Today was one of those days that I started to worry about when I would run yesterday! I'm up and have my kids at school by 7:40am. I worked from 8-3. Picked up kids and got home at 3:40. Then I had meetings tonight from 5-7:30. And my running schedule said I had to get in 4 miles of hills. Ummm...and just where was I supposed to do that?!!
Priorities. I hate that word sometimes.
For that blessed hour that I had at home I decided to do 3 miles of hills. I called in a pizza for my kids for dinner. And I had the fastest shower in the world and made it to the meetings on time.
I hated all the time that I missed with my kids today.
Then I remember the message this weekend at church about fighting for the call instead of giving in to the emotion. I do spend A LOT of time with my kids. This was one night. And I want to show my kids that when you want something that you should work hard for it. They are helping me cross days off my training schedule and they are cheering me on the whole time. How could I just not do it?
So I didn't get in the full 4 miles. But I got 3 miles. Of hills. And it was 88 degrees outside at the time. I think it all evened out!
It is so easy to give up on ourselves and say that other things are more important. And other things are more important than one run. But in the overall picture you have to have balance. And at the end of this week I will have spent enough time with my kids for each of them to feel loved. And in the few hours I took for myself to work out, I will have also taught them about determination and discipline. And how better to teach than to model.
And when I got home from my meetings my daughter showed me her outline for a paper she has to write on someone that inspires her. She picked me!! My heart overfloweth!
And then I stop beating myself up for taking time out for my run today.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Uh-Oh
Well it seems that every time that I start a running journey and decide to blog about it...something happens. Last time I was going to run every day for a year...I ended up with heart palpitations and found out that I have 2nd Degree AV Block. This time I am having back pain and numbness in both my left leg and arm. GRRRR
I will not be stopped!
And I'm thinking that since I have declared this a spiritual journey that someone from the other team is trying to trip me up. Well...no chance buddy! The war has already been won and I'm on the winning team!
I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning. I am pretty sure (based on extensive google research!! HA HA) that I am having problems with my sciatic nerve, or a pinched nerve or possibly a herniated disc.
I have not altered my training yet. I'm waiting to see what the doctor says.
So...after my sucky run on Saturday morning, I had a sucky 5 mile run on the treadmill on Sunday. I even ate a muffin before. GRRR again!
Last night, for cross training, a friend from work went with me to try a Pilates Plus class. It was OK. The moves hurt but there was so much rest time between each move and the teacher would extend some of those rests and chat away with people in the class. However...today I would move a little this way, and it would hurt. Then I'd move a little that way and it would hurt. Laughing hurt the most. So I guess I did get some core work done!
Today was 4 miles of fartleks (giggle!). I did .5 miles at an 11 minute mile and .5 miles at a 10 minute mile. I repeated that 4 times and got 4 miles done in 42 minutes. And now my body really hurts! But it was one of those fantastic runs where I felt on fire the whole time! And it reminded me of how much I love to run in the afternoon with plenty of fuel in my body. YAY for a good run!
So, tomorrow is rest day. And doctor day.
I'm praying mostly for a miracle and that I will wake up normal tomorrow (Jennifer Devine...no snickering! I can be normal!!). Next, I'm praying that I am not told to stop or change my training in any way. I love this schedule. I want to keep going.
In the end, I will do what will make my body work properly again. If that means not running, I will cross train on the bike or swim or whatever I can handle until we get this figured out. I'm determined! Falling apart...but determined!
I'll let you know what I hear tomorrow.
Till then...Keep Running!
I will not be stopped!
And I'm thinking that since I have declared this a spiritual journey that someone from the other team is trying to trip me up. Well...no chance buddy! The war has already been won and I'm on the winning team!
I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning. I am pretty sure (based on extensive google research!! HA HA) that I am having problems with my sciatic nerve, or a pinched nerve or possibly a herniated disc.
I have not altered my training yet. I'm waiting to see what the doctor says.
So...after my sucky run on Saturday morning, I had a sucky 5 mile run on the treadmill on Sunday. I even ate a muffin before. GRRR again!
Last night, for cross training, a friend from work went with me to try a Pilates Plus class. It was OK. The moves hurt but there was so much rest time between each move and the teacher would extend some of those rests and chat away with people in the class. However...today I would move a little this way, and it would hurt. Then I'd move a little that way and it would hurt. Laughing hurt the most. So I guess I did get some core work done!
Today was 4 miles of fartleks (giggle!). I did .5 miles at an 11 minute mile and .5 miles at a 10 minute mile. I repeated that 4 times and got 4 miles done in 42 minutes. And now my body really hurts! But it was one of those fantastic runs where I felt on fire the whole time! And it reminded me of how much I love to run in the afternoon with plenty of fuel in my body. YAY for a good run!
So, tomorrow is rest day. And doctor day.
I'm praying mostly for a miracle and that I will wake up normal tomorrow (Jennifer Devine...no snickering! I can be normal!!). Next, I'm praying that I am not told to stop or change my training in any way. I love this schedule. I want to keep going.
In the end, I will do what will make my body work properly again. If that means not running, I will cross train on the bike or swim or whatever I can handle until we get this figured out. I'm determined! Falling apart...but determined!
I'll let you know what I hear tomorrow.
Till then...Keep Running!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Running Sucks!
That's how I felt today. I was ready to come home and quit my Rock n' Roll Half. I hated it. I ran outside which is always harder than the treadmill. I ran on an empty stomach (I swear I'm going to stop doing that!!). I didn't get out there until 9:15am so it was HOT. I did a route with a lot of hills. It was hard. And it sucked!
But....
My Jamesy rode his bike with me while I ran and I love that. He cheers me on the whole way and encourages me (even when I stopped and walked up a hill for 30 seconds!).
It ended! The best part about running is always crossing the finish line. Whether it be in a race with thousands of other people or the line that you make yourself cross on your driveway when you get home. I did it. I made it.
I was given an opportunity and I took it. There are people I've lost in my life. People I know and have read about with disabilities. People who would love the opportunity to walk, let alone run. And even though it sucked...I own it.
And so...
It is what it is. Some runs suck. Some runs are epic. And some runs just are.
I love what it does to my body. I love the feeling of accomplishment. I love being able to say that I run.
Today sucked.
Tomorrow might be the best run of my life. Can't wait to find out.
Keep Running! I know I will!
But....
My Jamesy rode his bike with me while I ran and I love that. He cheers me on the whole way and encourages me (even when I stopped and walked up a hill for 30 seconds!).
It ended! The best part about running is always crossing the finish line. Whether it be in a race with thousands of other people or the line that you make yourself cross on your driveway when you get home. I did it. I made it.
I was given an opportunity and I took it. There are people I've lost in my life. People I know and have read about with disabilities. People who would love the opportunity to walk, let alone run. And even though it sucked...I own it.
And so...
It is what it is. Some runs suck. Some runs are epic. And some runs just are.
I love what it does to my body. I love the feeling of accomplishment. I love being able to say that I run.
Today sucked.
Tomorrow might be the best run of my life. Can't wait to find out.
Keep Running! I know I will!
Friday, August 9, 2013
My Name is Krista and I'm a Candy Crush Addict
I wish I thought this was as funny as it looks.
UGH!
I am such an all-or-nothing person. There never seems to be an in-between for me.
I started playing Candy Crush less than 2 weeks ago. I'm already on Level 152.
I quit!
I think I am quitting my tablet too. I went to bed to read last night before falling asleep. I just had to check to see if I had any emails, FB updates, games of Candy Crush to play first. An hour later.... I never did read.
I had a smart phone once. It lasted 3 weeks because I was constantly checking my stuff online. I sold it and went back to my old school no-data phone.
I don't want all of my kids' memories of me to be me with my tablet, phone or whatever other internet device I can get a hold of in my face.
I like Facebook. I like that I get to keep up with people that I no longer live close to. I like that if we are bored I can see if anyone is doing anything and we can set up playdates. I love that if I have a quick question I can throw it on my status and it is answered almost immediately. I don't want to go over the top and give up all social media.
I need to find moderation.
I like to wake up early and check my email and FB. I get up before the kids and have my tea while I'm doing that. It's one of my favorite times of the day. I won't give that up. 15 minutes of that gets my day started and I like that.
It's after school and night time that I really want to cut down. Maybe a quick check after school. Then I can check again once my kids have gone to bed, maybe another 15 minutes. This will be the plan.
And then I can read!
Prioritize.
I can do this!
In running news...today is a rest day! YAY!
Be blessed! And be a blessing!
UGH!
I am such an all-or-nothing person. There never seems to be an in-between for me.
I started playing Candy Crush less than 2 weeks ago. I'm already on Level 152.
I quit!
I think I am quitting my tablet too. I went to bed to read last night before falling asleep. I just had to check to see if I had any emails, FB updates, games of Candy Crush to play first. An hour later.... I never did read.
I had a smart phone once. It lasted 3 weeks because I was constantly checking my stuff online. I sold it and went back to my old school no-data phone.
I don't want all of my kids' memories of me to be me with my tablet, phone or whatever other internet device I can get a hold of in my face.
I like Facebook. I like that I get to keep up with people that I no longer live close to. I like that if we are bored I can see if anyone is doing anything and we can set up playdates. I love that if I have a quick question I can throw it on my status and it is answered almost immediately. I don't want to go over the top and give up all social media.
I need to find moderation.
I like to wake up early and check my email and FB. I get up before the kids and have my tea while I'm doing that. It's one of my favorite times of the day. I won't give that up. 15 minutes of that gets my day started and I like that.
It's after school and night time that I really want to cut down. Maybe a quick check after school. Then I can check again once my kids have gone to bed, maybe another 15 minutes. This will be the plan.
And then I can read!
Prioritize.
I can do this!
In running news...today is a rest day! YAY!
Be blessed! And be a blessing!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
First Day of School
So, what does a half-training mom do on her kids first day back to school?? Run, of course!
Today was a 4 mile AYF (as you feel). I decided to do a progressive run. I started at 5.6 and went up .1 each mile which ended me at 5.9 and makes it a 42 minute 4 miles. Felt great!
I think Thursday runs are my favorite on this program. I am coming off a rest day yesterday and going back into the second rest day tomorrow which makes me push a little harder.
Well, not only did the kids go back to school today, I'm heading back to work this afternoon.
Happy Running!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
AYF, Tempo, Fartlek Oh My!!
So, I'm following this plan and having to learn the lingo of runners. I may have been running for 3 years but there was no rhyme or reason to it....now I seem to be getting schooled!
Today was supposed to be a 3 mile tempo run. On the sheet a tempo run is described as a run "slightly slower than your 10K pace or at an RPE (rate of perceived exertion) of about 7 to 8." Well when I ran my only 10K I averaged a 11:38 mile. On the treadmill I never run slower than an 11 minute mile. So it was hard for me to understand what to do. Instead I looked ahead and saw that next Tuesday I have to do fartlek/intervals.
Fartleks? Really? I can't even say that without giggling!!
Fartlek/intervals is described as alternating "between faster running and recovery walk/jogs. For a fartlek use a variety of distances (for example, a half mile at a hard pace and a quarter mile at an easy one). For intervals use a specific time (for example 2 minute sprints at an RPE of 8 with 2 minutes of recovery at an RPE of 3) Use a mix of these speeds throughout the plan.,"
Today I decided to try fartleks for 3 miles.
I ran an 11 minute mile for the first mile. In the second mile I ran half a mile at a 10 minute, then half a mile at an 11 minute. For the last mile I did half a mile at 10 minute, a quarter mile at 11 minute and finished the last quarter with a 10 minute.
I was sweating like a beast!
And I loved it!
This morning started out sucky because I slept later than I wanted to, then wanted to go back to sleep. I have been having on and off back pain for a few months now and it's been bothering me the past couple of days. But...I got up and ran. And I killed it. And now I know today is going to be fantastic. And the best part....tomorrow is a mandatory rest day and the last day of summer for my kids. Nothing but fun for the next 36 hours!
Happy Running!
Oh, I just realized I put AYF in the title...it means As You Feel. So you can choose your run pace that day.
Be blessed!
Today was supposed to be a 3 mile tempo run. On the sheet a tempo run is described as a run "slightly slower than your 10K pace or at an RPE (rate of perceived exertion) of about 7 to 8." Well when I ran my only 10K I averaged a 11:38 mile. On the treadmill I never run slower than an 11 minute mile. So it was hard for me to understand what to do. Instead I looked ahead and saw that next Tuesday I have to do fartlek/intervals.
Fartleks? Really? I can't even say that without giggling!!
Fartlek/intervals is described as alternating "between faster running and recovery walk/jogs. For a fartlek use a variety of distances (for example, a half mile at a hard pace and a quarter mile at an easy one). For intervals use a specific time (for example 2 minute sprints at an RPE of 8 with 2 minutes of recovery at an RPE of 3) Use a mix of these speeds throughout the plan.,"
Today I decided to try fartleks for 3 miles.
I ran an 11 minute mile for the first mile. In the second mile I ran half a mile at a 10 minute, then half a mile at an 11 minute. For the last mile I did half a mile at 10 minute, a quarter mile at 11 minute and finished the last quarter with a 10 minute.
I was sweating like a beast!
And I loved it!
This morning started out sucky because I slept later than I wanted to, then wanted to go back to sleep. I have been having on and off back pain for a few months now and it's been bothering me the past couple of days. But...I got up and ran. And I killed it. And now I know today is going to be fantastic. And the best part....tomorrow is a mandatory rest day and the last day of summer for my kids. Nothing but fun for the next 36 hours!
Happy Running!
Oh, I just realized I put AYF in the title...it means As You Feel. So you can choose your run pace that day.
Be blessed!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Scattered Thoughts of a Runner
It's Sunday morning and I was not at church. I was on my treadmill instead. I think about God a lot when I run. I thank Him for this body that I once believed was flawed and incapable of running. I ask Him why things are happening in my life. I praise Him for my family that drives me half crazy all the time. I am truly thankful that He meets me on the treadmill even though I don't show up to meet him when I feel like I'm supposed to.
However...I have had a bit of a problem with organized church for a while. Please don't read this wrong...I believe church is a wonderful place and many people meet God there and feed their relationship with Him there. But for me...I feel like I'm being fake. I'm putting on my nice clothes, pasting my happy-family-smiles on myself and my children and I'm tithing, singing and worshiping because I'm being told to. Even when they partake of the Lord's supper...I have not done it lately because it feels like I'm doing what I'm being told to do instead of doing it when God tells me.
I want to talk to God when I feel like it. Sometimes when I have friends over and we are laughing and having a good time, that's when I feel like remembering the Lord's supper...breaking bread with friends and family. I believe that I should be tithing but does that always mean to the church? Shouldn't it also be to my neighbor, my friends, my family when they are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that then I get the recognition but it is not that "I" give it to them...I explain my tithing and that it is through God and following His direction that I am able to give. Isn't this all church too? We are always being told that church is not a building, that WE, the people, are the church...so can't all this be seen as part of God's plan. Should I really be feeling this guilty every time I don't make it to church on a Sunday morning??
This morning while I was talking to God on my treadmill I felt God leading me on a journey. I am on a 12 week half marathon running plan and I really felt God telling me that I am going on a 12 week "God plan" also.
I have made a decision to blog my journey from very average runner to half marathon runner. I love all these ideas and thoughts that I have while running and I thought it would be fun to share them and for me to have a recollection of this adventure.
Today ended week one of training and I did things a bit different. First of all, I followed a plan. People have asked what plan and it is just something I found on Pinterest. There are a million plans out there but this one really caught my eye because it gives me 2 rest days a week (something I rarely give myself!) and a cross training day. That means only 4 days of running a week. It will strengthen my muscles and give me the endurance I need to complete the half. You can go see the plan here: http://pinterest.com/pin/45387908717313244/
Normally I constantly increase my pace when I'm running. I always start at 11 minute miles and end at 10 minute miles or slightly faster. Today was my long run and so I just ran at 11 minute miles the whole time and it was super easy. It was only 4 miles but normally I push myself through the whole thing. To sit back and just enjoy the run at a nice pace felt really good and I felt fantastic, not half dead, when it was over. I will try to remember this for all of my Sunday long runs.
Usually I don't eat before morning runs because I don't have time to eat, let it settle, then run before the kids need me. Today I had a few things to do so I ate a muffin and drank a medium Starbuck's Mocha (and I don't normally drink coffee!). This could have also helped with the run feeling much easier. I'll have to test the theory and maybe use it on race day.
Well, those are my thoughts from today's run. A little scattered like the title suggested. Can't wait to look back and read over these when The Half is over! Have a blessed Sunday and Keep Running!
Krista
However...I have had a bit of a problem with organized church for a while. Please don't read this wrong...I believe church is a wonderful place and many people meet God there and feed their relationship with Him there. But for me...I feel like I'm being fake. I'm putting on my nice clothes, pasting my happy-family-smiles on myself and my children and I'm tithing, singing and worshiping because I'm being told to. Even when they partake of the Lord's supper...I have not done it lately because it feels like I'm doing what I'm being told to do instead of doing it when God tells me.
I want to talk to God when I feel like it. Sometimes when I have friends over and we are laughing and having a good time, that's when I feel like remembering the Lord's supper...breaking bread with friends and family. I believe that I should be tithing but does that always mean to the church? Shouldn't it also be to my neighbor, my friends, my family when they are struggling to make ends meet. I understand that then I get the recognition but it is not that "I" give it to them...I explain my tithing and that it is through God and following His direction that I am able to give. Isn't this all church too? We are always being told that church is not a building, that WE, the people, are the church...so can't all this be seen as part of God's plan. Should I really be feeling this guilty every time I don't make it to church on a Sunday morning??
This morning while I was talking to God on my treadmill I felt God leading me on a journey. I am on a 12 week half marathon running plan and I really felt God telling me that I am going on a 12 week "God plan" also.
I have made a decision to blog my journey from very average runner to half marathon runner. I love all these ideas and thoughts that I have while running and I thought it would be fun to share them and for me to have a recollection of this adventure.
Today ended week one of training and I did things a bit different. First of all, I followed a plan. People have asked what plan and it is just something I found on Pinterest. There are a million plans out there but this one really caught my eye because it gives me 2 rest days a week (something I rarely give myself!) and a cross training day. That means only 4 days of running a week. It will strengthen my muscles and give me the endurance I need to complete the half. You can go see the plan here: http://pinterest.com/pin/45387908717313244/
Normally I constantly increase my pace when I'm running. I always start at 11 minute miles and end at 10 minute miles or slightly faster. Today was my long run and so I just ran at 11 minute miles the whole time and it was super easy. It was only 4 miles but normally I push myself through the whole thing. To sit back and just enjoy the run at a nice pace felt really good and I felt fantastic, not half dead, when it was over. I will try to remember this for all of my Sunday long runs.
Usually I don't eat before morning runs because I don't have time to eat, let it settle, then run before the kids need me. Today I had a few things to do so I ate a muffin and drank a medium Starbuck's Mocha (and I don't normally drink coffee!). This could have also helped with the run feeling much easier. I'll have to test the theory and maybe use it on race day.
Well, those are my thoughts from today's run. A little scattered like the title suggested. Can't wait to look back and read over these when The Half is over! Have a blessed Sunday and Keep Running!
Krista
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