2015 goals

1.       Log food and exercise daily 

2.       Run and workout run 4-5 times per week including strength training and yoga 

3.       Run 650 miles (average 12.5 for the week)

4.       Improve 5K time – sub 40, then sub 37

5.       Improve half marathon time – sub 3

6.        Travel for 1 destination race outside of Texas

7.      Cook 4-5 times per week

8.      Eat at kitchen table 5 times per week

9.      Lose 38 pounds

10.    Think positively

11.    Train for a full marathons

12.    Try 2 new vegetables for the year

13.    Take vitamins for deficiencies

14.    Limit overtime to 2-3 days a week Max

A PR? Who? Me?

I ROCKED Dallas! The Dallas Rock and Roll Half Marathon was my absolutely most enjoyable half marathon that I've done to date, and this was half marathon #6. It wasn't just enjoyable because I had PR (personal record), although that was icing on the cake. I can't say I had the best impression of the Rock and Roll series, based on the San Antonio one I did. I wasn't that impressed with the course or post race party, etc. Dallas totally changed my opinion of the Rock and Roll series. Why?

• Well organized from start to finish - from packet pickup at expo to the pre and post race


• Great pre-race music! Even upon arrival. Got me exited. When I walked up they were playing "I got a feeling...tonight's going to be a good night" by the Black Eye peas. Was a sign of the race to come!


• Midsize race - Only a half marathon and had corrals so no craziness at the start line


• Dallas cheerleaders - I know they were freezing but it was kind of cool to see them!


• Beautiful scenery - not all hood or industrial. Beautiful HUGE homes and landscaping. For the first time, I really was looking around as I was running. This race has the best scenery of a race I've done so far.


• Great traffic control (although I heard a resident left their home and drove on the race course)


• Great volunteers - with plenty of fluids, even at mile 12 for back of the pack people


• Lots of great bands (not allowed in Highland Heights area but we had great scenery there!)


• Not too many mile markers - sounds strange to have this as something I liked but during the race, I only noticed a few mileage signs (with clocks showing the time). Maybe there were a lot more, but I only remember the sign for mile 4, mile 8, mile 11, and mile 12. And of course, mile 13. It helped, especially early on when I struggled more, not seeing or noticing a lot of the mile markers. Especially since I struggled more the 1st half - seeing I was only at mile 5 and had 8 miles left wouldn't have been helpful.....


• Great ending with the Ferris Wheel. Great Texas landmark.


• Awesome post race concert - Bret Michaels. You didn't have to go looking for the concert. You just heard it and could see it. If I had to go somewhere, or come back later, I would have missed it/wouldn't have bothered. By the way, I didn't even think Bret Michaels was someone I wanted to hear/see. I just heard him and saw him as I was crossing the post race area and decided to listen to a few songs because it was pretty good! I think because it was a half marathon only, with a 4 hour time limit, the concert could be held right away

Now on to me! I got a PR! My former PR was 3:10:42. That was from my very first half marathon - Aramco in 2009 (the one I ended up in the medical tent afterwards, lol!). Just as recent as December, I did a half in 3:37 (after taking many months off) and in January I did a half in 3:15. New PR. 3:08:14. On a course with hills!

So what made this race really the most enjoyable besides the scenery? #1 - An AWESOME running partner - Karen! I've done my last 2 half marathon's with her. I think she is my good luck charm! #2 No CRAMPING! I have cramped in every single half marathon I have ever done prior to this. I have struggled beginning around mile 9-11 in every half, and had cramping really hitting at mile 11. That did not happen this time! #3 - I wasn't thinking "What was I thinking when I signed up for this?" the last few miles!!! #4 - I actually felt better the 2nd half of the race and ran negative splits. I never felt like I wouldn't finish the race once I got to the 2nd half. Usually, the last 4-5 miles is where I start thinking I can't finish. But I was feeling good. Odd! I think the strengh training may have played a part in this. Mile splits for the race are below:

1. 14:13 - seeing some usual things. Like a couple of people running with their gear bags. A bottle of water rolling down a hill (running a half marathon carrying a bottle of ozarka?)


2. 14:39 - I'm thinking perhaps this was the first hill? The hill that I didn't know about, by the way...I ran up it, how ever slowly while everyone was walking. Was pretty proud of that!


3. 14:34 - Just running and chatting


4. 14:18 - Just running and chatting.


5. 14:32 - I remember thinking "Beautiful neighborhoods" somewhere in this area


6. 14:42 - I started struggling a bit. The 3-1's were getting harder. This is the farthest I've been lately in training runs since Aramco (part of why I didn't expect anything near a PR). I was thinking I wasn't going to make it 13 miles......


7. 14:50 - Still thinking I'm really not going to be able to finish this race. Dang, I should have made myself get in a few more long runs since Aramco! A little bit of nausea. Maybe I took my 2nd set of endurolytes here.


8. 14:37 - I think around here I have switched to 2-1's instead of 3-1's. It made a HUGE difference.


9. 13:50 - I'm feeling good. Every time the run interval beeps, I cheerfully say "let's go!" to Karen. I'm shocking my self.


10. 13:26 - Must have really been feeling good. This was with walking breaks!


11. 13:41 - Karen tells me we are on pace for a PR for me. I'm too scared to believe it.


12. 13:44 Wow, at mile 12. Karen says we are almost there - see the Ferris Wheel? I say the Ferris Wheel looks pretty far away to me!!!!


13. 14:09 - We were really picking up the run pace - running in the 12's. So I went a little slower on the walk recovery. Started freaking out because I could see I was back in the 14's for the mile average and I was worried I was going to blow it at the end and not have a PR. Since I didn't even set out to PR in this race - only finish - I just can't believe it can happen.....I always blow it the last few miles of the race.

.1 - I don't know. I stopped my Garmin when I crossed the finish line, but I accidently started it back up later and it added on to what I already had.

Actually, I'm just now looking at the elevation chart for the first time - got a copy for this blog, and it explains some things. Like why mile 6 and 7 were extremely hard and why I slowed down so much! And it explains why it started getting easier at mile 8 when I crested the hill. I'm glad I didn't see this elevation chart prior to doing the race!

NEXT GOAL: SUB 3 on November 13th, 2011

San Antonio Rock and Roll!

So what starts with an "A" and is harder than running?

I finally entered the world of crosstraining.....with aerobic classes. It's been years since I attended classes at the gym. I forgot how much fun they are - at least with the right instructor and the right music. Oh, and the right workout buddy!

So how can a class at the gym be harder than running? That's what I wondered as my friend Julie and I attended a 1 1/2 hour Cardio Combo class at the gym. We can run/run-walk for 3 hours straight! Well, it was indeeded much harder. Sweat dripping, cardiovascular system protesting, body tired, just trying to make it thru. But we lasted the entire 1 1/2 hours and then we were hooked!

Last Wednesday we tried a 1 hour Kwando class. We had done one together earlier this year at another gym, but the atmosphere at the new gym we are going to is much better. It's so much fun. The people really get into it - doing the workout while dancing to the music. You watch them and wonder - where do they get all that energy from! And it's the "older" one's who have the most energy!

Saturday, we decided what the heck - let's try the 2 hour "Masters" class. There was a $5 fee that we had to pay for this class - you paid it directly to the instructor who is the same one who teaches the Kwando class. Pay for torture? Are we crazy? Well, in a word, yes! We lasted the entire 2 hours and loved it! Although it's Tuesday and my arms are still sore!

Our half marathon training group starts back up this coming Saturday. I hope the crosstraining will benefit our running. Unfortunately, this means we have to give up the 1 1/2 hour and 2 hour classes at the gym. But we will be there every Wednesday for sure!

Life changing events!

My poor blog. How I've missed you. It's been quite a while. It's amazing how life can change in just a few short months!

Back at the beginning of February, my 4 year old niece came to live with me. As you can imagine, that was a major lifestyle change. I went from a single mother of 1 to a single mom of 2. I can no longer just get up and run on the weekends. I have to make sure I have a babysitter!

During the week, once we get home, I cook dinner, help with Pre-K homework, straighten up a little, and by then it's already 7:30. Bath time is at 8pm, and bedtime no later than 8:30. So that affects what I can do in the evenings on school nights. Since my son is 17, it's been a while since I had to take those kinds of things into consideration.

I've gotten in a few weekend runs here and there. Done a race. But consistently I haven't done much the last 2 months. I've also had some injury issues - the same ones I've had since 2008. I finally have made an appointment with a sports dr to try and get those resolved. I'll have to pay out of pocket, due to the wonderful $2500 insurance deductible

After a couple of months, we finally have a good routine down, and I'm ready to return FULL TIME to the world of the running. My pants and the scale have indicated that it is time to return also. I've also gotten a replacement Bally's card, and plan to utilize the gym on some days during the week when I can't get away to run. They have free daycare. You do have to call a day or two in advance to make a reservation though.

Half marathon training starts back up in exactly 24 days. I can't wait!

Wait listed!

I registered for a 1 month boot camp thru Groupon (http://www.groupon.com/) during the last month of the year. Resolution week!

If you register for their email list, Groupon sends out daily emails for great specials at places through out the Houston Area. The specials are valid for 1 day only, and only if enough people register for the offer. I've bought 5 yoga sessions at Joy Yoga for $25 ($5 yoga classes!!).

For the 4 week boot camp, which also includes access to the body3fit's gym and group classes during the month, I believe I only paid $35! I purchased the boot camp groupon special along with 2 of my running buddies to provide myself with some accountability to stick with it for the entire month. Our intent was to begin the Feb 1st session, held MWF at 6:30pm at Memorial Park, after I had completed the Aramco half marathon.

As I sat here this morning at work, I decided to plan my workout schedule for the Spring since my long distance training is wrapping up. I called this morning to register for the boot camp and to my surprise, both the February and March boot camps at Memorial Park are booked! The body3fit representative said that within 2 weeks of the Groupon offering, they were booked. Guess I shouldn't have put off registering. I didn't even think about both months filling up! They offer a 5:30am Boot camp in the Heights, but I have to be at work at 7:15am. If they were at 5am, I would definitely take that option, since I run at 5am on Tuesdays and Thursdays anyway.

I'm currently wait listed for February and March, but I doubt it if spots will open up - especially 3 spots for my friends and I.

So my boot camp dreams will have to wait until April....

I need to run!

I thought I would get more running in during my Christmas vacation, but somehow it's not working out that way!

My last run was Wednesday. I took off Thur & Fri due to sciatic nerve/hip & knee pain. That was so I could get thru Saturday's long run. Well, I was "sick as a dog" last weekend, so I missed my long run.

Sunday evening I picked up my god daughter, and I have her until this evening (Tuesday). Of course, by the time I drop her off at home, it'll be raining.

Guess that leaves tomorrow - Wednesday - it is also supposed to rain but I guess I could go to the gym and do the dreaded treadmill. Thursday is New Years Eve, but I can always run then to. Not like I have any big plans (haha)

I think I do much better when I have my set routine. 5am Tuesday's and Thursdays before work. 6 am long run on Saturdays. And sometimes fitting in a Wed run. When I'm off a routine, I tend to lose focus in all areas of my life.

I am feeling really antsy/jumpy right now though. My body NEEDS to run. It misses it!

Pain in the A$$

Yes, currently I'm experiencing a pain in the piriformis! Which means I'm also experiencing knee pain. The issue is related to the fabulous sciatic nerve, which many associate with back pain...which is probably why my back is also bothering me.

For a little background information

(below from www.eorthopod.com)

Pain in the buttock that radiates down the leg is commonly called sciatica. Problems in the piriformis muscle can cause problems with the sciatic nerve. This is because the sciatic nerve runs under (and sometimes through) the piriformis muscle on its way out of the pelvis. The piriformis muscle can squeeze and irritate the sciatic nerve in this area,leading to the symptoms of sciatica.

The symptoms of sciatica come from irritation of the sciatic nerve. It's still a mystery why the piriformis muscle sometimes starts to irritate the sciatic nerve. Many doctors think that the condition begins when the piriformis muscle goes into spasm and tightens against the sciatic nerve, squeezing the nerve against the bone of the pelvis

I'm sure that is more than you ever wanted to know but this is not a fun feeling - especially when you are running, although I think it's more bothersome when you are at rest and still feel it. I shouldn't call it bothersome - I should call it what it is...which is painful!

I am stretching more thru out the day, just to try and relieve the pain, and I think I may do a yoga tape tomorrow. The yoga tape that is still in the shrink wrapping. I really need this pain to go away before Saturday's long run. It's only 9 miles, but Tuesday's 3 miler was nearly unbearable, and today's 4.5 mile run was not a walk in the park either!

If only my races were as good as my training runs....

Had another great training run on Saturday. 13 miles, my last long run before the Aramco half marathon. My time for this run was 20 minutes faster than the San Antonio R&R half marathon, and that was with 3 rest stops. Without the rest stops, I would have probably been 26-30 minutes faster. That would bring me to my goal time for my half marathon.

So I seem to have the long run down pat - My 12 miler a couple of weeks ago went great as well.

So how can I take this to my half marathon in less than 4 weeks? My long runs before San Antonio seemed to go great as well and San Antonio was a disaster!

I still haven't quite figured out a few things, one being my pre-run diet. I haven't found that one food works better than another. In fact, for the 13 miler, I didn't eat my normal pre-long run breakfast due to waking up at 5:20 - the time I normally leave the house. My alarm clock - i.e. my cell phone - seems to have a mind of it's own on Saturday mornings and freezes up.

Anyway, I had about 5-10 minutes to get dressed, get my stuff together, and get out of the house so instead of my normal 2 packets of instant grits, I ate 1/4 of a PB/Jelly sandwich in the car on the way to the park and still had a great run.

The night before I had pizza (maybe that helped), but the night before my 12 miler a couple of weeks ago I only had protein - a chili cheese burger with no bread, and still had a great run. The night before the San Antonio half I had pasta and we all know how that race went! So does the diet even come into play with my running?

I do know the one thing out of my control, which seems to make the most difference, is the weather. And all I can do is pray for low to mid 40's on January 17, 2010!

A 360 degree turnaround?

So last week’s blog (which never got written!) was supposed to be about excuses – as in listing all my excuses for not getting any runs in that week. I got in a 3 mile Christmas light run on Thursday with my running group. And that’s it.

But all of a sudden, this week I’ve turned it around. I got in a 12 miler on Sunday. And surprisingly I felt really strong during the 12 miler! Went a little faster than normal, going about the pace I had wanted to run for San Antonio. At the end I was thinking “If only this were Nov 15th instead of December 6th.”.

Although I felt good during and after the run, I was still sore on Tuesday. But I decided to meet my friend at the gym that evening anyway. I rarely see her and I actually joined this gym so we could work out together! I was going to run 2 miles on the treadmill, and switch to the elliptical. I could not even run for 2 minutes! So I switched and just walked a fast mile, and then did 40 minutes on the elliptical.

So for some reason, I decided it would be a good idea to run 3 miles on Wednesday morning. Yeah, that run sucked. I guess the only good thing is that I finished it, although it’s a loop so you kind of don’t have any choice but to finish!

So I decided, let’s run again on Thursday. I was meeting a new running partner. I had run the 12 miles along side her on Saturday and we were a good match pace wise. I had mentioned that I run at 5am and she wanted to meet me. She even sent me an email Wednesday morning about running together on Thursday. So I responded back with the time and place (Memorial Park swimming pool parking lot) and my cell phone #, in case something came up and she couldn’t meet me. Well, 5am, and I’m the only car in the parking lot! I gave her until 5:05 and then started running. Luckily, there are many others out there running at 5 am. I usually hate running by myself and rarely do it, but I had a fantastic run! Fast for me! My run intervals were 12-12:20, and I even went into the 11’s! So I guess the good thing that came out of being stood up is that I realized that I can run at 5am by myself. And I can have a good run, even if by myself.

Today is a well deserved rest day. I ran and worked out 4 out of the past 5 days! So I’m getting a deep tissue massage, because I also decided it was a good idea to run 8 miles on Saturday, and then do a 5 mile Jingle Bell Run on Sunday!

Let’s hope this burst of motivation lasts!

Making Peace with San Antonio

San Antonio Rock and Roll has passed. That half marathon race was way below my expectations. Hot and humid weather (a "warm" front in the middle of November - gotta love that Texas weather), countless mistakes made. The worst run or race in my 16 month running career. By mile 3, I literally felt like crying and walking off the course but alas, I had 10 miles left to go!

Somehow I managed to make it thru. Well, I shouldn't say somehow. It was with the help of 2 coaches from my training group. Also, since it wasn't in my home city, I had to follow the race course to find my way back!

I threw my time goals out the window pretty early. At some points during the race I had to switch to running to 1 light pole, walking to the next light pole, running to the next, etc. I had a ton of unplanned walking during this race. I also had nausea, cramping, etc - all things I've never experienced on my training runs, even in the heat of the summer. Upon completing the race and returning to my hotel room, I just put the medal in my purse. I was upset with my performance.

Now that the race is over, and a couple of weeks have passed, I am happy that I managed to finish, although it was 22 minutes slower than my first half marathon, and 32 minutes off my goal for this race. Many others struggled during the race, so I'm at peace with my performance in the race now, and proudly display my medal in my car. Notice I said I'm at peace with - not happy with - my performance

Things to keep in mind next time I do this race (and there will be a rematch)

• Bring something to eat while waiting! My breakfast was at 4:20 that morning and I didn't cross the start line until 8:30am. Usually I eat and I'm running an hour later. I didn't think about the fact that I wouldn't start the race until 4 hours later. I need to be more flexible - i.e. don't worry as much about sticking to what I've done on my training runs.



• Salt matters - I am a heavy, salty sweater. I need to increase my salt intake the day before the race and get salt on the run in hot and humid weather.



• Do a few runs in the evening to better adjust to running under the sun - I was out there running past 11 a.m. I usually do my runs at 5am. Even though it may be hot at that time of morning (over 80 degrees and over 90% humidity), that's not the same as having the sun beating down on you.

Time to start training for my next half - It's only 1 1/2 months away!