Showing Me Up

Of course, just as expected, I am not running. I dont have a goal (like a race) to work towards and so running just easily (but remoresefully) slips from my life. I have been worried about the upcoming fall semester and my return to part-time work and my dissertation, and little distratctions seem to continually appear larger than life.

I cannot find the time to run despite the fact that a sometimes-runner + baby + jogging stroller = opportunity. I just have reached some sort of mental hurdle regarding it. I worry about the safety of pushing around my little one around busy intersections and across alleyways where people seldom pay attention. I doubt my ability to push a 20+ lb baby in a 23 lb stroller. I picture getting a few miles out before she decides she no longer wants to be sitting in that 23 lb stroller, in which she proceeds to have a temper tantrum during the entire way back. Basically, I have one concern and issue after another. Each one of them seems pretty valid to me ... and so I continue to avoid running with her.

Yesterday morning I went out nice and early to get some coffee and saw a woman running with a stroller across the street. Not only was she running with a stroller, but she was running with a dualie (a double). And from the glimpse I saw she had at least one toddler in there ... who would have easily been 30 or more pounds alone. She was also running pretty fast (faster than me, thats for sure) and talking to her kids as she ran. To top that off ... she also had a dog with her :(

So it made every excuse I have look pretty weak. In fact, she made me look pretty week. Did she inspire me to get out there and run? Well, no. But she made me feel guilty for not doing it!

Guilty Confession

I am ashamed to admit this ... but I really want to go see the new G.I. Joe movie. I know nothing about it and wasnt a fan of G.I. Joe when I was younger. So why do I want to go see it?

Channing Tatum (who was in a favorite movie of mine, Step Up) is playing "Duke", a field commander and second-in-command of the G.I. Joe Team after Hawk.

Enough said :)

Hotdogs & Beer

Of course, I haven't run since Sunday. After a hotdog and a few beers
at todays Cubs game ... There isn't any running in the near future
either ;)

A Noneventful 4-Miler

Did an early morning run with a friend of mine, confirming again how much I enjoy the early AM run. It just feels like my day is so complete, when I get a run in and still can go about my normal daily routine.

It was actually the first time I have run since last weekends race, which made the run a bit challenging. Its amazing how much a week off can slow you down ... but also how easy it is to get back into it. Starting off I was sure I wasn't going to make it, but by the 3rd mile I had warmed up and was feeling good. We got four miles in before breakfast, and I ate plenty of breakfast to refuel after the run. In addition to that breakfast, I also had two lattes and some Chinese food. Nothing like using a run as an excuse to act like a pig :)

Training Log
Time:42:04   Distance:4.01 mi   Pace:10:30

There was a bit of confusion with my run this morning. I thought RunKeeper announced that my first mile was about 13 1/2 minutes. Since that would have been the slowest I have pretty much ever run, I got a bit worried. We picked up the pace, and actually did mile three at 9:36. When I got back and looked up my run log I realized mile 1 was actually 10:33. Oops. Sometimes guilt (or embarassment) can make you run a whole lot faster...

If A Tree Falls In A Forest...

We were heading home from Brooke's swim lesson this morning when we saw this. A massive, 50-something foot tree that met it's maker. This picture doesn't even do it justice!

I walked up closer to check out the damage. The point at which the tree snapped, was a few feet over my head ... I'd say maybe 10 feet?

Here is a pic down the length of the tree, while I am standing at the base.

I am pretty sure that when this tree fell, it made a sound! And you can probably tell exactly what time it fell ... but looking at the log of calls placed to 911 by the local residents :)

Just Chicken, Please!

I went to the grocery store this morning, something I do almost every morning (Its just part of the walking Brooke and I like to do around 7AM, since not much is open that early outside of Starbucks and the grocery store). Anyway, I decided we would have chicken for dinner, so I went to the meat section to get some. Every single package of chicken said "with rib meat" on it ... pretty visibly. I havent bought chicken in a while, but I know for sure the last time I did that all of the chicken either 1) didnt have rib meat or 2) just wasnt marked this clearly. So now I am wondering how much rib meat I have been eating! I am assuming that there must have been a new requirement to state the rib meat inclusion, not that every package now includes something it never did in the past.

I looked at every single package and finally settled on this one, the only one I could find that didnt say it had rib meat in it. Then I came home and did some research. I cant find anything about a new law/requirement to visibly state the rib meat inclusion. But I did find a lot of bad stuff about chicken ... specifically the "plumping" issue. I'm sure you all already know about this (since I tend not to pay a lot of attention to what I am eating) but I thought I would share in case I am not the only one in the dark.

In Plumped Chickens: You Are Paying for Water on Mouse Print (a very awesome blog "focusing on an ad’s asterisked fine print footnote rather than the headline. It also examines the often overlooked small print on product labels and contracts.") you can find out more about all of the extra water and sodium thats pumped into chicken :(

Need Motivation

It's been a few days since my race and I have no set time/date to run again. I need some sort of motivation and/or inspiration to run. It's not that I dont enjoy it ... because I do. The problem is that it is just such a hassle, and something I have a hard time fitting into my schedule right now. I need to have a reason to do it or its just not gonna get done.

Races
A future race is always a good motivator. I need more than a 5K, because I can go out and run a 5K on the day of without any sort of preparation. I need to find a race with a bit more distance so that I actually run between now and then.

Running Buddies
When you have someone to run with you can set a "date" and then you know you at least will run that one time ;) I have a few friends I do run with and need to be more proactive about setting up runs with them. If I can get a few on the calendar then at least I will do more running than none! I had a friend ask me the other day if I wanted to go running with her ... I said yes, but we dont have a date/time scheduled. I guess I'll have to go harass her.

New Gear
Getting new gear always makes you want to go out and test it. I'm getting pretty close to needing new shoes ... and always love new apparel. My BIL (brother-in-law) just sent me info on a new Nike running shoe, the LunarGlide+. The concept sounds pretty cool - no more "stability" shoes needed? As far as I know, Nike lags far behind in their running shoes. I don't know a single person who runs in Nike.

There is a review on popsci.com. Basic conclusion? "They're fine", but the reviewer found himself "clomping along like a Clydesdale".

I'm already the slowest person out there, so I'm not sure I want to add Clydesdale clomping to my running repertoire. Perhaps for now I'll check into getting a new pair of Mizunos ;)

Update: Speak of the devil. I hit "post" and my phone rang. It was a friend calling me to see if I want to go for a run! We are going on Sunday morning :) How odd is that?

Free PASTRY Tomorrow!

I know I am getting to be known a the "Starbucks Girl". While thats not really a good thing, I am there about 2X a day (already hit my limit today) and talk about it quite often. I figure, if I keep shamelessly promoting them ... perhaps they will figure out that I am their dream customer and offer me a high-paying, high-benefit job with little effort required (and free Starbucks, of course).

Anyway, my mom mentioned this to me the other day, and Kristin over at Running with the Runner Girl just reminded me that Starbucks is giving away a free pastry with beverage purchase from open until 10:30 tomorrow. You need to print out this coupon.

I got into a nasty habit of having a pastry from them every day. I realized the error of my ways and cut that down to just weekends (with the occasional pastry on Wednesdays because I spend most of the day there doing schoolwork). I forgot about the free one tomorrow, and actually had one this morning (but I really needed/wanted/deserved it) when Brooke forced me up at 5:30 against my will and I found myself unable to get my head together without an emergency cup of coffee.

Their stuff is pretty good, I must admit. And they have been making some changes and I believe its noticeable. The stuff tastes a bit more fresh (but who cares, I'd eat a stale pastry too). Anyway, its a great excuse to get yourself a coffee and a pastry ... and if you are like me, and dont need an excuse in the first place, at least you can save a few bucks ;)

Did It!

Race Report
Time:1:10:02   Distance:10K   Pace:11:17

Woke up at 5:30 with plans to leave the house at 6 (for a 7:30 start). Running races is a bit different now with a baby ... and I spent the time in the morning getting her (and the dog) ready versus myself. I noticed I only had a minute until my ride was to arrive and quickly shoved an Eggo waffle with a bit of peanut butter on it into my mouth ;)

I felt a bit sluggish throughout the race, perhaps due to nerves ... perhaps due to my poor eating habits. RunKeeper had me at 11:08 for mile one and 12:39 for mile 2 (my slowest). I slowed down quite a bit after mile 1 when I felt perhaps that I wouldnt make 6 miles at my mile one pace. Fastest mile was mile 6 at 10:38. Taking it easy for the race was a good strategy because I definitely had the energy to pick it up a bit at the end, but unfortunately still got beaten by someone's speedwalking grandmother at the finish.

Beware: Crazy Ladies On Bikes

One if the perks of city living is the diversity in it's people. We have all colors, shapes & sizes. Unfortunately we also have a diverse range of sanity levels as well (myself not excluded).

Today Brooke & I were enjoying a nice leisurely walking up to Fleet Feet to pick up my race pack for Sunday when we encountered a lady a bit on the nutty side. As we crossed through an intersection she came barreling after us on an old, rusted 10-speed hollering "WATCH OUT! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THIS THING!"

While it would be nice if more people could come to terms with their inferior driving skills ... a public declaration isn't necessary. Just stay off the road, will ya?

Training Log
Time:34:37   Distance:2.94 mi   Pace:11:48

I had planned on doing a 5:30PM run today and was a bit smarter about my eating choices than yesterday. Today I had a yogurt parfait, a ham and cheese sandwich, peanut butter toast and a latte (thats just a requirement). I felt much better about the eating, but started off with some really tired legs. Due to some extensive errand running I walked at least 4 miles today. That plus a three mile run sure makes for a lot of mileage :)

Anyway, the run went well. I got in two runs since Sunday and feel pretty great about that. Only a few more days to go until my 10K and I am actually looking forward to it!

Even Jessie McCartney Couldn't Save Me

I went for a run, but it didnt go as expected. I was tired, my legs were like lead, I got a wee bit confused, and couldnt make the full 3 miles I had intended. There were a few issues.

1) I seem to run better in the morning, but if I have to I can run at night. Today I ran at like 5 ... neither morning or night. And it didnt suit me.

2) I dont think I properly fueled. Today I had a donut, 2 lattes, a KitKat, a piece of cupcake, and a salad (I kid you not). Didnt seem to be the right combination of food pre-run.

3) It was hot and humid, at least compared to what I have been running in so far this year

4) I decided to run without a map and use RunKeeper as my guide with verbal cues, but it backfired. I just waited and waited for the voice to tell me it was "mile 1", but it never happened. I was sure it was broken, so I checked ... nope. I just hadnt completed a mile yet. I think perhaps I need the course so that I am aware of my general distance and how much longer I have in my run!

Training Log
Time:28:27   Distance:2.48 mi   Pace:11:30

11:30 is a pretty fantastic pace considering that I walked some, waited to cross a street forever, and generally felt like I was going to have to go home in an ambulance. I got through 2 miles and wasnt sure I was even going to make it home, so I skipped through my iPod for a sure-fire-winner. Unfortunately, this time Jessie wasn't the motivator I had hoped for.

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

Of course, I wait to run until it's hot and icky out. Yesterday it
was about 70 all day. Here is our current data ...

Temp: 85F
Feels like: 87F
Mostly Cloudy
Humidity: 50%
Wind: W at 14 mph
Last Updated: 7/15/09 2:45 PM CDT

This stinks :(. At least I got some schoolwork done today or I'd feel
even worse about the voice in my head telling me to skip another
run ... One can only accomplish so much in a given day, right?

Whoops

There is this organic bakery by the park I take Brooke to that I have never been to (yes, there is actually a bakery I have not been to). Today I went ...I got cupcakes for me & the hubby and figured I would reward myself by eating one after my run tonight. A few minutes ago I remembered that my husband will be home late tonight. That means I prob won't get to run. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to eat it now instead ...

Oh &%*@!

Finally! Researchers are spending their time looking into things that really matter.

A new published study reveals that swearing appears to increase our pain tolerance. In the study, participants were asked to submerge one hand in nearly freezing water for as long as they could while repeating a curse word (of their own choosing). Later they submerged the same hand again, this time repeating a word they would use to describe a table. Results found that people kept their hand in the water for 40 more seconds while cursing. The researcher (Dr. Richard Stephens) hopes his study will help people see the benefits of swearing ;)

A 5 Miler With RunKeeper Pro

I have been using the free version of RunKeeper and decided to pay up and get the "full" version. Essentially, there are two differences. 1) Pro has training/interval workouts you can do and 2) Pro had audio cues. I wanted the audio cues and finally convinced my cheap self to pay up for them. It was worth it!

I generally map out a route to run, and know how far that route is before I head out. Today I just ran while my iPhone app told me what to do! It announced at each mile my distance, total time and current pace. I ran out 2.5 miles and then back, and it was great. YAY!

Training Log
Time:58:10   Distance:5.00 mi   Pace:11:38

This morning I convinced a friend of mine to run with me. She is generally much faster than me, but just had a baby and has not been running much. PERFECT! I have a hard time finding people out there who are willing to run the distances I want to run at the (slow) speeds I want to run and figure that I am going to have to start finding running partners who aren't actually runners in order to meet my match.

We did 5 miles and actually ran at quite a bit faster pace than I have been. Mile 1: 11:15, Mile 2: 11:14, Mile 3: 11:42, Mile 4: 12:06 and Mile 5: 11:44. My running partner seemed to think it was a bad thing that she started to tucker out after 3 or so miles and kept encouraging me to ditch her and "run faster". I dont think she understood when I explained to her that I was already running faster.

Personally, I had a great run. I hope she did too ... and that she will be willing to give it a whirl again sometime ;)

Ate 1/2 A Pizza, Don't See Myself Running

I have only done one run this week (outside of my Sunday "long" run). I have been trying to do a run every other day, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and then Sunday again ... so essentially 3X a week is my goal, plus 2 cross-training sessions.

Due to the fact that I just finished off 1/2 of a pizza, I dont think I'll be heading out tonight. I might be able to squeeze in a run tomorrow, but we already have a full schedule and I am not sure if I will be able to find the time. 5 miles is my goal for Sunday ... so we will see how that pans out!

Friday Funnies

I was never a big fan of the Garfield comic strip, I guess I just didnt find the humor in it. Now I know why. Its funnier without the cat ... check out Garfield minus Garfield. Here is a sample, and why I finally found it funny ;)




On A Running Note
I need to / should get out for a 3 miler or so today. Unfortunately, its rainy ... and I'm tired. I'm not sure what is going to happen, but at least I'm thinking about it! I did get my cross-training in this morning, but it wasnt very effortfull. Its a class that I bring Brooke to ... and she was particularly bossy this morning and didnt let me get a lot of work in. I probably got about 30 minutes of stuff done, and that might be generous.

I Ran Faster. Now I Am Tired.

It was a long day today. Not for any specific reason, just felt long. It has been gloomy and drizzly which makes me feel like I should take a nap. Instead of napping I have been busy running around all day (mentally, physically, and literally!) and am tuckered out now at 9PM.

I actually needed a run today. I couldnt wake up and felt a run might energize me. In fact, it did. But, it was like eating a candy bar. I had a high soon followed by a low. After this post I'm calling it quits and heading to bed.

Training Log
Time:30:23   Distance:2.81 mi   Pace:10:49

I pushed myself more on this run. It was hard for me and I still was not fast by any means, but could feel the strain in this run versus my other runs. In fact, my thigh still feels that "strain" and I think I'm gonna have to work out a kink or two!

I hit every light in the first mile and still paced at 11:29. I'm sure at least 30 seconds was spent waiting for traffic. Note to self: rush hour + Cubs game = running obstacles. My second mile was my fastest at 10:19. Now that was a bit more like my old self, but I couldnt hold that pace. I slowed it down for my last mile and probably would have been walking if I needed to run past that three-mile-marker!

4 Miler & 4 Star Breakfast

Got up nice and early and did 4 miles with a friend of mine. It was great to run with someone and made the time fly by. In addition, running with someone can help take your mind off the course/route and instead just focus on the journey. Our trip was a bit longer than expected due to an unforseen (but well worth it) potty-break.

After my early run I went out to breakfast with my in-laws at a local place called Kitsch'n. There is nothing like pigging out after a run. Food always goes down so good :)


Training Log
Time:48:04   Distance:3.96 mi   Pace:12:09
I had a few issues with RunKeeper due to the bathroom break. When we stopped I hit "pause" and when we came out I hit "resume", but then I looked and it said something about saving my run. HUH? So I canceled out of that and assumed that I had somehow hit something to end the run versus resume the run, but there wasnt a resume option. So I hit stop and resume again.

Essentially, I got very confused with the software once again :( I have had some problems with stopping and starting in the past, and actually don't think its RunKeeper's fault - I believe its my own lack of understanding of what it going on. I think I need to fool around with it a bit more to make sure I stop screwing it up during my runs!

I've Lost What Little Speed I Had

To recap, I had a baby in October of last year. I got back into running in February of this year (4 months after baby), hurt my back in March, and just started running again the other day.

I've never been fast. I am well aware of that. In the peak of marathon training (Nov/Dec of 07) I ran a 5 miler at 10:11 a mile, which was pretty fast considering I had started off training never having run before (in my life) and quite a bit slower ;) But now I am running closer to 12 MINUTE MILES! I cannot believe how much slower I am and its a bit frustrating, to say the least.


Training Log
Time:33:57   Distance:2.85 mi   Pace:11:54
Despite the 12 minute pace, I actually tried to run faster this morning! And sadly, I thought I had until I saw my stats at the end of my run. Its true that I run through city streets and do have to make some small pauses for intersections and traffic, but I dont make a 1 minute pause per mile. Maybe a few seconds. If I want to be very generous I could probably trim 30 seconds off each mile. That still leaves me getting beat by a sloth in a footrace.

Runkeeper has my mile splits at 1)12:05, 2)11:23 and 3)12:18. I wish I could argue a flaw in the data but I know I cant. I guess I have some work to do :(

On a better note, I have been feeling pretty good mentally about my runs. I do not get a lot of free time lately (as in, time without a 22lb baby on my hip) and the runs that am doing now are a nice little break from my routine. Maybe thats why I am so slow? Im trying to stretch out my "me time"? Nah, lets face it. I'm just slow.

I Love You Starbucks

Found an article, "Starbucks Focuses on Healthy Menu Items", that has encouraged me to patronize Starbucks.

Who am I kidding? I dont care if their menu items are "healthy" or "healthier" for that matter.

Supposedly though, they are adding some salads (one or two) to their menu. That will actually be really nice. I am there once a week during lunchtime, while doing some dissertation stuff, and find myself struggling with what to eat. This week I had yogurt and pastry, last week I had an egg & spinach wrap, the week before I had a sandwich. None of that made the best lunch, or was exactly what I was looking for. Not that a salad would solve my problems ... but it would be nice to have the choice at least!

Pasta In A Breadbowl? GENIUS!

I got an email today from Dominos Pizza regrding their "bread bowl pasta". It looked so delicious (yes, I was hungry), and I figured it would make a perfect meal the night before my 10K. Pasta and bread? Carboload!!!

Seriously, I never heard of it before so I searched around and found a lot of internet-chat about this new invention. That's Fit labels it a "diet enemy" (luckily, I'm not on a diet) and lemondrop.com calls it "heaven". There is a review of each type at yumsugar.

I'm Sold!

And no, I havent found the time to run since Sunday :( Im hoping to ... someday.


Training Log
Time:???   Distance:3.73 mi   Pace:???
After the discussion of pasta in a breadbowl I felt a bit guilty. I was thinking about eating, and not running ... despite a race looming around the corner. So, I went out for a run when my hubby got home. I knew I had to do more than 3 and mapped out a generic route that was about 3.3 miles. As I was almost done I looked and had only gone 3.15, so I stretched it out a bit and ended up at 3.73.

BUT, something odd happened. Runkeeper said it took me an hour and seven minutes, pacing at over 18 minutes a mile. I had to wait once or twice for a light, but not that much, and I know Im faster than an 18-minute-mile (not much faster, but faster!). The application does give me breakdowns per mile though: mile 1 = 12:02, mile 2 = 12:57, mile 3 = 11:36 and pacing for mile 4 = 12:58. So how does that work out to 18 minute miles? I dont know, I'm seriously confused.