justshowedup

Mardi Gras 5k

2011-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

My friend, Carol, and I had been talking back and forth about attempting a 5K to get back on track. So after much discussion and a deadline for a discount on the registration we registered a few weeks ago. I had plans of "training" but did't quite get around to it. I have been attending regularly two different classes (Step and Sculpt on Mondays and Body Conditioning on Wednesdays) for a while, so I have felt less guilty about not running...oh, who am I kidding...I just have avoided running a ton.

So, I met Carol Saturday morning, we drove to the race early because I hadn't picked up my bib and shirt and got there about 7:15a. The great thing about 7:15a is a great parking spot, but the bad thing is that there is another hour plus before starting. The wind was horrible and it was about 45 degrees. Usually 45 degrees is actually my favorite racing temp, but the wind was a beating.

Carol started the race with me and we attempted 60 sec run/walk intervals. For the most part we stayed with that other than the occasional blood sugar test (boy, do they drop when I run more than I've ran in the past year).

She is a lot faster than me, but I was amazed at how I was able to keep up (even though she definitely was slowing down for me). And the most amazing thing to me was the fact that I PRed at 40:35 which is a 13:03 mile/min pace at this race and hadn't ran for over a year...other than the HnH 10K last year in May.

Considering I got a PR and hadn't trained all I can think about is what would I be able to do if I trained. I really want to train, but my motivation to start is just not there. We'll see...
I haven't picked a goal, but I really think I need to. I need to make some commitments and plans or it won't happen. I think if I sign up to volunteer I might be able to get there early enough to beat the parking mess from last year. I'm torn between the 5K and 10K. I hate to invest that much in a 5K, but I'm not sure I want to run a 10K. Ugh...oh, well, I also thought about trying to sign up for a 5K every month. March is done, now for April.

Week 2 Plan

2011-01-10T18:46:00.001-08:00

Got the stomach flu on Saturday so I didn't run.

But plan for this week is:

Monday
9 warm-up
12 run/walk of 30:60 intervals
9 cool down

Wednesday
8 warm-up
15 run/walk of 30:60 intervals
7 cool down

Saturday
10 min warm-up
1 mile run/walk of 30:60 intervals
10 min warm-up

2011 Plan - Week 1

2011-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Week 1 plan

Monday/Wednesday
5 min warm-up
15 min run/walk at 15:00 min mile (4.0 mph) pace
30 sec run:90 sec walk
5 min cool down

Saturday
5 min warm-up
1 mile run/walk at 15:00 min mile (4.0 mph) pace
30 sec run:90 sec walk
5 min cool down

My plan is to try to accomplish and commit to something achievable, not over the top, and challenging all at the same time. So, I am planning on run/walking a 5K in 9 weeks and a 10K 8 weeks after that.

Mondays and Wednesdays at the gym on the treadmill and Saturday mornings an outside run.

Phase 1

2010-09-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

I'm on a new track...trying a different plan. Isn't that the story of my life. I am going to try to do this plan of getting to the gym, doing something cardio for at least 30 minutes....wait for it...here's the even harder part... 5 times a week

Heels and Hills 10K PR

2010-05-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Did the HnH 10K with my mom...so proud of her.

Got a PR.

1:33:16.3
15:03/m

Ran through that Wall

2010-03-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Don't have a ton of time to update...but I did it.

I planned on 5 then 3, then when I got there at 6:40 and knew I needed to leave by 7:20, I decided to walk/run 15 minutes away and then 15 back. I listened to a "Freeway to 10K" podcast from Podrunner Intervals (which is my favorite podcast for c2anyK). And it had a 5 minute warm-up with then four 4/2 run/walk intervals. I struggled a bit on some of the running, but I was able to do them all.

I honestly didn't plan on running much, but I was amazed to finish at a pace of 13:50/mi. Even though it was a little over 2 miles, it was 30 seconds faster than my PR pace in October for a 5K, so pretty decent.

And...I just showed up...and so glad I did.

My next plan is probably to walk/run with Heels and Hills on Saturday if they are meeting (depending on how early they are meeting). My hope is to do 6 miles, and I'd like to be done by 8 a.m., so I am highly likely to get there earlier (since 6 miles at a 15 minute pace would take 1.5 hours. So, I'd want to start by 6:30 a.m. I think. We'll see...

I'm also strongly considering seeing if my sister would want to join me on the Katy Trail Saturday morning (depending on her plans the night before). I'd like to set up a usual routine again. And Sunday's might end up being better for my long mileage. If I did long miles on Sundays, then 3 on Tuesdays and maybe 3 on Fridays or Saturday long miles, 3 on Monday, 3 on Wednesday...oh that would be better. Thinking outloud again.

So...we'll see...I'm going to check with HnH about Saturday and go from there. Most likely not planning on doing the DRC 5 mile on Saturday.

Unedited

2010-03-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Not sure even really where to start or what to say. I want to say something profound that will forever change my slump, but considering I only have like 2 followers, I decided I'd try to do today completely unedited.

I hit a wall.....a big, fat, 15 feet tall wall. And I believe in my heart that running/walking is 90% and I am hit a 100% mental wall. I don't want to run or walk, I don't want to exercise, I don't want to even get dressed. So I need to think of what do I want to do...I want to run a race (well), I want to complete the HnH Half in a time better than last (3:36:18), I want to want to exercise regularly, and I want to lose weight and be fit.

So...tonight on the way to my Tuesday night meeting (starts at 7:30p) I am planning on going to a trail (I love walking/running on trails...as in concrete trails, because you rarely have to deal with crossing streets, but you do have to figure out if it is a safe and well traveled trail) and attempting either 3 or 5 miles. The "either" is that I'd like to do 5 miles, but I am a bit afraid that if I shoot for 5 I'll be more likely to talk myself out of it as being an intangible/I-don't-want-to goal. I mean at a slower pace that'd be like an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half. The 3 is totally do-able. My plan is to walk the first and last mile, and run/walk the middle 1 to 3 miles (depending on my goal) at a 2/2 run/walk pace.

OK...unedited...yeah, tonight I'm doing 3. I need to just get out there and do it and 5 will be more than I want to do. So...I can do 3, even at a super slow pace...I can do 3. And I want to be done by close to 7:15, so I need to start by about 6:15, so I need to leave the house (thinking outloud...or typing rather) by 5:45p, so I need to be home by 5:15p, so I need to pick up Izzy by 4:45p, oh, no I forgot I'm doing TAKS tutoring until 5p. So...get Izzy by 5:15pm and home by 5:45p walking out the door to be in N. Dallas by 6p so there by about 6:30p. Walk for 45 and then go to meeting. I'm sure all 2 of you appreciate me thinking/typing as I go.

OK...plan set. NO EXCUSES...even if I have to walk only 2 miles for 30 minutes.

Oh, and tentatively, my plan is to do the Heels and Hills Half Marathon on May 2nd. It should be pretty much the same route as the on in the fall, and it is by far one of the flattest routes out there. I'm going to be shooting to have a faster time than last year.

So my plan is doing a run/walk mix by building up mileage as follows:

Tuesdays - 3 miles
Wednesdays - 4-5 miles
Thursdays - 3 miles
Saturdays - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 over the next 5 weeks

Haven't decided if I am going to do this Saturday's run with the 5 mile DRC, but thought it might be worth it to get me going. I honestly want to run it, but don't feel like hearing David bark orders and tell me to run when I am already doing the best I can. We'll see. My plan is to run/walk the first 5 with a 2/2 ratio then do a 1 mile walk afterwards. Again...we'll see...I'm super not hyped about it. I may go see what the HnH training group is doing Saturday morning. I have a meeting in Dallas at 10:30a, so we'll see.

My new goal is to COMPLETE the Half Marathon, so my primary focus is mileage, not time. Time will come as I work on mileage. In training, first and last mile I am going to force myself to walk it, then I can add on running in the middle miles. I can do mileage...I can do distance...running, I'm not so sure about, so I will focus on what I can do right now.

January Goal Update

2010-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

5K time
My very best time in 2009 was 44:39.0 with a pace of 14:22/mi in the Frisco ISD Gary Burns 5K on October 31st.

Likely - below 40:23 (pace 13:00/mi)
Hopeful - 37:17 (pace 12:00/mi)
Crazy - 35:44 (pace 11:30/mi)
Update: DRC Frigid 5K - 41:03.68 (pace 13:12/mi)

10K time
My PR in 2009 for a 10K was 1:37:00.0 with a pace of 15:39/mi in the H2H 10K in July.

Likely - below 1:33:12 (pace 15:00/mi)
Hopeful - 1:27:00 (pace 14:00/mi)
Crazy 1:20:47 (13:00/mi)
Update: Haven't ran a 10K this year yet

Race, PR, or Place in Monthly for an Event (revising)
Last year, I signed up and raced in an event every month from June to December.

Likely - an event every month
Hopeful - PR in every event
Crazy - Place 50% better than others in one of the divisions (Athena, Age, Women or Overall)

New Goal to replace above goal Monthly/Yearly Mileage
I haven't really tracked my mileage before, but I think as a good goal to replace the monthly event goal is to include monthy/yearly mileage goals.

Likely - 6 miles a week/24 miles a month/312 miles a year
Hopeful - 8 miles a week/32 miles a month/416 miles a year
Crazy - 675 miles a year
Update: 30.41 miles in January (8.63, 7.69, 8.05, 6.04 per week)

Run Weekly/Monthly
Last year, I started walking/running sporadically while sometimes 3 times a week, and other times going for several weeks between walking. I am hoping to bring exercise regularly into my weekly schedule.

Likely - Run/Walk once a week minimum with a one week a month forgiveness making up on the next or previous week totalling 4 times a month, but only of which 2 are in the same week
Hopeful - Run/Walk twice a week minimum with a one week a month forgiveness making up on the next or previous week totalling 8 times a month, but only of which 3 are in the same week
Crazy - Run/Walk three times a week, every week, no exceptions. **All these with a minimum of 1 mile and a minimum of 15 minutes with weeks measured from Saturday to Friday.
Update: Run/Walk three times a week in January.

Mile time/pace
My previous PR in a mile has been 14:20.

Likely - 13:00
Hopeful - 12:00
Crazy - under 11:00
Update: none timed yet

Again, I have really not much of an idea how realistic or crazy these are...but as I find every day, every race, every event...it is all a learning experience.

Adjusting my Mindset - No Excuses, No Distractions

2010-01-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love my Garmin. I had a running friend just GIVE me my 205. And it has been a great way for me to learn about keeping my pace and tracking my mileage. One somewhat quirky thing is that as I travel to other parts of the metroplex, I find that it takes a while (like sometimes 15 minutes) to track satelites. But free is free, and I can't complain. But ever since I have gotten it, I have been working on learning the different bells and whistles like laps, auto-lap, and history settings.

Last night, I had in my mind what our coach had told us about how runner's don't make excuses...part of running is giving up the lame excuses and running no matter what...even if that means running around the parking lot, running up and down the block, running at 5 am or 11 pm....and running even if you're sick, or hurt, or sad, or whatever. I, myself, have a very low tolerance for those who give excuses, so I like this idea. In fact, it is one of the things about being a part of a running group I like...being around persistent people. After walking a half marathon in 93 degrees and 100% humidity, and then running in 13 degrees a few weeks ago, I figure all my excuses are up. If I think it's too hot or cold, I can just remember those days.

Well, weather is not usually my excuse, but my diabetes has been a good old standby for me in the past. And yesterday morning (well, actually all weekend) I felt sick to my stomach, icky, and just a general sluggishness. My blood sugars were hanging in the 250s and 300s and just wouldn't come down no matter how much insulin I gave myself. Then I had the epiphany about lunch time (on Tuesday) I might be dehydrated, and come to think about it, I had been drinking Diet Dr. Peppers all weekend and barely any water.

I overheard a coach saying something to someone on Saturday morning about only drinking 1 soda a day, but I LOVE my DDP and tried to act like (to myself) that I didn't hear it. I didn't even want to think about drinking only on soda a day, but lo and behold my dehydration would show me that I do need to drink a LOT of water and that I need to only drink one soda, and...to start watching my foods with a lot of sodium...which is pretty much anything processed.

Anyways, as I started to drink more water my blood sugars started to regulate and the insulin I had been giving all day started to activate. And it just kept making my blood sugar low, low, low. So, I had to eat, eat, eat. And it wouldn't stay above about 80 or 90. I can't go exercise when it is below about 140 or I will crash out on the course. A perfect scenerio is about 180 for a 30 minute walk/run.

So, when I was ready to go walk/run around the neighborhood before heading to Dallas around 7:30p, I couldn't. Not an excuse, an actual medical modification. BUT...the difference today is...I then just wait until I can go run. I knew rain was in the forecast, so I was hoping to get my run in before the meeting not afterwards. I got dressed and decided that after my 45 minute drive to Dallas my blood sugar would probably be high enough and that I'd go running at Brookhaven Community College. It has a paved track around the perimeter, so that was the plan. I knew going into it that the track may be too dark, but I kept repeating the mantra...no excuses.

I pulled up and back to my first paragraph...the Garmin wasn't loading correctly. And I wasn't sure how long it would take...I pulled up in the parking lot at about 6:50 and needed to be done by 7:25p. And I could almost hear our coach's voice in my head saying...you are not out here to punch a clock, time a lap, or compare a pace...you are out here to run. So, what is the next best thing if the Garmin isn't loading...I just started walking. And I'm lucky to have my insulin pump with me at all times, so I looked at my clock on that. I usually have my Ipod with me, but since training I have started not using it...and since I was at a new course, I wanted to not have it for safety. I could have used my phone, but I had turned it off, because it is a mental distraction if I get a text during my run. And last week I decided that there is nothing that I would need to interupt my run for that I couldn't take care of when I got back to my car.

So...I started my walk on my insulin pump time of 6:54p and knew to start running at 7:03p. By the time I got close to 7:03p, I realized I could use the timer on the garmin but only from the end time of the last run. So I was able to time from that point forward. So, distraction #218 out of the way. And I knew the track was a 2 mile loop and was feeling strong and sturdy, so I decided to loop it. I then reached a construction point where the trail just ended. So, I turned around and headed back, cut across the parking lot, and then was done. I went home and tracked my mileage on mapmyrun to find I went 2.2 miles in 32 minutes.

This week is a week of changing from the mindset of minimum goals and standards to pushing beyond and running around the parking lot if I have to. Just like everything else I'm learning with running, it is a process. And I'm still learning so much!!!

What is my Main Goal?

2010-01-12T08:57:00.001-08:00

Mission Statement:
"I am passionately pursuing the consistent improvement of my health by regularly setting and achieving fitness goals, encouraging others from my strong and challenging experiences, and depending on and praising my Creator as the Producer from which I can do all things."

One of my friends posted in her blog about how her increasing mileage weekly and competing in 10 Halfs in '10 might be a contradiction in goals. And wouldn't you know it, I ran into a set of goals myself that may seem to be counterproductive.

I have a goal that I started last year to enter and compete in a race every month. According to my race coaches for my Spring Training, we are not ready for a 5K. My thought was that for February, I could still technically enter, and take it easy. My other thought has been that my main goal in ALL of this...back to my mission statement, is to "passionately pursue the consistent improvement of my health." Does running in a race (much less trying to PR) contribute or take away from that goal?

Sure it'd be good bragging rights to say, "I've entered a race event every month since June of '09 and in '10 PRed in every event." But is my purpose to brag or to overall improve and consistently improve my level of fitness.

Now, following and being dedicated to my training and my coaches recommendations...that seems to overall support my mission statement. It keeps with the spirit of improving and being consistent. The original intent of the "one event a month" goal was to make sure I was staying active. I would previously go months and months, even years and years without regularly exercising and that goal was a way to make sure I at least once a month set out to compete and get active.

My level as an athlete, as someone who is consistently trying to improve my fitness, and as someone in a training group already lends itself naturally to getting active once a month. So, I'm pretty sure I'm going to put the "event a month" goal on hold until I reach the 10 mile.

Today I am going to work on surrendering "my ideas, plans, and arrangements". My way hasn't worked before, so this part of my journey is about surrending ME and MY to what works and is proven. At the end of the day, the end of the 16 weeks, I believe that I truly will be more fit through following the Couch Coaches advice.

W1D1 of Couch to 10 Mile

2010-01-09T12:05:00.001-08:00

Well....I not only did it...but I liked it!!!

14 degrees
7:00 a.m.
Crowded Parking
Empty Paths at White Rock Lake

I had a blast! I knew it was going to be cold, and I wore my coat (which I bought years ago for snowboarding...which I never did). I had a 41 blood sugar at 2 a.m., so I had to wake up and eat, eat, eat. Then my blood sugar was 313 when I woke up...usual after a super high. My sensor was on day 8 or 9 (they really are only designed to officially last 3 days...so they lose their effectiveness). But I got up and I showed up!!!

I just love that my blog is titled, "Just Show Up" and the emphasis Chris (one of the training directors) has put on 95% of the battle is "Just Showin' Up." I showed up and learned some new things today...and was reminded of some things I know.

Amanda and LK reminded us to keep our form upright and looking ahead. That is so true. When I am upright and facing forward I run/walk faster and more effectively. They reminded us to stay right, not go wider than two by two on the trail, and kept us encouraged.

We had a 10/10/10 walk/run/walk that they said was really more of a walk/do the best you can do to try harder/walk. They encouraged us to not focus on speed, that speed would come later in the training. They talked about us needing just do the best we can do. At 15 minutes, we were going to turn around and head back (half way into the run). This technique helped as the faster ones were then at the back, and the slower ones were at the front. I think mentally that helped everyone.

I found myself comparing and looking around a lot before, after, and during. A few times I've been asked, "Are you sure you are in the right group? You say you've done some running." What I always clarify is that I have ran, but like 30 seconds, or 2 minutes or just in the past few weeks 5 minutes and on Wednesday a crazy 8 minutes (of which I thought I was going to die). So, that said, I am convinced this is the perfect group for me. I truly have no earthly comprehension of me being able to run 10 miles some day, much less anything over about 1, but they say, if we keep showing up...it will happen.

I found that I wasn't the largest or the smallest runner out there...I wasn't the fastest or the slowest runner out there. I was one of many, in the middle, a part of a community, and just Jennifer. Rarely in my life am I "just Jennifer". I am often teacher, mom, leader, director, wife, mentor, sponsor, church friend, you name it, but rarely am I "just Jennifer." And out there, I was "just Jennifer". Years ago, I found out that my love language is quality time. I love, love, love to spend time with people, and I don't care if we are digging doo-doo, I love spending time with them. I kind of like bragging rights, the feeling of accomplishments, setting and making goals, but really in the end....I only do this because I LOVE quality time. Until today, I have done a lot of this journey alone. But I am still on a high from the energy out there.

There is not one single thing physically different when I run alone versus with others. My feet aren't different, my lungs, my muscles...in fact, today my blood sugar was a little wacky, my body was cold, and I was able to run for longer...a full 10 minutes...than I have ever, ever ran that I have any memory of in my entire 35 years. I know several people who say they ran in high school or college. Not me, my friends...this is it...this is my journey.

Stats
7:00 a.m.
DRC Couch Group
14 degrees/??? wind chill
White Rock Lake
Icey Bridges/Frozen water fountains
10/10/10 W/R/W
00:30:58
15:36/mi
1.99 mi
318 cal

Week Plan
Sun - 30 min Pilates/Weights
Mon - rest
Tue - 35 min walk
Wed - 9/12/9
Thu - 10/10/10
Fri - rest
Sat - 8/14/8

2010 Goals - Goals for the year

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am really not even sure where to start. And I hate resolutions, because I have made so many in the past that only end up in failure and shame. So....here goes a try. I'm going to go back to the old stand-by of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals. And I think I am going to set Likely, Hopeful, and Crazy.

Last year, I didn't even think about running, walking, or even exercising as we started 2009. So to set goals is a whole new thing for me.

I also put together a mission statement based on an article I read:

"I am passionately pursuing the consistent improvement of my health by regularly setting and achieving fitness goals, encouraging others from my strong and challenging experiences, and depending on and praising my Creator as the Producer from which I can do all things."

5K time
My very best time in 2009 was 44:39.0 with a pace of 14:22/mi in the Frisco ISD Gary Burns 5K on October 31st.
Likely - below 40:23 (pace 13:00/mi)
Hopeful - 37:17 (pace 12:00/mi)
Crazy - 35:44 (pace 11:30/mi)

10K time
My PR in 2009 for a 10K was 1:37:00.0 with a pace of 15:39/mi in the H2H 10K in July.
Likely - below 1:33:12 (pace 15:00/mi)
Hopeful - 1:27:00 (pace 14:00/mi)
Crazy 1:20:47 (13:00/mi)

Race, PR, or Place in Monthly for an Event (revising)
Last year, I signed up and raced in an event every month from June to December.
Likely - an event every month
Hopeful - PR in every event
Crazy - Place 50% better than others in one of the divisions (Athena, Age, Women or Overall)

New Goal to replace above goal
Monthly/Yearly Mileage
I haven't really tracked my mileage before, but I think as a good goal to replace the monthly event goal is to include monthy/yearly mileage goals.
Likely - 6 miles a week/24 miles a month/312 miles a year
Hopeful - 8 miles a week/32 miles a month/416 miles a year
Crazy - 675 miles a year

Run Weekly/Monthly
Last year, I started walking/running sporadically while sometimes 3 times a week, and other times going for several weeks between walking. I am hoping to bring exercise regularly into my weekly schedule.
Likely - Run/Walk once a week minimum with a one week a month forgiveness making up on the next or previous week totalling 4 times a month, but only of which 2 are in the same week
Hopeful - Run/Walk twice a week minimum with a one week a month forgiveness making up on the next or previous week totalling 8 times a month, but only of which 3 are in the same week
Crazy - Run/Walk three times a week, every week, no exceptions.
**All these with a minimum of 1 mile and a minimum of 15 minutes with weeks measured from Saturday to Friday.

Mile time/pace
My previous PR in a mile has been 14:20.
Likely - 13:00
Hopeful - 12:00
Crazy - under 11:00

Again, I have really not much of an idea how realistic or crazy these are...but as I find every day, every race, every event...it is all a learning experience.

DRC Frigid 5K

2010-01-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

I PRed (Personal Record) again!!! It was beyond Frigid that morning, and I am convinced that it was the cold that partially helped me PR. My sister and I met to drive together, and I enjoyed having her there with me. She is much more fit than I have ever been, and she did really well. But it was nice to have someone to talk to while waiting, and I especially enjoyed having her at the finish line.

I had checked the stats ahead of time to see if I'd be the last one (I've learned to do that so I'm not the wayyyyy last one) and it looked like if I stayed at a pace under 15 minutes/mile, I'd be at least like 20 from the last. I have been training in the 14 minute range, and I PRed at the White Rock Relay with a 14:20 pace, so I was hoping for at least a pace below 14:20/mi. I was hoping on a super good pace to make it below 14:00, and a hopeful 13:30. In the very back of my mind, I was wishing for a time under 40 minutes, which would be like a 12:57/mi pace, but I knew that was probably more unrealistic.

As I started out, I was moreso relishing in being around serious runners. I tend to people watch a lot before a race - what people are wearing, how they are warming up, what they are talking about. Most people seemed to be not really insulated, and the experience level seemed to be inversely proportional with the amount of clothing. There were a few dogs and a few kids. The crowd was interesting to watch from the back as I noticed the field of bobbing heads, and the dispersed puffs of breath in the freezing air. It was definitely Frigid, but the sun was out and it was actually a rather gorgeous morning.

My sister and I ran together the first 45 second (which I had fumbled with the Garmin yet again, and just stuck with it alerting me every 45 seconds rather than doing an interval setting), then she and I split. She ended up running the entire race, which was a huge accomplishment for her since she had only run a full 5 or so minutes previously (at least since her 20s). And my Garmin kept telling me I was at like a 12:00/mi pace. I actually found myself doubting the accuracy of my Garmin. It was, in fact, correct. I could substantially feel my training paying off...I felt in shape.

Mile 2 was a little slower, as I expected. The turn around was exactly halfway through, and it was encouraging to see other runners/walkers behind me. This is probably the first race I didn't spend a lot of time looking back to see if I was in last place. Mile 3 was encouraging as the majority of it seemed to be just around the corner to the finish line. And sure enough, I finished with an amazing PR. My previous PR pace was 14:20, and this new pace of 13:12/mi was crazy fast.

There is something bizarre and on a new dimensional plane that seems to happen at a race where the crowd, the situation, everything seems to seriously push me into a new level of ability. I was surprised to see myself pacing ahead of some other more seasoned runners, as well. I tried out a 45/45 sec walk/run interval, and it seemed to work well for me. I couldn't believe I did as well as I did, and I am still in a little shock. I would say the overall thought I realized is that I have spent a lot of my life thinking "I'm not an athlete. Exercise is just not easy for me. Other people get this better than me." And I'm am starting to think that maybe "I am an athlete. Wow, my body is capable of more than I sometimes think. Wow, I'm actually doing this...well."

Pretty cool. I don't have my mile stats, and really I kind of got so wrapped up in the race that I didn't realized the exact lap points. My first DRC training group meeting is Wednesday and I am super excited and super nervous. I'm not looking forward to the weather this week, but I can run in this...I did run in this!

I'm so glad I keep "just showin' up"!!!

Stats:
23 out 34 Athena Division (68%)
172 out of 206 Women (83%)
323 out of 376 All (86%)
13:12/mi
41:03.68
DRC Frigid 5K
1/02/10

Week 4 - Day 2

2009-12-28T15:08:00.001-08:00

Day 1-30:51, 2.00 mi, 15:25/mi, best: 11:10/mi, 359 cal
Day 2-29:45, 1.87 mi, 15:55/mi, best: 12:15/mi, 369 cal

Warmup
Day 1-6:32.48, 16:22/mi, .40 mi, b: 15:08/mi
Day 2-6:36.24, 16:38/mi, .40 mi, b: 14:56/mi

Lap 1 (3 min run, 90 sec walk, 5 min run, 2.5 walk)
Day 1-11:15.40, 15:04/mi, .81 mi, b: 11:10/mi
Day 2 - 12:12.77, 15:39/mi, .78 mi, b: 13:15/mi

Lap 2 (same)
Day 1-12:02.33, 15:17/mi, .79 mi, b: 11:10/mi
Day 2 - 10:56.5, 16:05/mi, .68mi, b: 12:15/mi

Sent from my iPhone

Week 4 - Day 1

2009-12-26T15:15:00.001-08:00

Day 1-30:51, 2.00 mi, 15:25/mi, best: 11:10/mi, 359 cal

Warmup
Day 1-6:32.48, 16:22/mi, .40 mi, b: 15:08/mi

Lap 1 (3 min run, 90 sec walk, 5 min run, 2.5 walk)
Day 1-11:15.40, 15:04/mi, .81 mi, b: 11:10/mi

Lap 2 (same)
Day 1-12:02.33, 15:17/mi, .79 mi, b: 11:10/mi

Sent from my iPhone

Week 3 Stats - Day 3

2009-12-23T16:22:00.001-08:00

Day 1 - 25:39, 1.69m, 15:10/mi, best: 9:39/mi, 343cal
Day 2 - 24:32, 1.65m, 14:55/mi, best: 9:05/mi, 335cal
Day 3 - 25:00, 1.60m, 15:36/mi, best: 9:28/mi, 274cal

Warm-up, 5 minutes
Day 1 - 6:07.39, 16:27/mi, .37mi, best: 14:57/mi
Day 2 - 6:03.77, 16:38/mi, .36mi, best: 15:30/mi
Day 3 - 6:31.29, 17:11/mi, .38mi, best: 15:36/mi

1st section (90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk), 9 minutes
Day 1 - 8:48.44, 14:02/mi, .63 mi, best: 9:39/mi
Day 2 - 9:13.38, 15:00/mi, .61mi, best: 11:56/mi
Day 3 - 9:12.70, 15:21/mi, .60mi, best: 12:15/mi

2nd section repeat
Day 1 - 9:16.60, 15:05/mi, .61mi, best: 11:28/mi
Day 2 - 9:15.59, 13:53/mi, .67mi, best: 9:05/mi
Day 3 - 9:16.03, 14:43/mi, .63mi, best: 9:18/mi

Cool down
Day 1 - 1:37.00, 18:54/mi
Day 2 - didn't time
Day 3 - didn't time

Goal
Day 1 - slow down on first half
Day 2 - stay slower on first half, improve last 3 minutes
Day 3 - at 64 degrees and 81% humidity I'll take it

Looking forward to next week. I think I need to get a good plan. I'm thinking allow walking as long as needed with the main goal being to stay jogging the entire 5 minutes.

Week 3 Stats - Day 2

2009-12-21T14:35:00.001-08:00

Day 1 - 25:39, 1.69m, 15:10/mi, best: 9:39/mi, 343cal
Day 2 - 24:32, 1.65m, 14:55/mi, best: 9:05/mi, 335cal

Warm-up, 5 minutes
Day 1 - 6:07.39, 16:27/mi, .37mi, best: 14:57/mi
Day 2 - 6:03.77, 16:38/mi, .36mi, best: 15:30/mi

1st section (90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk), 9 minutes
Day 1 - 8:48.44, 14:02/mi, .63 mi, best: 9:39/mi
Day 2 - 9:13.38, 15:00/mi, .61mi, best: 11:56/mi

2nd section repeat
Day 1 - 9:16.60, 15:05/mi, .61mi, best: 11:28/mi
Day 2 - 9:15.59, 13:53/mi, .67mi, best: 9:05/mi

Cool down
Day 1 - 1:37.00, 18:54/mi
Day 2 - didn't time

Goal
Day 1 - slow down on first half
Day 2 - stay slower on first half, improve last 3 minutes

Sent from my iPhone

Week 3 Stats

2009-12-19T19:48:00.001-08:00

My thoughts for the next few weeks is to tackle the c25k which will land right at the 20 minute run the first week of training. I've been told that the first week they have you walk 10, run 10, walk 10. Running 10 sounds absolutely impossible to me at this point, but the c25k program says I should technically be ready to run 20 minutes that week. We'll see. My fear of being "that girl" is quite the motivator right now.

My tentative plan is Saturday (Day 1 running), Sunday (Pilates and upper weights), Monday (Day 2 running), Tuesday (Pilates and lower weights), Wednesday (Day 3 running), Thursday & Friday (rest).

And running plan is Day 1 goal is running the entire interval, day 2 goal is improve, and day 3 goal to sprint some.

Day 1 - 25:39, 1.69m, 15:10/mi, best: 9:39/mi

Warm-up, 5 minutes
6:07.39, 16:27/mi, .37mi, best: 14:57/mi

1st section (90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk), 9 minutes
8:48.44, 14:02/mi, .63 mi, best: 9:39/mi

2nd section repeat
9:16.60, 15:05/mi, .61 mi, best: 11:28/mi

Cool down
1:37.00, 18:54/mi

Day 1 - slow down on first half

Sent from my iPhone

Pushing myself

2009-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am finding that I am becoming more comfortable and familiar with my Garmin. I am figuring out what things I like and don't like about it. So, I played with the lap settings this run/walk.

Total Stats
Time - 30:05
Pace - 15:41/mi
Distance - 1.92 mi
Calories - 368 cal
Max - 8:45/mi

Total Stats without the last lap of cool down
Time - 24:45
Distance - 1.71 mi
Pace - 14:28/mi

Lap 1 (one mile from the beginning...learned that next run, I am going to hit lap once my warm-up turns into an actual jog)
15:04.77
15:06/mi
1.00 mi
Best 10:17/mi

Lap 2
.52 mi
7:41.62
14:49/mi
Best - 11:33/mi
Cumulative time - 22:46

Lap 3 (my last job section I decided to do the best all out sprint I could...unfortunately it was also on a hill)
.19 mi
1:59.20
10:24/mi
Best 8:45/mi
Cumulative time 24:45

I found a route near Isabelle's dance class that is all sidewalk along a rather busy street which initially I didn't like, but I did find that as it got super dark, the headlights provided excellent lighting and I felt mostly safe (other than a potential car running off the road).

A Year of Accomplishments!!!!!!!

2009-12-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

WOW!!! I'm sitting here finishing up my blog on the WR Relay just thinking about everything that has changed for me this year in my walking/running world. I think I am going to "gratitude list" style list them:

I have a walking/running world
I completed a major timed event every month since June
I completed my first 10K, first 15K, first Half marathon (13.1 miles), first Relay and White Rock event, first 5 mile event, and first 8 mile Turkey Trot.
I generally walk/run about 4 at a minimum to 16 times a month (that is 4 more times a month than I was the year before).
I achieved PRs in my 5K every time I attempted it.
I'm on a Lucky 13 Race team. (Didn't even know anyone in the running community before)
I have random running/racing facebook friends all over the metroplex.
I joined a Running Club (the Dallas Running Club)...I didn't even know they existed before last year.
I started off walking, and am now at a run/walk pace.
I've inspired others to get active.
I've kept up with my blog about this process.
I've enjoyed the details about the journey.
I have a long list of events I can do next year to see if I can beat my time.
I have improved my pace on most events (other than the Hills along the Tour de Fleur).
I've been a healthy example for my daughter.

OK...more to add later, but I wanted to start a list before the year is up...

Next up...a list of goals.

White Rock Marathon Relay

2009-12-13T19:25:00.001-08:00

http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=71622838&rsID=87561

Finished up the White Rock Marathon today with these times.

Official chip time 1:10:27 (not sure of the exact mileage, but close to 5 miles).

Garmin data

Total - 1:10:00
4.88 miles
14:20/mi
Best 9:19/mi
933 cal

Mile 10 - 14:00.32, .99 miles, 14:06/mi, best 10:36/mi
Mile 11 - 13:47.07, .96 miles, 14:20/mi, best 9:19/mi
Mile 12 - 15:30.93, 1.04 miles, 14:51/mi, best 10:48/mi
Mile 13 - 14:39.65, 1.02 miles, 14:21/mi, best 10:56/mi
Mile 14 - 12:01.60, .86 miles, 13:58/mi, best 10:43/mi

OK...finally had enough time to add the narrative to the WR Relay race.

Of all the events I have entered, I would dare to say this was probably the one that was the most stressful from the aspect of it not seeming well organized. I say that in perspective to what my expectations were. I had previously considered the WR Marathon to be the premier racing event in Dallas and therefore thinking it would have every detail and kink worked out. That was not what I saw as I entered the race.

The drop-off point was somewhat easy to be dropped off near, so that was not so stressful. And our team leaders, Paula and Libby, did a great job of projecting what our approximate exchange times would be based on our pace. They also did a great job of putting appropriate runners/walker in the right part of the race. I was fortunate enough to have been put in the 3rd leg of the race, which was along the lake (a little windy) being the flattest section. When I did the Tour de Fleur (the Arboretuem race) I found that WR can have hills or be flat, so I was glad to see that my course part was mostly flat.

As Mark dropped me off, I saw what looked like one of the guys from Kenya I had seen the day before at the Expo. I said to Mark, "there goes the Kenyan" and he said, "just because he is black and running in the race doesn't mean he is a Kenyan". But as I headed towards the exchange point, I heard the announcer say that 2nd place was just passing....therefore, it was first place I had just seen run by. That was a pretty cool experience to see him run by as he is probably one of the top runners in the world. Seeing a great like them run by was an early part to the adrenaline rush.

Thoughts flying through my head when seeing fast runners is how cool it is to be actually a part of the same event they are in. I mean what other sport can athletes (or even wanna-be athletes) compete in the same competition. You don't see John Neighborhood Quarterback playing in the NFL. You only see a certain minimum level of athlete. So to think of participating in a similar event to other "professional athletes" on the same day on the same course, is somewhat exciting, and one of my new favorite things about running...the community.

I saw what looked like a painters lift or a raised stage where an announcer was shouting out numbers as I approached the exchange point. We were estimated to exchange around 9:50a (which I wrote on my arm in permanent ink since I was worried about forgetting...which I did keep doing), and it was only 9:00a. It was rather cold and windy and the projected forcast had seemed to change all week. It had been in the 30s and 40s making training difficult for myself and many of my running friends (I don't do below 40 degrees), but today was projected to be between about 48 to 68 degrees. I am finding that 48 is one of my new favorite temperatures. I don't mind being a little bundled up, and I really like my black tights better than my 35-year-old-just-now-starting-to-run-bare-legs. Black tights are much sleaker and don't show as many bumps. I wore my long sleeved HnH shirt over my short sleeved HnH Relay team shirt thinking I might get hot and need to shed it, but that never happened.

So, arriving around 9:00 a.m. (which was nice to be able to arrive a little later and sleep in more than most races especially considering we had Mark's company party the night before) and then having to wait with what seemed like 400 people, but was 119 teams (so there would have been 119 3rd leg runners there) seemed to last F O R E V E R. Our exchange was coming in a few minutes later than expected also, so I was basically standing there for about an hour, pretty much ready to go at any minute, and on sensory overload with all the happenings going on around me.

The announcer seemed to be doing a great job as he had a lady sitting next to him on the phone and what appeared to be writing down numbers from likely .1 or .2 before the exchange (as I noticed it took about 3-4 minutes by the time they got there) to warn people when there buddy was coming up. The crazy part about that for me was trying to recite and chant 0-0-9-5 in my head. I'd hear 0-0-9-4 and 0-0-6-5 and other similar numbers and doubt and question if it was my number.

Then there was about a 10 foot wide section you were supposed to go to to be a part of the exchange. Otherwise there were steel fences you couldn't get around. So, you had to make sure to listen, hear your number, and get to and through the steel opening when he called your number. And to throw an extra challenge in, several of the supporters/spectators/family members thought that exact 10 feet on this 26.2 mile course would be a great place to just stand.

It took everything in my not to whip out my teacher/leader/control freak voice and say, "Please move to the side as runners are needing to enter in this area." And my mind was skitzin into overload wondering things like "don't they realize that is what that space is for" and "why aren't the race organizers telling them to move" and "maybe I should go to the front or back in case they are in my way" and "don't forget to start the garmin and the watch" and "oh, was that 0-0-9-5?"

And to further overstimulate my observation/judgmental/control freak mind, there was a sad gathering of what the announcer began to refer to as "Lost Sheep"...people who had completed leg 2 and were needing to have their 3rd leg exchange, yet no where to be found. One boy seemed to just walk up as his name was announced for the 15th time, one lady was so busy talking she didn't notice for 6 minutes, my sister's friend Courtney was among the lost sheep and I wanted to go help look for her exchange person, but kept thinking, I need to listen for my number.

And about 9 minutes after our projected start time (later realizing Paula probably didn't even cross the finish line for 8 minutes, so all the times needed to be delayed about 8 minutes), I thought I'm going to get close and look for that hot pink shirt. And as perfectly as anyone could expect, I saw D'Anna come up the aisle (no number announced by the way). I was glad to have met her the day before, because I probably wouldn't have known who to look for. And as rehearsed in my head, I set the Garmin and the watch as I crossed the start line....phewwww, I was exhausted mentally by the time my race even started. I much rather prefer the get to the race and then wait for the gun and go method to this relay mess. I really think often that my mind gets overloaded in these situations and it drains my energy.

So...to the merge. I was merging with Marathon runners...a certain class of people that I wander between admiration and certain judgment they have some type of psychological disorder in thinking about running or walking for 26.2 miles. It is still beyond anything I imagine possible or even think tangible, or honestly even sane.

The half marathoners (who are probably at a much slower pace overall) were on a different course at this point. They split off somewhere I think around mile 7. So the group of people I was with had been running for 10 miles and had 16.2 more to go. There was definitely some energy to be running next to them. In yoga, they talk about feeding off of and actually gaining energy from those around you, and I could feel the energy.

My plan was to listed to the Podrunner Coach to 5K Week 1 podcast (which had a 5 minute warm-up followed by a 60 sec run, 90 second walk and 3 minute cooldown) and then the Week 2 podcast (5 minute warm-up which I skipped and then 90 sec run, 2 min walk). And Paula had listed me as 15.5 min/mile. So, my minimum goal was to get my timing below 15:00/mi, but since I had a pace of 14:47/mi at the Turkey Trot (8 mile) and 14:22/mi at the Gary Burns 5K, I was hoping to have a pace of 14:30/mi at a max.

I was closely following the Garmin to try to stay below 14:30. I tried a few different settings on my Garmin during this race. I used the mode that showed the lap pace so as to see if I was ahead or behind schedule, but also to have a somewhat of a fresh start at each mile. I found that when the 3rd mile (mile 12) was slow, it really helped me to have a fresh start. I also turned off the setting that did the auto-lap and chose to mark the laps manually as they were marked on the course. Otherwise, there seemed to be a contradiction of data.

Throughout the 5 miles, I enjoyed the environment, the people, the community, and the event. Mile 10 was exciting just to be walking/running with the other runners. I was even a tiny bit star struck so to speak. Mile 11 was tough as is my 2nd mile always...so are Tuesdays...the newness and excitedness has worn off, but the miles to come seem insurmountable. The great thing about 5 miles is that by the end of mile 2 you are almost half way and that is a great motivator. Mile 2 is the point at which I am thinking "Why do I do this?" "What is appealing about this?" "I'm never doing this again."

Mile 3 was the top part of the loop around the lake venturing onto Northwest Hwy where there were a handful of people cheering, and it was fun to see the audience. I ran into some runners I knew and they were commenting on how they noticed I was running. Just "being a runner" made me feel better about the event. I enjoyed the community and sense of being a part of something much bigger than me.

Most of Mile 4 my mind is blanking out on as I'm guessing that I was just in a zone thinking about how I was now closer to the end than I was the beginning. I remember more cheerers and I remember parts of the trail were much better than the previous times I had walked this part. I was now getting into a good groove and was in the Week 2 podcast therefore running 1.5 minute parts and doing it easily. And the thought that this portion would count as W2Day2 and therefore only 1 more day of this training. I am completely convinced that my running venture has not been fueled by determination and perserverance, but rather laziness and ego. I don't do more, run more, or work harder because I am some awesome athlete...it is all about doing what is easier and ego. I thought I'd never run, but as the walking became boring and difficult to improve my time, I started to run. If it weren't for laziness and ego, I'd still be walking at 18:00 min/mile paces and not really caring about improving.

Mile 5 (mile 14 on the course) which was closer to .86 of a mile, was by far my best pace, as I think the excitement definitely took over. The exchange actually came up quicker than I expected, and I almost didn't get the timing chip un-safety pinned from my shorts. It was exciting to see Courtney, and the thrill of the event was definitely exciting.

Then to call the husband (no longer, Mark...just the husband by name) to come pick me up from the finish point, which I had given him a map, explained clearly where it was, and planned on him being there around 11:00 p.m. or close. The call, "Where are you?" "Abrams and Lakewood, stuck in traffic that is NOT MOVING." He had gotten stuck in the traffic. And so I asked him to call me when he was unstuck. Twenty minutes later, he was still stuck. He finally was able to back up and head north, so north Walnut Hill...and he was pretty ticked about the whole traffic thing...and all I could do was start crying.

So I ventured up to Buckner and some other random street where we used to drive past some random guy's house when we lived in this area who had a sign that said, "Yard Art for sale" and he'd be working in his yard every Saturday wearing short, shorts, so we donned the nickname "Arts Hanging" We assumed his name was Art and well...you can figure where the rest of his name came from. It was back in the pre-married days with my 10 and 13 year old step sons. We had lots of fun memories in this area, but sitting on a corner by myself, tired, and done was the last thing I wanted to do.

Races are very emotional. You spend a lot of time building up to them, hoping they are a certain way, certain goals, some are met, some are not, and at the end...it is very emotional.

I met my goal of getting a pace of 14:20/m (according to my Garmin), and I saw that I CAN do this...often while running/walking, the mantra that goes through my head is, "I can do this...no I AM doing this!!!"

5 miles...is a lot longer than I ever thought I'd enjoy walk/running, but overall I liked the distance. I like the 10K, and I liked the 8 mile, and I like the 5 mile, and the 15K at 9 miles is manageable.

Being a part of a team was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed knowing I had close to 10 friends in this journey (on different places and different phases), but nonetheless with me. And just like every other race I finish...although I say I don't want to do it again, I probably will.

Mile 10 - best 10:36/mi

Mile 11 - best 9:19/mi

Mile 12 - best 10:48/mi

Mile 13 - best 10:56/mi

Mile 14 - best 10:43/mi

And to finish it all, I realized that despite my average paces, I have a decent fast speed.

Week 1 Day 3

2009-12-07T17:46:00.001-08:00

I'm super excited I actually made it 3 days. And just like always...loving it.

A cold front came in so close to 38 degrees tonight.

Total time: 28:43
Total distance: 1.86 mi
Total cals: 349 cal
Pace: 15:25/mi

Lap 1 - 15:09, 1.00 mile, 15:09/mi
Lap 2 - 11:01.67, .73 mi, 15:04/mi
Cool down - 2:32.67, .13 mi, 19:21/mi

Sent from my iPhone

C25K - Day 2

2009-12-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

Isabelle had her dance class last night, and I had scouted out a good route. I was holding some anger underneath, and I was really looking forward to working it off anyways. We were running late, and I got lost. I had almost talked myself out of it, but I was so angry I thought at least I can go for a little bit. I realized that when in a new neighborhood and when it is dark, it can be easy to get lost and miss a turn. Fortunately, I had my Garmin so, I pretty much kept it simple and just did an out and back route. It was a new place so it kept my attention. I am so seriously ADHD when it comes to running.

As I entered the second minute of running, I thought, "I am NEVER running in 40 degree weather again." Then as I was approaching my 6th minute (alternating between 1 minute running and then 90 sec walk), I couldn't get my hat and gloves off fast enough. I did it...I ran in the cold...and I LOVED it!!!!

Total Miles: 1.45 miles
Total Time: 22:29
Pace: 15:33/mi
Calories: 283

C25K take 2,843

2009-11-30T19:44:00.001-08:00

Plans, plans, plans

Seems my entire eating disorder history has been a bulimic binge and purge of plans. I have spent my entire life planning, tracking, putting into spreadsheets, signing up, and dropping out of plans, plans, and plans. So as part of my recovery I really try to be aware of any time I'm getting the urge to plan. All that said, I'm hoping to use the Couch to 5K plan to increase my training of walking by adding in more running. But one day at a time I can turn my plans over to God.

So today I ventured out with a new walking group at school to walk a rather slow mile. It was cold and by the end of the first mile I was ready to start running a little. The slow 1 mile warm-up was perfect to get me going.

Stats:
Total miles - 3.00 miles
Total time - 49:25
Pace - 16:27/mi

Mile 1 - 17:56
Miles 2 & 3 - 49:25 - 17:56 = 31:21/2 miles = 15:40.5/mi

Sent from my iPhone

Turkey Trot

2009-11-27T06:42:00.001-08:00

http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=70278990&rsID=86339

Distance	8M
Clock Time	1:59:54
Chip Time	1:58:21
Overall Place	4390 / 4435
Gender Place	1811 / 1842
Division Place	264 / 268
Check Rank	4390
Check Time	1:58:20
Finish Rank	4390
Finish Time	1:59:54

My sister, mom, and myself all raced in th Turkey Trot this year. We had a great time. I used my garmin and it said I finished much earlier than the clock timing. It also tracked my miles differently along the course yet ended at 8 miles exactly.

Here are the times my Garmin recorded:

Mile 1 - 14:46.72
Mile 2 - 15:08.98
Mile 3 - 13:16.21 (I'm pretty sure I lost 2 minutes here on the Garmin and it should have been more like 15:16)
Mile 4 - 14:11.57
Mile 5 - 14:31.02
Mile 6 - 15:17.22
Mile 7 - 14:43.55
Mile 8 - 14:04.15

Total - 8.00 mile
Total Time - 1:56:08 (like 2 min difference)
Total Pace - 14:31/mi

UPDATE (Today the website has some different stats up...hmmm):
Distance 8M
Clock Time 1:59:51
Chip Time 1:58:18
Overall Place 4394 / 4462
Gender Place 1815 / 1864
Division Place 266 / 271
Check Rank 4394
Check Time 1:58:17
Finish Rank 4394
Finish Time 1:59:51

Sent from my iPhone

4 miles on the Katy Trail

2009-11-21T21:46:00.001-08:00

Oh what I wouldn't do for a lit trail like the Katy Trail to be in Collin County.

Total 01:08:13
1152 cal
4.00 mi
Avg: 17:03/mi
Max: 10:37/mi

Mile 1 - 15:03.75, best - 10:39/mi, 245 cal
Mile 2 - 16:09.88, best - 10:37/mi, 267 cal
Mile 3 - 17:16.29, best - 11:43/mi, 402 cal
Mile 4 - 19:50.54, best - 15:49/mi, 238 cal

Plan right now:
Sun - 5 miles intervals 60/90
Mon - 6 miles intervals 60/90
Tue - 7 miles intervals 60/90
Wed - 4-6 miles easy slow

Only walking first mile is my goal.

Sent from my iPhone

Still not sure if I like running

2009-11-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

I sure like how much faster I get done, but boy is it tough.

Day #2

Total - 01:04:38
4.01 miles
Average - 16:08/mi
Max - 9:32/mi

Mile 1 - 15:40.54
Mile 2 - 15:35.08
Mile 3 - 16:09.13
Mile 4 - 17:05.75

Tentative plan for tomorrow. 4 miles after dinner with friends at a very slow pace. Just going for mileage, not speed.

Sent from my iPhone

Plan for the next 10 days

2009-11-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

Monday (11/16) - 4 miles; running .25 miles, walk .75 miles - ended up running about .1 each mile
Tuesday (11/17) - 4 miles; Mile 1 - ran .1, Mile 2 - ran .15, Mile 3 - ran .20, Mile 4 - ran about .20
Wednesday (11/18) - 4 miles at manageable speed after dinner. May even take 1:20:00 if I go at a 20:00/mi pace
Thursday (11/19) - not sure when to schedule this, maybe from 4:45 to 5:45, then head to church to arrive by 6:30.
Friday (11/20) - set pace at 14:45/m
Saturday (11/21) - set pace at 14:30/m
Sunday (11/22) - set pace at 14:45/m
Monday (11/23) - set pace at 15:00/m
Tuesday (11/24) - set pace at 15:30/m
Wednesday (11/25) - set pace at easy pace
Thursday (11/26) - Turkey Trot, 8 miles

What is my goal?

2009-11-16T18:23:00.001-08:00

Subject: What is my goal?

Tonight I set out to start a 10 day streak of doing 4 miles a day until Thanksgiving. I couldn't decide today between a big 4 mile loop, two times a 2 mile loop, or 4 times a 1 mile loop. I decided on 2 times of a two mile loop, and I had planned on running .25 then walk .75 mile. Well, that first .25 wore... me... out!!! So mile 1 was ok but tiring. As I reached mile 2 I only made it jogging .1 mile before my shins were killing me so I walked. And that's when I hit some kind of mental block. I was miserable. I made it back to near Isabelle's school, and almost talked myself into stopping at 2 miles. Then I thought "what if I do the next 2 miles and walk as slow as I want?" Sure enough I ended up walking at a decent pace and mile 3 was tough. But as I reached the end of the third mile (technically 2.9) I thought why not try to run .1 until I reach 3 (ending mile 3). So I did and realized that if I ran a little faster I didn't hurt so much. I did the
same thing at 3.9 miles to finish well.

I also used the Garmin for the first time. Love and hate the pace alert. Set it at 17:00/mi pace and some times just listened to it beep.

Here are my laps:

Warmup - 3:35 min:sec; .22 mi; 16:29/mi avg pace

Mile 1 - 14:21

Mile 2 - 16:27

Mile 3 - 15:53

Mile 4 - 16:50

Cool down - 18:41/mi pace; .23 mi in 4:29

Total time 1:07:59

Total distance 4.24 mi

Average pace 16:02/mi

Max pace 9:17/mi

So I'm still not sure - what's my goal? To do 4 miles a day with no concern of pace? Or improve on time?

Either way. Learned I need a route 2 miles away then back. I can't loop as it's too tempting to quit.

8 miles and Running

2009-11-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

We walked from my parents house to the corner of Northwest Highway and Hillcrest. I never would have ever thought that possible. But we did it. And in just a little over 2 hours, we were able to get in a ton of talking and got great time. I did have my blood sugar wanting to hit the ground 3 times, so that somewhat slowed us down, but I don't know if our legs could have handled more anyways.

For the most part, I calculated we approximately went 8 miles in 2 hours and about 8 minutes I think. That would be an average of a 16 minute mile I think. We did try some jogging, and given the 16 mile average, I'm not entirely sure it improved our time. Hmmm...gonna have to figure that one out.

Then we followed it up with a trip to the zoo. Which was probably a good way to make sure our legs don't freeze up.

I think we are ready for the Turkey Trot, so we'll see. Just hope it isn't miserable cold.

Oh, well...we'll see.

Gary Burns 5K - Got a PR by 4 minutes, 4 seconds

2009-11-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday, October 31st competed in the Gary Burns 5K finishing at 44:39.00 for a new PR (Personal Record). Previous PR for a 5k was 48:43.1 in August at the H&H 5K. So, I beat it by 4 minutes and 4 seconds. That is actually a big difference and over a minute a mile improvement. I did also run a big part. This race had some good and bad things about it. There were a TON of non-runners/walkers, which has it's pros and cons.

"Pros" were that I was way ahead of a lot of them, it was rather crowded so it wasn't a lonely race at all, and I was definitely closer to the front (or rather farther from the back) of the groups of participants.

"Cons" were that they were ALL OVER THE ROAD. They didn't know to stay in a straight line as much as possible. I would probably estimate that over 75% were actually high school students, so therefore, they were hugging arms, walking hand in hand, and cheating at every turn they could get away with cutting. So, I definitely had to be aware of my surroundings more. There also were no water stops worth stopping at, and there were no mile markers, which made pacing tough. The good thing is though, I think I thought I was farther behind in my pace so that sped me up.

But given all the pros and cons, I definitely enjoyed being on the path as an experienced walker more than being at the almost dead last like in the Tour De Fleurs. The weather was beautiful, about 48 degrees at the start of the day warming to around 52, I think by the end of the race.

At about mile 3, I ditched my fanny pack with my mom and Izzy and ran three different parts of the last part of the course. Izzy ran the last .1 mile with me and definitely helped me charge in at the end. I kept minimizing the improvement, but really 4 minutes is a big cut off of a 5K, so I'll take it. But my next step is definitely wanting to bring more jogging in each mile. Now to coordinate my phanny pack to jog.

Afterwards, Izzy and I (and Briaunna) headed to cheer with the Heels and Hills team at the DRC Half. That was a blast.

June 28 - H&H 5K - 48:43.1 - pace: 15:43/m
October 31 - Frisco ISD Gary Burns 5K - 44:39:00 - pace: 14:22/m

Marking the Course

2009-10-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have 7 Sundays (including today) between now and Thanksgiving when my sister and I are going to do the 8 Mile Turkey Trot. And my definitely achievable goal is to finish in a pace under 15:30 min/mile, but would love to see myself finish with a pace under 15:00 min/mile. That would be under 2 hours exactly or 4.0 mph. For my training, instead of increasing mileage each week (because mileage isn't the challenge this time), I have decided to walk the same 6 miles each week and work on improving my time.

According to www.mapmyrun.com my course I planned is 2.96 miles out, so I think that will probably land me right around 6 miles round trip given the crossing streets, avoiding sprinklers, etc. So today's goal was to "mark the course." I designated two spots on the way to the end to use as landmarks or points of reference. According to the map, they are close to miles 1 and 2, but I thought really if I use the same spot every time, then it will be me just working against my own times regardless of the exactness of the mileage. I am pretty sure that Part A is right at a mile, but I may have marked Part B a little short and Part C a little long, but really again, comparing apples to apples.

I was having a tough time getting up the movitation to go today since it was so warm inside and about 57 degrees outside. I thought I might be too cold, but by mile 2 I was just right. This weather is awesome for walking. And as always, the whole time, I thought, "why do I resist what feels so good?"

So here are my times:

Part A Out - 15:43.4
Part B Out - 15:03.1
Part C Out - 16:00.3
First Half Total - 46:47

Part C In - 16:04.3
Part B In - 14:26.6
Part A In - 15:03.2
Second Half Total - 45:34

Difference -
2C was 4 seconds slower
2B was 27 seconds faster
2A was 40 seconds faster
2nd half was 13 seconds faster

Total time - 1:32:21
Pace - 15:23 min/mile
Temperature - 57 degrees, overcast

Expectations

2009-10-05T04:28:00.001-07:00

Started c25k today and I did NOT want to get out of bed. It was cold, and I haven't walked since the Half, but the main thought that got me up was "walking us easier than dealing with high blood sugars another two days." I didn't expect that my walking would also become my medicine.

I also didn't expect how awesome the cold would feel after I warmed up.

Along with a rather slow warmup and cooldiwn here are my times:

Mile 1 - 16:10.9
Mile 2 - 16:35.4

Pretty decent times and I was wondering what it would have looked like if I hadn't started it until after the warmup. Oh I so want a Garmin watch. Anyways, glad I just showed up today.

H&H Half Pictures

2009-10-03T16:14:00.001-07:00

The girls playing at the fountains afterwards.

My weird glove sock that keeps me from having any blisters. My toes like to rub together, but with these they didn't.

Me at the finish line with Izzy.

Brooke, Jordan, Lilly, Mark, and Izzy waiting for me at the end.

Me at Mile 10.3 waving at Brooke, Lilly, and Jordan.

These are all backwards in order, so start at the bottom and go up.

H&H Half Marathon - First Half EVER

2009-10-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well....I did it. I wasn't sure I'd do it but I did actually do it. Despite horribly hot weather, and other adverse conditions I did actually complete my very first HALF Marathon with Hills and Heels (of which I am a Lucky 13 Member).

I had previously estimated I would finish in just under 4 hours, but with about a possible 15 minutes before or after based on my previous records in my 5Ks and 10Ks. Unbelievably, I actually finished in just about 216 minutes or 3:36:18.3 with a 16:31/M. And I finished 559 out of 584 (that is in the 95.7%). I'll take that percent, and looking forward to improving it.

I had a very interesting journey, and if I had to summarize my journey I would say the overall theme for me was the fact that it was a journey. And definitely not one that began on Sunday, September 27th. It began many, many months ago. The interesting thing about a Half Marathon is that, for the most part, it is not a distance one can just randomly decide, "you know, I think I'll go out tomorrow and do this distance." This journey began many, many months ago when my doctor suggested I started exercising regularly and what morphed into my friend saying she'd be signing up for a half marathon all the way to me crying across the finish line. And I think processing this journey has still been part of the journey, which is why it took me almost a week to post this blog.

We started 16 weeks ago adding mileage weekly in the hot summer months. And we were expecting the day to be at least cooler than 93 degrees. But as I learned, expectations were not reliable at all that day. We expected cooler weather, got HOT weather. I expected it to be MUCH harder than it was, but it was much easier. I expected to get horrible blisters, but got none. And I expected it would be my first and LAST ever half marathon, even after I was already in mile 1, but I'm signing up for another in 28 days (DRC).

Up until this year, I hadn't so much as walked more than about a mile since Isabelle was born and I finished out my training with 188 miles total. But I finished strong on Sunday!!!

Here were my splits...

Mile 1 - 17:58.7
Mile 2 - 19:23.4
Mile 3 - 18:20.6
Mile 4 - 16:26.3
Mile 5 - 16:07.9
Mile 6 - 16:06.0
Mile 7 - 16:29.8
Mile 8 & 9 - 31:27.8/2 = 15:43.9 average per mile
Mile 10 - 15:30.3
Mile 11 - 16:22.7
Mile 12 - 15:23.3
Mile 13 - 15:46.8
Mile 13.0 - 13.1 - 54.7 (which is a crazy 9:07min/mile pace) to finish it strong.

Miles 1, 2, and 3 were mainly on a stretch of road that was already in direct sunlight and rather hot. There were a lot of people of which several I was judging for not being adequately dressed for a Half Marathon (as though I am an expert already). Many of them had on pants and cotton t-shirts, and I was proudly thinking I'll be way ahead of these people by the end. Until I realized most of them were only doing the 5K. I walked the first 3 with a fellow H&H 13 member and training partner, and it was great to have the company. This was her first half (as I realized it was for many, many people out there) and we were cheering each other along. As the 5Kers broke off around our mile 1.5 I did start to realize, this wasn't just OUR race, and it wasn't just OUR first, but that were one of many and that while we were excited for our day, it was everyone's race. We made a short bathroom stop at mile 1, as I didn't go before the race. I also learned to unlock my Phat Phanny Pack, a.k.a. Laura Croft Tomb Raider belt BEFORE going to the bathroom in a port-a-potty. It is hard to pull your shorts back up with a belt on and I can't imagine if it had dropped in. Lesson learned. :)

I had originally planned on going all the way to half way with my training partner and then breaking away around mile 6 or 7, but as we approached mile 3, I was finding that my patience with myself was already wearing thin. Please, please, please notice I said my patience with MYSELF. I was wanting to slow down so that I wouldn't be worn out by the time I was half way through, but I kept finding that going at a 18:30min/mile pace was actually harder for me than it would be to go the natural pace my body was wanting to go between 15:30min/mile and 17:30min/mile.

I was also finding that when walking with someone else I was wanting to complain about the heat, the humidity, the trail, the water stops, pretty much everything. I know enough about myself to know I am not only a complainer by default, but my bad attitude can bring down others. I found that I couldn't stop complaining, and that the next best option was to just not talk. Pretty much the only way I can "not talk" is to be by myself.

So, I said a short prayer, considered "discussing" it with my friend, decided it would be more defeating to us both to dwell on my decision, and around mile 3 told her I'd be heading off on my own. We had never discussed how far we'd walk together, yet I still felt rather guilty for breaking away. The first mile was tough (mile 4) as I broke off, but I really came resolved that it was just as much my race as it was anyone else, and that the most loyal thing I could do for my friends or myself would be to truly seek God's wisdom on not just where my journey would go, but in HOW my journey would go. So off I went.

So, mile 4 was mentally tough, and spiritually tough, but I had a huge sense of peace as I prayed the majority of the mile. Then as I tracked my mile, I realized I was going at a pace of 16:26.3. That was crazy fast for me, and I realized that if I continued at that pace, I'd definitely be finishing before 4 hours. In order to have finished by 4 hours, I had to be finishing each mile by at least around 18:15min/mile. My first 3 miles had already set me over that limit, so I was hoping to make up for the time. Sure enough I was making up for time. Two whole freaking minutes faster that mile!!!

Then mile 5 was venturing into territory I had already walked in my previous H&H 5K/10K/15K events. I thought, "I've been here, I can do this." And I approached miles 5, 6, and 7 with excitement. The map is here. Around miles 5, 6, and 7 I started crossing paths with several runners on their way back, and I was charged with their energy and motivation.

At mile 8, I made it around a loop around a playground that several of the runners/walkers seemed to fall into one of three categories when reaching the loop.

Category ONE: followed the loop, as the signs said to follow, a little bit of confusion, but they realized that there was a loop and appropriately followed.

Category TWO: confused individuals who had no idea there was a loop. One lady I crossed paths with after taking the loop asked me, "where did you come from" as I looped around. I showed her the loop and she would have otherwise probably missed it.

Category THREE: those who INTENTIONALLY skipped the loop. We know these racers/cheaters were intentional because people would say to them, "Uh, you missed the loop." and they would reply, "I don't care" or "I know" or I watched two ladies look right at it and continue on. And I was ready...if they had been wearing a license plate, I would have turned it into 9-1-1, but I got their description down good. One was in a pink H&H shirt (but wasn't a Lucky 13 or anyone I knew) and the other was in a bright yellow shirt. They were both in their mid 50s I'd bet, but boy howdy, I was irked...I mean, we all had to do the loop, really who thinks the rules don't apply to them. And then I was perplexed. Why would someone enter a race, pay their own money, train themselves, to only cheat themselves? None of these people were in the final running for a place or prize, I mean really, all they'd be doing it lying to themselves. But oh, well. The silver lining on that cloud was 1) it occupied my time 2) it gave me some adrenaline 3) it motivated me to beat them as I kept trying to pass them...and they were wayyyyyyy off.

So miles 8 & 9 my mind was occupied, I was irked, and then my sister called to tell me she and my nieces were at mile 10.3. That was just the motivation I needed to get through the next mile. It was such a joy to see them as I was coming around the corner. I had started coming in close on two other walkers that would walk slow and then fast as I approached them, so this was a more uplifting experience. It was so fun to see them, and I had the tough 3 miles left. Mile 10 was my fastest pace the whole race.

Mile 11 was a little slower (and hotter), but miles 12 and 13 I kicked it into gear. We were back on the road again, and it was so hot, I just wanted to be done. That and I wanted to beat the cheaters and well, honestly, the two (different two) who seemed to be somewhat junior high acting in hurrying up everytime they saw me. I thought, "I got your junior high".

At the mile marker 13, I decided to try to run it in the last .1 mile. And crazy enough, I finished in a super fast pace. I could hear my family, my eyes filled up, I passed the cheaters and junior higher's and after all the doubt, all the fear, all the plans I have ever made in my life and not finished them, all the training, all the blisters, all the lessons, all the rain, all the 5:00 a.m. mornings, all the learning new socks, new shoes, new fanny packs, all the new energy gels, all the blood testing, all the facebook posting, all the "you are crazy", all the everything....I finished!!!! And I finished STRONG!!!

I made the comment to my friend in the first mile, "this will be my first and LAST Half" but I want more...it was so much easier and achievable than I could ever have imagined.

Tour Des Hills - 10K

2009-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I completed the Tour Des Fleurs. I felt like I was racing with an overall class of runner much above my level. I think I'll stick to some of the fundraiser and fun runs so that I don't feel so...slow. I also had new shoes...love the guys at Luke's Locker who helped me find them. I didn't have as great an experience at another locally owned running store. Eddie seemed to really know what he was talking about and was able to figure out exactly what kind of shoe I needed...and it was cheaper.

My main goals for the Tour Des Fleurs were:

1) finish it
2) finish in a decent time
3) part of getting ready for next weekend's half
4) wear in the shoes
5) try out the mole skin
6) finish it
7) see the beautiful arboretum
8) do a long distance with my Real Time Glucose Monitoring System

Well... I finished it!!! So goals #1 and 6, check. I finished in a decent time of 1:42:48 according to the chip timer. Here are my times.

Mile 1 - 15:36.9
Mile 2 - 16:13.4
Mile 3 - 16:40.5
Mile 4 - 17:30.4
Mile 5 - 17:03.9
Mile 6 - 16:21.8
Last .2 - 3:20.1

I think that totals 1:42:47.0. Pretty close to what the chip time calculated.

Distance	10K
Clock Time	1:49:50
Chip Time	1:42:48
Overall Place	1405 / 1421
Gender Place	899 / 911
Division Place	194 / 197
Total Pace	16:33/M

MPH 3.62 MPH

I was glad to not finish last. :-) and glad there were what, 16 people behind me and 3 of them in my same class. I got ready for next weekend's half (and couldn't help but think thank goodness the crowd at H&H will be more closely to my pace). I didn't much enjoy the arboretum, it was too dark before, and I was too exhausted afterward. The hills in Mile 4 kicked my pace and my blood sugar all a mess. Oh, and I also was able to really use my Real Time Blood Glucose Monitoring System to not have to test a whole bunch. It is so much nicer to look at my pump than test every mile.

But all in all, I was glad to finish. And it is looking like I will definitely finish the Half and maybe even in under 4 hours.

Things to do this week before the Half:

Better organize my music selection
Figure out what I am wearing
Walk briefly
Plan, research my pace
Pray. :-)
Relax.
Get good sleep.
Eat well
Don't eat anything unusual

I am so glad I got a blister today

2009-08-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Isabelle with Grandpa about half way through our walk. There is a geocache on this horse, but we couldn't find it.

Mama and Issy on the granite Teddy Bear. It is on the other side of the bridge at Lakeside.

Issy with the leaf she carried...the...entire...way.

Well, it has been a long two weeks with very little exercise. Two weeks ago we had inservice, and I made absolutely no time for exercising (besides the fact I was completely exhausted and had to juggle Isabelle's childcare). Then last week, we had the first week of school and I got up at 5 a.m. on Monday and walked 2 miles, but I didn't manage to walk the rest of the week. Somehow I associate "taking care of myself" with NOT exercising.

This morning though, I knew I wanted to get some good mileage in. I was hoping to get up early, walk from my parent's house (in West Highland Park) to my mom's office (in East HP) about 2.8 miles, then the 7 miles on the Katy Trail, and then 2.8 back to parent's house to total, I think, 12.6 miles. Kind of glad I slept late, so the plans changed. I made it to my mom's office around 10:30a, and managed to get on the Katy Trail pretty soon thereafter.

Mile 1 was good. Every ounce of my Sociology Minor self was so enjoying the people watching. I have the most interesting conversations with myself on these walks. They are so much more interesting than my walks on just streets with passing cars. There was a man on a bike with an old time looking front week with the diameter of probably like 6 feet and the back wheel with a 1 foot diameter. There were several families on bikes. Mostly healthy, interesting people. There was a lady swinging her arms as though they were both rigid and pendulums on clocks. It looked painful the amount of extra effort she was putting into her jaunt.

The entire time, I had a permanent smile on my face. So many thoughts were going through my mind especially the overwhelming ponderance of why I resisted walking all week, when it makes me feel SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I just don't get why my mind thinks that taking care of myself means to NOT walk, when everytime I do walk, I feel so great. The great thing about having made a commitment to the H&H Half in 4 weeks is that I knew I needed to continue to be walking.

It probably took like 30 minutes longer for me to pack up all my walking gear before leaving the house this morning since it has been a while. Shorts over here in this laundry pile, socks over here, shoes under the bed, ipod by my purse. I almost couldn't find my socks that were polyester blend therefore helping keep the sweat off my feet. Then I had the fleeting thought that since I had a small blister on my back heel (mainly because I wore big girl shoes, i.e. not crocs this week) that I should put a band-aid on and bring 2 extra just in case.

I am SOOOOO glad I did that. Turns out the scab over the blister did quite its job of protecting the heel....but...my toe started hurting about mile 4. Which by the way, the view as I was making it to the AAC (American Airlines Center) was amazing. Truthfully, there was probably nothing spectacular about the view, but it was so cool to be thinking about having walked from mom's office near Mockingbird and Central Expressway to Downtown Dallas.

Back to mile 4. My toe was hurting, and I sat down to take my sock off, and sure enough, there was a super delux blister forming. Strangely enough, all I could think was how glad I was that I had that blister. Weird, right? Well, I was thinking I was glad that I was having it today, because for

1: I was prepared with a band-aid

2: I was only doing about 10 miles rather than 13

3: it wasn't the H&H Half

4: this blister would form tougher skin that wouldn't be as likely to form a blister in the future

5: I was super glad to be able to learn from this lesson to always bring band-aids

So, today I was super grateful for my blister.

Mile 5, Dad called, and he was going to meet me at Mom's office (at the end of the Katy Trail) with Isabelle to ride her bike and us walk back to their house. I made it to the end of the Katy Trail (7 miles) in 1:58:51.47. That is about a 16:58 per mile pace. I was pretty happy with the results. The weather was awesome, and I was glad to have made it all the way to mile 7.

Around 1pm, Dad, Issy, and I headed west along Beverly Drive in Highland Park. If you are not familiar with Beverly Drive, it is definitely one of the top drives for Christmas light viewing in the winter. The homes are not only large, but they are beautifully landscaped and kept. The most interesting phenomenon is that for whatever reason about 10 years ago, the traditional 200 foot wide lot probably costing around 2-4 million was not sufficient, many people bought a next door lot to double their space. The joy of walking this way was that we got to soak in so many of the details.

Isabelle found a beautiful Magnolia Tree leaf at the beginning of the walk that she asked me to carry because it was "the biggest leaf she had ever seen in her whole life." I told her that no, she'd have to carry it. That crazy little 8 year old carried that big 'ole leaf the entire way back, wouldn't you know.

We made it easily at a very slow pace (which was nice after the faster pace on the KT). When we made it to Lakeside Drive we tood a detour to walk along Lakeside and it was so beautiful. We then walked over the bridge, ran into a high school friend of dad's who was building a house right there, and took some pictures on the granite teddy bear. We crossed Preston Road to head back on Bordeaux, and it was such a beautiful walk. It took us a total of an hour and 45 minutes to go 3.2 miles, but I should probably take off about 30 minutes we stopped to look at the friend's house and to look at this crazy house next door to it. So, it was about 1 hour 15 minutes for 3.2 miles.

My Real Time Glucose Monitoring was soooooo nice because instead of testing my blood every 2 miles, I was able to just click the button and see the trend or direction it was headed. So at 7 miles, I knew to eat raisins, but not too many. I absolutely love my new Real Time System!!

It was such a nice end to a medium speed walk to spend time with Isabelle and my dad. I soooo enjoy the quality time I get when walking (even with myself). So often throughout my day, I don't slow down to smell the roses, much less look at them. Today, my friends, I looked at the roses, and they are beautiful. 4 weeks baby!!!! And I'll have done my first Half Marathon.

Lesson for the day: Walking makes me feel good, I enjoy the journey, the view, and the feeling, taking care of myself means to walk, not skip, breaks are ok, as long as they end, add band-aids to the packing list for long walks, I love my Real Time new system, JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Part 1 - Katy Trail

Time: 10:30a - 12:30p - Part 1 Katy Trail, 7 miles

Temp: 75 - 85, cooler, clear skies

Distance: 7 miles

Time: 1:58:51.47

Pace: 16:58/m

MPH: 3.53

Half estimate: 3.71 hours

Part 2 - Beverly Drive

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Temp: 75 - 85, cooler, clear skies
Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 75 minutes
Pace: 23.44 minutes/mile
MPH: 2.56

Half estimate: 5.12 hours

Just Showed Up Today

2009-08-24T19:45:00.001-07:00

Got up at 5a. Did 2 miles in 34 minutes. Great to just get out and show up. Exhausted from day 1 of school. Glad to have made it.

Sent from my iPod

Update

2009-08-20T19:38:00.001-07:00

Taking a break this week. Not planned or intentional, but I underestimated how stressful this week would be. I'm hoping to catch up this weekend.

Sent from my iPod

Saturday

2009-08-15T08:58:00.001-07:00

Did 8.1 miles on Waxahachie with Brooke in 144 minutes.

Sent from my iPod

Tuesday

2009-08-11T21:14:00.001-07:00

Don't have super long to post. First day of inservice tomorrow.

Did 4 mile loop. Saw a biker and runner loop several times. It was kind of cool being among fellow athletes. My times were:

20:12.93 - 20:13
39:05.35 - 18:53
55:53.26 - 16:48
1:11:55.43 - 16:02

Super serious negative splits. One note, I was listening to a sermon laps 1&2, and Latin music at 130 bpm laps 3&4.

Sent from my iPod

Tuesday

2009-08-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

What is Normal?

2009-08-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Normal - 1 a : according with, constituting, or not deviating from anorm, rule, or principle b : conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
2 : occurring naturally and not because of disease, inoculation, or anyexperimental treatment <normal immunity>
3 a : of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development b : free from mental disorder : SANE c : characterized by balanced well-integrated functioning of the organism as a whole
4a of a solution : having a concentration of one gram equivalent of solute per liter b : containing neither basic hydrogen nor acid hydrogen <normalphosphate of silver> c : not associated <normal molecules> d : having a straight-chain structure <normal pentane> <normal butylalcohol> —nor·mal·ly /'nor-m&-lE/ adverb

This is the Medical definition of normal. Something of which I have no clear memory of feeling...normal (especially medically speaking). As early as I can remember for the most part, I have always felt abnormal, defective, and broken. Recently, through a long process of inventorying my thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions I realized how key this thought process has been a part of decisions I make, resentments I fester, excuses I use, and judgments I make. I have always thought that somewhere, somehow God messed up. And through this inventory recently, I have just barely touched on how to start approaching/thinking/viewing this abnormality in a different light. Easier said than done, right?

But oddly enough (as has actually always been the truth with my diabetes), the more I have learned to embrace my abnormality/defectiveness the more it has LESS control over my thoughts, feelings, and actions. It has been very backwards from what I would have thought. I thought that staying in denial, keeping it on the back burner, would make it less of an impairment or struggle in my everyday life.

About 10 years ago, I went on the insulin pump for my Diabetes. It took my A1C's from in the 13's to now in the lower 7s. It is recommended lower, but 7s isn't too bad. And recently, I sat in a Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association Support Group where this guy (I think I may have already blogged about this, but oh, well) said his doctor said, "I wish all diabetics worked as hard at it as you do." And his response was, "We do all work hard...ALL of us." Even those who may appear to not, still have to take shots daily, and test occasionally and feel like crud a lot, whereas non-diabetics don't have to work at that at all. I was so empowered to hear that. We do work hard...and the technology is what helps us work SMARTer.

So, after hearing about the Real Time System (which monitors the blood sugar every 5 minutes and reads it to my pump), I decided to try for it. I wasn't sure if my insurance would cover it since it expires at the end of August, but I thought, "Why not just try for it anyways. The worst they can say is no." JUST SHOW UP. So, last Monday I went out on a limb with my parents, and asked them to help out financially to make it happen. They both eagerly wanted to help. I called the Medtronic rep....she started out on a quick course. By Thursday, I was hooked up to a blind test "transmitter" as I called it to see if my blood sugars were "bad" enough to warrant needing it. And unhooked my transmitter on Sunday right after my 15K.

Oh, did I mention that my blood sugars on Thursday and Friday were so perfect they almost looked made up. I never thought I'd be bothered about good blood sugars. Well, sure enough Saturday night I ate a meal I think I incorrectly bolused for (insulin for food eaten rather than just the insulin that carries me throughout the day), and then ended up super high and then bolused for the high and got super low at midnight then high and then low...the infamous roller coaster that makes me want to hang in the highs. And all that the night before my first 15K (9.3 miles) ever!!!

Lynne, my Medtronic rep, said that if it didn't work with this insurance, we could try with the next. I knew I had already met my deductible, so hoping to see if it is cheaper now or later. We worked on cleaning the house today, and then set out to go FedEx the "transmitter" and it's charger to Lynne so she could send it to the insurance company to prove I needed it. By the time we got home from going to FedEx, wouldn't you know it...Ed from Medtronic was calling for my shipping information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT?!?!?! I hadn't even mailed it yet. The good Lord has been working all along as I was "just showin' up". Oy, vey...I can't quit crying today...I just wept in my kitchen. The thoughts that raced through my head after the phone call were, "I never thought being hooked up to a pump and transmitter would feel so normal." "I had no idea how much I would be grateful (not even entitled) for getting to be normal." "Normal-what is normal....today, I am...I am normal." And all this is possible, because I just keep "showin' up."

Well, I couldn't even post the exciting news about my 15K until I got that out of the way. I never ever thought that on May 24th what was an inkling of a thought about doing something 4 months off would turn into this journey.

Sunday, I completed my very first 15K...which is the super fancy and much more interesting way of saying 9.3 miles, which gosh, dog still sounds pretty crazy. Last week, my training partner and I walked around White Rock Lake for 9.3 miles (in 3h 7m 7s), but it was at a slow comfortable pace (something like 21 minute miles), and it was all about finishing. This week we were trying for a small time improvement.

Dina (our friend) joined us on our walk. She walked with Brandie at the last H&H Event for the 5K when I did the 10K. And Dina, Brandie, and I all traded off on pushing D (Brandie's son) in the stroller. He did great, but I learned quickly why Brandie gets on to him for squirming around. Any small movement, and the stroller becomes about 25% harder to push. He did great and was a real trooper for the walk. Dina only did the 10K, and she graciously offered to stay with D while Brandie and I finished the last 5K without the stroller (or D). In order to make the course more manageable for the water stops and the medics, the H&H crew suggested we do the 10K course first, then walk back past the finish line to add another 5K which essentially required us to pass the finish line (and small crowd) about 3 times before even finishing the race. I think this was tougher on my training partner than it was on me, as I was just excited to complete my first ever 15K. I appreciated the cheers and was glad to see people when we had only seen trees otherwise.

The first 10K were wonderful, achievable, invigorating, and I loved the conversations! But the next 5K seemed to be a definite new challenge for both my training partner and myself, but in very different ways. Brandie asked me to not talk to her once we reached the sunny part, and I quickly realized some things about my walking styles...with people versus alone.

I learned that when I am alone, I go fast, and I maintain my posture, my arms at 90 degree angles, my feet rolling, and my hips rotating in a much better position, but I also need my music and distractions when I am alone. I tend to go pretty fast when I am alone, but I don't mind giving that up for walking with other people. When I am with other people, I love the conversation, I enjoy talking, and I am charged by the conversation, even if I am tired or stressed. When I am wanting to quit, just being around someone pushes me through. Quality time is definitely my number 1 love language. But it can also be a distraction.

So after about a torturous mile of not talking (I felt like my daughter probably feels when we ask her to quit talking...I was just dieing to talk), a new friend Brenda came down the trail towards us to get the 5K turn around sign. I picked it up since I called Libby and we were the last on the 5K trail. Brenda carried it and talked with me the rest of the way back. She had read my H&H bio and we talked about diabetes. She works with diabetics, and I really enjoyed talking to her.

At the end, D was screaming for his mama, and it was very precious. He was so proud!!! What an awesome memory! We finished up in a pretty good time (one easier for me to beat than my 10K was) and by the time we did the math, we realized if we go at that same rate, we will be able to finish the Half Marathon in under 4 hours which is when the course closes (although Paula and Libby said they'd hold it open for us) and a personal goal for ourselves.

CAUTION - PROCEED WITH CAUTION
The below paragraphs contain my thoughts and opinions, which you may or may not agree with, but nonetheless they are MY opinions. I know they are not nice or the most politically correct opinions, but they are MINE.

I also noticed that the 15K didn't feel quite as boast-worthy as the 10K, and it really had me look at why am I doing this...am I doing this to brag/boast or am I doing it for daily health. I think the initial brag was a good motivator, but I also think that when that wears off it is what separates the marathon (or even half) runners (or even walkers) from the fresh resolve makers (which I have been 100 times before).

Today on the Tyra Banks show (I usually can't stand her) they had several morbidly obese guests who were trying to convince Tyra they liked their morbid obesity. One thing a lady who had lost about 150 pounds said, was that there are no fat old people. I thought that was really the most profound statement of the whole show, and I thought, you know, today, thank God, I am on the graph away from that destiny rather than towards it. I used to think "skinny" or rather "healthy" people just had it handed to them, that it was easy, but the more I learn about others and myself, I am learning that being healthy is work...hard work, but that is probably also more at the root of why people view as a general statement healthy people as attractive. It seems to be that our subconscious knows that healthy people are hard workers. I know that those viewpoints would be slaughtered on any politically correct forum or even if I posted that on facebook, but you know what...this is MY blog. And today, I am grateful that *I* am on this journey in this direction. Because I have been on the other way on that graph for many, many years.

I'm working on trying to get my motivation intrinsically versus from others more these days, and I'm finding a lot about the difference between walking regularly versus training for a half marathon. From what began as a far off goal and one of those things I'd love to brag about some day to what has turned into a lifestyle and part of my daily health management, this journey has been not at all what I ever expected (or I probably would have started it sooner, which ironically would probably have made it not as impactful as it has been for me).

My sister and my father are considering doing the Half Marathon also, and I am super excited about that. The main decision I will be facing will be who to walk this with and what is best for me and my journey. I learned this weekend that I need conversation, but that it can slow me down. I also learned that walking alone is more, oh, what's the word...I want to say monotonous, but in a good way. I am charged by the energy of others, but in that same way, I can also be oh, easily un-charged by others, too. That has absolutely nothing to do with anyone else, it is 100% about me and my makeup....how I am made. I believe that the best method will be revealed to me through time, but I just need to keep showin' up.

Lesson for the day: I am charged and de-charged by people's energy around me, not good or bad about them, it just is the way it is; the more I face my disease head-on, the less I feel driven by it; enjoy the milestones; JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Time: 6:30a - 9:15a
Temp: 78 - 85 degrees, hot, clear skies
Distance: 9.3 miles/15K
Event: Heels and Hills Dollar a K - 15K (first ever)
Time: 2:48:20.2
Pace: 18:06/m
MPH: 3.31
Half estimate: 3h 57m

The Loop

2009-08-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I have been complaining about my neighborhood and how the sidewalks don't go much farther beyond our small subdivision, and the view isn't so great, and it is hard to get in more than about a mile. Well, I slept late this morning, and then committed to doing my 4 miles this evening. As the storms rolled in I wasn't sure if it was going to happen, but sure enough they left by about 7pm-something. We had dinner with our Life Group leaders at Panda's Chinese Buffet, which is so not a place I like to eat...just about anything worth eating is covered in sugar (and I don't eat sugar as a main ingredient) and what isn't covered in sugar is fried, and don't even get me started on the health department's rating of them. But the time together was wonderful, and we really enjoyed talking with them.

By the time we got home, I needed to get dressed in my oh so cute "mom shorts" that probably ride up my butt, my oh so cool PHanny pack (spelled with a PH cause it's so PHAT), and my super cool tight tech top. I just love how every bit of fashion sense goes out the window all for the sake of practicality and convenience when it comes to exercise. I am a practical girl deep down inside, but like to flare my pink here and there.

So, back to the neighborhood...while I like to complain about it and the poor long distances, I did find that there is a hidden jewel about my neighborhood that I think will work to my benefit in months and years to come...it is E.X.A.C.T.L.Y. 1.zero, zero miles around the outside of it according to mapmyrun.com. I am going to track it with my gps some time also for comparison. But it worked really well for me to look at my splits and at my mile rate. It also worked well for a late night, dark, moon lit, walk. And I think that 4 loops will be great in the future when I just need to fit it in. I was also able to bring Isabelle along for loop 1, she stayed for a bathroom break for loop 2, and joined back up for loops 3 and 4. She is such an awesome encourager. The entire time, (on her bike) she just kept going on and on about how proud she was of me. I just love that kiddo so much!!!

In my approaching 8 weeks I am trying out a small, medium, large or slow, medium, fast approach to my training. I generally train 4 days a week, either Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and then Sunday or Monday, Wednesday, Friday and then Sunday. But on day 1 (Mon or Tue) I am doing a slow, just get it done pace, similar to a stroll in a mall. I think I already blogged about this, but oh, well. Day 2, I am trying for a 10 min brisk, 10 min stroll rotation. Tonight, I did that and found I really enjoyed it. Then on Day 3 a 5 min "super duper fast as I can walk" pace, and then 5 minute "catch my breath" pace. And on Day 4 (usually Sundays) long distance...and just gettin' it done.

Well, these loops helped with my 10s rotation. So here are my splits:

Mile 1: 17:50
Mile 2: 17:02
Mile 3: 17:36
Mile 4: 17:06

I had to slow down a bit in mile 3 because my blood sugar got a little low at 77 and had to eat some "organic energy chews". Testing those out to see that I can handle the Tapioca Syrup and Cane juice without it jacking my blood sugars up too high and also making sure it doesn't trigger my sugar addiction. It seemed to work well, and I was happy about it not upsetting my stomach.

I also found that after mile 2 loop it helped to go the other direction and change it up a bit (a little different of a view).

Wanted to also add my new bio on the H&H Lucky 13 Bio Page....this is still sooooo crazy for me!!!! I can't believe I AM ON A RACE TEAM!!!! I keep mentioning to Paula and Libby that I am somewhat embarrassed about my "story" and where I am on my journey, but they both have reassured me that everyone starts somewhere and there there are "millions" of women who need to hear the story about starting "where you are" not some unachievable "where you want to be" place. I can't help but embrace the fact that I believe with every ounce of my being that God placed me in the path of H&H and H&H in my path. I am not going to give power one more time to those self-defeating thoughts that I am in an embarrassing place on this journey. Starting now, I will embrace, celebrate, appreciate, and encourage from where I am, not where I was, not where I want to be, but WHERE I AM!!!

http://www.heelsandhills.com/Social_Life/Run_Team_2009_bios.html#Jennifer_Elvington

Jennifer is a newer walker who got started in an effort to lead a healthier life and manage her diabetes and will be completing her first half marathon at the Heels and Hills and Him Half Marathon on September 27.

Jennifer has had Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes since the age of 11, and in the 23 years since that diagnosis, has had not one complication. However, after having her daughter 8 years ago, she found that she was consistently gaining about 5 pounds a year. In her words: “A little extra take out here, less exercise there, and some life in between.” So, on top of the Type 1 (which is the juvenile, insulin requiring kind) Diabetes, she slowly developed a form of Type II Diabetes (where your body can't process the insulin). So her body not only isn’t producing insulin but now it struggles to process the insulin taken with her insulin pump.

Her doctor insisted on an exercise routine during her last visit - something 3-4 days a week for more than 30 minutes. She had joined expensive gyms, signed up with costly trainers, joined Biggest Loser competitions, and tried it all, but recently a friend of hers, fellow Run Team member Brandie, mentioned signing up to walk the Heels and Hills and Him Marathon.

Jennifer had walked and even partly ran some 5Ks in the past, but she thought there was no way she could complete a half marathon. She and her friend did some research and developed a walking plan that would work in with their lifestyles. As of August 1, Jennifer is 8 weeks into the plan – she has stuck with it! She finished the most recent H&H June 5K with a new personal record of 49:43. And Jennifer says, “My blood sugars and my diabetes are better than ever!”

Jennifer is a great addition to the run team, with these words from her run team application: “I am absolutely in love with the core vision of H&H - staying active in a fun and unintimidating atmosphere, with your personality, warmness, and positive attitude! I feel like I was the recipient of that at the past 5K. I participated in another 5K last year near my home and felt so intimidated and out of place. Feeling that way at the previous one made me not want to do another. While I finished 71 out of 77 last weekend, I felt so encouraged in just finishing!

I hope to be an encouragement that walking is a great place to start when striving to learn how to make being active a part of your life...in fact, in the past when I would set out on a plan of running before walking, I burned out quickly. My story is one of learning how to set achievable and personal goals rather than constantly comparing myself to others.”

Lesson for the day: My neighborhood is exactly 1 mile around, so when all else fails, the neighborhood is safe, out my door, predictable and great to time laps, walking on trash night/day stinks...literally...ewww, Isabelle is such an awesome encourager, walking at night has the horrible down side of totally energizing me...natural caffeine, 85 degrees at night still feels cooler than 78 degrees in the morning, JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Time: 8:45p - 10:00p
Temp: 85 degrees, after the storm, clear skies
Distance: 4.00 miles
Time: 1:09:33.67
Pace: 17:23.4/m
MPH: 3.45
15K estimate: 2h 42m
Half estimate: 3h 48m

Lucky, lucky ME!!!! And blessed!

2009-08-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

I applied on a very far whim a few weeks ago to get into the Heels & Hills Lucky 13 Race Team. You ask, "What is a Lucky 13 Race Team?"

The "Lucky 13" Run Team is filled with happy, friendly people who also happen to run or walk. They are ambassadors to show others Heels and Hills’ core vision, staying active in a fun and unintimidating atmosphere, with a friendly personality, warmness, and positive attitude! Run Team members receive select race entry fees paid, Heels and Hills Run Team tech shirt, additional Heels and Hills apparel at reduced cost, the pride of being part of a select group, and fun socializing with other runners and walkers.

What a huge, huge honor!!! And this is exactly the next step I needed in my path of this journey. I am so excited. We will have races we will be meeting at and events to show up to and talk about how much we love H&H!!! That should be easy. I can't speak enough of how much I love them. I truly believe Brandie, my training partner, and I are going to be an encouragement to those out there who need to take the first step of becoming active by walking rather than running. I think we do actually have an awesome place to encourage those to get active!!!

I ran/walked last 4th of July in a Fireworks 5K and seriously thought I was going to sit down on the side of the road and call my husband to come pick me up. Only problem was, I didn't have my cell phone, so I had to finish. Every one, I mean everyone, ran, and so I ran, and 5 minutes later, I never could catch my breath. I finished with an OK time, but I seriously thought I was going to die!!! After that experience, I never wanted to enter an event again.

Well, as I started to learn more about the H&H Half Marathon in September, this whole thing sort of evolved into this crazy new journey. I thought about calling it an obsession, but my experience has been that not - one - single - obsession has ever last me more than 4-6 weeks, and we are now going on week number 11 with about 8 to go. Well beyond an obsession at this point, and now a journey. And I can guarantee you that at 5:10 a.m. when I walked out the door with like 78 degrees and who knows what horrible humidity it was not an obsession, but a journey....ugh, I can't wait for October. But we really are very lucky to live in Texas and not have to worry about the low temps like many parts of the country do.

I just still can't believe I am on a Running Team. Un.....believable!!!! I am not only lucky, but also blessed.

As I said, got out at 5:10a this morning to see the sun come up. Started to go down the road that has no cars allowed, but quickly listened to my gut and took a regular neighborhood route. I am trying to see what my fall schedule will look like incorporating my training and have thrown around a few ideas about either training super early or after school before I pick up Izzy on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

After school is starting to look better, although I love the sense of accomplishment after doing it in the morning. But...according to my calculations, at my slowest pace, around 20:00/mile and 4 miles, that is about 1hr and 20 m, so I'd have to leave the house by 5:10a to get home by 6:30a in which I still need about 10 minutes to quit sweating and barely enough time to be ready to leave the house by 7:15a to drop Izzy at school by 7:50a (I think that is her school start time). So, I'd probably have to get up at 4:45a and leave the house by 5:00a which would get me home by 6:20a with a 10 min cool down.

Ughhhh...that is awfully early!!! I am more of a morning person now than ever, but ikes, that means I need to be asleep and eyes shut by um, 9p so in bed by 8:30p. Oh, wow...how life changes by 35. Most people who know me would have characterized me by up til 5a and asleep until 8p in my previous lifetime.

After school, I leave the building by 4:30p, get changed to my clothes by 4:40p, go park at Izzy's school where she has aftercare, then pick her up around 6:00p. Oh, that doesn't sound any better than the early morning option. But in the colder months it might sound more appealing due to the weather. Oh, well, I'll learn as I go as I have been learning with this weather.

Lesson for the day: Apply for a team, even if you think you are not worthy, trust your gut and don't go down abandoned roads in the dark, GPS and mapmyrun will always have a little variation, round to the nearest tenth of a mile, enjoy the journey, and be grateful it isn't an obsession, JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Time: 5:15a - 6:30a
Temp: 78 degrees, clear skies
Distance: 4.14 miles
Time: 1:16.06
Pace: 18:22.2/m
MPH: 3.27
15K estimate: 2h 51m
Half estimate: 4h 0.6m

The Rock, WRL, WR...oh, I am so cool

2009-08-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Rock, WRL, WR...all names for White Rock Lake. I, my friends, walked around THE ENTIRE WHITE ROCK LAKE LOOP. All 9.3 miles, that is, if we took the correct route. We finished it in about 3 hours 7 minutes. I was a bit discouraged about the time, as I would like to have my time a little faster, but I knew without a doubt I needed to take it easy to complete this far distance. I can work on time later.

I absolutely think God truly put my training partner, Brandie, in my life for a reason for this training. We help encourage each and push each other. We allow grace and truth in a healthy balance in each other's training. I only walked 1 mile on Tuesday, and the thunderstorms won on Thursday. So, it was good to get back walking today. She also helped remind me to slow down when I'd want to overdo it. I would tend to get too charged, but I needed to pace it to finish it.

I just can't believe I finished the entire loop. And I ran into my neighbor, a new Hills & Heels friend saw me, and we saw a lady in H&H shirt that I cheered to. And just saying that we walked that whole way...wow.

And while I was a tiny bit discouraged about my time, I did find that my averages are consistently improving.

My Half marathon estimate time has consistently decreased:
4.84
4.55
4.47
4.31
4.23
4.18
4.16
4.12
4.11
4.11

Those are all number of the week's ongoing average since May 24th in terms of decimals not minutes. So 4.25 would translate to 4 hours and 15 minutes. My main goal is to finish in less than 4 hours. It would appear that this goal is totally achievable, but I have to remember that my first and primary goal is to COMPLETE the Half.

Here are my ongoing averages for miles per hour:
2.74
2.93
2.97
3.08
3.13
3.17
3.19
3.22
3.23
3.23

And again, there is consistent improvement. And all these rates include even my super long walks and my super slow walks.

And these rates are my minutes per mile rates:
22.17
20.83
20.49
19.74
19.38
19.14
19.05
18.86
18.81
18.81

So, I want to celebrate that I have made very consistent improvement. I can't imagine what this will look like when the weather gets better.

New milestone today... WHITE ROCK LAKE!!!

Lesson for the day: Mile 2 still just sucks, walking that freaking far is much shorter I am quite convinced with a training partner and great conversation, it is hard to finish when we can't see the finish line, praise God the rain waited another 15 minutes, and add small poncho to the fanny pack list (yes, I got a fanny pack...things that were once very dorky are becoming very practical), JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Temp: 78 degrees, covered skies
Distance: 9.3 miles
Time: 187 minutes = 3 hours, 7 minutes
Pace: 20:07/m
MPH: 2.98
15K estimate: 3 hours, 7 minutes
Half estimate: 4h 23.4m

Did I tell you I finished my first 10k?

2009-07-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

I keep telling everyone that I completed a 10K. We make fun of people who do that all the time, "Did I tell you I did a 10K?" or "Oh, yeah, and after I did my 10K." or "Yep that was the week before my 10K." It's like the kid with a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or the first time I could use the word husband - I just couldn't stop slipping it into every conversation. Well, it's official...I just completed my first 10K this past weekend, and I don't mind telling the world. :)

The weather was beautiful. Warm, but for July, it was great. We had an even cloud cover all morning, and that was a true gift, because the sun would have been horrible. I started off with Dina and Brandie (and lil D), but after about .5 miles felt warmed up enough to break off. They were doing a 5K, and I have about 5.5 more miles to go, so I knew I needed to go. I so enjoyed walking with them, and talking though. But off I went. Reportedly, D kept asking, where's Miss Jenn. I saw a pack of walkers in our same area, and I figured they were with the 5K. So I had resolved myself to finishing last.

Mile 2 is always the worst mile for me. Tuesdays are the hardest days. And the second time around is always my most difficult mental hurdle. Mile 1 or Mondays, it's like "I can do this, yes, alright, here we go." Mile 2 or Tuesdays, the end is no where in sight, we are too far past the start to turn back around or still feel energized about just starting, and what's in front of us seems insurmountable. I felt like I barely made it through mile 2. And I forgot to set my watch as we started, so I had no idea about my pace. Which I actually learned and am going to probably continue waiting until mile 2 to start my watch, ended up being a benefit rather than a detriment.

My mile 1 and 2 paces probably would have discouraged me and then even slowed me down more, so I started my watch at the mile 2 marker. I have figured out how to push the button to mark the laps on my watch, but for the life of me can't figure out how to read that information after my race is done. But one of my favorite mental games to pass the time during walks is for me to do the math in my head. So I kept tracking my pace in my head.

Mile 3 I could see the end of the 5K and was feeling pretty good, so I started to feel good about it all. I think the turnaround was somewhere in mile 4, so that lifted me through that part. And then there was this lady running around mile 5. She looked like she was dying. She had on long cotton legging stretch pant looking things, a poofy blouse, and looked like it was her first time to run ever. She kept running and then walking, and I eventually caught up with her. I am amazed how at every race I end up passing those runners at the end, which for me is just confirmation that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing...walking.

I talked to her a little as we met the same pace at the end of mile 6 nearing the end, and encouraging her really helped me feel so encouraged. It was her first race ever and she signed up for the 10K. That's crazy, but I was glad to encourage her.

My time for my 10K beat my pace time for the 5K which surprised me. I figured with a longer distance, I'd see a slower time, but glad for it. And I beat that pack of walkers. I was glad to see other walkers involved in the longer distance.

Lesson for the day: Mile 2 just sucks, that's all, it just does, and acknowledging that will make it easier. I finished my first 10K!!!! Thank you God for the clouds. Walking for me is much faster than run/walking. JUST SHOW UP!!!!

Temp: 78 degrees, covered skies
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 1:37:00.0
Pace: 15:37/m
MPH: 3.84
10K estimate: n/a
Half estimate: 3h 25.2m
Place: 21 out of 25 (16% percent)

Negative Splits

2009-07-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Negative Split-The term "negative splitting" refers to running the second half of a race faster than the first. So, for instance, if you're running a marathon and you run the first 13.1 miles in 2:01:46, and then run the second 13.1 miles in 1:59:30, then you ran a negative split.

The other day, I read on one of the Heels and Hills Heroes (as I like to call them...the two ladies who are co-directors of H&H and quite the inspirations) facebook update that she had a negative split. I asked her what it meant and she explained it to me. I had heard about this method a lot, but didn't know it had a term. Oh, I am learning so much every day. But at the H&H 5K in June when I got my PR (Personal Record...another new term for me) of 48:43.1 for a pace of 15:43/m I forced myself to walk slower than I was wanting to, because I clearly remember doing a 5K last July in McKinney where I was super fast in the beginning and barely finished walking at all. So, I know from experience that walking slower in the beginning produces better results in the end. I told myself at the H&H 5K in June that I wasn't going to push it until after the half way point.

Well, today, I was at about 10:00 in my first half mile (ikes that is like a 20:00/m pace), but I have been waiting to stretch until I get to the end of my street which is like about .3 of a mile from my house. And really taking the first part slowly. Then at the half way point, which was 1.99 miles, I was at 35:00. So my goal was to finish the entire 3.98 miles in under 1h10m (or under 70 minutes) hence making it a "negative split." And I did finish up right at 67:38...just about 2.5 minutes faster on the second half.

Lesson for the day: Take it slow at the first part hence producing a negative split, waking up before the sun comes up makes for beautiful scenery, Shi-Tzu's are just as scary as big dogs and my neighbor down the street needs to keep him on a leash, And...Just Show Up!!!

Temp: 72 degrees, clear skies
Distance: 3.98 miles
Time: 67:38
Split: 35:03 (1st half way) - 52%
Pace: 16:59.4
MPH: 3.53
Place: 71 out of 77 (8%)
10K estimate: 2h 6m 36s
Half estimate: 3h 43m

100 Miles of Walking

2009-07-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

I keep wanting to complain about the weather, but for the most part, we have had wonderful weather this summer. I say that right now as I finished my walk in what started out at 68 degrees. It was absolutely gorgeous, and as I approach Fall if I am able to get out in this heat, I know I am going to really seem some time improvement in the Fall.

My blog name, "Just Showed Up" is so perfect for me. This morning at 6:30a as I wanted to stay in bed, the mantra "Just Show Up" kept going through my mind. Just get out of bed, Jennifer, put your shoes on and at least walk a mile. Well, finished at 3.52 miles with 59:10. Pretty decent for me. It broke under 17 minutes for a pace of 16:48.5 minutes per mile. My usual pace seems to sit around 18 minutes on a decent day and as slow as 20 on a super slow day. I was happy to see that time. I have been working through some mental hurdles and this walk really was just what I needed.

I started out on my regular 4 mile stretch, but the sprinklers started, I was getting irritated at the City of McKinney for having no sidewalk at the corner of Wilmeth and Hardin, and was already getting a little bored with just trekking (sp?) back from my turn around point. So, I took a bit of a detour to make sure I could have sidewalks the rest of the walk, but ended up only getting in 3.52 rather than the planned 4. But I did kick my speed up a little.

And how about that weather this morning...it was gorgeous. I thought gosh, I am so glad I "Just Showed Up" this morning.

Well, Issy's getting braces this morning, and I need to get in the shower to not stink in their office. Never thought I would love being sweaty, but when I finish my walks, it just seems to be part of the "I did it" ritual. I don't think the orthodontist will quite enjoy the smell of accomplishment oozing from my poars as I do.

Almost totally forgot to add...I reached 100 miles (101.5 to be exact) since starting this thing on May 24th. Uh, that is probably 99 more miles than I walked for the past 5 years to exercise and also tracked 1911 minutes (that is like 30-something hours). That is crazy...and even crazier is that I have done this for 8+ weeks. I never stick with ANYTHING like this...I am so grateful I have stuck with this. One Mile at a Time. :)

Lesson for the day: When you see a guy working on the sprinklers cut across to the other side of the street (got a little sprayed). Oh, and map out a few 4 mile routes in case I change my mind ahead of time. And...Just Show Up!!!

Temp: 68 degrees, clear skies
Distance: 3.52 miles
Time: 59:10
Pace: 16:48.5
MPH: 3.57
10K estimate: 2h 5m 24s
Half estimate: 3h 38m

A Hero's Welcome

2009-07-19T21:45:00.001-07:00

Well, last night we had plans (I've learned what a scary word that can be) to walk the northern section of the Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor round trip cutting it a bit short. On the mapmyrun.com map, it showed up as 4.1 miles from the 428 or 468 or whatever parking lot off of Sherman Road in Aubrey to the north end right near the Ray Roberts Dam. It was exactly 4.1 to the bridge over the creek, and 4.5 to the road. My training plan (I'll share more about that later) included 8 miles for today (originally just 7, but I was going to do 8 because I am doing the Hills & Heels Dollar a K, 10K...my first 10K ever next weekend which is only 6.2 miles and have planned on 7 miles for next weekend, so figured do some extra this weekend and the 6.2 will work out even). Since it was 4.1 to the creek and 4.1 back would make 8.2, I thought this is perfect.

We have had a rough week at our house, and as a family, we really make memories and bond a lot when we hike or get outdoors together. I asked Mark if he wanted to ride his bike, and Issy was going to ride her bike. We have had much cooler temperatures the past few days, and the forecast called for temps under 85 degrees in Aubrey up through 11a. So, I figured if we started around oh, say, 7a on the trail, that would give us easily 1.5 hours there (which is slower than my usual pace) and 1.5 hours back and it would definitely be nice and cool and refreshing for all of us.

Well, first mistake, slept until about 7a, and didn't leave until probably 9a. We got to the park and ventured out about 9a or 10a. It was muggy, and not quite the cool 91 degrees I had remembered from the night before on the patio (which was probably a much lower humidity). Then the bike Mark was using (thanks Mom for lending us yours) was having brake issues. And the what looked like a paved trail from mapmywalk was all small gravel. And before you know it we were about 2 miles into the walk with the sun peaking over the tree line, and I already started to realize that we probably weren't going to make it back. Shortly after spotting and shoo-ing away the copperhead on the trail past the 2 mile mark, I suggest to Mark we should turn around and call it a day. He convinced us to continue, and so we did.

We did get to see the McKinney Road Bridge which was a broken bridge Bonnie and Clyde reportedly escaped Pilot Point on, and Mark did see a ton of places he road many times as a young child. It was a great time and the last mile was shaded. Oh, and Jack especially enjoyed the shade. Did I mention Jack was with us...our cattle herding dog? He did great for a while. Then he kept retreating to the shade. Smart dog. We finished the 4.1 miles with one break where I stopped my watch to explore the bridge area at a time of 1 hour 22 minutes (and seconds didn't seem to matter at this point). Horrible pace, but I am sure that walking on gravel slows my pace down by a good 1-2 minutes per mile, and it definitely worked muscles that don't get worked on concrete.

Long story shortER...we did finish the 4.1 miles to the rest area, at which point I looked at Mark and said I really didn't think we could make it back especially since the trail would no longer have any shade covering. He heroically offered to ride his bike back at a faster rate than he could go with us in tow, and I jumped on the chance. I was a little worried he could overheat or get hurt, but he is a pretty experienced mountain bikers for an amateur. So, at 12:22, he set off for the south parking lot to retrieve the truck and come pick us up. We estimated a good hour before him getting back.

Issy and I then ventured over to the West parking lot which appeared to be only about .25 mile away, but ended up being quite farther. At one point on that walk, Jack just laid down on the hot concrete as though he was opting for sudden death rather than walk another step. He did finally make it back up but walked like a Kindergartner with his arms swagging back and forth in complaint. Lesson learned...Jack is a hindrance and probably prefers for the most part not to be taken on long hikes especially in the summer again. This extra little hike ended up being about .79 more to end our hike at 4.89 miles with an additional 22 minutes added to finish us up at 1 hour 44 minutes. I think that is like a 21:00 minute mile, but at this point I was just surprised we even finished.

So...after sitting under the oh, so appreciated shaded table, our HERO arrived around an hour later. We have both never been so happy to see him!!! And we'll never do that trail again!!!

Lessons for the day...ready to call it quits when we are ready, gravel sucks, bring an air pump for the bikes on trails, Jack is a hindrance on long walks, 6a is much better than 9a in the summer, humidity matters, glad we brought lots of water and snacks.

Just Showed Up

2009-07-19T21:38:00.002-07:00

I heard this phrase years ago, and I have been contemplating starting a blog about my walking endeavors. Not quite sure why I want to blog, but I have felt the desire lately. Probably because it is THE FIRST TIME EVER I have stuck with an exercise routine and done it for more than 2-3 weeks.

And the title, "Just Showed Up" made me think about how I feel right now as a new walker. I feel like I have known how to walk my whole life and the benefits of walking, but all of a sudden not only do I feel like someone who is running in at the last minute with my oh so hawt pink fanny pack clipping to my waist as the buzzer goes off, hence "just showing up" but I also feel the nagging sense that I have been here all along and mentally I am "just showing up." And as a very new to the sport walker, I also feel like I have "just shown up" on the scene and that I am literally soaking up every tidbit, every bit of information, every ounce of anything I can learn about walking.

So..."just showed up" it is.

Some up to date information I want to eventually put here...a to-do check list of sorts:
~signing up for my first half marathon
~how much I love the Heels and Hills organization and why
~how my doctor recommended this
~my thoughts/experience on being humble, teachable, and right-sized in being where I am instead of trying to be somewhere ahead of where I am
~adding some counters for my miles completed