Happy Birthday to MEE!

I don't have a lot of words about this one.
Awesome comes to mind.
I'm 30 today...I think running 7 miles is a good way to start it!
Happy Birthday to me.

Cross training and a Tempo run!

OHYEAH.
Check out the Kermit color green! I made it to the next level with Nike+
I heart having these graphs.
Tuesday I decided to give my legs a break and did the elliptical for 30 minutes and did some lunges and weights. I think cross training is good to mix in.

Wednesday my friends came over and we attempted our first tempo run. It was fun!! We did 10 min easy running and then 10 minutes at a pace that wasn't sprinting (so not as fast as we run those intervals...) Anyway, I kept a 9-9:15 min/mi pace for my 10 minutes. It was great! Then the last 10 minutes was easy running.

Tomorrow is...
My 30th BIRTHDAY. Thanks mom for having me eons ago.
We are also going to run 7 miles. I'm prepping my mind now.
Oh and today, I'm resting.

Monday, Monday, lala la la la la

Today was so much better than yesterday. For one thing it was 15 or more degrees cooler...MUCH BETTER. I felt strong the whole run! I was proud to be out running instead of getting 30 more minutes in bed (but spending all day with guilt over not doing it)
I was a little concerned about how my legs would feel because this was the third day in a row for running ( I have two more to go) It will benefit me this week because running in the beginning will give me two days of rest before and after my 7 miles (can you tell I'm a little nervous about the 7 ?)

I did discover last night that my chest felt tight and I had been coughing a bit. I decided to take my inhaler (I have a hate/hate relationship with the stupid thing!) OMIGOSH. I could breathe. I guess I didn't realize that I really did need it. Part of the hate comes afterward...Its hard to explain but I will say I don't ever have the desire to try drugs like speed or the like. I cannot stand that jittery, irritating, shaky sort of feeling. I did take my inhaler this morning and I think that helped my comfort...being able to breathe is helpful! ;)

Happy Monday!!

I ran today

I do not have a graph (because I took my phone) (because I'm on call)
I couldn't figure out how to make Mr. Nike work on the phone (because techie stuff doesn't come naturally for me)
It was hot (because I live in Florida)
I walked a few times (because I didn't eat breakfast, I know.)
I was really glad I went even though I really didn't want to (because if I keep showing up I'll get there)
I ran today. (because I'm cool like that)

In need of a new route

I think I need to try some new routes. Its so easy to go out the door and run where I run. I'm getting bored. Really bored. I forced myself to run this morning before work. I was cranky and tired. We've had some major sleep issues with C. I didn't want to work this weekend (I know, coming from someone who works ONE weekend a month...I know.) I think it was providential that I got to run. I had one of the worst days at work in my working history. I cried when I got home. I can say I'm glad yesterday is behind me.
I plan to run today and several days in a row. I'm trying to plan for the coming long run this next weekend. I want to give myself a day or two of rest before having to run 7 miles.
Have a great Sunday!

Sometimes...

I begin to wonder why I'm doing this...running that is.
When I have sucky runs like the one Sunday, I think I'm not made for running. Today I had all my stuff in order and more desire to run. It felt slow, I really miss the girls when I run solo!

Wednesday the girls came at 5:45 and we did speed intervals 6x400 (with 6 recovery laps jogged) It is a challenge, but I actually kind of like these speed workouts.

A Really Crappy two

Maybe because I just didn't want to.
This run stunk.
I just couldn't make myself go.
So, I stopped.

SIX

Six miles strong.
Our route was a little dark for my comfort.
Truth be told, I wanted to stop at the halfway point.
This training schedule is no joke.
I am hopeful to become more and more conditioned.
Happy Friday!

5X400

I think its called speed work.
Or torture.
We did our first workout of this kind and while I think I may sound a little sick saying this...I enjoyed it. What?! I know, but it was nice to challenge ourselves with something other than getting the miles in.
Tomorrow we will go for 6 miles.

A lovely run!

Last Friday, I got on a jet plane, BYMYSELF.
The time with my sister was medicine for me alone.
The fall-ish temperatures were a bonus!
I was excited to run someplace new and it was an amazing 58 degrees outside when I got up to run! They have this awesome trail not too far from Jennifer's apartment so I ventured there! I saw three bunnies on the path! My stupid shoe thing was out of sorts again. I just ran for 55 minutes to ensure I did my 5 miles. I was not used to the hills (because Florida is FLAT) but they weren't as difficult as I might have thought.

Wild about Wednesday!

I'm so excited that we ran 4 miles this morning because it felt so cool compared to the past few months and I was comfortable.
I am a little miffed that my shoe chip seems to be a little off. We actually ran 4 miles. I know, I've clocked it. The good news is that knowing that it was 4 miles tells me that I ran it faster than I usually do!
I'm going on a little vacation in just a few days!!!!!!!

A coolish morning

It actually felt cool outside this morning when I left to run!!!!!!!!
I went solo, felt a little slow.
So, so glad I got up and did this, great start to my week!
Have a great Monday!

FIVE miles

I sort of allowed myself a little break last week. I think I needed it. Today I got up and ran 5 miles. This was an original request of one of my running buds, who turns 30 on Sunday. She wanted to run 5 miles again before she turned the big 3-0. (we did the 1/2 marathon together a couple of years, and babies ago.) Schedule and life conflicts kept us from running the 5 together yesterday. Kristina did hers, Judy did hers and I waited until this morning.
It was great!
I changed it up and chose a different route.
I ran alone.
It was SUPER humid but not as hot and I think it made it more bearable!
I did end up walking a little near the end. I didn't eat before and I think I might have benefited from it if I had.

Running through the muck

My head is clogged with life challenges and the rut of daily life right now. I have a vacation coming up and I know it will be good for every part of me. (mom please don't call frantic that something is wrong...its not, just need a break.)

I feel strongly that if Kristina had not been driving to my house I would not have run. I cannot believe that I got so excited to see 77 degrees at 6AM instead of 82, but it was a nice change. A slight breeze even. That lasted until about the last 1/2 of the route then it was like a giant cloud came and sat on my head. Woof. I really am sick of the humidity.

We do have to step up the game a bit. Training for the half starts mid Sept and I need to add at least one more day of running a week if not two.

I know, my mood is a little sour. Like Eeyore. Some things to note:
*Its cloudy
*Been a Full Moon, and Yes, I swear my children know it and act a little crazy.
*may or may not be hormonal...OK I think hormones are to blame for everything.
*Hubs is still working about 50 or more hours a week, so thankful for his job, but makes for long days
*out of creative flare with the three year old. (see above)
;)

Happy Hump Day.

chipping away

I weighed in today!
- 2.2 more pounds!!!!!
total loss -14.8 pounds.

Feeling great, keep on truckin!

;)

Run Ragged.

This morning my alarm went off and I said to myself, "NO.WAY."
I grabbed my phone and went to the bathroom to text my friends.
Judy had already sent a text.
Sweet!
Wait, first she said she's not coming, but then she said she IS coming.
OK.
Kristina overslept.
Lucky.
Judy and I just started walking (neither one of us felt like running)....we were about a mile in and saw some people running. We felt guilty, so we ran. My graph is ugly and I feel like it shows that I am tired today.
When all is said and done, I'm so glad we ran. I plan to do some exercise this weekend, just not running. I think the heat/humidity is wearing me down. Perhaps I will be able to run in NC in a few weeks!!!
Happy Friday.

Shooting Stars and Armadillos

I was really hoping to only run 3 miles today, felt so good, we did 4!!!
On the run I dodged the regular obstacle course of gigantor grasshoppers, saw a shooting star, and had a run in with an armadillo (those are creepy little animals, who cannot see where they are going. I was karate chopping my foot to get it to go away!)
Happy Hump Day!

Monday brutality

My shoe chip was off...I did not run 2.41 mi
I did do almost 2 mi.
It hurt, but was good for me to loosen up!!

Tour de Pain

I do not have a graph of the 4 mi beach race from Friday night. The gun went off and I hit start on my ipod and it froze. Awesome.

Friday began with the 4 mi race on the beach.
7:30 pm
It was hard. I finished. I did not walk once. I just kept saying in my head (because I was tired of hearing myself suck air and feet on the sand) "just keep running, you will be there soon" I did feel like the finish line was being moved back as I ran toward it.

Saturday morning came quick. By 6:45 AM I headed out for the 5K. I was starting to realize why this was called the Tour de Pain (I hear this in my head said with one of those plastic microphones that echos...) It was hot and humid to the bazillionth degree. I was feeling it all by 2.5 mi and had to walk a few times. I did finish!

The grand finale came Saturday at 5pm. It had rained before it was time for the race. You might think that would help the blistering conditions...but it didn't. It was like a sauna. This was 1 mile. I was so nervous. I didn't know what I had left to give. I did it. I finished!

Saturday night I slept terribly and ended up getting sick. I think I was dehydrated. Sunday was spent resting/recovering. I am really glad I challenged myself to do this race series. I definitely learn something about running and/or myself with each race. I also know I have the most amazing cheerleaders in my family and friends! That makes a huge difference!

4 miles beach side

I drove to Judy's house at 5:45.
Judy drove us to the beach.
We ran.
4 miles!!!
We also got to see the glorious, amazing, God-gifted, sunrise.
It was a challenge to run on the beach.
The sunrise was a nice reward.
What a great morning!!!!!!!!

Fast Friday

Today was MUCH better than Wednesday.
We only went for 3 miles.
I was surprised at how fast we were.
Happy Friday!

Running in mud

What is running in mud like?

Running and not being able to breath good, or move good, etc...

This morning my buds and I met up and set off for four miles.

WOOF!

It totally kicked my tail.
Hoping Friday is much better!

Monday Challenge

Earlier today, I had received this email from my sisser...

So, when I got home from my workout, I did this...

Challenge complete.

Its working!

This is a few days late.


Still worth mentioning.

I weighed in Monday.
I lost 1.4 pounds.

Total weight loss -11.4 pounds!!!!! (in 6 weeks)

I am loving it!

Three

The accountability of friends is keeping me going.
Happy Hump Day!!

Its our Anniversary!

Seven Years!
I celebrated by getting up early and going for a shorter run. I have plans to run Wed and Fri with my friends. We are going to do 3 miles and 4 miles.
Happy Monday!
I'm pretty proud of myself for getting up to get it done!

FOUR MILES

While I am slightly irritated at myself for leaving the sensor part of my Nike+ at home and do not have a graph...I am so proud to say that
I RAN 4 MILES this morning!
I picked up Kristina at 5:30 and got to Judy's at 5:45. I had lots of frustrations and ick to run out. And run I did. I felt so strong and comfortable. While I know that I will have hard days, today was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Friday!

The early bird

Runs three miles.
Thankful for my friends!
(not sure what the dip was...could be the part where the GIANT bee flew in my face for a minute or two...not that I screamed and flailed or anything.)

Cool two

It wasn't really cool.
Nothing here is cool.
I am grumpy about the humidity.
I did 2 miles today. I have plans tomorrow and Friday to run with friends.

Lost

I weighed in today.

I am down 1.2 more pounds...

this totals

-10 pounds!!!!!!!!!

Onward!

:)

A run with a good friend

Wow! What a difference a friend makes. My friend Judy came over at 6 this morning and we did 3 miles. Almost felt easy. Having a friend kept my mind off the actual running! Feeling good. Going early is worth it because it really beats the heat!

Weigh in

I forgot to post last night.
I weighed in last night...
Lost some more poundage!
Total loss is
-8.8 (in 5 weeks)

I think the decision to have my weigh in day to be Monday helps keep me on track throughout the week, especially the weekend!!!

Tuesday Challenge

I set my alarm for 6:15 this morning. I woke up at 6:10!! I got ready and got out the door. I decided last minute to only do 2 miles because of my small hiatus last week. I will do 3 on Thursday. I was totally surprised that the whole time I felt so comfortable. While I was running I thought of a challenge for my sister! :) I want to challenge you to run one mile this week. I know, its hot. So, get up early! You don't have to go to work...so you could get back in bed or take a nap! Mostly, I'm bored of reading my own posts on this blog!!! Love you.

A whole week...

since I ran last.
I got sick early last week and it kept me from going.
The ugly truth is, the more days that go by without running the more I believe that I cannot do it. Its just too hard. Takes too long. Too hot. Too...you get the point.
I just did 2 miles today. It was hot so I let Chloe spray me with the hose when I got home. If I had a pool I would have jumped in. The run felt good. Now, I hope to be back on track.
Happy Sunday!

Happy 4th of July!!

My little family plus in-laws were cheering me on in front of my house which was lined with American flags thanks to Becky!!!! It was fun!!!!! 5K great way to start a holiday. Up next...stay tuned.
Hey Jennifer...Ya there?! Just checking.

**Edited to add**
my official time from the race. The 33:24 is my time with handicap figured in.

34   198   23  Elizabeth Whitehill, 29, Jacksonville, FL  33:24   10:46    33:49

Pre-race

It has rained LOTS this week. I got the chance to get in 2 miles tonight. I felt good and fast. The fast part has me mentally preparing to start smart Sunday morning. I don't want to start too fast. This will take some work. Its easy to get caught up in the atmosphere of the event and not have your head and your pace in check. I think that being in registered is my main motivation these days...whatever it takes. Happy 4th of July weekend!

Where'd they go?

-7.4 lbs

Where'd they go? Who cares. I am not carrying them around anymore!

I've been following weight watchers and attending meetings since June 16th. I am feeling great and I've even eaten out, and enjoyed a birthday with cake. Yay!!!!

Rain, rain...relax a little!

After resisting all week...even though I am signed up for a 5K Sunday, I couldn't get myself to run this week. I wanted to take it a little easy, but didn't intend to slack this much. OK enough of that junk. I ran tonight. It was humid as all get out. Its been raining here, LOTS. It rained all day. This evening it was not raining, but humid. I had to stop and walk a few short times. All in all, I felt good. I was running faster than I usually do. I think I will run again Fri maybe 2.5 miles before the 5 K.
Hey Ju-Ju...would love to see a post from you. I know you can do it. Heat or not. Go for a run then jump in the pool!! :)

Steady Betty

I was as comfortable and it looks...makes me happy to run again.

Weekend Workouts

I have been in a sluggish kind of state when I think of running or working out. I love the way it feels. Yesterday we went to the park and I sweated something fierce...would have been easy to tell myself that that was enough. I got my bee-hind on the elliptical and did 30 minutes...360 calories burned later, I felt great. I think I would describe the feeling like after you've felt emotional and had ick bottled up and you just go ahead and have a good 'ol cry. Then you take a deep breath and all is getting right with the world again, that is how I feel. I like it!

This morning I toyed with not running...again.
I took Chloe because she was TIRED from her sleepover.
It was H.A.R.D. and hot. Pushing that stroller is brutal. Glad I took her, she slept the whole time. I had to stop and walk a block, but I still did it. No more talking myself out of it...its too exhausting.

A run

I ran Friday morning. I felt very comfortable breathing. It was humid and hot. What else is new?

Summer Day 1

I am posting this because I want to make sure I don't give up working out and I give myself "credit" for all that I do.  I am trying to train my mind that any amount of moving is moving.

So:  Summer Day 1

Ran/walk 2 miles
Ab Assault Ball video

Tuesday after...

I had intentions to run yesterday. My son was up several times Sun. night, I was so tired Monday morning. That was the excuse I used. I had intentions to run this morning. I forgot to set an alarm. I didn't have time to get it done before my husband had to leave for work...that was the excuse I was going to use. He assured me that I had time. I went. I am with Jennifer, we completed the training 9 weeks in a row. We don't have to be crazy about completing 3mi/3x per week. Just getting off the couch and moving is a huge accomplishment. My heel/leg was hurting bad this morning. I will run again Thursday. Glad I didn't use my excuse and miss out on exercise this morning.

A new mindset

This was weird.  I have finished the Couch 2 5K program.  So...I knew that I wanted to keep running, because it was a huge accomplishment that I even started and didn't want to stop.

But.

Yeah, I know...but.

It is SOOOOO HOT!  Not, Jennifer is complaining because there is no A/C outdoors hot, but OMG Heat Advisory, Caution, Stay indoors hot.  So, I was nervous to run.

Then, about 7:30...I kind of had my mind made up that I wasn't going to run today.  I would do it tomorrow.  Then I knew that tomorrow would turn into tomorrows and tomorrows would turn into weeks and so on.  I also knew that I would feel like a failure and give it all up.  Then, I realized that maybe it was the 3.1 miles I was dreading.

So I got up and got changed.  See, I realized that just because I finished the C25K program, doesn't mean I HAVE to run 3.1 miles every time.  The goal was to get me MOVING.  Is 1 or 2 miles less than 3?  Yes, but it is more than NOTHING.  With that I gave myself permission to run less.  So, I ran.  Yes, less, but I ran.  (And I get the heat advisory thing :)  Do I feel like a small failure?  Maybe, but not as much as I would have watching TV doing nothing.

Does any of this make sense?

Run for the pies!

Well...I ran an official 5K race. My graph is crazy. Probably trying to focus on the pace (that was REALLY hard) also people would run past and then walk and I felt like I was dodging people lots. I think the time (34 min) is very close to accurate. I had fun! Josh and Chloe went to support me and Chloe thought she was going to run too! Maybe one day! I think I will continue running approx 3X/week but I want to mix it up on the off days.

C25K Day Twenty-seven

Otherwise known as complete.

I have finished a running program that I set out to do!  I can't believe it!  

Tonight I promised Beth I would run at the same time that she was running in her race, and that honestly, is what got me through part of this.  It was SOOOO humid outside.

But, I did it!  I FINISHED!!!!  

Ideas

Idea #1

http://www.1stplacesports.com/cel.html

This run excites me because it comes down our street!!!

Idea# 2

http://www.1stplacesports.com/tour.html

This one is a little crazy, but a fun reasonable push. It also comes down our street.

Maybe continuing to do a 5K race a month and begin training for the 1/2 marathon on Thanksgiving Day...just some thoughts.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

I got my race packet today!!!

I am excited. I am encouraged with ideas on what to train for next...it continues :)

Here is a picture of the cute race shirt-

C25K Day Twenty-six

I am going to be 100% honest.  I had myself TALKED OUT of this run for the day.  I had every justifiable reason.  Check out the conversation between my brain and my body.

Brain:  It is your last day of school.  

Body: Your sister wants you to run.  Come on, we can do it.

Brain: But, it is the HOTTEST day yet.  

Body: If you don't go today, it will be the FIRST time you have not followed the program.  Do you want to do that on your last week?  You know no matter what, you will view it as a failure.

Brain: But, you went out for an adult beverage with your co-workers to celebrate your last day of school.

Body: I am dressed, shoes and all.  Let's go!

Not sure yet if I am glad I did.  Just kidding.  I am...I am surely showing effects of not having had enough water, so gotta go chug some H2O!

The last one...before the official 5K

My heel is hurting. I decided to limit my running to Sun, Wed, and Sat in an effort to run smart. I felt so much stronger tonight. My heel hurts...time for ice!! Just thinking about what will be my next challenge. I feel like this could get mundane very quickly. Ideas?

C25K Day Twenty-five

I did it.  Oh my gosh!  I did what I set out to do.  I ran a 5K.  I am speechless (and have a wicked graph too!)

Superwoman!

Yes, ya'll! I had a little wine/cheese get together at my house last night. I may and may not have had a few too many beverages. I may or may not have been up until after midnight. I may or may not have gotten out of bed with a GIANT headache and a little wooziness at approx. 2 AM...and then slept on the couch.
I DID just complete Couch to 5K Week 9, Day 1!!!!

That is 30 minutes of running. I felt pretty darn good.

The real Superwoman is my mother who watched my children last night and then kept Chloe for the night. Harrison slept until 6:30 this morning! Thanks mom!!!!

I am posting my graph, which shows that I appropriately was running out of steam at the bitter end. I am also posting the local weather...showing just how crazy it is that I just completed this with the above mentioned festivities and the temps/conditions.

OHhhhhhhh yeah! I also moved to Orange Level!!!!!

C25K Day Twenty-four

One more week and I will be running a 5K.  That is INSANE!

Breathing was a little difficult today, but it was HOT and in the morning, when I usually run at night.  

I still cannot believe, I, Jennifer Marie, am running.