Week #3

Monday - Ran 3 miles


I ran later than usual around 7:15 PM. Rob was OK with it and told me to go ahead. I did my normal three mile route to Ewald. Aside from feeling sore from yesterday's run, it was fine. It was the last spell of the heat wave and I could already tell we were going to hit 90. The air was cooler and perfect, but as I got home I was starting to feel warm and sweaty.


Tuesday - Rest


I decided to take the day off from running. I was pretty sore from from the last two days. We got home from Noordams around 10 PM Monday night. After being in the pool and sun all afternoon and evening, we were worn out. It was hard for both Rob and I to get up. The kids had no problem getting up at 7 AM even though they went to bed two hours past their bedtime. Isn't that the way it goes?


Wednesday - Ran 5 miles


Again it was hard to get up because I got home from Faber's at 10:15 PM last night. My schedule is not usually like this. I love the extra time with friends this week, but it is pretty tough to get up in the morning. Derek was up around 6:30 AM. Made him stay in his room for another fifteen minutes. Hailey was also up at 6:45 AM. I felt really guility for leaving Rob with two crabby, fighting kids. I told them we were not going to start the day fighting. They started the day having a fight five minutes after they woke up. How nice. Rob said it was OK if I ran five miles. So I did my regular five mile route, but I did it in reverse. I started going towards Woodmansee Park to Sumpter to Liberty and back home. I saw that cool jet black rabbit in Woodmansee Park. I wonder if it's someone's pet? It doesn't look wild. I also saw someone brushing their teeth on the way to the bus stop. Hmmmm.....interesting.


Anyway the run felt really really good. I felt like my pace was faster. But I don't think it was. It took me the same amount of time. I felt a little dehydrated. I should have stopped at Sumpter Park to get a drink, but I really wanted to keep going.


When I got home, Hailey was having another meltdown about finishing her breakfast. Kara was up and crying. We think she is teething because she has been really clingy and crabby the last two days. It is in and out and she does not appear sick...just irritable. Thanks Rob for letting me go running. I know it was not a pleasant way to start your day. I am glad you have a quiet office to go to and don't have to deal with the chaos for the rest of your day. No actually they calmed down and did better later on.



Thursday - Rest



I did not want to get up and go running because I was gone another night with the middle schoolers. I got back around 9:45 PM, but was really tired. There was no other time to run during the day. Rob had visits and meetings. I thought about going to the gym at 9 PM when he got back. I was still researching this court case I am covering for the Banner. I really wanted to get that finished. Oh well...some days will be like that.



Friday - Group Power



Went to 9 AM Group Power and they are still doing Summer Launch. I woke up feeling very fatigued, dehydrated, and even a little dizzy. I almost thought about staying home. I knew I was not getting sick because my appetite was normal. Once I got there and set up, I felt better. I was able to keep all the same weights from last week except I went a little less on the second back and legs track. It was a good workout and I was glad I went. I am ready to not have so much in the evenings.

Saturday - Ran 3 Miles

My legs were so incredibly sore this morning and I know it was from all those squats at Power yesterday. I really pushed myself on them and increased my weight. I was squatting down this morning to pick something up for Derek and I felt the soreness. I really wanted to go running because it usually helps. Getting the muscles going again feels more comfortable.

I have been mapping out some new routes for variety. Since it has been comfortable out again, I can run in the afternoon on the weekend. I took the short way to Sumpter Park and ran through that neighborhood encircling the park and then back to Lone Oak to home. I felt sore and fatigued until about halfway and then I felt better again. It is a nice route with two little uphills that are manageable.

It's a kick back week which means my long run tomorrow is shorter. I am hoping to get it done again before church.

Sunday - Rest

Bleck. I hate missing workouts. Planned on running in the morning. Even woke up with the alarm and was planning on going. I felt gastroenteritis coming on last night. I woke up with it this morning. It was pretty mild compared to the previous times I had it. I think it was due to some fatty food I ate last night. My body cannot handle this kind of food. I did not realize I ate it until it was too late. I was preoccupied with Kara and Derek. I knew it was mild enough that I could probably run in the afternoon. At church I felt dizzy, dehydrated, and my stomach still hurt. My legs are still killing me from the squats. I almost took Tylenol this morning. I feel really irritable and crabby. I think it is from all the above. Lately on the weekends we have been able to sleep until around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM. Kara and Derek have been getting up before 7 again. I really need to get back on my early morning routine and hit it hard this week. We have things going in the evening this week, but we won't be out past 9. So I don't anticipate not being able to get up in the morning.

Week #2

A little crazy yet also refreshing to be back at Week #2

Monday - Group Power and Ran 3 Miles


It's Summer Launch so everything at Power and every workout in every class is new. New songs too. I love Summer Launch! I remember with Spring Launch, I did not like the new workouts especially the abs/core track. This time around it's nice to have a change. The music is very 80's and 90's which is more up my alley...I didn't get into the songs as much this time around. I slept so good--straight from around 10:30 PM until the alarm went off at 4:48 AM. No kids got me up and no insomina related stuff. So I knew I could get there and be awake enough. I did not struggle on any tracks which probably means I need to increase my weights. The thing with increased weight means though I don't enjoy it as much. I enjoy it when I can do it and feel good--not when I am dying afterwards. I do know I need to push myself and not settle for "easy."



After Power I ran three miles. I don't like the treadmill at all. I like it even less since I have no iPod or headphones to hear the TVs. I washed and dried my headphones and still haven't bothered to replace them. I thought about running in the neighborhood around the gym (and I always run in this neighborhood on my long runs), but decided I would rather run in my own neighborhood. So I drove home and then did my regular three mile route to Ewald and back through Liberty. It is more difficult running after Power. I feel more fatigued and my left thigh was sore from the squats and lunges. I got through it and and did not have to walk at all.



Felt good to be back in the groove again. Hope I can keep the motivation up for awhile. I really need this time in the morning to workout.



Tuesday - Ran 5 Miles



I got up around 6:30 AM and then ran to Sumpter Park and back. It was a good run. Felt a little sore at first from working out so hard at Power the day before. Otherwise, it went well. Did not really have to walk at all, but stopped at both drinking fountains (Sumpter and Woodmansee). I am finding the extra hydration makes a huge difference--did not drink nearly as much when I used to run.


Wednesday - Group Power



Yay! The first time in I don't know how long I went to Group Power twice in one week...especially in the early morning hours. I almost decided to sleep. Then I remembered how much I loved Summer Launch and it was the perfect way to start my day. Plus I am seeing a huge difference. I increased my weight on everything except biceps. Although it was tough at times, I could complete the workouts and feel good. I had some knee pain in the warm up which concerned me a little bit. It went away, but I still have to watch that. I might have to ice my knee later today if I feel the pain again. I am just so pumped I am motivated again and out of the slump for awhile.

Thursday - Ran 3 Miles

I was going to do my three at 6:45 AM, but Derek was up already at 6:40 AM. His sleep has been better overall. It's still a frustration at times! He sleeps through the night, but the whole going to bed process has its bad moments. Right now he is going on a twenty five minutes crying rage because he will not take his nap. This is the first time in months he's done this one. He is the kind of kid who wakes up earlier when he goes to bed later...and everything gets thrown off. He gets more hyper and out of control when he's sleep deprived. It's a vicious cycle. He will probably always be this way. In many ways I am like this too. I had bad insomnia throughout my childhood starting around second grade and ending around sixth grade.

But this entry is not about sleep. I think I am just frustrated and need to write about it so I don't go physcho. :) It was an easy enough day that I could run during Rob's lunch. So I ran my old four mile route, but took Boone instead of Kuebler. I wanted to hit the hills on Boone because I hadn't done a good hill workout in a while. The hills seemed smaller and much more manageable than they did a few months ago. The hardest thing was the heat. We're slowly crawling back to the 90's where we have hardly been at all this summer. It was a good run overall.

Friday - Group Ride

It is Launch Week and there a lot of new people visiting the classes so I tried Group Ride today. It is a full hour of cycling on a stationary bike and a lot of people call it "Spin Class." I was happy that Jen was teaching because I got to know her a little bit when I was pregnant with Kara. She was always working when I came in to run/walk on the treadmills. I was told this class is super tough. It is what you want to make of it. You can put it in a tougher gear or keep it low depending on your fitness level. Everyone sweats so much! I was drenched by the end of it. I guess that is why they handed me two towels when I walked in. It was a great cross training workout and I think I would go again. It is easier for me than swimming and I feel like accomplish more. I don't want to totally give up on swimming. I think variety is good and keeps you motivated. I like the "group" aspect of cycling and it comes a little easier than trying to swim laps. The class is offered a lot so I am sure I could go on an evening or Saturday if I can't go Friday mornings.

Now 9 miles tomorrow and it is supposed to be 95 tomorrow. So I need to get an early start!

Saturday - Rest

I decided to take Saturday totally off. We were exhausted Friday night after we left Emily's reception, picked up the kids, put them to bed, and went to bed soon thereafter. I woke at 6 AM and felt fatigued. That is how I felt all day. Some of it was due to the heat (we're in the 90's for only the second this this summer) and we turned on the air conditioning first thing in the morning. Some of it was also due to a busy week. It was the first week I felt like I kept an intentional schedule and managed my time well. And got all my workouts in. That is something to be proud of.

Sunday - 9 miles

I liked doing my long run on Sunday morning. It was a great run. It is nice to be able to repeat these long runs. I am doing so much better with them than a few month ago. I mapped out a route that took me past Sumpter Park, Rees Hill City Park, and Wes Bennet and then taking Kuebler home to Sunnyside past Woodmansee. The route ended on Jones so I could walk a half mile home. That last walk is great and I look forward to it. I stopped for about 15 - 30 seconds every 1 - 1 1/2 mile to rehydrate. I felt extremely dehydrated this morning. I drank 16 oz of Ultima throughout the run. It makes a huge difference. I gave myself permission to walk up the Baxter hill. I ran up the whole thing except the last peak. It is a massive hill! It was so beautiful to see the mountains with fog sitting on them. Oregon is so beautiful! That motivated me a little bit.

On the last mile I was starting to have some shin pain so I need to watch that. Everyone was out running this morning! Probably because it is supposed to be 95 today and the heat lingers until around 8 PM. No one wants to run in that. It felt cool and comfortable this morning. So thankful we don't have humidity in Oregon...at least very, very little of it.

Week #9 which turned into Week #1

I am only posting my actual workouts now. I am following the training guide, but my schedule changes week to week. So I am not always doing the specific workout for that day.


Monday - Ran 3 Miles


I took nine days off running which I did not want to do. In a lot of ways, it was the best decision. So I was ready to go running again once we were home. I did not try to get up at the crack of dawn. I ran during Rob's lunch and went to Woodmansee Park, through it, and then back again. Aside from feeling a little winded and the heat of the day was starting to hit, I felt OK. My body is used to running in the morning when it is not as hot out. It wasn't overwhelmingly hot.


I was hoping to race a couple times this month, but I am realizing I don't want a crazy schedule. I am craving down time and more time to work on home projects. I want to focus on getting my mileage up and going to Group Power. So I might not race at all until September. We'll just see how it goes.


Tuesday - Ran 7 miles


Tough run. Could not get out bed in the morning so postponed the run until the evening. I got out around 7:45 PM and realized how much earlier it is getting dark around here. These evening runs are slowly coming to a close. Especially as it gets lighter earlier and my mileage is increasing. I ran to Browning to Commerical to Mildred back to Liberty. I honestly did not feel good. I had stomach issues throughout the run and felt fatigued. I could not "get in the zone." I was able to run the whole way except I walked for up the last half of a hill on Midred. I have run the road before, but could not remember how huge the hills are. I did not feel ready for them. I felt the best again on the last mile. I really wish my motivation was better and I was enjoying running more. I hope it is just post vacation feelings.


Wednesday - Rest


I had every intention of going to Group Power. For some odd reason Kara woke me up three times in the night. It's been a long time since she's done this (aside from when we were on vacation and she was sleeping in the Pack and Play). She went down again with a pacifier and "Goodnight" music the first two times and third she put herself back to sleep. I did not feel like I slept enough to be able to hit the gym at 5 AM. So I slept until 7:30 AM and thought about trying to run in the evening. We got back from the park event our church puts on at 8:15 PM and it was getting too dark. Kind of frustrated with the marathon training lately. I really want to be back in the schedule like I was three weeks ago.


Thursday - Ran 4 miles


I got out the door at 7 AM. I was a little concerned it was too late and Rob would have to deal with all three kids plus getting ready for work. When I came back at 7:45 AM, none of them were up yet. Derek did not get up until 8:30 AM and Kara not until 9:15 AM. I think they are getting caught up from vacation. I ran to Sumpter Park and back. I finally felt better. I felt strong and like I could tackle the hills. I am feeling more confident about doing 11 miles again this weekend. My heel is not hurting as much. I am trying to train myself to not toe out so far. I studied my shoes and realized I wear out the inside heel on my right foot so far down...like the rubber on my Sauconys is almost completely gone. I was born with two crooked feet, but they only put my left in a cast. I wore a cast for awhile and have baby pictures of myself wearing it with these special shoes that attached to it. My mom said they should have put both feet in a cast. My left leg is straight (and I have no heel problems with it) while I still toe out with my right. If I wanted to spend a lot of money, I could hire a running coach to retrain myself to run correctly. Since I am not competinig for money or titles...just running for fun...I am not real interested in doing that.


Friday - Group Power


So wonderful to be at Group Power. Very energizing. I feel much, much stronger on the leg tracks since I have putting on the miles. I increased my weight even though I had not been to Power in two weeks...and it was fine. I struggled the most on shoulders and triceps and I know it is because I don't work these areas as much. I LOVE Power...need to try to get there more often. The music was upbeat and catchy today. Everyone seemed really into it.


Ok and here is why we jumped back to Week #1. I went to the Portland Marathon website today and saw that registration is closed! I could not beleive it. I checked the website not so long ago and there was no indication of this. When I ran in 2006, I registered for the race in September. I know it was after Labor Day. I remember sending in the check. If I remember right, they were taking a few registrants the day before. Who is all running it now!? Has it really gotten that big? I know it is the most walker friendly marathons and there seem to be a lot of walking clinics that have sprung up over the years. How crazy!! That means I cannot run it! Rob told me not to freak out and we would figure something out. He is really for me running this fall and committed to it. We considered Columbia Gorge, but the problem with this one is it is two days after we're back from vacation. I don't want to spend the week before I run on vacation. It will affect my vacation and Rob didn't think it was the best idea either. Plus Columbia Gorge is a challenging course. Although I do run lots of hills, I think it would be too much. It's only my second marathon. So we decided on California International Marathon in Sacramento!! The Portland to Sacramento flight is cheap. It is December 5th. I will probably go out there by myself on that Saturday morning and come home Sunday night. My parents have dear friends in Ripon who are super hospitable and I might see if they want to meet up for supper or something. I think I will probably enjoy the alone time too. Plus the course looks awesome. I'm really, really excited and hope it works out. I am not posting it to my blog or facebook page until I am registered and it's confirmed. There's been way too many changes already!


It might be a blessing in disguise. I have more time now to work on my long runs and get my mileage up to where it should be. I also can try and get back into Group Power more often and possibly start my swimming again. The last few weeks have been way too inconsistent. We're starting to get back into our normal routine again. Plus Rob mentioned it might be fun to try a totally different marathon in a new place. I agree. I am really extroverted, but I do like taking trips by myself. I worry about getting injured and I also worry about getting sick. I know our flu season doesn't really hit until February, but now that Hailey will be in school...she'll be bringing in all kinds of new germs. I guess I can't get all wrapped up in the "what ifs." I will just do the best I can. This whole Team Winter thing was placed in my lap and I feel like God lead the way. I know He will lead me the rest of the way too. So hopefully it will be Sacramento, here I come!

Saturday - Ran 8 miles

I decided since I will probably do Sacramento at this point...to back track on the training. I missed too many long runs and I am loving the opportunity to repeat them. Of course this means I will still be training in October and November, but I actually don't mind this at all. These months are going to be less crazy and it will be cooler out...which means I can run during the day on Rob's day off.

I did Week #1's long run and I did 8 miles. I did my 9 mile route, but shaved a mile off by going to Idylwood instead of Browning. It was wonderful to finally feel good while I was running. I only really struggled on one uphill, but I did not have to stop and walk. I still love this route! I stopped and drank Ultima at the lights on Commercial and then refilled my water bottle at Woodmansee Park. It was refreshing to be able to complete a run and not feel like I was struggling the whole time.

I could have done the 11 miles this weekend like the training log would have it were still Week #9, but it would have been tough. I am glad for this chance to start over. I just keep bugging Rob I need to register for Sacramento soon as I don't want to run into the same problem!

Week #8

I took this week completely off. We were in Penticton the whole week. If we had older kids or it was just Rob and I, I could have easily gotten some runs in. There were beautiful paths along the beach. It was painful to not be able to get out there and go. We were often busy until 9 at night, the afternoons were too hot, and getting away in the morning was really difficult. Originally Rob was going to go golfing a whole morning with his brother. That was not even possible with our family's situation. It was a great vacation and I didn't feel like we were constantly running everywhere. It was just super hard to get away from the kids. Most of the time we wanted to pour all our energy into spending time with them. They got a little jipped during VBS week and the week before it. I had some activity--a short hike, lots of walking, and playing in the water with the kids. That was the extent of it.

Week #7

It's VBS week. And I'm in charge. Super crazy week, but it's a great week too.



Monday: Group Power & 4 Miles

Actual : Group Power



No way I could do both having to be at church at 8 AM with all three kids and myself ready to go. I did make it to Group Power. Even with that I was still running crazy at church. I LOVED being at Group Power. It was such a great workout and I am starting to increase my weight. I used to not be able to do more than a couple bench dips and now I can complete them all!



Tuesday: 7 Miles

Actual: 4 Miles



I did the other half of yesterday's workout. I am giving myself some slack this week since VBS is taking over all our schedules this week. Thankfully everyone is OK with that and adjusting fine. Even Kara.



Margie took Hailey and Derek all day after VBS. So I ran at 5:45 PM while Kara was taking a cat nap. I looked at the map wrong and ended up missing my turn. I did not really care where I was running...I just wanted to run and get my energy out. I needed to refocus. So I mostly ran up and down Liberty. I knew I made about four miles...maybe a little more. It was a good run. I think my body is used to running in the morning now and it was a little bit of an adjustment with the warmer air. It was good though. No complaints.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

I don't even want to talk about it! I hate missing three days of running!! I could not get out and do it. It was not even possible. I have to cut myself some slack and not be so hard on myself.

Saturday
Actual: 11 miles

My long run was supposed to be 14 miles. I looked at the same workout schedule for Novice Marathon and it said 12. I did not want to run at all. I woke up and felt fatigued. I crawled back in bed. Rob reminded me I would not be able to go later as it is supposed to be like 95 today. So I said I would try and run as much as I can. I knew he was taking Hailey and Derek out and had to leave around 9 AM. So I could not do 14 and be back in time. It was around 6:30ish. So I figured I would do 9 and then see how much time I had left. I knew it was going to be hot. I was warm all night. I knew I would run out of sports drink by Mile #9. I actually ran out much soonner than that and had to detour my route (I was doing the same one as last Saturday) to Woodsmansee Park so I could fill up my water bottle.

When I got to the park I kept running up to the Roths Vista and then would take Liberty back home. I figured when I got back home, I would be at around the 11 or 12 mile mark. It was more like 11. Honestly I could have gone longer. The fact Rob had to start getting the kids ready to go and I was getting really hot, I decided to end it for the morning. I am glad I got that much in. Because when I woke up, I felt like I could hardly run four miles let alone 11. Aside from constantly feeling like I needed fluids (I only stopped to drink about every 1 1/2 - 2 miles and at lights...never stopped just to walk) and the heat, I felt good. My New Balance shoes give me much more heel support than my Sauconys so I think I need to stick with NB for the time being.

We're going on vacation and I know I am not going to run as much again. I know once I get home I should be able to get my mileage back up again. Our schedule will wind down and we do not have anything major until Hailey starts school in early September.

Week #6

Sunday - Rest
Actual - Rest


It was another busy Sunday with VBS preparation. Everything went very well and I was pleased. I even took a nap in the afternoon. Kara is finally napping better on Sunday afternoons.





Monday - Group Power & 3 Miles
Actual - Ran 3 miles




I had every intention of going to Group Power. Although I set the alarm, I did not turn it on. Is is bad when I woke up at 5:38 and realized it was too late to go, I felt releived I could sleep longer? Probably not. I did run around 7ish for three miles. I did the same route up to Ewald. There was a nice breeze in the air and it was not even in the 60's yet. Perfect running weather. I felt like I was dragging. Kind of weaker than normal.





Tuesday - 6 Miles
Actual - Ran 6 miles




I left around 6:40 AM and ran my five route by Sumpter Park, but I ran through the whole park and also through Woodmansee Park and detoured home on Arlene. I think that equaled about six miles because it took me a little less than an hour. I still felt like I was dragging even though I drank more water. The weather was perfect. I saw some people setting up a hot air balloon and these cool black rabbits that jump around Woodmansee Park. I wish I felt stronger and not like I was dragging. Might be too many late nights and eating too much after 7 PM. I did not have to stop and walk at all, but I did not feel as strong.





Derek is sick and I hoping I don't get it!



Wednesday - Group Power
Actual - Rest


Did not make Group Power again! So frustrating. I had bad insomnia starting around 1:30 AM. I have had bad sleep the last couple nights. Not due to kids. They have been great. Just the mental stress of the Launch Party and VBS. So much to try and get done. Deadlines everywhere. A few frustrating moments with different people. Trying to practice patience and acceptance. Rob is a good example as he deals with this constantly in ministry. He handles it better than I do.



I didn't do any exercise today.



Thursday - 3 Miles
Actual - Rest


Rob suggested I sleep in. I really needed it. It felt really good. My intention was to run in the afternoon or evening. I forgot we had a MOPS park date and we were gone all morning until early afternoon. You know how the evening goes...things get busy, dinner gets on the table late, and we had a 8 PM meeting. I could not get out there and squeeze three miles in. I greatly dislike our busy schedule right now. It is making me grumpy, smothered, and my tolerance level is way down. Even Hailey asking me all these questions all day is aggravating. I really need a break!



Friday - Long run - 12 miles
Actual - Ran 3 miles and Group Power


Switching the schedule and doing the long run on Saturday. I did yesterday's workout and ran three miles doing my normal route. It's not like I had problems running it. I did not have to walk or anything. I just feel like I am dragging. I feel tired. Even the little hills look daunting. Why is this? Three miles should be super easy.



I also went to 9 AM Group Power which was awesome and more fun than the run. Because I have been running so much, the back and legs workouts and lunges are so much easier. I want to get to Power more often!

Saturday - Cross Train
Actual - Long Run 9 miles

I tried a new route today and I think it is one I am going to incorporate into other long runs because it was perfect. The hills were manageable...not overbearing. The neighborhoods were quiet and peaceful...a lot of condos and golf courses. I spent a lot of time running straight down Commercial and Sunnyside which is boring and uneventful. I realize I need that too in my long runs. I ran my five mile route but then took Sunnyside to Rees Hill to Fairway which put me right by the gym I go to. Then I took Commercial back to Idylwood to home. I only stopped to rehydrate and I am trying the Ultima Replenisher we'll get in the marathon. It was nice to finally feel good during a run and not lagging, exhausted, and winded. I actually finished at 7:22 AM.

Not looking forward to 14 miles next week. Honestly next week is going to be tough with VBS. But I have to stick with it because I know I am not going to be as faithful while we're in British Columbia.

Week #5

Sunday: Rest





It was another busy Sunday and will continue to be that way until VBS is over. I felt more in control...less anxious and uptight. I actually enjoyed being in the nursery today.





Monday: Group Power & 3 Mile Run





I was not going to try and go to Group Power seeing as it was kind of a holiday and we were planning on being in Pacific City all day. I did want to go running before we left. I set the alarm wrong so I did get not wake up until 7:30 AM. By that time it was too late. We had to start getting ready for the day. I did walk with Kara on my back all over the beach and I climbed the huge dune. So could that classify as cross training?





Tuesday: Six Mile Run





I did Monday's workout and ran three miles at 6:30 AM. I ran up the Boone hill which is getting easier. It was a good workout. Nothing eventful. I think my three mile run is like 3.5 miles because I was gone longer than expected.





Wednesday: Group Power





I did Tuesdays workout and ran six miles on my new route I mapped which goes from Mildred to Sunnyside. Great route. More hills than I originally thought, but very doable. They are spread out enough.





I wanted to go earlier, but I have been having a hard time getting up in the morning. Our evenings are full. Derek is starting bedtime wars again. And I go, go, go all day. At least some of it is fun stuff like we were outside a good part of the early afternoon and all evening yesterday. Our schedule will slow down significantly come August. We have hardly anything going on after our vacation. Rob said it was OK if I got back by 7:45 this morning because Kara is not getting up until 8 anyway. He got the kids breakfast and brushed their teeth. They wanted to start playing outside at 8 AM because it is supposed to be in the 90's today. Finally Rob and I can sit out the patio tonight and have a drink. We've been wanting to do that since March, but it's been too cold here.





Anyway the run was good, but I felt tight and like I was lagging. I did not feel good until Mile #5. I don't know if this is because 1) I have not done a lot of weights or stretching lately 2) It is a little humid and I might have been a little dehydrated or 3) Just an "off" day. Not sure what the reason is, but I need to do some stretching.



Thursday: 3 Miles



Better run today. Beat the heat. Got up at 7 and did my regular three mile route up to Ewald. Felt pretty good. Could already tell it was going to be a super hot day.



Friday: 12 Miles



And I did 12 miles today! I found a route for 12.47 on Map My Run. The guy or girl started it from two streets over. It seemed nearly perfect. I started out feeling great. I was thinking, "Wow it's going to be one of those running days where I feel like I am flying." Not the case. I ran down Liberty and once I got out of the city close to around Bates, the hills were killing me. I don't know if it was the humidity. I had no pain anywhere. I felt winded and fatigued. The hills were massive...constant huge and up and down hills. The person who mapped this out must like hills or be training for an Iron Man because it was crazy. I almost quit around Mile #4 and turned around. But then I would have to hit the hills all over again. I wanted to gamble on a break from the hills. I had a little break on Bunker Hill and started to feel better. I was getting way into the boonies. I saw cows, horses, llamas, and migrant workers. It was farm country.



As I turned on the "C" Street (funny name--cannot remember it), the hills were getting massive again. I had to start taking walking breaks. By Mile #8 I felt like I was done. I could not do anymore. I pulled the cell phone out. It was 7:09 AM. I figured I could walk for awhile and then call Rob. He probably was not even up yet. I could tell him to come get me, but I thought he would be really annoyed getting all three kids in the van. I started running again and I felt better. I really wantd to finish the whole 12 miles even if I had to walk more of it. Even if it took me until 9 AM. Then I hit more hills and had to walk again. Finally I started running around Mile #10 and I felt really strong. The hills were still there, but seemed more doable. I ran the whole rest of the way.



I was really confused because I was supposed to turn on Prospect and then on Joseph. I know Joseph pretty well, but could not find Prospect. So I kept on Skyline towards Liberty. When I got to Liberty I was afraid I had not gone 12 miles so I was going to go an extra mile or two. With feeling so crummy at the beginning I decided to just go home. Later I mapped it out and realized Skyline and Prospect are the same street for awhile. And I did 12.2 miles! I also realized I did not walk as much as it seemed like I did. It always goes that way. I can usually run 12 miles in two hours. It only took me two hours and ten minutes. I think I left at 5:45 AM not 5:40 so it might have been an only extra five minutes. I was done by 7:50 AM. Hailey and Derek had only been up for ten minutes and Kara was not even up yet. So it was a good run after all.



I think I got very anxious about the massive hills and being way out in farm country. I have never been in that situation before when I cannot complete a run. I am glad it worked out. I am not sure I can do this route again. It is a little too remote for 6 AM. There's also not much of a shoulder on Skyline and Liberty. I am glad I tried it even though I was not happy about it at the time.

Saturday - Cross Train

Went to Group Power and it was great! I had not been in two weeks and had not been to the gym in over a week. New instructor and you could tell she is a rookie. But she did well. It was an increased weight workout, but I found I could keep up with everything. The back and legs workout as well as the lunges helped. My legs have been very tight lately from all the running. I needed the stretching so it was really good. Trena came too. We have not worked out together in quite awhile. Will miss swimming this week. Maybe next week.