Monday, October 25, 2010

Week #13

Monday - Rest


Decided to rest after the long run yesterday and falling. I do have a little bit of pain below the knee off to the right side which is where I fell. It hurts a little when I walk, but goes in and out. I am going to try and run tomorrow and see how it feels. Praying to stay injury free for five more weeks!


Tuesday - Ran 5 miles


Rob is off all week so I ran in the afternoon. I ran up and down Boone and the Barnes/Reed loop. Was a nice change of pace from my regular five mile loop. Maybe I am apprehensive of running on Sunnyside again since I fell. Physically I felt fine. No pain or soreness anywhere. I feel like I need to do some stretching because I feel tight in places. I hope I can get to Power at some point this week or for sure early next week. The weather started out fine, but then I hit a downpour again around Mile #3. I was absolutely drenched and cold by the time I got home. I had to go right to the shower. I am not used to running in the rain!


Wednesday - Ran 5 miles


Avoided the rain today! Nice. Did a three mile loop and then a two mile loop with a stop at home for the bathroom and water in between. Was a nice run and I felt really good.


Thursday - Ran 5 miles


Stopped by Winter's house tonight to pick up a biking shirt. Always inspired when I talk to Winter and Dawn. They are appreciative of those of us who are creating prostate cancer awareness and are they are doing some great things. The kids are energetic and full of life.



I ran 5 miles on the treadmill at the Courthouse. I still haven't bought headphones but was able to watch a show on HGTV by reading the closed captioning. My average pace was around 9.30 and I finished in less than 50 minutes so I was happy with my run. I haven't run in the evening or on the treadmill in a very long time so it was a nice change of pace. Still kind of thinking what I want my winter/spring fitness goals to be. Not sure if I want to take on a duathlon this early. I can to go Group Ride twice a week and Cheryl said I could borrow her road bike. I am going to think more about that. Have to get through this marathon first!


Friday - Rest


Needed to rest after three days of running.


Saturday - Ran 19 miles


I was not overly nervous about running this long. I am to the point where I can mentally break the run into sections. The longs runs don't seem as intimidating anymore. Running in the afternoon helps. I don't have to get up early and tackle it first thing. The weather was better. Around 55 degrees. I ran the whole time in a t-shirt and shorts and was comfortable. Saw lots of runner and some were in long sleeves and pants, but I doubt they were running as long as I was. No big downpours. Just misty in the air and slight drizzle, but not uncomfortable to run in. I think I figured out why I fell on Sunday. The sidewalk is broken up in that part and I think I tripped on the uneven surface. I ran on the street at that part just to avoid the same thing happening.


I did my 8 1/2 mile loop, then stopped at home very briefly to fill up my water bottle, go to the bathroom, and ate some pretzels. I did the same loop again. I stopped at home again, went to the bathroom, and ate some crackers, drank some water. I then finished with 2 miles around the neighborhood. I took gu around Mile #5 and Mile #10 and then my second stop at the house (Mile #17). I drank water at the stoplights. I walked very little besides the stops: two or three two minute walks. It was good. I felt quite strong. I really felt like if I had to run the marathon today, I could have done it. The last 20 mile run and the taper are going to help me run even stronger on December 5th.



Sunday - Rest



It is Saturday night as I am writing this, but I am not planning on any exercise tomorrow...possibly a short walk around the neighborhood to take the kids trick or treating. But that is about it.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Week #12

Monday - Walking


No real official workout today. I did walk around the Phoenix Zoo. I played with the kids in the pool for two hours so I was active.



Tuesday - Ran approximately 5 miles in Phoenix


I mapped a route and lost track of the streets very early on. Glenn offered to run with me and I should have taken him up on it. I didn't want to hold him back because I still had to feed Kara. Rob was not up yet to take her. I ran on my own and aside from not knowing the area at all, I felt great! Felt stronger than ever. A break sure helps and makes a difference. New scenery was good too.


Wednesday - Rest


Did not get up to run because I was afraid I would not be ready in time to go to the Grand Canyon. Did not want to hold everyone up. Plus my heel was hurting from yesterday. I brought my crummy running shoes along.


Thursday - Hiking


We did a pretty intense hike in the Grand Canyon and I had Kara on my back the whole time. I don't know how far we officially went--maybe a mile and a half? It was more intense than I thought it would be and the altitude made it hard to breathe. I had a great time and it was fun doing it with family.


Friday - Rest


Big travel day. Drove from Grand Canyon to Phoenix. Then flew from Phoenix to Portland. Drove from Portland to Salem. Back home at 12:30 AM. Long day!



Saturday - Rest


The kids slept on and off all day. They were exhuasted from the trip. Rob was at a karate tournament all day. So getting out to exercise was next to impossible.

Sunday - Ran 13 miles

Ugh! I am not ready for this rain. I miss my nice beautiful fall long runs in the sunshine. The ten forecast is rain, rain, rain. I don't know why I even look at it. We're in this for the long haul. Anyway because the drinking fountains are off and the weather is crummy, I opted for doing laps. That way if I drenched and need to change socks or clothes, I can. I wanted to try and see if I like running without a water bottle and just stopping at home every 5-6 miles. I ran my 5 mile route twice and my three mile route once. I don't like it as much, but considering the weather and no water situation...it is not so bad. I liked being able to use my own bathroom verus the ones in the parks or gas stations.

I was stuck in a downpour from Mile 5 - around 8. I was absolutely drenched, but pretty proud of the fact my shirt dried quickly. I was not all that cold until I was finished. The bad part was I lost my footing around Mile #6 and fell to the ground. This is the second time in my life I have done this (the first was in fall of 2000 just after I took up running for the first time). I don't know what happened. All the sudden I was falling and the first thing that went through my mind was, "Don't get injured! Don't get injured!" I fell on Sunnyside just after Idylwood where the sidewalk is not great and it was slippery from the rain. Thankfully I threw my hands out in time and they hit the ground the first and broke my fall. They are throbbing right now and I just took Tylenol. I hit the side of my right knee. I think this was sore anyway from the downhill hiking. I can't tell. The fact I was able to keep running and not in much pain convinces me I am OK. I am going to ice it if it starts hurting. Kind of a crazy run!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Week #11

Monday - Rest


Had thought about going to Power, but my body hurt too much. I needed to rest.

Tuesday - Ran 5 miles

Rob had a 7 AM meeting and we were both going to get up at 5:30 AM. He set Alarm #1 for 5:30 which he forgot to turn on. Alarm #2 was set and went off at 6:05 AM. That did not give me enough time to get back by 6:50. So Rob said to just run at lunch. I was surprised how tired and sore I felt at first. I really did not feel good until around Mile #4. It was a super beautiful day and slightly cool. Perfect. I did my Sumpter Park 5 mile route I was doing at the beginning of the summer. I missed this route.

Wednesday - Ran 8 miles

I am glad I got this run completed today. Except now I am so tired, I really wish I could lay down and take a long nap. I am exhausted. I need a second wind.

It is working better to run in the afternoons right now. Rob did not mind taking a little bit longer of a lunch. It took me about 80 minutes. I did the same 8 mile route as last week. I did not feel as strong, but I did not feel overly fatigued either. I don't have pain anywhere...just don't feel like I can do the faster pace I did last week.

The high schools must have a half day because I saw tons of little groups of high schoolers unattended wandering around. Not a big deal, but some are downright annoying. I like high schoolers for the most part, but not when they yell at you or make comments when you are just trying to mind your own business and go running.

Thursday - Cross training?

I guess you could call it that. I walked home from MOPS at Bethany Baptist with the double stroller. Then we stopped at ILC and picked up Hailey from school. It was only about a mile and a half and honestly it was worse than running. That double stroller is awkward to push (especially up the Idylwood hill) and the curved sidewalks do not help. Plus it is a long walk for Hailey and Derek was pretty impatient. Was happy to reach our house at noon. The whole thing from start to finish (including waiting five minutes for Hailey) took an hour. Rob and I both need the car Thursday morning and so this is an ongoing issue. I am willing to walk this once in awhile.

Friday - Rest

I was going to do my 18 miler, but decided to clean the whole house instead. Too much to do before getting ready for the trip. I felt bad missing it, and hoping it doesn't set me back. I have been very consistent the last few weeks. I think I'll be OK.

Saturday - Rest

Traveled all day to Arizona. It is Sunday as I am writing this. If I end up running tonight I'll put it on with Week #12 or add to this entry. The break off from running is really good. For the first time in a long time, my muscles don't feel so fatigued and sore.

Sunday - Hiking

We did a fairly easy hike to the top of a huge cliff/mountain or whatever you want to call it. I had Kara on my back the whole time. It was so beautiful! I love the desert and the Southwest!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Week #10

Monday - Group Power



Yes I finally got out bed and made it to Power. The place was packed! Never seen it that full on a Monday morning. I have been reading so much on Runner's World that cross training and weights are super important, but they have to less of a workout than running. Pour your energy into running. Since I also have not been at Power in three weeks, I kept my weight light. Also since Trena thinks she got injured at Power and had to drop out of her race, I am even more cautious. It was still a workout and I still struggled with some of the tracks. But I feel really good about it and know I worked the various muscle groups. I will probably push myself harder at Power and get to double the weight later this winter after the marathon is over.


Tuesday - Rest


I did not sleep very good. It was not because Kara got me up at midnight. She went right back down. I felt overly tired and my body was fatigued so I decided to rest today.


Wednesday - Group Power and ran 4 miles


I went to Power again and kept my weight the same. It was a good workout. Then I ran on the treadmill afterwards and got my pace up to 9.30. It was a great run. Although I do not like the treadmill, a break from the outdoors is nice once in awhile. Now that it is not getting light until 7:00 AM, I might have to do the majority of my cross training during the week at the gym and my longer runs on the weekend when Rob is home. I have the advantage that Rob takes Fridays off so often I can during the day on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. As long it fits into Rob's karate schedule and our family schedule. Unfortunately Kara woke up at 6 AM and Rob could not get her back down. She fell back asleep at 7 AM which is the time she usually wakes up. She has been a little feisty lately...we see her little personality starting to come out.


Thursday - Ran 4 miles


Kind of a busy morning. The kids were up super early. MOPS Steering meeting. Then pick up Hailey. Then pick up Rob's mom. I was really happy that Rob let me run during his lunch. He had a busy day too and he didn't have to do that. It was a great four miler on the regular route I have been doing. I felt strong. It is nice running in the afternoons with the mornings so dark now.


Friday - Ran 8 miles


I ran the Rees Hill loop and back on Sunnyside. Really good run and I know my pace was faster. I was really surprised I was done less than an hour and twenty minutes. Normally I do ten minute miles. I felt a little more tired than yesterday, but I was still able to complete everything. I only walked once for a minute to drink Ultima. Perfect running weather. High 50's and no rain. Glad I got this run in. Was not sure how it was going to work with it being a busier weekend.

Saturday - Rest

It was a really busy day with Trena's wedding and getting us all ready for that. I did not really plan on getting any cross training in so I was not overly disappointed when it did not happen.

Sunday - Ran 17 miles

I made it! I tried some new areas and loved running along Strong...very scenic and liked the overlook on the city. I allowed myself to walk up the steep hill on Landeu, but I ran up the whole thing! I walked very little aside from lights and I stopped at the bathroom at Lee Elementary. A few short walks here and there less than a minute. I discovered Salem Parks turned off their water fountains!! Thankfully I did not get too dehydrated. Originally I planned to fill up my water at Wes Bennet Park and Sumpter, but no water at either one. I knew I was doing OK though because I actually felt over hydrated at first. My routes will change now as I cannot stop at the park anymore.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Amy's current running goals

In many ways it has been a very good week. In other ways, it has been a rough week. I guess that applies to most weeks. I am doing really well will the running, but I have let the weights and cross training slide. My routine has been thrown off again and my motivation level down. So I thought I should set some goals to help me.

Goal #1 - To cross train at least once and do weights at least once (will really like to shoot for twice) each week for the next week two weeks.

We leave for Arizona in two weeks and I need to be consistent before we go. I have to do two major long runs - a 17 miler probably a week from tomorrow (maybe Friday...we'll see how it goes) and a 18 miler a week from Friday. Plus my 7 mile midweek run jumps to 8. My 4 mile routine run jumps to 5 after this week. Crazy amount of miles!!

Goal #2 - To run at least once in Arizona - I know a brief rest period is not going to set me back. When I trained for Portland I took almost a whole week off and missed one long run when we moved out here. I think I ran on a treadmill once in Utah, but that was about it. It did not set me back at all.

Goal # 3 - Drink more water during the day especially in the morning.

Then I have two goals for the actual marathon and we'll see if I add to them

Goal #1 - Stick with a pace. This was my biggest struggle with Portland. I started off way too fast and was dying by Mile #19. I should have kept with a slower pace. I am thinking of doing the 10 minute mile pacing group. If I kept with that pace, I would get a better time than I did in Portland.

Goal #2 - Try not let the mental part get to me as much. I'm going to try breathing exercises and stuff like that the night before the morning of so I don't freak out.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Week #9

Monday & Tuesday - Rest


Had planned to rest on Monday. Had not planned to rest on Tuesday as well. But it was not a bad thing. My body was pretty tired.


Wednesday - Ran 7 miles


I woke up early feeling refreshed. I was going to go to Power. Then I realized if I am feeling this awake and good, I should do the 7 miler today. For some reason it is tougher doing it on Thursdays because we tend to be busier Thursday mornings. This week I don't have anything, but usually there's MOPS or a MOPS leadership meeting or Rob needs the van right away. I am glad I chose to run because I felt so good the first few miles--like I was flying. Hardly felt like I was running. I felt really comfortable, hydrated, and enjoying the morning. I did the same route I did last week. Around Mile #6 my left ankle started acting up again. It's not major pain, but I am hoping it does not develop into some kind of injury. I might try icing it later today and see if that helps.

Thursday - Ran 4 miles


Mornings stink. I don't know if it's the fact it's not even light until 7 AM or what. I woke up with a piercing headache. I was pretty sure it was due to dehydration because my appetite and stomach was normal. I am not drinking enough water during the day. Rob was dead after a three hour green belt test last night that was totally brutal. He passed and now has a green belt. They worked him so incredibly hard. He had muscle spasms during the night (I didn't know until the morning). What the heck are we doing to our bodies!?

Anyway I ran during Rob's lunch and ran Lone Oak to Browning to Commerical to Sunnyside to Boone and back to Lone Oak. A couple months ago the hills on Boone wiped me out and now they seem so easy. I don't think they are has steep as some of the hills I tackle on my long runs. I felt great. No dehydration or stomach issues. No ankle or knee pain. It is really hot this week like in the 80's which is great. Not going to last, but enjoying while we have it.

Saturday - Rest

Had plans to cross train in the morning, but that got tossed out the window. Kind of a rough morning. Here's hoping for a better rest of the day.

Sunday - Ran 11 miles

It is crazy that running 11 is a break. Not doing Portland next weekend is probably a blessing in disguise. My long runs are faster, stronger, and more enjoyable than earlier in the summer. I have loved the extra time to train. I can complete these runs and I don't feel like I am dying at the end. I am walking very little...just little breaks at parks to refill my water bottle or get gu. I ran up all the three big hills on my run and did not have to stop. I did a similar route to my long runs the last few weeks, but I cut out the Rees Hill portion and ran on Wiltsey and then the streets around my house. Was a nice run and the weather was perfect. I am loving the Oregon rain is taking its time to come.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Week #8

Monday & Tuesday - Rest


Planned on resting on Monday after the super long run on Sunday. Monday night went to Roths to study for my Small Animal Nursing exam and had a tall mocha. Big mistake. Not even close to being tired at 10 PM. Fell asleep around 11 and had a nightmare (or is it a night terror if it is right after I fell asleep?). This usually happens when I have caffeine after 8 PM. Could not fall back asleep. The people outside leaving the bar did not help. Was just about asleep and Kara woke up crying. She is either getting over a virus or teething or both and not sleeping as well. Thankfully she just needs her pacifier again and she's good to go back to sleep. Heard Derek kicking the wall in his sleep. Finally fell asleep around 1. Set the alarm and never turned it on so did not get up to run on Tuesday. Oh well. Another day of rest does not set me back too much.


Wednesday - Ran 4 miles


I went to bed by 10 but woke up really tired. Kara woke up just once at 3:30 AM and took her pacifier. Power and running felt like way too much for me this morning. I skipped Power and slept until 6:15 and then ran 4 miles. I did my three mile run and then added a mile by running to the end of the street and back. I did not feel terrible. Once I started running I felt OK. It was not my greatest run, but not my worst either.


Thursday - Ran 7 miles


Was pretty impressed I woke up refreshed and ready to run. I managed to get out the door around 5:55 AM. My plan was to get home by 7. It was more like 7:10. I was having digestion problems again around Mile #3 and had to stop at the Circle K and use the bathroom. I was glad to find this would be a good stopping point on future runs as the bathroom is in the back and it is clean. I liked the route I chose because it was in well lit areas and I saw several runners along the way. I did not have to run on Kuebler at all...just cross it twice. I felt good most of the run and strong at the end. Our morning was super crazy with getting ready for MOPS, school, and the field trip. The drop off/pick-off was crazy. I am glad we don't do this everyday or even every week. This is one the reasons I did not committ to coffee break or a lot of extra playdates this year.


Friday - Ran 4 miles


I wanted to do some hills so I ran Liberty to Mildred to Lone Oak to Arlene and looped around Wendy Kroger Park and then back home. The hills are pretty manageable. The Lone Oak hill is massive and I ran down it. I was worried about hurting my knees, but I think they are OK. It was a good run and I tried to pick up the pace a little bit in certain parts. The weather was great. I love this warm 70/80 weather. This is what fall is supposed to be like here! Unfortunately it is not supposed to last. It was a nice break running in the late afternoon too. I like the morning, but I also like sleeping a little later too.


Saturday - Cross Train - Eliptical 15 minutes, Bike 15 minutes


I have been a class dropout lately and have not gone to Power or Ride. I am trying not to be too hard on myself because I am a very busy person. The fact I am getting all my running in is an accomplishment for me in and of itself. I have been overwhelmed with the kids this week and my hormones are off balance again. I have had that "crazy" feeling all week and so irritable. So don't want to go the medication route. It's not depression and it's not anxiety...I feel like it is purely weird hormones.


Anyway I went to the Courthouse and worked out with the other five people that were in the gym on a Saturday late afternoon. The gym was dead. I did the eliptical for 15 minutes and the bike for 15 minutes. I pushed myself harder this time. It was a nice break from running and was happy with my workout.

Sunday - Ran 15 miles

Woo hoo! So strong today. I am loving these Sunday afternoons! The rain held off too and it was in the high 60's/low 70's. Perfect. Did the same route as last week, but I ran around Sumpter Park and stopped their as a second water bottle filler station. I also took two things of gu (had one at Commerical and Wiltsey and the second on Liberty by all those "K" streets when I had about two miles left). That seemed to help too. Instead of running my last two miles around the Denno's neighborhood I just kept going down Liberty and turned on Browning ending on Lone Oak.

And I was so strong on the uphills...even the massive hill on Shiloh and the one Landeu. I did not stop to walk at all. I only took brief walking breaks like less than a minute mostly to drink or take the gu.

I had a big breakfast, grazed the rest of the morning, and drank a full water bottle. That really seemed to help. I woke up with stomach problems and was ticked. Not again! Thankfully it was very, very minor and cleared up by 10 AM. Absolutely no stomach problems at all on my run. My left ankle started to hurt a little bit as well as my right knee around Mile #10 or #11 so I need to keep an eye on that. Nothing that seems overly serious.

Getting excited for Sacramento. This coming week is another Kick Back week.