Week 3

Week 3 workouts/diet update

Sunday:  3 mile treadmill run. 38 minutes/12:50 pace = slooow but I got it done

By the way - I am in love with the fan on this treadmill. 

Its adjustable and makes running a lot more pleasant!

Monday: nothing

Tuesday: 2 mile treadmill run. 24:36/12:18 avg pace

Wednesday:  group training, 1 mile treadmill run/11:34 pace

Thursday: group training

Friday: group training/1 mile treadmill run/12:00 pace

Saturday: no formal workouts, but I did get some exercise in by jumping on the giant trampoline with the kids at a BBQ :)

I'm still not running as much as I would like to be, but I'm doing way better than last week! I'm hoping to get up to 10 miles run this week.

I did stay under my calories for the week (some days were a tiny bit over but others were significantly under).

This is the end of 3 weeks of working out and counting calories (sometimes I count more than I'm supposed to eat, but I'm conscious of it and trying to stay under a certain number). The end of this week brought with it the first subtle changes to my body! I can see increased muscle definition in my legs and arms and my waist is a bit smaller.

Workouts/Eating Last Week

Sunday: no workouts, I was travelling. and eating terribly :(

Monday: group training (strength)

Tuesday:  group training (energy)

Wednesday:  group training (strength)

Thursday:  nothing - giant blizzard, gym was closed. My eating was rough on this day. Snow days = diet killer!

Friday:  no workouts but spent an hour sledding - great workout. Eating not great...Valentine's Day + Snow Day = extra diet killer.

Saturday: group training

So far, I'm failing miserably at increasing my running (since I ran 0 times this week). Hoping next week will bring less snow, more running!

Poor Neglected Blog

I'm still running, I swear! I just haven't blogged about it. However, I've somehow gained a crazy amount of weight in the past year. I hope to use this blog to increase accountability and update my weight loss.

My goals for the next 8 months:

- lose at least 30 lbs.
- PR at my next 10k (end of April), this would mean a time under 78mins
- Run 3 days a week
- Workout (group training) 5 additional days a week
- increase strength in my core/back before my next backpacking trip (June)
- increase speed/endurance before Ragnar DC 2014 (September)

Lots of goals, so little time!

So, in the spirit of accountability, here's how I did this week:

Sunday:  3.17 mile hike (Carderock). 1:05 hrs. (there's a few climbs, plus it was super muddy)

Monday: group training

Tuesday: group training and 1.69 mile run/walk at lunchtime (23 mins)

Wednesday:  no exercise and I ate terribly (snow day)

Thursday:  group training, 3.5 mile run at night (50 mins)

Friday:  group training

Saturday: group training

As for my goals, I need to start running more. I'm hoping to run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (run or hike).

Running Update - 10k Training/Race Complete

An update to my running journey...I started a 10k training program in mid-August. Unfortunately, my brother died August 31st, and this caused a real lack of motivation on my part, so I missed a great deal of the training. I did complete more of the runs the last month of training, and I ran my 10k race in the beginning of November. My finish time was 1:18. Super slow, I know (I am for sure a "back of the pack" runner") but it was a great run - my pace was the same throughout the race, and I could have kept running! 

During my training I realized that once I pass 3 miles or so, running is much easier for me. Its like my muscles remember what to do and just take over...but getting past those 3 miles can be rough! I also discovered I have arthritis in my knees, which seems to both me particularly on runs 5 miles and over. I immediately ice my knees after a run now and I'm wearing neoprene knee braces (which alleviate pain during the run, but not after).

Here I am the morning of the race - very excited!

 It was 35 degrees and sunny - nice running weather.

My boy and I at the end of the race. He was very happy for me.

Evan took this picture of me finishing up the race.

My running buddy Jaime and I (she's waaaay faster than me)!

Next up in my training is speed development (starting in January). In the meantime, I'm trying to run 9 -12 miles a week at a minimum. This weekend I'm running a 5k with my BFF - her very first 5k!

5k Race Day!

A picture of my boy and I before the race. He makes me want to run, to be healthy, to be a role model for healthy habits. I love him.

Saturday was race day. I was definitely worried the day before. My son was very sick (fever and vomiting), my husband was out of town and I really didn't know if I would sleep the night before the race. I also consummed lots of sugar. I know, awful! I took a Valium and that got me to sleep the night before. We got up before 6am and my sister-in-law (a talented runner) came with me to cheer me on and watch Marino during the race.

We were fortunate that race day was gorgeous. In Metro DC, we tend to have HUMIDITY from June - August but Saturday morning it was sunny and in the low 70s with no humidity. I got hot while running, but the lack of humidity definitely helped.

Here I am towards the beginning of the race (number 78 - blue shirt, big smile). I was feeling great at this point.

Normally, I run an 11:30 - 12 minute mile. Almost the entire race I was running faster than an 11:30 and I really just burned myself out. I had to walk for about 30 seconds in the last quarter mile of the race - I was just exhausted (I did finish it running). I finished in 36:06. My goal was 35 minutes or under. Maybe next time!

Do I look tired?!

Here I am with my boy right after the race (I didn't collapse...I'm taking my chip off my laces).

Our running group had snacks and little gifts for us after the race. We plan to stick together and move into the 10k training program next. I really love running with these ladies!

Week 11 Runs - Last Runs Before My 1st 5k!

Monday: 15 minutes, 1.3 miles around lake by my house.
Time of day: 6:30AM
Weather: humid, sunny, not yet hot
Issues: Just fatigue, but felt good after 1/4 mile.

Taking it easy this week for the race on Saturday, but just felt like I needed to run.


Tuesday: 20 minutes at Lake Needwood.
Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: HUMID!!! It rained the entire day, so it must have been near 100% humidity.
Issues: Oh, the humidity was a killer. The end of our run was a big hill and I had to walk for a minute...it felt like I was breathing in steam. I have never sweat that much in my life. My hair was soaked - after a 20 minute run!

Here we are practicing getting water during the race!

Thursday: 15 minute run at King Farm.
Time of day: 7PM
Weather: Cloudy but warm and mild (high 70s)
Issues: None

After our run, some of our pace group met for dinner and drinks to celebrate. The next time we see each other will be at the race! I really enjoy running with these ladies (and Bob!)

Week 10 Runs

Monday: 1.3 miles around lake by my house...leisurely run with the dog...15 minutes

Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: Perfect! 70s, sunny, with a breeze
Issues: None

Tuesday: track at MCC. 35 minutes - speed work.

Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: Sunny and cool.
Issues: UGH! I stopped eating sugar and caffeine on Saturday and I have really had trouble adjusting. I could barely run - I just have no energy!


Taking the rest of the week off to let my body adjust to getting energy from food other than sugar!