Catching up

So last week I had a bad cold (so did Levi and Matt) and it rained alllll week-we didn't see the sun once. So I didn't work out a single time.

But yesterday I ran and then again today! I didn't think I could do the week 4 (running 3 min then 5 min twice) after not running a whole week. So I did week 2 of mom's plan (run 1, walk 4 times 9) and it went really well!

The pig is 13.5 weeks away... And mom's plan is 13 weeks long. Just sayin'.

Love you girls! Should we register for the pig??? It'll make it real!

Here's my idea

So...I've spent quite a bit of time researching our options and here is what I have come up with. What if we would do the Flying Pig race in Cincinnati on Saturday May 5 and then on Sunday hop on a plane together to vacation in St. Petersburg? I have found some beach houses that are do-able and available. I also found out that airfare from Cincinnati is cheaper than from Chicago. United had fares @ $268 with one stop.

http://www.flsundownerbeachhouse.com/

http://www.3palmspmg.com/reservationsIRM.html?Arrival=05/06/2012&Departure=05/13/2012&People1=5&People2=1

All of this research makes me want to get up and get going. I noticed our posts have dwindled. Have we lost momentum. I know I have, but I'm getting revved up again.

Let me know what you think and if you like, I'll pursue further. Meanwhile, I'll check with a friend who lives in St. Petersburg for other ideas.

A little motivation

This article made me laugh. I don't agree with it all, but thought it could be motivating! :)

So where are we going in May?

I'd love for us to decide soon so we can start to book flights and reserve a place to stay... Any progress in making a decision Mom?

week 4 is tough

hello there!  i am writing from sunny california (here for a work trip).  We got in and did some drinking and eating, but i stopped after 3 coronas and had a couple hours pass because i was determined to work out.  I tried to do week 4 for the first time and was not able to complete it.  I think the food and beer might have caused me some problems because I had to stop because of stomach cramps.

I did the 5 minute walk, 3 minute jog at 5.7, 90 second walk, 5 minute jog at 5.7, 2.5 minute walk, 3 minute run at 5.7, but then I was hurting.  I extended the walk time after the second 3 minute jog and tried to do the five minute run, but just made it for an extra minute.  so a total of 12 minutes running for me.  Better luck next time!

Ran 16 minutes total!!!

And my face is nearly purple!

Progress made...

...went to the gym 2 days in a row, even though it is frickin' cold this morning (that was trying to be an excuse not to go as well as the dishes I needed to wash).

...didn't let the excuses win today!

...was able to work harder before my heart rate got to my limit.

...and even better, my heart rate went back down further and quicker during the "walk" time.

...and I feel terrific!

make that 5 days in a row

did week 3, run 2 today.  i tried increasing my speed, but wasn't as successful as i hoped. 5.7 on run 1, 5.8 on run 2, 5.9 on run 3 and then i had to go back to 5.7 for the last 3 minute run.  But i did complete it!

mom, i asked about the guest passes and they said you could be a guest if you had never been a member of XSport, so i'm not sure if that will work out after all.  they said they'd see what they could do, but i'm guessing you'll have to listen to a big, long spiel.  I can always come to cheetah if you have guest passes there.  i'm in louisville until Friday, but maybe we can go saturday morning (like after 10)?

Back on track?!!

You girls are so helpful and supportive. Thank you. I'm so happy that we're doing this together. And now that I'm back from the gym, I feel terrific. Why do I dread going so much? 45 minutes plus 3 minutes cool down, 3.77 miles, and here's the best part...515 caloreis. I'm thinking I might do some personal training stuff when I get home tonight. We'll see. I'm also thinking that I'd like to get an exercise video. That might be fun once I get my blu-ray set up. I see Kathy Smith is still making videos. :) My knees still aren't quite right so I'll have to pay attention to them.

We still need to figure out where we're going. I am leaning toward either Sonoma (Wildcat Canyon is scaring me) or Pensacola. It looks like there may be a lot of fun things to do either place. Nancy Creighton sent me a link to a place that has zip lining very neary Pensacola. I'll confess that I haven't looked at the link you sent Katie. Maybe I'll have some time this evening to do that. Would love to know what you guys are thinking.

Here's the link...

http://www.adventuresunlimited.com/

Personal Training - I'm all in

I am going to do it.  I had a group personal training session today and I think I'm going to sign up for more.  It is $20 per session for a minimum of 10 sessions - so essentially $200, which is more than I want to spend.  But it is working more than just the running muscles and will keep me accountable.  I think it's a good investment.

Now I have to ask - MOM...where are you???  I know it's January, but I hope you can find some time to get a work out in.  I have guest passes if you want to come to my gym so we can go together and motivate each other.  Or if it gets nice out again, we can do something outside.  And maybe you can help me with the food part.  Let me know if you want to meet up for a workout.  Love you - you can do this!

Running in the rain

Did week 3, run 3 today in the rain while matt watched Levi. I accidentally skipped the first walk break (hit a button only phone) so I ran 4.5 minutes straight! That's the longest I've run in more than a year! A little nervous to start week 4, but I think I can do it!

4 days in a row!

i finished week 2 on Friday, did personal training on Saturday, and ran the first run of week 3 on Sunday.  I'm going in today at 6 for another free personal training session, but will be part of a group.  So that will be 4 days in a row going to the gym!  Week 3 was hard, but i just ran on a 5.7 so i didn't get too tired.  I think i'll try increasing slowly next time (5.7 for first run, 5.8 for second run, 5.9 for third run, and 6.0 for 4th run...if I can handle it).  I decided to start week 3 on Sunday so I could do the workout 4 times this week if I needed to (Sun, Tues, Thurs, Sat).   I am going to Louisville Wednesday - Friday so I'm hoping my hotel has a gym for my Thursday workout.

I'm not doing so well on food, at least not on the weekend.  I had a couple beers and a little bit of popcorn.  We also went to Olive Garden (we had a gift card) and I had lots of bread sticks and eggplant parmesean (and I had salad, too).  I'm thinking about my decisions a little more (I had the eggplant instead of something with alfredo, but it was still fried AND i got a FUZE juice drink at the movies instead of a pop, but it had 42 grams of sugar!).

How are you guys?

To the gym I went!

After approximately 1.5 years of NOT using my gym membership, I finally went! Got week 3, run 2 done. Yay!

Snow days?

Did we all take a few days off because of the cold and snow? I need to get back on the horse...I just really prefer to be outside vs the gym.

week 2, run 2

done.  and i'm officially a member of XSport now.  Complimentary personal training session on Saturday - yikes!

Kristi, where are you?

I miss you!

A minute can be a very long time...

...but I did it! 9 times!!! And I feel good! I do like getting up and it in the morning. It is a beautiful time of day. I have to remember that when I don't feel like going. In fact, I didn't want to go this morning, but I just couldn't come up with an excuse. Oh wait...this is no excuses, isn't it? I did just take a couple of Aleve and the hot shower is going to feel really good.

I haven't had a chance to look at the other race possibilities yet. I'm having a busy week. What would be perfect for me is to go to a fun, warm destination. I'd like to be able to rent a house for a week so that we could all go race and then relax together. I'd like to provide the house so that all you guys have to worry about is the transportation and activites while we're there. We'll find something.

Another option...

If we Wanted to save some money and do less of a destination, there is this option:
http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/race_information/schedule/10kevent.shtml

It's May 5 and a BIG event. It's close enough that we could get some fan-support and it'd be about the right timing for training. Just a thought.

Or we could do any of these...it's a good visual map of all the 10Ks in the US happening between May 1 and June 2 of 2012.  There are a few that are even right on Mom's birthday!  I know we're supposed to be narrowing options, not adding more...but just wanted to throw these out there in case another one sounds just perfect.

http://runningintheusa.com/Race/MapShot.aspx?Rank=Date&StartDate=5-1-2012&EndDate=6-2-2012&Special=10K&Page=1

week 2, run 1

did the first run of week 2.  my ipod was turned up really loud so i couldn't hear myself huffing and puffing, but it felt good.  i'm a little worried i'm going to be bad at running outside and pacing myself since i'm so dependent on the treadmill, but hopefully i can build up my cardio and then it will be spring and i can practice running outside.

katie - if we do a 10k, do you have a plan for after you finish couch to 5k?  I haven't looked for one yet, but was wondering what you had in mind.

Week 3, Run 1

Hardest yet (so hard to believe I ran a marathon when just 3 minutes of running seems IMPOSSIBLE now). But I finished!

good workout for me, too

week 1, workout 3 is complete.  i ran on the treadmill at XSport and did the running part at 6.0 mph (10 min miles) and i was feeling pretty great.  I came home and had a bunch of energy - walked the dog and even ran with him for about a half a block.  i'm looking forward to starting week 2 - it means a new playlist, too. 

i do have to commit to a gym now as my free pass expires on tuesday.  XSport was great on Saturday at 7 pm, but unfortunately the rest of the week they are very busy.  They are much more affordable than the Y ($25 a month vs. $50 a month).  As long as there isn't a long commitment, I think I will stick with XSport, and may explore the XSport gym that is by my office (I could work out and then drive home to avoid traffic).  Anyway, I'm feeling good!

Race Options

I went ahead and spelled out dates, place, and cost (if there's more than one it's because it gets more expensive the longer you wait to register). I put them in order of dates. I checked out the one in CA that you said is your favorite-it is hilly and 90% unpaved trails, but their recommendation is to walk the uphills and jog downhill and flat areas. It looks gorgeous! I'll add pros and cons soon.

***edit: I've added approx flight costs based on a kayak search. Looks like it'll almost definitely be in the $300-$450 range no matter where we go.

***edit 2: I've added pros/cons for each

I think my top 3 are 1) Wildcat Canyon, 2) Windsor Green 3) Pensacola
Crescent City Classic
New Orleans, Louisiana 
April 7
$25/$30/$35
http://www.ccc10k.com/site3.php
$380 ORD to MSY
$400 CVG to MSY
Pros: fun city, new place, relatively inexpensive
Cons: early date

The 38th Annual Fiesta  10k/5k
Pensacola, Florida
Saturday, May  5
$??
$390 ORD to PNS
$410 CVG to PNS
http://www.pensacolarunners.com/?p=PRA_Events
Pros: beach vacation, more likely to have family support, see Jonna
Cons: not much info re: race, lame website

The Colorado Marathon
Fort Collins, Colorado
Sunday, May 6
$45
$400 ORD to CYS (hard to get to ft Collins-no major airport nearby)
$520 CVG to CYS
or
$300 ORD to DEN
$440 CVG to DEN
http://www.thecoloradomarathon.com/
Pros: downhill run, cool city, beautiful views, BIG event
Cons: hard to find lodging? No nearby airport, altitude?, katie's already been

Wildcat Canyon 10k
El Sobrante, California (30 min from SanFrancisco)
Saturday, May 19
$34/$39/$44
$360 ORD to SFO
$400 CVG to SFO
http://brazenracing.com/wildcat.html
Pros: gorgeous views, fun vacation spot, wine country
Cons: hilly/trails-may have to walk some of it (could be a pro), less family support 

Windsor Green 10k
Windsor, California (in Sonoma county 65 miles north of SanFrancisco)
Sunday, May 20
$40/$50/$60/$70
$360 ORD to SFO
$400 CVG to SFO 
http://www.windsorgreenhalfmarathon.com/home.htm
Pros: beautiful views, in wine country
Cons: farther away from San Francisco (a bit of a drive once arrive at airport), less family support

More good news

Just back from my walk/run and I feel good! Makes me want to go again tomorrow, but I won't. I'll go to the gym and do the elliptical. So far, the workouts have been difficult and I didn't have this good feeling. It will be easier to go if I feel like this when I'm done.

Good news!

My long spandex still fit me! I was pretty sure I was going to have to go buy long pants. I don't know how they fit (hint: spandex), but I'm really glad they do! I'm off to do my second...yes I'm behind...walk/run.

Race day ideas

Here are some possibilities and my thoughts...

http://www.pensacolarunners.com/?p=PRA_Events
The website is pretty lame and there isn't much info available yet, but I'm including it because I've heard Pensacola has beautiful beaches so it might be a fun place to go.

http://www.sharkstooth10k.com/
This website is really, really lame. I'm including it because it is very, very close to Jonna. I'm thinking we could rent a nice beach house and maybe have lots of family support.

http://brazenracing.com/wildcat.html
This might be my favorite. It looks so beautiful and I think we could find a million things to do in and around San Francisco and wine country. My only concern is the trail. It looks like most of it is grass. Do you think this would be a problem?

http://www.windsorgreenhalfmarathon.com/home.htm
This could be really fun too. It may not be as beautiful as the Wildcat Canyon, but we would have some of the same options as the Wildcat Canyon. California is pretty far.

http://www.ccc10k.com/site3.php
I've been wanting to go to New Orleans. This could be really fun. I wish the date were later.

http://www.thecoloradomarathon.com/
This could be beautiful. I was concerned about the altitude, but it says that the race is downhill. That would work for me.

Thoughts?

First run with a jogging stroller!

Because it is sunny and 58 today I decided I HAD to get outside! I went to Once Upon A Child and got this one for $60. The tires were low and I had to fix a strap but otherwise it's great!  Clearly Levi enjoyed the ride too (slept for the entire second half, even with sun on his face).


I did week 2 run 3. And yes Kristi my face turns beet red! Wayyyyy harder to run while pushing a 14-pounder in a stroller! But maybe I'll lose those 14 pounds and we'll even out a little! :)



I'm feeling much better today, aside from a tickly throat I'm nearly 100%!

Oh yes I did

I didn't need the alarm this morning and made it to the gym. I worked on the elliptical. I need to do another walk/run but I'm holding out for tomorrow and Saturday so that I can do them outside. It's supposed to be much warmer. I may still need to see if any of the long pants I have in there will fit. Kristi, do you want to come with me to Cheetah sometime this weekend?

I watched Biggest Loser last night. The theme this time is "No Excuses". Hope I can make that work for me!

Katie, feel better!

Sniffle, sniffle

I got a cold that started yesterday with a sore throat and sinus pressure. I'm bummed because between getting stuck in Southern Kentucky and feeling sick yesterday and today, i keep missing my runs! I did look at the gym I have a membership to (which I haven't used in over a year) and their Kids Playland is open 3:30-8 M-F. It's included in the membership so I can drop off Levi for 30 minutes while I work out. Might try that soon.

Also, tried to buy a jogging stroller withy Christmas money at Play-it-again sports but no luck. I've seen them there before but when I asked the guy if he had any, he acted like I was crazy. Finally he said that yes, sometimes they have them but only in spring and summer (and acted like I was stupid to think I could find one in the winter). Boo. However Once Upon a Child has 4 in stock (I called first!) so I might be able to get one there.

frustrated

i just got back from XSport and it was not a good experience.  I was going in to get my 7 day free pass, and assumed I'd have to listen to a 15 minute spiel, do a 30 minute work out, stretch and be home within an hour or so.  Little did I know... 

First, I drive there and can NOT find a parking place - I got stuck in a parking lot, drove around the block 3 times and then finally found something (strike 1 - way too hard to find parking).  Then, I asked for the 7 day pass at the front desk.  They asked me to fill out some paperwork and someone would be with me soon.  The paperwork had some basic info but also asked about my goals and how serious I was about them, etc. 

After a bit of a wait someone realizes I'm still sitting there, and in comes Sebastian.  He says he will weigh me and measure my body fat, etc.  OK - why not?  I'm not even embarrassed by the results.  They weren't good, but I didn't care what he thought.  Then we go sit down at the desk and that's where it turns bad.  He wants to tell me all about his plans for me and how I need a program that will work.  While I was mostly zoning him out, I reminded myself that the 7 day pass is free and I can use their equipment free of charge.  Of course he wanted me to sign up with their 30 day money back guarantee, because I could get my full investment back.  Well I made him say "you will get 100% of your money back" before I would even hear anymore (he avoided it twice and so I was like "I want to hear you say it").  Anyway, I told him I wanted something that works and that if I can't find parking and the machines are always being used, then this wouldn't be for me...so the 7 day trial will give me a good feel for if this is the right place and I would go ahead and do that.  Of course it was not that simple, on and on he went...I am starting to get hungry now since i was planning to eat dinner after my "quick" work out.  Then he takes my ID and says, go work out.  I ask where the locker room is and he points and says, "i hope you brought a lock."  I did.  thanks jerk.  So Sebastian overall is strike 2.

So I go to the locker room, getting a little shaky from not eating since lunch and getting a little nervous that i might faint while working out, but i just drink a bunch of water and get on with it.  I go to find an elliptical, and they are all full.  So on to the dreaded treadmill I go. (Strike 3).  I ended up getting pain in my left shin about half way through, but powered through to finish the workout.  Then I have to go back to Sebastian to get my ID and he gives me the 7day pass (which I'm pretty sure I won't be using) after more waiting.  All said and done, this venture took 2 and a half hours, and my dinner is cold, it's past my bedtime and I still need to shower.

So the good news in all of this is (if you're still reading) that I was able to complete the week 1 workout 1 on the treadmill, going just about 2 miles (and I can't tell you how many calories b/c apparently my machine was broken).

Now I just need to figure out where I'm going to walk/run on Thursday.  Curves is the only other gym I had in mind, but I don't know if I can use the treadmill for a half hour since they do circuit training.  Maybe I need to check out Cheetah? Or maybe the Y wasn't that bad.  encouragement please?

zumba!

I didn't do anything on Sunday, but today I set up my Zumba game for the Wii and did a 45 minute workout.  it was a lot of fun - i got sweaty and i'm pretty sure my arms and calves are going to be more sore than from the elliptical.

do your faces turn bright red after you work out, too?  just wondering if it's genetic.  off to take a cold shower.

not sure where i'm walk/running tomorrow - haven't decided how i feel about the Y.  I may try XSport on my way home.

took the day off

Was feeling a bit sore and had lots to do. Hope these aren't excuses!

two days in a row

I did go to the gym today. I used the elliptical for nearly 40 minutes, went over 3 miles and burned more than 400 calories. Walk/run is on tap for tomorrow. Starting to feel the run from yesterday a bit more. Better get some more Aleve.

finding a race

So I spent quite a bit of time looking at races yesterday. I found 2 great sounding ones near San Francisco...one in Sonoma and one in Wildcat Canyon. They both sound amazing, but maybe too far away. I'm just not finding anything that I love in Florida. I'd like to find one in Florida because I like the idea of combining beach vacation with the race and getting together with family. I really like the idea of the one in New Orleans, but the date isn't good for me. I wish it were at the end of April for both my work and my training. The beginning of April is cutting it really close. My training program is 13 weeks.

Aleve, anyone?

So...a bit sore this morning. Hips, shins. But not too bad...at least not yet. I plan to head to the gym in a bit to do the elliptical. Looking forward to listening to music. I may do some other exercises, like squats, planks, etc. We'll see how it goes.