Last week I posted a little insight into my woes & frustrations. I wanted to thank each of you that took the time to respond with positive feedback and support. Your words provided comfort and perspective, allowing me to come to terms with the change in direction my training has taken.
I do not want to give up running. I haven't lost my passion. I absolutely love running. I look forward to every opportunity I have to get out there and pound the pavement for an hour or so. I just don't have the desire to go for 3+ hour runs in the cold of winter. I know - I'm probably a wimp. Yet there are demands upon me - granted these are demands I have put in place myself - but they are expectations and goals that are more important in the long run than whether or not I qualify to run Boston.
My children are young. I homeschool. I want to provide the best possible education I can for them. I want to be there when they read their first words. Multiply fractions. Overcome frustrations and ultimatley reach their goals.
It is not that my goal to run more marathons... to hopefully qualify... is not important. But until the kiddos are self-sufficient - the time required to put in the training is difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.
I want to show my children that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. If you desire it strongly enough. Yet at the same time, I also want to show them that there is a time and a place. That we occasionally need to make sacrifices. That we don't have to push ourselves ALL the time. We can also take time to relax. To just be.
So - I am not giving up on running. I am just going to put off the longer distances until they are older. I may still run a 30K or a marathon this year - but during a time of the year when training in freezing temperatures isn't necessary. When the kiddos can accompany me on their bikes. When I can rise before my family for my long runs and yet not require a head-lamp to light my way.
~~~~
OSN: 400m warm-up; 8 x 25m backstroke drill (on the 5th, I torqued my left shoulder); 6 x 25m freestyle sprint w/fins; 20 minutes of --> 150m freestyle, 100m IM, 50m choice (breast). As I finished the 50m, Coach Bob took a seat on the starting block. I remarked to him, "I did exactly what you warned us NOT to do during the backstroke drill." He inquired about where the pain was exactly and then advised me to get out. "Sit in the sauna and take it easy," he suggested.
As I am planning/hoping to swim on Saturday (1 hour postal) - I took his words to heart and followed suit. Tonight, I'm icing and took 400mg ibuprofen.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Getting it Done
Wednesday 1/28:
All morning my inner thigh was a little sore - as though I had pulled a muscle yet I hadn't done anything physical other than my swim on Monday. I couldn't put my finger on what had caused the slight discomfort but I opted to take it easy today anyway... aiming for a comfortable run with no regard to distance or pace.
I started the Garmin before I had completely synced with the satellites... so I didn't realize immediately that I had neglected to Reset from my run on Saturday. I had thereby covered 1.04 miles before this was a realization. Avg pace 10:15.
I then did another 4.5 miles at an average 9:20 pace. Once I was warmed up, I felt strong and didn't notice the discomfort that had previously bothered me. With the confusion with my Garmin earlier, I thought that in the end I had completed 6 miles but a las, it was only 5.5. Oh well.
Saturday 1/24:
My girlfriend and I went out again for an enjoyable 4.51 mile run together Saturday morning. It was cold (26 degrees ?) and threatening to snow but we managed to return home before the flakes began to fall. We took it easy and enjoyed one the company of one another.... our average pace was 9:52 min mile. A comfortable pace for conversing. After we parted ways, I did another .49 miles to even out my miles to a solid 5... average pace for this last 1/2 mile was 8:11.
All morning my inner thigh was a little sore - as though I had pulled a muscle yet I hadn't done anything physical other than my swim on Monday. I couldn't put my finger on what had caused the slight discomfort but I opted to take it easy today anyway... aiming for a comfortable run with no regard to distance or pace.
I started the Garmin before I had completely synced with the satellites... so I didn't realize immediately that I had neglected to Reset from my run on Saturday. I had thereby covered 1.04 miles before this was a realization. Avg pace 10:15.
I then did another 4.5 miles at an average 9:20 pace. Once I was warmed up, I felt strong and didn't notice the discomfort that had previously bothered me. With the confusion with my Garmin earlier, I thought that in the end I had completed 6 miles but a las, it was only 5.5. Oh well.
Saturday 1/24:
My girlfriend and I went out again for an enjoyable 4.51 mile run together Saturday morning. It was cold (26 degrees ?) and threatening to snow but we managed to return home before the flakes began to fall. We took it easy and enjoyed one the company of one another.... our average pace was 9:52 min mile. A comfortable pace for conversing. After we parted ways, I did another .49 miles to even out my miles to a solid 5... average pace for this last 1/2 mile was 8:11.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Go The Distance
I just signed up! My goal for this year is 100 miles! Want to join me?OSN Mon 1/26: 400m mixed stroke warm-up; 8 x 25m breast drill; 350m x 2; 250m x 2; 150m x 2; 50m x 2 = 2200m total
Friday, January 23, 2009
My Woes and Frustrations
Despite my recent doctor visit and steroid use anti-inflammatory prescription, I am still struggling with Plantars Faciitis in my right heel. I am both frustrated and annoyed. I had big plans for 2009. A fun list of races I wanted to run... even a few triathlons.
I have been very careful to stretch well after every run. I ice my heel & arch periodically throughout the day with my foot elevated. When I wake up in the morning, I am methodical about massaging the area before I put any weight on it. In doing all of this - I don't hobble around each day. I notice the discomfort a few hours after my run and a sometimes a little in the morning. All of these measures are helping dramatically. But is it enough?
The Eugene marathon is just around the corner. I haven't registered. And thus - I haven't been following my training plan. I haven't been following any plan, really. To make matters worse - I haven't been on a long run in months. My heart, I suppose, just hasn't been in it. I haven't been pushing myself.
I am now in a quandary. Do I even have the time to put in adequate training for Eugene on May 3rd? Should I perhaps do the half instead? To do either - I need to stop farting around and get focused. But should I? DH thinks I should give up running, "I think you should stick with swimming." Why can't I have both?
I continue to debate with myself. I hope you all have some words of advice. Words of wisdom.
Thursday 1/22:
Masters - 400m warm-up mixed stroke; 350m w/fins; 10 x 50m freestyle drill w/fists; 8 x 150m (odds pull / evens whatever) = 2450 m
Wednesday 1/21:
Tempo Run - 1 mile easy; 4 miles at GMP (goal marathon pace): 8:34, 8:15, 8:14, 8:25; 1 mile easy = 7 miles
Tuesday 1/20:
Rest
Monday 1/19:
Masters - 300m warm-up mixed stroke; 200m w/fins; 12 x 25m fly drill w/fins; 12 x 75m freestyle (? I don't really recall what stroke we were doing on this set) = 1700m
Sunday 1/18:
1 hour snowshoe walk (1.75 miles) with the kiddos - at their pace. A little sledding thereafter.
Friday 1/16:
Masters - 400m warm-up mixed stroke (was that all? I don't recall exactly); 36 minutes of 100s on 2:05 - I did 16 = 2000 m
I have been very careful to stretch well after every run. I ice my heel & arch periodically throughout the day with my foot elevated. When I wake up in the morning, I am methodical about massaging the area before I put any weight on it. In doing all of this - I don't hobble around each day. I notice the discomfort a few hours after my run and a sometimes a little in the morning. All of these measures are helping dramatically. But is it enough?
The Eugene marathon is just around the corner. I haven't registered. And thus - I haven't been following my training plan. I haven't been following any plan, really. To make matters worse - I haven't been on a long run in months. My heart, I suppose, just hasn't been in it. I haven't been pushing myself.
I am now in a quandary. Do I even have the time to put in adequate training for Eugene on May 3rd? Should I perhaps do the half instead? To do either - I need to stop farting around and get focused. But should I? DH thinks I should give up running, "I think you should stick with swimming." Why can't I have both?
I continue to debate with myself. I hope you all have some words of advice. Words of wisdom.
Thursday 1/22:
Masters - 400m warm-up mixed stroke; 350m w/fins; 10 x 50m freestyle drill w/fists; 8 x 150m (odds pull / evens whatever) = 2450 m
Wednesday 1/21:
Tempo Run - 1 mile easy; 4 miles at GMP (goal marathon pace): 8:34, 8:15, 8:14, 8:25; 1 mile easy = 7 miles
Tuesday 1/20:
Rest
Monday 1/19:
Masters - 300m warm-up mixed stroke; 200m w/fins; 12 x 25m fly drill w/fins; 12 x 75m freestyle (? I don't really recall what stroke we were doing on this set) = 1700m
Sunday 1/18:
1 hour snowshoe walk (1.75 miles) with the kiddos - at their pace. A little sledding thereafter.
Friday 1/16:
Masters - 400m warm-up mixed stroke (was that all? I don't recall exactly); 36 minutes of 100s on 2:05 - I did 16 = 2000 m
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
5 Tenets of Running
At Sweetie's Taekwondo class yesterday evening, I overheard two of the moms conversing about Taekwondo and the other classes offered at the dojo. One was explaining how much she enjoys studying TKD herself and how much she has learned not only about the sport itself but also how to protect herself and how to stand up for herself.
She explained that the principles of TKD have really helped her in her everyday life. She elaborated and offered a couple of examples - of which I heard only snippets. As she was talking though, I began to think about this philosophy and how I, as a runner, also strived to achieve these goals. Each one of the 5 tenets of Taekwondo are applicable to other sports as well, particularly running and swimming as they too, like Martial Arts, are individual sports.
Courtesy is demonstrated when we step off single-track trails or wait at the wall to allow faster runners/swimmers to pass... when we look behind ourself before blowing a snot-rocket (if we must)... when encouraging other runners/swimmers as we pass them or see them on the return loop of an out-and-back course.
Integrity is not cutting across trails and shortening the distance of a race... it is not purposely entering a race without paying the race fees... it is not fudging on your race statistics to brag to friends.
Perserverance is getting out there when you really don't feel like it. It is getting out there when temperatures hover below freezing or rise up 70 F.
Self-Control is sticking to a race plan... not going out too fast or too hard. It is listening to ones body and knowing when the pain you feel is a hint of further, more serious injury.
Indomitable Spirit is not giving up. Pushing oneself to the finish - whether to finish a tough workout or to finish a race. It is continuing to strive for a goal - a personal best, to qualify for Boston, or an accumulative distance. Not allowing negative comments or setbacks to deter you.
OTN:
Wednesday 14th Jan
Tempo Run: 1 mile warm-up at 8:55. 2 miles at 8:29 avg pace. 1/4 mile walk RI. 1 mile at 7:58. 1/4 mile walk RI. I forgot to hit the start button. I must have done about 1/2 mile at ~8:30 when I figured it out. I decided to do another 1.5 assuming my estimate was correct. I then hit the lap button and it read 1.75 miles at 18:07 - I thereby realized I also forgot to hit the lap button before I started. My assumption is that the last 2 miles were about 8:30 but I don't know for certain. Finished off with .32 mile cool-down with a few strides. 6:32 miles total.
Tuesday 13th Jan
Rest
Monday 12th Jan
Swim with COMA. 2075m. 500m warm-up; 300m kicking w/fins; 8 x 25m back drill; 400m free w/paddles; 175m fast on 5 min (goal: 3 min swim 2 min rest); 3 x 150m fast on 5; 50m cool-down.
Sunday 11th Jan
3.12 miles easy with CORK. 9:23 mi avg pace
She explained that the principles of TKD have really helped her in her everyday life. She elaborated and offered a couple of examples - of which I heard only snippets. As she was talking though, I began to think about this philosophy and how I, as a runner, also strived to achieve these goals. Each one of the 5 tenets of Taekwondo are applicable to other sports as well, particularly running and swimming as they too, like Martial Arts, are individual sports.
Courtesy is demonstrated when we step off single-track trails or wait at the wall to allow faster runners/swimmers to pass... when we look behind ourself before blowing a snot-rocket (if we must)... when encouraging other runners/swimmers as we pass them or see them on the return loop of an out-and-back course.
Integrity is not cutting across trails and shortening the distance of a race... it is not purposely entering a race without paying the race fees... it is not fudging on your race statistics to brag to friends.
Perserverance is getting out there when you really don't feel like it. It is getting out there when temperatures hover below freezing or rise up 70 F.
Self-Control is sticking to a race plan... not going out too fast or too hard. It is listening to ones body and knowing when the pain you feel is a hint of further, more serious injury.
Indomitable Spirit is not giving up. Pushing oneself to the finish - whether to finish a tough workout or to finish a race. It is continuing to strive for a goal - a personal best, to qualify for Boston, or an accumulative distance. Not allowing negative comments or setbacks to deter you.OTN:
Wednesday 14th Jan
Tempo Run: 1 mile warm-up at 8:55. 2 miles at 8:29 avg pace. 1/4 mile walk RI. 1 mile at 7:58. 1/4 mile walk RI. I forgot to hit the start button. I must have done about 1/2 mile at ~8:30 when I figured it out. I decided to do another 1.5 assuming my estimate was correct. I then hit the lap button and it read 1.75 miles at 18:07 - I thereby realized I also forgot to hit the lap button before I started. My assumption is that the last 2 miles were about 8:30 but I don't know for certain. Finished off with .32 mile cool-down with a few strides. 6:32 miles total.
Tuesday 13th Jan
Rest
Monday 12th Jan
Swim with COMA. 2075m. 500m warm-up; 300m kicking w/fins; 8 x 25m back drill; 400m free w/paddles; 175m fast on 5 min (goal: 3 min swim 2 min rest); 3 x 150m fast on 5; 50m cool-down.
Sunday 11th Jan
3.12 miles easy with CORK. 9:23 mi avg pace
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A Great Start
My girlfriend gave me a call this morning and asked if I was up for a short run. When I awoke, I had wondered to myself if I would go out today or not. Her call was just what I needed to get me going so I jumped at the chance to go with a friend. I don't get that opportunity often and certainly didn't want to pass it up.
We did an easy 3 miles and I have to say, I haven't felt this good running in a long time. The steroid prescription I have been taking this week seems to have done just what I was hoping it would... reduce the swelling in my right heel.
This afternoon, I stopped by Fleet Feet for their Eugene Marathon kick-off party, if you will. I was hoping to win a free race entry (who wouldn't?!) but I have no luck whatsoever. My daughter, on the other hand, apparently oozes luck - she won a spike bag with the race logo. She was all smiles - I'm hoping she'll feel sorry for me and give it to me. ;)
Though I wanted to take advantage of the discounted race entry fee, I decided to play it safe. Wait a few more days - after my longish run tomorrow with the group - to see if my PF issues flare up again. Come Monday morning, if my heel feels fine when I get out of bed, I will register for the marathon.
I do need to reconsider my training plan, however. I don't have much of a base built up. The plan I had originally intended to use is just too aggressive right now.
ORN: 2.75 miles at 9:52 avg pace. 1/2 mile cool-down walk. After run stretches: lunges
We did an easy 3 miles and I have to say, I haven't felt this good running in a long time. The steroid prescription I have been taking this week seems to have done just what I was hoping it would... reduce the swelling in my right heel.
This afternoon, I stopped by Fleet Feet for their Eugene Marathon kick-off party, if you will. I was hoping to win a free race entry (who wouldn't?!) but I have no luck whatsoever. My daughter, on the other hand, apparently oozes luck - she won a spike bag with the race logo. She was all smiles - I'm hoping she'll feel sorry for me and give it to me. ;)
Though I wanted to take advantage of the discounted race entry fee, I decided to play it safe. Wait a few more days - after my longish run tomorrow with the group - to see if my PF issues flare up again. Come Monday morning, if my heel feels fine when I get out of bed, I will register for the marathon.
I do need to reconsider my training plan, however. I don't have much of a base built up. The plan I had originally intended to use is just too aggressive right now.
ORN: 2.75 miles at 9:52 avg pace. 1/2 mile cool-down walk. After run stretches: lunges
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Winter Warrior ?
My new year's resolution for 2009 is "Have more fun!" For me - that means qualifying. I would be elated to finally qualify. I have to believe it is an achievable goal. However, I know I need to amp up my training. Take it further.
These past couple of weeks, DH has been using MY treadmill more than I have. I had lost my mojo these past couple of months and was lucky to workout/train at all. With his new enthusiasm to get in shape himself - he has put me to shame. I've been wallowing in self-pity. But no more!
I found my incentive.... the ticket to burst out of my winter training blues. The challenge I need to kick myself in the arse and stay motivated. Fleet Feet's Winter Warriors.
In 2009 - to have more fun and to push harder, I've vowed to join a running group at least 1x week. The group dynamic is powerful. My love of swimming with Masters is largely due to the friends I've made. I know the same will be true with running.
I thereby joined the Fleet Feet crew this morning for the Sunday run. It took me some time to get into the groove again... I felt out of sync at the start and thereby opted to do just 4 miles. The final 3/4 mile I pushed hard for a fast finish (the fact that the course was slightly downhill was certainly helpful).
Today's run earned me 5 points. Just 70 more to go and I'll earn a "Winter Warrior" tshirt. It will be a little tricky though... I'll need to attend a few evening workouts and that is tricky with the family. However, since DH has started working out himself, I might be able to motivate him to join me.
I've also resumed Cross-Fit. The rage has finally hit Central Oregon - I don't know why it took so long. However, I will still have to do it at home - basically alone, though the kiddos try to do it alongside me - because the facilities here that offer classes do NOT offer child care. Urgh! Why can't they figure out that moms like to stay fit, too! Perhaps more so!
Yesterday's Workout of the Day (WOD):
Angie (for time):
100 Pull-ups
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 Squats
I don't have a pull-up bar... thus I substituted Standing Dumbbel Press (or is it Military Press?). I did 40 reps with the 8lb weight but had to switch to 5lbs to finish. The push-ups I had to break up in sections... 25, then the sit-ups (I did crunches) 25 more push-ups, 100 squats, then the final 50 push-ups. It took me 17:49:30.... much room for improvement!
DH and I had date last night. We saw the movie Twilight... he says I was gushing. Perhaps I was. Anyway... at dinner afterwards, I asked if we couldn't get a pull-up bar. He said, 'Sure.' At Fleet Feet, they have this one, Perfect Pullup. Cool huh?
Feels good to be back. :D
These past couple of weeks, DH has been using MY treadmill more than I have. I had lost my mojo these past couple of months and was lucky to workout/train at all. With his new enthusiasm to get in shape himself - he has put me to shame. I've been wallowing in self-pity. But no more!
I found my incentive.... the ticket to burst out of my winter training blues. The challenge I need to kick myself in the arse and stay motivated. Fleet Feet's Winter Warriors.
In 2009 - to have more fun and to push harder, I've vowed to join a running group at least 1x week. The group dynamic is powerful. My love of swimming with Masters is largely due to the friends I've made. I know the same will be true with running.
I thereby joined the Fleet Feet crew this morning for the Sunday run. It took me some time to get into the groove again... I felt out of sync at the start and thereby opted to do just 4 miles. The final 3/4 mile I pushed hard for a fast finish (the fact that the course was slightly downhill was certainly helpful).
Today's run earned me 5 points. Just 70 more to go and I'll earn a "Winter Warrior" tshirt. It will be a little tricky though... I'll need to attend a few evening workouts and that is tricky with the family. However, since DH has started working out himself, I might be able to motivate him to join me.
I've also resumed Cross-Fit. The rage has finally hit Central Oregon - I don't know why it took so long. However, I will still have to do it at home - basically alone, though the kiddos try to do it alongside me - because the facilities here that offer classes do NOT offer child care. Urgh! Why can't they figure out that moms like to stay fit, too! Perhaps more so!
Yesterday's Workout of the Day (WOD):
Angie (for time):
100 Pull-ups
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 Squats
I don't have a pull-up bar... thus I substituted Standing Dumbbel Press (or is it Military Press?). I did 40 reps with the 8lb weight but had to switch to 5lbs to finish. The push-ups I had to break up in sections... 25, then the sit-ups (I did crunches) 25 more push-ups, 100 squats, then the final 50 push-ups. It took me 17:49:30.... much room for improvement!
DH and I had date last night. We saw the movie Twilight... he says I was gushing. Perhaps I was. Anyway... at dinner afterwards, I asked if we couldn't get a pull-up bar. He said, 'Sure.' At Fleet Feet, they have this one, Perfect Pullup. Cool huh?
Feels good to be back. :D
Friday, January 2, 2009
Revisiting My 888 List
So, 2008 has come and gone and what of my 888 reading list? Did I finish it? No! Am I happy? Yes!! I am thrilled that I read 34 books on my list in 2008!
When I first started the 888 challenge a year ago, I honestly didn’t think I’d even come close to the 56 book mark (8 can overlap). My main goal was to get myself reading more consistently and I know that mission was accomplished!
I read more than twice as many books as I did in 2007, most of which were for my woman's book club which I left in October even though I was a founding member. The group dynamics just started to change with an influx of new members and I no longer felt as though it were a safe place to share. I frequently felt out of place... though I didn't belong. They spent more time socializing and gossiping than reading / discussing the books. But that is a long story and not one worth reviewing here.
I’ve really enjoyed my reading this year. When I shared the 888 Challenge with others, some felt that the categories were limiting. I, on the other hand, felt it helped encourage me to read genres I don't normally select. I know my tastes in books though and chose categories accordingly.
As the year progressed though, I found myself drawn to other books that were not originally on my list but yet I was so compelled to read them. In fact, I had hesitated in reading the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer - I had assumed it would be a silly teen romance novel - but once I picked it up and started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I read all 4 in less than a week. In doing this, and not sticking to my plan, I ended up reading 2-3 more titles in some categories (Education/Parenting and Just For Fun) than the required eight. Thereby neglecting other categories entirely (Biographies).
I really liked the variety of books I finished. There were several books on my original list that I never got to but I knew from the beginning that I would move any that I didn't finish to 2009. I probably could have read more books if I didn't homeschool, coordinate 2 clubs for the kiddos, run marathons, have 2 children and a husband, enjoy crafting and volunteer. Yet, that is certainly okay.
So. . . call me crazy, but I want to read more! I’m compiling a 999 List ~ 9 books in 9 categories in 2009! Again, 9 books can overlap so there are 72 total. I have a huge feeling I won’t come anywhere close but that isn't the point anyway. I really, really like having the categories to pick from me.
In addition, I've formed another woman's book club. A girlfriend (another founding member of the old book club) and I hand-selected the members. We've laid down ground rules. We are committed to actually reading quality literature as well as having a good time. I'm also going to participate in an online book club, Sound Mind, Sound Mom.
It's all a part of my effort to have more fun in '09.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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