Rut

Well, yes, it’s true. I disappeared for a little while. I’m kind of in a rut. I’m angry at the world. I can’t wait for the work day to be over. I’m watching the clock. I can’t wait for my Spring Break to start. I may just take Friday OFF and start my Spring Break early!

This past Saturday I got in a GREAT run. FIRECRACKER had his first soccer game of the season. Since I had a commitment Saturday morning and his game was at 12, I knew I’d have trouble finding the time for my run…so…I decided I would run home from soccer. It was a perfect run! Perfect route…I ..loved…everything…about…it… Just under 10 miles at an easy pace. There was only one HOT section.

I’m not yet used to the heat, but it won’t take too long…I hope…

I’m thinking of running tonight but want to avoid doing  it with the jogger. It is so much hard to run with the stroller and even though L’ilCHUBBYMAN loves it – I also worry about bad running form and risking injury. So…when HUSBAND gets home tonight, I am planning on heading out for a run. Hopefully he won’t be home too late… My head really needs it.

Tomorrow morning I’m planning on SPIN class and a short run. I’m hoping my SWIMGIRL partner joins me because my motivation has been dragging and we all know that having a partner in crime keeps us accountable.

On a side note – life is funny isn’t it.  I **KNOW** that GOD puts people in your path all the time.

On that note – I’ve got someone coming in a couple days to give me an estimate on solar heating my pool. HUSBAND and I have a mess of projects – a never ending list actually. One project includes expanding the screened in pool area, which involves having some trees taken out, having cement poured and additional pool screen involved. I also want to have solar panels installed so that our pool is warm. I know too many people who’ll be swimming during their spring break and I can only look and our pool and cry that it’s too cold to even put my toe into, let alone my whole body!

Since the Princess 1/2 on Sunday morning, I have been on a race high! I wish I had a race to sign up for this weekend, but 1 - there isn't anything close and 2 - HUSBAND is working all weekend so it's just me and the kids.

Workouts since Sunday:

• Monday - Easy 2 mile run
• Tuesday - 3 miles
• Wednesday - 3 miles

All the above were done in the evening...9pm or later - which I HATE to do because I am therefore up later and getting up in the morning has been ROUGH! So today was a great relief 

• Thursday (today) - 5:30AM Body Pump class + I still need to get my run in tonight.
• Friday planned - run & swim

So the Tri training is beginning. I'm not super excited about the tri training this time around because I am enjoying my running so much. So I am going to keep on training for my running events and sign up for as many as I can.  On the schedule right now are:

1. Winter Park 2 mile + 10k - doing both for the distance dare - 3/24
2. Clearwater Irongirl 1/2 - 4/22
3. Run for God 5K - 4/7

I've been in a crappy mood all day and am so ready for the work week to end. I might even take the day off tomorrow. I have so much to do around the house its freaking me out! I can't stand it when my house is a mess and since the HUSBAND has been working for 3 weeks straight - no days off - (I know...that's rough, but I'm complaining here :) )  I am behind on everything and can't get anything done because I am so busy with the kids.

I'm also in a crappy mood because HUSBAND is acting like an ass because he is over tired. I should be more sympathetic, but honestly, being tired really isn't justification for being an ass. Is it? I think NOT.

Anyways, looking forward to my run tonight and then hopefully going to be early!

Disney Princess 1/2 Recap

The Disney Princess 1/2 was AMAZING!

PR 2:01:52

Overall Pace 9:18

I am trilled with my time. I was aiming for 2:05 as my last (and first) half was the Epcot Wine & Dine last October and I finished at 2:13.

So I SMOKED my TIME!!! 

YAY!

So I am, of course, still riding my race high!

If you're interested in a recap...

The Princess Half kicks off at 5:45AM. I'll have to tell you - having done the Epcot Wine & Dine, which kicks off at 10pm - I without a doubt prefer the evening races...

Since I didn't stay out on Disney property, I had my alarm set for 2:00AM. I'm still nursing L'ILCHUBBYMAN, so I topped him off and handing him over to HUSBAND and was out of bed by 2:15. I was pretty good setting everything up the night before so I grabbed everything, got ready, had a COFFEE (so needed it) and was out the door by 3:00AM.

It was easy getting out to Epcot, where the race start/finish was located. I was out there early, but was glad for it. I was able to check everything out and not feel rushed. Hit the dreaded port-o-let...twice...darn coffee.

I didn't get to hook up with any of the girls I knew who were also running, so that was a bummer. Oh...it was FREEZING...60. Yep - I know...wimpy me...but 60 feels pretty chilly in the morning sometimes! 

There was quit a hike to the start corrals! About a half a mile. I don't think I have ever seen so many port-o-lets. I guess a race of 20,000 women demands that.

Here I am in my corral - I found a gal from Tennesee to chat with and had her take my pic!

 

There were many many women in tiara's, tutu's, or sporting some kind of Princess Flair. So Disney..and very cute. Yes, I dressed up...as Snow White.  I had a royal blue tank that I paired with a self - made tutu of yellow with some red, blue and yellow ribbons throw into it. Then I made some sassy red arm bands. Oh and a sparkly red headband and a red bow. I was feeling pretty princess like! Silly girl that I am.

Princess Attire 

 

Disney does such a phenomenal job with their races. There is entertainment at every mile marker. One thing that did surprise me is just how many people run this race and  stop for all the photo opportunities! There were lines! I guess if you are not running for your time, then it is fun to stop and get you photo with all the Disney characters. I wish I had snapped pictures of the entertainment as I was running... Maybe I will bext time. I'd kinda like to look back.

The run felt easier for me than I anticipated. I didn't have as many long runs in as I had hoped and I was of course worried about feeling ANY pain around my stress fracture site. But no pain!!!

Once I got to mile 10, 11, I was starting to feel it...but not bad. I was running a great race and I felt good! Ther are only like 3 inclines/hills during this race. They are all after mile 10. They sucked....but there was this guy pacing right close to me that I followed up the hills. He MASTERED the hills...I tried to followed. It was weird... I swear he was channeling Dave. I followed him most of the rest of the race.

The only part of this race I was NOT impressed with was the last half mile or so...it was ugly. We were running through back, employee only access areas. Nothing interesting to look at. The last 400 meters or so it opened up and there were LOTS of people cheering the runners on. 

When I crossed the finish line I had to do a double take at my watch. 2:01! I couldn't believe it....what I couldn't believe more - was that I felt like I could have ran it harder. So next time I am working on sub 2:00.

Disney corralled you along -there was water and Powerade -I grabbed both. They were both warm. YUCK! Then they picture both....I can't wait to see that! LOL...I did a funny pose. Then we picked up our "goody" boxes. Which I was very impressed with. But it would have been nice to have a little bag so it wasn't hard to carry that and my banana and drinks.

I found a spot and stretched and noshed on my banana. I tossed the Powerade. Warm lemon Powerade is NASTY. Then I again looked at my time! WOW! I was impressed with myself!!! Disney allows you to set up running tracking and it sends texts to you phone with your splits. For the Epcot these texts were very accurate - as far as when you received them - but for the Princess I was getting the text within about 10 seconds of crossing timing mats. Anyway, I cjhecked on my girlfriend and once I got the text that she had completed we met up and congratulated one another. She did great and set a PR as well! So proud of us both!

This is a race I will, without a doubt, do again and again and again. It was so fun! And dressing in costume...LOVED it! I got to be a Princess and run through Cinderella's castle! I LOVE FLORIDA!

Check out my race BLING! I need to get a better picture for ya.

Oh yeah...Feeling Sassy!

Tapering

1 mile last night

Tonightt 1-4 depending on how I am feeling

Saturday 1-2 

Yes, I am in full taper mode

Sunday Princess 1/2

Picked up my race packet at the expo today. 

I had to go to runner relations to submit my proof pf time and to change my name, as they had made an error when they registered me.

I don't know how I managed this but I did...I had my corral changed - I'm in corral B

But I FORGOT to have them change my name! 

And the worst thing is...I didn't even realize that I forgot until hours later after I was back at work.

Oh well...at least I know how to find my results! But jeesh!

I'm not going to make an extra trip out there tomorrow just to have them swap a V for an R.

At least the mistake is in my last name and no my first so my bib is still correct!

I am on a Pre -half -marathon high! I am super excited and ready to sign up for my next race!

There is the Clearwater IronGirl 1/2 on April 22. 

I'd register for it right now if I could be more sure of HUSBAND'S schedule.

Missed my first 1 mile

So I have my 30 day challenge of running no less than 1 mile every single day for 30 days. On some days (regular off days) that means 1 mile while on other days it means 6 or 7 or whatever is on my plan for the day. 

I didn't run yesterday.

I didn't even realize it last night. 

I had planned a morning run, but overslept. 

Then I figured, OK, np, I'll run tonight when HUSBAND gets home.

Well, HUSBAND got home and I had totally forgot that I needed to get in my 1 mile because I had missed it in the morning. It was also raining outside, so maybe my mind just wasn't there.

Anyways, when I woke up this morning, late again, and unable to get a quick run in...I also realized that I completely missed yesterday. 

I was really mad at myself and couldn't believe that I had forgotten!

I struggled with it all morning.

But you know what...I have been hitting it everyday for the last two weeks and I am proud of myself. I am going to let this little slip up go...I will lace up my sneakers tonight and run run run - because that it what I like to do and just because I missed a day of my challenge doesn't mean I have to beat myself up!

Excited! First 1/2 post SF!

Actually I am SUPER excited for the Princess 1/2!!!

This is my second 1/2 marathon. My first was the Epcot Wine & Dine 2011 last October. It was amazing! I was pleased with my time, but hope to break that PR of 2:13:50.

My only regret is not getting in enough LONG runs...this is really a challenge for me and something I hope to change in the months between now and the Wine & Dine.

Hold up!!!

I do have a valid excuse ...which I tend to keep forgetting when I am moaning and groaning about not having enough long runs.

I had a stress fracture people!! Diagnosed November ,1 2011. I wasn't able to start running again until January and I had to take it very very very slow.

So here I am, end of February...I should be CELEBRATING that I can even run!!! not complaining about not having enough long runs. It just gets better from here baby!!! I'll keep taking it as I can and be thankful I can run! Yay! I feel better now...much better, in fact.

Time to get Fired Up!

It's time to get Fired Up! The Disney Princess 1/2  is just 4 days away! And I am super excited...I really am...except I am honestly just blah... I don't know what it is - if it is just the demand of my schedule and the kids or maybe that my friend is due to arrive soon. I don't know, but I don't like it! Everything is annoying me!

TUESDAY Workout = 5K run around neighborhood at 9:30 PM.

Yes - PM. I never run at night, but my days have just been crazy lately and my energy for getting my butt out of bed at 5AM has been non-existent.

This too shall pass.

Here's the plan:

TONIGHT: at least 6 mile run in neighborhood
TMW AM: Body Pump at the Y + 1 mile run
Friday: 2 mile run
Saturday: 2 mile run

SUNDAY: RACE DAY!!!

On a high note - I TOTALLY scored at DSW yesterday.
5 pairs of shoes for $179.
I used multiple coupons and $60 in rewards dollars.
Oh yes and that 6 pairs..one pair was a gorgeous pair of new Brooks!!!
YAY for ME!

Oh how I love DSW

Back into the swing of things...back to work after a long weekend.

WORKOUTS
SUNDAY - 2.2 miles (QB Trail) with FIRECRACKER on his bike and L'ilChubbyMan in the stroller. Not posting the time because what's the point - I'm painfully slow pushing the jogger.

MONDAY - 2.2 miles (QB Trail) with L'ilChubbyMan in the jogging stroller...FIRECRACKER was at school (play day) hanging with his buds.

TUESDAY - That's today and I am going to go a longer run tonight once HUSBAND gets home....it will be a late run -probably 9pm - but I want to get in the longer run today instead of only 1-2 miles. It's going to be a full day and evening. Work...busy busy busy...then home, feed the little men, hopefully squeeze baths in before heading out the door to a scout trip to tour the police station. Then home, get the little men into bed, and as soon as HUSBAND gets home, head out the door for my RUN!!! So looking forward to it and to boot - I have some new tunes loaded onto my iPod.

During lunch today I'm actually heading out on errands -
I MUST get to the bank....
but I also have coupons for DSW ...
oh yes...
I get to indulge my shoe fetish....
and also get some new sneaks!
I have $60 in rewards checks!
Do I rock or what!!!
Also a coupon for $ off purchase....
I LOVE DSW

Friday Blah and Saturday 5K and stress

Friday was rather blah...for a multitude of reasons, but most of which I can't divulge here. Two up notes though -

WORKOUT - 6 miles around CR Park. I'd planned on a 10 mile run, but I was just missing my boys and anxious to pick them up so I cut it short. I'm a MOM...and as much as I love running - I love being a MOM more. Period.

Date Night - we have a fabulous new sitter and HUSBAND and I had the opportunity to have a really nice evening out. beautiful dinner... mediterranean olives, cedar planked salmon and roasted vegetables. Oh yeah..and two glasses of wine. A beautiful Malbec. I MUST start posting some pictures.

Saturday - 5K. 27:09. I didn't PR (yes, I'm rather slow...) but I figure that is pretty good considering the 2 beautiful glasses of Malbec the night before and how horribly crowded it was. I like big races...but not crowded. I HATE having to try and get past people, groups of 5 people in a row, and being half run over by someone not paying attention. That's just me...if you like that then by all means - this was a race of you.

I haven't figured out my running schedule for Sunday and Monday (I'm off). I think I'll aim for one last LONG run before the 1/2 on the 25th. The other day I'll do my 1 mile as per current 30 day challenge.

PS. I just previewed my post and realized I forgot to write about the stress component of my title...I guess that's a good thing :) It means I'm feeling all normal again ! Yay! Who needs to go there? Hmm? Not me!

HUNGRY

Workout: Body Pump & Run 1 mile

OMG – sometimes I am so hungry. I mean like HUNGRY hungry. By 8:00AM. I start thinking I MUST eat or I will starve! My DearSweetBoss knows this about me and she tells me I scare her sometimes! LOL. I’ve been known to eat my lunch at 10:30AM…and then again at 3:30 I am almost foaming at the mouth. So anyhow, it’s 8:47 and I just finished eating 3 boiled eggs. I’m still hungry. So I’m having a V8 which, by the way, tastes ridiculously good as I’ve been craving one for a few days.

I was up and out of bed at 5 and out the door by 5:15. Body Pump class this morning followed by a 1 mile run. I’ve been go go go ever since. Body Pump was good. I’m really enjoying incorporating the strength workouts into my routine again. I am feeling STRONG again! For a while there I wasn’t feeling so strong…and it was making me feel old. Which I am, but I don’t usually FEEL that way! And that was an issue.

I’m actually really rested this AM. L’ilChubbyMan sleep through the night until 3:30AM!!! YAY!!! That NEVER happens. What a treat!

Happy Thursday all! Happy hour for me today – I can taste my beautiful glass of Cab already!

I never get off my keister at work

So if you know me through work...you probably also know that I rarely ever get off my keister at work to go out to lunch, go downstairs to the gym, etc. etc. My DearSweetBoss has to kick me out on days when I tell her that I MUST run errands (bank, etc - Thank you DearSweetBoss).

So I am sure you can guess that I DID NOT go to the gym here at work yesterday. Since I had to get my 1 mile in (30 Day Challenge - hello...) that I couldn't do at the gym yesterday morning because I forgot my shoes (I could devote an entire blog to stories about things I forget, or lose or break)...I once again loaded L'ilChubbyMan into the stroller and took off with Firecracker on the bike. We did 2 laps around the neighborhood, which equates to 1 1/2 miles. I think I am lucky to have gotten that in, since about 1/4 mile in the Firecracker had a bike accident. He however put on his tough guy act after plenty of crying (the "dent" on his shin looked very painful I must admit) and determined that he would push on and oh "It doesn't even really hurt Mom!" Yay for my tough guy Firecracker.

This morning I did a 6 mile run around my neighborhood. It was gorgeous out and it was a good run. But 2 things came out of this - (1) I am updating my playlists today because I must have new music (2) MUST FIND GIRLFRIENDS to run with. Since I am out at 5-ish AM. I stay in my neighborhood - safety rules. You can imagine this gets a little boring as the laps pile up (especially when my playlists need updating). So...I have a goal of finding some dedicated runner friends that want to run at 5ish AM.

Yesterday I got in a 2 mile run - although it was a little broken up. Monday was actually a day OFF so I am cool with this, but I did at least get out for a run since as part of my 30 day challenge I am running no less than ONE mile EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

Anywho...got home from work with both little men in tow. Set off with L'ilChubbyMan in the jogging stroller and Firecracker on his bike. Ran down to Publix (about 1 mile) and made a pit stop for Valentine Cheesecake for HUSBAND and some strawberries to send in to school for Firecracker's V-day party. L'ilChubbyMan enjoyed the ride immensely and when he wasn't too busy eating his socks, he was completely fixated on Firecracker making poor me run faster by speeding ahead. Can't wait to get Firecracker running MORE.

Today I went to SPIN and planned on running my 1 mile immediately following, but forgot to bring my sneakers with me and my bike shoes just don't cut it on the treadmill. Yep...not always thinking at 5AM, what can I say. Brought my running clothes and sneaker into the office with me and plan on getting my 1 mile in here at work, a bit later.