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!

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*

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!

"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.

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!

Early Bird!

Hi All! I know it's been a while since I've posted and I apologize. I don't want to bore people with daily updates about my runs as they are all pretty much the same. My pace is usually between 13:30-14:20 and nothing major has happened this week.

Although I did decide after a particularly hot run on Tuesday to try to wake up early and get my runs in before work. Currently I don't have to be at work until 10:00 so it works out well. I really like my morning runs - I beat the heat and it is nice and quiet. Afterwards I walk up the beach access and check out the ocean which always puts me in a good mood. I think I'll stick with the AM workouts for the time being!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! It was super hot here, but we enjoyed some time at Dare Day and I was able to see my friend who was in town for a quick vacation. I told her about my marathon plans (she ran one before) and she is so supportive. It is great to have cheerleaders!!

Remembering

This morning, as usual for my long run days I was dreading it. 4.5 miles was on the schedule - a distance I haven't run in years. Probably close to 5 years if I really think about it. And of course 5 years ago I was smaller, younger, and in better shape. But, I figured if I have to walk, I have to walk and I should just do my best.

I decided to take it slow - right now I really want to focus on building up endurance rather than worrying about speed. While I was running I was thinking about all my various aches and pains - my knees, lower back, etc. These thoughts often consume my runs and it is sometimes really tough to ignore them.

Today my goal was a church that is 2.25 miles away from the end of my street. While I was running, in pain and contemplating walking with every step I started to think about how lucky I am that I can run. That I am healthy enough to be able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while burning some calories. These thoughts led me to thinking about men and women in other countries who don't have the freedom to throw on a pair of running shoes and run safely down their streets. With Memorial Day approaching, I just wanted to say Thank You to all of our men and women in uniform - past, present, and future. Your sacrifices are appreciated.

Update

Been a while since my last blog. Nothing major is going on - the blister seems to have healed for the most part. I've been keeping up with my workouts - this weekend I have my longest run yet at 4.5 miles. Not really looking forward to it. I have been having some pretty bad knee pain so I am anticipating a bit of soreness. But, I suppose that is par for the course and hopefully will get better as I get stronger and smaller.

Have a great weekend!

Biggeest Loser Marathon

Last night was the episode of The Biggest Loser where the last 4 contestants run a marathon. I always find this particular episode very inspiring. These people have completely changed their lives and gone from couch potatoes to marathoners. I cannot wait until I can call myself a marathoner.

Last season there was a gentleman who had to walk the entire way - he was plagued with knee pain and if I remember correctly it took him over 13 hours. The important thing was that he kept going and he finished.

I've been pretty down on myself lately for my "slowness" and last night's episode couldn't have come at a better time. I may not run a marathon in 4 or 5 hours, but I am going to do it and I AM going to cross that finish line! And once I do, no one can take that away from me.

I guess Bob couldn't live without Jillian

Yep, another blister...same spot, other foot. ANNOYING, much? *sigh* at least I know how to treat it.

Ran my longest run yet so far this morning....4 miles. It wasn't easy. I don't know if it was just mental, but I really struggled and had to remind myself to just keep going and not stop and walk quite a few times. Next week's long run is 3 miles, so I'm hoping it's a good one to build up my confidence a bit.

In the mean time, I am enjoying time with our guests this weekend- Matt's sister is here and my friend Erin is here as well. Did a little shopping today and sat on the beach with Erin. BBQing tonight and relaxing!

Couple of updates

Wednesday I had a 3 mile run. It was pretty interesting because right before I left the house, the power went out. So there were TONS of people out and about, which was nice. Everyone down here is so friendly and always says hi when you pass them. I did my 3 miles in about 43 minutes even. Not great, but not bad considering it was 83 degrees out.

Yesterday I had a quick 1.5 mile run. I was super thankful for the quick run b/c my knees are hurting me a lot lately! I feel like I have the knees of an 89 year old woman! Today is a much needed day off before my 4 miles tomorrow!!

In other news...I lost .8 of a pound this week, woohoo!

Nike+

Today I broke out my Nike+. I've only had it for 3 1/2 years, haha. It was pretty cool, I liked the chick chiming in telling me how far I have gone. However it appears that I need to figure out how to calibrate it, as it said I ran 2.5 miles, when I actually ran 2.12.

BUT, I did run my 2.12 at the fastest pace so far - 13:30. Yay! I'm getting there! My goal is to run the marathon at a 12 minute mile pace, faster if I can!

I also started taking glucosamine for my knee pain. We'll see if it helps at all!

What a weekend!

We have had a really nice weekend. On Friday Night Matt and I went to First Friday in Manteo. It is a monthly thing where a lot of the shops and vendors have some specials and sell artwork and raise money for things like Haiti relief, etc. It was nice to walk around and scope out some of Matt's photography competition (he will wipe the floor with 'em) and learn a bit more about Manteo. Afterwards we went to Awful Arthurs and had a yummy seafood dinner. I love seafood and I am so lucky to live right by the ocean!!

From my previous post you can see that my run on Saturday didn't go as planned and I switched the days up. So I ran 3.3 this morning in 46:34, which is my fastest for that specific run so far. I felt pretty good - the weather was great, 63* and very low humidity. There were tons of people out taking strolls so it was nice to exchange some "good mornings" with some locals and vacationers.

However, as I was running I was coming upon a couple who was walking towards me. The girl was probably a size 0 - very fit. Good for her. As I ran by she gave me the dirtiest, most disgusted look. It really pissed me off. Yeah, I know I'm overweight and when I run my toosh jiggles and things bounce around, but seriously?! Whenever I see someone out exercising, no matter what their size or activity level, I always think "Good for them". I really wanted to tell the girl to shove it and at least I am doing something about my physical condition. *sigh*.

But whatever. I am not going to let some nasty chick ruin my day.

Switcheroo

I decided to switch my Saturday and Sunday workouts this week. So instead of running 3.0 today, I had to walk for 40 minutes. I decided that I didn't want to just walk, so I went to the gym and did 40 minutes on the elliptical.

I switched things up for a few reasons. Mainly, because of blood sugar issues. I woke up this morning and my blood sugar was 42, which is super low. So I had two monstrous bowls of Honey Nut cheerios and checked it again an hour later. It was up to 162, which is in the OK range, however, I was nervous about it dropping again while I was out running alone. I really prefer it to be closer to 200 when I go on a longer run, as exercise makes your blood sugar levels drop. So I decided it'd be safer for me to go to the gym, where at least there are people around in case something happened. It is also really hot out and I was afraid that the heat would have an effect on my blood sugar as well. Normally this isn't a major concern, but as my levels were already a little unstable this morning, I decided to play it safe. So tomorrow I will be doing my 3 miles.

I need to order a fanny pack thingie for my glucometer and some goos. Anyone have any suggestions?

Have a great Saturday - I am off to the beach for a bit! This girl needs a tan!

Ugh.

That is all.

I feel better now!

Did my 3 mile run tonight and felt pretty good. The humidity wasn't as bad as I thought and I tried a new route so that helped. I ran north to Holly Street and back on the beach road. Technically you could say I ran in two towns as I crossed over into Kill Devil Hills. =P

It was a good run - and I needed it after last night's treadmill disaster. Now, time to make Taco creation for Cinco de Mayo.

Treadmills = not my friend

Tonight since it looked like it was threatening rain, I decided to go to the gym and use one of the treadmills. It was only a 1.5 mile run and I figured I could push through my disdain for treadmills. Yeah, not so much. Run FAIL. I managed to eek out .75 of a mile and walked .5. I also hopped on the elliptical for 15 minutes.

I'm trying not to get too down on myself about it. After all, I have a positive for today - I started logging my calories with sparkpeople.com again.

Tomorrow is a 3 mile run and I will definitely be doing it outside! At least now I know that unless it's a torrential downpour, I should deal with a few raindrops and get my outside run on.

it's gettin hot in here...

As I write this, I'm quite sweaty. It was in the mid-70s when I did my run this morning and wowzers, did I notice a difference from the 60-65 degree weather I've been enjoying. I guess I will have to get used to it, as today is May 1st and summer is just around the corner! What are the best ways you deal with the heat when you are exercising outside?

This weekend we have some guests- my parents, sister and brother-in-law and my two nephews. We are having a great time enjoying the sun and sand and the boys are as cute as ever. However I am having to remind myself that just because we have company doesn't mean my training can be put on hold for a few days. Yesterday I ran my 1.5 and this morning I ran 3.5. Sadly this means missing out on spending some time with the family, but they are super supportive and in the end it will be worth it.

Special shout out to my nephew Jake, who turns 5 tomorrow! Happy birthday to him!

1.7....minus a minute

This evening I ran the same 1.7 mile course (Beach Road to Curlew St and back) that I ran last week...only today I did it in 22:51. Woo hoo! A little faster than last week!

The blister is getting better...didn't really give me any issues during my run. I think tomorrow will be the true test.

I think I'm going to sign up for a 5k. This one looks fun - http://www.nagsheadwoods5krun.org/

Any run that has beer for a sponsor is the run for me!

What a weekend!

I went home to Delaware this weekend for a friend's bridal shower. I was scheduled to run my 3 miles on Friday, which I did by my parents' house. It was interesting- there is definitely more elevation in Newark, DE than Nags Head, NC! But I powered through the baby hills and ran the whole way. Luckily my parents had some moleskin at their house so I used that to cover up Bob. It wasn't too bad. 3 miles in 42 minutes...I'm getting there!

Saturday I was scheduled to do a 30 minute walk and the bride was nice enough to go with me. And she brought her adorable puppy too. Bob the Blister must have popped (sorry, gross) sometime during the walk because I noticed it when I took a shower later on on saturday. Ouch.

So I had a little issue. It was a bridal shower and I was wearing a sundress so wearing sneakers wasn't really an option. Luckily I brought 3 pairs of shoes with me and wore what I thought would be most comfortable. Well, standing all day in open toe-flippy heels did not make for a happy blister. The moleskin would not stay on and it was just a bad scene. My blister was throbbing by the end of the day.

I've been treating it with hydrogen peroxide, neosporin, guaze, and tape. It looks like I had surgery or something on my foot, but as someone with Diabetes I cannot be too careful with my feet.

I think tomorrow I am going to try to do the elliptical and then see how my foot feels on Tuesday to get back into my normal schedule. I am frustrated and super cranky about it. I'm a week in and already a setback. Annoying.

Do any of my runner friends have any tips? My sneakers are fairly new and they were fine before the 3 mile run I did on Tuesday. Should I stick with them or maybe hit the running store and see what they recommend? I bought some moisture wicking socks this weekend which I'll be trying. I also brought some new workout gear, thank you Kohl's gift card!

Ouch!

Well, I have my first official Marathon Training Injury. His name is Bob the Blister, not to be confused with Bob the Builder. Bob first arrived yesterday on my 3+ (I drove it today and it was 3.3 miles, ThankYouVeryMuch - that .3 makes a difference!) mile jog. I was whining about running and Matt tough loved me and told me to slap on a band-aid and get moving. (he's so mean) So I ran. I ran so far away (not really, 1.7 miles), and man, did it hurt so good. But I did it and tomorrow is a rest day. Although my "rest" will consist of 6 hours in the car heading up to Delaware for the weekend.

The weather tonight was good - cool with a quick rain shower. I ran my 1.7 miles in 23:42. I am reminding myself that I will get faster and not to compare myself to others or even to how I ran a few years ago.

Meet Bob.

"I ran the whole way....slowly"

Today was a 3 mile run. I mapped it out and found that Kitty Hawk Kites is about 1.5 miles away from the end of our street on the Beach Rd. I was debating going to the Y and doing intervals on the treadmill but decided to run outside instead. At Matt's encouragement I figured I'd just go as far as my body would let me before walking.

Well, the good news is I ran the whole 3 miles! The bad news...it took me 50 minutes. Hot damn, I'm slow. But, I'm not out to win this marathon, so who cares? I'll get faster with time, I'm sure.

I had some blood sugar issues before so I had to delay my run a bit. For some reason my blood sugar went up to 422 (WTH?!) so I waited a bit for it to come down. I left with it at 309 and when I got back it was 117. Yay, normal level! I also wore my pump when I ran, something which I usually don't do because it bounces and gets annoying. But it wasn't too bad. My basal rate was set on 20% of normal. I am sure that I will be doing a lot of toying with it in the future, boring my non-diabetic friends in the process. :o)

Run Numero Uno - Dunzo!

Well, that wasn't so bad! I ran 1.64 miles...Took 22 minutes and 22 seconds, but there is only room for improvement! I walked up to the Beach Rd. and went North to Albatross street and back.

A few observations...

Bikers are NOT shy about checking you out. Flattering.

I need to lose some lbs. My lower back was hurtin'!

I need to get some better sports bras!

I'm feeling good. It was a good start!

Tomorrow is the big day!

After deciding to run a marathon a couple of months ago, I figured I would just build up my mileage and then get into a 12-16 week training program. Doing a little googling yesterday and I found Hal Higdon's 30 week beginner marathon training program. http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/novicesupreme.htm I looked at the marathon website, and guess what? It is 30 weeks from today. So, I will start following the program tomorrow. I'm excited, scared, and anxious. I am sure that I will have to walk some, as I am really only up to about 2 miles right now, but that's OK.

People may be wondering why I'm running this marathon... I figure what better way to celebrate turning 30 than giving myself a goal and achieving it. I also am looking forward to the challenge of training with type 1 diabetes. It should be an interesting journey and I am grateful for the support I will receive. I am going to try to post a little blurb every day after I run. Stay tuned!