I have to say really quickly that I've had to put running on the back burner for a few weeks. Since we're moving to Kansas in just 2 weeks there seems to be no time for exercise unless you count dialing the phone to cancel cable, phone and DSL exercise. Seems like we have a ton of last minute appointments everyday until the packers come.
The other problem is that the weather in Colorado has been just awful. Even though it hasn't snowed in about a week, it's all still sticking around (not usual for this area for the snow to stay for more than a day) and it's bitter cold with lots of wind. The kind of cold that you have to take a nice warm bath just get your body warmed up. We're also going to get another 6 inches of snow on Thursday. I'd hate to run today and then take another week off. Just doesn't feel like I could make any progress like that.
I have started Weight Watchers online. No time for meetings so I'm doing fine with the online program. I have lots 4 pounds since New Years and Fred has lost 8 pounds! Hooray for the Dentes. I'll share the recipes if anyone is interested.
The plan is to buy a treadmill so I can run whenever I want. I didn't get one from Santa so Fred and I have decided to get one when we arrive at Ft. Leavenworth. However, Santa did bring me lots of nice work out clothes. I'll have to do a fashion show....hahaha!
So, until I can run again....
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I ran!
Last night, I got home late but, had to run 5 miles, so went to the gym at 10pm and did it!
I'm gearing up mentally for my next long run on Saturday - 7 miles. I actually look forward to the these runs because I always run outside on the weekends. During the week, it's just not safe to run in Central Park after work because it's dark and running on the streets is not the brightest move (so much traffic!). So, I'm stuck on the treadmill - which I hate. I get claustrophobic after 5 miles. Isn't that ridiculous?
My biggest challenge now is not sticking to the training program - it's trying to bring the same commitment I have to training now to healthy eatting. I am so bad about making good choices when it comes to food. I have to focus on the connection of weight - nutrition - etc and good, safe running.
I'm gearing up mentally for my next long run on Saturday - 7 miles. I actually look forward to the these runs because I always run outside on the weekends. During the week, it's just not safe to run in Central Park after work because it's dark and running on the streets is not the brightest move (so much traffic!). So, I'm stuck on the treadmill - which I hate. I get claustrophobic after 5 miles. Isn't that ridiculous?
My biggest challenge now is not sticking to the training program - it's trying to bring the same commitment I have to training now to healthy eatting. I am so bad about making good choices when it comes to food. I have to focus on the connection of weight - nutrition - etc and good, safe running.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Tomorrow is definitely going to be a day of rest. Guess you can figure out how my workout went today based on that statement. All I want to do is curl up on the couch with my aromatherapy heat pads and veg out.
Met my running goal of 4.4 really slow miles. Just to ease back into running outside, on pavement, with hills, and with weather. I must've gotten really spoiled on that treadmill because my joints are not happy with me. Ankles, knees, and hips. It's not a bad pain (i.e. I didn't hurt myself).
My main goal was to get a really good strength training workout in. My legs (joints) were spent so I didn't do those. I did the assisted pull-up (or is it chin-lift?--the bicep one, whichever it is) machine and was happy with 4. I could have done more, but I got scared without a spotter and I'm not very strong. Figured out my max (max--now that's an oxymoron--as if I can lift more than zero!) on a few exercises and was reassured that I've been lifting the appropriate amount of weight. Bicep curls, tricep press, ab machine, 2 minutes worth of the "plank" position, some oblique crunches, and even an attempt at some pushups, but I'd reached muscle failure by then.
Finished off with a really good stretching period and hobbled out of the gym! My husband came home and said he was ready to stay home and for me to go to work. I mentioned my 2-hour workout and that I was quite happy with our arrangement the way it was! (Much harder to fit that into an 8-hr workday) He had no sympathy. I love my life.
Although no one's mentioned food, that's something I know very little about in terms of training. I know carbs before a big run, protein after a big workout. And that's about it. I'm not a health-food nut and I don't count anything, but I do try to eat healthy. If any of you have some great healthy recipes, post them! Here's my favorite healthy snack. It's very easy (anything I make has to be) and so good I could eat it all day. Great for a summer picnic too since it won't spoil. Of course, we eat it with chips, but pick the baked or reduced-fat or whole grain and it's still healthy. Enjoy!
Salsa (didn't know what else to call it)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 red onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp cumin
Just throw these all together! There's no spice in this, so you can add some hot pepper if you prefer.
Met my running goal of 4.4 really slow miles. Just to ease back into running outside, on pavement, with hills, and with weather. I must've gotten really spoiled on that treadmill because my joints are not happy with me. Ankles, knees, and hips. It's not a bad pain (i.e. I didn't hurt myself).
My main goal was to get a really good strength training workout in. My legs (joints) were spent so I didn't do those. I did the assisted pull-up (or is it chin-lift?--the bicep one, whichever it is) machine and was happy with 4. I could have done more, but I got scared without a spotter and I'm not very strong. Figured out my max (max--now that's an oxymoron--as if I can lift more than zero!) on a few exercises and was reassured that I've been lifting the appropriate amount of weight. Bicep curls, tricep press, ab machine, 2 minutes worth of the "plank" position, some oblique crunches, and even an attempt at some pushups, but I'd reached muscle failure by then.
Finished off with a really good stretching period and hobbled out of the gym! My husband came home and said he was ready to stay home and for me to go to work. I mentioned my 2-hour workout and that I was quite happy with our arrangement the way it was! (Much harder to fit that into an 8-hr workday) He had no sympathy. I love my life.
Although no one's mentioned food, that's something I know very little about in terms of training. I know carbs before a big run, protein after a big workout. And that's about it. I'm not a health-food nut and I don't count anything, but I do try to eat healthy. If any of you have some great healthy recipes, post them! Here's my favorite healthy snack. It's very easy (anything I make has to be) and so good I could eat it all day. Great for a summer picnic too since it won't spoil. Of course, we eat it with chips, but pick the baked or reduced-fat or whole grain and it's still healthy. Enjoy!
Salsa (didn't know what else to call it)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 red onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp cumin
Just throw these all together! There's no spice in this, so you can add some hot pepper if you prefer.
I'll write about my run later when I get more time, but just FYI, a friend ran this past year's Army Ten-Miler and iPods were prohibited as a security issue. So far, all I've seen for this year is that headsets (no mention of iPods specifically) are "highly discouraged". I'm hoping a lot of people complained about this ban and they changed it for the '07 race; otherwise, that might be a deal-breaker for me!
So far, a good week. I did my speed work yesterday and it went really well. Today I did 5 miles at an easy pace, but...I held 2 1/2 pound weight plates in my hands for the middle 3 miles! It was so hard! I am afraid I won't be able to move my arms tomorrow, but what I great feeling to know that I can do it. I am going to spin class tomorrow and my goal is 9 miles on Thursday for my long run. If I can manage to get another 5 miles in this weekend, I will have a successful week! It is amazing how infrequent that happens. There always seems to be something coming between my and my running goals.
Cathy, I love Hal as well. I used his plan for both of my marathons (Bobbi used him too). I did straddle the fence when it came to figuring out my particular level, but I was able to modify the more difficult plan to fit my needs and abilities. This time I am using the interactive tool on the Runner's World site. However, the last few times I have tried to play with it, it has had some kind of malfunction. That's too bad, because I love that this plan tells me not only how far to run, but exactly how fast. That is harder to manage if you are training outside, but here in Germany this time of year is treadmill season and this makes it a bit more bearable.
I do hope all is well with you guys. I have not seen to much activity on the site. Did you run today?
Cathy, I love Hal as well. I used his plan for both of my marathons (Bobbi used him too). I did straddle the fence when it came to figuring out my particular level, but I was able to modify the more difficult plan to fit my needs and abilities. This time I am using the interactive tool on the Runner's World site. However, the last few times I have tried to play with it, it has had some kind of malfunction. That's too bad, because I love that this plan tells me not only how far to run, but exactly how fast. That is harder to manage if you are training outside, but here in Germany this time of year is treadmill season and this makes it a bit more bearable.
I do hope all is well with you guys. I have not seen to much activity on the site. Did you run today?
Monday, January 8, 2007
A runner is anyone who says she's a runner!
I know that when I say I'm a runner - people look at my giant ta-tas and my big ole italian hips and think "sure you are". Am I built for a 5 minute mile? No. But I DO know if I decided that I really, really wanted to run a 5 minute mile - I could do it. For me, running's not about winning. I feel like I win every time I start and finish a run. I feel like a winner when I get up in the morning, tired and uninspired, and run anyway, because Hal Higdon's training program says I have to. I think there are always going to be people who tell others that they shouldn't/couldn't do something (remember the former president of harvard who said women don't have the brain capacity for math and science? He's right in my case... but that's not the point!!) I feel so much better since taking up running in September and me and my big hips are going to keep running our 10 minute miles and be proud of it!!
Someone was talking about needing a training program - I will tell you - I'm obsessed with Hal (link to the right). I was torned as to what training program to select initially, but I started with the beginner 10k. It was really manageable - not a ton of running, so you don't risk injury and a lot of strength and cross training. I think you average about 12 miles running a week on the 10k program. I just switched four weeks ago to the 15k training program and I am doing intermediate because it focuses on speed in addition to endurance. It's challenging. You run five times a week - totaling about 25 -35 miles. This is in preparation for my first ever 15k middle of February. It's a lot of training and it's hard to find the time to do it, but like everything in life, the best things aren't easy.
Someone was talking about needing a training program - I will tell you - I'm obsessed with Hal (link to the right). I was torned as to what training program to select initially, but I started with the beginner 10k. It was really manageable - not a ton of running, so you don't risk injury and a lot of strength and cross training. I think you average about 12 miles running a week on the 10k program. I just switched four weeks ago to the 15k training program and I am doing intermediate because it focuses on speed in addition to endurance. It's challenging. You run five times a week - totaling about 25 -35 miles. This is in preparation for my first ever 15k middle of February. It's a lot of training and it's hard to find the time to do it, but like everything in life, the best things aren't easy.
This should probably be a comment to E's post, but I had too much to say and I hope you guys will weigh in.
OK, I read both of his articles and I have had a bit to time to think on it.
I think I mostly agree with him. I think he goes off course because he does not consider why women run or their goals. Most women do not run to win a race, nor do they train for real distance. He specifically targets elite runners and endurance training. He doesn't mention the average female that wants to run recreationally. I could write my own article on all the health benefits of running as a weight bearing, blood pressure reducing, fat burning, endorphin inducing exercise that none of those other cardio exercises can hold a candle to. Then there is the confidence that running builds.
And...how do you know you aren't a runner type? I spent years saying that could not run. I was never an athlete and I spent at least a year when I started to run learning how to avoid injury, build endurance and oh yeah, breath! We don't need someone giving women another excuse not to even give it a good try. We need to teach women how to run smart and have realistic goals.
Now, all that said, I realize that some people are built differently and that can contribute to certain "success" as a runner. But, success is really defined by the person, right? That is what this whole group is about, celebrating each other's successes and supporting our different goals.
Bobbi and I have had many conversations about this. She will most likely never run as fast as I do, but what a shame it would be to suggest that she can't be a runner in her own right just because she does not have a runner's body. If you look at the majority of marathon runners in the middle to pack of the pack, which is the overwhelming majority of the total runners, you will see more that look like Bobbi than me. By the way, they have fewer injuries and much more fun.
While we're at it, is the opposite of his argument true, that all men are built to be great runners? Ironically, women are beginning to outnumber men in certain races and many believe that a woman will soon run faster than a man at the marathon distance. We have known for years that women are much better at endurance than men (there is that whole having babies thing). So it would be interesting to see a comparison of the rate of injuries between men and women during training for a marathon and completion of the race. Women tend to have more patience and therefore, will train slower and safer (those of you who know how I train will know that I do not have this particular thinking pattern). One of the key elements this guys didn't take into consideration was the male ego. How many men injure themselves because they can't stand to have a girl beat them? I have seen many men pick up their pace to keep up with me only to fall out when they can't. Ha!
OK, I'll stop now. Anyone else?
OK, I read both of his articles and I have had a bit to time to think on it.
I think I mostly agree with him. I think he goes off course because he does not consider why women run or their goals. Most women do not run to win a race, nor do they train for real distance. He specifically targets elite runners and endurance training. He doesn't mention the average female that wants to run recreationally. I could write my own article on all the health benefits of running as a weight bearing, blood pressure reducing, fat burning, endorphin inducing exercise that none of those other cardio exercises can hold a candle to. Then there is the confidence that running builds.
And...how do you know you aren't a runner type? I spent years saying that could not run. I was never an athlete and I spent at least a year when I started to run learning how to avoid injury, build endurance and oh yeah, breath! We don't need someone giving women another excuse not to even give it a good try. We need to teach women how to run smart and have realistic goals.
Now, all that said, I realize that some people are built differently and that can contribute to certain "success" as a runner. But, success is really defined by the person, right? That is what this whole group is about, celebrating each other's successes and supporting our different goals.
Bobbi and I have had many conversations about this. She will most likely never run as fast as I do, but what a shame it would be to suggest that she can't be a runner in her own right just because she does not have a runner's body. If you look at the majority of marathon runners in the middle to pack of the pack, which is the overwhelming majority of the total runners, you will see more that look like Bobbi than me. By the way, they have fewer injuries and much more fun.
While we're at it, is the opposite of his argument true, that all men are built to be great runners? Ironically, women are beginning to outnumber men in certain races and many believe that a woman will soon run faster than a man at the marathon distance. We have known for years that women are much better at endurance than men (there is that whole having babies thing). So it would be interesting to see a comparison of the rate of injuries between men and women during training for a marathon and completion of the race. Women tend to have more patience and therefore, will train slower and safer (those of you who know how I train will know that I do not have this particular thinking pattern). One of the key elements this guys didn't take into consideration was the male ego. How many men injure themselves because they can't stand to have a girl beat them? I have seen many men pick up their pace to keep up with me only to fall out when they can't. Ha!
OK, I'll stop now. Anyone else?
Friday, January 5, 2007
Just to rile us up, I thought I'd include these links. The first is an article titled "Why (Most) Women Shouldn't Run". It's written by a coach and personal trainer. The second is his response after getting slammed a bit.
Actually, I can't really say he's wrong. I have wide hips, and I know I'll never win a race. And I'm OK with that. But some women may not be. There is a huge difference between a male and female pelvis. That's what makes women better at balance than men, it makes women better mountain climbers than men, (oh yeah, and we can have babies) and it makes women able to do this little trick that men can't. Grab a guy and challenge him by saying, "I'll bet I can pick up this chair and you can't."
Get a chair, preferably a short stool. Place it against a wall (if there's a back, turn it to the side). Stand arm's length away from the wall, fingertips touching the wall with the chair between you and the wall. Bend over so that the top of your head touches the wall, and you're looking down at the seat of the stool. Pick up the stool to your chest. Then stand up.
Men can't do this. And it's hilarious watching them try and get so frustrated! Their pelvises just aren't tilted right. Every time they try, they start to fall into the wall. Have fun!
Actually, I can't really say he's wrong. I have wide hips, and I know I'll never win a race. And I'm OK with that. But some women may not be. There is a huge difference between a male and female pelvis. That's what makes women better at balance than men, it makes women better mountain climbers than men, (oh yeah, and we can have babies) and it makes women able to do this little trick that men can't. Grab a guy and challenge him by saying, "I'll bet I can pick up this chair and you can't."
Get a chair, preferably a short stool. Place it against a wall (if there's a back, turn it to the side). Stand arm's length away from the wall, fingertips touching the wall with the chair between you and the wall. Bend over so that the top of your head touches the wall, and you're looking down at the seat of the stool. Pick up the stool to your chest. Then stand up.
Men can't do this. And it's hilarious watching them try and get so frustrated! Their pelvises just aren't tilted right. Every time they try, they start to fall into the wall. Have fun!
Time to get serious about training! That's my short-term goal. To figure out a training plan. My husband is no help. I told him I was going to get a training plan and he said, "You don't need one. My training plan for a 10-miler is to go out and run 10 miles." Ugh! These naturally athletic people drive me bonkers! He hasn't run in months (literally) and he goes out and runs 7 miles at a pace that would beat my fastest mile.
Anyway, I need to get a plan. I'm having trouble though, because I don't know if I'm intermediate or beginner. I can easily run 4 miles which puts me in the intermediate group, but I've only run 2 races and my goal is just to finish, not for time, which puts me in the beginner group. I figured I'd go with the intermediate group since starting at 2 miles seems too easy at this point.
I met my goals for the holidays, which were to run as much as possible (squeezed in a total of 15 miles+hills) and not to gain weight. I didn't gain a single pound, which is amazing considering the sheer volume of crap I put in my body. I even lost a lb in the 3 days I've been home!
I didn't get any lifting in though, so I want to focus on that a bit more. I'm a complete novice though and I feel like I need a plan for that too. Now that I'm home, I can run outside more. Today it was in the 70s! I ran on the treadmill yesterday though since it was raining and I melt. I'm taking the kids to swim lessons tomorrow so I'm hoping to get in a bit of cross-training for myself.
Potential good news on the running partner front! Christy has a friend who's moving here and they will be in our task force. She asked me to help sponsor them and I agreed. We haven't linked up yet, but Christy said she ran the Nashville Half-Marathon this spring while pregnant! I need a pro!
Anyway, I need to get a plan. I'm having trouble though, because I don't know if I'm intermediate or beginner. I can easily run 4 miles which puts me in the intermediate group, but I've only run 2 races and my goal is just to finish, not for time, which puts me in the beginner group. I figured I'd go with the intermediate group since starting at 2 miles seems too easy at this point.
I met my goals for the holidays, which were to run as much as possible (squeezed in a total of 15 miles+hills) and not to gain weight. I didn't gain a single pound, which is amazing considering the sheer volume of crap I put in my body. I even lost a lb in the 3 days I've been home!
I didn't get any lifting in though, so I want to focus on that a bit more. I'm a complete novice though and I feel like I need a plan for that too. Now that I'm home, I can run outside more. Today it was in the 70s! I ran on the treadmill yesterday though since it was raining and I melt. I'm taking the kids to swim lessons tomorrow so I'm hoping to get in a bit of cross-training for myself.
Potential good news on the running partner front! Christy has a friend who's moving here and they will be in our task force. She asked me to help sponsor them and I agreed. We haven't linked up yet, but Christy said she ran the Nashville Half-Marathon this spring while pregnant! I need a pro!
I'm back! We had a fabulous time in Spain, but I only got to run once. Although the hotels were great, their idea of a gym and mine are quite a bit different. The weather was incredible, but we were in lots of small towns with streets that were really glorified alleys with cobblestones and major hills. So, I took the week off. Madrid had a nice gym with a treadmill, so I took advantage of that and everyone was happy. When I don't run, I am not fit to live with.
I was back at the gym today and did 7 miles on the treadmill. It felt great. I plan on 5 tomorrow. I am behind in my plan, but I think I will be alright. Hopefully, nothing will get in the way of my goals next week. I actually worked out with a partner of sorts today. That's really a big deal for me. In several exercises I am at a point that I need spotter to be safe. It is frustrating because I know I can lift more and I want a harder workout, but I need help. I would rather have a partner, but I usually can't find a female that wants to lift like I do. I don't care if her goals are different from mine, but you really need someone who is similar so that the partnership is fair and reciprocal. Guys just get wierd about spotting a girl. Either they are patronizing or they think you are a wimp and they jump to help to soon and then help too much. Add to that this small community where everyone knows who you are and who you are married to and no soldier is going to help me. You would think everyone would be equal in the gym.
Anyway, it went really well with my new friend. She has been lifting for years and is certified in kickboxing, spinning, and personal training. She is coming back to weights after several months. I am sure she will bounce back quickly and we will be lifting about the same weight. I like that she is much more bubbly than me, but quite focused and determined. Having a spotter makes you much more confident since you know someone is there to catch. It also helps to have someone standing over you hollering encouragement. Today, I was able to bench 130! Hopefully, our schedules will allow us to meet at least twice a week. I can do the rest on my own.
I hope all of you had a great holiday and were able to run or at least enjoy the break if you couldn't. Bobbi, Shelley and I are down to a short nine weeks before the Paris Semi-Marathon.
I was back at the gym today and did 7 miles on the treadmill. It felt great. I plan on 5 tomorrow. I am behind in my plan, but I think I will be alright. Hopefully, nothing will get in the way of my goals next week. I actually worked out with a partner of sorts today. That's really a big deal for me. In several exercises I am at a point that I need spotter to be safe. It is frustrating because I know I can lift more and I want a harder workout, but I need help. I would rather have a partner, but I usually can't find a female that wants to lift like I do. I don't care if her goals are different from mine, but you really need someone who is similar so that the partnership is fair and reciprocal. Guys just get wierd about spotting a girl. Either they are patronizing or they think you are a wimp and they jump to help to soon and then help too much. Add to that this small community where everyone knows who you are and who you are married to and no soldier is going to help me. You would think everyone would be equal in the gym.
Anyway, it went really well with my new friend. She has been lifting for years and is certified in kickboxing, spinning, and personal training. She is coming back to weights after several months. I am sure she will bounce back quickly and we will be lifting about the same weight. I like that she is much more bubbly than me, but quite focused and determined. Having a spotter makes you much more confident since you know someone is there to catch. It also helps to have someone standing over you hollering encouragement. Today, I was able to bench 130! Hopefully, our schedules will allow us to meet at least twice a week. I can do the rest on my own.
I hope all of you had a great holiday and were able to run or at least enjoy the break if you couldn't. Bobbi, Shelley and I are down to a short nine weeks before the Paris Semi-Marathon.
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