September 21, 2010

(13)
First day of fall and a beautiful morning for a run.
I did something a little different and challenging today. I pushed my 3 year old in the jogger AND took the furball on his leash. Definitely a little chaotic, especially when we ran by that little kick dog that was out and wandering around. I thought we were all going to get drug down the street on our faces.
But, back on track (away from the yappy dog) we had a pleasant stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately I'm already tiring of this area/route. I'm going to have to mix it up a bit soon to keep from going insane.
I hurt today, for the first time in a couple weeks. I haven't taken THAT much time off (2 days), so maybe I was running faster than usual... I like to think it's the latter. :)
Have been asked by a friend to join her next October, 2011, to do the Chicago marathon. I am not making any commitments, or setting any high expectations for myself at this time. But, I've done it before & a year is PLENTY of time to get ready. For now though I need to stick to my plan, pull back the reigns & cruise for a bit. Who knows what next year would bring... but it is an intriguing thought to do another marathon when I'm 42. :)

September 18, 2010

(12)
UGHHH!!! Another tough run this morning. Just getting our Saturday off to a start with the kiddos & hubby encouraged me to go get my sneakers on & hit the trail... he had some help from my fuzzy pal too! Once Ollie hears the word "run" he goes nuts! He LOVES to run with his mommy. :)
So, as painful as it was, I slipped on the shoes & headed out. Unfortunately I had misplaced my sports watch a few days ago & had to run w/o it. I did a route that I know I cannot do in less than about 28 minutes right now. Hopefully with the extra turns & laps I stuck in there it was close to 30.

It's truly amazing right now that only 12 workouts into this long drawn-out project of mine, I have NO residual pain after my runs. My legs are fine, my lungs have already adjusted, and my blood sugar (bonking) seems to be OK. I did have shaky blood sugar moment & had to get some juice...otherwise I felt great all day. Sure wish some "L" "B's" would start melting off!! Patience I guess.

168 of these 3 mile suckers to go. Fortunately by December or January I will be capable of doing back-to-back days. Until then... may I have another glass o vino?...& one of those tasty chocolates you've been waving around in front of me?

September 14, 2010

(11)
Missed yesterday. Was feeling icky. Would have let myself feel guilty in the past, but there is no point right now.
I hit the gym this morning after dropping of the kiddos. Ran 37 minutes on the treadmill and then did some upper body weight training. While I was running I thought about how much I really dislike running on a treadmill. But today's workout came with two bonuses.
#1 I met my girlfriend there to work out with. It is always a joy to have someone fun by your side to motivate you and keep you on track.
#2 Treadmills show approximately how many calories you are burning. I am always surprised to see how much benefit you get from a hard run, even if it's only a short one.
Tomorrow marks the end of the first month. I probably won't squeeze in another run since I'm not up for back to back days yet. But I have to say, it's been years since I've done 11 solid workouts in a month. I'm happy with my start and look forward to getting stronger, slimmer & more fit in general.

September 12, 2010

(10)
As I struggled this morning to put shoes on, step outside and get the run going, I was reminded of the time of life when I went from being a solid (HEAVY - 2 buck chuck if ya knowaddamean) couch potato, to being a runner. The transition was slow, painful, mentally challenging, and truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I feel back at that point where it is hard to get out there, and once I'm out there it is hard to keep going. But, I focus on what I know to be true that if I do keep going, and keep getting out there it will get easier for so many reasons... habit, strength, endurance, attitude... all of these things are being worked on at the same time right now.

If I conquer them all, I will make it to 180. And I will.

September 9, 2010

(9)
It's a lovely cool morning... perfect for a run. Instead of dragging my tired butt out of bed at 5:30 when my eyes popped open, I procrastinated until everyone else was off to school, work, grandmas... and I had run a couple errands. Slacked off for a few days, but stepped out of the house, sneakers on, dog on leash, with the attitude to take it slow and easy today and just put in some comfortable time joggin. Waved to a couple neighbors, got passed by a nice retired couple on bikes, and at one point 2/3 of the way through the run when I thought was going slow I realized that I was actually pickin 'em up & puttin 'em down. Funny how the body knows how to run and when you disconnect the mind a little and let it go, you can push yourself a bit harder physically. Now that I'm done, it seemed so easy today. I love those days!
So, we missed getting hit by the rainstorm, enjoyed the cool quietness of the day and accomplished a major goal.
On to bigger (piles of laundry) and better (cup o coffee) things for the rest of the day.
Happy trails.

September 4, 2010

(8)
Road tripping this weekend, sans kiddos. Woke early & got to go for a leisurely 35 minute jog with my hubby around Walla Walla & around Whitman College campus. I honestly can't remember the last time the two of us went for a jog together, just us. It was fun, relaxing, and we enjoyed gazing at the beautiful century old mansions. Found out the Whitman mission was built here in 1836, not that long after Lewis & Clark first trekked through the area. Amazing history here.
We visited a few of the local wineries yesterday when we got to town. One we drove by, but did not go in, was Balboa. So, for the morning run I got to be Rocky... Rocky got tire, Rocky had a sore knee (stretched it out & all is well), Rocky is sweaty & needs coffee, Rocky is off to take a shower & drive another 150 miles to join friends for a weekend birthday party. (You should have the theme song from Rocky running through your mind by now). If not, here you go... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvEnIkz82A0

September 2, 2010

(7)
Oh my holy...
WHY did I skip 4 days? BAD Greta!!!
Anyway, did 30 minutes this morning. Ran the whole way (except for quick water, etc. breaks for my fuzzy pal), felt OK & saw lots of people out and about (guess I'm not the only one in the neighborhood that needs to "get a JOB").
No skipping. Say it with me... NO SKIPPING WORKOUTS!!! GEEEEEZZZ!!!
Ok, I'm all sweaty now & have a lunch date across town in 45 minutes. Better go clean up & head out.
My Mantra for now ...stolen though it is... "Life is Good" (TM).
:)