mehorsecrazy123

Hi if you've reached my blog because I commented on yours--thanks for stopping by! However I do not update this blog anymore and only use the login to comment on others. You can reach me via email.

jamesdeanrodehere@yahoo.com

---grace

So I had my race yesterday! Woke up at 5:30, made a playlist for my run (see below), ate breakfast and my Dad and I left around 6:30 am. We got to the race about an hour later and the prep was in the patio of a big hotel, a Sheraton. My Dad decided to sign up for the 1.5 mile fun race. As he was getting ready I heard the call for the 5K-ers and my Dad was in the bathroom so I left safety pins for him with a woman sitting on a bench smoking (that was weird I tell ya) and walked off to my race! The start was a bottom of a hill! Not expecting that. I put in my headphones getting ready for the race and I feel a poke on my shoulder--it was my Dad! He decided to run the 5K with me. :) 8:00 am! And we were off! It was actually good that we started in the back of the pack (and we pretty much stayed there all race) because I decided to conserve on my first mile to get my legs warmed up. Well then it turned out that most of the course was hills! We started up a hill, downhill, turn, up another hill, a few turns (we ran through the Goucher College campus which was funny because my Mom went there and I applied to transfer there this fall so it was nice to get a different look at the buildings and dorms. My Dad stayed with me pretty much the whole race. We did the first mile in 14:00 mins (slooow) and then after about 1.5 I needed a walk. Walked maybe a minute? And then ran another couple minutes for a 14:26 mile 2. By that time my legs were tired of the hills, the wind had died down and I was starting to feel tired. Another walk break, up a hill, down the hill, up another hill, turn and I was like OK legs feel awful! Need to walk. Walked two mailboxes and then I knew we didn't have much farther to go. We ran back around the hotel (by this time I wasn't conserving I was running stronger which is harder for me to maintain) and I just needed a itty bitty walk break and my Dad said, "come on! we're almost there!" and I heard this shouting and this guy was on the skywalk encouraging me on! "Come On Sister you can do it!" and that was pretty awesome so I ran down the laast hill, turned and ta da! Finish line! So all of a sudden I just took off and I sprinted around the finish! I did the last minute in 13;50 which is closer to my regular pace. I finished in 42:03! The best thing about this being my first race is that I had no expectations. I had never actually run 3.1 before so I felt pretty good. Now I can't wait for my next race! Also I'm ready to start upping my mileage I think.

Here's my playlist for the race:
I don't want to know--The Donnas
Off the Hook--CSS
Pork and Beans--Weezer
Let's Dance to Joy Division--The Wombats
Gouge Away--The Pixies
Feelin' So Fly--Toby Mac
Waiting Room--Fugazi
We Run This--Missy Elliot
You take my rights away--Skillet
Alec Eiffel--The Pixies
Pressing On--Relient K (so inspiring)
Everything Will be Just Fine--Relient K (well the first 30 seconds as I sprinted across the finish!)


Ok so now that I've run my race I am not really into keeping up this journal. I don't really track my mileage too much anymore but in the last 86 days I have really begun to feel like a runner. I went from someone who could hardly run without being out of breath to someone who can run (with walk breaks) 3 miles! Running is something I enjoy and thanks to running I am also 10 lbs lighter (and counting!). So this doesn't mean that I'm done running just that I'm done documenting it on this blog. The blog will stay up so enjoy reading my progress! :)

You can check out my pictures here

Ok so I officially suck at updating this so this will probably be my last "regular" entry. I just aint enjoying updating this lol.

So uh WHERE DID THIS WEEK GO!? My race is NEXT WEEKEND!?!? Eeeek!! And I haven't even run 3 miles yet! But I am hoping to this weekend and I think I'll be ok next weekend too. This week I had crummy mileage which isn't to say I sat on my butt all week. We got a new puppy so I am always up running around with him and then I work four or five hours a night. And I hit 140 for the first time in six months! Only 10 lbs left to my goal weight. :)

Mileage this week (so far): 3.9
Mileage since March 21, 2008: 100.7 (yay I cracked 100!!)

Ok so today when I went to run it was about 4:30. I decided to run to the beach and back which is a little over 2 miles. It was actually not too bad. I didn't have the energy or ability to tune out my body I think because of the humidity. Plus I am getting stronger so it is getting harder and harder to conserve when I start my runs--my body takes less time to warm up now. Tomorrow I am going to try running 3.5 so we'll see how that goes. Yesterday I did a short tempo birthday run so that was charming lol. I am trying to keep up with my ab work.

Miles last two days: 2.6
Miles since March 21, 2008: 96.8

Man that was quite a time for me to go without updating. So LAST Wednesday and Thursday were double rest days for me which wasn't very motivating. Then Friday I PR'd with 20 miles in roughly 20 minutes!! (ok...23...). I really am starting to understand what people mean by running on "autopilot"--it's like your body just takes over. Then Saturday I had to work at noon so I just did some abs/weights in the AM. Yesterday I had a short 1.3 miles and today I walked my dog a ton for the parade we watched and then we took him to a dog park--so I let all of that count as my workout today. I was in PA for a bit to see my Grandma and had my first birthday cake! Hawaiian Wet Cake--yellow cake, pineapple, vanilla pudding and cool whip! Really good. Plus I roasted my first marshmallow of the summer! Yay! Promise to update tomorrow!

Miles walked/ran recently: 6ish
Miles since March 21, 2008: 94.2

I feel like I am forgetting whatever stuff I did on the 20th....oh well.

Mannn I am bushed. Super active today I guess to make up for the lack of exercise lately. Ran to Inna's house which is about 2 miles away a bit more. I actually ran on the grassy strip by the road. I only stopped twice--once to stretch and then to go use to the porta potty but no go. I found that singing out loud and running is really fun!

Then we went to the gym and I rode the bike and did a few minutes on the elliptical. Tried some of the weight machines too. Walked back to my house. So yeah I was pretty active today!

Miles ran/walked/ellipticalled/biked: 6
Miles since March 21, 2008: 88.2

A few reminders my run/walk today reinforced:

FOOD IS FUEL (aka I need to EAT)
RUNNING IS A STRESS RELIEVER NOT A STRESS INDUCER
WALKING IS RECOVERY (aka SLOW DOWN)
I CAN DO THIS!!!

Miles today: 2.4
Miles since March 21, 2008: 82.2

So today I walked my dog roundtrip 3.5 miles. It the heat. Plus today is probably the worst I have ever (not) eaten. I just wasn't hungry. I attempted running but I only got two blocks before my legs were screaming and I did some stretching--a block later I was walking. So it was not my best run by any means. I just couldn't tune out and enjoy my music either. I think today was a reminder that I need to fuel my body so I can exercise. Good lesson. Probably going to bike tomorrow. My legs have been really tight...

Miles today: 4.7
Miles since March 21, 2008: 79.8

In the last few days I have been fairly active to balance out the few days I spent sitting on my butt because of rain. On Saturday my brother and I bike 7 miles roundtrip to the Animal Shelter. Maaaann was that tiring. Kind of annoying too because I used to bike constantly and now I bike sloooow. And regarding slow I ran slow today (my conservation pace) but I ran for 20 minutes!!! My longest EVER without a walk break. I even was able to control my endorphins which normally leave me tired after an energy surge. The last half block was killer (thank god for good music) but I felt SO strong afterwards. And my legs felt really really tight. I'm embarassed I only went 1.5 miles but today WAS my short run. Tomorrow I am going to actually get up early and try for about 2.5 miles. I am actually feeling pretty good because my goal is to run my whole 5K and this run really proved that I might be able to do it!

Miles ran (NO WALKING!!)/biked: 8.8
Miles since March 21, 2008: 75.1

I ran! And it felt really good. I finally understand what people mean by "pushing through"---I definitely did today while I was running. I *think* I got about 2 miles in today, at least that is what the miles markers said however I calculated and I only went 1.3! I am gonna try to start at the base of the trail tomorrow since I started through the neighborhood today. Anywho I think I did a good job conserving today and then really hitting my stride. I had to really push my slacker body which is mostly because this is only the second run I've had in about a week. I biked yesterday but very little and it was ok--I had to ride my dad's bike and that was kinda sucky so I am going to put air in the tires of mine and get going tomorrow instead of taking a rest day since I am finally feeling motivated again!

Miles today: 1.3
Miles since March 21, 2008: 66.3

So I haven't run in a few days. And mannn it is hard to run in the summer. I was used to running hills in 60 degree weather but now I am running on flat ground in almost 70 degree weather and it is waaay different. Plus the area is much more heavily trafficked. I have started a new running program that is supposed to be easier but I just have a hard time keeping up the pace. I lose stamina. Kinda feels like I'm starting over at square one. Oh well. The nice thing about being home is that I am walking a lot (almost 6 miles today!) and I am also going to start biking again! Yay! Eating is a lot easier too.

Miles today: 6
Miles since March 21, 2008: 65

Ok so I haven't run since Wednesday but I have been eating! Lol. Actually haven't been eating as much as I'd like or need. I can't wait to get home and eat some less processed foods and try cooking food myself! And the oatmeal possibilities...mmmmm. I'll also have to start running in the morning because it gets so hot. But that's ok! I decided to use a 5K training plan from Runner's World so I can be confident that I can stay on track and run the distance. I can run/walk 2 miles in about 30 minutes at the moment so that is pretty ok I think. I've only been running for a little over a month. Can't wait to get back in the groove. Ok now food!

So the other day I got a grilled cheese with tomato at the school cafe. It was yuck:





Even grosser when I tried to eat it:





So I decided to make oatmeal! Which I cannot stop eating...this was oatmeal with coffee milk, bananas and strawberries: SO GOOD. And so filling!





Then we ordered pizza last night. I got white pizza with green peppers and chicken--soooo yummy. And less salt! However I ate waay too much of this.





Then today this was my lunch! Rest of a Subway sandwich (turkey, lettuce, spinach, mustard, green peppers), grapes (half of these were nasty) and Smartfood popcorn (I ate another serving of this afternoon):



Oh and my friends and I made some time to use THIS the past two days....



Soo yummy. I have been controlling myself well. I've eaten very little. However I did crack tonight and have waaay too many Pull n Peel Twizzlers--so tasty! Almost like swedish fish!

I got my ears cleaned today--I feel waaaayyy better. Going home tomorrow! Finals are DONE!!

Ok so today I thought I might try my 5K distance. However I was really tired so I only did 2.5 miles. And I walked most of it. Unfortunately this ringing in my ears is persisting so I am going to go to the Health Center tomorrow to get it looked at. The running that I did do today however was very strong that was good. I just zero energy. It was a low fuel day...oh well I will try doing the 5K distance when I get home I think.

Miles run/walked today: 2.5
Miles since March 21, 2008: 59

Just got back from my work out...ran/walk for 20 minutes (it was nice out once I got moving) it was pretty good. I could've gone longer definitely but I stopped myself short because I want to definitely try my 5K distance tomorrow. While I didn't go very far today I still feel MUCH stronger as a runner. I kept up a really steady pace the whole way through (5 mins run, 1 min walk, 3 minutes run, 1 min walk, 5 min run). Then I went to the gym and did crunches. Does anyone know how to calculate the amount of calories burned doing crunches? I used the bouncy ball and medicine ball and did 3 sets of 20--whew, I'm feeling it.

Maaaannn I am craving another mile...

Miles ran/walked today: 1.1
Miles since March 21, 2008: 56.6

Ok so I tried Wordpress and it didn't agree with me. While I was gone I walked/ran/biked/ellipticalled:

14.3 miles

Yep quite a bit. Today all I could manage was a brisk 15 minute walk. Food wise was ok today. I am having a bit of trouble with sodium--I seem to eat SO much of it. Even when I am trying not too. I started eating turkey again but the stuff at school is LOADED with sodium so I am trying to cut back. Today I did a-ok until around 7 pm. I bought Cheetos (ate the whole bag) and ice cream. It all tasted yummy though so I hope that I will wake up hungry tomorrow (normally do...). Eating a big breakfast has seemed to help me. Also I discovered at dinner that bagels (wish the cafeteria had whole wheat ones) with cream cheese and jelly is AMAZING. Will definitely be eating that tomorrow morning. Second exam tomorrow so I'll be up really early but I am definitely working out (gonna try my 5K distance!!) tomorrow because today was just not ok without it. I've become a junkie Hehe.

Honestly I was just too tired to run today and that did not have a positive effect at ALL. So today was a good reinforcer that yes--I DO need rest days but I need to work out too! I still felt good getting a walk in though so I'm not too worried.

Ok off to shower and go to bed I'm exhausted!

Soooo I had a really great run today! I went 2 miles exactly. A bit longer than I was planning. I got TWO endorphin rushes at the same time in the same song (I listened to it twice). The song is "Rapture" by Pedro the Lion (it's pretty graphic if anyone isn't up for that stuff--but then again some rap music....). The chorus just really gets me pumped I guess.

Anywho this is officially the route I want to be able to run completely. I think it is pretty do-able except for TRAFFIC. I have to cross a lot of streets and it drives me CRAZY when I am stuck waiting to cross the street. Any suggestions? or do I just wait it out?

Really yummy dinner tonight too--the chefs were having a competition so I had a 6 inch Adobo and Sazon (?) marinated chicken sandwich with salsa, pepperjack cheese and guacamole. I challenge anyone to make this--it was incredible. Also had carrots and broccoli. Got a ice cream waffle sandwich but it wasn't very good....still hungry gonna probably have some yogurt and mooch off my friends lol.

I am feel really re-energized about working out now, it's great cause I was feeling discouraged. Tomorrow I'm cross training early (no homework due tomorrow thank god!) and will try running in the afternoon too.

Miles ran/walked (very little walking!) today: 2 miles
Mileage this week: 3.5 miles
Mileage since March 21, 2008: 41.2

First part of my run was up hill--with wind! No fun. Didn't run very long, feeling fine now, I just have had ZERO energy because my eating schedule is all messed up since I missed breakfast this morning. Ugh. However it is one month since I started running! Since then I've built up muscle, lost some weight, and gotten hooked on running!

Miles today: 1.5
Miles since March 21, 2008: 39.2

So that was my accomplishment today. I calculated and I ran roughly (give or take 30 seconds) an 8 minute mile! I just kept pushing on and listening to music and it was really motivating. Unfortunately it took my 22 minutes to get back to school but that was because I wore my sweatshirt today with my key since I know campus is pretty much dead on the weekends and the chances of my "stand and wait for someone to show up and let me in" system working were slim. But wearing my sweatshirt made me soo hott and lazy.

Well hopefully tomorrow (my one month anniversary of running!) will be better.

Miles run/walked today: 2.08
Mileage since March 21, 2008: 37.7

Sooo today is my rest day. And after walking/running/exercising for the last four days straight I need it. But it's nice because I can feel my stamina building, I'm sleeping better, eating better (for the most part--trying to cut back on sugar and unnecessary sodium) and really enjoying running. So much that I really want to be running today. I had coffee for the first time in about....a month and I am bouncing off the walls. I am probably gonna go do homework outside since it is so nice out. By the way, FINALLY nice weather. I have been waiting for this for the last month!

Tomorrow if the weather holds up (and even if it doesnt!) I am gonna try running in the morning. Yesterday Alyssa and I walked about a mile to and back for food (which was good! yay leftovers!) because by 4 pm yesterday it was way too hot for me to go run comfortably. Can't wait for summer when I can get up early before work and run. Maybe I can convince the dog to run with me.

Miles run/ellipticalled Friday: 3.16
Mileage this week: 14.7
Mileage since March 21, 2008: 35.7

Ok so Wednesday I decided to go down to the park and run the woods trail. It was about 1.5 miles down there and around the woods and uphill and back to school. I had very little energy so I just walked most of it. Trail running takes a lot out of me.

Today Meg, Carolyn and I walked the 2.3 miles to Dunkin Donuts (which was crappy), went to Subway and back again. It was a really good walk but I was dumb and wore my least supportive shoes. I was SO HUNGRY when I got back even after Subway, it was ridiculous. Then Alyssa and I were bored so we walked/ran for about 20 minutes around town. It was so nice out! Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer. Going to the gym in the morning and then I think this weekend I am definitely giving myself Saturday off.

Mileage walked/run today: 5.7 miles
Mileage since March 21, 2008: 32.7 miles
Mileage this week since 4/13: 11.6 miles