I have run 623.88 miles (and those are only the ones I have logged)

That's like running from NYC to Detroit, but I didn't do it all in one day. It's taken me 16 months, but I'm okay with that. Never in my life would I have thought I could run so much. So even though today was only a four mile day, I'm celebrating my cumulative mileage! I graduated to the Blue level on my Nike+. Whoo hoo! Only 929 miles more until I reach the next level: Purple.

Happy Earth Day!

The intention was to run 6 miles and then walk the last mile while picking up garbage (in celebration of Earth Day). Instead, I fell victim to the iPod/Nike+ tracking and could not bring myself to stop a mile short. So instead, I ran the 7 miles, went home got a garbage bag, and took the kids back out with me to pick up garbage on the side of the road.

Today's run was great. I think I run my long runs better after only one day of rest. After having two days off, it's hard to get into the swing of a long run. So, I may tweak the training schedule again (and by extension my husband's schedule) and try to get out early in the morning on Fridays for the long run. It should work for the lower mileage, but when I get to the 10-12 miles runs, it may get a little tight time-wise. I'll have to see if my husband is willing to be the bus in the morning.

Five Miles in the Mist

It was a five mile day. It was misty out, and running today was tough. I certainly felt yesterday's class. My quads were screaming, and I still have a knot in my left calf. I'm walking like a zombie up and down the stairs this evening. I'm going to take an Advil, go to bed, and see if it feels better in the morning.

Vacation

My kids are home, and I don’t want to exercise. I don’t mind going out on my runs, but dragging them both kicking and screaming to the gym is a workout in itself. So, I was very tempted to skip today’s body sculpting class.

I thought I could work out at home. I’d read in a NYT article that squats are the best exercise, and I was pretty convinced that I could at least do those on my own. But, who was I kidding? Squats are one of my least favorite exercises—the only thing worse than a squat is a lunge. Correction, a walking lunge! So, I headed to the gym, kids in tow, to squat and sweat with the rest of the class (misery loves company). I’m glad I did.

At the start of class, our instructor informed us all that she has breast cancer and will soon be undergoing treatments. This now gives me even more incentive to run and raise money for the ACS. Especially, since she had wanted to run The Half too. She did assure us, that on the days she is able, she will be in class kicking our (rhymes with class). So when I start to grumble because I don’t think I can go one more mile or do one more squat, I will think of her and be inspired by her strength. I’ll hear her voice urging me on with a, “Come on 8 more.” And most likely, it will be because she’s standing in class right alongside me.

BTW: Yesterday was a good NYT health-related article day. Here’s one about how sugar is toxic. And the another about how sitting is lethal.

Earbuds

Four miles today. So begins week three of training for the Half Marathon, and I think the only thing getting smaller so far are my ears. Recently, I had to buy new earbuds for my iPod, because the ones that came with it would fall out of my ears as I ran. So I bought ones made by Philips that wrap around my ear like sunglasses, but I still have to occasionally adjust them as I run. And, they still fall out when I'm running in my rain jacket, because the hood knocks them off.
Then today, one of my cousins posted to Facebook a commercial for new earbuds by Zippearz. Hilarious! I want them!

Category: Things that Hinder Running

I’ll take Medium Distances for seven miles, Alex. For some reason, four-mile and ten-mile runs are fine. It’s the six or seven mile runs that feel long, hard, and boring. I’m guessing it’s because the mid-distance hills and scenery are same as the shorter runs, I just continue in a loop until I’ve reached my distance. The 10-milers (or more) take me on fewer hills and on to a beautiful, shaded nature path through the woods. It’s a 3-mile road run to get there, which is why I save it for the longer runs.

Let's try Time for 60 minutes: Sixty minutes or more is a long time to do anything, especially run. And it is even more so, when you are not used to taking or getting that much time to yourself. It’s really difficult to relax in to my run, when I have a laundry list of other things I should be doing. I just have to accept that some of the housework will have to wait another day, and that my husband is taking good care of the kids. Then, I let my legs run and my mind wander.

I'll take Nutrition for 200 calories: I’ve learned that two cups of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese is not a good pre long-run meal. It leads to the need for a bathroom break midway through the run. So I stick to one cup of coffee and half a bagel with peanut butter about an hour before my morning long run. If I’m running four miles or less, I just have the coffee. Helpful tips.

How about Wind for 15 miles per hour: Today’s fifteen-mile-per-hour wind was not my friend. It especially sucks in the spring, when it blows the winter’s street sand up into my eyes. It gets caught behind my contacts and makes my eyes water so hard that it’s difficult see. Plus, the wind resistance just makes it harder to run. And figuring out what to wear in any weather takes some getting used to. It’s a lot of trial and error. My general rule is that it will feel 20 degrees warmer while running.

And now a Daily Double:

People and Dogs: Mostly with people it’s the speeding cars. Slow down and watch where you are going. I know you are in a hurry. We all are. If I wasn’t, I’d be walking instead of running. But the weather is getting warmer, so a lot of kids and adults are outside. Speeders and distracted drivers, think of how late you would be if you hit one of us. And please, people, leash your dogs. I like dogs, but I don’t want to be wearing one on my leg. I also don’t want to run holding a golf club in case I have to beat a dog off of me. If you don’t have an enclosed yard and can’t watch him outside, don’t let him out. Invisible fencing is not enough. Dogs have been known to break through it. The other day, I had a dog run up and alongside me. Luckily, he didn’t bite me or trip me, and his owner was outside to call him back in to the yard. But still, he shouldn’t have gotten that far. It’s especially frustrating on the trails where people run and bike. Leash your dog. I don’t care how well-trained you think your dog is: It’s a rule for a reason.

Running in the Rain

The plan was to go out for a run between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., but when I looked out the window, there was a sheet of rain falling outside. So I made myself another cup of coffee, and was going to sit it out, when my daughter said, "I thought you were going out for a run." That statement was enough to shame me into my rainy day running clothes and out the door.

Luckily, by the time I got out there it stopped raining hard and there was only a light mist. It served as a reminder that it doesn't necessarily rain all day, and running on a gray day is just as possible as running on a sunny day. And, when properly prepared, the weather really isn't a factor. It may slow me down a little, but that's not a bad thing. There are always excuses, and I really shouldn't let the weather be one.

If you want to give it a try, here are some expert tips on how to run in the rain.

The Healing Properties of Paprika

Today was a Body Sculpt class day, and either I am getting stronger or the weights are getting lighter. I’m starting to feel like I’m getting some strength back. Of course I’ve only been back in class for three weeks. I just hope I can keep with it. With the way my kids have been sniffling lately, I may soon miss a class. I’m hoping it’s just allergies, but just in case, I’ve decided to load us all up on Vitamin C.

Tonight for dinner: Chicken Paprikash over egg noodles and the recipe is courtesy of Eating Well magazine.

I hope the kids like it, because I’ve read paprika is high in Vitamin C, as are the tomatoes, and I think they could use the boost to their immune systems. Paprika also contains a small amount of capsaicin, which is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help lower the risk of cancer. For good measure, I also added a little bit of chili pepper just to up the cancer fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Another interesting fact: Capsaicin is banned in equine sports (for the horses) because of its pain relieving properties. So, if it can help a horse’s body, then a little has got to go a long way in a runner’s body. Right?

Four in the Fog

Another four mile day, and it went okay. It was very foggy and therefore humid, which makes it a bit harder to run. At least it was warmer--50 degrees. I was slightly more tired than usual, so I can see how having two rest days after a long run helps. Plus we had a busy weekend, which may have added to the fatigue. And in the interest of full disclosure, I did have a family party on Sunday, and I did eat way too many cookies and cakes. I'm sure that may have slowed me down a bit. But it was all homemade, so I was able to convince myself that it was all "good" for me.

And, since I was told to bring some of the cookies home with me, I continued to eat them throughout the day today. Milk is a good recovery drink, and what goes better with milk? Everyone needs a day (or two) now and then to splurge, and after all it is one of the reasons I run.

Six Miles

One would think by now, the mornings would be just a bit warmer, but they aren't. It was 32 degrees around 8 am when I started out on my run, and the sun was just starting to soften the frost that was still clinging to the toys my kids left outside overnight. Luckily, the sun warms things up pretty quickly these days (as does running), and I didn’t feel cold for too long.

It was a six mile day, and I felt pretty good. I got in a 50 minute run. I did almost a full day’s worth of yard work before heading off to a playdate with the kids. I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, got the kids to bed, and made tapioca for my husband’s dessert. Now, I am barely able to keep my eyes open, so I’m running off to bed. But soon, I will start uploading my runs to a Twitter account on here, so you can see my pod-gress. :)

Rest Day

Technically, Friday should be a long run day so that I have two full days to recover from the run before starting all over again. But, since Saturdays work better with my schedule, I’m tweaking the training. I’ll see how my body responds. If one recovery day after a long run isn’t enough, then I’ll have to try to come up with another plan. . . or a longer day. :)

The Non-athlete

I am not an athlete. I’ve never been much of an athlete, because I dislike competition. And, there are very few sports I enjoy. But, I like running--though I didn’t always. It only became more bearable when I accepted that I don’t like running fast. Out on the street, I always started off too quickly because I didn’t want to look slow to the cars passing by me. Once I realized the drivers were not laughing at my pace (and if they noticed me at all, were probably thinking they should be out doing the same), I was able to slow down a little and actually (gulp) enjoy my run. So I know nothing about speed work, fartleks, and everything else that competitive runners discuss. I just run to run.

I try to go to a body sculpting class once a week, because when my muscles are stronger the running becomes a little easier. And when the running is a little easier, I can actually think about things other than how hard it is to run. It’s the only time I have to myself, so I try to use it wisely by doing things like composing (in my head) emails I will most-likely never have the chance to send. Or coming up with good ideas like: I should start a blog. (Great, old, related NYTimes article.) Having something else to focus on makes the time go by much faster, and I occasionally have a good idea or two.

I also take a weekly yoga class, because it guarantees that my muscles will get a good stretch at least once a week. And when I stretch, I’ve noticed I’m less likely to experience hip and knee pain. There are mental benefits to yoga too, though I haven’t totally benefited from them yet. But I’ve come a long way. I’ve found a wonderful teacher who is great at noticing individual needs, and she has taught me a few poses that help loosen up tight running muscles. Occasionally, I do them outside of class. Because of yoga, I’m better at controlling my breath and quieting my mind when out on a run, which helps when I’m out there for an hour or longer.

Today was a yoga day. :)

Running The Half

Not only have I signed up to run the Fairfield Half Marathon in June, but I am doing so to raise money for the American Cancer Society. (If you'd like to donate, please do so here). And, since it seems that everyone is blogging nowadays, I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon and attempt to do the same. Not only will it give anyone interested the ability to follow my progress, but if I can keep with the blogging, it may help keep me on track with my training.

This is not my first time running The Fairfield Half Marathon. I did it last year just to see if I could do it. Now that I know I can, I have decided to do it for the ACS. We all know so many people who have been affected by cancer, but it hit home three years ago when my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Luckily, he's doing fine now, and if you want, you can read about what he went through on his blog: http://diecancerdie.wordpress.com/. This June will hopefully be his second cancer-free year, after which we can officially say his cancer is "in remission." It also happens to be right around his 37th birthday. So to commemorate both events, I'm running. . .with his blessing of course, since he has to pick up the slack and watch the kids while I train and run. 

Thanks. :)