According to the calendar, there are still about three more weeks until Fall officially arrives. For me, summer has already ended. It stopped the day I had to start getting back up at 6 am and heading back to school.
I thought this summer I'd write a lot, but I actually discovered the opposite was true. Writing for me accomplishes many things, but one of the biggest is stress relief. And who needs to worry about relieving stress when you're on a 2 1/2 month vacation? Not this girl, that's for sure.
Part of what makes it great is that Tim also works in a school so we get to spend the summer together. This summer was a blast. We spent a lot of time being active--running, hiking, swimming. We also caught up on the entire series of Breaking Bad (thank you, Netflix). We went on few day trips, spent time with our families, hung out with our awesome dog Penny... it was just a great time.
The most exciting part of our summer had to be our vacation. We spent a few days in New Orleans and then cruised to Cozumel, Mexico. New Orleans was a lot of fun, though Bourbon Street was a bit of a culture shock. We basically got lunch and high tailed it out of there. City Park, though, is lovely, and I'd highly recommend checking it out.
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| Vacationers |
The cruise was just about perfect--just too short! The food was delicious! It was also probably the most relaxing vacation I can remember having. We'd sleep in, eat some breakfast, and then head out to the rear deck to find a beach chair to read. After lunch, we'd take a nap and read some more until it was time to get ready for dinner and evening festivities. One night, we were even chosen to go up on stage and be part of the "Love and Marriage Show", where couples answer embarrassing questions to see how much they know about each other, like on The Newlywed Show. We had a blast, and now, it's fun to show that video to our loved ones (and by fun, I definitely mean embarrassing!)
Cozumel was gorgeous. We went scuba diving which I highly recommend. I'm not the strongest swimmer, so I was a little nervous at first. In fact, I somehow managed to get water down in my snorkel within 2 minutes of being in the ocean. But we had on a life vest, and after getting used to the equipment and water, it became a lot of fun. It was beautiful, seeing all the fish under the water.
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| Scubaing in Cozumel |
Unfortunately, not only did the cruise have to come to the end, so did summer break. And with returning to work, stress has returned to my life. So far, it has been very manageable, but there are a lot of changes this year. Changes always stress me out, even when they are positive changes.
LAST WEEK!! I'm pretty excited, if you weren't able to tell. Each workout this week is different and the most challenging I've faced so far.
W8D1
Workout
5 minute walking
5 minute running
2 minute stretching
20 minute running
5 minute stretching
5 minute run
3 minute stretching
5 minute run
I was fairly pleased with myself on this workout. My legs felt great during the first part of the run. Unfortunately my stomach wasn't feeling as great as my legs so I had to walk some of the running towards the end because I didn't want to risk anything, if you know what I mean. So I feel like I could have done better--state wise--if my body would have cooperated.
Distance: 2.87 mi Duration: 51:14 mins Avg Speed: 3.33/mph Avg Pace: 18:02 min/mi
W8D2
Workout
5 minute walk
10 minute run
3 minute stetching
10 minute run
5 minute walk
10 minute run
5 minute walk
5 minute run
So this work out took me a while to complete. The first day I did it, I got 30 minutes done and felt miserable. Embarrassing as it is, I got to admit I was across the neighborhood and had to call Tim to come pick me up. I was just plain out sick.
I was feeling better the next day, but just felt like I wasn't ready to revisit this workout. So I decided to listen to a podcast and just do my own thing at my own speed. It turned out to be my best run in WEEKS. I did 65 minutes total. I walked for 15 minutes, ran for 50 minutes. One of my running periods was for a full 30 minutes and I did almost 2 miles!! Non-zombie stats were 65 minutes, 4.18 miles, and had a pace of 15:33! Woo!
Now back to finishing this Zombie workout...
So I restarted Day 2 and felt so much better. I even ran a little extra than the workout had, making it 40 minutes total outta a nearly 60 minute workout. I was very pleased. Oh, it was even raining during this run. I waited until it slowed to a drizzle, but it another achievement--rain running!
Distance: 3.44mi Duration: 59:15 mins Avg Speed: 3.41/mph Avg Pace: 17:36 min/mi
W8D3:
Workout
Run a 5K
So this one took me two tries too. I had taken two days off and headed out yesterday after work. I was in a rush, so I didn't take much time to stretch or do a proper warm up walk and just went for it... and after about a block or so, I felt like my legs were turning to stone. It was miserable. I decided the 5K wasn't happening today. Tim was out with Penny so he saw me and walked back to the house with me, coaching me that everyone has bad runs and its to be expected--especially after two days off and my lack of warming up and stretching.
I was feeling determined to fix it, though, so I decided to get up this morning at 4:55(!!!!) to run before work. I'm so not a morning person, but for some reason, I woke up when the alarm went off feeling pretty well. I even got out the door before Tim did... after proper stretching, of course!! It felt great being out there, still mostly dark while the rest of the world was asleep. It gave me time to pray, clear my head, and enjoy the quietness around me. I finished the 5K (3.10 miles) in just around 47 minutes, which I was happy with, especially since I only walked for about 3 minutes of the entire thing. I walked about 90 seconds in between miles 1 and 2 and then 2 and 3.
Distance: 3.26 mi Duration: 51:01 mins Avg Speed: 3.83/mph Avg Pace: 15:39 min/mi
So now that I'm finished the 5K app, I'm going to move on to the full Zombies, Run! app. I'll try to keep updating on how my progress is going. I have 5 weeks until the Nick Adenhart 5K Run that I have been planning on doing for a while now. So the goal for the next 5 weeks is to work on my pace. I'd like to be at a 13 minute pace by the 5K, so I can finish with a time under 40 minutes! I think its possible, as long as I keep myself running consistently!
I have a secret that I know I alone sufferer from... Sometimes, on occasion, in certain circumstances I worry what people think about me! Do I look stupid? Do I sound dumb? Am I just some weirdo that people like to laugh about when I walk out of the room? I'm a little jealous of all the extra time you have by not worrying about what people think of you.
So I'm kidding. I know we all have times when we feel self conscious. And if you don't, my professional advice would be to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible and ask him about narcissistic personality disorder. (Just kidding! For real!)
When I'm running and a car drives by or someone is working in their yawn, I often have a quick, but sharp "what are they thinking?!" fear. The more I run, the less I think about it. Over the past 7 weeks, I've come to peace with what I truly believe is reality.
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| One of running mantras! |
I think when most people see anyone running--even those of us who aren't long legged gazelles--have two reactions. First--the non athletes--they see you and think "Look at her running... ugh, I really need to work out. I'll start tomorrow." I know I was that person for a long time in my life. I always admired anyone who was out running in public, with the sad knowledge that I wasn't one of them!
The second reaction is from those who do work out regularly. I imagine them giving me a little "you go girl!" chant while thinking about their last or their next workout. Ultimately, as humans we usually relate everything back to ourselves. So in a way it's silly that I'm worried what people will think of me because they're too busy thinking about themselves! It's how things seem to work for our species.
And if there is someone who thinks something mean, so be it. I'm sure it happens, but I think it is a lot more rare than my mind worries about. Who is better off in the long run--me pushing through a run or some idiot driving through my development? Who cares what a random stranger thinks when I have the love and support of my husband, family, and friends?
Week 7 Work Out:
10 minute walk
5 minute free form running
5 cycles of:
1 minute running
15 minutes skipping
5 minute free form run
2 cycles of:
3 minute stretching/walk
5minute free form run
W7D1: Another run with terrible back pain! What's the deal runner friends? I have a few theories--not drinking enough water, hypothyroid symptom, need to stretch more? Tim suggested maybe I need to work on strengthening my core or even get a new sports bra. I don't know, but it's frustrating because I know I've 15 minute free form all the way through, and now I'm struggling with 5 minute runs? And it's all about the back pain. I'm making some immediate changes before my day 2 run on Saturday--more water and stretching and making sure I take some Tylenol before the run!
Distance: 2.57 mi Duration: 44:36 mins Avg Speed: 3.46/mph Avg Pace: 17:20 min/mi
W7D2: Honest moment. I'm writing this a week after I actually did this run so I can't remember it all that well, other than by the stats... it sucked pretty bad! What I do remember is that I had planned to run Saturday morning, but Penny woke me up early and I wasn't feeling well so I put it off to the afternoon. And even then, Tim had to help kick my butt out the door. So my motivation wasn't the best and I just wasn't feeling it. But I've been told to expect those days and to aim to conquer them!
Distance: 2.36 mi Duration: 43:17 mins Avg Speed: 3.2/mph Avg Pace: 18:45 min/mi
W7D3:I do remember that on Sunday, I was feeling a little better and had a much more pleasant run mentally. Mostly, this run was important because it was my last of week 7! Only 1 more week to go before finishing the entire Zombies, Run! 5K program!
Distance: 2.6 mi Duration: 44:00 mins Avg Speed: 3.41/mph Avg Pace: 17:35 min/mi
Week 6 Work Out:
5 minute walk
10 minute free form running
10 half squats
2 cycles of:
30 seconds stretching
10 half squants
5 minutes fast walk
7 minute free form run
2 cycles of:
2 minute stretching/walk
7 minute free form run
W6D1: This weeks workout seemed a little more complicated with all the different cycles and stretches. I'll start off with being honest. I didn't do the squats. I get that they are to help strengthen your legs, but my pride just wouldn't let me do squats out in the middle of our neighborhood. I did do some knee and heel lifts during those times, though. I had intentions of doing the squats once I got in the privacy of my own home, but never actually got around to it. As far as the run goes... it was my third difficult run in a row. Mentally, I struggled big time. Physically, it was hot and my legs felt heavy. But, I finished and I ran all the free form runs (31 minutes worth). And that's my focus now--endurance. I'll have a few weeks to work on my pace and speed once I'm done the 5K training program.
Distance: 2.98 mi Duration: 51:02 mins Avg Speed: 3.5/mph Avg Pace: 17:08 min/mi
W6D2: I struggled before this run. I had taken a nap, got up and changed into my running clothes, and then sat on the couch and whined about not wanting to go out. Thankfully, my husband gently pushed me to get my butt out the door. I'm glad because it was my first good feeling run in over a week and I needed that! The weather was perfect and my legs felt great. My speed/pace was even up a little bit!
Distance: 3.05 mi Duration: 50:18 mins Avg Speed: 3.63/mph Avg Pace: 16:31 min/mi
W6D3: I started off feeling pretty strong. It was a hot day and it felt (for lack of a better term) pollen-y. It was probably all in my head, but it was like I could feel all the pollen I was breathing in. So far, the allergy meds I started taking as soon as I noticed trees starting to blossom has been doing its job, though. Things were going pretty well until the last 7 minute free form run. For the first time in weeks, I had to walk for part of a free form run. Ugh. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is sore and weak muscles, which I've been dealing with. This week, the pain has been in my back. So during that last run, my legs felt okay, wasn't totally out of breath, and feeling mostly okay other than severe back pain! So I walked for about a minute, maybe a little more, of that last run, but at that point, I just wanted to make it home!!
Distance: 2.92 mi Duration: 49:52 mins Avg Speed: 3.51/mph Avg Pace: 17:05 min/mi
Week 5 Work Out:
5 minute walk
5 minute free form running
8 cycles of:
30 seconds walking
1 minute running
6 reps heel lifts
10 minute free form run
5 minute stretching/walk
10 minute free form run
W5D1: I felt great today. I went with Tim to the canal for his long run day. I knew he was planning for about 80 minutes out running, so I planned to do my regular workout, which was scheduled to take 52 minutes and then do another 20-30 minutes walking. Once I really got into the workout, I was feeling great. I turned off my app at the end of the 52 minutes, but kept on going. My "walk" back to the car turned into a free form run. So unofficially, I did 4.5 miles in 74 minutes. I ran all 33 minutes of the work out, plus an additional 12 on the way back to the car to give me 45 minutes total running today! My legs are feeling great now, and I'm hoping I didn't ruin them for tomorrow.
Distance: 3.26 mi Duration: 52:00 mins Avg Speed: 3.76/mph Avg Pace: 15:59 min/mi
W5D2: I had a lot of fun on this run. I picked up my parents dog, Eddie, and took him with me to the canal. He had a blast and so did I. It took us a little while to get the hang of running together, but he seemed so happy trotting beside me. It was pretty hot, though, and my body is still adjusting to that.
Distance: 3.11 mi Duration: 52:39 mins Avg Speed: 3.54/mph Avg Pace: 16:56 min/mi
W5D3: Ugh, this was a miserable run. I had taken two days off, but my muscles and legs just ached. I just wanted it to be over as soon as I had started. It was hot, too. My thyroid symptoms seem very elevated this week, so that wasn't helping anything. It was definitely a victory just to finish type of run. Hoping for a better run week during week 6!!
Distance: 3.01 mi Duration: 51:54 mins Avg Speed: 3.47/mph Avg Pace: 17:16 min/mi
Week 4 Work Out:
5 minute walk
5 minute running
5 cycles of:
10 seconds knee lifts
1 minute slow walking
1 minute fast walking
5 cycles of:
1 minute walking
30 seconds running
15 minute free form run
W4D1:Today was beautiful--perfect temperature, little wind, just lovely. And I didn't want to get off the couch. But I finally motivated myself to get out there. Looking at this week's workouts, it seemed to be much more about building endurance than speed. So that was what I decided to focus on. There was only 22.5 minutes running compared to 26 last week, but that 15 minute run was a bit scary. So I went out there with the goal of not even thinking about my speed and just running those 15 minutes solid. The hilarious thing? I went further than ever before with the best speed and pace yet. Crazy, huh? Also, I went a little over a mile in those 15 minutes, so I was pretty thrilled about that!
Distance: 3.45 mi Duration: 49:48 mins Avg Speed: 4:15/mph Avg Pace: 14:26 min/mi
W4D2: This was one of those runs where it was simply about finishing. It was so windy that for a while, I had to hold on my hat so it didn't fly off my head. My legs felt so heavy! I started the 15 minute free form run going straight into the wind for a long stretch. When the app told me I had done 2 minutes, I thought my legs would fall off before I made it 15 minutes. But I persevered, jogging slowly along until I reached the end. I knew my stats would be terrible, but I finished and that was what today was about.
Distance: 2.92 mi Duration: 47:17 mins Avg Speed: 3.7/mph Avg Pace: 16:12 min/mi
W4D3: I decided I needed a "change of pace" from running around our development, so I went to the Hagerstown City Park on my way home. City Park has a reputation for being a hangout for some less than reputable people, but typically that's after dark. I couldn't get the idea out of my head and there wasn't as many people out as I was hoping despite a pretty nice, if overcast, day. My run went fine for the first 40 minutes or so, other than having to leave the path due to a showdown with a goose that I lost. But with about 6 minutes left to my final free form run, I was behind an older, scruffy looking man who kept swaying from one side of the path to the other. I had no clue how I was going to pass him. He heard me coming up behind him and turned around. He reeked of alcohol and said "hey beautiful, where you headed." I said "just running" and probably stepped it up as fast as I could without going into a full out sprint. Thankfully, I was headed towards the main playground where I knew there were some people out. I circled the playground area until I finished my last 6 minutes. I don't think I'm going to be heading back there if I'm alone. Even before that happened, I just felt like I was so hyper vigilant of who I was around, that I couldn't relax and focus on my run at all.
Distance: 2.98 mi Duration: 47:22 mins Avg Speed: 3.77/mph Avg Pace: 15:54 min/mi
Side Note: First, I am really glad to be done week 4! The 10+ minutes of slow walking/fast walking/knee lifts were so tedious. Looking ahead to week 5 seems to be a lot more challenging, so I'm really excited for that! Also, I am 50% of the way done the Zombies, Run! 5K app!! I finished 4 weeks in 24 days. If I keep up the same pace, I'll finish the app the last week of April, leaving me all of May and the first week of June to work on speed and pace for the 5K I have planned on June 8th. I did see one a few weeks before that--May 18th--today that benefits the Humane Society. I'm tempted to try to do both...
