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Time: 6:200pm, 24:11 minutes
Meal: Almonds, Banana, Cottage Cheese (1-2 hours before)
Distance: 2.85 miles.
Wow, I felt really great until about the last mile. My stomach was really hurting! I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the finish (in fact, I didn't, I was about 1/10th of a mile short and had to stop at the restroom).
This was a common problem for me in the past. In fact, its one of the reasons I stopped running for a while...really uncomfortable. But this time I am able to recognize the difference in my life from last week (when I felt fine) to this week is 1) stress, 2) sleep and 3) diet. Too many variables, I know, but I have a hunch that #1 is the core problem. Stress causes anxiety, which really messes up my digestive system. So, the answer is to just be stress free! Poof!
Seriously, though, understanding the toll it takes on my body will (hopefully) help me in my ongoing journey of fighting overcommitment. It's been better recently (hence why I didn't start feeling sick until now) and it feels good to at least have the tools to experiment with against it.
I am going to take it easy for the rest of the week, though. Part of my stress is this art show I am working on with Erin for Thursday, and I don't anticipate I'll get much sleep between now and then.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Long(ish) Run, Bird Refuge to Leadbetter
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Time: 5:15pm, about 1 hour
Distance: 6 Miles
Yeah, so a weekend in Vegas has really thrown me off a bit. I was supposed to run 1 hour 30 minutes while I was there, but that just wasn't going to happen :-). I opted for just 1 hour to help my body recover from not getting as much sleep as I should have. It's early on in training, so that was kind of my last hurrah before buckling down as I get further into the longer distances. But I can definitely feel the effects.
I'll be back on track in no time :-).
Time: 5:15pm, about 1 hour
Distance: 6 Miles
Yeah, so a weekend in Vegas has really thrown me off a bit. I was supposed to run 1 hour 30 minutes while I was there, but that just wasn't going to happen :-). I opted for just 1 hour to help my body recover from not getting as much sleep as I should have. It's early on in training, so that was kind of my last hurrah before buckling down as I get further into the longer distances. But I can definitely feel the effects.
I'll be back on track in no time :-).
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Hike, Full Moon Hike at McMenemy/Girard Loop
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Time: 7:45pm, 2 hours, 19 minutes
Meal: Salami & Cheese appetizer at 5pm, Nature Valley granola bar at 7:15pm.
Distance: 4.9 Miles (arguable...the trail description clocks it at 5.5. Normally, I'd say my GPS is right but I've had enough experience with trees getting in the way of its accuracy to be skeptical).
AMAZING hike! So invigorating! Can I make a confession right here, right now? I hate running. I LOVE hiking. It's fun to say that I ran 8 miles and feels good afterward, but it's equally as fun to say I hiked 5 miles by moonlight AND had a wicked awesome time!
I am hiking weekly with my hiking group which, thanks to Facebook, has attracted tons of new people this season. Tonight we broke our record at 17 people on the trail. I know it sounds like a lot, but with that many folks you end up breaking into nice pace groups. We also broke a record in that more people showed up than RSVP'd. That NEVER happens (normally 10 people will RSVP and 3 will show up).
It was a great hike, and I'm feeling like I'm in the shape I was back around 2003 when I was hiking and biking more. I powered my way to the top, feeling the burn as I scrambled up the rocks but enjoying every minute of it. People were giving me a hard time for organizing the hike then taking off (oops), but I couldn't help it! Given my previous statement about hating running, I'm surprised to hear myself say I think giving trail running a go is in my very near future. LOVE it!
Everything feels good, by the way...calves, hammys, and knees. I'm worried about the 10 mile run I have to schedule in sometime this weekend while I am in Vegas. I have good intentions anyway!
Time: 7:45pm, 2 hours, 19 minutes
Meal: Salami & Cheese appetizer at 5pm, Nature Valley granola bar at 7:15pm.
Distance: 4.9 Miles (arguable...the trail description clocks it at 5.5. Normally, I'd say my GPS is right but I've had enough experience with trees getting in the way of its accuracy to be skeptical).
AMAZING hike! So invigorating! Can I make a confession right here, right now? I hate running. I LOVE hiking. It's fun to say that I ran 8 miles and feels good afterward, but it's equally as fun to say I hiked 5 miles by moonlight AND had a wicked awesome time!
I am hiking weekly with my hiking group which, thanks to Facebook, has attracted tons of new people this season. Tonight we broke our record at 17 people on the trail. I know it sounds like a lot, but with that many folks you end up breaking into nice pace groups. We also broke a record in that more people showed up than RSVP'd. That NEVER happens (normally 10 people will RSVP and 3 will show up).
It was a great hike, and I'm feeling like I'm in the shape I was back around 2003 when I was hiking and biking more. I powered my way to the top, feeling the burn as I scrambled up the rocks but enjoying every minute of it. People were giving me a hard time for organizing the hike then taking off (oops), but I couldn't help it! Given my previous statement about hating running, I'm surprised to hear myself say I think giving trail running a go is in my very near future. LOVE it!
Everything feels good, by the way...calves, hammys, and knees. I'm worried about the 10 mile run I have to schedule in sometime this weekend while I am in Vegas. I have good intentions anyway!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Easy Run, East Side
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Time: 7:20am, 30:08 minutes
Meal: Nada
Distance: 3.17 Miles
Ugh, tired today. I was up late last night in my usual effort of maniacally working to check items off my to-do list. It's important for me to remember that I'm getting up to longer distances and, while this was a short and easy jog, I really have to take care of myself! I've been doing a pretty poor job of that as of late.
I like my average pace, but am noticing it's jumping around quite a bit. (I'm sure glad I got a new Garmin Forerunner since its really helping me to understand these sorts of challenges.) One minute I'll be running an 8:45 minute pace and, without even feeling like anything's changed, I'll look down and be at 9:28. If I'm going to hit my goal completion time at the 1/2 marathon of 1:59:59, I don't want to be going too much slower than a flat 9:00.
I almost didn't go, but glad I did. Feels good afterward!
Time: 7:20am, 30:08 minutes
Meal: Nada
Distance: 3.17 Miles
Ugh, tired today. I was up late last night in my usual effort of maniacally working to check items off my to-do list. It's important for me to remember that I'm getting up to longer distances and, while this was a short and easy jog, I really have to take care of myself! I've been doing a pretty poor job of that as of late.
I like my average pace, but am noticing it's jumping around quite a bit. (I'm sure glad I got a new Garmin Forerunner since its really helping me to understand these sorts of challenges.) One minute I'll be running an 8:45 minute pace and, without even feeling like anything's changed, I'll look down and be at 9:28. If I'm going to hit my goal completion time at the 1/2 marathon of 1:59:59, I don't want to be going too much slower than a flat 9:00.
I almost didn't go, but glad I did. Feels good afterward!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Easy Run, East Side to East Beach
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Time: 10:30am, 31:48 minutes
Meal: Oatmeal, Egg Whites and Coffee at 8am
Distance: 3.42 Miles
I've been in a bit of an emotional funk the last two days, and I am feeling the physical affects of that. I was in bed early last night, well hydrated for my 6am run. But I just couldn't get up...my body is rested but my mind is exhausted. What I wouldn't give to turn it off for a couple of days.
I have a lot going on, as is my usual M.O., but in recent months I've pushed rest, exercise and fun to the top of my priority list. It's great for me, and crucial in this current season of my life, but some weeks (like this one) will catch up to me. Anyway, I'm proud of myself for still making today's run a priority despite my other commitments and the late start.
The run itself went well, just frustrated that I can't quiet my mind. My hamstrings are still a bit sore and I had some issues with my calves at around 20 minutes, but a quick stretch fixed that right up. I've tried getting into the habit of doing the same core exercises from last Tuesday, which I can feel is beneficial to my fragile lower back. It's tough, though! I've been doing situps all this time but never realized the impact of slowing them down and pausing for a half a second at the top of the crunch. Ouch!
I'm still feeling overwhelmed, but the run helped a little of the stress. Hopefully I'll get everything done this week I am setting out to do!
Time: 10:30am, 31:48 minutes
Meal: Oatmeal, Egg Whites and Coffee at 8am
Distance: 3.42 Miles
I've been in a bit of an emotional funk the last two days, and I am feeling the physical affects of that. I was in bed early last night, well hydrated for my 6am run. But I just couldn't get up...my body is rested but my mind is exhausted. What I wouldn't give to turn it off for a couple of days.
I have a lot going on, as is my usual M.O., but in recent months I've pushed rest, exercise and fun to the top of my priority list. It's great for me, and crucial in this current season of my life, but some weeks (like this one) will catch up to me. Anyway, I'm proud of myself for still making today's run a priority despite my other commitments and the late start.
The run itself went well, just frustrated that I can't quiet my mind. My hamstrings are still a bit sore and I had some issues with my calves at around 20 minutes, but a quick stretch fixed that right up. I've tried getting into the habit of doing the same core exercises from last Tuesday, which I can feel is beneficial to my fragile lower back. It's tough, though! I've been doing situps all this time but never realized the impact of slowing them down and pausing for a half a second at the top of the crunch. Ouch!
I'm still feeling overwhelmed, but the run helped a little of the stress. Hopefully I'll get everything done this week I am setting out to do!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Long Run - 1:15 Hours on Goleta Beach Bike Path
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Time: 7:00am, 01:15 hours
Meal: Two Brown Rice Cakes with (still my favorite thing ever) PEANUT BUTTER!! Yummmm...
Distance: 8 Miles
I was looking back over my activity log and realizing that my average pace of 9:30 is an outstanding improvement over the 11:00 average I was pacing at just two months ago. I feel kind of like the bionic woman...I'm not sure why I have more strength and "umph" in me, but I suspect it has something to do with my shying away from simple carbs over the last two months.
Well, that's kind of a loose statement, and now is as good a time as any to explain the change I've consciously made to my diet. Inspired by my stepmother, who has lost over 30 pounds on a variant of the South Beach Diet, I began to contemplate what carbs I am eating that I could do without. I knew "no carbs" was not physically possible for me (sounds torturous), but decided I'd compromise by cutting out the carbs I can do without. It ends up mapping out like this:
Not an exhaustive list, by any means, but it gives you an idea. Believe it or not, the above outlined attitude has caused me to lose over 12 lbs in the last 2 months. I feel great, have more energy, and (to bring it full circle) am a stronger runner, cycler and hiker.
However, I almost forgot about how my body begins to complain once we start getting up to these longer distances. Some people are built for running, I am not fortunate enough to be one of those people. For me, at these longer distances, its a constant battle to keep my muscles in check. Traditionally, I've had issues with my calves and knees, but today (and all week, actually) my hamstrings are feeling it. It doesn't feel tight, per se, just weak. So, I'll be working with Dr. Nicole on how to strengthen and loosen those puppies up.
All in all, however, I'm doing (and feeling) great!
Time: 7:00am, 01:15 hours
Meal: Two Brown Rice Cakes with (still my favorite thing ever) PEANUT BUTTER!! Yummmm...
Distance: 8 Miles
I was looking back over my activity log and realizing that my average pace of 9:30 is an outstanding improvement over the 11:00 average I was pacing at just two months ago. I feel kind of like the bionic woman...I'm not sure why I have more strength and "umph" in me, but I suspect it has something to do with my shying away from simple carbs over the last two months.
Well, that's kind of a loose statement, and now is as good a time as any to explain the change I've consciously made to my diet. Inspired by my stepmother, who has lost over 30 pounds on a variant of the South Beach Diet, I began to contemplate what carbs I am eating that I could do without. I knew "no carbs" was not physically possible for me (sounds torturous), but decided I'd compromise by cutting out the carbs I can do without. It ends up mapping out like this:
(lots of space here that I can't figure out why blogger is inserting but not worth debugging since I'm lucky if 1/2 of a person is actually reading this...so if you're that 1/2 of the person just keep scrolling.)
| Can Do Without | Can't Do Without |
| Pasta | Beer! |
| Cereal for breakfast | Coffee (more specifically, my Hazelnut Coffeemate Creamer) |
| Sandwiches (bread) | Oatmeal |
| Large servings of fruit | Granola bar before hiking |
| Noodle Soup | The occasional Pho Thai |
| Hot Chocolate | The occasional cookie |
However, I almost forgot about how my body begins to complain once we start getting up to these longer distances. Some people are built for running, I am not fortunate enough to be one of those people. For me, at these longer distances, its a constant battle to keep my muscles in check. Traditionally, I've had issues with my calves and knees, but today (and all week, actually) my hamstrings are feeling it. It doesn't feel tight, per se, just weak. So, I'll be working with Dr. Nicole on how to strengthen and loosen those puppies up.
All in all, however, I'm doing (and feeling) great!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Hike, Cold Springs West Fork to Tangerine Falls
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Time: 6:15pm, 01:35 hours
Meal: Nuts, Cottage Cheese, Blueberries & a Nature Valley Granola Bar (too much!)
Distance: About 3 miles (I forgot to turn on my GPS until the first mile or so of the hike!
Once again, and AMAZING hike with an AMAZING group of people. This trail to Tangerine Falls is one of my favorites in the area (along with Romero Canyon). It's about a mile on the regular trail, then veers off to an adventure of scrambling up a pretty significant incline...(like 300 feet over 1/10th of a mile). What an adventure, though! I love having to grab at branches and navigate over rocks to get to my destination.
I'll probably regret the climb during my 7-8 mile run tomorrow morning, but for now I'm lovin' the burn!
Time: 6:15pm, 01:35 hours
Meal: Nuts, Cottage Cheese, Blueberries & a Nature Valley Granola Bar (too much!)
Distance: About 3 miles (I forgot to turn on my GPS until the first mile or so of the hike!
Once again, and AMAZING hike with an AMAZING group of people. This trail to Tangerine Falls is one of my favorites in the area (along with Romero Canyon). It's about a mile on the regular trail, then veers off to an adventure of scrambling up a pretty significant incline...(like 300 feet over 1/10th of a mile). What an adventure, though! I love having to grab at branches and navigate over rocks to get to my destination.
I'll probably regret the climb during my 7-8 mile run tomorrow morning, but for now I'm lovin' the burn!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Easy Run, Hidden Valley Area
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Time: 6:30am, 33:29 minutes
Meal: Nada (I don't usually eat in the mornings before these runs...maybe I should?)
Distance: 3.4 miles
A pretty challenging run around my cousin's neighborhood, actually. I am used to running on Las Positas - it used to be a regular training spot with the Team back in the day, before the horrible accident when one of our participants was struck and killed by a drunk driver. (Wow, this post got morbid all of the sudden, but I can't help but think of her every time I'm on that road).
However, what I failed to consider were the hills to and from her house. There's a good hill heading out of the neighborhood one way, and another hill to climb since I chose to do a semi-loop and come back to the house via a different direction. My hamstrings are killing me! I guess that's good...it means they are getting worked, but man that was exhausting!
I ran a tad slower than I had hoped. Hills didn't help. But running alone is so much different as well. I'm remembering how much I prefer to be out running with the team! Maybe this year I'll reach out and find some running buddies for the self-training days!
Time: 6:30am, 33:29 minutes
Meal: Nada (I don't usually eat in the mornings before these runs...maybe I should?)
Distance: 3.4 miles
A pretty challenging run around my cousin's neighborhood, actually. I am used to running on Las Positas - it used to be a regular training spot with the Team back in the day, before the horrible accident when one of our participants was struck and killed by a drunk driver. (Wow, this post got morbid all of the sudden, but I can't help but think of her every time I'm on that road).
However, what I failed to consider were the hills to and from her house. There's a good hill heading out of the neighborhood one way, and another hill to climb since I chose to do a semi-loop and come back to the house via a different direction. My hamstrings are killing me! I guess that's good...it means they are getting worked, but man that was exhausting!
I ran a tad slower than I had hoped. Hills didn't help. But running alone is so much different as well. I'm remembering how much I prefer to be out running with the team! Maybe this year I'll reach out and find some running buddies for the self-training days!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach
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Time: 6:00pm, 32:09 minutes
Meal: Almonds @ 4pm, Nature Valley Granola Bar @ 5:30pm
Distance: 3.4 miles, core exercises at each mile.
That's right, my Garmin Forerunner 305 is BACK! Well, not really, I actually had to buy a new one after my previous one was pilfered out of my suitcase last month during my trip to Africa. Anyway, I missed it...and am happy to have it back on my wrist!
This was my first meet-up with the Team this season for "track practice", though the track at City College is being worked on so it looks a little different this time around. Tuesdays are the days to do some highly-focused training activities (as opposed to most training days which include either a run or cross-train activity). Tonight, Coaches Neal and Nicole, Heather, and Tekle had us work on core awareness to improve efficiency as we run.
The workout looked like this:
A nice little workout! I felt pretty good and am DEFINITELY glad I took yesterday off to rest my tired legs. They're still a little tired, and mostly I feel it in my hamstrings (which have a history of being pretty weak).
I will sleep well tonight!
Time: 6:00pm, 32:09 minutes
Meal: Almonds @ 4pm, Nature Valley Granola Bar @ 5:30pm
Distance: 3.4 miles, core exercises at each mile.
That's right, my Garmin Forerunner 305 is BACK! Well, not really, I actually had to buy a new one after my previous one was pilfered out of my suitcase last month during my trip to Africa. Anyway, I missed it...and am happy to have it back on my wrist!
This was my first meet-up with the Team this season for "track practice", though the track at City College is being worked on so it looks a little different this time around. Tuesdays are the days to do some highly-focused training activities (as opposed to most training days which include either a run or cross-train activity). Tonight, Coaches Neal and Nicole, Heather, and Tekle had us work on core awareness to improve efficiency as we run.
The workout looked like this:
- 10 Minute Warm Up Jog
- 1 mile uphill
- 30 second plank - 10 crunches - 30 second plank
- 1 mile flat
- 30 second plank - 10 crunches - 30 second plank
- 1 mile downhill
- 30 second side plank - 10 crunches - 30 second side plank
- One hill repeat
A nice little workout! I felt pretty good and am DEFINITELY glad I took yesterday off to rest my tired legs. They're still a little tired, and mostly I feel it in my hamstrings (which have a history of being pretty weak).
I will sleep well tonight!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Cross Training - Mountain Biking at Elings Park
Time: 2:50pm
Meal: Too much coffee, not enough protein...and one too many beers the night before
Distance: dunno...
(No map this time...but the new Garmin Forerunner 305 is on its way!)
Galen and I hit the bike trails at Elings park - what a blast that is. Incredible views of the city and some semi-technical (but safe...i.e. no cliffs to fall off of) single-trek. PERFECT for me as I'm trying to be a better rider.
Great fun, but my legs are toast and I am exhausted. Definitely a combination of (1) being sick for the last 2 weeks and still not 100%, (2) running 6.5 miles yesterday after not running at all for the 1 1/2 weeks prior, and (3) the couple of beers I enjoyed Friday and Saturday nights in spite of it all. Where does one find the balance between the active lifestyle and an affinity for beer? Alas, perhaps that is one of the most profound questions of human philosophy.
A little more sleep, a little more focus, and shifting back into training mode should help. I'm exhausted, but it feels like a "good" kind of exhausted. I'm going to fight the urge to run tomorrow and give my legs a bit of a rest - then back at it Tuesday at track!
Meal: Too much coffee, not enough protein...and one too many beers the night before
Distance: dunno...
(No map this time...but the new Garmin Forerunner 305 is on its way!)
Galen and I hit the bike trails at Elings park - what a blast that is. Incredible views of the city and some semi-technical (but safe...i.e. no cliffs to fall off of) single-trek. PERFECT for me as I'm trying to be a better rider.
Great fun, but my legs are toast and I am exhausted. Definitely a combination of (1) being sick for the last 2 weeks and still not 100%, (2) running 6.5 miles yesterday after not running at all for the 1 1/2 weeks prior, and (3) the couple of beers I enjoyed Friday and Saturday nights in spite of it all. Where does one find the balance between the active lifestyle and an affinity for beer? Alas, perhaps that is one of the most profound questions of human philosophy.
A little more sleep, a little more focus, and shifting back into training mode should help. I'm exhausted, but it feels like a "good" kind of exhausted. I'm going to fight the urge to run tomorrow and give my legs a bit of a rest - then back at it Tuesday at track!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Long Run - 1 Hour from East Beach up Past Shoreline
It's been a few years, but I'm back baby! Journal entry #1 of my already-in-progress half marathon training. My Event is in less that 3 months...
Time: 7:15am, 59 minutes
Meal: Brown Rice Cake with Peanut Butter (and extra peanut butter...mmmmmm) @ 6:30am.
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
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I love running with other people, I'm way better at it when I have someone to keep up with. I felt good today, and did great on time considering I have been so sick the last two weeks and hadn't run since last Wednesday. This was my first training with the TEAM, and I am really getting excited. I'm so glad to be a part of it again!
I have raised $0 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!
Time: 7:15am, 59 minutes
Meal: Brown Rice Cake with Peanut Butter (and extra peanut butter...mmmmmm) @ 6:30am.
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
View Larger Map
I love running with other people, I'm way better at it when I have someone to keep up with. I felt good today, and did great on time considering I have been so sick the last two weeks and hadn't run since last Wednesday. This was my first training with the TEAM, and I am really getting excited. I'm so glad to be a part of it again!
I have raised $0 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!
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