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!