5/26/12

Ten hour work days for two weeks are not good for the training plan.  Catastrophic starts to school are not good either.  I might as well blame my birthday too.  Well, since my last post, I didn't get up at 4:30am.   I did get up at 5:15 though and ran at home.  That happened once.  I managed to make it to spin class as well.  CX Works has not worked out for me because there are two evening classes during the week.  The one at 5:30 is so over crowded and the other is at 6:30, which is so late.  Running, overall, has been sporadic.  I skipped my long run too last week.  Eek! 

I know what I should do, and I'm running out of time.  By late July, I need to be fit enough to start marathon training.  I'm a little worried, but overall, I'm not in such bad shape.  But I really don't have time to spare anymore.  I have to get my long runs in and keep my mileage up and  I have to watch my nutrition. 

 

Happy Mother's Day!! 5/11/12

Happy (early) Mother's Day!! 
First week of classes is almost down in the books.  It was a very crazy start to the quarter.   Apparently, Blackboard released an update and not everything was working properly.  Meetings for both of my classes did not happen and we had to form groups and get some homework done, so there was a lot of chaos this first week.  I always expect some bumps in the beginning, but this start was just stressful.
Ugh, and my running suffered this week.  I ran a measly two miles that was just awful.  Work was also exhausting, but I don't like using that as an excuse.  
So next week, to get myself back on track, my goal is to run just 3 days and work in a spin class and CXWorks.  This should be a goal I can easily meet. 
I'm spending too much time debating on whether or not to get up at 4:30am once a week to make it to the 5:15am spin class.  I am not a morning person.  There's nothing worse than being jolted awake by an alarm clock...  accept being jolted awake and have to stay awake to make a gym class.  But, I would rather attempt the 5:15am class, than rush to the 5:15pm class, miss it and then have to wait for the 6:15 class and get home late.  Yes, folks, that has happened and I think I'm a tad crankier when that happens than just getting up early once a week.   
So this week I will attempt  wake up at 4:30am (groan) on Monday to knock it out. 
Here's my workout schedule for the week:

Monday: Spin Class
Tuesday: Run 3 miles, CXWorks
Wednesday: Rest (Strength)
Thursday: Run 4 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Run 8 miles
Sunday: Rest


 

Impacts 5/8/12

A student came in to my office today to discuss his file.  He had been in my office before and had commented on the two half marathon medals I have in my office.  He told me that everything in my office was an inspiration!  I felt proud!  Today he told me that he is looking to do his first 5k!  I couldn't believe that I had made an impact on him in that way.  He said the last time he was in my office he decided that he would give running a try and has been training steadily for a 5k.  It was really great to hear that!   

Then I started to wonder why I run.  It can be boring sometimes.  It can be frustrating.  It can be torturous.... 
So why do I do it?

I do it because I love to explore.  I can run anywhere.  I love that runner's high... rhythmed breathing, feeling so light and having that ever so slight stitch in my side.  I love when people appreciate what it takes to run. Running makes me feel like a bad ass.  Why yes, I can run 13.1 miles.  :-)  Add all that to inspiring someone to run.... wow.  Now why would I not run?        

     

5/6/12

So I ran 8 miles yesterday.  It's been a couple weeks since I've had a long run.  I set out at about 7:15am and it was pretty nice & cool out.... 67degrees.  But by the time I got to mile 6, it was hot and shade was fading away.  I did get up earlier than normal, so that was good, but not early enough.  I debated in my head for about 15 minutes before I actually got up.  Really need to work on that.  But other than that, I am proud of myself.  I improved my time since the last 8 miler I ran by 7 minutes!  I downed a GU at mile 5, and even though mile 6 - 8 was almost unbearably hot, I was running quick spurts of about a 10:30 pace.

I also joined a challenge on dailymile.  I'm running 50 miles in May.  This should be attainable since I ran 49 miles in March.  I figured this will also keep me focused and motivated.  The next couple weeks will be rough at work and classes start again tomorrow, so it will be tough, but it is attainable.  I've logged 13 miles so far, so just 37 to go!



   

5/3/12

So I'm trying to think of something to blog about.  I have nothing.  Last week sucked for me as far as running went.  I guess I was just burnt out, exhausted, stressed, all of the above.  This week I'm back at it though, but nothing really extraordinary to write about.

Classes start again next week.  Looking forward to finishing this program!  I hear the last 2 quarters are pretty busy.  I'm really just ready to be done!