Have you ever felt totally disorganized? How about having a self diagnoses of Adult ADD? That is how I have felt lately. I haven't been sleeping well the last couple of nights. I look at my "TO DO" lists and nothing is crossed off and I am very easily distracted. And after several days of this I missed my workout yesterday! I know what you are thinking, "you are stressing over one workout". Yes I am stressing over that one work because Tuesday and Wednesday's workouts were not great either. I did them but they were half a$$ workouts. I need to refocus and get my $h-- together.
I don't think I have come out and said it on this blog yet but I lost my job the end of August so I have been sending out resumes and interviewing the last couple of months. I think if I have too much time on my hands I don't get as much done and I get distracted very easily. For example since starting this blog I have gotten up four times to go and do something else. HELP!
Today I have only put four things on my "To Do" list in the hopes that I will get it all done and not be disappointed at the end of the day. Of course one of the things on the list is to write my Blog and then next is my workout! Besides finding a job I need to make my workouts my number one priority and get them done before anything else. If I don't I am going to regret come June when I am struggling again during the triathlons. Also not working out puts me in a bad state too.
So much is tied into how I feel about myself and how I feel physically and emotionally. I am sure this is true for so many others. For me I need sleep (at least 7-8 hours), I need to eat right ... not eating right even affects my sleep. I need to be stress free and physically active. If all these things are in play then I am usually a well balanced individual. I am happier and a more productive. I am just not feeling it today. It is time to put it all together again before it really gets out of hand.
TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!
Are we there yet??
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Latest Update
 |
| At the start of the Thanksgiving Morning 5K |
Well even though we celebrated a National Holiday, that doesn't give us permission to give up on our training! There is still work to be done. Monday the 19th started my core training along with some strength training and my body instantly could tell that I had not done that for a while. I have to admit I am not a big fan of strength training. I know it is necessary but I get distracted and bored when I am doing it. It is funny I can go and run for hour or more but if strength training takes longer than 30 minutes I am done. Well this program took longer than 30 minutes and I was trying to figure out ways to cut it shorter. I haven't figured it out yet but I will get back to you on that one.
Tuesday I had to set up my trainer in the middle of my living room for a long bike ride. God I hate the trainer! It is worse than running on the treadmill. I was trying to find something good to watch on TV while I rode but nothing was interesting enough to take my mind off of what I was doing. Riding by yourself on a trainer is a very lonely task. I haven't been on my trainer since last spring and my gluteus maximus could tell. A friend of mine posted on facebook tonight a quote from Andy Potts about being "One" with your bike. I am not quite there yet ... maybe in a few weeks but not right now! Later that day I went back to Yoga. Still not very flexible but it went a lot better than it did the first week. I do enjoy doing yoga, I just find it very hard. But what doesn't kill me will just make me stronger.
Wednesday was a bike/swim day and then I was in my car heading to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving! However there is no rest for the weary there is a Turkey Trot to run on Thanksgiving morning. The 5k event was taking place in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and all the proceeds of the event were going to the Open Pantry, a very worthy cause. A few weeks ago I was home in Massachusetts for the half marathon and I shared it with my family and a few friends that I planned to run this 5K. Well my dad signed up, my friend Catie signed up and my brother signed up with my nephew who is 7. It was my nephew's first 5K and he did fabulous. I really enjoyed the course as well. I ran the course in 37:34 which was my fastest 5K since June of 2011! I didn't PR the event but I had a fabulous race. I felt great on the course and I felt strong when I was finishing. I was really happy with the results! The best part is the fact that I didn't have to feel guilty about eating stuffing (my favorite) during dinner!
Of course no matter how good you try to be on holidays you always end up feeling stuffed, like a turkey, after dinner! I couldn't wait to get up and run on Friday morning. The schedule called for four miles and four miles I did through the neighborhood I grew up in. Oh the memories! It was a beautiful day out ... warm and sunny and I am so glad I took advantage of it because winter was heading our way!! Saturday I drove back to New York and I was supposed to swim that day but I have to admit I skipped it. By the time I got back to town, unpacked the car and set up some Christmas decorations I was too tired to head out to the pool. Don't worry I was honest with my coach and I just skipped this day!
Sunday has arrived ... the final day of the training week and I am asked to run 4-6 miles today. Before I headed out for my run I decided to jump on the scale ... I wanted to see the damage from the weekend. I stepped on the scale on Wednesday morning after I woke up because I wanted to see how I was doing. I hadn't been on the scale in a couple of weeks and I was curious. I had stayed the same no big major move. I had stayed off the scale because I didn't want the number to dictate my success and I was getting frustrated with how slow it was moving. So this morning, Sunday, I jumped on the scale again to see the damage and much to my surprise I was down TWO (2) POUNDS!!! I actually checked the scale three times and all three times the number showed the same thing I was down!! I was so excited. I think it put and extra skip in my step as I headed out for my run. I ended up running 5+ miles at Onondaga Lake Park (not always the best choice on a cold, snowy and windy day) . I finished the training week strong and 2 pounds down! Oh what will the next seven days have in store for me?
Are we there yet?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Just Another Sunday Morning ...
The alarm went off at 6:00 AM (doesn't every one's alarm on Sunday morning?) and I could already tell there was a chill in the air. I hit the snooze button ... five more minutes please. My cat Sally looked at me like I was crazy but she also knew if I got out of bed soon then she would soon get food in her bowl. So like all good fury friends she was encouraging me to get out of bed. I had told a friend that I would meet her at 7:15 AM for a run at Onondaga Lake Park. She was scheduled to run for 50 minutes and I was scheduled to run for 4-6 miles or 90 minutes. She actually runs faster than me but I figured if I at lease meet someone this early in the morning I will get my workout done! Even though you know you have to train, you know you should train and you are excited about doing future events often times I struggle with the voices of good and evil in my head and on days like today would rather stay under the covers!!
The alarm goes off again and this time the reason I jump out of bed, mother nature is calling! I begin to get dressed in my winter running layers and head downstairs to make breakfast. I realize everyone has a routine when it comes to eating before races and/or long runs but I often wonder if anyone eats what I eat? I have pretty much been eating the same breakfast for the last seven years; 1 egg, 1 slice of low fat cheese and 1 veggie sausage patty all on a multi-grain English muffin. I know many of you are asking how does she stomach all of that. Believe me I am the queen of sensitive stomachs but for some reason this works for me. It sticks to my ribs, it doesn't upset my stomach and I am not hungry during or often times after a long run.
After breakfast I headed out to my car and discovered I had to scrape my car windows ... frost! Finally I am off Onondaga Lake Park. I meet my friend and start our run. Like most early morning runs I am not excited about starting but soon I start to loosen up and sweat and things seem to be moving with ease. About 25 minutes into my run my friend turn around to head back. I told her I had to keep going because if I turn around I won't keep going. Slowly the miles start to go by me. Forty-Two minutes into my run I hit the 3 mile mark and know that I can turn around and head back. I think to myself, "I am actually feeling pretty good today" and then it dawns on me that a week ago I was getting ready to run the half marathon in Massachusetts. Over the next few miles back to my car I kept thinking about how much I hurt during that race and now today I felt great. Granted this course was very flat but still I was feeling great! What a difference a week can make.
I get back to my car and happen to finish the 6 mile run in 1:24 so I continue to walk until I get closer to 1:30 or 90 minutes. And then I treat myself to a chocolate milk! Oh the little things that get you excited after a long run! All in a day of training! Tomorrow I can look forward to a day of rest on the training calendar and then it is back at it on Tuesday!
Are we there yet?
The alarm goes off again and this time the reason I jump out of bed, mother nature is calling! I begin to get dressed in my winter running layers and head downstairs to make breakfast. I realize everyone has a routine when it comes to eating before races and/or long runs but I often wonder if anyone eats what I eat? I have pretty much been eating the same breakfast for the last seven years; 1 egg, 1 slice of low fat cheese and 1 veggie sausage patty all on a multi-grain English muffin. I know many of you are asking how does she stomach all of that. Believe me I am the queen of sensitive stomachs but for some reason this works for me. It sticks to my ribs, it doesn't upset my stomach and I am not hungry during or often times after a long run.
After breakfast I headed out to my car and discovered I had to scrape my car windows ... frost! Finally I am off Onondaga Lake Park. I meet my friend and start our run. Like most early morning runs I am not excited about starting but soon I start to loosen up and sweat and things seem to be moving with ease. About 25 minutes into my run my friend turn around to head back. I told her I had to keep going because if I turn around I won't keep going. Slowly the miles start to go by me. Forty-Two minutes into my run I hit the 3 mile mark and know that I can turn around and head back. I think to myself, "I am actually feeling pretty good today" and then it dawns on me that a week ago I was getting ready to run the half marathon in Massachusetts. Over the next few miles back to my car I kept thinking about how much I hurt during that race and now today I felt great. Granted this course was very flat but still I was feeling great! What a difference a week can make.
I get back to my car and happen to finish the 6 mile run in 1:24 so I continue to walk until I get closer to 1:30 or 90 minutes. And then I treat myself to a chocolate milk! Oh the little things that get you excited after a long run! All in a day of training! Tomorrow I can look forward to a day of rest on the training calendar and then it is back at it on Tuesday!
Are we there yet?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
"challenging but pretty"
Well today I am writing my blog instead of getting some other things done on the "To Do List". Actually blogging is on the list just further down but I just moved it up the list. My other "to do list" items include running and sending out some resumes. Those will both get done today, but I decided to change the order.
This past Sunday I ran in my seventh half marathon and I have to admit it was the hardest one yet. I have often remarked that the Mountain Goat, a local 10 mile run through Syracuse, was harder than any half marathon I have ever completed. Well that changed after I completed Sunday's half marathon. I participated in the Monson Memorial Classic which is a fund raiser for two nonprofit organizations. If you looked at the course map and then checked out the elevation of the course it is higher than that of the Mountain Goat so I shouldn't have been that surprised when I started running on Sunday. However, I was not prepared for the course I ran on Sunday. It started up hill as soon as you crossed the start line and didn't stop until Mile 8. After Mile 8 it did go down hill but was very steep and hurt just as much. The course continued to guide you up and over some rolling hills until the last mile when you coasted into the downtown area of Monson.
A few days before the event I contacted the race director because I had a couple of questions about the event that I could not find answers to on the website. After the race director gave me his answers he then went on to say this ... "The course is challenging but pretty, and it looks like great weather! See you tomorrow, and I think you will really love this race!" Well he wasn't the lying it was challenging! It was also a very pretty course and I did love the race. I saw some cows, some pigs and some free range chickens! I met some nice people along the way, my family was able to join me at this event and I learned a thing or two about myself.
This race humbled me ... I finished the course but realized even though I did 13.1 miles six weeks earlier and continued to train I wasn't ready for this particular course. I have to train for not only the distance but also the course. I am not a strong enough runner to just enter a race because I can complete the distance. I have to be confident in my ability and not take anything for granted. I have three more months before my next half marathon no time to waste let the training continue.
Back to my "to do list" list now ... I can cross this off the list today.
Are we there yet??
This past Sunday I ran in my seventh half marathon and I have to admit it was the hardest one yet. I have often remarked that the Mountain Goat, a local 10 mile run through Syracuse, was harder than any half marathon I have ever completed. Well that changed after I completed Sunday's half marathon. I participated in the Monson Memorial Classic which is a fund raiser for two nonprofit organizations. If you looked at the course map and then checked out the elevation of the course it is higher than that of the Mountain Goat so I shouldn't have been that surprised when I started running on Sunday. However, I was not prepared for the course I ran on Sunday. It started up hill as soon as you crossed the start line and didn't stop until Mile 8. After Mile 8 it did go down hill but was very steep and hurt just as much. The course continued to guide you up and over some rolling hills until the last mile when you coasted into the downtown area of Monson.
A few days before the event I contacted the race director because I had a couple of questions about the event that I could not find answers to on the website. After the race director gave me his answers he then went on to say this ... "The course is challenging but pretty, and it looks like great weather! See you tomorrow, and I think you will really love this race!" Well he wasn't the lying it was challenging! It was also a very pretty course and I did love the race. I saw some cows, some pigs and some free range chickens! I met some nice people along the way, my family was able to join me at this event and I learned a thing or two about myself.
This race humbled me ... I finished the course but realized even though I did 13.1 miles six weeks earlier and continued to train I wasn't ready for this particular course. I have to train for not only the distance but also the course. I am not a strong enough runner to just enter a race because I can complete the distance. I have to be confident in my ability and not take anything for granted. I have three more months before my next half marathon no time to waste let the training continue.
Back to my "to do list" list now ... I can cross this off the list today.
Are we there yet??
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Yoga
Downward Dog ... Pigeon...child's pose ... does this sound relaxing? It is supposed to be...relaxing. Yoga incorporates physical, mental and spiritual disciplines. Yoga has been practiced for more than 5000 years and is more than just a trend according to WebMD. Some forms of Yoga are purely relaxation, working on your breathing and meditation while other forms of yoga are physical and working on different moves.
Now many people think that Yoga is easy and won'' hurt you. However, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons there are many injuries due to Yoga such as neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees ... should I be scared? According to WebMD you should not just jump into Yoga but take classes and learn how to do things properly. With some of the moves people can feel out of shape, too old or inflexible but I read, "you are never to old to improve your flexibility" Is there hope for me?
The reason I am talking about Yoga is because I took a class last night. I belong to the CNY Triathlon club and they offer classes during the winter to keep their members training during the off season. Last night was the first class of the season, and although not my first class, it certainly felt like!! I am not flexible and I have to say I am sore today (which I didn't expect). YOGA IS HARD!! I am told if I keep at it, it will get easier. I know there are many benefits to Yoga so I just have to stick with it!!
After I posted a statement on Facebook about Yoga a few of my friends suggested "Hot Yoga" or also known as "Bikram Yoga"! Hot Yoga is usually done in a room with the temperature set at 105 degrees with 40% humidity. The heat is supposed to help with deeper stretches and injury prevention while reducing stress. I find this interesting ... does anyone ever complain about the heat? I am a winter girl but I may try it!
I am not going to give up, I will keep trying and soon will be a warrior in warrior pose and will be able to hold the tree pose for long than a half second!!
Namaste
Now many people think that Yoga is easy and won'' hurt you. However, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons there are many injuries due to Yoga such as neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees ... should I be scared? According to WebMD you should not just jump into Yoga but take classes and learn how to do things properly. With some of the moves people can feel out of shape, too old or inflexible but I read, "you are never to old to improve your flexibility" Is there hope for me?
The reason I am talking about Yoga is because I took a class last night. I belong to the CNY Triathlon club and they offer classes during the winter to keep their members training during the off season. Last night was the first class of the season, and although not my first class, it certainly felt like!! I am not flexible and I have to say I am sore today (which I didn't expect). YOGA IS HARD!! I am told if I keep at it, it will get easier. I know there are many benefits to Yoga so I just have to stick with it!!
After I posted a statement on Facebook about Yoga a few of my friends suggested "Hot Yoga" or also known as "Bikram Yoga"! Hot Yoga is usually done in a room with the temperature set at 105 degrees with 40% humidity. The heat is supposed to help with deeper stretches and injury prevention while reducing stress. I find this interesting ... does anyone ever complain about the heat? I am a winter girl but I may try it!
I am not going to give up, I will keep trying and soon will be a warrior in warrior pose and will be able to hold the tree pose for long than a half second!!
Namaste
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Training Updates
So Since my last post I have had a swim workout, ran in the rain and had a bike fitness test. The evening of Halloween I decided instead of eating Halloween candy I was going to head to the gym and get in a swim workout. Best decision I ever made because NO ONE WAS THERE!!! It was a ghost town at the gym and I had the swim lane all to myself!! Thursday was a cold rainy day and the more I put off the my run the more it rain, so I said to myself "either get out there and do it or you are going to miss it"! I got out there and I am glad I did!! Friday I had a bike test at the CNY Triathlon "winter training facility" to see where my base fitness level is and to see where I can push myself. I have this fear of hitting the wall, so even on an 8 minute test I am afraid to push myself too hard. You have to complete the test twice and I can tell you that I pushed myself a lot harder on the second test than I did on the first. I had to push fear out the window!!
Tomorrow I have my last long run before the Half Marathon I signed up for in Massachusetts. So I am running in 3rd Annual Wounded Warrior Run in Camillus, NY. It is a race I did last year and it is for a great cause! Last year they had a 5K and a 10K but this year they are offering an 8K ... huh? According to my calculations it is just under 5 miles! It's supposed to be cold so ... let's just hope it is a good run!
I have to tell you I met with a friend for coffee (tea for me) yesterday. She is also training for a 70.3, her first and we just wanted to get together and talk and see how things were going. During our discussion she had mentioned that she records her food for the day and emails it to her coach. I have been working with a nutritionist but we never discussed turning my food into her. So after our meeting I emailed my nutritionist and suggested this. She thought it was a great idea. I started right away. The good thing about this is that you have to be honest and write everything down. The bad part about this is you have to be honest and write everything down. So before you take that first bite you have to think ... do I want to write this down?? I will keep you updated on how this works. Thanks Laura for the idea!!
Are we there yet??
Tomorrow I have my last long run before the Half Marathon I signed up for in Massachusetts. So I am running in 3rd Annual Wounded Warrior Run in Camillus, NY. It is a race I did last year and it is for a great cause! Last year they had a 5K and a 10K but this year they are offering an 8K ... huh? According to my calculations it is just under 5 miles! It's supposed to be cold so ... let's just hope it is a good run!
I have to tell you I met with a friend for coffee (tea for me) yesterday. She is also training for a 70.3, her first and we just wanted to get together and talk and see how things were going. During our discussion she had mentioned that she records her food for the day and emails it to her coach. I have been working with a nutritionist but we never discussed turning my food into her. So after our meeting I emailed my nutritionist and suggested this. She thought it was a great idea. I started right away. The good thing about this is that you have to be honest and write everything down. The bad part about this is you have to be honest and write everything down. So before you take that first bite you have to think ... do I want to write this down?? I will keep you updated on how this works. Thanks Laura for the idea!!
Are we there yet??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)