Training for the SB Half Marathon Week 1 of 12

If I have to train for some silly race I thought was a good idea back in April, I'm going to make you read about my agony!!!

• SUN Stretch and Strengthen:  DONE
• MON 3m:  DONE
• TUE 2m or cross: Did Zumba and went on a walk with 1.5 mile walk with friends
• WED 3m + S:  Did Yoga, Pilates and even snuck in the 3 mile walk/run
• THR rest: DONE
• FRI 30 min cross: Leasure stroll to relax my body
• SAT 4m: Didn't get a chance to go... to busy with the family.

How do I feel? 

  It felt good to finally go running again.  I missed being on the road and even missed the soreness of it all.  

Anything to note?  Spent the weekend in Laughlin with my family so didn't get to go on my long run.  Also this heat is making it hard to really get out there.  BOOO!



HUH? What does it all mean?
m = mile
cross = cross training

Training guide care of source

Wednesday Ramblings...

• I up and did it. I signed up for my first Half Marathon post KLM's birth! It's on November 6. I even created a brand new google calendar just for the training aspect of it. Says I start training August 15! I'm already shaking just thinking about it. What did I get myself into!!!


• Another Wednesday, another appt. Makes the week go so much faster.


• Looking forward to the weekend already. Okay, I was looking forward to it last Sunday night.


• Had another peanut butter and banana sandwich for breakfast. Needed the protein. :)


• Attempting to do Yoga and Pilates today. Did I mention I had Yoga last night too? I am going to be S O R E tomorrow.


• Weather is well, gloomy and rainy again. This winter/spring has been weird.


• Wasn't Glee awesome?


• Starting to get next month's project in place. Kinda overwhelmed by it.


• Side Patio is on hiatus. I upped my budget yet again for patio furniture. I can not WAIT for this to be done.


• I think today is going to be Whole Foods Lunch day. YUMMM!!!!

Project 12 - March update #4 final update

Wow, this month is already over? 25% of the year has slipped away!

Start Pilate classes Gone about 6 times and am going tonight. Also going to book our first one on one session for next week!

Keep training for upcoming 5k (March 27) Finished it and have the medal to prove it!!!

Do yoga once a week Been going and just LOVE LOVE LVOE my instructor!

Take 2-3 walks during work Keeping this up! In fact, I have a pair of tennis shoes under my desk right now for later! :)

Do one fun exercise a week Well, it wasn't fun but instead of doing the treadmill at the gym, I opted for the stair master. PHEW, what a workout!

How did you fare this month? Did you keep up the workout routine? Add new things to the mix?

What am I getting myself into?

With all the running I've done in my past, you'd think that I wouldn't be scared with the thought of signing up for a race. Well, I am. Maybe it's because I'm not sure how my body will be after KLM is born. Maybe because I haven't even jogged 10 feet since September. But here I am, ready to pull the trigger on not one, but TWO half marathons in the fall! TWO!!! Am I that crazy to think I can get in somewhat good shape to be able to finish them? You know, a year and a half ago, I did two races in two weeks. Now, the concept just blows my mind. Granted these are month apart from each other but still.

So which two races am I thinking about torturing myself with? First is the Santa Barbara 1/2 Marathon on November 6, 2010. I guess they race the same time as the marathon does so it makes me feel better that I don't have to rush. It also makes me feel better that I can get at least one race in before my next birthday! :)


The next race is L.A. County Half Marathon on December 12, 2010. At first I was thinking of doing Rock-n-Roll Vegas but don't think it's worth all the money and time spent. I like this since it's a bit scenic-y and the time limit is pretty easy to do. I could walk the whole thing and still finish!


So, should I do it and throw my running shoes into the ring... even if my running shoes are sitting in the closet, collect dust? While I'm asking random questions, I have another one, why do I think signing up for these races will make me work out post KLM? Do I really need to have deadlines to do something? Okay, don't answer the last one, I can honestly say, that the answer is a resounding yes.


Photo Sources 1 & 2

Project 12 - March update #3

Let's just get down to the nitty-gritty!

Start Pilate classes Really enjoying this!!!

Keep training for upcoming 5k (March 27) Been walking more but still... scared!

Do yoga once a week Started Yoga last week and LOVE IT! Wish I could find another night prenatal yoga class but apparently only pregnant women don't work and they offer them just during the day. LAME!

Take 2-3 walks during work So happy for my friend who drags me out to do this!!!

Do one fun exercise a week "played" tennis. Okay we just hit balls around but that still counts, right?

How are you doing working up a sweat?

Project 12 - March update #2

Let's just get down to the nitty-gritty!

Start Pilate classes Really enjoying this!!!

Keep training for upcoming 5k (March 27) I haven't been to the gym in the last week... this scares me.

Do yoga once a week Found a great prenatal yoga class I'm going to tonight.

Take 2-3 walks during work Feeling much better and went on a few walks last week.

Do one fun exercise a week Gardening... yes, I spent 4 hours in the garden pulling weeds out. It was fun!!! :)

How are you doing working up a sweat?

Project 12 - March update #1

Let's just get down to the nitty-gritty!

Start Pilate classes Started last week, already had 3 classes! LOVE IT!

Keep training for upcoming 5k (March 27) So far only walked 1.65 miles but going to the gym tonight

Do yoga once a week Will do it tonight... promise!

Take 2-3 walks during work Last week I was suffering for major ligament pain. I think KLM was going through a growth spurt. Finally feeling better

Do one fun exercise a week hit golf balls yesterday.

How are you doing working up a sweat?

The adventures of Pilates... while pregnant

Let's talk about this thing called Pilates. I heard a while ago that Pilates is suppose to be great for you, regardless of your uterine status. :) I've done mat Pilates at the gym but was always intrigued by the all machine that looked like torture devices. Last week the hubby saw an ad in our weekly local newspaper about some special at one of studios in our area. When we walked in the employees were just beyond kind and gave us the run down on it all. Now, I'm one of those people who if you are nice to, chances are I will buy what you are selling (at a reasonable rate of course). It was an easy sell and before I knew it my credit card was on the table and I was signing my life away for 2 years. Yes, 2 years.

Fast forward to our evaluation. Basically it was a orientation to the machines and to try to sell you on one on one instructions (something I knew I would do anyway since I'll need all the help trying to bend around this little bump of mine). Nice and easy and got permission to start taking intro classes. Yea! (I did wonder what if I didn't get the go ahead to take the intro class, what can they do? Is there something more remedial than intro?) The next day we took our first class and well, can I say how FUN are the MACHINES! Only me could find the joy in torture machines. The class was only 30 minutes and there were only 3 of us in there with the instructor. He was so nice and helpful, making sure I didn't overdo it or squish KLM. I think the best part was watching the hubby struggle to get in some the positions while I just jumped straight into them without any issue. Yea for being bendy! :) Time flew and our 30 minutes were up and back home we went. If this is what Pilates is all about, I'm just all over this!

How often will I be going? Twice a week right now. I'm going to try my best to just enjoy this until I can no longer see my feet, and they I'm going, I have till May.

Have you tried Pilates? If so, did you like it?

To Do List before Feb 09 --UPDATE #2

As of today...
1. Work out 15 times at the gym I've worked out 3 times.
2. Run/Walk 30 miles 8 miles down, 22 more to go
3. Cook dinner 15 times Cooked 10 meals
4. Fit into dream jeans Haven't tried them on yet...
5. get 7-8 hours of sleep for 25 nights 11 great nights of sleep
6. Work out 10 times in the morning 0 times so far
7. Start/Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album Ordered photos...
8. Set up sewing machine Sewing Machine still in the garage
9. Take one new fitness class a week 2 down
10. Read two books Finished Twilight, Reading Glass Castle
11. Lose 2 lbs. going to let this one be a surprise!

So, how do I feel so far?

I'm feeling good and quite proud I'm staying on top of most of these! Some things I want to make an effort to keep doing once the new month rolls around, others, I don't mind if they fall off (I'm looking at you, morning workouts). This week's goal is to start the album before the puppies eat the photos! ;)

Only in SoCal...

Can you go for a run in shorts and smell your neighbors BBQing...

Now, are you shocked the weather is so nice today (got to low 80's) or that I went for a run?

I'd pick the latter!

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

To Do List before Feb 09 --UPDATE #1

As of today...
1. Work out 15 times at the gym: I've worked out 1 times.
2. Run/Walk 30 miles: 3 miles down, 27 more to go
3. Cook dinner 15 times: Cooked 4 meals
4. Fit into dream jeans: Haven't tried them on yet...
5. get 7-8 hours of sleep for 25 nights: 6 great nights of sleep
6. Work out 10 times in the morning: 0 times so far
7. Start/Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album: Ordered and received photos
8. Set up sewing machine: Sewing Machine still in the garage
9. Take one new fitness class a week: 1 down
10. Read two books: Started Twilight last night
11. Lose 2 lbs: haven't weighed myself yet

So, how do I feel so far?

I feel like I'm really starting to make some progress. I need to read more and push myself to go to the gym. I know I am capable of this, it's just a matter doing it now. I'm really enjoy cooking and making my lunches (something I didn't add but wanted to do). I feel like I can control my meals now...

Things to do before Feb 09

Today is the first day of the new year and some new changes. Below are my 10 things to do before Feb 1, 2009. In order to stay afloat, I'll update this post on my progress.

1. Work out 15 times at the gym
2. Run/Walk 30 miles
3. Cook dinner 15 times
4. Fit into dream jeans
5. get 7-8 hours of sleep for 25 nights
6. Work out 10 times in the morning
7. Start/Finish Puerto Rico/Cruise album
8. Set up sewing machine
9. Take one new fitness class a week
10. Read two books
11. Lose 2 lbs.

I know the majority of these are health related and some seem a bit lofty but I think I tried to keep everything within grasp and it will just need much needed effort on my behalf to turn these goals into accomplishments!

To Do List before 2010

Happy New Year! To ring in this wonderful new year, it's time for the yearly to do list!

To Do List before 2010
1. Start paying more for my car
2. Work harder for the promotion
3. Start a garden
4. Read a minimum of 2 books a month
5. Teach the puppies some manners
6. Start cycling again
7. Organize and clean out the rest of the house closets
8. Do one triathlon
9. Do one big craft project each month
10. Find out what a set of good abs look on me! (third year on the to do list)
11. Get up to date with all vacation albums (currently 3 behind)
12. Work out 1 time a week at work for 2 months straight
13. Finish remodeling guest room
14. Cook 4 nights a week for 1 month straight
15. Take a vacation to a destination I've never been to
16. Work out 5 times a week for 3 months straight
17. Run 365 miles

Winding down the year...

I always start the year with the best intentions about staying healthy, last year I think I did a fairly decent job until this fall. The last few months I fell off the wagon and then had an unfortunate health issue to deal with. Now I'm almost at the 2008 finish line and gained the lbs I lost last year by being active and eating well. So I've decided I'm going to once again put myself on a regimen in January so I can once again not get winded by walking stairs or running excess mileage. On top of my usual list of things to do, I'm going to put a list to do before Feb. The majority will be health related while I'll try to knock off some other things from the Yearly list.

I will also figure out some reward if I complete my challenge. Stay tuned!

Running...

Last weekend I finished my 12th half with my fellow running buddy Kim (or known here as BM Kim) at the Nike Women's (half) Marathon. If there ever was a race you wanted to do, this was it! The expo had free massages, manicures, oxygen bar, and lots lots more! The race was just as cool, with amazing scenery and lots of snacks and volunteers cheering you on. When you finished there were men dressed in tuxes handing you your finisher's medal and it was a Tiffany Necklace!!! It was an absolute blast!! (Oh shout out to the unknown man who stood out more than anyone else by not saying a word but holding one little 3x3 inch sign that read: GO! ...catching you at different spots was priceless!)

Now I'm just INCHING my way to my 300 mile goal for the year!!! I only have 10 more miles to go and have 2 half marathons and a 5k in the next 4 weeks! I know I am crazy. Now if the weather COOLED OFF (instead of hitting 100 degrees) maybe I'd actually train for the next few races!



NIKE Women's Half Marathon
San Francisco, Ca
October 19, 2008

NOTE: Yes,we are wearing the same t-shirt. Interesting fact, it was from the First half we ever ran together years ago! :)

numbers keeping me busy...

1 days till Fireworks Finale!!!!!!
8 days till 15k Art's Run
23 days till Rock N Roll San Jose 1/2 Marathon
37 days till Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon
71 days till our 1 year Anniversary
60 days till My 30th Bday
65 days till Pasadena 1/2 Marathon
68 days till The Hubby's Bday
71 days till Costa Rica
128 days till Rock N Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon
174 days till Maui

With all these numbers, you'd think somewhere I'd find inspiration to stay active, but I feel lately I'm all talk and no action. Maybe this post will make me really kick my tush into gear and start working out more consistently!

What are we doing this weekend?

We're running the Nike + Human 10k Race tonight! Nike has joined forces globally to create the world’s largest running event, with the goal of helping humanity in the process through givebacks to global charities. There are over a million people signed up to race all over the world today. LA is the last race and should be a lot of fun!

Wish us luck! :)

Friendly Competition...

Yes, my friends, I've joined another challenge. After the last 7 weeks I've thrown almost all healthy habits to the side (the last two weeks I've been trying to do better but still... not as well as before) and I've realized this is not a way to live a healthy life. My buddies started another challenge where you get points for different activities and misc things you do. While at first it seems a bit daunting but now looking at how you can earn points, I feel like I can really rise up to be a competitor for medal position. (Okay, you don't get medals, you get prizes but the Olympics ended and it just sounds better)

I looks like this challenge ends the day before our Costa Rica Trip which is perfect!!! I'm truly excited and will start posting how it goes!

I do want to set a personal goal for me. To do some form of exerise everyday. It could be a half hour walk with the dogs to all out workouts. Wish me luck! ;P

Friendly Motivation...

Last weekend during the America's Finest City Half Marathon, we saw two women running with shirts that said "Amy made me do it" and "Mary made me do it." BM Kim and I let out a chuckle and said how we needed shirts for our next half in the fall.

So we made a cute design...



And on the back, the shirts had different slogans. This seems like a fun little thing to make it more exciting! Some of the slogans are:

It's all about the medal!
How does my butt look from back there?
Half the distance, twice the fun!
Running is a mental sport and we're all insane!

(Sidenote: "Junior Clan" was a nickname we were given by some friends of ours who were older class men during HS and it sorta stuck. Now twelve years later, we still call ourselves that.)

With all of us living so far away from each other, it's the little things like this or emailing/IM-ing each other to keep the motivation going that pushes us past each finish line. While none of us are true runners by definition, we still do try to give it are all out there on the pavement and have a little fun!

Anyone got any ideas of other fun slogans? Remember, we aren't fast so things like: "you just got passed by a chick" wouldn't really work for us! :P

Joints...

It's day two after the half I just did. Body feels good...except for my leg joints. Hips and knees! I think I need some DW-40 for them!! :P