Not surprising to me, I pretty much fell off the running wagon after Thanksgiving. My choir sang for Lessons and Carols, which called for a Sunday night practice on the 6th, and the actual Lessons and Carols the following Sunday. Then I went to a musical the Sunday after that (six days ago). Throw in the shorter days, and my usual Sunday late afternoon/early evening runs were thwarted.
Last weekend, or maybe the weekend before, however, I managed to run for a few minutes here and there during a longer weekend Bailey walk, but still not much of a run. But starting this past Wednesday, the 23rd, we got out early to begin our holiday break, and my running commenced. That mid-afternoon run came on the heels of my eating a giant plate of nachos and drinking a beer not even two hours prior, but I manged to run about 2 miles. The next day, Bailey seemed to want to run some more, so I managed to get in another run, though I did not run the entire time. On Christmas morning, I had no intention of running for a third consecutive day, but, again, Bailey was motoring, and I felt pretty good, so I ran for at least half of the trek. During those three days, the temps were in the 60s, and I was running with a Santa hat, so I was definitely not comfortable. Who would think you would be sweating in long pants and a long-sleeve t-shirt at the end of December? But I got through it.
This morning, I had planned to just walk, but once we got to the top of the long street, I decided just to run down the hill and up most of it. I took a break or two, so I probably ended up running about a mile or maybe less, but still a run. Today was the coolest day; it was probably around 50 degrees, and without the Santa hat, I was finally comfortable.
I am off for another week, so other than when I will be away overnight on Monday, I should be continuing the longer (2 mile) walks with Bailey. And I will probably manage to run a bit during a few of them. But if not, that will be just fine by me.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
A Thanksgiving run
So I did not run this past Sunday, but I did get a run in on Thanksgiving morning. Bai and I did about 3 miles, probably a little less. I am certain our first mile was a 10-minute mile or less, going Bailey speed. In fact, the first few tenths of a mile were practically a sprint. The second mile was at a more reasonable pace, and the last mile was almost slow; at times I had to get Bai to pick up the pace.
I don't recall any great pains. It was tough when we went fast or up a steep hill. But all in all, it was good.
Probably won't run again tomorrow night, but that's okay. Just glad I got that run in plus daily walks.
I don't recall any great pains. It was tough when we went fast or up a steep hill. But all in all, it was good.
Probably won't run again tomorrow night, but that's okay. Just glad I got that run in plus daily walks.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Continuing the streak (which will probably be broken this weekend)
Bai and I ran for about 30 minutes on Sunday, once again. It might have been longer. In fact, I might have run with her for about 20 to 25 minutes and then went back out. Yeah, that seems right. This is why I need to write down what I do soon after I do it.
There was nothing remarkable about the run. But it happened, and that is what counts.
I have a super busy weekend ahead, so I am guessing my streak will be broken. What can you do.
There was nothing remarkable about the run. But it happened, and that is what counts.
I have a super busy weekend ahead, so I am guessing my streak will be broken. What can you do.
Monday, November 9, 2015
A complete run with the dog
Yesterday I decided that since Bailey's weekday walks are getting shorter, I should really try to wear her out on Sunday (after we took a long walk Saturday). So Bail ran with me for my entire run yesterday.
As usual, she started off full force, which is too fast for me. I tried to keep up, to get the heart going, and I was kind of glad she slowed down up the hill at the end of our first part of the run. We kept the same pace as we continued up the hill and then down another hill, and we continued to keep the same pace along that long street we sometimes walk on. Bail did stop to do her business a second time on that street, which coincided with my hearing cheering from a house. So I pulled up ESPN on my phone, and determined the Steelers were driving for the go-ahead score in the last few seconds of the game. I tried to wait that out, but after about a minute or so, I decided to keep going, and just try to watch my phone as I ran (which I don't recommend). Fortunately the Steelers prevailed, and I did not hurt myself trying to determine that!
Our run continued to go pretty well until Bai decided she wanted to run up the steep hill at the end of the street, which I really can't do, so I tried to reign her in. We kept going on the main street, then up our street, and after I tossed her business into our driveway, we kept going to the end of our street and into the field. We ran a few laps there, and eventually ran a few more times up and down our street.
When I had hit 35-38 minutes (I wish I could remember), I decided that was pretty good. Even with our couple of stops, I figure we ran 3 miles. And it was nice not to worry about timing.
I felt good pretty much the entire time (except when Bailey was running really fast). I recall getting a slight hamstring or butt pain, but that was it, and it did not last long. I really could have kept running, but I know the family was waiting for me for dinner, and I still had to lift some free weights and shower.
So, a good run!
As usual, she started off full force, which is too fast for me. I tried to keep up, to get the heart going, and I was kind of glad she slowed down up the hill at the end of our first part of the run. We kept the same pace as we continued up the hill and then down another hill, and we continued to keep the same pace along that long street we sometimes walk on. Bail did stop to do her business a second time on that street, which coincided with my hearing cheering from a house. So I pulled up ESPN on my phone, and determined the Steelers were driving for the go-ahead score in the last few seconds of the game. I tried to wait that out, but after about a minute or so, I decided to keep going, and just try to watch my phone as I ran (which I don't recommend). Fortunately the Steelers prevailed, and I did not hurt myself trying to determine that!
Our run continued to go pretty well until Bai decided she wanted to run up the steep hill at the end of the street, which I really can't do, so I tried to reign her in. We kept going on the main street, then up our street, and after I tossed her business into our driveway, we kept going to the end of our street and into the field. We ran a few laps there, and eventually ran a few more times up and down our street.
When I had hit 35-38 minutes (I wish I could remember), I decided that was pretty good. Even with our couple of stops, I figure we ran 3 miles. And it was nice not to worry about timing.
I felt good pretty much the entire time (except when Bailey was running really fast). I recall getting a slight hamstring or butt pain, but that was it, and it did not last long. I really could have kept running, but I know the family was waiting for me for dinner, and I still had to lift some free weights and shower.
So, a good run!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
I ran last week.
I blew off the week before, but I did, in fact, run last Sunday, the day after Halloween. There was nothing remarkable about that run. I want to say that I ran for about 30 minutes, but it may have actually been longer. I took the dog with me for about 1.5 miles. She started off super-fast, and I realized within a minute it was because her arch-enemy/dog friend Courtney had just gone by, and Bai was hot on her scent. I am guessing I was running about 6 mph for the first couple minutes.
I seem to recall my time ending up in under 6 minutes for the trip up and over 6 minutes for the trip back, but during the latter, I did not bother to stop my stopwatch while Bai was doing her thing and I was subsequently picking up her thing.
One thing I do remember was I did not get my usual pain in my left calf. So there was that.
Will I run tomorrow? No idea. But I am still keeping up walking. However, now that it is nearly dark when I get home (and in a week or so, it will be dark), I have been walking Bailey for only 5-10 minutes. So that is bad for both of us. We did walk for about 30 minutes today. I will do that tomorrow too if I/we don't run.
Until next time.
I seem to recall my time ending up in under 6 minutes for the trip up and over 6 minutes for the trip back, but during the latter, I did not bother to stop my stopwatch while Bai was doing her thing and I was subsequently picking up her thing.
One thing I do remember was I did not get my usual pain in my left calf. So there was that.
Will I run tomorrow? No idea. But I am still keeping up walking. However, now that it is nearly dark when I get home (and in a week or so, it will be dark), I have been walking Bailey for only 5-10 minutes. So that is bad for both of us. We did walk for about 30 minutes today. I will do that tomorrow too if I/we don't run.
Until next time.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Another Sunday run
Since I was not angry this Sunday and did not need to clear my head, I decided I would take the Bai-Boo for a run. It was the coldest it has been in quite some time, (temps were in the mid 40s) so I wore lined jogging pants, a long-sleeve under armour shirt, and a jacket over top. I started off cold, but felt fine after a few minutes.
For our usual first .6 miles, we did it in 5:41, because Bailey was, as usual, pretty much running. Instead of doing the return trip, we went the rest of the short distance to the top of the hill, then we made a left and start running toward the main road, before a barking German Shepherd convinced us to go down that hill instead. We ran down the hill until we got to a side street, took that, then ran up another street, until it ended in the crazy steep hill. We finally headed back to the our usual primary street and then ran up our street and home. It took us a little under 12 minutes to run that little more than a mile trek. During this time, Bailey stopped to drop some logs and relieve herself; I did not stop my timer. So that was probably a little over an 11-minute mile. Not as great as I usually do, but we are not in competition, folks!
After I dropped her off, gulped some water, and caught my breath, I went back out. This time, I ran down my street, making a right (instead of the usual left) on our primary street, and down the primary street, before running up another dead-in street. I turned around, ran back up the hill, ran back up my street, and ran to the end, through the field, and around the lot at the end of the field a few times. I finished the run with a few trips up and down my street and also did a few, short sprints.
I ran about 40 minutes again; after about 35 or 37, I walked sort of jogged for a minute before a good song came on, then I decided to run again. So I probably came close to 4 miles, but based on how I did during that one mile, it was probably more like 3.75 miles.
I will take it. I felt pretty good, despite the cold (I used to love to run in 40-degree weather). Even my heart was not past my maximum heart rate of 180 bpm while running up the one hill (of course I am not supposed to actually hit the max), so that is pretty good. I felt that odd, sharp, almost searing pain in my calf three times, once during the first minute, once during my trip back out, and once towards the end. Each time, it did not last more than about 10 seconds, but still don't get it.
That is all.
For our usual first .6 miles, we did it in 5:41, because Bailey was, as usual, pretty much running. Instead of doing the return trip, we went the rest of the short distance to the top of the hill, then we made a left and start running toward the main road, before a barking German Shepherd convinced us to go down that hill instead. We ran down the hill until we got to a side street, took that, then ran up another street, until it ended in the crazy steep hill. We finally headed back to the our usual primary street and then ran up our street and home. It took us a little under 12 minutes to run that little more than a mile trek. During this time, Bailey stopped to drop some logs and relieve herself; I did not stop my timer. So that was probably a little over an 11-minute mile. Not as great as I usually do, but we are not in competition, folks!
After I dropped her off, gulped some water, and caught my breath, I went back out. This time, I ran down my street, making a right (instead of the usual left) on our primary street, and down the primary street, before running up another dead-in street. I turned around, ran back up the hill, ran back up my street, and ran to the end, through the field, and around the lot at the end of the field a few times. I finished the run with a few trips up and down my street and also did a few, short sprints.
I ran about 40 minutes again; after about 35 or 37, I walked sort of jogged for a minute before a good song came on, then I decided to run again. So I probably came close to 4 miles, but based on how I did during that one mile, it was probably more like 3.75 miles.
I will take it. I felt pretty good, despite the cold (I used to love to run in 40-degree weather). Even my heart was not past my maximum heart rate of 180 bpm while running up the one hill (of course I am not supposed to actually hit the max), so that is pretty good. I felt that odd, sharp, almost searing pain in my calf three times, once during the first minute, once during my trip back out, and once towards the end. Each time, it did not last more than about 10 seconds, but still don't get it.
That is all.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Anger and irritation fueled that run
I was quite irritated with my family yesterday afternoon. Off the top of my head, I don't even remember why, though I think part of it was because of my kid's whining about having to vacuum. She hardly does any chores, and vacuuming takes her all of 20 minutes because she does it about as well as my husband, which is to say, not well.
Anyway, I decided rather than be angry and eat, and I would lace up my shoes and run. Because I wanted to clear my head and not have my run be interrupted by several pee breaks and one poop break, I left Bailey at home. Turned out to be a good decision.
I did the first usual .6 miles in 5:52. I am pleased with anything around 6 minutes. In fact, keeping it to around 6:30 would be just fine, so it was a good start. Rather than turn around, I decided to run the rest of the short distance up the hill to where the street ends, and then to head down a long, somewhat steep hill, a hill I had not run down in years. I ran backwards for about half of it, because running down steep hills hurts my knees. When I got near the bottom, I started running the "right way," and then ran on the next street. That street starts off flat for a couple tenths of a mile, but then it becomes a little hilly. The last tenth or so of a mile is ridiculously steep; I pretty much feel as if my heart and/or lungs are going to burst of out my chest. At one point, I took a 6-second pulse count, and I pretty much stopped to do it, so that helped.
I got back on my usual street, and then kept going past my street, down the hill, again, running backwards for a bit. I turned up a dead-end street, which is pretty hilly, and again took another pulse rate for 6 seconds, but I kept moving. When I got back onto my usual street, which contained another big hill to reach my street, I again took a 6-second pulse count, and pretty much stopped while doing that. I made it up our street, and then continued to the end of it. I ended up running in the field for some amount of time, until I had nearly hit 40 minutes. Then I ran back up and down my street a few times, and called it a darn good run when I had gone just over 40 minutes.
I am guessing I ran about 4 miles, since I tend to run about a 10-minute mile. It might have been a little less, but, still, I am quite pleased. It has been quite awhile since I ran for that long, and without any real breaks, like my usual Bailey timeout for her to do her business and then another respite to drop her off, wipe off my sweat, and gulp some water.
After I got back and gulped some water, I got Bailey, and took her on our usual 1.2-mile walk.
Then I came home and was beat! And too tired to lift weights. But today I did take Bailey on a long walk, so there is that. And I am still sore.
Anyway, I decided rather than be angry and eat, and I would lace up my shoes and run. Because I wanted to clear my head and not have my run be interrupted by several pee breaks and one poop break, I left Bailey at home. Turned out to be a good decision.
I did the first usual .6 miles in 5:52. I am pleased with anything around 6 minutes. In fact, keeping it to around 6:30 would be just fine, so it was a good start. Rather than turn around, I decided to run the rest of the short distance up the hill to where the street ends, and then to head down a long, somewhat steep hill, a hill I had not run down in years. I ran backwards for about half of it, because running down steep hills hurts my knees. When I got near the bottom, I started running the "right way," and then ran on the next street. That street starts off flat for a couple tenths of a mile, but then it becomes a little hilly. The last tenth or so of a mile is ridiculously steep; I pretty much feel as if my heart and/or lungs are going to burst of out my chest. At one point, I took a 6-second pulse count, and I pretty much stopped to do it, so that helped.
I got back on my usual street, and then kept going past my street, down the hill, again, running backwards for a bit. I turned up a dead-end street, which is pretty hilly, and again took another pulse rate for 6 seconds, but I kept moving. When I got back onto my usual street, which contained another big hill to reach my street, I again took a 6-second pulse count, and pretty much stopped while doing that. I made it up our street, and then continued to the end of it. I ended up running in the field for some amount of time, until I had nearly hit 40 minutes. Then I ran back up and down my street a few times, and called it a darn good run when I had gone just over 40 minutes.
I am guessing I ran about 4 miles, since I tend to run about a 10-minute mile. It might have been a little less, but, still, I am quite pleased. It has been quite awhile since I ran for that long, and without any real breaks, like my usual Bailey timeout for her to do her business and then another respite to drop her off, wipe off my sweat, and gulp some water.
After I got back and gulped some water, I got Bailey, and took her on our usual 1.2-mile walk.
Then I came home and was beat! And too tired to lift weights. But today I did take Bailey on a long walk, so there is that. And I am still sore.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
I blew a week off.
Last weekend marked the first weekend in months that I did not run. Technically, I did run for a few minutes during one of our weekend walks, but that is not really running. So my streak is over.
I have continued to walk Bailey every day, and I get a longer walk in a couple of days a week. And I have walked at work at least 3 or 4 days a week. And I have continued to lift weights (after having taken a week off due to a painful flu shot almost two weeks ago).
So I am keeping at it. But my knees hurt a little most days. The pain is usually quick, almost like a buckling, and then it is gone. But it does come pretty much every day. Ah, age.
I don't have a lot of faith in myself that I will run tomorrow, mostly because I am lazy. But we shall see. I hate to skip two weeks!
I have continued to walk Bailey every day, and I get a longer walk in a couple of days a week. And I have walked at work at least 3 or 4 days a week. And I have continued to lift weights (after having taken a week off due to a painful flu shot almost two weeks ago).
So I am keeping at it. But my knees hurt a little most days. The pain is usually quick, almost like a buckling, and then it is gone. But it does come pretty much every day. Ah, age.
I don't have a lot of faith in myself that I will run tomorrow, mostly because I am lazy. But we shall see. I hate to skip two weeks!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A shorter run over the weekend
I know before too long my running streak will end. I came close this past weekend. I did not have a lot of time before dinner, so I was just going to walk, rather than change into my running clothes. But within about 30 seconds, Bailey was pulling, so I went with it. Unfortunately, I was in khaki shorts, which are not the most comfortable attire to run in. And I have dropped a few pounds, so I found myself continuously pulling my shorts up. That hindered me, but I at least ran (jogged), somewhere between 1.5 and 2 miles. I should probably check.
I really should lift weights tonight, since I had to skip last night, thanks to a painful flu shot in my arm, but my arm is not quite 100 percent, so I may wimp out. With choir tomorrow that will put quite a few days in between.
Oh, well. Sometime you just feel lazy!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Lest I forget
I ran yesterday late afternoon. That was a triumph in and of itself because J had a couple of girls sleep over the night before, and I got about four hours sleep max that night. I was not exactly peppy on Sunday, but I hated to end my streak. Plus, Bailey did not get her walk on Saturday, since I waited until the second/last girl left early that evening, and by the time dinner was done, it was pouring. So no walk for Bailey.
Just before dinner yesterday, I put on my running clothes, and away we went. Bailey, as usual, was booking, at times I could barely keep up. She stopped once or twice for a quick pee break, and then she stopped for her BM. When we finished that first .6 miles, we had been going about 6 minutes. We did about the same on the way back. Then, I decided to drop off her pile of crap, and we ran for another at least 10 minutes, this time around the field and the lot at the end of the field. I figured she could use the extra exercise. This time, I was the one who had to get the dog moving; she wanted to do a slight jog. For the last 10 minutes, I ditched her and ran a different route.
I felt pretty good the entire time, save for a slight, brief leg pain. I am definitely glad I did not wimp out. Unfortunately, I have been slacking in the weight department, but hopefully I can pick that up tonight or tomorrow.
Until next time...
Just before dinner yesterday, I put on my running clothes, and away we went. Bailey, as usual, was booking, at times I could barely keep up. She stopped once or twice for a quick pee break, and then she stopped for her BM. When we finished that first .6 miles, we had been going about 6 minutes. We did about the same on the way back. Then, I decided to drop off her pile of crap, and we ran for another at least 10 minutes, this time around the field and the lot at the end of the field. I figured she could use the extra exercise. This time, I was the one who had to get the dog moving; she wanted to do a slight jog. For the last 10 minutes, I ditched her and ran a different route.
I felt pretty good the entire time, save for a slight, brief leg pain. I am definitely glad I did not wimp out. Unfortunately, I have been slacking in the weight department, but hopefully I can pick that up tonight or tomorrow.
Until next time...
Monday, September 14, 2015
Must have missed logging a week
I ran last weekend, but for some reason did not blog about it. Really the main (usually only) reason I blog about my running is so I can keep track of it. Otherwise, I would never remember doing it. I am thinking I ran on Labor Day, but would not bet the farm on it. But I seem to recall feeling good about eating a lot at the neighbor's picnic that day, so I am going to go with that.
When I woke up yesterday, I was chilly for the first time in months. I looked at the temps, and decided that 55 degrees was too cold to run. Which is crazy, because in my running days, 50-degree temps were the best. But I guess my older body is used to running in warmer weather, and although I hate anything above 70, 55 felt too extreme.
So I blew off running and went about my day. But when I started walking the dog early that evening, I decided to try to run a bit. That decision was mostly made for me because Bailey was in a running mood from about minute 1, so I went with it. I might have slowed down or stopped a couple of times, but it was my almost-typical 1.2 mile run. In jean, no less. When we got back home, and I started to take off my tennis shoes, I decided to re-lace up and get back out there. I ended up running around the field at the end of our street for somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. I kept a steady, not fast pace. I felt really good and probably could have kept going. I think it helped that it was all flat.I don't think I will be running in jeans again any time soon, but still, not constricting at all.
I am definitely glad I kept my streak up. Once the temps turn really cold or gets wet or snowy, I am guessing I will put my running on a hiatus. The dog needs her daily walk, and I just don't see myself running on wet roads with her without falling.
But until then, hopefully I can keep it up. And the walking. And the weight lifting, which I have been doing about every three days.
When I woke up yesterday, I was chilly for the first time in months. I looked at the temps, and decided that 55 degrees was too cold to run. Which is crazy, because in my running days, 50-degree temps were the best. But I guess my older body is used to running in warmer weather, and although I hate anything above 70, 55 felt too extreme.
So I blew off running and went about my day. But when I started walking the dog early that evening, I decided to try to run a bit. That decision was mostly made for me because Bailey was in a running mood from about minute 1, so I went with it. I might have slowed down or stopped a couple of times, but it was my almost-typical 1.2 mile run. In jean, no less. When we got back home, and I started to take off my tennis shoes, I decided to re-lace up and get back out there. I ended up running around the field at the end of our street for somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. I kept a steady, not fast pace. I felt really good and probably could have kept going. I think it helped that it was all flat.I don't think I will be running in jeans again any time soon, but still, not constricting at all.
I am definitely glad I kept my streak up. Once the temps turn really cold or gets wet or snowy, I am guessing I will put my running on a hiatus. The dog needs her daily walk, and I just don't see myself running on wet roads with her without falling.
But until then, hopefully I can keep it up. And the walking. And the weight lifting, which I have been doing about every three days.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Four weekends in a row, and I want a medal.
During this morning's run, Bailey was really moving. So much so that I am thinking I ran my fastest to date:
5:39 for the first .6 miles
5:59 for the return .6 miles
As usual, I stopped once while Bailey did her business (well, twice, but I hardly count her not-even-10-second pee break). And once we finished our run, I deposited her waste, dropped her off, gulped some water, and wiped some sweat off, so I got another couple-minute break.
Then I went on to run for another 18+ minutes, this time including another crazy hill. Up until I got to that point, I was mostly jogging; my heart rate was "only" around 160 bpm, I think. But once I ran up the hill, my heart was around 190, so I ended up walking for a minute. All in all, I am guessing I ran about 3 miles. The temps were decent; around 70, I think. Sunny, but not too humid.
Regardless, I am proud of myself of actually running four weekends in a row (and continuing to walk during the week).
I still get some pains here and there. I wish I had remembered to tell my doc about the weird, sharp leg pain I get in my left calf. But the pains don't last long, so I am not too worried.
Until next time...
5:39 for the first .6 miles
5:59 for the return .6 miles
As usual, I stopped once while Bailey did her business (well, twice, but I hardly count her not-even-10-second pee break). And once we finished our run, I deposited her waste, dropped her off, gulped some water, and wiped some sweat off, so I got another couple-minute break.
Then I went on to run for another 18+ minutes, this time including another crazy hill. Up until I got to that point, I was mostly jogging; my heart rate was "only" around 160 bpm, I think. But once I ran up the hill, my heart was around 190, so I ended up walking for a minute. All in all, I am guessing I ran about 3 miles. The temps were decent; around 70, I think. Sunny, but not too humid.
Regardless, I am proud of myself of actually running four weekends in a row (and continuing to walk during the week).
I still get some pains here and there. I wish I had remembered to tell my doc about the weird, sharp leg pain I get in my left calf. But the pains don't last long, so I am not too worried.
Until next time...
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Make that three weeks!
Frankly, I am kind of boring myself with all my running details. I think the important thing for me (since pretty much no one comes here) is just to document my exercise. I am extremely forgetful. Had I not blogged about gaining weight last year, I would have not recalled that I was up to one of my highest weights (ignorance is bliss).
Keeping track of these things gives me accountability. It makes me feel guilty, and guilt is a powerful motivator for me.
I can't get down with the latest eating craze (the 21-day fix, shakeology and the like). I just try to eat well most days. I unfortunately add junk on top of my eating well most days. But when things seem to start getting a little out of control, I tend to back off/get better. Hence my working a little harder and eating a little less (most days) after my May weight gain.
I was surprised to see that my weight was down around 151-152 this week. Much, much better than the 157-8 I was lugging around in May. But my weight flucuates so greatly, that I am fairly certain that during this upcoming week, my weight will be back up around 153-4 (hopefully no higher than that). When I was at the doc, she said my weight was fine and I seemed healthy, so there is that.
I have been walking pretty much every day. I missed a Bailey walk Thursday evening, but I walked during the day at work (as I try to do 3 or 4 days per week), and I did walk around the picnic I went to (I ate a lot there as well, so...). Friday I also skipped a Bailey walk, thanks to taking the kid to a friend's house and hanging out there, but I did walk at work, once again. I made up for it Saturday by running in the morning. I ran my 1.2 miles with Bailey and then for another 12 minutes around the field and my street. I also did some errands that afternoon, and I walked Bailey for a short walk that evening. Today there were a few more errands and the typical 1.2 mile walk with the Bai-Boo.
I have been keeping up with lifting weights, though I really don't want to. I typically do it 3 days per week, every other day and then a two-day hiatus in between at some point. I do push-ups most days, but if I forget to do them when I first wake up or I just don't feel like doing them, once Bailey is around me, push-ups are impossible.
So there you have it. I mostly like myself the way I am, because I mostly work at it. There is certainly room for improvement, particularly as far as eating goes, but I want to live a little too.
Until next time...
Keeping track of these things gives me accountability. It makes me feel guilty, and guilt is a powerful motivator for me.
I can't get down with the latest eating craze (the 21-day fix, shakeology and the like). I just try to eat well most days. I unfortunately add junk on top of my eating well most days. But when things seem to start getting a little out of control, I tend to back off/get better. Hence my working a little harder and eating a little less (most days) after my May weight gain.
I was surprised to see that my weight was down around 151-152 this week. Much, much better than the 157-8 I was lugging around in May. But my weight flucuates so greatly, that I am fairly certain that during this upcoming week, my weight will be back up around 153-4 (hopefully no higher than that). When I was at the doc, she said my weight was fine and I seemed healthy, so there is that.
I have been walking pretty much every day. I missed a Bailey walk Thursday evening, but I walked during the day at work (as I try to do 3 or 4 days per week), and I did walk around the picnic I went to (I ate a lot there as well, so...). Friday I also skipped a Bailey walk, thanks to taking the kid to a friend's house and hanging out there, but I did walk at work, once again. I made up for it Saturday by running in the morning. I ran my 1.2 miles with Bailey and then for another 12 minutes around the field and my street. I also did some errands that afternoon, and I walked Bailey for a short walk that evening. Today there were a few more errands and the typical 1.2 mile walk with the Bai-Boo.
I have been keeping up with lifting weights, though I really don't want to. I typically do it 3 days per week, every other day and then a two-day hiatus in between at some point. I do push-ups most days, but if I forget to do them when I first wake up or I just don't feel like doing them, once Bailey is around me, push-ups are impossible.
So there you have it. I mostly like myself the way I am, because I mostly work at it. There is certainly room for improvement, particularly as far as eating goes, but I want to live a little too.
Until next time...
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Check me out running two weeks in a row!
When I woke up yesterday, I decidedly did not want to run. I tried to come up with some excuses, starting with "but I just lifted weights last night and I did three sets," and which moved easily to "it is going to be 90 degrees in a few hours" and ended with "I am pretty sure I had heat exhaustion last week after running, so is it really worth it?!"
But, fortunately, my good self won out, due in no small part to my having to wash my hair that morning anyway. So I got dressed, leashed up the dog, sun-blocked up, and off we went.
There was nothing remarkable about yesterday's run, only that Bailey decided not to drop a pile during the walk, most likely because I did not feed her breakfast and she is used to saving it up for our evening walks.
But I felt decent. Not great. Warm, but not overly. The temps were around 74, I think. I did the first .6 miles in 6:06, and the second .6 in 5:53, and then I got a much-needed reprieve when I dropped the dog off and gulped down some water. I ran for another 12 minutes just around my street, the field, and the lot beyond the field, so I figure I ran for about 3 miles, which was better than last week.
Now I need to talk myself into lifting weights again tonight. Pretty sure I will come up with a few good reasons not to. :-)
But, fortunately, my good self won out, due in no small part to my having to wash my hair that morning anyway. So I got dressed, leashed up the dog, sun-blocked up, and off we went.
There was nothing remarkable about yesterday's run, only that Bailey decided not to drop a pile during the walk, most likely because I did not feed her breakfast and she is used to saving it up for our evening walks.
But I felt decent. Not great. Warm, but not overly. The temps were around 74, I think. I did the first .6 miles in 6:06, and the second .6 in 5:53, and then I got a much-needed reprieve when I dropped the dog off and gulped down some water. I ran for another 12 minutes just around my street, the field, and the lot beyond the field, so I figure I ran for about 3 miles, which was better than last week.
Now I need to talk myself into lifting weights again tonight. Pretty sure I will come up with a few good reasons not to. :-)
Monday, August 10, 2015
Too much time in between runs
Somehow I thought I ran last weekend. I honestly can't recall. But I did run yesterday, and it was tough!
I felt so completely out of shape. I actually ended up doing the first half in about 5:48 (I think!) and then the second half was 6:12 (I might have the numbers reversed). After that, I tacked on another 10 minutes among my street, the field at the end of the street, and the lot at the end of the field, so I probably ran a little more than 2 miles.But it was a struggle to get there.
In the past couple of weeks, because I have slacked off in running, I would sometimes run for a couple minutes at a time during my evening Bailey walks. I probably did this 3-5 times per week. Some days I would manage only one 2-minute fun. During other walks, I would run a few times, anywhere from 1-3 minutes. Unfortunately, I tended not to stretch after those walks, which resulted in soreness the following days.
I think I am giving up the twice-weekly runs; considering I can't seem to run every week, I have to be realistic. And, if I can continue to get in a few bursts of running during some of my Bailey walks each week, I think it will all balance out.
I will say that running in the heat yesterday morning (it was about 74, but the sun was strong) and then later walking around Phipps, and finally helping the hubby cook on the grill and in front of a hot stove resulted in too much time in the heat/sun. It really affected me. I was kind of dizzy/light-headed for most of the evening. I ended up not even going to work today, as I was just not feeling myself. Mostly I was feeling old. :-(
Until next time...
I felt so completely out of shape. I actually ended up doing the first half in about 5:48 (I think!) and then the second half was 6:12 (I might have the numbers reversed). After that, I tacked on another 10 minutes among my street, the field at the end of the street, and the lot at the end of the field, so I probably ran a little more than 2 miles.But it was a struggle to get there.
In the past couple of weeks, because I have slacked off in running, I would sometimes run for a couple minutes at a time during my evening Bailey walks. I probably did this 3-5 times per week. Some days I would manage only one 2-minute fun. During other walks, I would run a few times, anywhere from 1-3 minutes. Unfortunately, I tended not to stretch after those walks, which resulted in soreness the following days.
I think I am giving up the twice-weekly runs; considering I can't seem to run every week, I have to be realistic. And, if I can continue to get in a few bursts of running during some of my Bailey walks each week, I think it will all balance out.
I will say that running in the heat yesterday morning (it was about 74, but the sun was strong) and then later walking around Phipps, and finally helping the hubby cook on the grill and in front of a hot stove resulted in too much time in the heat/sun. It really affected me. I was kind of dizzy/light-headed for most of the evening. I ended up not even going to work today, as I was just not feeling myself. Mostly I was feeling old. :-(
Until next time...
Sunday, July 26, 2015
It was a run.
On Saturday, while at my mom's in Indiana County, I had one of what is likely my last runs there. I did not think about it at the time, but now I realize the significance of it. :-(
From the first step, my left calf hurt. I have been having some problems with it, where at random times I get a sharp pain that tends to last just a minute or two. Because of the pain, I started off running really slowly, wondering if I was hurting myself doing so. But after a few minutes, the pain subsided. I never picked up my speed a whole lot more, but I was okay with that.
I am not sure how far I ran. I ended up lasting for about 33 minutes. My guess is that I ran around 3 miles (I certainly was not doing a 10-minute mile). On a positive note, running up the biggest hill in the neighborhood was not awful. It went better than the steeper, though not nearly as long, hill in my neighborhood. Once I made it to the top, I felt not too bad.
I am glad I ran Saturday morning when the temps were in the low 70s. If I had waited until Sunday, the temps would have been close to 80. I certainly did not want a repeat of last week.
All in all, I am happy with the run. I hope to run during this coming week. We shall see.
From the first step, my left calf hurt. I have been having some problems with it, where at random times I get a sharp pain that tends to last just a minute or two. Because of the pain, I started off running really slowly, wondering if I was hurting myself doing so. But after a few minutes, the pain subsided. I never picked up my speed a whole lot more, but I was okay with that.
I am not sure how far I ran. I ended up lasting for about 33 minutes. My guess is that I ran around 3 miles (I certainly was not doing a 10-minute mile). On a positive note, running up the biggest hill in the neighborhood was not awful. It went better than the steeper, though not nearly as long, hill in my neighborhood. Once I made it to the top, I felt not too bad.
I am glad I ran Saturday morning when the temps were in the low 70s. If I had waited until Sunday, the temps would have been close to 80. I certainly did not want a repeat of last week.
All in all, I am happy with the run. I hope to run during this coming week. We shall see.
Monday, July 20, 2015
I don't know how people run in the heat!
I took a two-week hiatus from running. It was not intentional, but sometimes life (and laziness) gets in the way. This past Saturday morning, after 15 days off from running (but not walking and weight lifting), I got back out there. The night before, I saw that the temps were going to be in the low 70s around 8 or 9 a.m., so I figured I was good. But apparently with a 12-hour lead time, weather.com could not get the temps right. By the time Bailey and I set out for our run at around 8:40, it was nearly 80 degrees with about 75 percent humidity and a real-feel temp of 80 or 82. Yuck.
Usually when I start running, I picture myself as this in-shape, attractive, nice-bodied 30-something. I had no such illusion this time. I was miserable about 5 seconds into the hot run. Bailey was racing down our hill, and I was ready to stop. But I soldiered on. She stopped to relieve herself early on, which was somewhat welcome, and by the time we got to the big hill at the end of the first trip, she was barely moving. I actually had to kind of pull her. When we got to the top of the hill, I stopped for a few second to catch my breath. I was pleased with the 6:17 time. Probably one of my longer times, but the way I felt, I figured it would easily take me 6:30 for that .6 miles.
Running back down the hill was a kind of relief. I don't remember much about the run back home, just that I was anxious to get back and drop Bailey and her BM off. Bailey must have been anxious too; she really pushed us that last tenth of a mile; we finished that half in 6:02.
Once I de-leashed her, I gulped some water, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and tried to apply a little more sunblock to myself, which was pretty pointless as sweaty as I was. After that several-minute reprieve, I got back out there and did the same run again. Nor surprisingly, the second revolution was worse. I ran 6:25 the the first half and an awful 6:53 the second half, but considering I had taken two weeks off and that it was hot and humid, I was perfectly happy with those times. I finished the run with another approximately .6 miles; I did that in just over 7 minutes and on mostly flat surfaces, so it was probably a little further. But even if not, I will take the 3-mile run in about 36 minutes.
I find it unlikely I will run again this week; maybe I will just go back to running weekly. I have been walking Bailey daily for about 1.2 miles. Plus I walk several days a week at work. And I have been keeping up with weight lifting.
I need to do better with eating, but I will take the victories where I can get them and just be glad these legs still move!
Usually when I start running, I picture myself as this in-shape, attractive, nice-bodied 30-something. I had no such illusion this time. I was miserable about 5 seconds into the hot run. Bailey was racing down our hill, and I was ready to stop. But I soldiered on. She stopped to relieve herself early on, which was somewhat welcome, and by the time we got to the big hill at the end of the first trip, she was barely moving. I actually had to kind of pull her. When we got to the top of the hill, I stopped for a few second to catch my breath. I was pleased with the 6:17 time. Probably one of my longer times, but the way I felt, I figured it would easily take me 6:30 for that .6 miles.
Running back down the hill was a kind of relief. I don't remember much about the run back home, just that I was anxious to get back and drop Bailey and her BM off. Bailey must have been anxious too; she really pushed us that last tenth of a mile; we finished that half in 6:02.
Once I de-leashed her, I gulped some water, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and tried to apply a little more sunblock to myself, which was pretty pointless as sweaty as I was. After that several-minute reprieve, I got back out there and did the same run again. Nor surprisingly, the second revolution was worse. I ran 6:25 the the first half and an awful 6:53 the second half, but considering I had taken two weeks off and that it was hot and humid, I was perfectly happy with those times. I finished the run with another approximately .6 miles; I did that in just over 7 minutes and on mostly flat surfaces, so it was probably a little further. But even if not, I will take the 3-mile run in about 36 minutes.
I find it unlikely I will run again this week; maybe I will just go back to running weekly. I have been walking Bailey daily for about 1.2 miles. Plus I walk several days a week at work. And I have been keeping up with weight lifting.
I need to do better with eating, but I will take the victories where I can get them and just be glad these legs still move!
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Three runs at the beach
I ran only once the week before we went on vacation, but I made up for it during the actual vacation.
I have no idea how far I ran on any of the days. But I ran.
Here are the highlights.
Sunday run
I ran for about 30 minutes, I think. It might have been only 25, actually. This first run was on the bayside, around the neighborhood we were staying in. It was a little humid, kind of warm (mid to upper 70s), and quite sunny. I regretted not running with my hat about 5 minutes into the run, but I figured if I turned around to get it, I might not go back out. I had forgotten how challenging an all-flat run can be. About halfway through my run, I did have this view. Kind of makes up for it!
Thursday run
I had intended to run on Wednesday morning, but I ate too much Tuesday night, and had three drinks over five hours (which is not a lot for some people, but a bit much for me). So I decided to wait until Thursday. The skies were very gray, the temps were cooler than early in the week (low 70s, I think), and it actually started to spit when I first set off. This time, I ran on the beach for about 30 blocks total. As with running on a flat course, I had forgotten how hard it is to run in the sand along the ocean. At times, I felt about 80. But I think I ran about 30 or 35 minutes this time. Maybe longer, because when I finished running along the ocean, I came back to the neighborhood and ran a little more there, including along a "boardwalk" behind our place. I much preferred that weather. No sun! Here are some highlights from that run.
Friday run
I don't normally run three days a week, but I ate a lot during this trip, and I wanted to run around a park I found (that hubby told me about) the previous day. I figured this would, once again, be a different run. I started off running on 120th Street, then along Coastal Highway. Then I ran around the park, which was quite crowded. When I had been running about 20-some minutes, I ran back to the place, because I had only 30 minutes total to run as I had a friend coming to visit. This day was hot, and I was almost sorry I ran. But I did have my hat, so there was that. I took one pic during this run. As I was running, this "scene" caught my eye, so I had to capture it. Plus it was good to get a little breather.
I hope to run one day this coming week, but I won't beat myself up if I end up chickening out. I walked so much during my vacation, and I did not sleep well, so taking it easy won't be so bad.
I have no idea how far I ran on any of the days. But I ran.
Here are the highlights.
Sunday run
I ran for about 30 minutes, I think. It might have been only 25, actually. This first run was on the bayside, around the neighborhood we were staying in. It was a little humid, kind of warm (mid to upper 70s), and quite sunny. I regretted not running with my hat about 5 minutes into the run, but I figured if I turned around to get it, I might not go back out. I had forgotten how challenging an all-flat run can be. About halfway through my run, I did have this view. Kind of makes up for it!
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| Big Assawoman Bay, at the end of 120th Street (the street turns into something else) |
Thursday run
I had intended to run on Wednesday morning, but I ate too much Tuesday night, and had three drinks over five hours (which is not a lot for some people, but a bit much for me). So I decided to wait until Thursday. The skies were very gray, the temps were cooler than early in the week (low 70s, I think), and it actually started to spit when I first set off. This time, I ran on the beach for about 30 blocks total. As with running on a flat course, I had forgotten how hard it is to run in the sand along the ocean. At times, I felt about 80. But I think I ran about 30 or 35 minutes this time. Maybe longer, because when I finished running along the ocean, I came back to the neighborhood and ran a little more there, including along a "boardwalk" behind our place. I much preferred that weather. No sun! Here are some highlights from that run.
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| Tough sand to run on |
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| I might not look good, but I look determined! |
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| The short boardwalk behind our place, for yet another, different surface to run on |
I don't normally run three days a week, but I ate a lot during this trip, and I wanted to run around a park I found (that hubby told me about) the previous day. I figured this would, once again, be a different run. I started off running on 120th Street, then along Coastal Highway. Then I ran around the park, which was quite crowded. When I had been running about 20-some minutes, I ran back to the place, because I had only 30 minutes total to run as I had a friend coming to visit. This day was hot, and I was almost sorry I ran. But I did have my hat, so there was that. I took one pic during this run. As I was running, this "scene" caught my eye, so I had to capture it. Plus it was good to get a little breather.
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| Lagoon that flow into the bay |
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Hope I get another run in
I did not blog about my Saturday morning run. I accidentally deleted it from my stopwatch, but I ran for 40 minutes. That I know. I also know that it is not 40 consecutive minutes because I had to stop for a poop break for Bailey, as per usual. And I when I completed the first trip, I dropped her off, wiped off my sweat, gulped some water, put on a little more sunblock, before heading back out. So my first about 13 minutes had two interruptions. But the next 27 minutes, I just went.
I seem recall not feeling too much pain until I had done the first trip, and then not feeling one of my pains until I finished my second trip. Regardless, it went well, and I could have kept going.
I am hoping to get a run in tomorrow night. Friday night I will be packing. And Saturday we head to the beach, where I hope to get two runs in over the next week.
I have also been pretty good about lifting weights again. I started about 3.5 weeks ago, and have done it 3 times per week pretty consistently. I flaked out last night, but because I woke up early today, I got in two sets. Sure, not my usual three sets, but I was mixing it up.
Oh, and I talked to my cardiologist friend who said that it is okay that my heart rate gets up so high when I run up hills. As long as I am not sustaining the 100 percent (which I am not; I think I keep it around 85 percent during most of my run), then I am fine. So, good.
Later.
I seem recall not feeling too much pain until I had done the first trip, and then not feeling one of my pains until I finished my second trip. Regardless, it went well, and I could have kept going.
I am hoping to get a run in tomorrow night. Friday night I will be packing. And Saturday we head to the beach, where I hope to get two runs in over the next week.
I have also been pretty good about lifting weights again. I started about 3.5 weeks ago, and have done it 3 times per week pretty consistently. I flaked out last night, but because I woke up early today, I got in two sets. Sure, not my usual three sets, but I was mixing it up.
Oh, and I talked to my cardiologist friend who said that it is okay that my heart rate gets up so high when I run up hills. As long as I am not sustaining the 100 percent (which I am not; I think I keep it around 85 percent during most of my run), then I am fine. So, good.
Later.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
An interrupted run
I really wanted to wait to run until tomorrow, mostly because I washed my hair this morning and I hate to wash it twice in one day. But since today's high was only around 73, the humidity was nothing like it had been, and it was not very sunny, I decided to take advantage.
Just as Bailey and I started the awful hill, a little yorkie ran out and right up to Bai. Unfortunately, Bailey is not good with cats, so I am scared of how she might be with little dogs. I tried to yank Bailey away, but the little dog just wanted to see Bai. I left them sniff, and it seemed to go okay, but I was still scared. Fortunately, the owner of the yorkie picked up her dog, and Bailey gave up after a few more attempts. Then we started up the hill, but we lost at least a minute with that. So my 7:30 for the first mile was probably 6:30.
No sooner had we gotten to the top of the hill and turned around did Bailey stop to do her business. Fortunately the rest of the walk went pretty smoothly (though always annoying carrying a bag of crap). As usual, I dropped her off when our 1.2 miles were up, gave her some ice cubes, wiped off my sweat, took a couple gulps of water, and I was off again. But I don't recall feeling any pain anywhere, so yeah.
My second trip resulted in 6:23 for the first half and 6:36 for the second half, so pretty respectable. I ran for another 8 minutes around my street and the field at the end of it. Then I decided to run another 5:30, just so I could hit the 40-minute mark. Sure, there were some rests in there, but all in all, I feel good. I felt my left hamstring pain just for a bit, as well as my right knee pain for a different bit. But, again, it was good.
In fact, I kind of want to run a 5k. Hopefully soon.
Just as Bailey and I started the awful hill, a little yorkie ran out and right up to Bai. Unfortunately, Bailey is not good with cats, so I am scared of how she might be with little dogs. I tried to yank Bailey away, but the little dog just wanted to see Bai. I left them sniff, and it seemed to go okay, but I was still scared. Fortunately, the owner of the yorkie picked up her dog, and Bailey gave up after a few more attempts. Then we started up the hill, but we lost at least a minute with that. So my 7:30 for the first mile was probably 6:30.
No sooner had we gotten to the top of the hill and turned around did Bailey stop to do her business. Fortunately the rest of the walk went pretty smoothly (though always annoying carrying a bag of crap). As usual, I dropped her off when our 1.2 miles were up, gave her some ice cubes, wiped off my sweat, took a couple gulps of water, and I was off again. But I don't recall feeling any pain anywhere, so yeah.
My second trip resulted in 6:23 for the first half and 6:36 for the second half, so pretty respectable. I ran for another 8 minutes around my street and the field at the end of it. Then I decided to run another 5:30, just so I could hit the 40-minute mark. Sure, there were some rests in there, but all in all, I feel good. I felt my left hamstring pain just for a bit, as well as my right knee pain for a different bit. But, again, it was good.
In fact, I kind of want to run a 5k. Hopefully soon.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Took a week off
Last week, it was quite humid. I had planned to run on Wednesday or Thursday, but between the weird pain I have been having in my right calf and the sticky weather, it did not happen. I still manged to walk a few days during the week, but nothing like usual (walks every day at lunch and walks every evening with Bailey), partly because my leg was hurting and partly because I was busy at work and had plans one evening. In any event, I was headed to my mom's again this past weekend, but rather than run before I left on Saturday, I decided to wait until Sunday and run there (plus the grocery trip Saturday morning got in the way). It had been too long since I had run there (I think, since last October).
My mom's neighborhood is much less hilly (grade-wise) than mine. There is only one really bad hill, and then three or four okay ones. But for whatever reason, they seemed easier than my run in my neighborhood, which contains one awful hill and one almost as bad, but not as long, hill.I actually recall struggling more with the first hill the last time I ran than I did yesterday, so there is that!
My original goal was to run for about 20 minutes, since I had not run for a week. Then when I started, I decided I had better shoot for 25. By the time I finished, I had run just over 30 minutes. I did not "measure" my run, so I cannot be sure how far I ran, but I am guessing it was close to 3 miles.
At one point when I was running up a hill, a guy in his yard said, "That looks like work." And I said, "It sure is." I tend to vacillate between love and dislike for running. I almost always start out pumped up, feeling good, even smiling, but the feeling fades pretty quickly. Yet, when I am nearing the end of a run, I almost always feel as if I could keep going, but I tend not to want to run a lot more than 30-couple minutes. Since I did not think I would make it past 25 minutes, I decided to stop at 30. Plus towards the end of my run, the sun came out, and it was already humid (the temps were in the low 70s, which helped).
At one point in the run, I noticed my three "normal" pains--the left hamstring, the right knee, and the right calf. But it was never awful. In fact, I don't think my calf as hurt so much since. Maybe I worked it out of my body. Let's hope, because I would really like to be able to run once this week.
My mom's neighborhood is much less hilly (grade-wise) than mine. There is only one really bad hill, and then three or four okay ones. But for whatever reason, they seemed easier than my run in my neighborhood, which contains one awful hill and one almost as bad, but not as long, hill.I actually recall struggling more with the first hill the last time I ran than I did yesterday, so there is that!
My original goal was to run for about 20 minutes, since I had not run for a week. Then when I started, I decided I had better shoot for 25. By the time I finished, I had run just over 30 minutes. I did not "measure" my run, so I cannot be sure how far I ran, but I am guessing it was close to 3 miles.
At one point when I was running up a hill, a guy in his yard said, "That looks like work." And I said, "It sure is." I tend to vacillate between love and dislike for running. I almost always start out pumped up, feeling good, even smiling, but the feeling fades pretty quickly. Yet, when I am nearing the end of a run, I almost always feel as if I could keep going, but I tend not to want to run a lot more than 30-couple minutes. Since I did not think I would make it past 25 minutes, I decided to stop at 30. Plus towards the end of my run, the sun came out, and it was already humid (the temps were in the low 70s, which helped).
At one point in the run, I noticed my three "normal" pains--the left hamstring, the right knee, and the right calf. But it was never awful. In fact, I don't think my calf as hurt so much since. Maybe I worked it out of my body. Let's hope, because I would really like to be able to run once this week.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Should have recorded that last run
I ran Saturday morning, but did not have time to blog about it before I went to my mom's. Originally, I had planned to wait until Sunday morning to run (there), but I figured better to get it done, in case something got in the way. Turns out something did.
Anyway, I, unfortunately, deleted my times for that run. I think I did the first trip with Bailey at around 6 minutes each. One trip might have been under, and one might have been a hair over. So it was good. On my second (dog-less) trip, I ran into a guy I saw last Saturday. We ran together for most of those .6 miles. It turns out this tall, thin guy (who has legs that pretty much go up to my chest) is 62 and has been running since HS, but things have come up that have kept him from running. He has been trying to get back into it, but uses the treadmill at times. I told him I hate the treadmill (not that I have one), but I am sure it is better for my knees. I also told him that my husband is afraid that I will need my knees replaced before I turn 50. He kind of laughed, but he did not say what I wanted him to, which was, "I have the same knees I was born with." I was glad we were able to talk, as that is distracting, and it even helped having him go up that awful hill. But I was also kind of glad that I turned around at the (almost) top of the hill, while he kept going, since I get so winded by that.
Anyway, I thought my second trip was a little slower, although I kind of think I did the first half with that guy at about 6 minutes. I finished it off up and down my street a few times plus a few laps in the field at the end of the street, for at least 8 minutes, and maybe even 9.
I seem to recall that my knee hardly hurt, and my hamstring just a bit. I also don't remember my feet hurting like last time. But this happened three days ago, which is like a lifetime with my memory.
Unrelated (I hope!) to that is that the front of my right leg has been bothering me today and maybe a bit yesterday. I walked around just fine at Kennywood yesterday, but I limped during my short walk at work, and I was slowed during my 20-minute walk with Bailey tonight. If I don't feel better tomorrow, I won't be running. However, if the weather forecast does not change, I might not run the next few days regardless, if 88 degrees turns out to be the coolest.
Anyway, I, unfortunately, deleted my times for that run. I think I did the first trip with Bailey at around 6 minutes each. One trip might have been under, and one might have been a hair over. So it was good. On my second (dog-less) trip, I ran into a guy I saw last Saturday. We ran together for most of those .6 miles. It turns out this tall, thin guy (who has legs that pretty much go up to my chest) is 62 and has been running since HS, but things have come up that have kept him from running. He has been trying to get back into it, but uses the treadmill at times. I told him I hate the treadmill (not that I have one), but I am sure it is better for my knees. I also told him that my husband is afraid that I will need my knees replaced before I turn 50. He kind of laughed, but he did not say what I wanted him to, which was, "I have the same knees I was born with." I was glad we were able to talk, as that is distracting, and it even helped having him go up that awful hill. But I was also kind of glad that I turned around at the (almost) top of the hill, while he kept going, since I get so winded by that.
Anyway, I thought my second trip was a little slower, although I kind of think I did the first half with that guy at about 6 minutes. I finished it off up and down my street a few times plus a few laps in the field at the end of the street, for at least 8 minutes, and maybe even 9.
I seem to recall that my knee hardly hurt, and my hamstring just a bit. I also don't remember my feet hurting like last time. But this happened three days ago, which is like a lifetime with my memory.
Unrelated (I hope!) to that is that the front of my right leg has been bothering me today and maybe a bit yesterday. I walked around just fine at Kennywood yesterday, but I limped during my short walk at work, and I was slowed during my 20-minute walk with Bailey tonight. If I don't feel better tomorrow, I won't be running. However, if the weather forecast does not change, I might not run the next few days regardless, if 88 degrees turns out to be the coolest.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Some new pains
During today's run, I am happy to say that my left hamstring hurt less than usual. My right knee may have also hurt less or about the same. Unfortunately, I noticed some shin pain in my right leg, which fortunately was not too awful. My feet were also bothering me a bit, which I found surprising. I think I have worn these shoes no more than a dozen times, probably less. About 2/3 of those runs were about 3 miles, but a few were only 1 or 2 miles. I do tend to walk a bit, but regardless, at most, I have run about 36 miles in these shoes. No idea what that is about.
Anyway, tonight's run started off with Bailey, who was really moving. So much so, that we did the 1.2 mile trip in just under 12 minutes. I think the trip up was just under 6 minutes, and the trip back, which I actually timed, was 5:45, a new record. It helped that Bailey did not stop to relieve herself.
I dropped her off after that run, gulped some water, and I went back out. The 3-minute break helped. Eating just one burrito (which is still hardly a snack), instead of my usual seconds, helped as well, although I did notice my dinner more during my second run. And temps in the upper 60s/low 70s with little humidity and no sun, also great. In any event, for the repeated trip, I did the first half in 6:24, and the second half in 6:21.
Then I ran more leisurely, other than a couple of faster bits, for the next 8 minutes.
I feel pretty good. My heart rate still gets up there (to the max up the hills), but I can recover fairly quickly.
I will just keep swimming. Keep swimming. Keep swimming.
Anyway, tonight's run started off with Bailey, who was really moving. So much so, that we did the 1.2 mile trip in just under 12 minutes. I think the trip up was just under 6 minutes, and the trip back, which I actually timed, was 5:45, a new record. It helped that Bailey did not stop to relieve herself.
I dropped her off after that run, gulped some water, and I went back out. The 3-minute break helped. Eating just one burrito (which is still hardly a snack), instead of my usual seconds, helped as well, although I did notice my dinner more during my second run. And temps in the upper 60s/low 70s with little humidity and no sun, also great. In any event, for the repeated trip, I did the first half in 6:24, and the second half in 6:21.
Then I ran more leisurely, other than a couple of faster bits, for the next 8 minutes.
I feel pretty good. My heart rate still gets up there (to the max up the hills), but I can recover fairly quickly.
I will just keep swimming. Keep swimming. Keep swimming.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Sometimes I feel too old to do this.
I ran this morning, after a five-day layoff. Unfortunately, today's run was preceded by 2.5 beers at lunch yesterday, which was followed by a margarita on the rocks and a beer during happy hour/dinner. I drank plenty of water yesterday, but somehow I don't think it was enough. I really felt as if I was struggling today.
I decided to take Bailey with me again. She made it most of the way into the first half of the run before needing to squat and leave the remains of yesterday's dinner, so I carried the lovely bag, and we continued on (I stopped my timer for this). I ended up doing both halves in just over 6 minutes, so my timing was good, even if I did not feel great.
I dropped her off at home, once we had done the full, approximately 1.2 miles. I did the same run again without her, and the second time was worse. I ran the first half in 6:36 (I did walk for about 10 or 15 seconds up the killer hill), and then, surprisingly, it took me 6:51 on the way back. I think the heat/humidity was getting to me. However, I ran for another 8:30, just so I could get in 3 miles.
I passed some guy on my way back, who appeared to be in his 60s. He might have even been in his 70s. I really wanted to ask him how he does it. He might have been running slowly, but he was doing it. Some days, like today, I just feel old. Not 60 or 70 old, but not as if I am in my mid to late 30s, since that is how I think of my 43-year-old self most of the time. :-)
We have a beach trip coming up in less than a month now, so I want to keep this up. As with last weekend, I walked Bailey again in the evening, so I am definitely getting enough exercise. But now I need to work on not eating every couple of hours.
Here's to next week.
I decided to take Bailey with me again. She made it most of the way into the first half of the run before needing to squat and leave the remains of yesterday's dinner, so I carried the lovely bag, and we continued on (I stopped my timer for this). I ended up doing both halves in just over 6 minutes, so my timing was good, even if I did not feel great.
I dropped her off at home, once we had done the full, approximately 1.2 miles. I did the same run again without her, and the second time was worse. I ran the first half in 6:36 (I did walk for about 10 or 15 seconds up the killer hill), and then, surprisingly, it took me 6:51 on the way back. I think the heat/humidity was getting to me. However, I ran for another 8:30, just so I could get in 3 miles.
I passed some guy on my way back, who appeared to be in his 60s. He might have even been in his 70s. I really wanted to ask him how he does it. He might have been running slowly, but he was doing it. Some days, like today, I just feel old. Not 60 or 70 old, but not as if I am in my mid to late 30s, since that is how I think of my 43-year-old self most of the time. :-)
We have a beach trip coming up in less than a month now, so I want to keep this up. As with last weekend, I walked Bailey again in the evening, so I am definitely getting enough exercise. But now I need to work on not eating every couple of hours.
Here's to next week.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Running with and without the dog
Since I started (sort of) running again, I have tried to do it sans dog more often than not. The dog tends to want to stop and sniff, and, more annoying, do her business. Running with a plastic bag of Bailey's waste is not very pleasant.
This morning, however, Bailey actually went to the bathroom in our yard. So, I decided I would take her with me. We ran the usual route, and she stopped to sniff only a few times. Each time I pulled her away, and it was fine. I did the 1.2 mile trip in about 13 minutes, although I did not time it. I was actually kind of glad she was slowing down going up the huge hill at the halfway point.
Since I had not run in six days, I decided to drop her back off at home, and go out again. I repeated the same run I had just been on. My timing was about what it was last week, although since I had just run it, I think that makes my timing an improvement. This time around, I ran 6:20 on the way up and 6:27 on the way back. When I finished that run, I ran for another 6:30 around my street and up and down the field at the end of the street.
So I got in about 3 miles. And I ran for over 30 minutes (with that quick break in between to drop the dog off). It was a little humid; the temps felt warmer than the 65 or so degrees my weather app claimed. This presented a challenge with my prescription sunglasses as they kept sliding down my nose do their heaviness (and my sweat).
My knees hurt a little, but my hamstring hurt less than usual. I will probably next go out Thursday or Friday.
This morning, however, Bailey actually went to the bathroom in our yard. So, I decided I would take her with me. We ran the usual route, and she stopped to sniff only a few times. Each time I pulled her away, and it was fine. I did the 1.2 mile trip in about 13 minutes, although I did not time it. I was actually kind of glad she was slowing down going up the huge hill at the halfway point.
Since I had not run in six days, I decided to drop her back off at home, and go out again. I repeated the same run I had just been on. My timing was about what it was last week, although since I had just run it, I think that makes my timing an improvement. This time around, I ran 6:20 on the way up and 6:27 on the way back. When I finished that run, I ran for another 6:30 around my street and up and down the field at the end of the street.
So I got in about 3 miles. And I ran for over 30 minutes (with that quick break in between to drop the dog off). It was a little humid; the temps felt warmer than the 65 or so degrees my weather app claimed. This presented a challenge with my prescription sunglasses as they kept sliding down my nose do their heaviness (and my sweat).
My knees hurt a little, but my hamstring hurt less than usual. I will probably next go out Thursday or Friday.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Still going
I tend to run after dinner. It typically takes me 30 minutes to clean up after dinner (and, sadly, probably only 7 or 8 minutes to eat dinner), so my food has had a little time to digest. But that is not ideal. Fortunately, traffic was kind to me today, and I made it home just a little after 5:30, which gave me enough time for a short, pre-dinner run.
I did my "usual" run down my street, then down, up, down, and up the hill at the top of the other street. This evening, it took me 6:24 for the first half and 6:24 on the way back. I don't think I have ever done both trips in exactly the same time; I tend to run about 20 or 30 seconds faster coming back, since the killer hill is at the end of the first half. In any event, I ran a little faster than I did last week. And I did not walk the end of the killer hill as much as I wanted to.
After that, I ran for just over 9 minutes up and down my street, so I could come close to hitting 2 miles. In fact, I may have run a little more than 2 miles now that I think about it. My round-trip run is about 1.2 miles, and I did that in just under 13 minutes. But I had to come home, eat, do the dishes, and go vote, so I could not keep going, even though I felt good enough to do so (not including the slight pain in my left hamstring). After all that dinner stuff, I ended up walking with the kid and the dog to vote; it is a short walk there and back. And then we took Bailey on another walk after that.
So all in all, I got in a good bit of exercise, and in really great weather to boot. I will most likely run again this weekend. But I am already starting to think about 5Ks. I have not set an "official" goal of running one, because the reality is that I can tire of this. But it is definitely at the front of my mind.
I did my "usual" run down my street, then down, up, down, and up the hill at the top of the other street. This evening, it took me 6:24 for the first half and 6:24 on the way back. I don't think I have ever done both trips in exactly the same time; I tend to run about 20 or 30 seconds faster coming back, since the killer hill is at the end of the first half. In any event, I ran a little faster than I did last week. And I did not walk the end of the killer hill as much as I wanted to.
After that, I ran for just over 9 minutes up and down my street, so I could come close to hitting 2 miles. In fact, I may have run a little more than 2 miles now that I think about it. My round-trip run is about 1.2 miles, and I did that in just under 13 minutes. But I had to come home, eat, do the dishes, and go vote, so I could not keep going, even though I felt good enough to do so (not including the slight pain in my left hamstring). After all that dinner stuff, I ended up walking with the kid and the dog to vote; it is a short walk there and back. And then we took Bailey on another walk after that.
So all in all, I got in a good bit of exercise, and in really great weather to boot. I will most likely run again this weekend. But I am already starting to think about 5Ks. I have not set an "official" goal of running one, because the reality is that I can tire of this. But it is definitely at the front of my mind.
Friday, May 15, 2015
My longest run yet
I took a few days off from running. At least I think. Maybe I ran Monday or Tuesday; maybe I did not. But I am leaning towards no. I did, however, run last evening. Sans dog!
This time, I started off running/jogging, right out of the gate. I ran about .6 miles (my usual route with Bailey before we turn around); however, just before I got to the top of that very steep hill at the almost .6 mark, I walked for about 20 to 30 seconds. My heart rate was around 180, which is about 100 percent of my maximum heart rate. As I have said here before, even when I was in the best shape of my life, I still would hit that high (although 10 to 20 years ago that would have been okay). Regardless, once I got to the top, I turned around, and I ran back down the hill, backwards because it is too tough on my knees. When I got back home, I had run about 1.2 miles for about 13:30. So more than a 10-minute mile, but not much.
I continued to run for another approximately 12 minutes, which also included walking for about 20 to 30 seconds up another crazy-steep hill. I ended my bit with about 5 minutes of walking. I am guessing I ran a little over 2 miles total; I am not sure how it breaks down after the 1.2 miles because I ran up and down my street a few times before getting bored and running elsewhere. Once I decided I should finish my run, I really could have kept going, but I decided that was good. I am glad I picked last evening, when the temps were around 70; when Bailey and I walked tonight, it was around 80 and humid. No thanks!
My right knee hurt during most of the run, but not horribly. But the rest of me felt pretty good. I have not decided if I will go with running 1, 2, or 3 times a week, but my goal is to hit one of those!I still worry about ruining my knees. But I do think I am in good shape, so no worries there, particularly since I have no plan to ever run more than 3 or 4 miles again.
I am also continuing to walk most days at work, for anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.
Now if only I could curtail the eating...
This time, I started off running/jogging, right out of the gate. I ran about .6 miles (my usual route with Bailey before we turn around); however, just before I got to the top of that very steep hill at the almost .6 mark, I walked for about 20 to 30 seconds. My heart rate was around 180, which is about 100 percent of my maximum heart rate. As I have said here before, even when I was in the best shape of my life, I still would hit that high (although 10 to 20 years ago that would have been okay). Regardless, once I got to the top, I turned around, and I ran back down the hill, backwards because it is too tough on my knees. When I got back home, I had run about 1.2 miles for about 13:30. So more than a 10-minute mile, but not much.
I continued to run for another approximately 12 minutes, which also included walking for about 20 to 30 seconds up another crazy-steep hill. I ended my bit with about 5 minutes of walking. I am guessing I ran a little over 2 miles total; I am not sure how it breaks down after the 1.2 miles because I ran up and down my street a few times before getting bored and running elsewhere. Once I decided I should finish my run, I really could have kept going, but I decided that was good. I am glad I picked last evening, when the temps were around 70; when Bailey and I walked tonight, it was around 80 and humid. No thanks!
My right knee hurt during most of the run, but not horribly. But the rest of me felt pretty good. I have not decided if I will go with running 1, 2, or 3 times a week, but my goal is to hit one of those!I still worry about ruining my knees. But I do think I am in good shape, so no worries there, particularly since I have no plan to ever run more than 3 or 4 miles again.
I am also continuing to walk most days at work, for anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.
Now if only I could curtail the eating...
Sunday, May 10, 2015
A longer run
The running thing is going okay. On Monday, before I went out of town for most of the workweek, I got in a short (but long for me) run. I think I broke it in half, but I really don't recall. Then I was out of town for the next four days where I ate pretty much non-stop.
Saturday morning, I decided I had better get back on track. And since it was supposed to hit almost 90, I figured I had better run in the morning. So I leashed the dog, and off we went. We jogged/ran for about 11 minutes before Bailey decided to squat and go. Sigh. So I turned around after that and headed home. After dropping her "present" and her off, I went back out for another just over 11 minutes. All told, I ran about 26 minutes, so surely I ran over 2 miles. It was tough and humid and over 70 degrees, but I did it.
Unfortunately my knees hurt a bit yesterday, so I may not be able to keep up this running 2-3 times per week deal. I will just have to see how I feel tomorrow night.
Saturday morning, I decided I had better get back on track. And since it was supposed to hit almost 90, I figured I had better run in the morning. So I leashed the dog, and off we went. We jogged/ran for about 11 minutes before Bailey decided to squat and go. Sigh. So I turned around after that and headed home. After dropping her "present" and her off, I went back out for another just over 11 minutes. All told, I ran about 26 minutes, so surely I ran over 2 miles. It was tough and humid and over 70 degrees, but I did it.
Unfortunately my knees hurt a bit yesterday, so I may not be able to keep up this running 2-3 times per week deal. I will just have to see how I feel tomorrow night.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
I might have tired the dog out.
After a walk (just a walk) with Bailey Monday night, I decided to try the running thing, complete with new shoes. We started off walking (which is mostly Bailey dragging me). After about 8 to 10 minutes, I tried running. With Bailey, this is not my usual jog; we were moving. I felt good the first few minutes. The huge hill after that was tortuous (for me mostly), but we got through it. Fortunately, the downhill helped me catch my breath, and things were going well.
Unfortunately, after only 6 minutes, Bailey decided she needed to take a BM break. Not only did that break my stride, but I had to bag it then carry it for the rest of my run. Lovely.
I ran for another few minutes, and then I dropped the bag off at the house. After a few more minutes of running on our street, Bailey seemed pretty worn out. So I dropped her off at house, made sure she drank water, and I went back out for another 5 or so minutes. Then I walked for a few.
I felt pretty good after, although I am not sure if it is good that Bailey pushed me. It certainly is a hindrance when the dog stops to relieve herself. Breaking up the running as I did, did not seem ideal, but considering I am no longer in my 30s and not in tip-top shape, maybe that is just what I need.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Maybe I will start running again.
We adopted Bailey, our crazy, bundle-of-energy, rat-bull terrier, 4.5 months ago. Fortunately, she has calmed down some since then. But walks are a different story. This dog wants to move during a walk. Sure, she stops to sniff and relieve herself once in awhile, but even those things are quick.
In the winter months, I started to run up and down my street with her. I did this a few times and never for more than a minute or two at a time because the cold and my being in not-great shape would not allow much more. But after awhile, and particularly when it was snowy or icy, I went back to just walking with her.
Now that spring is (sort of) here, and because this dog does not know the meaning of a leisurely walk, I have started to run/jog with her again.
Two nights ago, during our (typically) 20- to 25-minute walk, I tried jogging for 3 or 4 minutes. Then I walked. And then I jogged another 3 or 4 minutes. Unfortunately, I did not stretch when I was done; I guess my brain was not "counting" that as a run. But other than slightly sore legs yesterday morning, I was fine.
Yesterday early evening, I managed to jog/run for 5 and then for 6 more minutes, with not even 2 minutes in between. This even included two hills. I actually felt pretty good, and Bailey was panting, though I have no doubt she could have kept going.
The problem with this potential plan is that I don't want to do this every day; even when I was a "runner," I kept it to three days a week. And during those five months I trained for the Race for Pace, I ran only once a week. Since I walked most days, and usually briskly, that was enough. Now I typically walk four and sometimes five days a week at work, plus six and sometimes seven more times with Bailey. I think my legs, especially, my knees might rebel!
And the other downside is what happened when I started those brief jogs in the winter: Bailey expects to run, and she starts off full speed. It took me awhile to get it in her head we were just walking (which, with her, is really clipping).
I guess I will just have to see how it all plays out. But in the meantime, if anyone in the Burgh wants a running buddy, I have a dog you can borrow any time!
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