Causing FULL Marathons

Update

2008-08-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

The stretches and foam roller have made a huge difference in my legs. I don't feel pain 24/7. I ran 8 miles Saturday and felt ok when it was done. I felt like I had just run 8 miles. Later in the day my right knee had the familiar pain, but it left by Sunday afternoon. I ran this morning and was totally fine too. So the pain is going to happen, but I don't think its going to ruin my chances at completing the marathon.

This weekend my group will be doing 18 miles, but I will be doing 17 since I wasn't able to do the 16 miler. This will be a big test on my knee!

In sponsor news, I owe Jackie a ThanksPaints and my old coworkers at USF chipped in for a nice donation too. It feels great to get so much support!

I went to a gym

2008-07-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try out a gym near my house to see if it will be good for strength training and winter running. It had its pros and cons. First, the workout: the walk is 1.36 miles one way, so I walked 2.7 miles total, I ran 2 miles in 20 minutes on a treadmill, and I did a few leg machines.

The pros:
-the place is close
-its not a corporate chain gym
-has no stupid initiation fees, can pay per use, per week, per month, per year etc
-wasn't as busy as I expected it to be for a Monday at 7

The cons:
-I hate running on treadmills now that I'm used to the great outdoors. I'd only run on a treadmill as a last resort winter type thing.
-It was dude-ical. I expected it to be meatheads but there were way more meat heads than I had hoped for. I think I was one of 3 women in the whole place.
-The layout was confusing. Leg machines were downstairs with treadmills and free weights, and arms machines were upstairs with bikes and ellipticals.
-It didn't have the three leg, hip, and thigh machines that I really needed. I'd have to do free weights and I'm too afraid to do that, nor do I know how to do that for legs...
-I sweat more than I've ever sweat before and I only ran 20 minutes. I missed the breeze outside.

So basically I don't know - we'll see if I join in the fall/winter. There's a corporate gym two blocks from it that is almost twice the price. If it's twice as nice it'd be worth it but I could also spend that money in a better way (like paying bills).

derailment

2008-07-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Doh! Injury! I've been fighting an injury since my 12 mile run. I suspected it was my IT band based on the symptoms (outer/side part of knee hurting) and talking with my trainer. Everybody kept telling me GET A FOAM ROLLER and I kept putting it off. Finally after a brutal 14 mile run, I ordered one and started using it. You know your IT band is the culprit if you feel giant knots while you roll over the foam roller. I felt them, oh how I felt them. The pain is so...painful. And you are supposed to keep on rolling the parts that are especially tender. But when it's done I can actually walk without horrid pain for a period of time! Stairs were still bad.

So this past saturday was a breezy 7 mile run, or SHOULD have been a breezy 7 miles. At 3.5 my right leg felt like it locked and felt like the 'hinge' (knee) was grinding with no lubrication. It was sharp pain and crippling. I had to walk for about 10 minutes, very poorly, then I finally was able to run/walk/hobble to finish out the 7 miles. Not happy.

I made an appointment with a physical therapy place nearby that came highly recommended. I was hoping they'd give me some simple at-home exercises I can do so I wouldn't have to go there all the time and pay out my ass. I was in luck! Lucky me, I've been so absolutely lazy about stretching and cross training that this injury is mostly all my fault!

The physical therapist said my hamstrings were amazingly, shockingly tight. Like, how have you made it this far tight. The tight hamstring combined with the right IT band problem compounded into mass problems for my right leg. The prescription was pretty simple:

1. Skip the 16 miler this weekend, talk to trainer about getting back up to speed in a few weeks.

2. Continue smaller 30-45 minute runs but don't push it if its feeling bad.

3. Bike this weekend for a long time to keep that endurance cardio going.

4. Do the following stretches 60 seconds per stretch, 2 times in a session, 2-3 sessions a day: hamstring wall stretch and lying iliotibial stretch. Do them both before and after each run.

5. Keep on foam rollin. Also foam roll before and after each run. Wanna see a foam roller in action and learn more about IT bands? Check it out:

I look pretty awesomely stupid doing it.

If its not any better in two weeks I go back to physical therapy.

So there you have it - laziness and procrastination don't pay!

I did the stretching regiment this evening in its entirety and it was ouchie during the stretches but now I'm feeling pretty good.

get new gear

2008-07-10T19:17:00.001-07:00

I got new shoes:

My old pair had been a pair of brooks. I tried the updated version of those, a pair of sauconys and these adidas. It was a close call between the brooks and the adidas, but these felt like they will be nicer on my knees.

I also picked up a new set of superfeet for the ole pronation and flat-arch problems I have.

The plan is to test out the new shoes with the old superfeet on Friday for a few miles. If I like it, then I'll wear that same combo for my 14 mile run. Then the upcoming week I'll put my new superfeet in. This combo should keep me going through the marathon in october.

I also got my fist tube of body glide. I wasn't sure I needed any as I don't get any chafing in my pits/booty/etc - the normal spots you get it. The dude said that it would alleviate the blistering I have on my feet and I did get chafing on the tops of my feet too the past few weeks. So we'll test that out on Saturday morning too.

All this consumerism has made me feel a bit better about my knee situation now that I'm updated on my goods.

ouchie knee and thankspaint

2008-07-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

Oy my right knee. Last night was the first time I ran since my 12 mile run that Saturday in Anaheim. I've been too sick to be able to go running since then. It was only a 30-35 min run and within the first mile I had knee pain, and lots of trouble transitioning between running and walking. Just the right knee. By the end of the night the outer portion of my knee hurt very badly. During the run its the actual knee. This is frustrating because one version, just the knee, is simply runners knee, the other version, outside bit, is an I-T band issue which is much more serious and can potentially force me out of marathon training.

To counteract this, I'm going to the runners store tonight to get fitted for running shoes or to see if my current ones are doing the trick. That will eliminate one potential cause for the pain. I've already tried a knee brace to no effect. The other thing to do is to be strict about a stretching and leg strengthening regiment. I've been super lax about starting one, but I have no choice now. So now even more of my time will be devoted to running.

Also, I made Nate a thankspaints but its too cheesy to go on here. So there.

More thanks

2008-07-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

To the best librarian on the planet...

Thanks Paints

2008-07-01T12:04:00.001-07:00

For EGN, with whom I did my favorite class project ever.

12 miles

2008-06-28T16:32:00.001-07:00

My 'group' run this morning was just me and Chris, a pace group buddy. We are both in Anaheim for work (we happen to both work for libraries, weirdddd). We had to run 12 miles this week. We found a dead dried up river that has a trail next to it, so we went with that. Scenery was boring and also very scorched-earth. Like, this is what the world will be like when we run out of water. We found a dirty dirty baby doll that looked like a true dead baby. It was scary.

My right knee is KILLING me. Very bad. I forgot to use the knee stabilizer I brought so I'm annoyed. Whatever, I ran 12 miles today. Did you? Didn't think so. Or maybe you did, in which case, more power to you.

More thanks paints!

2008-06-23T14:48:00.001-07:00

Ten.Freaking.Miles

2008-06-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Our group ran ten miles yesterday morning. I'm still in disbelief that I ran ten miles. That was Foster Ave beach to the North ave pedestrian bridge and all the way back. I think driving that is long, but I RAN it. I'm so freaking proud of myself for running ten miles, not complaining once, and actually ENJOYING IT. That's right, I had FUN running 10 miles. I had a great time goofing off with these two cool dudes in my pace group, talking about the hot shirtless runners that would pass us, telling stupid stories...

I feel like this running business is really going to stick. I have the itch today to run but I have to take the day off to recover from yesterday. My feet bled yesterday - where they bend into the top of the tongue of my shoes. I don't know if it was the shoes doing it or if this is what this mysterious 'chafing' is. I'm going to buy some of that runners lube (lol) and see if it helps on my twelve mile run next Saturday.

Speaking of next Saturday, me and one of my pace group pals will both be in Anaheim for a work conference so we are going to do our 12 miles together there! Sort of cool huh? Total small world.

They keep on rollin in

2008-06-20T09:26:00.001-07:00

Shizz more delayed thankspaints

2008-06-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

God I really am a HORRIBLE person. Heres Jennifer H's, WHOOPS.

Totally delayed thankspaints

2008-06-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Oh.my.god. I TOTALLY forgot to make a thankspaints for two of my favorite people in the whole world - Wendy and Jacob. Here it is, and now I will go hide under my desk in shame. Morts.

workin it

2008-06-17T21:10:00.001-07:00

This week I told myself I really needed to start up with some strength training and flexibility training. I don't want to get injured before the marathon! Yesterday I did 50 minutes of Pilates. I didn't realize how UNflexible I had become. Shameful. It was a lot harder than I remember. Today I woke up early to do my run before work! It was nice - nobody else out, quiet, cool and not humid. Worth waking up early to get it out of the way and not have to have it delay a relaxing evening.

Tomorrow I may have a baseball game so I'll either walk for an hour between work and the game, or I'll skip the game and do pilates again at home.

ThanksPaints!

2008-06-16T10:13:00.001-07:00

Let's hear it for the three latest superstars to sponsor me! Matty, Steve, and Sumei. Woot!

Group run 9 miles

2008-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Today we did 9 miles. Nine Miles, WHOA!!! This is the first time I can say that I'm truly sore. My knees hurt, my leg muscles are tight. Yuck. I iced my knees today which made them feel happy and good. Next week: 10. Insanity.

And thanks to my super sponsors, who will get MS Paint ThanksPaints on Monday:
Steve
Matty J
Sumei

Yeahhhh, you three got me only 30 bucks away from my June 15th 1,000 dollar goal! I'm so close to the 1,500 by July 15th!

8 miles

2008-06-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

I had to run with the Sunday group this past weekend due to a late Friday night. I was worried I wouldn't like them as much, and my worries were well-founded! I didn't like them as much! I didn't even like the Sunday coach that much. The pace group Sunday was really disorganized and a bit too snarky for a run. I'm a total snark, but I need a long distance run to be infused with positive nice people or else I'll be miserable. I also like how my pace group is really equitable about who runs up front vs in the back, who takes what duties that week, etc. I like the militancy of my group. Hopefully I won't have to miss another Saturday, or else I can figure out how to do the long run on myself.

We ran 8 miles and it was humid. I keep noticing that the first 2 miles are always the worst, then you get into a pattern and don't think about how far you have gone, then the last mile is bad because you just want the f-in run over with. Then you are done and you feel awesome!

The one good thing about the Sunday group was that the pace leader is a phys. ed. teacher. He was able to tell me a bit about I-T band injuries and ways to prevent them since my lower-outer knee area has been acting up on runs. The last thing I want to happen to me is to get an injury and be screwed for the marathon.

7 miles

2008-05-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today's group run was 7 miles. My knees are aching now, but its only super noticeable when I'm walking down stairs. It was humid and in the upper 70s. The lake shore path gets really really busy the further south we got which was annoying. The coolest part was we ran from Foster to Belmont and back. That blows my brain a bit. The group seemed to be more friendly this time - now that we have run together a few weeks I think we are more comfortable. It made the run a bit nicer.

Next week: 8 miles.

3 more thankspaints

2008-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

For my oldest friend Tara, a far better marathon runner than I will ever be:

For Doc Dan, who may have to fix me when I die at the finish line:

For Matt P, a member of the 'Tation Vacation crew, life long bestie, smartest person on the planet, nicest guy in the universe, thanks:

rainy morning

2008-05-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had to run in the morning because I had zero time Wed or Thurs to get in my second solo run of the week. Unfortunately about 15 minutes into it the rain started pouring. Like buckets waterfall levels. As in I couldn't keep my eyes open because of it so the run was cut short. Boo.

I also didn't eat before the run to test out how well that goes. It was ok. I'm going to have to start running before work when it gets mega hot out so I better learn how to do it now.

Tomorrow is a 7-miler with the crew.

mega thanks paints

2008-05-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Got the MS Paint computer back, so here goes the most recent round of donors:

For Natalie and Matt, Audrey thanks you:

Edward C, the California bus riders thank you:

Andy B, thanks for forgoing a pitcher of margs and donating instead:

Jennifer F, project this!

Kris Racer Worlds Greatest (Cheating) Scrabulous Player:

feel, feel, feel, feel my heat

2008-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

I did a short 30 minute run this morning. I wanted to do 45 but it was so humid and hot that I was really feelin' it. Seems like I better start getting acclimated to summer weather. I'm glad I did this run on my day off - running on workdays is sort of sucky and now I only have one of those to do this week.

so best

2008-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Today was another group run. We did 6 miles, and yet again I can say "I have never run this much at one time in my life." It really wasn't so bad! Time goes by faster when you have people to talk to while you run. Keeps you motivated. The best part is that I found out our pace group leader, Chris, works for the ALA and will be at the same conference I'm going to be at in late June. This means we can do our 12 mile run together that weekend! I was really nervous about having to do this one alone, but now I have someone else to go with me. We got pretty excited about that. You meet librarians everywhere these days.

Next week: 7 miles. Now: nap

more thankspaints to be delayed

2008-05-20T14:05:00.001-07:00

A hearty "all right!" to Jennifer F, Edward C, Kris Racer, and Andy B for donating to my run. Yesssss. Paintings will return in a week. I'm now at $767.60

thankspaints delayed

2008-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of people to draw MS Paint thank you letters for donating this weekend at my party, but no MS Paint at home. They'll have to wait a week, sorry guys! But Natalie/Matt, Dan, Jennifer, and the other envelopes that are sealed so I don't know who they are yet...THANKS! You've shoved me to the halfway point!

Birthday run

2008-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's group run was a 5 miler. It was also on my birthday. It felt pretty great to get out there and run on my birthday. I'm getting increasingly used to waking up early to do this which is good. This was the first run on a Saturday that I could wear running shorts and a short sleeved shirt. The weather was perfect - sunny, warm, decent breeze just when you wanted one. My pace group sang happy birthday to me while running which was cute.

Today my knees are hurting, which I'd imagine is normal considering I don't think I have ever ran 5 miles before.

Last night I had a birthday party here and got donations for the marathon too! Feels good to be supported.

quick run

2008-05-15T20:40:00.001-07:00

I'll admit it - I didn't get my 2 30-45 minute runs in this week. I only did a 33 minute run tonight, and I barely even got that in. I almost skipped it but guilt took over so I sucked it up and went out there. I'm so glad I did because it made me feel a lot better and a hell of a lot less guilty/lazy. It was another night run and it was chilly but it was worth it.

Saturday's group run is 5 miles, and it is also on my birthday. Dedication is me waking up at 5:30 am on my birthday to do this. If you didn't think I could do it before, now you better.

Another A+ Awesome Adult

2008-05-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

Nick donated!

Thanks Paints!

2008-05-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Tamron, comin in with the support from the east coast!

Week 2 Run: 4 miles

2008-05-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today was the second group run and the first time we ran with our pace groups. We had a group leader who would call out when it was time to walk or run, and when we were going to fast or too slow for what is our pace. We ran 3 minutes, then would walk 1 minute. The walking is a bit of a double edged sword - I probably wouldn't have made the 4 miles without it, but its hard to get back to jogging after a minute of walking. I felt good at the end of the run - not exhausted at all. They want us to be able to talk the whole run so we keep a slower pace, so I had to make a bit of small talk. About half my group are alumni of this program - some have done it for 4 years! I think that says a lot about the program - that it works, its fun, it feels good etc. Next week we do five miles - on my birthday!

thankspaints

2008-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've started making MS Paint thank you cards for people who donate. First ones:

thanks sponsors!

2008-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is another bright and early run, and another chilly one. We'll be doing four miles tomorrow, the first time with our pace groups. Shouldn't be too bad.

Mega Thanks to Liz C. and my pops for donating to my marathon! They've put me ahead of my 500 dollars by May 15th goal! And remember, if you've donated it usually takes 4-5 days for it to be reflected on my list. So have no fear, your shout outs will occur soon.

pacing, weather

2008-05-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

My run today seemed really difficult. I think a few factors were involved: at 72 degrees this was the 'hottest' run I've done yet, I wasn't sticking to my run/walk rotation. Instead I was running for a long time then walking a minute or two. I also was having trouble paying attention to my pace and found that I was going faster than I should be. I still got in 35 minutes though. I just feel extra tired today.

And a special shout out goes to Kevin and Paul for their generous sponsorship of my run! Best best friends ever.

first group run

2008-05-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 5:20 am to get to the run site in time today for our first run. It was difficult to wake up, but once I was up I had no problem. The bus ride ruled because there was nobody getting on or off the bus so it was as if I had my own taxi...until some crazy tweaker kid decided to sit right next to me on an empty bus and hit on me. Ugh. Too early buddy.

It was cold out by the beach. We split into groups based on what we thought our mile time would be for a 3 mile run. I put myself in 12 minute mile group. Yeah yeah, slow. Whatever, they said to be slow and at a conversational pace or else you'll be put in a group thats too hard for you. We ran the three miles, with goofy cheer leaders everywhere cheering us on. At the end we got our times shouted out and they put us in our pace groups. Mine will be running 3 minutes, walking 1 minute from here on out. I got exactly 12 minutes for the run actually. Guess I was good at pacing and remembering how I ran the past few weeks.

I went home, was there by 9:30 am! Feels sort of weird. Next saturday is 4 miles, then the next week 5 and so on. It really doesn't feel so daunting right now, I don't know why. It probably should?

Last chance!

2008-05-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today was my last run before I start the big group training Saturday. I ran 2.5 miles. I was going to do a full 3 and time myself because that is what we are doing Saturday to get set in pace groups. However, I was sort of angry while I was running so I ended up running much harder than normal. I didn't realize it until I was almost done and had to stop because I thought I'd puke. Despite that, I had a great time.

Saturday starts the getting up at 5:15 a.m. business, and hoping on a bus at 5:54 a.m. Holy Shit. As someone who rarely can get out of her bed before 8, even on work days, this will be brutal.

I also had to buy some more gear today. This running business is pricey! I needed warmer running gear for this first run because it is going to be in the 40s and raining. I also got a new running watch so I could check my intervals much easier than carrying my half broke pedometer with me and constantly looking down to see what time it is.

Finally, I'm starving. At all times. I can't eat enough, but I also don't really want to eat. My stomach says "wah feed me" but the rest of me says "man that takes so much time and effort, forget it." No wonder I'm shedding inches so fast. I'll have to fix it soon enough though, because not eating and running 10-15 miles in one stretch is no good.

cold snap

2008-04-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

I was not prepared for this cold weather. I don't have cold weather running gear, I don't function in cold weather, yikes. Not good. As a result I missed my run on Monday, and am probably not going to 'make it up' today. Tomorrow looks a bit warmer so I think I can do it and just not feel too guilty. Then Thursday after work I'll go to a sports store and buy the right kind of cold weather running gear since I know my first group run at SEVEN IN THE FREAKING MORNING on Saturday is supposed to be cold and rainy.

All this gear is getting expensive, oy.

upgrade!

2008-04-26T13:05:00.001-07:00

I attended the kick-off meeting today, and got a lot of good ideas for fundraising, learned a bit, etc. Most importantly, I actually UPGRADED to the full Chicago Marathon! I did this after speaking to some trainers about what my distance and times have been the past month, and they said that I should definitely do the marathon. For example:

Week 1, Half Marathon group training: 1 mile run
Week 1, Marathon group training: 3 mile run

Considering I'm doing 3 already comfortably, it didn't make sense to decrease down to one mile. Also, its a hell of a lot easier to get to the north lakeshore path than the south lakeshore path for a carless person.

So I guess my blog name is out of date, but oh well. I'm really proud of myself for doing this, and I hope my friends, family and coworkers show their support by sponsoring me.

Probably the most interesting fact I learned today was that 5,000 people in Chicago living with AIDS/HIV will have their care provided for one year as a result of the money we raise. That is a shit load of people that are impacted by a bunch of strangers running together.

humid run

2008-04-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

I had to run Thursday because my Wednesday was intense. I'm thinking that Thursdays are going to be better anyway, as I currently get home earlier from work on Thursdays. My run today was 3 miles. It was humid and drizzly, but overall not too bad. I don't mind running in the rain.

I need to pop the new Cut Copy onto the shuffle for runnin', it seems like it'd be good.

Saturday I meet my trainer and the other runners, then next Saturday is our first run. Should be interesting. I'm a bit nervous that I'll be the worst one there. I guess it doesn't really matter since I'm just doing it for myself, and not to be the best.

After work run

2008-04-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I ran around 6:30 tonight, on a sunny 72 degree day. Apparently that means everyone else and their dogs are out too. I had to dodge a lot of people, which included an unfortunate encounter with some idiot hipster, his dog, and a retractable leash.

I tried to run a bit faster tonight, but it seems like I covered the same distance which is sorta sad.

I also wore my running shorts for the first time this season. I was so pale! I felt sort of self conscious, but whatever. It's that or die of sweating. Plus it'll get some color on my legs so I can not be mortified of my ghostly presence.

Saturday Run

2008-04-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

I did a 3 mile run yesterday, which is a bit more than I've been doing. In the end I probably covered 3.5 miles total. It was pretty hard actually. The good thing is my right knee stopped hurting during and after a run, so I must have fixed my pronation on that side. I'm also not sore today, which is a plus. Now that it's been a day I forgot anything else about the run.

Nutritionally speaking - I'm a mess. I'm not eating very much, and certainly not enough for the amount of running I will be doing soon. Part of it is just that I've been busy, some of it is that I've been short on cash to buy groceries. Some of it is that the running combined with some personal factors have massively decreased my appetite. So I started taking a multi-vitamin. I should be doing this anyway, and now that I'm running it is even more important. The reason why I haven't taken them with regularity in the past is because multi-vitamins are freaking horse pills. But I'll stick with it this time.

Finally, and maybe TMI for you males, my uhh...cycle...is all out of whack. I should be getting the old p'rod around Wednesday, but my running must have shaken that crap loose because here it is. This is another reason I really have to watch my nutrition, as food and exercise really have in impact on your lady stuff. The most disconcerting is that I really shouldn't ever have any variation because of my birth control, especially this many days difference. Eeps!

night running

2008-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep well last night so I didn't get up in time to run this morning. I was also a little concerned about the whole do you or do you not eat before a morning run. It was so windy today, and I worked until 7, so I couldn't run until after dark.

Pros of running at night:
-you get to peek into other people's houses
-not too many people or cars in your way
-you can make funny dance moves when you finish your run and nobody will see you

Cons of running at night:
-I have terrible vision in the dark and can't run with my glasses on. This meant I couldn't tell if the white blob ahead of me was a plastic bag or a poodle (but really, is there a difference between refuse and poodles?)
-It's probably more dangerous as far as creepy crawly dudes
-I can't always tell how broken the sidewalk is which increases potential of injury

I was really debating if I should move this run to Thursday morning, but I knew if I couldn't wake up this morning there was no way I'd get up tomorrow when I actually have to be at work at 9 (instead of 11 today). I'm so proud of myself for sticking through the wishy-washy and just running like I am supposed to. I love when I'm running too - I forget about all the various b.s. going on and just think about goofy stuff.

The best part of the run was that I increased my speed. I did 2.6 miles this time instead of 2.25! And it didn't feel that bad. I like seeing progress.

Monday workout

2008-04-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

I did a run 3 minutes walk fast 2 minutes rotation for 30 minutes tonight. It actually got easier as the time went on, and I felt like I could have done more. However, I don't want to blow it - gotta build up slowly so I avoid injury and burn-out. I really enjoyed the run though, and it ended up being about 2.26 miles.

I listened to a great combination of music: Rick James, New Order, and !!!. Both my new headphones and my old headphones are bugging me. My ears are too small for the new ones to really fit around my ear (they wrap around to stay in place), and my old ones are still making my right ear have serious pain. I ran with just the left bud in and the right one outside of my ear.

The new gear worked out well too. I felt sorta fancy wearing a 'real' runners shirt and not some gross old shirt like usual.

Tuesday should be a cross-training day. I think it'll be 30 minutes of pilates.

Acquired

2008-04-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Purchased:

1. Industrial strength sports-bra. Seriously, lock and load.
3. Two pairs of running shorts for when it finally gets warmer here.

Forgot:

1. To bring my watch to get a new battery in it so I can start timing myself.

Ordered and received in the past week:

1. two new running shirts, non cotton, fancypants stuff
2. new headphones that hopefully won't kill me

Ordered and still waiting for:

1. shoe-wallet
2. highly recommended sports-bra

I think this should put me where I need to be with equipment. My shoes are good for at least a few more months, if not the whole shebang.

Quickie

2008-04-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was packed from 8 am to 11:20 pm, so I wasn't able to get any good exercise in. I did walk a bunch, including 1.6 miles all in one spurt. Today I'm going to catch up by doing some yoga or pilates at home, since its pouring rain outside. I also don't have a new boob-holder for running so I need to get that before I attempt it. I'll do that Saturday.

Note on the right is the link to where you can sponsor me - your donation goes to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

so it begins

2008-04-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

I walked/ran for about 25 minutes today on this route which apparently is a little over 2 miles.

A few things I noticed:

1. I need new running headphones. My ears must have gotten smaller because by the end I had to take them out of the ear canal zone due to them hurting my ears so badly. I wore this last week I don't remember it being that bad, but I mostly walked that time. Maybe running worsens it.

2. I need a new sports bra, mama mia. I'm not a chesty lady by any means, but I don't want them floppin' all over! I was in pain by the time it was over. This ole bra must have been from my chubbier days? I don't know.

3. I need to be very conscious that I don't over-do it before May 2nd (first training day). Just get out there, enjoy it, get a bit of a work out and not worry about distance or speed.

Registered for the training today

2008-04-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

I just registered for the National AIDS Marathon Training Program. What the hell was I thinking?

1. I've seen these ads for years, even in SF and was always interested.

2. I like running but lack the self motivation to do it.

3. I need to get a hobby to occupy my time.

4. I'd like to look super hot some day, and tan (only half joking here).

5. I'll probably meet some ok new people.

6. I want to do some good somewhere in the world, and this seemed pretty good. Raising money for AIDS organizations.

7. I've always wanted to be able to say I ran a marathon, but realistically know that a half-marathon is probably the best I'll get.

8. I'll be forced to run by the water once a week, which will rule. I miss water.

What did I just get myself into?

1. Training 2 days a week alone, and every Saturday with my pace group starting May 1st.

2. Lots of hot sweaty bus rides home on early Saturday mornings.

3. Quiet Friday nights.

4. Sore muscles.

5. Expensive running gear.

6. Intimidation and fear I'll fail or quit.

What will I do before May 3rd?

Walk/run 3 days a week alone to get ready. I'm envisioning Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays as those three days.

Buy new running shorts and shirts. I already have good running shoes.