Pacing, Schmacing

I haven't written much about running lately, but in a word, it's been GREAT lately. It really is amazing how much easier it is now that I've lost weight and have improved both my health and fitness in general. I'm currently in the early weeks of training for the Medoc Trail Races 10 miler in October. I created a moderate intensity plan using the online SmartCoach tool at Runners World. It's only included short runs of two and three miles so far. I can't believe I'm actually looking forward to increasing the distance next week to 4 miles. 


But, even though, the effort associated with running has improved so much I've discovered that my pacing still completely sucks. I feel like I'm running at generally the same (although slow) pace most of the time, but my runkeeper app shows some strange peaks and valleys still.


Maybe it's just the GPS/app software? Yeah, that's what I'll blame it on.

But the most important part is that I'm using words like GREAT in the same sentence as running. There was definitely a time when that was not the case ...

Three Things Thursday

• My last 5 runs have been on my sister-in-law's treadmill. Like most of the rest of the country, northeastern NC has been colder than usual. My time to run is either early morning before work or in the evenings after work, both of which are in the dark and when the temps have dropped even more. I know many of you are accustomed to running in the 20s and even colder, but a) I'm essentially a wuss when it comes to the cold and b) my cold weather gear isn't really for temps that low, especially my socks. So, the treadmill it is ...

• Which leads me to this, why on earth do I find myself going slower on the treadmill than outside? My only theory is that, ironically, I'm having to adjust to being warm again while running on the treadmill since it's a comfy 72 degrees in her house. I do like being able to maintain a steady pace on the treadmill, but I'm now back to 13:00+ minute miles. I'm confident that my measured routes on the farm are accurate so the 12:00 or so minute miles averaged in December should be accurate as well. The google my tracks app on my phone corresponds with my measurements using my GIS software. This seriously makes me want a Garmin even more now, but that's another story altogether.

• The half-marathon training is still going well. I just need to add in some cross-training twice a week but am not sure what to do. What do you readers think? Would adding in 2 or 3 days of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred be good for cross-training?

Operation Anything

I'm not sure which blog provided a link to KK's Running Through Life blog and her Operation Anything challenge. But I'm glad I clicked through because for the first time in a long, long while I feel that I have the motivation to follow-through on making some healthy lifestyle changes.

The reasons for my reaching this mindset are not revolutionary ... I've just finally reached the point of wanting to make these changes for ME. Obviously, I want to lead a healthy life so I can hopefully be around for a long time to be with my wonderful husband and children. I absolutely want to be a positive role model for my children so they don't grow up to be couch potatoes and have lifetimes of unhealthy habits. I've wanted that for a long time. But now, I want this healthy way of living and healthier body for me because I deserve it.

And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

So, my goal for Operation Anything is "Operation 150." I've reached that weight before and I can do it again. The last time was in 2002, but I fell off the wagon quickly after our beach vacation that year. Ah, yes, trips to Dairy Queen opened the door as apparently sweets are a "gateway" food for me. Once I go past moderation with sugar and chocolate, it's hard for me to stop and return to more healthy choices.

So, "Operation 150" fits in nicely with my weight loss resolution laid out in the prior post. (OK, Taylor, if you're still reading my blog posts from time to time, you do the math since I won't step on the scale or the Wii balance board while anybody's in the room! How's that for accountability? Heck, I might even put a weight loss ticker on the side.)

This week's goal-setting in "Operation 150" ... drumroll please ...

Complete the 4 runs scheduled between now and next Wednesday as part of my half-marathon plan (4 miles Saturday / 3.5 miles Monday / 2 miles Tuesday / 3.5 miles Wednesday)

I've done a good job on the plan so far although last weekend's 4 mile run was shifted from Saturday to Sunday due to a cold, misty rain. I only did 2.5 today instead of 3, but I really consider it a victory because I really, really, REALLY did not want to run today at lunch in the cold. If I had to fight it that hard today, this needs to be next week's goal to give me that little extra motivation.

That's the plan for now. Wish me luck!

Another night run

I think I'm beginning to enjoy these p.m. runs. It was a little after 7:30 tonight before I could go out for my 2 miles. This time I used my new headlamp & it worked great! I just need to tighten the strap a little so it doesn't slip down, but all-in-all, I was quite pleased. I ran a little faster than normal again tonight with an average time of 10:38 per mile. It was the same 2.06 miles as Monday evening, but a much more pleasant time without the cold rain. Total time was 21:55 ... may not sound fast to others, but I'm very pleased.

Well, that's it for now as I need to put the laptop away.

Oh, and 15 years ago right now, my wonderful husband Taylor and I were probably just leaving our wedding reception. Time really does fly by ... what a wonderful 15 years and many more to come!

Rain, rain, go away

Well, Monday evening's run in the rain and the dark may have made me feel a little hardcore, but I wasn't tough enough for tonight's rain. I'd planned on another 2 miles or so after work, but decided against it on the way home. I bought a headlamp at Wal-Mart today and am very anxious to try it out, but I couldn't find a better wind/rain jacket. Too much rain has moved into this part of eastern NC and now there's even a tornado watch. Hopefully I'll be able to fit in a run tomorrow.

On the bright side, I did do the Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred tonight. Will "worked out" with me, too, which was a hoot. He may not have the techniques down, but he moved the entire 20 minutes. Such fun ... but I probably won't be able to move my arms tomorrow!

100 days until the Canal Trail Half Marathon! I haven't mentioned it yet, but I plan on following Hal Higdon's Half-Marathon 12-week training plan which will begin December 20. Yep, that's right, I'm starting it the week of Christmas. Not sure if that's brilliant or stupid ... we'll see if Uncle Higgie (thanks, Nik & Dan) works out for me. If any readers have any advice, I'd love to hear it.