Happy Halloween!

So it's the end of October and the weather has finally turned to feeling like it should. For a few days now it's been chilly and quite windy. Woke up this morning wanting to run, as I actually woke up before the alarm. Unfortunately all I could think about was work and stuff I needed to do. I'm meeting with Anna tonight, and she was booked at 6pm so my appt is at 5pm. Because of that, I know I'll have to leave work early, so I decided to get up and just go into work early to get some work done. With the early appt with Anna, I knew I had plenty of evening time to do my run later.

Worked out with Anna and found that I've lost more weight and inches. Really doing pretty good at this! She actually did one exercise with me tonight, the first time ever she's done that in over a year of working with her. We did partner pushups, you know the ones where you both face each other, do a push up and slap hands. Then we did alot of leg stuff today, so I know I'm going to feel that tomorrow.

It's still sunny at 6pm and it was in the low 50s, so I decided to drive home and run outside. Unfortunately this was the worst 1 mile run in many, many weeks. I was just drained and got a side stitch only about .3 into the run, and it never went away. I was panting terribly and kept feeling like I had to slow down. I tried everything to get rid of the stitch--one arm up overhead, two arms, stand up straighter, exhale on the left foot, inhale on the left foot, nothing was working. I just wanted to stop, but figured I was already .5, .6, .7 into it, I better just plow through, otherwise I'd have to go back out later and try for a mile again.

The final as 1.00 mile in 9:22 pace. Not really all that bad statistically, but it felt terrible.

Another nice day

Had to get up at 4am (yes AM) today because I had a conference/career fair in Oconomowoc at 6am. Obviously there was no running there. I have no idea how late the fair is to run, but I know I'll have to fit in at least the mile.

As I left the fair earlier than I thought I would, I was driving home about 5pm and heard on the radio that it was 65 degrees. It was a bright sunny day and quite nice. As I drove home, I contemplated going to the gym or running outside. There are probably so few nice days left, so I opted for the run.

Since it was early in the evening, and I'm really tired from such an early start this morning, I thought it would be good to at least try for 2 miles. I ran south out the neighborhood and figured I could always walk part-way back if I wanted. There was a very brisk wind, 16-20mph from the south. Therefore the first mile was the toughest, and it got easier for the way home.

Ran 2.04 miles in 18:21 (9:00/mile pace). Still a pretty nice pace in the wind, enjoying every minute of the sunny, crisp weather I can.

Monday, Monday, na na, na na na

That was bad, but just have that song stuck in my head.

Got up ready to run this morning. It was a fairly nice crisp morning, so I decided to try to run a bit farther than the mile. Wasn't sure if I could/would or not, so stayed in the neighborhood and just did an S pattern, with all the little outshoots that are around the neighborhood. Finally circled on around and ended up back at the house.

Ran 2.25 miles in 20 minutes (8:53/mile pace). Nice way to start the week.

No Y in toda_

Sunday is normally the Y day. I was all prepared to go and do some cardio and weights. While laying in bed this morning, relaxing and listening to the weather, I heard it was actually a pretty nice day. The were figuring it would be in the mid- to high- 40s by late morning, with very light winds (under 10mph). It was sunny also. I thought about it and realized that very, very soon, there will not be any nice days like this left. Therefore I decided not to go to the Y, but go for a run.

Thought I may do 3+ miles, but once I got going, I really didn't want to. Thought I could always do more later if I wanted. Therefore I re-routed and thought I'd do the 2+ mile loop out of the neighborhood south and back in. Ran 2.1 miles in 18:34 (8:50/mile pace). Considering I struggled a bit at points, still had a pretty good time.

Week of PRs

Looking back on this week, I remember two very specific things--I was exhausted most of the week due to the stress and long hours at work, and I had a great week of exercise. They say that exercise helps to combat stress and give you energy. I hope that is so, otherwise I'm not sure how I made it through this week. Or, maybe exercise is needed to wear off the stress--that's probably closer to this truth when you think about my week.

Started Sunday with lots of cardio, plus weights.
Tuesday evening after work, I had another PR for a mile (plus a bit) with an 8:16 mile
Thursday I reached a lower weight (138) that I haven't seen in many, many, many years
And today..............

Today was the zoo-south run, a newer run that I actually really enjoy. Lots of turns and different types of sights. Also, since it's newer, I'm not bored with it and it seems to go really fast. Ken was there this week and we took off together at the head of the group. And we stayed at the head the entire time--even Amy and Dan never passed us!

It was chilly (about 50 degrees) with 10-20mph WNW winds. We all know how much I love the winds. And at times it was head on and strong (especially heading west from Chancery toward the bridge!!!!), that was rough.

Got back to the end and got 5.5 miles right before the zoo. That was enough. I had run hard with Ken and knew I was tired. Looked down and saw that we only ran for 49:04. That seemed a little short. Looked at the pace: .............

8:53/mile pace average for 5.5 miles

Wow! That's another PR. That's a 9 second best per mile on my fastest ever which was only 5 weeks ago (on 9/22). Then, to top it all off, after coffee I went to the Y and did some weights.

What a week! Major highlights for the 1 mile, for my weight, and for over 5 miles! Can't beat that!

Finally Friday

It's been a really long, busy workweek and I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm going out to dinner with Mom tonight, plus I hope to talk to Bill sometime tonight, therefore I knew I shoudl run in the morning as I wouldn't want to run later. Plus with the long run on Saturday, I should make sure my legs have at least the 24 hours to relax.

Went out and realized I really didn't feel like hurrying and could just run a nice, steady pace. Ran 1.01 in 9:10 (9:03/mile pace). Slower than most runs this week, but still quite respectable.

The streak of at least 1 mile a day is still going.

Cozy bed

I woke up this morning earlier than I needed to (had to pee), so I thought for sure I'd run in the morning. Then I crawled back into bed and Breezy came up to snuggle. Well, that was it. I got warm and cozy again and really didn't want to get back up.

Had yoga this evening and we did some new stretches and a little strength training with these little frisbee-like discs. That was different.

Got home and new I had to run still. Went out a little fast as I just wanted to get it done. Lengthened my stride on the back end to try to slow a bit. Still ended up fast!

Ran 1.04 in 8:45 (8:23/mile pace).

Gotta run early

I have to work late tonight at a job fair, so running in the morning was the best option. It's really starting to get chilly in the mornings now. Didn't have alot of time, so just did the normal mile.

Ran 1.03 mile in 8:41 (8:26/mile pace)

Needing a change

Set out to go for the neighborhood run. Couldn't decide whether or not to run 1 or 2 miles. As I set out, I didn't feel like running the normal route(s). I thought I'd just run the neighborhood, but do a different route. I went around the loop, but added every outshot....down the circle, down the normal short road, then out to GB Road. That added a little to the normal route.

Ran 1.34 miles in 11:06 (8:16/mile pace). THAT'S THE FASTEST EVER!

Rainy day

Couldn't get up this morning to run in the morning. Probably should have, as it was drizzling when I came out of work. Luckily I've been really good to make sure that I bring my gym bag each day to have with me to go to the gym if I need to.

Ran my mile on the treadmill in about 9:15 pace. Walked a bit to cool down, then did 20 minutes on the bike on a hill workout. Got another 30 minutes of moderate cardio in.

Kickin' with Cardio

Had a late night last night at the Halloween party, with an early rise morning to meet Team Synergy for breakfast. This led to me draggin by 10:30am and needing a nap. Relaxed a bit knowing that the Y is now open to 4pm on Sundays. Decided to go to the gym around 2pm and figured I had no reason to hurry home, so I might as well spend some good time at the gym.

Ran 20 minutes for 2.2 miles
Biked with the hill terrain at level 5 for 20 minutes
Then did the elliptical at level 3 hill workout for 20 minutes, with intervals of going backwards

A good 60 minutes of cardio. That felt good. I then did my standard 5 weight machines (3 legs, 2 shoulder press), plus the lower back machine.

That's enough for today.

Guilt trip

So, this is the first week that Bill was gone for the Saturday run. He had told everyone to make sure I show up for the runs on Saturdays and to bug me if I didn't show. I was running a little late this morning and showed up at running at about 7:01am. As I get out of the car, one group teased me and said they were wondering if they'd have to call. Then Kristin walks up with her cell phone and says "we had the phone tree all ready to go". No pressure. Guess it's good, though, that they were thinking of me.

Pretty big group today. Ran with Susan and Dan, and Sandy this week. Not quite as fast as other weeks, but still respectable. Had a really nice chat with Susan for most of the run and that was nice.

Ran 5.8 miles in 56 minutes (9:39/mile pace)

TGIF

It was a busy work week and I'm just exhausted. It's been 6 days since Bill left, and I'm dealing OK, but still a little lonely. Thought I'd run this morning, but as I lay in bed waking up I hear the wind rattling the windows. No rain this morning, but boy that wind sounded strong. No running for me this morning.

Took clothes with to work today and figured if it was still rough later in the day, I'd just go to the All Saints gym. Heard it rained during the day, and sure enough it was still quite windy when I was leaving work. Moved the car and went to the All Saints gym. I've never gone on a Friday before, so I wasn't prepared for everything being closed. Thank goodness I took my ID badge in as that was the only way I was going to get into the locker room and gym itself.

Ran 1 mile on the treadmill in about 9:45 or so. Then did another 8 minutes on the bike in a hill workout. Should have probably done a little more, but knew I was doing a long run Saturday so that was enough to sweat and feel like I got some exercise in.

Rain and wind

Woke up to hearing lots of rain and wind outside. I really wanted to run this morning as I have yoga tonight, but hearing this I wasn't really interested.

Took clothes with to work, just in case I got done with work at 5pm and could run in the All Saints gym before yoga. Well, that didn't work and I was still working at 5:40pm, so I just kept working. Stopped for an errand, then went to yoga with Sara. The first instructor was back so it was a very slow, relaxing hour of yoga. Some of the poses (i.e. Warrior II) hurt a bit due to the strain Anna put on my thighs the night before, but it was OK.

Got home from yoga and had to do my run. Went out for the standard loop. It was a beautiful night, low 60s and a perfectly clear sky with lots of stars. Definitely better than the morning. After the run, I just laid on the driveway for a few minutes as I know within days or weeks, it will turn towards winter and be too cold to enjoy these types of evenings.

Ran 1.02 in 9:00 minutes (8:50/mile pace)

Anna Banana

OK, so it's another night with Anna tonight. Woke up to run early, but it was raining, so I figure I'd go after working out with Anna.

Lost another 1.5 lbs, so that started off my session well. Then Anna got all excited. A friend of hers went to an exercise workshop and learned a number of new exercises, that she showed Anna. She was so excited to have me try some and said one was a particularly good, but hard, one. I've since figured something out....there is a direct correlation between Anna's excitement for an exercise and my pain level doing and after the exercise. More excitement, more pain! The first one incorporated balance, core, twist, pushup, dip. Too much and I kept falling over. Even Anna fell over trying to show me (never a good thing when the trainer struggles to show an exercise---she said she just hadn't practiced it enough, yet I was supposed to do it!?!?!?). We modified it a bit, but it was really, really tough. I'll definitely feel that one tomorrow. Lots of other exercises to go, with a few new ones. After, I noticed it was somewhat nice outside and I really didn't want to run on those new treadmills they have.

Went home and it was starting to rain for part of my drive. Got home, grabbed the Garmin and went right out hoping to beat the rain. It started to really drizzle hard during the run, so that was a little chilly and cold.

Ran 1.02 miles in 9:02 (8:50/mile pace).

Two-a-day

Got up and thought I could do a run in the morning, plus go to the gym after. I have some time tonight, so might as well take advantage of it.

Ran the normal mile route around the neighborhood. Ran 1.03 in 8:42 (8:29/mile pace).

Then went to the All Saints gym after work. Ran another mile on the treadmill in about 8:42 pace. Kept going for a bit and did the full 10 minutes of running. Moved over to the bike to read a bit and did a 20 minute ride, hill workout on level 5. At times it was way too easy, but at times it was a really push. Good leg workout today. Didn't want to do any weights today as I'm meeting with Anna tomorrow.

Up and early

Went to bed right on time, so I got up right when the TV went off. Yesterday I thought I may not run early as I thought I'd go to the gym after work, but then I got called by Judy to go to dinner with the family to meet Jennifer---now that meant no evening workout. Therefore I definitely had to run early.

As I was leaving the house, I was debating running 2 miles. Not sure, though, I just decided to run around the neighborhood, but do an S route. This way I could add an extra loop if I wanted, or just cut it off if I wanted.

I ended up running 1.26 miles in 10:40 (8:29/mile pace). That's a pretty good way to start the week.

Quiet Sunday

So, today's was the first day waking up alone, the first of many days ahead. With no plans until the afternoon, there is really no reason not to go to the YMCA. Took my time getting ready, but headed off.

Ran intervals on the treadmill. Did the mile in about 8:24, but kept going a bit to run 1.25 miles total. Then went over to the bike and did 25 minutes of a varied hill workout on the bike. Put it at level 5, so it was a little tough at times. Then did a few machines, but not many--just did the adductor & abductors, plus the sitting press and lat pushout one. That's all for today.

Sappy Sat

So, today's the day Bill leaves for Australia for 26 days. I'm just sad about that and whiny. I really didn't want to run, but figured I should. Went with Bill to the group run on the southside bike path. Bill and I ran together with Kristin and Ken. Being with Ken, and Kristin especially, I knew this was going to be a fast run. Did the first mile in about 8:30. As we approached mile 2, I noticed we were still going at about 8:30 pace. This is killing me, and I was still just not in a great mood. I decided that I really didn't want to keep going and would only do the 4 miles, so I was turning around at 2 miles. Ken and Kristin had pulled ahead a bit, but waited up at 2 miles. Then when I went to turn around, Ken was a bit disappointed as he's really trying to train me. Oh well, another day! Bill kept going with them and ran a great run--about 6 miles in about 53 minutes. Ken and Kristin really kept him going.

I ended up running 4.13 miles in 37:36 (9:05/mile pace). Although I slowed down a bit for the 2nd 2 miles running alone, that was still a great pace.

Early morning, so no go

I was still in LaCrosse for my conference, and had an early morning session starting at 6:45am. With having to pack up and check out, then drive 20 min to get to the conference, I knew an early morning run was out of the question.

Drove home from the conference in the afternoon and waiting for Bill to come home so we could run. Just ran the standard mile in 9:06.

LaCrosse mile

While still at the SHRM conference, I knew I wanted to keep the streak going. Luckily one of the treadmills in the workout room works pretty good, so I got up early enough to do the mile before the conference. Ran it in about 9:35 or so.

After a day at the conference, a long day sitting and listening, I wanted to do a little more. Went down to walk for about 22 minutes on the treadmill while watching Survivor. Eating at the conference, all the prepared hotel-type food, I really needed to do some exercise. I then went back up to the room and enjoyed a quick whirlpool tub. Boy that was a nice way to relax!!

10-10

I'm leaving this afternoon for a conference in LaCrosse, therefore I knew I better get up and run early. There is a reception at the conference this evening for check-in, and who knows how long I will stay there and I don't want to risk missing the mile.

Another cool morning--I guess this is going to become the norm. Soon it will turn to be more cold mornings. :(

Ran 1.01 in 9:04 (8:59/mile pace).

After driving to LaCrosse and going to the check-in and reception, I got back to the hotel just before 8pm. Decided to check out the workout room to see what they have. A bike and two treadmills. Grabbed a magazine and thought I'd just ride the bike a bit. Unfortunately the seat wouldn't hold a position, so it just kept sliding. Then went on the one treadmill for a nice walk while watching TV. The treadmill's calibration was all off. I had it at 6.0 (10 min/mile) pace, but I only was doing a swifter walk. Did that for about 20-22 minutes. It felt good just to do a nice walk.

Cool, crisp morning

OK, it was mid-70s at 7am Sunday, but today, just two days later, it's 25 degrees cooler. It's actually quite crisp this early morning. Guess I must be chilly as I ran a little fast.

Ran 1.03 miles in 8:42 (8:28/mile pace). Only 2 seconds slower than my record time!

Day after the marathon

Since Bill did do alot of miles yesterday, we weren't going to run early. After work we came home and decided to do a nice easy one mile run around the neighborhood.

Ran 1.02 in 9:41 (9:31/mile pace).

Chicago Marathon Day

Ok, so today's the Chicago marathon. They are predicting mid-80s, and unfortunately the weatherman were right on this one. By 7am, it was already over 70 degrees. Kristin, Jodie, Mike D., and Bill were all going to run so we met at 4:45am and drove down together. The race began and off they went, with 44,996 of their closest friends. Melissa and I set off to Mile 2 to see them. Saw Jodie and Kristin, but missed Mike and Bill. Off to mile 13.1, where Rich got off the train and met us. Saw Jodie go by, and she looked strong. Kristin next who was still running good. Missed Mike again. Where's Bill? Melissa and Rich headed to 17 to see the rest, I waited for Bill. Finally Bill came and he was stuggling. It was now over 80 and a scorcher. It was humid and the sun was beating down. He wanted to quit, but I told him to just walk a bit and I'd join him. We walked to 14 and the aid station was out of water and gatorade. Bill really was feeling weak, so I swiped his sweat with a finger and licked (yes, I did) it to see if it was salty. Nope, no salt. He needed electrolytes and now! There was a White Hen about 2 blocks ahead, so I ran ahead to buy him some Gatorade. He kept going, therefore I had to run about a 1/2 mile with my bag to catch up. Just that 1/2 mile and I was done---it's hot and sweltering today. We just kept walking together and I tried to keep him walking at a good pace. Finally at about mile 16 we saw people coming from other side streets--what's going on? Then we heard--they were cancelling the rest of the marathon due to heat and concerns about medical staff. Although Bill was starting to feel better and thought he could continue, they weren't letting people and just redirected everyone straight back to Grant Park. All the firehydrants were open and spraying and everyone was yelling at all the participants to walk, not run.

I then just walked with Bill back towards the finish where they gave him a medal, but he wouldn't wear it. He didn't complete the race, the medal doesn't mean as much. Luckily all of the rest of the group was allowed to complete, although Mike was told at about mile 20 to walk also. Jodie finished in about 4:33, Kristin in about 4:57, and Mike in about 5:46--unfortunately none are official times as they stopped the race after about 3:30.

Come to find out later, one person died and about 400 were hospitalized. We also saw many, many people getting aid that probably didn't go to the hospital. It was just a rough day.

After getting home in the evening, I still had to do my mile. It was still quite warm, so I just did the normal loop. Ran 1.02 mile in 9:06 pace (9:02/mile pace).

What a disappointing day for Bill. His first DNF, and not of his own choice. It was probably for the best as he was stuggling and may not have been able to finish the whole thing anyway with the heat, but it's still a big letdown. Luckily Illinois is close and this marathon didn't require airfare and hotel, so he'll just have to add it to another year.

Another new route

Today we are doing another old/new route which is exciting. We started at Jud's house, ran north to 4 Mile, east around the point, west on 3 Mile, and back down Main to Jud's house. Ran with Ken again today, as well as with Andy and Greg for some of the run. Started out for 2 miles as all 4 of us, then Ken and I together for about 3, then Greg caught back up for the last mile. It's a little hilly on this route, some rolling hills on 4 mile and the loop. Also, as we neared the lake the breeze picked up, which I love so much. It was a warm day, so it felt OK, but I hate running into the wind!

Ran 5.9 miles in 55:02 (9:19/mile pace). Still are darn good pace and overall it was a pretty good run.

1/2 day Friday

We're going to only work a short day today as we are meeting the group at 1pm to go down to Chicago for the marathon packet-pickup and Expo. Don't know when we'll get home, so we have to run in the morning.

With the marathon so close, we wanted to really try to take it easy to not strain anything. Ran exactly 1.00 mile in 9:36 pace.

2 times

Got up this morning to do my mile, knowing I also had my new Yoga Mix class tonight. Got out there and realized I'm definitely going to be sore after Anna's workout last night. Mostly core and stomach, not too much else.

Did 1.02 mile in 8:59 (8:50/mile pace).

Sleeping in

I know I'm meeting with Anna tonight, so why not take the opportunity to sleep in a bit. Had a good workout with Anna. Still losing weight and inches (slowly, but it is happening). Then she started me out tonight with a new exercise, a tough one--in push up position, have hands on 8lb free weights, do a push up on the weights, then lift one arm back and up in 90 degree angle, then the other one, all while keeping torso level and facing down. Do this 8 times for 3 sets. Wow, that was really hard and hurt lots of core, stomach, and back muscles. A good overall exercise. Then did another new one--lunges with a kickboxing style front kick. Then a variety of other weights.

Since I new Bill was socializing tonight, I figured I'd use the gym a bit after the workout. Did my mile on their new treadmills (about 9:12 pace)--I'm not sure I really like them, their a bit rough on the feet. Then did 20 minutes on the recumbant bike so I could get my 30 minutes of exercise for the Fitness Challenge.

Tuesday 2

Got a busy week this week, so this will be the first of many morning runs this week. Actually got up a bit early today and thought I'd maybe do 2 miles, but once I got out there, I wasn't feeling it.

Ran 1.01 in 9:08 (9:03/mile pace).

October Activity

Woke up this morning to some rain, and since it was Monday, I really wasn't going to get out there and run early. Plus this is the only evening this week I don't have something going on, therefore I can run in the evening.

Just did the loop around the neighborhood: 1.02 miles in 9:21 (9:12/mile pace).