Rest: Back in the [running] [life] game

Oh running, how my body hates you... and yet loves you.

This weekend I:
Partied with the parents and Gma
Babysat my adorable nephew
Packed for Tucson
Realized I left my wallet at work with my money, license and registration in, said, wallet
Un-packed for Tucson
Cried (b/c I'm dramatic), drank a beer, did my laundry and waited for Mr. Wonderful
Mr. Wonderful and I went to Los Dos Molinos.... again (my name is Kelsey and I am a Mexican-food-aholic)
Bickered about what movie to watch for about an hour
Went to sleep
Ran 5 miles
Ate Bruschetta
Mr. Wonderful left and I again cried, as per usual.

The most important part of this series of events? RAN 5 MILES. Do you know what that means? That means that I am back in the game. That means that I can start training for a marathon again. That means that I can run a 5K faster than a turtle pace. That means that I can once again center my entire life around my running schedule.

And this time I won't push myself to hard. This time I will only increase my mileage by 10% weekly and this time I will not do any hills or speed work until I am good and ready. I will also stretch... if I must.

So hopefully this blog is about to take the turn for the better while I re-center myself my love of running. Question! Being in Arizona where the weather is all Topsy-turvy, when exactly is prime racing season for the rest of the nation?

OH and I leave you with this fun fact: Here in Arizona, we don't do day light savings. But apparently Apple doesn't know that. So everybody's iphone automatically switched today and people were late for life... because we don't do daylight savings. HILARIOUS. Glad I don't have an iphone.

Toodles!

Run: Rehab

My PT says I MUST start at 20 minutes every other day, and move up very slowly from there. So this is my somewhat pathetic climb back to being a distance runner. I've only schedule about a month out, because I have to see how the pain goes. I'm also training for a short bike tour with Mr. Wonderful.

The schedule includes riding, running, stretching (which means 30 minutes of intense stretching) and my PT exercises, which include the foam roller (oh the torture) and many other strengthening tricks she taught me. My rides are usually about 30 miles with a few hills, but I have left the exact mileage blank so that I can fill it in as I improve and whatnot.

It's going to be torture to train this slow... but it'll be worth it if I can run again!

Run: 11 New things that mean serious

When I was a kid, my friend's dad would always turn my simple requests (like can I have some juice?) into a sarcastic joke. He would push my buttons and say, "Kelsey stop kidding around." And I, without fail, would yell out a loud and pouty, "I'm serious!" The next response? "Oh Hi Serious! It's nice to meet you!" This would go on for several minutes, and although I usually started this exchange with a giggle, I'd be almost in tears with frustration by the end. At 7, communicating with adults was hard enough without someone switching my words around. I know he was just trying to tease me, but still!

I've avoided saying the phrase "I'm serious" ever since. But today, I'm giving you a quick running/life update so that you know... I'm serious! I'm serious about running. I'm serious about work. I'm serious about my future. I'm serious about my family and friends. I'm serious about living my life happily, passionately and with drive and discipline.
 
So here it is, my serious list. Take it as you see fit.

11 New things that prove I'm serious:

1. I put my 5-month, detailed training plan onto a blank calendar, and then taped it onto my door. I also put up a motivational blog post that I read by one of our fellow bloggers. I have posted them on my bedroom door so I am constantly reminded of my goal.

2. I made an appointment with a knee doctor. Enough is enough and I don't want to have to quit training in the middle of all this. Please send your good thoughts, prayers, good vibes, luck, crossed fingers and positive visualizations my way so that the doc doesn't give me any bad news that would interfere with my training schedule. My appointment is Tuesday. 

3. I've started dieting and eating way healthier. Last night, I even passed on the ice cream. What?! I don't even know me any more.

4. On my mirror, I have posted personal affirmations and life goals that I read and believe every day. Cheesy? Yes. Effective? YES.

5. I have decided that maybe "experts" really are experts. And I hear Dave Ramsey has some pretty great budgeting ideas so I'm giving him a shot. Per his recommendation, I put a detailed budget together, on paper, listing every detail of my cash flow down to shampoo and dog food. I'm also going to a seminar next week. I even made little money envelopes and put some cash in there.

6. I signed up for three webinars on marketing/social media/email blasts, and I will continue signing up for them so I can continue to excel at my job.

7. I joined a gym. The heat is no longer an excuse. No siree.

8. I went to a spin class!!! Ive always wanted to go, but I've always been too nervous. I assumed I'd be too out of shape and look like a total idiot. For some reason gym classes always scare me. Well the new, very serious about life, Kelsey gave herself a little pep talk and waltzed right in there. IT WAS AWESOME! I highly recommend it to anyone. I am going to attend every Monday.

9. I talked to my sister and brother-in-law and they are hooking me up with a friend who is going to help me get an IRA account. Is that what it's called? Oh god, I don't even know.. But yay for saving!

10. I got a personal trainer! I am meeting with him once a week and he is going to put me in tip top shape. I met with him yesterday and my legs feel like jelly today. Sore and stiff jelly. Awesome! Yay for Simply Fit AZ!

11. Monday night is official girl's night! Which means i have a consistent day set up to see my buddies and be a good friend. AND it will be oh so much fun. Thursday is Grey's Anatomy night (I know--Nerdy!) which is another name for Sissy and Me night (Why hasn't ABC posted a season premier preview yet????) AND I think we're setting up a Havens family day a couple times or once a month which will be awesome!!! And the weekends, obviously, will be dedicated to the boyfriend. I just love good relationships :)

See????? I'm serious.

Run: The morning blues

So I'm done taking it easy.  I'm almost done with my new marathon training schedule, officially on paper, and I'm planning on doing just 30-minute easy runs every day for the next week to get myself back in shape real quick (I only took about a week off). So last night I set my alarm for 6:10--something I have done every day for the past four days. And I sleep like a baby all night long, minus the few fits of leg scratching that wake me up in the middle of the night due to the apparent spiders living in my bed. And then the alarm goes off, and I barely hear it--snooze. And the cell phone alarm goes off, and I get up nearly dead and bring it to my bed and hit snooze. And for the next hour I unconsciously hit snooze in my sleep.

Near the 45-minute mark, I start to realize whats going on. I tell myself, Kelsey you must get up. Seize the day! Whats there to keep sleeping about? 6:15 isn't even that early. Why are you being such a drama queen? Just get up it's not a big deal! ...And yet I still sleep. And then 7:15 rolls around, and I think okay, I can do it now. I think I'm ready, but god it feels hot in here. I pick up my phone and click on my weather application: 7:15 AM and it's 100 freaking degrees. I guess I won't be running this morning. 

This is the part of summer where it starts to feel like your trapped. No matter where you go and no matter what time, it's above 95. It seems so endless... and not in a let's surf these epic waves for the rest of our lives, kind of way. It's the part of summer where you realize you still have 2 months more to go (it doesn't cool down until Halloween, seriously).

How am I going to train in this? I'm considering a gym membership. God I wish I had a treadmill. Somebody buy me a treadmill. Thanks.

Run: 6 Pre-marathon training thoughts

The Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon is on January 16th, 2011. Therefore, I don't have to start really training until mid-September. I've been running for about a year now. I've met most of my goals (except for the whole race a 5K thing, working on that), and most importantly I've somehow convinced myself that I am a runner. I am in shape(ish) and I no longer gasp and the idea of an 8-mile run. So that's all fabulous, right?

But... now what? I have almost an entire month to kill, and I'm feeling a bit clueless. Here are my pre-marathon training thoughts (in no specific order):

1. 16-weeks of training and a marathon is going to be hard on my body. My knees are prone to injury. So, until training, I don't want to over do it and end up injuring myself.

2. I want my body to feel well-rested before training. I don't want to be sore or burned out before I even begin.

3. I don't want to get out of shape while waiting to train for my marathon.

4. I'm trying to work on my diet and develop a healthier lifestyle before I start training because I know I'll be famished once the training commences, and when I'm famished I make really bad decisions.

5. It's still, um, REALLY FREAKING HOT OUT.

6. I may get fat and flabby if I don't increase the intensity pretty darn soon.  


Maybe I'm just making excuses. Either way, I'm having a hard time deciding what I should do for a pre-marathon training, training plan. Shucks.

Run: AZ Monsoons: Run in the rain?

 Behold! My first video-taping adventure! 

Today, I was supposed to wake up at 4:15 and run 9 miles. Shockingly, I actually did wake up at 4:15, but it was pouring rain (and much darker than I thought it would be). I waited around until five and then went back to bed.

Later today, I thought I might try it again. The cloud cover has kept it relatively cool outside so why not?... gah but those clouds once again did what they are oh-so-good at: making it rain.

Unless things clear up ASAP, no run for me. I was already contemplating slowing the training down since I don't really have to start training hard core for the RNR until mid September. Not to mention the legs are sore and the asthma is acting up. So overall, it's not a huge deal. I just get to feel like a fat ass all day after downing that HUGE plate of Chili Rellenos last night thinking I'd burn it all off today. FUN. 
 
Anyways, sorry for the erratic posting this week. I'll be back on track next week. Have a great weekend!

Toodles!  

OH AND.. I'm not just asking this to get comments, because I really have no idea... Do most runners run anyway when it's raining? Am I just a lazy bum? How do you compensate for bad weather--especially on long run days?

Run: Create your own work out... asthma style!

It's been so long since I have an asthma attack that I started to forget I even had the stupid disease. I guess it's only been a couple months. That's not that long I suppose. It still irks me every time though.  Got up at 5:30 this morning (I'm working on getting up earlier and earlier with the goal of waking at 5:00 a.m. on regular days, and 4:30 a.m. on long run days). I was really excited for this run, hoping I could ease some of my recent life anxieties with a 4 mile run, some tempo runs and drills. My lungs, however, weren't feeling down with that plan.

Within 1/2 mile my breathing became tight. My type of asthma causes me to have trouble getting air out rather than in, so sometimes I don't notice that I'm not breathing properly. So I tried to keep running. Maybe the preventative inhaler puffs I did prior to running haven't kicked in yet. Maybe I just need a longer warm-up than usual. Nah, optimism FAIL. I had to walk and catch my breath near the end of the first mile. I tried a couple more times to get into a good pace, but nothing was working. So then it became Create Your Own Work Out time!!!

From miles 2-4.5 I did approx. 45-60 second all out sprints (or until I was gasping for breath) and walked about a minute in between. I know this type of workout doesn't really help long distance runners. We should jog in between sprints so our body learns what it feels like to not fully recover. I know, I know, I know. But try telling my asthma that. My asthma is a spoiled, stubborn brat that does whatever it wants. My asthma does not listen to simple, logical directions. My asthma throws temper tantrums instead. GUH! I hate you asthma!

I also did a few drills, 100 squats (bad ass right?) and a few upper body resistance band exercises.

Do you guys ever make up a work out? Or do you stick to the traditional routines? Do you recommend any speed play routines? Or strength training routines? I'll take all I can get.

OH! One more thing. I'm doing this:

And if you are thinking about doing it too please email me so we can train together. Fabulous. kahavens@gmail.com.

Toodles!

Run: Unintentional elevation training

I never thought of myself as directionally challenged, but then again, I’ve never lived anywhere but the greater Phoenix area for most of my life. As a native, It’s pretty easy to know your way around. But add tall trees and elevation, subtract 20 degrees and I get mixed up pretty dang quick. This is a fact I was unfortunately unaware of until after my Pine Top running excursion (how I forgot about the Tempe Town Lake confusion, I do not know)

Things started out fine. Okay, I just turn right, and I’m going to make another right and then I’m going to turn around and make two lefts. But then rights turned into lefts and one turn turned into three and before I knew it I was stuck in the labyrinth that is Pine Top and had no idea which direction I was headed or what street I resided on.

Luckily, boyfriend's sister, Miss Brie, had her cell phone handy and remembered what streets the cabin was on. A few wrong turns later, I finally found home. Silver-lining? I ran for an hour in high altitude, and let me tell ya, high altitude hurts the lungs!

Well technically it’s good for the lungs, but I swear it literally hurt to breath at times. I can’t believe how much of a difference it makes. By the end of my adventure I felt an awkward combination of embarrassed and proud (awkward because I got so lost and the entire Mr. Wonderful family knows, and proud because I just conquered altitude training… okay… maybe not conquered...).

I also felt exhausted. I really wish you could see me superior dramatics after a run. After my hour-long, high elevation run, I proceeded to throw myself on to the floor while throwing water on my face and whining. It’s quite obnoxious.

I would love to head north before Rock N Roll and get in super elevation shape, but sadly Phoenix sporting season is in the dead middle of winter, and I don’t think I’d like running in the snow. Uh well, once a desert rat, always a desert rat.

Rate: Barefoot Running

I'm pretty skeptical of this fad. I had no intentions of trying it. But then, something happened.

One of my good friends decided the best way to spend her 40th birthday is to fly to France for two weeks, alone, for an introspective and wild adventure. I am so jealous... however I've still got a ways until 40 :) This friend and I have spent many an afternoon walking our two pups through the moderately charming streets of Tempe. Her dog is a rescue, used to be a wild pack dog, and therefore is extremely skittish. However, I've known the dog for a while and she likes me and my pup. It was only natural then, when my friend politely asked if I would watch her dog, Sarah, while she is away, that I agreed. It also didn't hurt that she offered me $20 a day, and money is something I desperately need. So all is well, right?

Wrong. The dog has been terrified and shaking from the second she was dropped off. She won't sit down and continues to pace my house for hours at a time. I tried treats, walks, pets-- everything. But she wouldn't even let me near her. And then something terrifying happened: I opened my front door slightly to get something out of my car, and Sarah pushed the door wide open with her nose, and bolted-- at a full sprint. I grabbed a leash and immediately sprinted after her. There was no time to put on shoes. 

Well to sum it up quickly, although there were a few breaks when Sarah slowed down to consider the treats I was waving at her, I ended up sprinting through my neighborhood sidewalks, barefoot, in my jeans, screaming for all the neighbors to see all while dodging piles of glass. Sarah, luckily, just ran home. I finally caught her as she was waiting at her owner's backyard fence, about a mile from my home. Brilliant. Once I had her captive I started bawling. Why? because I was stressed, exhausted, feeling emotional and so completely relieved that I didn't lose my friend's dog.
 

The point of all this, is that I did barefoot sprints... even though I wasn't intending too. 

When I woke up the next day, I was in an incredibly sore state. I could barely walk. My ankles-- ankles of all things!-- were throbbing. My calves were so excruciatingly tight. And now I get it. Minimalism running builds muscle. It builds muscles that I do not usually use when I am wearing shoes. And apparently, those muscles are going to take forever to loosen up again.
 

Even with that said, I don't intend on incorporating barefoot running into my training any time soon. If for no other reason, because it may give me horrifying flashbacks.

Run: Homemade vegan recovery shake

I faint easily. I also get nauseous easily and I have asthma. No. Big. Thang. But I do feel like I need to eat more than the average person my size in order to compensate for my woozy tendencies. In fact, I even feel the need to have a recovery shake after a five, or even three, mile run. On the days when I pretend I’m a cyclist and hit the road on two wheels, I chug through my water bottle within the first 15 miles and by the end (about 30 miles), I’m taking deep breaths in hopes of postponing any medical emergencies before I can get my hands on a power bar or doughnut. It’s kind of pathetic. But really, I require a lot of nutrients so I am always on the look-out for good recipes and dishes.

I’m a pretty busy lady, so shakes are becoming a staple part of my life. I have been determined to find a tasty recovery shake that really helps me feel better. I’ve tried diet shakes, Muscle Milk and more, but all leave me feeling exhausted later. So, I came up with a new recovery shake recipe, that seemed to really work after my five-mile treadmill run yesterday (I've been coming pretty close to my five mile base run days, however I'm still working on the ten mile long run goal) Although I am sore today, I never felt like crashing yesterday. I maintained energy after my run and felt my body getting stronger. Here’s the vegan recipe in case you want to try it. The Life’s Basic protein is a pretty intense flavor that I tried to cover up with the apple juice, so you may want to try a better tasting powder. I tried to stick to the right ratio of carbs, protein and sugar, but I'm totally open to suggestions! 

(measurements are approximate)

2 cups frozen peaches

1 cup oatmeal

1 scoop of Life’s Basic Plant Protein Greens Powder

    * I think this was the key ingredient. I’ve never used protein powder before, and I think it made a huge difference.

½ cup of apple juice

2 cups of vanilla Tempeh milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla

2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Put all ingredients into a blender and add more milk if it seems too thick. Serve cold and enjoy!

P.S. Will some one just drag me to a running club? I can't seem to get myself to do it. Thanks.

Run: Forming habits, missing training

Confession: I didn't run for four days in a row! I know, tisk, tisk. Frankly, by the last day I not only felt like Fatty Mcfaterstein, but I was also feeling anxious and uber-bummed. How many times am I going to have to remind myself that exercising makes me happy? Running = endorphins = happiness. DUH. 

Well at least I'm back on the running wagon. I did, however, realize something crucial. This running thing, it's supposed to last my entire life. This isn't something you just pick up and do for a couple seasons and then resign to a life of Nintendo and potato chips (For the record, I have nothing, and I mean NOTHING, against either of those things—in fact I rather like them both). I am attempting to develop habits that I will keep for the rest of my life. That’s quite a while. So I can’t go around moping all over the place every time I miss a few days. It’s going to happen. The important thing is that I don’t quit—that I put my Sauconeys back on and start running again. So the moral for today: Don’t even act like quitter. Keep your chin up, and keep running.

Now if only I could get myself out of bed before 7am, you guys could hear about my morning runs (which are currently nonexistent).

Running To Do’s (these are different then goals… somehow)

1. Trail run

2. Start running in the mornings

3. Run with an ipod (which requires buying one, which is difficult)

Run: The silver-lining theory

I can't help but be an optimist. I've read and heard that it's smart to have little goals and little accomplishments before and after every run. It sounds like a trivial practice, but I am finding more and more that it's extremely rewarding. For instance, this week has been a little disheartening. I felt extremely motivated last time we spoke, and I was determined to begin increasing my mileage. However, I must remind you (and myself) that I am still getting used to my new work schedule, and am therefore feeling extremely busy and exhausted. Lo and behold, so far this week, my work outs have been extremely short.


So that's a bummer.


And then, enter silver-lining theory. I think I am finally becoming a habitual runner. Definition of habitual runner: Some one who can't stand missing a work out, who rarely makes excuses that actually stick, and who runs even when she's extremely tired, anxious, busy or apathetic. Although I may not be nearing my long-distance goals quite as quickly as I was hoping, I am proud of the fact that running has become something that I love more and more each day. Even though there's times when I dread putting on my Sauconys, the dread comes less and less. I no longer look at running as my newest form of exercise, but rather as something I cannot live without. I never thought I'd say this without a slight scoff, laugh or shrug, but yes, I am a runner.

Run: Personal record alert... again. Too soon?

I don't mean to brag but, I'm pretty much on fire. Kidding. But, I ran 3 miles in 31:30 minutes. That's two personal records in one week, and I haven't even been training hard, like, at all.  So here's my thought process.  I have been running 3 miles every work out, but I barely ever increase my mileage, even though I have been getting faster without much effort. I want my goal marathon to be Arizona's Rock N Roll marathon which is January 16th, 2011. I should realistically start on a structured marathon training plan on September 1st, or even a little earlier. That means I have four full months to build a lot of mileage and endurance. So I am setting some new goals for myself.

By June 1st

New base mileage of 5 miles every work out

Long Runs: 10 miles or more

Join a freaking running club already

By July 1st

Add interval and track training into my workout

Lose 5 pounds (because it will make me faster) 

Run a 5k

By August 1st

Run a 10k

Run more 5ks

Run 3 miles in under 29 minutes

By September 1st

Sign up for Arizona's Rock N Roll Marathon

Start training

Okay make-believe readers, you better hold me to it!

Work Out Recap:

Run: I ran 4 out of 7 days this week. It would have been five, but I rolled my ankle on Friday, so I had to take a few days off. I ran three times with my Oregonian buddy which is awesome, but she is still working on her base and getting in shape, so my workouts were easier with a lot run/walk intervals.

Strength: abs, arms


Thoughts/emotions/concerns: This was my first week working 9-5, and it was pretty tiring. No excuses though, I've got to continue training hard. I also wish I had more time to ride my bike. sigh. 

Run: Personal record alert

This whole nine to five thing is exhausting, and it doesn't help that I'm obsessive about making sure all my work is fabulous and ahead of schedule even when I'm at home. So until I get used to my new job, and until I can effortlessly excel at my internship, my posts may be a little short. However, if you haven't noticed, lately I've been a little off topic (or off my training schedule to be specific) anyway. You're probably sick of my ramblings, huh? Oh you'll miss them soon, I know you will. But until you do, cheers to me! I have a new personal record!

Sunday 4.18.2010
Run: 30:54 minutes, 3 miles
Strength: crunches and arms
Thoughts/Emotions/Concerns: I just ran an 10:18 min/mile average, and it wasn't even that hard. I'm so proud!


Monday 4.19.2010
Run: 33 minutes, 3 miles
Strength: If I muster up the strength, I might do a few crunches... but probably not
Thoughts/Emotions/Concerns: I don't know if I should be disgusted or thoroughly impressed with myself, but after a long day of work (two different jobs, mind you), I came home to a decadent home-made and healthy meal made by my wonderful boyfriend. How, then, could I possibly deny a glass of wine...or two. Normally, even one glass of wine would be the end of any running aspirations for the night, however I conquered that feat tonight. Impressive? yes. Somewhat embarrassing? most definitely.

Rate: Running makes you smarter

Holy asthma attack batman! I sound like a dying aardvark, or at least what I think one would sound like if it were dying: raspy, low, deep wheezes accompanied by low congested breathing out the nose.  It sounds more like growling then breathing. I blame the allergy count and pollution, which means I am indirectly blaming the bizarre amount of rain we’ve gotten this year.

Pollen Count Today: High—But I kept running anywayJ

I have a new running motivator that I think the whole world should know about. Running makes you smarter. In Brain Rules, the nonfiction book that I am currently reading, John Medina explains that exercise is our evolutionary instinct and right. If we aren’t exercising we aren’t living up to our full potential. He goes on to scientifically explain the effects that exercise has on neurons, cells, brain waves, glucose consumption and other scientific jibber jabber. Through scientific explanation that I won’t bore you with (and am fairly incompetent at explaining), Medina concludes that exercise actually improves our cognitive functions. “Physical activity is cognitive candy,” Medina states. Cool huh?

Today, I got a little smarter. Here’s my workout recap:

Run:  33 minutes, varying from a slow to moderate pace (varying due to the asthma), 3miles.
Other: I am on the look out for a practical and successful ab work out. I really need to work on my core for a variety of reasons, including vanity. Today however, I am going to lay out by the pool with my sister instead. Tonight’s her baby shower, so I’m sacrificing strength training for her special preggers day ;)
Emotions/Thoughts/Concerns: This is the second time this week that asthma has really affected my run. I am a little bit concerned about spring. However if 33 minutes is my new slowest time for 3 miles, I shouldn’t complain. But I’m excited to get faster! and to stop wheezing. 

Rest: Birthday Week Part 1: Why I'm a Traitor

I admit it, I'm a traitor. This past week, I joined the dark side. I took a break from running, pulled on some spandex and climbed onto my NEW road bike. That's right, new. So let me explain myself:

1) Saturday was my birthday. I was supposed to run a 5k in the morning, but my achilles tendon was still causing a minor ache.
2) Saturday was my birthday. My wonderful, wonderful boyfriend bought me a new (used) road bike. He received many gold stars.
3) I had to take almost a week off of running to let my leg heal (no pun intended!).
4) Boyfriend loves road bikes, so it's nice to ride together sometimes since we both enjoy it.

So I have been riding my new bicycle, and I haven't been running. Please forgive me.

I started with a casual ride with the girls (one of which races competitively) on Thursday. We did about 15 miles. It wasn't  a major work out but I used it to become more acquainted with my bike as well as with the girls. You see, I need girlfriends. It seems most of mine don't come out during the day unless there are bloody marys involved. So the idea of having girl friends that I can actually be athletic with is a tantalizing concept that makes me all giddy inside, like first date giddy, really. This little problem only emphasizes my dire need to join a running club/group, but darn it, I'm still scared. So until I join a running club, I am very happy to have some ladies to ride bikes with.

There seemed to be a mild desert hurricane on Friday. So we skipped the ride due to wind.

Then came Saturday. Boyfriend and cycling girl friend took me on the notorious PISS ride (I don't know why they call it that). They also secretly told another male member of the racing team that he could come along, unbeknownst to me.  Suddenly I was on a group ride, scary. I did 30 miles, with lots of hills!!! Pretty bad ass. and pretty fun too.

I really can't tell which sport I like better, cycling or running, and frankly I don't think I have to pick one. I mean neither sport is logically better for you than the other (I know all you professional cyclists or runners are going to argue that one), and all that really matters is whether or not I am enjoying the sport, and getting something out of it. For now, those requirements appeal to both sports. But running is so much more available. Cycling requires a lot of money and time. Plus there's something really striking to me about a sport that is completely dependent on my body. There's no equipment, strategies or rules to road running. It's just about how hard I can push myself. So for now, I'm still a runner. But by the end of PISS ride, I felt like I might collapse, so it was a good substitute for my birthday 5k.

This puts you up to date until my birthday extravaganza.. which is a topic worth having its own post...

To Be Continued

Regalia: Saucony

I can feel it coming. It's creeping into my mornings, causing the sun to poor into my window earlier than usual.  It's slithering into my car, making the seats hot and the stale air hotter. I think I need to turn on the AC. Most of all, it's jeopardizing my mid-day runs causing me to lose 15 pounds in pure sweat alone. I can feel summer coming, and I'm scared. I love Arizona, I really do, and I am a big fat wimp when it comes to anything below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but I'm just not ready for triple digit weather. I still have time, plenty of time, but still, I'm anxiously dreading summer's arrival.

It's 80 degrees out, which is beautiful, but it made my run a bit more intense. Actually, I kind of like getting extremely sweaty when I work out. It makes me feel like a real athlete, and it reminds me of summers playing softball. However, post-run, when I slowly wobbled into my bathroom, dripping sweat, and gazed into the mirror, it literally looked like I had changed ethnicity. It looked like my face had darkened three shades. I forgot how easily I tan. Time to buy some sunblock!!


Before I go into the work out summary I'd like to give you a little Running Regalia Review. As I try out new products, I feel it will be fun to share with you what I am getting out of them, how I feel about them, etc. Next time, the review will be in its own separate post. So here it is:


Running Regalia Review


About a week ago I made my first visit to Road Runner Sports. It was heaven. I've waited to share with you my experience there because I wanted to make sure that I was happy with the chosen shoe. I sure am. The Road Runner personnel first put me through their Shoe Dog technology. I walked on and over a exta-special, scientific gate analyzer which took an imprint of my footstep and presented it on the screen. Apparently I pronate inward. Now that I think about it, that makes sense, and that could definitely be contributing to my constant ankle pain. Then, I step on a tread mill and start running. It's confirmed: I DO inwardly pronate. My handy helper Mr. Frank then tests what size shoe I am (my right foot is bigger than my left), and takes me over to the insole area. To make a long story short we went through a series of testing, talking and running until I found a shoe and insole that gave me the perfect (almost) gait.


I finally ended up with the Saucony ProGrid Ride 2 (pictured above). You know you're a runner when you buy the dorkiest looking shoe on the shelf because it fits the best. After a week with my new shoes, I have to say my joints feel a lot better. My ankles don't feel like they are going to cave in the second I start running, and even my overall gait feels faster and smoother. Honestly, I contemplate never taking them off. Every other shoe now feels like it's killing me slowly. But for now I'm still too shallow to stick with running shoes as my daily foot attire.


Saucony is not as well known as may other brands because the company is solely (no pun intended) catering to runners. Their shoes seem a little bit stiffer than the others, but I think that the stiffness makes me run smoother overall. Plus I can already feel them morphing to my feet. I give Saucony three out of three first pumps, and I give Road Runner Sports a spot on my top five favorite stores list. Ya, I know, I tend to get a little too enthusiastic. But hey, the gear is a part of the game (or race)!


Work Out Summary:
Run: 11 minute warm up, 10 minute fartlek, 9 min easy pace.
Drills: Five minutes (I was soo hot by then!)
Strenght: Crunches, pushups, lunges, triceps resistance, calves

Run: Drowning in mucus

It's a horribly unique feeling-- not being able to breathe. My lungs begin to feel heavy and inflated, like they're filling up with liquid, like I'm drowning from the inside out. I concentrate on taking deep breathes, forcing the outside air into my stubborn,  overwhelmed lungs. It hurts to inhale so forcefully. But today is Tuesday and I am supposed to be getting myself ready for a 5k that is a mere 11 days from now. I have no time for stiff lungs and asthma attacks. Needless to say, today was a painful run. Each step caused my tired lungs to contract in panic. I had forgotten how horrible asthma can feel. Still, I made the day worth it.


I read in my new training book (soon to be reviewed) that I should approach each run with a solid goal. What am I trying to accomplish today? So today I decided that I was trying to shed my 5k time down to 10:30, which is a pretty big jump for me.


1st mile: Took it easy so I could get properly warmed up. About six minutes in, I felt warm enough to step up the pace, but the pace triggered my asthma immediately. It's finally spring in Arizona, which means my allergies and asthma may suffer horribly. I pulled it off though: 10:50 minutes.


2nd mile: This is the mile that really counts today. I am warm and not yet exhausted so this is the mile that i want to make count. Minus the continue asthma troubles, I'm feeling good. I was shocked to look down and see this record time 19:50 (9 minute mile!). I didn't know I was capable of that good of a time, especially during such a cumbersome asthma attack.


3rd mile: Things start to get rough in the third mile. Oh right, this is an endurance sport: must keep going. I literally thought I might throw up by the end up this mile, but I continued with a similar pace. Time: 30.03! I finished three miles in 30 minutes! Things are looking up.


5k time: 33:00ish!!!


Well I'm no elite racer yet, but i can definitely say that I have improved.

Run: Motivation after a long weekend

It's extremely difficult to motivate myself to run after taking two days off in a row. I'd rather be drinking beer, laying out at a near by hotel pool and enjoying myself while finishing up my current read. I wish my work schedule didn't force me to schedule my time that way. But I still managed to muster up the inspiration to do a short run at mid day. It was about 25 minutes, but at a quicker pace then usual. I was a little crampy due to a big, greasy breakfast, but I continued to run, and I continued to run quickly. It was one of the first times since I picked up this hobby that I actually enjoyed my run. I mean, I like exercising, and therefore I like the condition that running puts me in, but I can't say that until today I have ever enjoyed my run, while running. If this is how I feel on a day that I was dreading running, then I assume things are gong to get more exciting from here on out.  The only strength training I did was crunches. It's a short one today but they're be much more next time!

Run: 1/4 of a Marathon

I ran for an entire hour today. I ran 5.2 miles. That’s like, almost a fourth of a marathon. That’s almost a forth of a marathon!!!! I knew that if I just set my goals a little bit higher that I would be capable of accomplishing more. I feel like an awkward shy kid who finds out he’s funny in front of a group of cheerleaders and jocks. I can’t believe I ran that long! I’m impressed with myself!  It’s exhilarating, really. So to any of you make-believe readers who may be having trouble staying motivated—if me  (beer drinking, nacho eating lady who hadn’t ran for more than three minutes since P.E. my freshman year of high school) and my asthma can get this far, so can you.

I composed this list somewhere in between minutes 28-45 of my run:

Things I need if I’m going to continue running/blogging:

1. A new camera (so you can see what I see)

2, New socks (see yesterday)

3. New shoes

4. Bootylicious (and moisture wicking) stretchy running shorts

5. Three more sports bras

6. Other moisture-wicking clothing

7. An ipod (mine was stolen) and that holder thing that fits on your arm

8. Training and diet books

9. A subscription to Runner’s World

10. A writing/editing job (ok, not a necessity to running but a career would be nice)