Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Chapte 2 page 89 - HMTU 26

"C" and I must have been delusional, but we made a plan and almost completely stuck to it. We ran 10 minutes then walked 2.5 minutes. We did that twice and decided that we needed to have a 15 minute walk break. After our little walking rest, we were ready to roll for 2 more intervals of 10 minute runs and 2.5 minute walks. The last interval was really tough so we did more of a shuffle than a real run ("L" would have had a heart attack with my midget steps). Although tonight was really a challenge, we ended up running for a full 40 minutes - "C" and I are feeling pretty excited about that accomplishment. . . . and we're pretty sure we don't want to do that too often (smile!).

Blister update - OUCH!!!!! I spent almost 3 hours today messing with my shoes. I was sure that I fixed the problem. I got a foam padding then adhered a layer of moleskin under that. Then, just to make sure it was good, I put a layer of moleskin on the inside of my shoe. The blister I got on Monday had not quite healed and tonight's training only made the sore worse. We're on for 7.7 miles tomorrow - I'm so scared my foot won't be able to go the distance. Still accepting ideas for other ideas on how to fix it. "C" told me to spray antiperspirant on my feet - watch out tomorrow, my feet will be "strong enough for men, but made for a woman!"

Great news - "L" called tonight and said she, her daughter, and son-in-law would all be participating in the Swiss Days 5K race. "C" and I are planning on it, but "L" was a hold out. It's official -she'll be there too. Hooray! She and her daughter will kick my butt, but they'll have a nice mother/daughter time.

More tomorrow - wish me luck!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Chapter 2 page 88 - HMTU 25 The Blisters

Warning: This post contains a gross amateur photo of my blisters. Viewer discretion advised. The photo content may not be suitable for all audiences.

Today was a pretty good training session. It was 84 degrees and the humidity was 68% which certainly didn't help make the training easy or go by quickly. No, today was a pretty good day because I had both "C" and "L" and we were back on our regular route. Also, "C" increased our interval times to 2 3/4 minutes running (and today we were moving at a pretty good pace) and 1 3/4 minutes walking. We did a 15 minute warm-up and a 10 minute cool down. We did a total of 5.22 miles in (drum roll) 1 hour 2 minutes! Seriously! If you take out the one mile walk of 15 minutes, that's 4.25 miles in 45 minutes - yep, that's fantastic in my book!!!! Could I have gone further - probably not, but 5.22 miles for the first training session of the week . . . not too bad.

Wednesday we'll be in "friendlyville" (that's my new name for the place we go where everyone speaks and waves) and guess what craziness we have in store for our training . . . we are going to do intervals of 10 minutes running and 2.5 minutes walking for a total of 4 intervals (does that sound as crazy to you as it does to me?). We're hoping it will build our lung capacity and our endurance. Thursday's training is set for 7.5 miles at the same interval we used today. Wish us luck.

So the shin pain I struggled with early on is gone and has been gone for about a month (Thank God!). It is now replaced with big, painful blisters. I have tried every kind of sock. I have tried bag balm which does help them get better but doesn't prevent it. I have tried putting mole skin on the areas prone to blisters. I have tried smearing the area with Body Glide. Absolutely none of these have made a dang bit of difference!!! UGGGG! I have one more trick which is to put corn starch on my feet before I run.

Please see below -
Blister 1 - the big white bump on my pinky toe.

Blister 2 - the blister at the intersection of my big toe and the ball of my foot (it's a little bigger than the size of a quarter).



I'm accepting any and all suggestions for preventing and/or treating blisters. Any home remedies out there??? Any tried and true treatments out there? Anyone??? Anything???

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Chapter 2 page 87 - HMTU 24 The Adventure

Definitely a change of scenery --- and in parts, an adventure!

Friday's training session had many of the normal components such as heat (81 degrees), humidity (70%), the 3 of us, and a crazy far distance. It was also full of adventure.

With "C's" guidance, I mapped out 3 possible courses (a 5.5 mile route, a 6.75 mile route, and a 7 mile route). They were all the exact same with the exception of the final few blocks which was the route back to the car. I printed off the directions onto small easy to handle pieces of paper. I gave one to "C" who stored it next to her sweaty body - no worries, I had a copy of the directions in hand (Blind "L" declined to take one). Since "C" was somewhat familiar with the area and I painstakingly mapped out the ideal course - should have been a piece of cake, right? Well. . . . it was pretty simple with the exception of the middle part where we got so lost. Yep - LOST in Fort Wayne - YIKES!!!! Thank goodness "C" is by far the most in-shape of the 3 of us - she ran ahead a block and asked a very nice couple how to get back on course. They were very helpful (thank God there are still people willing to talk to strangers). We were pointed back in the right direction only to get screwed up a couple more times. But in the end, we ended up doing the entire course (and then some). We did a 10 minute warm up and about a 15 minute cool down, but the rest of it was 2.5:2. We seriously trained for 1 1/4 hours and did over 7 miles (yeah!) - we walked very slowly for the last 15 minutes (I had a killer blister on my right foot). "C" said we did 16 cycles of 2.5:2 which is 40 minutes of running. Yeah - go us!

For our cool down, we walked pretty slowly. "L" kept saying, "let's just cut across the grass." "C" said, "I'm going to stay on the path." I think they had this exchange at least at least 3 different times in about a 5 minutes period of time. Then . . . .all of the sudden. . . a HUGE tree limb (maybe loosened from the previous night's storm) fell from such a high point and smashed 2 vehicles right in front of us. The limb landed perfectly on the windshield of an SUV and the hood of a car (I think these 2 vehicles were together like a married couple or at least friends - how unfortunate). None of us had seen such a thing before - it was kind of scary. What's really amazing - had we gone with "L's" suggestion to cut across, we would have totally been right under the branch at the exact time it crashed. Thanks "C" for keeping us on the right path - literally. Both "L" and "C" said they had thought about parking in the spaces where the limb landed.

After our training, we all went over to help move "L's" son out of his college apartment. While "C" & I waited on "L" to get the key, we enjoyed a McDonalds diet coke (tasted sooo good after training 7 miles). We met up with "L" and had her son's stuff moved out in about 30 minutes. I've never been involved with moving a boy to/from college, but it is infinitely easier than moving a girl - boys seem to have way less stuff!!!!

After the move, "L" took us to the most delicious restaurant called Moosewood. It's up by Pier's & Snickers (next to Subway). It is a BBQ place - YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a smoked chicken wrap with crinkle fries. "L" & "C" had a pulled pork wrap with sweet potato fries and steamed broccoli respectively. They also said the complimentary corn bread was amazing. Upon request, you can get complimentary collard greens which I was told is fantastic. Thanks "L" for introducing us to this delicious new place. During dinner we discussed which upcoming 5K's we're going to do as well as next week's training schedule.

I got home at midnight, but what a fun and definitely a memorable evening!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Chapter 2 page 86 - HMTU 23

I've been so blessed to have "C" as my training partner. The weather forecast for 5:00 p.m. today was to have a heat index of 100 degrees (no joke - what are July & August going to bring???) so I asked "C" if we could move it to 8:00 p.m. which she graciously agreed to. The heat index was a mere 95 degrees when we got started - wow, it was really humid, but since it wasn't quite as sunny it seemed slightly more tolerable.

I know ALL of you have been holding your breath to see if "D" really came tonight - NOPE! I even brought her a bottle of water as previously promised. But . . . "C" did bring someone else - her daughter "K". What a neat girl! "K" has the cutest daughter (okay, so it's a 4 legged little girl, but still too cute nonetheless!)

With or without "D", we stuck to the plan - a 3 mile walk. It was moderately paced and was really nice. We were in the same place as last Wednesday where everyone waves, smiles, and says hi - how refreshing is that?!?! Every single car gets over so as to not hit us and they all wave back to us.

Watch for Friday's HMTU - we're going to a totally new place - hope it will be fun!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Chapter 2 page 85 - celebrate start of week 9

I want take a moment to thank my readers for continuing to read my blog despite the considerable focus it has had on my half-marathon training. For my loyal readers, fans, and friends I apologize for the negative tone many of my HMTU posts have had. The weather and my injuries have been major hurdles I am confronted with nearly every single day.

But today's post is about one thing - celebrating accomplishments! I have completed 8 weeks of training for the half-marathon. With the help of "C" & "L", I have run & walked a total of 93 miles. So what's worth celebrating at this point???? (drum roll, please)
In the last 8 weeks . . .

**** I have lost 14 pounds****

**** I have lowered my resting heart rate (while watching tv on the sofa) to 60 beats per minute****


Woo Hoo - - - cyber high-5 to all of you!!!!!!!

What else will be possible with 14 more weeks of training until the Fort 4 Fitness half-marathon? Here's to finding out!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Chapter 2 page 84 - HMTU 22

So today we went 11.67 miles . . . NOT! What a bummer. My GPS went nuts and after we walked for 1 hour 45 minutes it said 11.67 miles - if only it had been true. "L" drove the path in her car and it was only 6.4 miles. Today's training was pretty difficult. It was sunny, hot, and humid. We we were done the temperature was 82 degrees and 78% humidity (it was 85 degrees when we began).

"L" took us on a new route, though we started and ended in our usual spot, she led us out into the country. Our first 3.6 miles were primarily in the sun and at about a 14:30 minute mile pace. It was fast and when we got to what I had hoped was the turn around point, I begged for a quick break in the shade (even though the only shade was in the corn field - - - move over corn, here I come!). That became the first of 4 short breaks (did I mention it was hot???).

It was so good to have "L" & "C" with me today. "L" told us all about her trip which was GREAT because I was too busy sucking air to say much! Thanks "L" for handling the conversation. I'm glad that she had a great time, but I'm more thrilled she is back! I miss her craziness when she is away!!!!

I tried new socks called "smartwool". They are suppose to be good for blister prevention. I'm not sure if they were any better than any of my other socks. I think my only option will be to get rid of the existing blister and then put moleskin on the area every time. Do any of you have any other suggestions for preventing blisters on my feet? I also used "Body Glide" which is an anti-chafing substance. I would say that really worked - will definitely be using that every time.

Wednesday "D" ("C's" friend) is suppose to join us - let's see if my razing in my last post did the trick and she'll actually come. I'm looking forward to meeting a new person, but also to having a nice easy training session (PLEASE COME "D", PRETTY PLEASE!). I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Chapter 2 page 83 - HMTU 21

My 21st training session - WOW!!!! My most loyal readers (I'd guess there are about 3,000 or so of you - HA!) have endured post after post where I am completely negative about the weather - well, welcome to a change of pace with today's post!!!

The Internet says the weather was 70 degrees (of course, I would guess it was probably closer to 75 degrees while we were actually training) and 89% humidity. Now, that humidity sounds like a sweat-fest waiting to happen, but "C" and I trained in the evening and although it was warm, especially at the beginning, it was sooooooo much more tolerable than so many other sessions (namely - this past Tuesday - see the "HMTU 20" post for more details about that exhibition in dehydration!). I got sweaty, but I'm not drenched and I don't smell like rotting road kill (though, we should probably ask "C" to confirm this fact).

Tonight's training was suppose to be 3 miles! It was suppose to be slow! It was suppose to be only walking! And, it was suppose to be with "C's" friend "D". All I have to say is that it was probably a good thing that "L" wasn't with us because I'm pretty sure that she would have torn up the training schedule right in front of us and said "what's the point of a schedule if you guys NEVER follow it!". This evening we trained in a fantastic new location!!! We're definitely going back there soon!!!! Everyone we passed waived, smiled, and verbalized a friendly greeting!! Refreshing! "C" had known a 3 mile route and we started off doing it but we got to talking and one story led to another story which led to another story and in order to get all the stories in, we had no choice but to go one more block, then one more mile, and before we knew it we had walked probably 6 miles in a leisurely time of 1:48. So as far as our original goals: slow, 3 miles, "D", & walking - we accomplished only 2 of the 4 (slow & walking) - sorry "L" that we didn't stick with the schedule . . . . . . . . again! "D" chickened out . . . again! Come one "D", you'll fit right in so buck up and come on!!!!!! (readers - was that too harsh since I don't even know "D"? Nothin' but love from me "D" - just trying the tough love motivational method. Stay tuned to see if it works, she is invited to join us next Wednesday)

I wore some different socks during this training session - no good. I now have blisters under the blisters I got on Tuesday. One is big and looks like it should be drained. Those of you know me, know I am a chicken and that's not likely to happen. "C" you're a picker, are you a blister popper too? "C" recommends Smart Wool Socks - so I'm going to wrap up this post so I can do some Internet buying. If anyone out there has recommendations for blister prevention - I would REALLY love to hear (or read as the case may be) your thoughts!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Chapter 2 page 82 - day after the flood

I'm sure you all read yesterday's blog "HMTU 20 AKA The Great Flood". Many of you have asked how I'm doing today. I'm doing so much better than I was yesterday. My blisters are doing awesome. Thanks "C" and "L" for the most awesome remedy - "bag balm". Wow - 3 of the smaller blisters are gone (poof), the larger 2 don't hurt and are nearly gone (must be a magic potion)! My shins don't really hurt to walk, but they do hurt to touch (again, sigh!) and my right heel (the one that has had plantar fasciitis in it for 10 years) hurts with ever step, but I can deal with it. My who-ha is even better. My chafing is even better - still a little sore, but . .. better.

I'll have to ask "C" how she ended up with her mosquito bites since she rubbed the dryer sheet all over herself, but when I noticed my shoulder blades I said, "what is that rash?" Nope, no rash . . . about 50 mosquito bites on each shoulder blade. "C" and I talked about getting the OFF clip on fan thing - have any of you tried it? Would you recommend it?

With the dawn of today, I am able to feel pretty awesome about our accomplishments yesterday. The time was really bad, but I did 8.4 miles. I did that (with "C's" help of course)!!!!!!! With the exception of about 4 times while I was in the army, I have never gone so far!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Chapter 2 page 81 - HMTU 20 "the great flood"

Pull up a chair, grab some popcorn and get ready for an adventure in reading - this post won't be a boring.

"C" and I decided to train in the morning (a first for us) and we were planning to go 6.5 miles mostly using the PCT 10K course. I have to admit that I was pretty nervous leading up to this morning's session - I felt a lot like I do on race mornings. When I arrived at our meeting place, guess what? "C" said she was nervous - WHAT A RELIEF - we were definitely in this thing together!

So we started off with a 10 minute walk - so far so good. The high speed traffic caused a breeze to what was between 70-76 degrees and 99% humidity (seriously - 99%). We then began our 2.5:2 intervals. We high-fived after each running segment. We counted them in a type of celebratory victory (1 down, 2 down, 3 down, etc - yeah!) So far so good.

We get to the half-way point - feeling good. Sweaty, but everything was going great. No pains, plenty of conversation, and even laughter. It was pretty enjoyable (minus the humidity and sweat) and most importantly, it felt very do-able. We begin down the ziggy zaggy path and had to combat mosquitoes (thanks "C" for the dryer sheets - made a huge difference). Everything is going pretty smoothly. We had to cross over a downed tree but it was pretty small so it wasn't a problem.

We get about one mile from the half way point (which is about 2.2 miles from the finish line) and are only about 30 yards to the main road (30 yards!!!!). We had just discussed taking a second walking segment when all of the sudden . . . what did we see ahead of us????? (dramatic pause) A completely flooded path!!!! Not a little flooding like we could have made it through - NOPE!!! It was about 20 yards in length and one part was probably up to the mid calf. What now?!?!?! We discussed our options: take off shoes & socks and roll up pants and wade through? No way - it was deep, and beyond GROSS - besides, we would have sandy gravel on our feet and that would have been miserable to continue the remaining distance. So option 2: call for the WOW van :) Ha! Not seriously. That leaves option 3 - walking back to the midway point and then back on the road (an extra 2.5 miles). After a TON of whining (all done by me!!!) we walked back to the half way point and we took a 5 minute break on a park bench and refilled our water bottles.

Still in disbelief that we were literally only 30 yards to where we needed to go only to be stopped by the flooding. Instead of walking a mere 30 yards, we walked 2 1/2 miles around. Are you kidding?!? Wow - that took our 6.5 mile training session to approximately 8.4 miles. We walked the entire extra 2 1/2 miles mostly because we were still just so devastated. Then we did 2:2 for about a mile and then we went the rest of the way slowly to cool down (HA! Cool down - yeah right, we were so sweaty!). To cross the street and get back to our cars we had to climb over this 15' wall (okay, it was more like a 3' fence) - but we were completely wiped out!

Result - 2 hours 12 minutes of actual activity time (I stopped the watch when we were discussing options and while we sat on the park bench). I think the total time was more like 2 hours 20 minutes. "C" and I both had sore legs. My heel, shins, knee, and who-ha are so sore. I have 5 huge blisters on my feet. I even have chaffing on my arms, sunburn on my face and arms. When I got done, I showered and laid on the couch for an hour-I couldn't have gotten up if the house were on fire. When I finally got to work, I was gimpy and my co-worker said "you look terrible!" (just exactly the type of thing you want to hear after doing something so uber healthy earlier in the day). Oh, and don't even ask us about how much sweat leaked out of our body - gallons and gallons and gallons!!!!! Nice, huh!

"L" is still on vacation and missed the entire "event". "C" and I can't wait to discuss this with her. We wonder what would "L" have done when confronted with the flood. I'll let all of you know her response when she comes back next week.

Thank goodness we are taking tomorrow off and Thursday is suppose to be a very easy 3 mile walk (won't that seem so easy compared to today? . . . I can only hope so!)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Chapter 2 page 80 - HMTU 19

What doesn't work for me? Today's training weather - 87 degrees and 87% humidity. You should totally see what I look like - my shirt couldn't be more soaked with sweat. I'm thankful that my training partner "C" got to meet me when it was winter and we had a chance to build up a friendship, because if today would have been our first time together - I'm certain it would have been our last . . . surely she would have thought "dear God, who sweats that much! Gross!!!!" Ha - she was sweaty too. I really value my new friend "C" for lots of reasons, but today, as is the case at the end of every training session, she gave me a hug (only a good friend would hug when she is so sweaty hugging someone who is even sweatier!) For the record, "L" is on vacation and packed her running shoes - hope she gets a few miles in. I miss her and can't wait to catch up. Hope she is having a very fun time!

Because tomorrow we are planning on doing the PCT 10K route, we were going to take it easy - and what do you think happened? Well for sure it wasn't too much of taking it easy! We walked at a break neck pace for 2.5 miles (seriously - it was probably a 14:20 min/mile or faster) then we did 2.5:2 for 5 times on the way back. Then we were both so unbelievably HOT! It was impossible to continue. We were huffing like we are some type of chain smokers and our legs just felt like they were being lit with a match.

I'm glad that there were some successful training sessions recently because days like this really make me feel like I'll never get to the 13.1 mile marker. Tomorrow is our longest session yet 6.2 (plus we have to walk back to the car so it will be closer to 6.7 miles). It's suppose to be exactly the same heat and humidity tomorrow - yikes!

Note: subject change ahead . . . .
Granted last week I was kind of sick for 3 days, but when I weighed myself AFTER breakfast today (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!!!) . . . I had lost 3 pounds since last week. I was on cloud 9. I surely hope it can continue. I've changed several things recently. First, only one serving at dinner! Second, I've been making a salad for lunch everyday using the lettuce grown in my garden (YUM!). Third, I was able to plan my meals out for the week and do the grocery shopping all at once - big help. Without a plan, we usually said "what's for dinner?" - pizza. Just had to celebrate with all of my blogger friends!!!!

Chapter 2 page 79 - dream

My closest friends know that I have multiple crazy vivid dreams every night. Typically, I don't remember most of them, but today I'm celebrating one of the dreams I had last night. In my dream, I was running my first half-marathon and I was initially in first place but a man passed me. I saw myself running on a tree lined small town street and then the route took us through some construction hazards (not sure what the dream interpretation will make of that part).

Anyway, I have no delusions of being first in my half-marathon (I really hope to not be last!), but the part of the dream that gave me such a happy feeling during the dream and has continued as I woke up this morning . . . I was doing the race effortlessly. I was enjoying it, I was happy, I wasn't sucking air, I had no aches or pains - just me, gliding through the first half of the race (then in real life my dog woke me up - dang it!)

Having a dream of doing well in a half-marathon has to be a good sign, right?!?!

Have a fantastic day!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Chapter 2 page 78 - shins update

I have great news about my shins - they don't hurt! That's not exactly breaking news as I have noted for the last couple of weeks (taking that week off my HMT totally helped!!!) that they haven't hurt during my runs; however, I am now reporting they don't hurt at all. What? I mean that even though they haven't hurt during my runs, they have been extremely painful to touch. Just the lightest touch with a finger caused such pain but now . . . NO MORE!!!! My rehab friends have said that I should just massage and rub it endlessly. In fact to quote them, "if it hurts - that's where you should rub!" So . . . I've been biting on a pencil (not really) and rubbing - everyday . . . and now - pain free!!! I can't tell you how thankful I am!!! I also can't tell you how worried I am that this is temporary and that next week when we break out the 6.5 miles at 2:30/2 it will come back . . . but for now, I'm so thankful!

Hope things are going great for you too!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Chapter 2 page 77 - small victories

It's been awhile since I blogged about small daily victories, but today I had a few and wanted to share as well as give you a chance to share your daily victories with me (and the millions of people reading this blog).

For starters, I totally WANTED a candy bar or a something from the Simpler Times Bakery or some chocolate-sink-your-teeth-in snack, BUT . . . I ate nothing and to my surprise, I didn't die :) GBTG!

Second, I made a horrible dinner (I tried a new recipe and had such high hopes, but BARFO!) . . . so I didn't overeat at dinner! I'm bummed that my meal didn't turn out and that my husband hate it even more than I did, but something good came out of the whole disaster.

How about you? What were your small victories today?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Chapter 2 page 76 - HMTU 18

80 degrees (maybe a wee bit more) and probably about 80% humidity (though this I can't say with absolute certainty since I failed to check the weather after we were done).

We did sort of the same route as Tuesday except we went to and from the park on the ziggy zaggy (that's my official term for the extended section of the greenway from the white bridge to the park). We also didn't go down the bike path. The GPS said we did 4.5 miles (I think the training schedule said 3 miles - does that count as extra credit??????).

Today was the unveiling of the countdown timer "C" had bought online. We are no longer doing 2:2 (insert tears and total sadness!!! also insert, fear of dying and fear of failure). We are working toward 3:1 so for our first attempt at this new torture device, we did 2 1/2 minutes running then 2 minutes walking. Our roll out plan is to continue that for a couple of weeks and then we'll go to 3:2 and then 3:90 seconds then finally we'll (cross your fingers) arrive at doing 3 minutes running and one minute walking (oh my, that sounds practically unachievable).

We did a 20 minute warm-up today and a total of 62 minutes. Although it wasn't extremely hard, it was a challenge - the heat and humidity I suspect. I don't know it would have been so hard had it been cooler and less humid.

We set the training schedule for the next 2 weeks. Next week's long run is suppose to be 6.5-7.0 miles and then 7.5-8.0 the week after. If you are inclined to sending me your positive vibes or praying for my training partners and I - I'm most grateful

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Chapter 2 page 75 - HMTU 17

About 75 degrees and light rain -

Today's training was humid,so still - no breeze at all until, of course, we were done, and quite wet. It was nice that the temperature was not blazing hot, but the humidity made it a chore to breath. The bugs, in particular mosquitoes and deer fly have been really bothersome!

"C", "L", and myself ran a new path (thanks "C" for bringing your park pass). Because of the rain, I didn't take my GPS, but we went about 5 1/4 miles in 1 hour 11 minutes (I left the clock running during our 4 minute potty break and our 50 second water stop though I didn't start it until like 3 minutes into the session).

Note to self: How did I get to the 5 1/4 miles estimate?
-our normal route is about 2.6
-add about 1/4 mile down the path that ultimately was flooded and back = 1/2 mile
-1 mile down on the road and back = 2 miles (this is the X factor - not sure if it was just 1 mile or 1.25 or even more)

Pain report - my who-ha is good, my shins are pretty good, my knees are a little sore (that's from the chiropractor moving the bones of my shin so much), my left foot blister is absolutely pain free, my right foot blister is very painful, my sickness from yesterday is still hanging around but I'm feeling a bit better.

We're doing this craziness again on Thursday, but hopefully it's shorter (4.5 yesterday + 5.25 today = 9.75 miles so far this week . . . I know nothing compared to many, but for me - I'm pleased)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Chapter 2 page 74 - HMTU 16

Finally - a great workout!!!!! "C" and I started off by reviewing our training schedule (we've been doing our own thing for the last couple of weeks and I think it's time we return to a structured "path" so that we can continue to progress).

The training session said 3 miles so we set off to do 3 miles. It went by very quickly and painlessly. It was about 75 degrees and about 55% humidity. Early in the day, I had been quite sick to my stomach and nearly canceled this session because all afternoon I was so sick to my stomach, but I took medication and prayed and all was great by the time we started. We got to the 2.6 mile mark and asked if it would be okay if we walked to the 1/2 mile statue - "C" said sure . . . upon arrival, I thought, "let's keep going" so we walked to the 1 mile statue. We did a total of about 4.6 miles.

My shins are feeling great as are my knees . . . and even my tummy. The problem - BLISTERS!!!!! I have 2 of the most painfully, large blisters on the bottom of my feet where my big toe and foot meet up. The last few sessions I have been wearing special "toe socks". I tried to put the photo here, then I tried to post the URL and both have failed. I'm feeling pretty sick so I don't have it in me to keep trying right now. Perhaps I'll get the link or pix up another time. In the meantime, feel free to google "Injinji socks".

I've been suspicious of the socks - like, do they really work or am I just getting lucky - today I can answer with certainty - - -these socks really did keep me from getting these terribly large blisters. I don't exactly enjoy wearing them, but they have accomplished the goal of not getting blisters. Tonight . . . . I wasn't wearing them and boy do I regret it in a BIG way. Maybe in the upcoming days when the blisters are ready to pop, I'll upload a lovely photo. I can barely walk around the house right now - I have 2 more training sessions this week.

Anyway, minus the painful blisters which will go away in about 1-2 weeks, today's walk/run was a big success. I didn't feel completely out of shape or pathetic. Yeah! I saw the weather was going to get much warmer the rest of the week - hope I can hang for the 6 mile session tomorrow! Fingers crossed!

Since coming home I've felt kind of crappy - I might have a fever (I had chills and put a sweatshirt on), and now I have a cough . . . hope combined with my earlier symptoms today I'm not getting the flu (yikes!!! - "C" would really vote me off the island then!).

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Chapter 2 page 73 - HMTU 15

Better - by no means easy!!!!!!!!! That's how I would sum up today's training session.

It was 79 degrees and 68% humidity - that doesn't seem terrible - is it? There was an amazing breeze when we were done - can't say I felt it during the run. We ran 4.1 miles in 58 minutes - we walked the first and last mile. The 2 miles in the middle we did our 2:2.

It was great to have both "C" & "L" during this session. I really enjoy those 2 - they are the ONLY thing making this whole craziness worth continuing. I absolutely love having people pass by in their vehicles and honk while I'm running - makes me feel like I'm being seen doing something healthy. I guess it's just because I feel like such a fake health educator at all other times since I'm soooo much overweight that this is the time I can be recognized for at least trying. Within 60 seconds, 2 local HR directors passed us - thanks "SD" for giving us a positive shout out - you'll never know how much of a boost that gives me!!!!!!!!!!!1

We passed a BHS teacher "N" who was just fantastic. He's really embraced losing weight over the summer and we talked to him about doing 5K's and the PCT 10K. He even walked (he jogged, we walked) the last 1/2 mile together. He was fun. He was so hot and sweaty and doing this walking crap all by himself - good job - I'm jealous!!!

So I was wondering 2 things:
1. How many times do I have to do this training stuff before it gets easier??? I'm really still struggling the entire 4 miles - and that's not even 5 miles, 8 miles, 10 miles, or OH MY GOODNESS 13.1 miles????

2. When on earth will I begin to actual enjoy this? I mean, I am loving the 3 miles with one of my training partners since it's just a social fun time, but further than that or even more horribly - doing it alone is total torture!!!!

I'll keep on training and working toward my goal of completing a 1/2 marathon in under 3 hours in September 2010. I have decided that I have to put more miles and more time in order for me to improve to the levels of my training partners and more importantly to the level I think I should be at.

13 weeks until race day!!!!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Chapter 2 page 72 - HMTU 14

82 degrees, 67% humidity, one whole week of nearly zero physical activity = a tough training session made slightly easier with both "C" and "L" at my side. I missed lunch today and only had a slice of pepperoni pizza for breakfast left me feeling as if there was no gas in the tank during the 3 mile run (no doubt, 'cuz there wasn't - my bad). We did a 10 minute warm up and a 10 minute cool down and then about 25 minutes of 2:2 (except for one time when we doubled the walk to 4 minutes - I was pooped). My shins and blisters have healed (not sure for how long) at least for now so that made things slightly more pleasant. My biggest complaints (because I always have something negative to say - so sad, I know) today were that I felt as if I were just so out of shape with my breathing and my legs just felt like they weighed 500 pounds each. Going into the session, I had felt as if I could have gone 5 or 6 miles no problem - but no lunch, a week's lay off, and just being soooooo overweight will slap me with a reality check. Today, we did 3.1 (including the warm up and cool down). I didn't stop my watch, but the it was 34 minutes to the fence row (not a terrible time - not a pushed pace either.
We're going to try it again on Thursday, my ego needs a good run - that 5.6 mile training session 2 weeks ago seems like ages ago and impossible today.