Sunday, August 29, 2010

Hello hello!!!!

It has been quite some time since my last update, and I apologize! I started this blog thinking I'd be posting after most runs, and well, that obviously hasn't happened.

Let's see, a lot has been going on since my last post. My runs have been getting longer and while some are easier than others, it seems to be going OK. I have been doing intervals during my weekend runs by running for 4 minutes and walking for 1. I have found that I average a faster per mile pace when I do this, and mentally it helps knowing I have a little walk break coming up.

I did have quite an adventure when running my 12 mile run last weekend. I met Matt halfway for fresh, cold water and a little pit stop. Well, my run was going GREAT. I was feeling good, and pumped. Then, well, here's an email I wrote to some friends...

I literally almost called 911 on myself. I woke up and my blood sugar was high so I gave myself some extra insulin and was just planning to test it every 45 minutes or so. It was running high, but I was feeling fine. Gave myself some insulin and met Matt at the 6 mile mark. Run was going well, faster than my anticipated pace and I was feeling good.

Well, after I met Matt I was on my way to finishing the 12 miles. I was starting to feel really hot and my tummy was warm (which is a sign for me that my blood sugar is getting pretty high) so I stopped to test. 501. It was running around 230-250 earlier. Go to give myself insulin and my pump is giving me an error message that one of the buttons is stuck. Oh crap. I play with it for a while and nothing is working. It keeps beeping and giving me the black circle (which means that it's not delivering insulin, that it's basically a goner). I immediately send Matt a text. I was about 2-2.5 miles from my car, no shade for me to walk in so I was walking super slow back to my car.

Matt wrote me back asking me where I was, what he needs to bring, etc. I kept walking, and I was feeling like GARBAGE. I finally got to the point where I had to stop because I thought I was going to pass out. I was debating calling 911 at this point. Luckily I was only sitting down for a couple of minutes before Matt pulled up. He brought me syringes and I was able to give myself a shot. Felt nauseaous for a good hour and a half after wards but now I'm feeling OK.

My insulin pump was totally dead, but luckily I was able to get a new one by monday so I only had to use shots for a couple of days. Pretty scary stuff though, and it taught me to carry a couple of syringes with me when I run and to ALWAYS have my phone with me.

This weekend I had some girlfriends visiting but my friend Terri said she'd run my 7 miles with me. It was a good run...I really enjoy running with someone, even if we are both rocking to our iPods and just running alongside eachother. Thanks for your support, Terri!

I made the decision to run the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll half marathon next weekend. It'll be my first time running half marathon distance, but I figure it'll be a good way to get my training run in and gain some confidence. Wish me luck! I'll be sure to post about it afterwards!

I'll try to get better about blogging too!! Hope all is well with my readers!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Quite a week!

Hi everyone!

Well, last week I was feeling kind of frustrated with the heat so I ended up re-joining the Y. I really, really do not like the treadmill. I get bored and I don't like people looking at me and my slowness. But, with heat indexes over 100 a lot of days, it must be done! So off I went to the Y.

Let me tell you - I had an AWESOME workout on the treadmill that day! I challenged myself to speed up to 6.0 mph (this is fast for me) for 1/10 of a mile every half mile. Then .15 mile, then 1/5...it kept the workout interesting and I had my fastest 3 mile time yet. I plan on using the TM only when I have to, because, well, the marathon isn't indoors. But I do plan on doing speed workouts like that when I do have to use it.

As I've mentioned before in my blog, the heat and resulting slowness has been getting me down. I emailed my uncle who coaches a cross country team for some advice on how to make it easier, avoid dehydration, that kind of stuff. He wrote me a very encouraging email with lots of good advice. At the end of it he said, "remember, you're out there. i admire every runner i see even if it's someone just shuffling along. they're out there." That made me feel better! I keep trying to remind myself that I'm doing it and that's what matters.

I mentioned a while ago that I was planning on re-joining weight watchers...well I joined a few weeks ago and have lost 2.2 pounds. Yay! Slow and steady!

Next week I will be in Asheville, NC for a work training thing so that will be a challenge with running. It looks like the hotel is across the street from a park, so I will definitely be exploring. And there is a fitness center so I can always treadmill if needed. Anyone have any tips for staying on your plan (both running and eating) when you travel? I'm bringing a bunch of healthier snacks with me and plan on just doing my best - lots of salad, grilled seafood, etc. Just because I am away from home doesn't mean it's an excuse to go crazy with the food.

Oh, and I'm going on a ghost tour! Fun. *scared*

Monday, July 19, 2010

hot, Hot, HOT!

Hi friends!

Been HOT here on the OBX, and my runs are struggling due to the heat. I try and try to remind myself that it's not about speed, it's about endurance, but mentally it is tough to see my times slow down so much. I am also trying to remember that when I get into my really long training runs it'll be Sept/October so hopefully it will be a little bit cooler. I carry my water and try to pace myself well.

This weekend Matt and I went up to the local running store in Duck. I had wanted to see if they had any of the fitness fanny pack things, and unfortunately they didn't. However, Matt convinced me to get properly fitted in new running shoes and treated me to a new pair. He is such a great cheerleader and support through my training and I am very thankful! I am looking forward to trying out my new kicks - they are a new brand (Mizuno) that I've never worn. I'll report back soon!

In other news, my friend Lori has said she will run the marathon with me! I am so excited to share this experience with her - even though she is in Philly and I'm down here in NC. The marathon will be a great weekend and a fun time with one of my close friends. We've agreed that even though we are running it together, we are each going to do our own thing and go at our own pace. It'll be nice knowing that I have a cheerleader running the race with me, and that I am cheering her on as well!

Hope everything is going well and to all of my friends that are training for marathons, half marathons, triathalons - keep kicking ass!

Monday, June 28, 2010

"All that matters is that you get it done"

Well, it has been a while since I've last updated and I have a bit to report. Running is the status quo - it has been very hot so I have been taking my time with my runs. I'm not about to break any land speed records here! But that's OK. I'm doing it and I'm dedicated and that's what counts.

Last Wednesday I was doing my 3 mile run. A guy passed me and we exchanged a brief hello and how ya doing. A few hundred yards later, he was done his run and was standing in a driveway. As I was passing him, he asked me how far I'm going today. I said "3, I'm slow, but almost done!" He replied with, "All that matters is is that you get it done!". It definitely helped to remember those words on Friday when I did my 5.5 miles.

So yeah, 5.5 miles on Friday. It was my longest run yet and it was HOT. The heat index was 92* and I was toasty. I took water with me and reallllly took my time and I was able to get it done. Thank you to all the friends who posted on my facebook for your advice and encouragement! It helped a lot!

I have been contemplating going back to Weight Watchers for the past couple of weeks. It seems to be the only eating plan that has ever significantly worked for me. The only thing really holding me back is finances, so we'll see what I end up deciding. In the meantime, I'm going to use sparkpeople to log my calories and continue to stick to my running schedule. I had hoped that I would have lost more weight with all the running by now (I've lost about 6 pounds) but I think I really need to buckle down with what I'm eating. Perhaps Weight Watchers is the key. Stay tuned on that front.

Have a great week! Last week at my current job - I'm psyched! Next week means back to evening runs.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Hello!

Hello my faithful reader(s)! Pretty much the status quo here in Nags Head. Running is going well...I'm still trying for the morning runs - some days it works out better than others. I like to snooze too much!

Was in Delaware this past weekend for a friend's 30th birthday and a bridal shower. I had to adjust my running schedule a little bit and do my long run Friday morning. 5 miles before work lead me to passing out for 2 hours in the car. Matt was a trooper and let me nap while he drove. I'll tell you what - it certainly made the 6 hour drive go by quickly! =)

Nothing new to report - just wanted to check in! Hope all is going well with everyone!