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...
Showing posts with label sun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sun. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2015
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 |
Monday, March 11, 2013
Steps, walking, swimming and other things
This past week continuing through today, I have had various forms of exercise.
Today I ran the 65ish steps 20 times, for grand total of 16:01. Not my best time ever, but one of my better times. The temps were in the low 60s, and it was cloudy, so I was a bit chilly. Not that I am complaining! I think I was relatively pain-free, so yeah.
Yesterday and Saturday, I walked around my mom's neighborhood in Indiana County with her and my kid. Not a fast pace, but some exercise nonetheless. We walked between 30 and 45 minutes each day. The temps were in the upper 50s, maybe even 60 on Saturday and definitely in the 60s on Sunday. Sunny both days. Great walking weather.
On Friday, I started off with about seven minutes on the stepper. I used the weight machine to do some upper and lower body. Then I moved to the stationary bike and rode for 10 minutes. I followed that up with about 18 minutes on the treadmill where I started off walking for a few minutes then I alternated between short bursts of speed and walking and finished with a couple minutes of walking. Finally, I swam about 15 laps in the pool at a steady pace, throwing in a couple of faster laps for good measure.
Thursday I pretty much did nothing, other than a little bit of walking with the kids in the after-school program I volunteer for.
Wednesday the kid and I spent about three hours playing the snow and sun-filled sky. I probably shoveled for about 20 minutes. I was planning to swim but decided we had done enough.
Tuesday I did Zumba.
I think I gave myself the day off on Monday, but I don't really remember.
I feel pretty good about the level of activity. Unfortunately tomorrow I won't get to do my usual Zumba because I am going to an afternoon funeral, but presumably I will be back in the pool on Wednesday.
Moving on!
Today I ran the 65ish steps 20 times, for grand total of 16:01. Not my best time ever, but one of my better times. The temps were in the low 60s, and it was cloudy, so I was a bit chilly. Not that I am complaining! I think I was relatively pain-free, so yeah.
Yesterday and Saturday, I walked around my mom's neighborhood in Indiana County with her and my kid. Not a fast pace, but some exercise nonetheless. We walked between 30 and 45 minutes each day. The temps were in the upper 50s, maybe even 60 on Saturday and definitely in the 60s on Sunday. Sunny both days. Great walking weather.
On Friday, I started off with about seven minutes on the stepper. I used the weight machine to do some upper and lower body. Then I moved to the stationary bike and rode for 10 minutes. I followed that up with about 18 minutes on the treadmill where I started off walking for a few minutes then I alternated between short bursts of speed and walking and finished with a couple minutes of walking. Finally, I swam about 15 laps in the pool at a steady pace, throwing in a couple of faster laps for good measure.
Thursday I pretty much did nothing, other than a little bit of walking with the kids in the after-school program I volunteer for.
Wednesday the kid and I spent about three hours playing the snow and sun-filled sky. I probably shoveled for about 20 minutes. I was planning to swim but decided we had done enough.
Tuesday I did Zumba.
I think I gave myself the day off on Monday, but I don't really remember.
I feel pretty good about the level of activity. Unfortunately tomorrow I won't get to do my usual Zumba because I am going to an afternoon funeral, but presumably I will be back in the pool on Wednesday.
Moving on!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Guess who ran this week?!
After more than four months, I finally ran a real run, on the road. We had another nice Monday; it was sunny and in the mid 40s, so I decided I had come up with enough excuses not to do it.
I was cold in the beginning. I started running at almost 4 p.m., so the sun was going down and hidden behind buildings for a good part of the run. The thin hoodie and thin long-sleeved tee underneath were almost enough to keep me warm, but my head and hands were definitely chilly. Fortunately, I was able to put my hood up and keep my hands in my sleeves. And, as I suspected, I was plenty warm about a mile into it.
The bottom of my left foot hurt a bit only a couple minutes into the run, but the pain was minor, and I hardly thought about it. My knees did not hurt at all, so victory!
This run was not exactly my usual run. Instead of running up the killer hill, I started more than halfway up that awful section. Then I ran the rest of the first mile. I ran back to where I started, but decided to keep going until the bottom of the hill/where I normally start. Then I ended where I actually did start. So, yes, I did cover the same distance, but it was "out of order" so posting my times will be a little pointless. Ultimately, it took me 20:24, which is two minutes slower than when I last ran. It did the first not-quite-one-mile in just over 10 minutes, but to be accurate, I would need to add at least a minute for the section of the hill I did not run until the end.
Regardless, I am not discouraged. I was 40 back then, and I can believe four months of age once you get in your 40s makes a difference. And even though I have been swimming and doing Zumba, it is not the same as running, so it is nearly impossible to not have a drop off after four months without running. Plus, it was cold. Running in 60 degrees is a lot different from running in 40 degrees. When I was in my late 30s, I loved running in 40-degree temps, but now I much prefer the 50s. To think that a few years ago I ran in temps in the mid 20s is almost laughable. I am pretty sure I won't hit the pavement unless it is above 30 degrees for the rest of my life and I may just stick to the 40s and above. But never say never. [Worth noting, it appears the last time I ran in temps below 30 was in February of 2011, when it was 29 degrees. I last ran in temps in the upper 20s and 30s regularly in 2010.]
I was cold in the beginning. I started running at almost 4 p.m., so the sun was going down and hidden behind buildings for a good part of the run. The thin hoodie and thin long-sleeved tee underneath were almost enough to keep me warm, but my head and hands were definitely chilly. Fortunately, I was able to put my hood up and keep my hands in my sleeves. And, as I suspected, I was plenty warm about a mile into it.
The bottom of my left foot hurt a bit only a couple minutes into the run, but the pain was minor, and I hardly thought about it. My knees did not hurt at all, so victory!
This run was not exactly my usual run. Instead of running up the killer hill, I started more than halfway up that awful section. Then I ran the rest of the first mile. I ran back to where I started, but decided to keep going until the bottom of the hill/where I normally start. Then I ended where I actually did start. So, yes, I did cover the same distance, but it was "out of order" so posting my times will be a little pointless. Ultimately, it took me 20:24, which is two minutes slower than when I last ran. It did the first not-quite-one-mile in just over 10 minutes, but to be accurate, I would need to add at least a minute for the section of the hill I did not run until the end.
Regardless, I am not discouraged. I was 40 back then, and I can believe four months of age once you get in your 40s makes a difference. And even though I have been swimming and doing Zumba, it is not the same as running, so it is nearly impossible to not have a drop off after four months without running. Plus, it was cold. Running in 60 degrees is a lot different from running in 40 degrees. When I was in my late 30s, I loved running in 40-degree temps, but now I much prefer the 50s. To think that a few years ago I ran in temps in the mid 20s is almost laughable. I am pretty sure I won't hit the pavement unless it is above 30 degrees for the rest of my life and I may just stick to the 40s and above. But never say never. [Worth noting, it appears the last time I ran in temps below 30 was in February of 2011, when it was 29 degrees. I last ran in temps in the upper 20s and 30s regularly in 2010.]
Monday, February 18, 2013
It still counts!
I last ran in October. Yes, it has been almost four months since I hit the pavement. Today, although I did not exactly run, I did jog up and down those 65ish steps 10 times, plus another one for good measure.
This school year, I think I have run up and down the steps no more than a half dozen times, and it appears the last time I did it was at the beginning of October. Since I had about 10 minutes to kill at the school today, and the weather was sunny and in the mid 40s, I figured I might as well make use of the day.
I started off strong and fast (for me), but quickly realized that was a bad idea, as I was gasping for breath after only one trip. Regardless, I pushed myself and made the 10 trips in 8:06. The 11th trip was just for fun. Not that it was!
I probably should have gotten out there and actually ran, but doing the steps was probably better. I have a feeling when I finally do run my usual route, my time will be high, and I will be disappointed. Or I will end up not doing the entire two miles, which will also disappoint me.
Even though I have not been updating the blog, I can assure you that I have been working out. I swim two to three times per week and I have been doing Zumba once a week for the last three or four weeks. I feel pretty good, but not great, when I work out three or four times a week. At least I am staying in decent shape. But I feel even better, and as if I am actually doing good things, when I work out five or six days a week. Unfortunately that does not happen too often. But I guess that makes the times when it does that much sweeter. Right?
Until next time.
This school year, I think I have run up and down the steps no more than a half dozen times, and it appears the last time I did it was at the beginning of October. Since I had about 10 minutes to kill at the school today, and the weather was sunny and in the mid 40s, I figured I might as well make use of the day.
I started off strong and fast (for me), but quickly realized that was a bad idea, as I was gasping for breath after only one trip. Regardless, I pushed myself and made the 10 trips in 8:06. The 11th trip was just for fun. Not that it was!
I probably should have gotten out there and actually ran, but doing the steps was probably better. I have a feeling when I finally do run my usual route, my time will be high, and I will be disappointed. Or I will end up not doing the entire two miles, which will also disappoint me.
Even though I have not been updating the blog, I can assure you that I have been working out. I swim two to three times per week and I have been doing Zumba once a week for the last three or four weeks. I feel pretty good, but not great, when I work out three or four times a week. At least I am staying in decent shape. But I feel even better, and as if I am actually doing good things, when I work out five or six days a week. Unfortunately that does not happen too often. But I guess that makes the times when it does that much sweeter. Right?
Until next time.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
9:59:57
Yesterday, I hit the lap button on my phone as I made it to the top of the hill (well, I came close; I don't quite go to the top, but save myself about a dozen steps) and then immediately hit the stop button as my shoe was untied. Once I took care of that, I hit the resume button and started running down the hill. And that was when I saw that I had completed my first mile in 9:59:57. Which is under 10 minutes.
I don't have a lot to say about my run, which took place under sunny skies and temps in the 60s. My feet did not hurt until after I was done running. Unfortunately, my left knee hurt at the beginning and off and on during the run. No idea why that happened. That is my good knee! I felt winded at the beginning, but when a song I liked came on my mp3 player, that helped to push me.
All in all it was a good run. Mostly because I finished my first mile in under 10 minutes!
Mile one: 9:59
Mile two: 8:18
I really think I can be happy keeping it just above 10 minutes. I truly don't expect to go much below the 10-minute mark. I just want to be happy that I can still keep doing this. Here's hoping I can and will.
I don't have a lot to say about my run, which took place under sunny skies and temps in the 60s. My feet did not hurt until after I was done running. Unfortunately, my left knee hurt at the beginning and off and on during the run. No idea why that happened. That is my good knee! I felt winded at the beginning, but when a song I liked came on my mp3 player, that helped to push me.
All in all it was a good run. Mostly because I finished my first mile in under 10 minutes!
Mile one: 9:59
Mile two: 8:18
I really think I can be happy keeping it just above 10 minutes. I truly don't expect to go much below the 10-minute mark. I just want to be happy that I can still keep doing this. Here's hoping I can and will.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
A run I am proud of
Yesterday morning my right hip flexor was hurting like, well, something that hurts a lot. I was wincing every time I walked up steps or lifted my knee even slightly. And I am assuming it is my hip flexor because that is what another mom at school told me it was as I pointed to the place where my leg connects to my body, for lack of a better description. This pain was rather unfortunate as it was such a beautiful sunny October day that I hated to think I would miss a chance to run it. Luckily this woman, who is not a doctor, told me I would probably be fine to run; she insisted my body would tell me if it needed to stop. I decided to go with her thoughts. And I am glad I did.
I don't think I noticed my knee or hip flexor hurting at all, for whatever reason. My left foot hurt only a bit and not consistently, which is always a nice thing. And running to Nine Inch Nails and Arrested Development made the experience of running in sunny and mild (the mid 60s, I believe) temps everything it should be. Best of all, I did not feel lousy and winded, as I often do. Maybe I was still on my "I-came-in-third-place-in-my-age-group-and-finished-the-race-in-under-29-minutes" high. Who knows, but I will take it.
Mile one: 10:19
Mile two: 8:26
That first mile was my best this school year. And I have not done my second mile in under 8:30 since last fall, I do believe. Many months ago, I said I might never get my first mile below 10 minutes, and I was probably okay with that. I still am. Even though I won't completely give up on that happening and I am not necessarily considering that as a goal, I will keep it in the back of my mind.
In other exercise this week: swimming on Sunday, nothing on Monday, Zumba on Tuesday, lunch duty along with running and some tag and soccer playing at the park on Wednesday, and a short (20 minutes round trip) walk this morning. May or may not get in something Friday.
I don't think I noticed my knee or hip flexor hurting at all, for whatever reason. My left foot hurt only a bit and not consistently, which is always a nice thing. And running to Nine Inch Nails and Arrested Development made the experience of running in sunny and mild (the mid 60s, I believe) temps everything it should be. Best of all, I did not feel lousy and winded, as I often do. Maybe I was still on my "I-came-in-third-place-in-my-age-group-and-finished-the-race-in-under-29-minutes" high. Who knows, but I will take it.
Mile one: 10:19
Mile two: 8:26
That first mile was my best this school year. And I have not done my second mile in under 8:30 since last fall, I do believe. Many months ago, I said I might never get my first mile below 10 minutes, and I was probably okay with that. I still am. Even though I won't completely give up on that happening and I am not necessarily considering that as a goal, I will keep it in the back of my mind.
In other exercise this week: swimming on Sunday, nothing on Monday, Zumba on Tuesday, lunch duty along with running and some tag and soccer playing at the park on Wednesday, and a short (20 minutes round trip) walk this morning. May or may not get in something Friday.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Race for Pace
I completed the Race for Pace in 28:55.
If I would have run the race about three weeks ago, when I was working out like crazy, that time time might have been a little disappointing. But I have to keep telling myself over and over that I am 40. Unfortunately, saying it does not help me accept it all that much. Not that I am 40; I am cool with that. But that I am past my running prime. But proof of that was right before me: I ran into a former student whom I beat by about two and a half minutes when I ran the race two years. This year, he bested me by seven and a half minutes.
I know I should be focused on my finishing the race in under 30 minutes, which is great, considering I have been running about once a week. And I am absolutely proud of myself, particularly considering that I struggled a bit during my runs lately. I was not convinced I could do it in under 30 minutes. But I did it.
A few other notes:
It was cold, probably about 35-degrees at race time, but sunny. My running gear consisted of a long-sleeved t-shirt, a windbreaker, yoga pants, socks as gloves, and a flexible knee brace I used to wear at the beginning of this century when I ran several times a week. I unzipped the windbreaker during the last 2/3 of the mile, and maybe even took it off. The socks on my hands also came off about that time (I did not have gloves, but those babies worked great, even for nose-wiping purposes, as gross as that sounds, but it was cold).
I am happy to report that I was almost pain-free the entire time (the knee brace was a good call); even my feet hurt very little, though during the first mile, two of my toes were numb from the cold! I have this odd breathing pattern, which I tried to replicate when I was lying in bed, but couldn't. Regardless, it seems to work for me, and, almost as important, I am not wheezing and gasping as I seem to always notice some people do during these races.
I started off strong, kept a pretty steady pace, struggled a bit near the end up the last hill, but "kicked it in" as best as I could the last tenth of a mile. Having my friend Diane there cheering me on really helped. As I was struggling up the last hill, she made me laugh (or at least smile as I was out of breath) when she yelled, "Go, Faith! Don't embarrass me."
During the last mile, a woman who I determined was somewhere near my age (which impressed me, because I am lousy at figuring out ages) passed me. I thought about pushing myself even more, in case she was going to be the difference between my getting third place and fourth place. But in the end, the last hill was too much for me, and I could not go any faster. I convinced myself to just keep going as I was so I could finish in under 30 minutes
When the time came for my age group awards, the person they announced for third place was that woman who passed me. I could not believe it! Oddly enough, when I checked my results online that evening, I was listed as being in third place in my age group. I emailed the race director about it, who just emailed me a bit ago saying she would look into it. I admit the competitor in me is disappointed to think they made a mistake that cost me getting my name mentioned and a medal, but the mature gal in me is going to keep telling myself this:
I am 40, I finished the race in under 29 minutes, and I am proud of this body!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
No, weather people, it does NOT feel like 73 degrees!
My second run in as many weeks. Look at me go!
When I went to bed last night, amidst the windy, stormy weather, I was convinced my morning run would be in 70-degree and low humidity weather. I figured I would take the same route as last week, and see if my time had improved. But when I started my run around 9:50 a.m., the temps felt about 80 degrees and the sun was blazing, I was pretty sure that was not happening.
When I was halfway through my water bottle and only 1/3 of the way through my run, I, once again, considered cutting in short. But I decided even if I could not beat last week's time, I could at least come close to it. So I soldiered on.
Because of the sun, heat and humidity (I cannot believe it was only 73 degrees, but I can believe the humidity was 100 percent), I hardly noticed any pains. I was, however, cursing the sweat that kept running down my face. The ponytail holder kept my hair off my face and neck, but what I was really missing was a hairband to keep the sweat on my brow. Oh, well.
When it was all said and done and my lukewarm water was down to its last few rationed drops, I ended up coming in at 29:16. I have no idea how I bested my time from last week by almost two minutes. And I really felt it at the end (as did my rapidly beating heart which took quite a few minutes to slow down). But I did it.
Not sure when I will get my next run in (just last week I said it would probably take me a month or two), but if I can keep up with swimming and/or Zumba a couple times a week, hopefully I can stay in decent shape.
When I went to bed last night, amidst the windy, stormy weather, I was convinced my morning run would be in 70-degree and low humidity weather. I figured I would take the same route as last week, and see if my time had improved. But when I started my run around 9:50 a.m., the temps felt about 80 degrees and the sun was blazing, I was pretty sure that was not happening.
When I was halfway through my water bottle and only 1/3 of the way through my run, I, once again, considered cutting in short. But I decided even if I could not beat last week's time, I could at least come close to it. So I soldiered on.
Because of the sun, heat and humidity (I cannot believe it was only 73 degrees, but I can believe the humidity was 100 percent), I hardly noticed any pains. I was, however, cursing the sweat that kept running down my face. The ponytail holder kept my hair off my face and neck, but what I was really missing was a hairband to keep the sweat on my brow. Oh, well.
When it was all said and done and my lukewarm water was down to its last few rationed drops, I ended up coming in at 29:16. I have no idea how I bested my time from last week by almost two minutes. And I really felt it at the end (as did my rapidly beating heart which took quite a few minutes to slow down). But I did it.
Not sure when I will get my next run in (just last week I said it would probably take me a month or two), but if I can keep up with swimming and/or Zumba a couple times a week, hopefully I can stay in decent shape.
Monday, June 25, 2012
I ran!
After almost 2.5 months without a run, I finally got one in, in Indiana County. I originally planned to run for 20 minutes, since I knew it had been a couple of months since I last run. But after about 10 minutes into it, I decided to try to run my usual route to see how long it would take.
I need to verify that I ran 3.1 miles (it might have been a tenth or two more or less). But knowing it was at least close to 3 miles and doing it in just over 31 minutes, I am calling it a success. It is good to know that Zumba and swimming keep me in pretty good shape.
Literally two steps into the run, my left knee hurt. Soon after my right foot hurt. Not long after that, my calves started to bother me, and during the last mile, my left foot hurt. Even though it sounds like a lot of pain, nothing hurt me too badly, and I completed the run in the sun without stopping, so yeah, me! I really need to get a new pair of shoes, however. I am thinking I have been running with these for about a year (I need to check the old posts), but considering how infrequently I have been running, I would think they still have some life left in them.
My guess is I won't be writing a running post again for another month or two, but you never know. I have been swimming 1 to 3 times per week as well as doing Zumba once a week, so I have not been completely lazy. :-)
I need to verify that I ran 3.1 miles (it might have been a tenth or two more or less). But knowing it was at least close to 3 miles and doing it in just over 31 minutes, I am calling it a success. It is good to know that Zumba and swimming keep me in pretty good shape.
Literally two steps into the run, my left knee hurt. Soon after my right foot hurt. Not long after that, my calves started to bother me, and during the last mile, my left foot hurt. Even though it sounds like a lot of pain, nothing hurt me too badly, and I completed the run in the sun without stopping, so yeah, me! I really need to get a new pair of shoes, however. I am thinking I have been running with these for about a year (I need to check the old posts), but considering how infrequently I have been running, I would think they still have some life left in them.
My guess is I won't be writing a running post again for another month or two, but you never know. I have been swimming 1 to 3 times per week as well as doing Zumba once a week, so I have not been completely lazy. :-)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Another beautiful day in Pittsburgh
We have had some beautiful March days lately. I probably should have used yesterday's just about 70-degree sunny day to get in a run, but I decided to run the steps instead. This time I smartly went sleeveless, though I probably could have also done without the 3/4-length leggings.
As usual, I felt great going up the first time, but, man, it does not take long for me to wonder how I am going to get through 20 trips. Pretty much by the second trip down, I was feeling tired and warm. I decided not to worry too much about my timing since it was the warmer than when I last did steps, but I definitely did not want to increase my workout by more than a minute.
Luckily, somehow, I bested my time from two weeks ago. I completed 20 trips in 16:07, shaving just over 20 seconds off that workout. I am not going to boldly claim that I want to get my time below 16 minutes, because, quite frankly, I would be happy with 17 minutes, maybe even 18. I cannot figure out why my timing has gotten better this year/month as compared to previous years, when I felt as if I were in better shape. Perhaps I stopped more during those workouts and then did not stop my stopwatch while doing so.
And the downside of getting through steps in a short(er) amount of time is that if I do nothing else, that means I get just over 15 minutes of exercise in, which is pretty much nothing (well, don't tell that to my thighs and heart!).
So I when I finished my 20 trips up and down the steps, I proceeded to run around the outside of the gym, which includes about 20 steps, for seven minutes. So I probably ran about 3/4 of a mile, maybe more. I am definitely satisfied with 23 minutes of working out.
If I did not work my legs so hard, I would do something today, but probably I will just walk around for a bit and enjoy the weather. Too nice to go to the pool (which, by the way, we did on Monday, and I got in about 20 laps).
As usual, I felt great going up the first time, but, man, it does not take long for me to wonder how I am going to get through 20 trips. Pretty much by the second trip down, I was feeling tired and warm. I decided not to worry too much about my timing since it was the warmer than when I last did steps, but I definitely did not want to increase my workout by more than a minute.
Luckily, somehow, I bested my time from two weeks ago. I completed 20 trips in 16:07, shaving just over 20 seconds off that workout. I am not going to boldly claim that I want to get my time below 16 minutes, because, quite frankly, I would be happy with 17 minutes, maybe even 18. I cannot figure out why my timing has gotten better this year/month as compared to previous years, when I felt as if I were in better shape. Perhaps I stopped more during those workouts and then did not stop my stopwatch while doing so.
And the downside of getting through steps in a short(er) amount of time is that if I do nothing else, that means I get just over 15 minutes of exercise in, which is pretty much nothing (well, don't tell that to my thighs and heart!).
So I when I finished my 20 trips up and down the steps, I proceeded to run around the outside of the gym, which includes about 20 steps, for seven minutes. So I probably ran about 3/4 of a mile, maybe more. I am definitely satisfied with 23 minutes of working out.
If I did not work my legs so hard, I would do something today, but probably I will just walk around for a bit and enjoy the weather. Too nice to go to the pool (which, by the way, we did on Monday, and I got in about 20 laps).
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Going the distance
I ran about four miles yesterday. Yeah, me! I understand that most runners would be unimpressed by that, but considering how often (or infrequently) I run, I think running four miles is pretty darn good.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, in the mid 60s. For that reason, I decided that I wanted to do a long run. Probably about eight minutes into the run, I was wishing I had short sleeves, so up my sleeves went for the remainder. For some reason my legs, covered in yoga-like pants were fine, despite their being insulated with more fat and muscle.
I did not push myself, as I was going for distance, not time, and I am not really sure how far I went. I decided after I ran my first usual mile, I would make a right and go up the Pike for about 10 minutes, which would leave me 10 minutes to get back. I made it back in less time, because there were more down hills. Then, about halfway through my final (usual) mile, I cut down a sidewalk and ran through a park, down that street and then up another steep one to get back onto the usual street.
As for pain, I noticed the top of my right thigh hurting for a bit. My left knee also hurt at the beginning, which made me panic, as I had somehow forgotten that my left knee has been hurting the previous two days. Luckily, it mostly subsided. My feet hurt off and on, but nothing major.
I did Zumba today, and I found it much more difficult to do it high impact, but I kept up. Tomorrow I will probably swim. A pretty good week.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, in the mid 60s. For that reason, I decided that I wanted to do a long run. Probably about eight minutes into the run, I was wishing I had short sleeves, so up my sleeves went for the remainder. For some reason my legs, covered in yoga-like pants were fine, despite their being insulated with more fat and muscle.
I did not push myself, as I was going for distance, not time, and I am not really sure how far I went. I decided after I ran my first usual mile, I would make a right and go up the Pike for about 10 minutes, which would leave me 10 minutes to get back. I made it back in less time, because there were more down hills. Then, about halfway through my final (usual) mile, I cut down a sidewalk and ran through a park, down that street and then up another steep one to get back onto the usual street.
As for pain, I noticed the top of my right thigh hurting for a bit. My left knee also hurt at the beginning, which made me panic, as I had somehow forgotten that my left knee has been hurting the previous two days. Luckily, it mostly subsided. My feet hurt off and on, but nothing major.
I did Zumba today, and I found it much more difficult to do it high impact, but I kept up. Tomorrow I will probably swim. A pretty good week.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My legs felt like jelly
Yesterday, not feeling like running, I decided to run the 64/65 steps at my kid's school. It had been awhile since I had run those steps (probably since the fall when I last did my "usual" 20 trips). That layoff, coupled with my less-than-stellar-running times as of late, led me to think I would probably not get what I consider a good time. In fact, as I was making my first few trips, I was telling myself that in the long run, I needed to decide if I should be more concerned about timing and perhaps not making as many trips, or if I cared more about getting the "laps," for the sake of distance.
Throughout the run/jog, I felt pretty good. I was out of breath a few times, when I started pushing myself more. And I was breathing heavy pretty much the entire time, but I don't recall my knees or feet hurting at all, so that was good. I did, however, have a (left) side stitch for a bit, but I was able to work through it.
When I had finished my 20 trips, I had clocked in at 16:28, which I am pretty sure is my best time ever.
I have no idea how that can be, considering how my running times have gone in the wrong direction. But I will take it and be proud. In full disclosure, I did stop for about 10 seconds to get a drink, but still good.
I'd like to think I will get a run in on Wednesday or Thursday, but we'll have to see about the weather, which, by the way, was in the upper 50s and partly sunny and a little bit windy yesterday. The next few days are not forecast to be as warm (or if they are that warm, then not sunny).
Until next time.
Throughout the run/jog, I felt pretty good. I was out of breath a few times, when I started pushing myself more. And I was breathing heavy pretty much the entire time, but I don't recall my knees or feet hurting at all, so that was good. I did, however, have a (left) side stitch for a bit, but I was able to work through it.
When I had finished my 20 trips, I had clocked in at 16:28, which I am pretty sure is my best time ever.
I have no idea how that can be, considering how my running times have gone in the wrong direction. But I will take it and be proud. In full disclosure, I did stop for about 10 seconds to get a drink, but still good.
I'd like to think I will get a run in on Wednesday or Thursday, but we'll have to see about the weather, which, by the way, was in the upper 50s and partly sunny and a little bit windy yesterday. The next few days are not forecast to be as warm (or if they are that warm, then not sunny).
Until next time.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Against the wind but into the sun
According to the weather peeps, today was supposed to be in the 50s, but rainy, so I planned to do my weekly run tomorrow or Wednesday when it was supposed to be sunny, though chillier (between the upper 30s and lower 40s). It certainly did pour this morning, and it was a bit chilly, in the 30s, but fortunately by noon, the rain seemed to leave the skies and the temps started to rise.
So I set out to run around 2 p.m., going my usual route, when the temps were in the upper 40s. As sunny is it was, one could have thought it was 60. In fact with the sun feeling so warm, I decided to skip the sweatshirt/hoodie and wear just a long-sleeved t-shirt with workout pants. Wise choice. I was chilly for only about 30 seconds once or twice the entire run.
As for pain, I felt little, so yeah. I did notice my right knee hurt about halfway into my first mile, but not again after that. The roads were wet, but fortunately, I never slipped.
All in all, it was a good run. Even though the wind on the way down was a bit strong, the sun more than made up for it and left me feeling pretty good.
Mile one:10:12
Mile two: 8:46
Considering the wind, I think I did pretty well time-wise.
Until next time.
So I set out to run around 2 p.m., going my usual route, when the temps were in the upper 40s. As sunny is it was, one could have thought it was 60. In fact with the sun feeling so warm, I decided to skip the sweatshirt/hoodie and wear just a long-sleeved t-shirt with workout pants. Wise choice. I was chilly for only about 30 seconds once or twice the entire run.
As for pain, I felt little, so yeah. I did notice my right knee hurt about halfway into my first mile, but not again after that. The roads were wet, but fortunately, I never slipped.
All in all, it was a good run. Even though the wind on the way down was a bit strong, the sun more than made up for it and left me feeling pretty good.
Mile one:10:12
Mile two: 8:46
Considering the wind, I think I did pretty well time-wise.
Until next time.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wardrobe malfunctions
The American Dialect Society defines a wardrobe malfunction as "an unanticipated exposure of bodily parts." My wardrobe malfunction today was fortunately nothing like that, but just a few annoyances while running.
Yes, I am happy to say that I did manage to run today, in sunny, 55-degree weather, a rare treat in January. I opted for a long-sleeved t-shirt and thin hoodie, but was already too hot in the hoodie just a few tenths of a mile into it. Even before I became uncomfortable, my keys fell out of my hoodie pocket, which necessitated my stopping, turning around, picking up said keys, and starting again. I also was contending with my mp3 player, something I rarely use/wear, mostly in the interest of safety (i.e., the fear of not being to hear a car). Today, however, for some reason I could not keep the clip on my hoodie, so I ended up holding it, which was annoying.
When I reached the top of the hill/first mile, I hurriedly took off the hoodie and tied it around my waist, promptly ripping out my earphones from my mp3 player. I also managed to lose my headband in my hoodie for a couple of seconds. For the record, I stopped timing myself during this minor ordeal.
Fortunately, the run back went more smoothly, although I did manage to once again rip out the headphones once I finished the run and started going up and down the gym steps about a half dozen times.
All told, the run was a bit difficult, which is not surprising considering I last ran outside over a month ago. My feet, mostly my left one, hurt a bit during the first mile, but I hardly noticed it/them after that. And my timing was not great. But I completely the two miles, ran up and down the steps about five or six times, as noted above, and even managed to swim eight laps in the pool an hour later. Therefore, I call today a success. Not bad for a 40-year-old gal!
Mile one: 10:30
Mile two: 8:54
Yes, I am happy to say that I did manage to run today, in sunny, 55-degree weather, a rare treat in January. I opted for a long-sleeved t-shirt and thin hoodie, but was already too hot in the hoodie just a few tenths of a mile into it. Even before I became uncomfortable, my keys fell out of my hoodie pocket, which necessitated my stopping, turning around, picking up said keys, and starting again. I also was contending with my mp3 player, something I rarely use/wear, mostly in the interest of safety (i.e., the fear of not being to hear a car). Today, however, for some reason I could not keep the clip on my hoodie, so I ended up holding it, which was annoying.
When I reached the top of the hill/first mile, I hurriedly took off the hoodie and tied it around my waist, promptly ripping out my earphones from my mp3 player. I also managed to lose my headband in my hoodie for a couple of seconds. For the record, I stopped timing myself during this minor ordeal.
Fortunately, the run back went more smoothly, although I did manage to once again rip out the headphones once I finished the run and started going up and down the gym steps about a half dozen times.
All told, the run was a bit difficult, which is not surprising considering I last ran outside over a month ago. My feet, mostly my left one, hurt a bit during the first mile, but I hardly noticed it/them after that. And my timing was not great. But I completely the two miles, ran up and down the steps about five or six times, as noted above, and even managed to swim eight laps in the pool an hour later. Therefore, I call today a success. Not bad for a 40-year-old gal!
Mile one: 10:30
Mile two: 8:54
Friday, December 2, 2011
Yep, it's December!
Running won out over Zumba yesterday, surprisingly to me.
I "bribed" myself into running by telling myself that I could skip at least half of the first hill. I figured with 40-degree temps (though sunny skies), my lungs would appreciate staying right where they are and not exploding in the frigid (relatively speaking) temps.
I ran in my lined black pants that typically are used from December through March. I also ran with a thick hoodie over top of my Run Around the Square long-sleeved t-shirt. I opted against gloves and a hat, though the hoodie was up. I started off feeling pretty good, if not a tad cold. A little more than halfway into the first mile, however, I was actually warm and wishing I had worn a thinner hoodie. I did not seem to notice the pants. When I hit the top of the hill, I took off my hood, but after a minute or so decided it was probably smarter to keep it on with the cold temps and my sweaty head.
All in all, it was a pretty good run. I finished off the just-under-two mile jaunt with three or four laps around the outside of the gym, which also included a set of stairs. All told, I ran for about 25 minutes, so I probably ended up running about 2.5 miles.
Mile 0.8 (approximately): 9.36
Mile two: 8:30
As an aside, I ran with my mp3 player for the first time in ages. I keep the volume low so I could hear cars coming up behind me (I run on the road, close to the sidewalk, against traffic). The music was a nice change of pace, and I actually found myself speeding up when Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough" came on. At one point, I was actually doing the air drums!
And on that note, see you soon, 40.
I "bribed" myself into running by telling myself that I could skip at least half of the first hill. I figured with 40-degree temps (though sunny skies), my lungs would appreciate staying right where they are and not exploding in the frigid (relatively speaking) temps.
I ran in my lined black pants that typically are used from December through March. I also ran with a thick hoodie over top of my Run Around the Square long-sleeved t-shirt. I opted against gloves and a hat, though the hoodie was up. I started off feeling pretty good, if not a tad cold. A little more than halfway into the first mile, however, I was actually warm and wishing I had worn a thinner hoodie. I did not seem to notice the pants. When I hit the top of the hill, I took off my hood, but after a minute or so decided it was probably smarter to keep it on with the cold temps and my sweaty head.
All in all, it was a pretty good run. I finished off the just-under-two mile jaunt with three or four laps around the outside of the gym, which also included a set of stairs. All told, I ran for about 25 minutes, so I probably ended up running about 2.5 miles.
Mile 0.8 (approximately): 9.36
Mile two: 8:30
As an aside, I ran with my mp3 player for the first time in ages. I keep the volume low so I could hear cars coming up behind me (I run on the road, close to the sidewalk, against traffic). The music was a nice change of pace, and I actually found myself speeding up when Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough" came on. At one point, I was actually doing the air drums!
And on that note, see you soon, 40.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Running towards 40 at full force
Not wanting to waste an unexpectedly nice afternoon with warm temps (upper 60s!) and partly sunny skies, I decided to get another Monday run in. I tried to employ mind over matter by telling myself that the first hill is not so bad, and it actually kind of worked. My left foot hurt just a little before the pain soon went away (or else I did not notice it), and I felt as if I had a pretty good groove going.
As I was nearing the top of the hill, I checked my phone and saw that I had been running just over eight minutes, which meant there was a good chance I could complete that first mile in under 10 minutes. When I reached the top of the hill, pretty much gassed, I happily saw that my time was 9:44. The last time I ran that fast was last fall.
I felt pretty pleased with myself, so I tried to keep up a decent pace on the way back, without pushing myself as hard as I did on the way up. I ended up with a total time of 18:33.
Mile one: 9:44
Mile two: 8:49
Today's run marked my seventh out of eight days of exercise. Including in those days were running, walking, and swimming. And eating. But let's just focus on the exercise.
Three more weeks...
As I was nearing the top of the hill, I checked my phone and saw that I had been running just over eight minutes, which meant there was a good chance I could complete that first mile in under 10 minutes. When I reached the top of the hill, pretty much gassed, I happily saw that my time was 9:44. The last time I ran that fast was last fall.
I felt pretty pleased with myself, so I tried to keep up a decent pace on the way back, without pushing myself as hard as I did on the way up. I ended up with a total time of 18:33.
Mile one: 9:44
Mile two: 8:49
Today's run marked my seventh out of eight days of exercise. Including in those days were running, walking, and swimming. And eating. But let's just focus on the exercise.
Three more weeks...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Finally, a long run
Today I ran 40 minutes! I had scraped the back of my heel pretty badly last evening and was thinking about forgoing anything more strenuous than walking to and from my car, but when I walked for 10 minutes this morning without any problems, I figured I had no excuses. And considering the day was sunny and the temps were decent (about 50), how could I not take advantage?
Since I had extra time, I decided I should see if I was able to run more than my usual two miles. It helped that I started near the top of the killer hill, and I kept my pace slightly slower than normal, since I was going for distance, not time. I kept mostly to my main route, going less than a half a mile past where I normally turn around and adding side streets on the way back.
This time when I ran, I forced myself to really pay attention to my feet, since the new Asics seem to always bother me. I noticed that it was only my left foot that hurt and that was not until about a mile in. The pain was confined to the bottom of my foot, so I am wondering if replacing my insole will help. It does not appear that my shoes are too small, as I wondered, since my smaller (left) foot is the one that hurts.
The foot annoyance aside, it was a pretty good run. I felt good, and I probably could have run even longer. Considering I have been averaging just over a nine-minute mile during my two-mile runs and I skipped the killer hill at the beginning, which adds the extra time to my mile, I had to have run about 4 miles. So yeah, me!
Today, turning 40 in just over one month does not seem so bad. :-)
Since I had extra time, I decided I should see if I was able to run more than my usual two miles. It helped that I started near the top of the killer hill, and I kept my pace slightly slower than normal, since I was going for distance, not time. I kept mostly to my main route, going less than a half a mile past where I normally turn around and adding side streets on the way back.
This time when I ran, I forced myself to really pay attention to my feet, since the new Asics seem to always bother me. I noticed that it was only my left foot that hurt and that was not until about a mile in. The pain was confined to the bottom of my foot, so I am wondering if replacing my insole will help. It does not appear that my shoes are too small, as I wondered, since my smaller (left) foot is the one that hurts.
The foot annoyance aside, it was a pretty good run. I felt good, and I probably could have run even longer. Considering I have been averaging just over a nine-minute mile during my two-mile runs and I skipped the killer hill at the beginning, which adds the extra time to my mile, I had to have run about 4 miles. So yeah, me!
Today, turning 40 in just over one month does not seem so bad. :-)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
I'll take it.
Since yesterday was most likely going to be the only warmish, sunny day we will have all week, I decided to stop making excuses and get out there and run.
As with some recent previous times, the first hill was not awful. Not great, mind you, and I was still left somewhat breathless, but I did it, and I did not think my lungs were going to burst.
As usual, my feet started out hurting a bit, but after about five or so minutes, I had forgotten about them. I am seriously considering contacting customer service at Asics. What have I got to lose, really? For the record, I have tried on about a half dozen running shoes over the past month or so, but nothing seems quite right.
Anyway, to the best of my recollection, I felt little to no pain anywhere else (maybe a slight knee thing for a bit), and I enjoyed the sun and slight breeze, so all in all, a good run.
Mile one: 9:53
Mile two: 8:15
I have been pretty consistent with my times the last few times out, which I consider a good thing. Since I will be 40 in just over a month, I think I am almost ready to give up the dream of doing this run again in under 18 minutes. If I can manage to run once a week, to go along with my swimming and running up and down the steps, that will be great. But I think I can be happy if I can run a couple times a month, considering my track record this year.
Until next time...
As with some recent previous times, the first hill was not awful. Not great, mind you, and I was still left somewhat breathless, but I did it, and I did not think my lungs were going to burst.
As usual, my feet started out hurting a bit, but after about five or so minutes, I had forgotten about them. I am seriously considering contacting customer service at Asics. What have I got to lose, really? For the record, I have tried on about a half dozen running shoes over the past month or so, but nothing seems quite right.
Anyway, to the best of my recollection, I felt little to no pain anywhere else (maybe a slight knee thing for a bit), and I enjoyed the sun and slight breeze, so all in all, a good run.
Mile one: 9:53
Mile two: 8:15
I have been pretty consistent with my times the last few times out, which I consider a good thing. Since I will be 40 in just over a month, I think I am almost ready to give up the dream of doing this run again in under 18 minutes. If I can manage to run once a week, to go along with my swimming and running up and down the steps, that will be great. But I think I can be happy if I can run a couple times a month, considering my track record this year.
Until next time...
Friday, October 7, 2011
Not so bad
I managed to get out there and run yesterday. So this means that running the Race for Pace is not out of the question. Good to have something to push for.
But back to the run. When I first started out, I literally felt pain with my first stride. As I typically do when I run, I was contemplating what this post's title should be, and at that point, I am pretty sure they included phrases like "never-ending pain" and "you've got to be kidding me." But once I got past that slight knee pain (or did the side stitch come first? I really cannot remember) and was making my way up the killer hill, I realized I did not feel awful. In fact, I decided right then and there that I was going to make it through the two miles in a decent time. How could I not give it my best shot when the weather was sunny and the temps were in the 60s?
The rest of the run went okay. Some pain, a little bit of difficulty getting up that last hill, but ultimately I finished it and did not feel as if my lungs were going to burst or as if I was in my 40s (which, to review, I am not yet).
Mile one: 10:19
Mile two: 8:18
Not too shabby.
Honestly, I expected my first mile to come in around 10:10, but my second mile was pretty darn good. Now that I look at it, I have to wonder if wrote down the wrong time. I don't think I ever completed my second mile in that amount of time. But let's just assume I did.
Until next time...
But back to the run. When I first started out, I literally felt pain with my first stride. As I typically do when I run, I was contemplating what this post's title should be, and at that point, I am pretty sure they included phrases like "never-ending pain" and "you've got to be kidding me." But once I got past that slight knee pain (or did the side stitch come first? I really cannot remember) and was making my way up the killer hill, I realized I did not feel awful. In fact, I decided right then and there that I was going to make it through the two miles in a decent time. How could I not give it my best shot when the weather was sunny and the temps were in the 60s?
The rest of the run went okay. Some pain, a little bit of difficulty getting up that last hill, but ultimately I finished it and did not feel as if my lungs were going to burst or as if I was in my 40s (which, to review, I am not yet).
Mile one: 10:19
Mile two: 8:18
Not too shabby.
Honestly, I expected my first mile to come in around 10:10, but my second mile was pretty darn good. Now that I look at it, I have to wonder if wrote down the wrong time. I don't think I ever completed my second mile in that amount of time. But let's just assume I did.
Until next time...
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