Spinning Class

Last night I ran 3 miles and then Amber and I took a spinning class at the gym. All I have to say is "Sammy I applaud you"! That was one of the hardest things I've done in a long time. I thought I was going to die. I hated every moment of it. I'm sure, like anything else, if I keep going I'll get used to it -- but, will I go back? As of last night -- NO. But who knows, I just might try it one more time if Amber wants me to go with her. She liked it, and she did great! She was off her saddle (does that sound right?) and pumping to the music. I, on the other hand, sat the whole time. I tried to get up -- and felt like I was going to die. I got up one time for about 45 seconds (seemed like at least 10 minutes) but I sat right back down and turned down the tension on my bike. My bottom is real sore today. I'm sure I'll get used to that too. I only bought a gym membership for 3 months -- I'm into my 2nd month -- I might try to stick with this class for two months. I can say that now because I'm sitting down and resting. We'll see -- I couldn't sleep last night just thinking about the next class. The instructor did say we should get cycling shoes if we are thinking about staying with the class. Any suggestions Sam? I don't want to spend too much and it's only for spinning class right now. I'll let you know if I go back. I won't run before the next class if I do go.

First run in 3 weeks!

On Tuesday of this week I went on my first run after rolling my ankle. I didn't do too bad. I ran 2 1/2 miles, my ankle was a tiny bit sore afterward. I was pretty winded when I finished though. I'll have to work at it. I went to the gym after my run and worked out for about an hour. I did the bike, eliptical and stairs. It felt good to get back to working out. Weighed myself this morning and I've lost 3 lbs. I have about 8 more to go. On Saturday I'm going to start with a trainer -- I joined Biggest Loser at 24HR FITNESS. I joined mostly for the trainer. I get 5 sessions for $49 -- I thought that was a deal. They tried to sell me a training package for $328!

I'm not sure if I will be able to do the L A Marathon -- I'll just have to see how long it takes to get back in shape. This Sunday I was supposed to run a 15K (9.3 miles), but if 2.5 miles made me winded, I don't think I'm ready for a 15K. Right now my goals are set for the 1/2 marathon I'll be doing Superbowl weekend.

Injured

I know it's been a while since I've posted, so let me update everyone.

I WAS running each weekend until the fires. I didn't run one weekend because it was too windy. That's the day the fires started. The next weekend I didn't want to run outside because there was alot of ash in the air. I ran 15 miles at the gym. That was real hard and it took 3 days before my hip didn't hurt. The next weekend I forced myself to run because 15 miles didn't sound like fun. I surprised myself and found it to be pretty easy. I only ran 12 miles that day. I did 7.5 miles and then I rolled my ankle. I fell on my hands and knees, but I was up pretty fast because there were cars right next to me and I didn't want anyone to get out to see if I was okay. I ran another 4.5 miles on a bruised and swollen ankle before I called it quits. That day I spent all day applying RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation).
I was able to walk on it by the next day and it didn't feel too bad. Our group was doing a 10K run the following weekend (which was last weekend). I didn't plan on running it anyway so I've just taken the last two weeks off. My ankle feels pretty good now, but it still looks brused. I'll see how I feel this Sunday, I might go and see if I can run a couple of miles. I don't want to push to hard to soon, but I don't want to sit around because I won't be in shape for the 1/2 or full marathon. I'll just have to wait and see what Sunday brings.

On his way

Papa took Chuck to Fontana today. He's riding with the dealer to the AZ border and will take possession of his new (used) truck! Chuck bought his own big rig this week and will be working for a new company. He is on his way to Dallas for 2 days of training. This is a big difference from last month when he was home with a broken elbow and couldn't do anything.

I'm Still Running

Hi everyone! Well, I'm still training. (Sorry Sam the idea of falling harder and faster from a bike is enough to keep me on the ground ;) The last time I wrote I was at 10 mile long runs. Last Sunday I ran 13 miles. This coming Sunday I will do 14 miles. My 13 mile wasn't too hard. It took me 2 hrs and 13 minutes to finish. I'm pretty tired on Sundays, but I'm not in pain. I bought a new pair of shoes last weekend and that is making a big difference. Same kind of shoes, just NEW!

This coming Sunday we are going to Aunt Kathy's for a baby shower for Natalie! I can't wait. The only thing is I may be pretty tired. I think I'll just sit and eat all afternoon. I'll try to take pic's and post some, but...I don't know how to do it. We'll see.

10 Miles

Last Sunday I ran 10 miles with my group. Run was great! I tried to implement chi running and I felt really good. During the rest of the week I only ran once (2 mi) and worked on yoga and pilates. I don't like pilates. Today's run was 10 miles again. This time I didn't eat any carbs this morning, didn't really want to go, and didn't practice chi running. My hip flexors hurt, my knees hurt and my legs are really sore. This was a horrible run. :( I'll make sure next week I prepare myself better.
Next Sunday -- 11 miles!

The Concert!

I almost forgot to tell you about the Toby Keith concert. I don't know if it was the venue (probably), but I wasn't too pleased with this concert. The concert starts at 7:30pm in San Diego (outside). Amber went with me and our seats were pretty good, not too far from the stage. Miranda Lambert was the opening act. She did pretty good, but I wasn't there for her. I was too excited about seeing Toby Keith perform so I couldn't wait until she was done. Well wait I did...Toby Keith's performance didn't start until 9:30pm. (I am usually asleep by this time. I knew I'd be up late, but I thought by 9:30 the concert would be almost over.) By the time he started almost everyone around us was wasted. We had a couple just in front of us that were drunk and all they did was dance. (Not the kind that I would want my young child to see.) When Toby finally came out guess what? He looked like he was wasted too! When he first started to sing I thought he sounded a little scratchy and off. He finally got into the swing of things, but it was pretty much the same concert I had seen 3-4 years ago. He did change some words on some of the songs, but not for the better. Then what next? We can smell pot! The drunk lady in front of us decided she needed her medicinal pot on top of all of her alcohol. Someone alerted security and she stopped. Needless to say I wasn't that impressed with this concert. We didn't stay for the encore, I wanted to get out before all the drunks hit the road. Will I go to another concert by him? Maybe in a different venue, and in a few years. Don't get me wrong I love Toby Keith's songs, I just don't think he was shining that night. We got home around 12:30. I was tired!

Back to Training

Now that I am done with the DL 1/2, I will continue my training with the running group I'm in. I didn't do much this past week, my legs were sore. Corey and I ran 1.2 miles on Friday just to loosen my legs up a bit.

Today I ran 9.2 miles with my group. Next Sunday will be 10 miles.

I am trying to learn a different way of running called Chi Running. It is supposed to help me to run without as much effort or injury. I hope I can get the hang of it. I listened to his tape during my run, it kept my mind off the long distance if nothing else. I could definately tell I used different muscles. I actually feel pretty good today. I'm tired, but that's because I wake up at 5am to do this.

On another note, Amber and I are going to a Toby Keith concert in San Diego tonight. I can't wait! Last year I had tickets to his concert but Corey broke his wrist that same morning. I still have last years tickets in my drawer. :( This year I strapped Corey to his bed and told him not to move! (Just kidding!)

I DID IT!!!

I completed my first 1/2 marathon! Boy was it hot!! I actually did better than I thought I would. When I was driving to Disneyland from our hotel the temp on the van was telling me it was already 81 degrees at 4:45a.m. It was humid and hot. We were under a red flag warning which advised anyone prone to heat exhaustion not to run. The next level was a black flag and if we reached that they wouldn't time anyone, it would just turn into a 13 1/2 mile fun run. Fortunately we didn't have to do that. I know of at least 3 people that needed medical help on the route. One was to a young girl, probably high school age. She went down at mile 11. Medical was helping her when I went by. That being said I took my time, poured water on myself at every water stop and made sure I drank and GU'd. Corey brought me cold water at mile 9 and I poured it on myself, that really helped. My time was 2:34:47.

I have my medal!! I'll take a picture of it and when I figure out how to put pictures on my blog I will post it.

Corey you were great suport!! Thanks alot!!! :)

Wish me luck!

Well, it's finally here! The Disneyland 1/2 Marathon. I have mixed feelings -- nervous and excited all at the same time. I know I've run this distance before, so I can do it. But, it doesn't help that the weather has been so hot and humid so early in the morning. I'll just take it as easy and hope I make it within the timeframe allowed. My knee's been hurting this week, but it actually feels really good today.

Today Corey and I are going to Disneyland to pick up my packet and listen to a couple of speakers. Then we are staying at a hotel to rest and use the jacuzzi and pool. I'll get up around 3:30 a.m. to get ready and be at Disneyland by 4:30a.m. The hotel is at mile 9 so Corey will be able to see me run (or limp) by.

I'll let everyone know how I do tomorrow night. By the way, instead of luck, a prayer might do me better. Thanks!

Last long run before Disneyland 1/2

Sunday a.m. was my last long run before Disneyland -- 7.3 miles. I'll run a couple of low mileage days by Thursday and then I'll start carbo loading and tapering down. I'm getting nervous. I know I can run 13 miles, but I worry about whether I can make it in the timeframe they allow. My muscles start to tighten up around 10 miles.

I decided to get a hotel because I'm supposed to check in around 4:30 a.m. I can leave my hotel at 4:15 and still get there in plenty of time.

I'm still running!

I know I haven't written in awhile, but I'm still running. Last Sunday I did 10 miles -- I needed to do this to get me mentally ready for Disneyland. I ran too fast uphill, and my knee is bothering me. I've tried this week to just run 2-3 miles at a time.

Monday - Corey and I went to the gym. We did eliptical (10 min), bike (10 min) and treadmill (Corey 16 min, me 20 min). We also worked on lower body.

Wednesday - Gym - Eliptical (12 min), bike (12 min) and treadmill (20 min - 3 miles).
We worked on upper body this time.

My plan is to take it easy this next week. I have a 7 mile run on Sunday, but after that I'll do alot of resting (and carbing) and just run/walk a couple of miles in the early week.

I can't believe my 1/2 marathon is in less than 2 weeks. I received the paperwork this week, and they want us there at 4:00 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. start. Haven't decided if I'm driving in the morning, or finding a hotel for Sunday night.

The Run From ...

I started reading a book called THE NON RUNNER'S MARATHON GUIDE FOR WOMEN or the GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND ON WITH YOUR TRAINING guide. The author Dawn Dais has a humorous way of telling you what you need and what to expect. I found the book refreshing since I am in the middle of training for my 1/2 marathon.

Anyway, while out on my run yesterday (which by the way, I didn't want to do in the first place), it seemed as if I was running an endless path of uphill battles. How can you go up hill so much with so few down hills. My legs hurt and I was sweating horribly (I don't usually sweat alot until after my run). After about 3 miles I was sooo tired that I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings (a mistake when it's rush hour traffic in the evening). I was crossing a street when I realized I hadn't looked for cars and there was one waiting on me. Well, I thought, if I get hit at least I can stop running and be over with this training:) With that little bit of humor, I was able to finish my run. Sweating as if someone had poured water on me and aching to no end -- but -- finally -- DONE!. Putting a little bit of humor in with your pain can sometimes get you that last mile. My total mileage for that run was 3.83 miles in 41:17 minutes. Total mileage for the week so far is 16.45 miles.

I think what happened on that run was 1) wrong mental attitude when I started, 2) muscles still sore from previous days run and 3) I definately need a rest day in between when I run with my neighbor. He likes to run solid without walking breaks and that just about kills me. I'm resting today (Friday) and will run again Saturday to try and make 20 miles for the week.

Way to go Corey!

Well, I actually have Corey training with me! Hooray! Chuck hasn't gone out with me yet -- he's been pretty busy at work. Tuesday Corey and I ran to Wal Mart, Big 5 over to Home Depot and back home. He did 1:1 (1 min walk/1 min run) 8x and because we went so far we ended up doing this set twice. Our total mileage was 2.12. Great job Corey!

On Wednesday night I ran with my neighbor 4.25 miles. This is the first time I ran the whole distance (hills and all) without stopping. After we got back I stopped and picked up Corey for his training and we walked for 10 min. Corey's new shoes seem to make a big difference. He has more support in his arches so his knees don't hurt.

Weekend Runs

I did my long run this week on Saturday -- 8 miles. Got up at 5:45 am and was out the door by 6:30. I ran for 3/4 mile and walked 1 minute. This pace seems to work the best for me. I did 8 miles and Gu'd once at 4 miles. I was finished around 8 a.m. I didn't have any knee problems and I felt good all day.

Saturday night Corey and I went to the Harvest Crusade at Anaheim Stadium. We heard the bands Leeland and P.O.D. I liked Leeland the best. The stadium was full and it seemed that more than 1/2 the people went down to ask Jesus Christ into their lives. Hooray for them!

Sunday - I got up at 5:30 a.m. and got to my running group (Riverside Lopers) by 6:20. We ran 4 miles at an 11 minute pace. I ran a little faster on the way back. My pace was 10:06. Today I'm feeling a little tired and I can't seem to fill my stomach. I'm eating almost every 2 hours.

I took Chuck and Corey to Roadrunner Sports in Costa Mesa and got them both a pair of running shoes. Maybe I'll get some running partners! The store did a gait analysis on both of them and they are both overpronaters. Chuck got stability shoes and Corey had to get Motion Control. I hope this helps keep their injuries at bay. We'll see how it goes this week for them.

Finally -- I can post

I think I've figured it out! I can finally post to my blog.

So here goes -- last night I ran with Amber. We did 1.5 miles. It was a nice run. Different scenery, we ran by her place. A change of scenery always makes running more pleasant.

My total miles for the week so far are 10.5 miles, not very good. I should be doing more weekly mileage to train for the half. I'll have to increase my long runs to at least 10 miles. I hope I make it! Let's see what kind of mileage I can do tonight.

Practice Blog

Apparently I don't know anything about blogging. I have created 2, deleted 1 and am now creating another one. I hope this one works. I can't get in to post on my benasruns blog, so I'm going to try this one: benasrun. I hope it works.