it from the child care kids. By 1 AM I woke up and felt even better and knew with more sleep I'd be fine by the late morning. I was OK the rest of the time in St. Louis. My appetite was just messed up for days (it's still not totally back to normal) and I got queasy in crowds and in the heat, but I did OK. I think I lost a couple pounds because I ate no desserts and only like two meals a day which were really small. Ironically the only things that sounded good to me were fresh fruit and salad. I am still eating small meals. It was a great trip and glad I only missed a day and my appetite is slowly getting back to normal and my strength is fully back.
Today was getting back in the swing of the things. I have a lot to do this week, but it's slowly getting done. I will start exercising tomorrow (Tuesday) by running with Tracy. I am so glad to be on the taper and I am getting excited for Minneapolis coming up soon.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
4/30: Someone pour me another cup of coffee
I did not exercise yesterday or today. Mostly because Rob is in St. Louis and I can't get away. I am still not over this cough. Wednesday night I slept OK. Taking the Sudafed PM helped. Last night it backfired. I was in bed by 11 PM. Between 11 PM and 1 AM, I was falling asleep and then being jolted awake by coughing spells. Then I was completely wide awake. I switched the couch around 2 AM and laid down with the cat. I didn't watch TV--just relaxed. I fell asleep and woke up at 3 AM. Then I went back to the bed and slept from 3 AM from 6:45 AM still having a bad coughing spell that woke me up but I fell back asleep. Needless to say I am tired today. Someone pour me another cup of coffee. But I can get by and I should be able to take a short nap this afternoon. I need to go to bed earlier tonight because I have to get up at 5:30 AM and run Hailey to school for their trip. As much as I hate it, I may try Nyquil tonight. If I get to bed on time, I may be able to avoid the groggy wake up. I am going to Power tomorrow afternoon regardless. I miss exercise.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Tuesday 4/28: My throat still hurts
Ugh whatever "throat cold" Rob & I got is lingering. After feeling mostly normal all day, my throat hurt so bad again right before I went to bed. Rob & I know it is not strep because we have the symptoms of a cold and we are coughing. Coughing helps somewhat. Strep is like swallowing razor blades. This is just a bad tickle in the throat and the coughing sensation without being able to cough. I slept OK but I woke up at 5:50 sweating, my head throbbed, and my throat still hurt. The more I walked around, the better I felt. So I decided to still meet up with Tracy to run. I ran a total of 6 miles. I felt OK. Around Mile #4 I felt like I was choking and my throat hurt, but it got better. I was going to go for 8 miles, but I was starting to feel dizzy and like I needed to drink water. I also felt really dehydrated when I woke this morning despite drinking 2 full water bottles yesterday. I still have the raspy voice, throat hurts, and I feel tired. I am thankful I have less child care today (they are sick too!). I cannot work out the next two days because Rob is out of town. My body probably still needs the rest anyway. I hope I am over it soon, but Rob still feels it. He had it before I did. So we'll just take it one day at a time. It could be a lot worse. I've not had to miss any work and I was only on the couch on Sunday mostly because I really didn't have to be anywhere or do anything. My body benefited from the rest. My appetite is totally normal. I slept fine last night and I did not take any Benadryl.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Sick but doing OK
I have not posted in awhile. I have been reading (WAY too much) a blog of a triathlon mom. It started out very inspiring and similar to my running/triathlon journey. Some have been following my marathon training on Facebook. Other moms I know I want to get back into running, triathlon, exercise...just something...and lack the motivation or the tools. I have been running now for almost fourteen years (my running anniversary is on Tuesday--day of my first 5K) and I have much to offer. Since doing more workouts with my tri friends over the past two years, I have learned even more. I feel like I have reached a new level.
So I thought it would very cool to start a running mom blog. I even began one and starting writing entries for it. I saved them all as drafts. Then I discovered 1) I can hardly keep up the blogs I have. I have never been great with juggling multiple blogs 2) I've not been given my writing job (the one I actually get paid for) the time it deserves 3) the theme of this school year has been simplifying my schedule versus juggling a bunch of things to the point I hit a state of overwhelm (which happened way more last year) 4) the blog I was reading started out great and then it started to get repetitive and blah blah blah...same things...how many more race reports can I really read and still enjoy reading them. 5) I really don't want the extra publicity. There's a cost with publicizing your whole life.
So today I have a bad sore throat. I've had it since Wednesday actually. Usually it turns into a cold but this time it has lingered into a sore throat and my voice is all crackly. I knew I would feel sick today if I went out last night with Cheryl and her friends to the Silver Spur and come home after midnight. It was still worth it though. If anything I felt sick this morning from the Benadryl I took when I got home. I have been sleeping so restless since I got this sore throat that it keeps Rob awake. So I chose grogginess and feeling in a cloud all morning versus sleeping restless, keeping Rob awake, and feeling even more tired. I only had one drink because I had to drive home so I don't have any alcohol related head aches or anything.
Jen and I run the Minneapolis Marathon in 34 days and I have done really well with all the training. I have not missed a long run (I might have missed one--not totally sure). I have exercised at least 5 times a week--sometimes four and sometimes as much as six. This is the first of it I have gotten sick. I have done two 20 miles that have gone super well. I have had amazing weather for almost all my long runs. We are getting so close I can almost taste it.
I calculated the training weeks wrong so I am actually repeating this upcoming week. I am doing a 10K, and two 8 milers. This past week I did Group Power, a 6 mile run, 1 hour swim, and a 8 mile run. I will do something similar this week but three runs instead of two and I am hoping to squeeze in a bike ride or spin class but we'll see. Rob is gone 2 1/2 days this week so I don't have as much freedom with my schedule. I will do my last 20 miles Mother's Day weekend and then start to taper. I am praying I stay healthy and injury free!
So I thought it would very cool to start a running mom blog. I even began one and starting writing entries for it. I saved them all as drafts. Then I discovered 1) I can hardly keep up the blogs I have. I have never been great with juggling multiple blogs 2) I've not been given my writing job (the one I actually get paid for) the time it deserves 3) the theme of this school year has been simplifying my schedule versus juggling a bunch of things to the point I hit a state of overwhelm (which happened way more last year) 4) the blog I was reading started out great and then it started to get repetitive and blah blah blah...same things...how many more race reports can I really read and still enjoy reading them. 5) I really don't want the extra publicity. There's a cost with publicizing your whole life.
So today I have a bad sore throat. I've had it since Wednesday actually. Usually it turns into a cold but this time it has lingered into a sore throat and my voice is all crackly. I knew I would feel sick today if I went out last night with Cheryl and her friends to the Silver Spur and come home after midnight. It was still worth it though. If anything I felt sick this morning from the Benadryl I took when I got home. I have been sleeping so restless since I got this sore throat that it keeps Rob awake. So I chose grogginess and feeling in a cloud all morning versus sleeping restless, keeping Rob awake, and feeling even more tired. I only had one drink because I had to drive home so I don't have any alcohol related head aches or anything.
Jen and I run the Minneapolis Marathon in 34 days and I have done really well with all the training. I have not missed a long run (I might have missed one--not totally sure). I have exercised at least 5 times a week--sometimes four and sometimes as much as six. This is the first of it I have gotten sick. I have done two 20 miles that have gone super well. I have had amazing weather for almost all my long runs. We are getting so close I can almost taste it.
I calculated the training weeks wrong so I am actually repeating this upcoming week. I am doing a 10K, and two 8 milers. This past week I did Group Power, a 6 mile run, 1 hour swim, and a 8 mile run. I will do something similar this week but three runs instead of two and I am hoping to squeeze in a bike ride or spin class but we'll see. Rob is gone 2 1/2 days this week so I don't have as much freedom with my schedule. I will do my last 20 miles Mother's Day weekend and then start to taper. I am praying I stay healthy and injury free!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
3/30 - 4/7 - 20 miles!!
This week following Spring Break was not terrible but it's wasn't great either. I was struggling with mornings again and motivation. And anxiety about running this many miles even though I can do it. I probably am running the best I ever have in my life. It's crazy how much role the mind has in running.
Last week Monday late afternoon I managed to get to Group Power which was great. I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it there but it worked out perfect with my schedule. On Tuesday I ran with Tracy and I felt bad because I was late and she was practically in my driveway by the time I made it out. We went 3 1/2 miles and then I went an extra mile and a half. I was thrilled that Map My Run on my iphone works great. At this point I don't see the need of buying a GPS watch. Maybe I'll change my mind later, but for now MMR has essentially what I need. On Wednesday I swam. I really thought I was on time but Tracy and Kristen were on the warm up already when I got in the pool. It was a good workout though. I had every intention of running 10 miles Thursday morning but I chickened out. I really did. I only ran five. I did run about three when I practiced with ILS track team Wednesday afternoon and I ran 1 with Derek Thursday afternoon. Running more than 5-6 on a weekday morning is hard. Especially with it being dark in the mornings. I feel somewhat frustrated with myself but I was not going to let myself wallow in it all day either. Friday the kids had off but I still had child care all day and it made for a full somewhat stressful at times day. I decided to take it off exercise wise.
Saturday was huge pick me up as I completed my first of three 20 mile runs! I started at 5:55 am. I did not want to loop around home so that meant carrying one honey comb bar, one protein bar, one gu packet, two Ultima packets, water bottle, ipod shuffle, iphone, reflector vest, and reflector hat. I felt like I looked a little hideous. I ran through Fircrest Park through the Candalaria neighborhood to downtown. I LOVED running through downtown. None of the stores were open yet so traffic was minimal. There were runners, bikers, and people getting breakfast at cafes. I love urban running. I ran through Riverfront Park, across the pedestrian bridge and into West Salem. Then I ran through the Edgewater district. Last minute I opted not to run the Edgewater path along the 22. For one thing it is NOT an asphalt bike path, but cemented sidewalk. Secondly there were homeless people sleeping along the path and I didn't feel totally safe. Running along Edgewater was similar to downtown. There were cafes, shops, and other runners--I felt better. Coming back through I stopped at the bathrooms at Riverfront Park for about 5 minutes. I refilled my water bottle, stuffed my reflector vest in my back pocket, ate a protein bar etc. Coming back I mostly stuck with High Street the whole way and struggled on some of the hills. I made the mistake of planning this run going on Madrona in the most hilly part. That was not intentional. I ran/walked all those hills. I loved having the Map My Run on the iphone because I could track my mileage. I did make a wrong turn at one point and point on an extra quarter mile. So I ended up rerouting my run at the end concluding on Liberty & Skyline. I was done before 10:00 AM. It was around 9:30. I felt like I was on a high all day.
Sunday I rested and was thankfully not too sore. Yesterday the kids did not have school again and I had no child care. It was a great day and makes me really excited for the summer. I took the kids to a movie in the late afternoon and helped Derek with his social studies project. I ran seven miles over Rob's lunch. I maintained about 9 minute miles, but MMR doesn't reflect that because I was at three different intersections with super long lights. This morning I did 4 1/4 miles with Tracy and 1 and 3/4 by myself. Now I am headed to Michigan tomorrow for my grandma's funeral and we'll see if I get a chance to run out there.
Eating I am not keeping track of calories and seeing if it affects anything. I am still trying to eat pretty healthy though. Easter candy has been a huge temptation.
I have slept to the alarm the last two nights. I have slept extremely hard. I think I nailed it that PMS greatly affects my sleep and causes insomnia.
Shoes--463 miles left on Newtons
The marathon is getting closer!
Last week Monday late afternoon I managed to get to Group Power which was great. I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it there but it worked out perfect with my schedule. On Tuesday I ran with Tracy and I felt bad because I was late and she was practically in my driveway by the time I made it out. We went 3 1/2 miles and then I went an extra mile and a half. I was thrilled that Map My Run on my iphone works great. At this point I don't see the need of buying a GPS watch. Maybe I'll change my mind later, but for now MMR has essentially what I need. On Wednesday I swam. I really thought I was on time but Tracy and Kristen were on the warm up already when I got in the pool. It was a good workout though. I had every intention of running 10 miles Thursday morning but I chickened out. I really did. I only ran five. I did run about three when I practiced with ILS track team Wednesday afternoon and I ran 1 with Derek Thursday afternoon. Running more than 5-6 on a weekday morning is hard. Especially with it being dark in the mornings. I feel somewhat frustrated with myself but I was not going to let myself wallow in it all day either. Friday the kids had off but I still had child care all day and it made for a full somewhat stressful at times day. I decided to take it off exercise wise.
Saturday was huge pick me up as I completed my first of three 20 mile runs! I started at 5:55 am. I did not want to loop around home so that meant carrying one honey comb bar, one protein bar, one gu packet, two Ultima packets, water bottle, ipod shuffle, iphone, reflector vest, and reflector hat. I felt like I looked a little hideous. I ran through Fircrest Park through the Candalaria neighborhood to downtown. I LOVED running through downtown. None of the stores were open yet so traffic was minimal. There were runners, bikers, and people getting breakfast at cafes. I love urban running. I ran through Riverfront Park, across the pedestrian bridge and into West Salem. Then I ran through the Edgewater district. Last minute I opted not to run the Edgewater path along the 22. For one thing it is NOT an asphalt bike path, but cemented sidewalk. Secondly there were homeless people sleeping along the path and I didn't feel totally safe. Running along Edgewater was similar to downtown. There were cafes, shops, and other runners--I felt better. Coming back through I stopped at the bathrooms at Riverfront Park for about 5 minutes. I refilled my water bottle, stuffed my reflector vest in my back pocket, ate a protein bar etc. Coming back I mostly stuck with High Street the whole way and struggled on some of the hills. I made the mistake of planning this run going on Madrona in the most hilly part. That was not intentional. I ran/walked all those hills. I loved having the Map My Run on the iphone because I could track my mileage. I did make a wrong turn at one point and point on an extra quarter mile. So I ended up rerouting my run at the end concluding on Liberty & Skyline. I was done before 10:00 AM. It was around 9:30. I felt like I was on a high all day.
Sunday I rested and was thankfully not too sore. Yesterday the kids did not have school again and I had no child care. It was a great day and makes me really excited for the summer. I took the kids to a movie in the late afternoon and helped Derek with his social studies project. I ran seven miles over Rob's lunch. I maintained about 9 minute miles, but MMR doesn't reflect that because I was at three different intersections with super long lights. This morning I did 4 1/4 miles with Tracy and 1 and 3/4 by myself. Now I am headed to Michigan tomorrow for my grandma's funeral and we'll see if I get a chance to run out there.
Eating I am not keeping track of calories and seeing if it affects anything. I am still trying to eat pretty healthy though. Easter candy has been a huge temptation.
I have slept to the alarm the last two nights. I have slept extremely hard. I think I nailed it that PMS greatly affects my sleep and causes insomnia.
Shoes--463 miles left on Newtons
The marathon is getting closer!
Monday, March 30, 2015
3/26 - 3/30 End of Spring Break
So we're reaching the tail end of Spring Break week. But I am already getting excited for summer...and excited for spring too. Last April I hit a point where I was very overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. I didn't see it coming at all, but putting the pieces together--it makes sense. So this spring we aren't doing any swim lessons or swim team and I had to end my running club I started two years ago. This was a hard decision. I honestly feel like I have to cut things out my schedule I love to make room for things I don't love as much. However Hailey make practice with the track team and I asked if I could observe/volunteer/help on Wednesdays so I am hoping this is possible. I will still run and bike with Derek when I can. The kids are so incredibly active on their own--skating, biking, running, playing outside, hiking. They don't need a lot of organized activities right now. But when I look at April I feel like I have more breathing room and the days don't feel quite so overwhelming.
Spring Break has been a tremendous blessing. The downtime and rest has been amazing and I feel incredibly refreshed and bonded with the family. The kids have done so well and their conflict is minimal. I am happy to be at home versus wanting to get out of here.
For exercise on Tuesday I went to Ride at 9:30 am just after my parents left. The best "ride" I have been to in awhile. I really pushed myself. I love exercising mid morning and I might have opportunities to this more on Fridays in the summer when I'm not working. On Wednesday Erica and I swam around 7:30 am. We did a shorter workout. She is due this weekend so she couldn't push it. I felt more tired than normal, but still great to be in the pool. At 5 PM I went to Power and she worked us so hard. My triceps and biceps are very sore. Yesterday I ran 9 miles in the evening--my first sunset run of the season. It was amazing--I was going to fast and could push myself. I don't think I stopped at all except at lights. I love it when you feel like you can run forever.
Now it is Monday and Spring Break is officially over, but it was a very good one. On Friday I ran 6 miles at the track in the late morning and it was sunny and beautiful. On Saturday I ran 13 miles and I mixed up a route of various locations including the Battle Creek neighborhood for some variety. Yesterday I had no plans on working out but Derek & I biked an hour at Minto Brown which I thoroughly enjoyed. Now I'm feeling more motivated to get my bike out.
Last night I was dealing with PMS related symptoms which always affects my sleep. Waking up with cramping, head ache, and not sleeping well--I did not get up and run. I should be able to (hopefully) run this evening.
In my ongoing struggles with anxiety my brain reverts to a flight/fight mode in situations that should not constitute this type of reaction. Sometimes I have a physical reaction which for me is usually shaky arms, queasy stomach, faster breathing etc. I am tracking this the next few days and seeing what causes me to overreact. I think if I saw my counselor again he would recommend doing the same thing so it's not worth making an appointment quite yet. It happens almost all the time at home and most of the time with my own kids and rarely if ever friends, child care kids, child care parents etc. I think I know how to function in "a work mode" very well. Which explains sometimes on days off or weekends or school breaks I tend to struggle more with my moods and emotions. You think I'd be more relaxed but often I'm more on edge.
Shoes: 479 miles left on the Newtons.
Eating and sleeping has been good aside from sleep the last two nights. I am almost certain it is related to PMS. Tracking all this on my ipad has helped me put a finger on that. I am going to keep track of what I eat again now that Spring Break is over, but weight loss isn't really the goal...just maintenance.
Spring Break has been a tremendous blessing. The downtime and rest has been amazing and I feel incredibly refreshed and bonded with the family. The kids have done so well and their conflict is minimal. I am happy to be at home versus wanting to get out of here.
For exercise on Tuesday I went to Ride at 9:30 am just after my parents left. The best "ride" I have been to in awhile. I really pushed myself. I love exercising mid morning and I might have opportunities to this more on Fridays in the summer when I'm not working. On Wednesday Erica and I swam around 7:30 am. We did a shorter workout. She is due this weekend so she couldn't push it. I felt more tired than normal, but still great to be in the pool. At 5 PM I went to Power and she worked us so hard. My triceps and biceps are very sore. Yesterday I ran 9 miles in the evening--my first sunset run of the season. It was amazing--I was going to fast and could push myself. I don't think I stopped at all except at lights. I love it when you feel like you can run forever.
Now it is Monday and Spring Break is officially over, but it was a very good one. On Friday I ran 6 miles at the track in the late morning and it was sunny and beautiful. On Saturday I ran 13 miles and I mixed up a route of various locations including the Battle Creek neighborhood for some variety. Yesterday I had no plans on working out but Derek & I biked an hour at Minto Brown which I thoroughly enjoyed. Now I'm feeling more motivated to get my bike out.
Last night I was dealing with PMS related symptoms which always affects my sleep. Waking up with cramping, head ache, and not sleeping well--I did not get up and run. I should be able to (hopefully) run this evening.
In my ongoing struggles with anxiety my brain reverts to a flight/fight mode in situations that should not constitute this type of reaction. Sometimes I have a physical reaction which for me is usually shaky arms, queasy stomach, faster breathing etc. I am tracking this the next few days and seeing what causes me to overreact. I think if I saw my counselor again he would recommend doing the same thing so it's not worth making an appointment quite yet. It happens almost all the time at home and most of the time with my own kids and rarely if ever friends, child care kids, child care parents etc. I think I know how to function in "a work mode" very well. Which explains sometimes on days off or weekends or school breaks I tend to struggle more with my moods and emotions. You think I'd be more relaxed but often I'm more on edge.
Shoes: 479 miles left on the Newtons.
Eating and sleeping has been good aside from sleep the last two nights. I am almost certain it is related to PMS. Tracking all this on my ipad has helped me put a finger on that. I am going to keep track of what I eat again now that Spring Break is over, but weight loss isn't really the goal...just maintenance.
Monday, March 23, 2015
3/16 - 3/23--Good running and Spring Break
So last week was pretty good. On Monday I went to morning Group Ride. It had been a very long time since I have been to Ride on a Monday morning. On Tuesday Tracy could only do a short run. So I ran about four miles with her through the neighborhood we have been running in and then I did two miles on my own afterwards. On Tuesday I went to Group Power. It also been a very long time since I went to the 6:30 PM Power and on a Tuesday night. I had a great talk with the instructor afterwards who shared Power will help me with tremendously with running even if I can only go once a week which is in the current plan. On Wednesday we met up again for swimming and we did a long cycle of 100's and 200's. We finished a bit earlier than normal. On Thursday I was going to run in the morning before we left for Portland but I was so tired and I opted for sleep. On Friday we were in Portland all day and I didn't want to run on the hotel treadmill and didn't have the opportunity to run outside. We got home Saturday afternoon and I ran 6 miles almost immediately after coming home. That run went great. On Sunday afternoon I ran my 13 miles and it took me about two hours and ten minutes even with lights and stopping a little bit on hills. I had to stop so much less on the hills--I surprised myself how much endurance I had. My quads did not hurt at all. It was the best run I have had in quite awhile. It rained a bit at the beginning and near the end, but it didn't really bother me. It was kind of refreshing. It was warm enough that I didn't feel super cold...even afterwards. The hot tub at my parent's motel felt really nice. Today is Monday and I opted to take it off again because we had a full day. My parents leave tomorrow and Rob and I are both off all week. The kids are off too. We have a few things planned, but we do have enough down time that I have no excuse not to work out.
My eating hasn't been great mostly due to vacation. I haven't really been tracking calories but I will get back into it after Spring Break again.
I have been sleeping really well too. The first night in the motel I was really restless. Second night was better. I have been sleeping well at home. With the go, go, go schedule I tire out. I took a nap on the couch today and slept really hard even though I slept in until 8:00 AM this morning. I think once I stop working and have down time my body just craves rest. I am more than willing to give in to it. We've also had wet, gray, drizzly weather and that makes everyone tired. We're not supposed to get sun until Thursday.
I am also tracking the life on my new shoes. I got a pair of Newtons and I am trying to break them in. My hopes is to wear them on the marathon. So far my small toes feel tingly and almost numb when I run in them so I am not sure what that's about. I am told I get about 500 miles of life in them. So far I have burned 12 so I am down to 488 miles.
My eating hasn't been great mostly due to vacation. I haven't really been tracking calories but I will get back into it after Spring Break again.
I have been sleeping really well too. The first night in the motel I was really restless. Second night was better. I have been sleeping well at home. With the go, go, go schedule I tire out. I took a nap on the couch today and slept really hard even though I slept in until 8:00 AM this morning. I think once I stop working and have down time my body just craves rest. I am more than willing to give in to it. We've also had wet, gray, drizzly weather and that makes everyone tired. We're not supposed to get sun until Thursday.
I am also tracking the life on my new shoes. I got a pair of Newtons and I am trying to break them in. My hopes is to wear them on the marathon. So far my small toes feel tingly and almost numb when I run in them so I am not sure what that's about. I am told I get about 500 miles of life in them. So far I have burned 12 so I am down to 488 miles.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
3/14 & 3/15: Tired
Yesterday the weather was terrible. Lots of blowing rain all day long. I guess no one around here can complain as we have had much sun and warm weather all winter long...an unusual amount. I rode the stationary bike for 42 minutes again and it was a good workout. This morning I had planned on running in the morning. I laid all my running stuff out the night before and woke up to the alarm. I just couldn't do it. I had zero motivation whatsoever. It was the darkness (I really don't like daylights saving time in the spring at all) and the windy and blowing rain. I had thought of running in the afternoon, but I really didn't have time. I had no motivation again. I have hardly missed any runs since I started this marathon training so I am not going to be too hard on myself. My muscles are still pretty tight and could probably use another rest day. I really just feel like starting up again tomorrow.
Rob was either sick or in meetings all weekend long with the exception of last night. The kids were fine and we had a good weekend--I just felt very drained at times. I did so much cleaning and that really is emotionally exhausting for me. I don't feel overly anxious today like I sometimes do on Sundays or even depressed or down. I just feel so tired. I slept from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM this morning and slept fairly well. I feel like I could sleep again this afternoon and I am so fatigued. I am not sick. My appetite is normal...I am even a little more hungrier than normal. I am eating fairly decent and not craving junk. I had salads for lunch. I have no cold or allergies. I am just drained. I am looking forward to staying home tonight and resting. Thankfully I only have to work three days this week and then I get a long week and a half break.
Rob was either sick or in meetings all weekend long with the exception of last night. The kids were fine and we had a good weekend--I just felt very drained at times. I did so much cleaning and that really is emotionally exhausting for me. I don't feel overly anxious today like I sometimes do on Sundays or even depressed or down. I just feel so tired. I slept from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM this morning and slept fairly well. I feel like I could sleep again this afternoon and I am so fatigued. I am not sick. My appetite is normal...I am even a little more hungrier than normal. I am eating fairly decent and not craving junk. I had salads for lunch. I have no cold or allergies. I am just drained. I am looking forward to staying home tonight and resting. Thankfully I only have to work three days this week and then I get a long week and a half break.
Friday, March 13, 2015
3/9 - 3/13: 18 miles!!
On Monday I took a much needed rest. I was going to go to Group Ride if Rob came home from Portland on time. I knew that would be unlikely but there was a slight chance. He was not home in time. I did a half hour of yoga using my Daily Yoga app. My leg muscles are so incredibly tight! I felt like I loosened them up a bit. On Tuesday Tracy texted me last minute and was not running early morning but going at 8:30 am. I couldn't run then because of kids. I ran 5 miles on my own and did my old 5 mile route. It was nice to do something regular and routined that I didn't have to think much about. I ran pretty well. On Wednesday Tracy & I swam with this other guy who has been joining us. We did lots of speed swims and it was a decent workout. I did yoga again Wednesday night. On Thursday I decided to rest again. The kids had no school and I had no child care. It was too hard to get up. I wasn't very motivated. Plus our plan was to declutter the house especially the bedrooms. For some reason this stresses me out so much--it is emotionally exhausting. I was dreading it. We got it all done. I cleaned literally from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with only short little breaks. We did all the bedrooms, the laundry room, caught up laundry, and the kitchen. I still have to do some closets and the attic and get the garage sale pile organized--I can probably do it on Saturday. \
Then today (Friday) I did 18 miles! I am so glad I did it today. The weather is supposed to be 100% rain and terrible Saturday & Sunday. The kids did not have school and I had no child care until 9:30 am. I started at 5:45 am and finished just before 9:15 am. I stopped at home after 15 miles to get more water and ended up talking to Rob at least 5-7 minutes who was not feeling well. I had a few long lights. I got off course around Candalaria and I am pretty sure I went closer to 18.5 miles. The best part was I did not choke on the hills. I ran in a whole new area I had ever run in before...around Candalaria, Fairmount Park, and High Street. It is very very hilly. I did walk a little but I didn't walk nearly as much as I did Saturday. My quads were not very tight and I felt like I had more range of motion. I think the yoga helped more than I realized. It was a beautiful morning and I felt so much better than last week.
Eating wise I am doing pretty well. It's always a little tricky when we get down to the end of our groceries, but I am not craving junk nearly as much.
I am sleeping really well again and hardly waking up at all. I am super tired at night after these long runs and typically the following night. I did take a nap Wednesday morning but only for about a half hour.
Then today (Friday) I did 18 miles! I am so glad I did it today. The weather is supposed to be 100% rain and terrible Saturday & Sunday. The kids did not have school and I had no child care until 9:30 am. I started at 5:45 am and finished just before 9:15 am. I stopped at home after 15 miles to get more water and ended up talking to Rob at least 5-7 minutes who was not feeling well. I had a few long lights. I got off course around Candalaria and I am pretty sure I went closer to 18.5 miles. The best part was I did not choke on the hills. I ran in a whole new area I had ever run in before...around Candalaria, Fairmount Park, and High Street. It is very very hilly. I did walk a little but I didn't walk nearly as much as I did Saturday. My quads were not very tight and I felt like I had more range of motion. I think the yoga helped more than I realized. It was a beautiful morning and I felt so much better than last week.
Eating wise I am doing pretty well. It's always a little tricky when we get down to the end of our groceries, but I am not craving junk nearly as much.
I am sleeping really well again and hardly waking up at all. I am super tired at night after these long runs and typically the following night. I did take a nap Wednesday morning but only for about a half hour.
Monday, March 9, 2015
3/5 - 3/8: 17 miles!!
On Thursday I had planned on running at the track, but I woke up in the morning and I just couldn't do it. I was way too tired and decided to the day off from exercise. On Friday I biked the stationary bike for 42 minutes. I opted to sleep the extra hour and bike on my own on the stationary bike versus going to early morning Group Ride. I still got a good workout and I felt like I needed that extra hour of sleep. On Saturday I got my 17 pre=birthday run in! I started at 5:25 AM and finished at 8:20 AM. I stopped at Safeway to use the bathroom, but I didn't hit many lights so I am guessing I did about 10 minute miles. I choked on quite a few hills and couldn't make it up without walking. The last two miles I did 30 second - 1 minute walk breaks. I felt like I was walking a ton until I realized I was right on schedule time wise. I think I am generally faster than I used to be but I cannot maintain that speed when going up hills. I did not plan on walking nearly as much as I did. In the end I think my walk breaks were really short--though at the time they felt long. On Sunday (yesterday) I ran 8 miles at the track doing another downward ladder workout. I ran great and didn't feel like I had to walk at any point. Even with all the running I am not all that sore today.
For running this week I have to 5, 9 and 18 and then I get two kick back weeks in a row. I have to figure out when to do the 9. Because I don't like doing the medium and long run back to back like I did this weekend. I would rather avoid that. I am running into scheduling issues with Rob being in meetings all weekend long. I am not busy but he is.
Eating I have been doing a decent job sticking within the calories. I have not weighed myself in a couple of days. We have pretty healthy meals planned this week.
I had a couple good nights of sleep but last night I slept restless again. I woke up a couple of times. I could not get comfortable. I was having bizarre dreams. I had a Mike's Hard lemonade at 8:00 PM and that might have affected it. No caffeine though except at lunch.
I think we're getting rain this week==we've been so spoiled with good running weather.
For running this week I have to 5, 9 and 18 and then I get two kick back weeks in a row. I have to figure out when to do the 9. Because I don't like doing the medium and long run back to back like I did this weekend. I would rather avoid that. I am running into scheduling issues with Rob being in meetings all weekend long. I am not busy but he is.
Eating I have been doing a decent job sticking within the calories. I have not weighed myself in a couple of days. We have pretty healthy meals planned this week.
I had a couple good nights of sleep but last night I slept restless again. I woke up a couple of times. I could not get comfortable. I was having bizarre dreams. I had a Mike's Hard lemonade at 8:00 PM and that might have affected it. No caffeine though except at lunch.
I think we're getting rain this week==we've been so spoiled with good running weather.
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