I suppose actually acknowledging that I hadn't run in more than two weeks made me feel guilty about not running. Either that or it inspired me to get out there and run. It's not that cold anymore in the mornings, and the last two have been near my ideal temps of the 40s and 50s, not the 30s. It's mid-April for christ sake.
So Friday morning, Barry was home and I took advantage of the time and glorious morning and went for a little run. I ran just about 3.5 miles, which is good for me considering I usually way over do it after a lay-off. I feel so fresh after some time off that I think I can run 6 miles right off the bat. I did feel very fresh, and even NOT pregnant. But I didn't want to be dead the rest of the day. I felt amazing. Legs strong under me, form chi-like. Even with my pregnant belly.
This morning, I headed out again. This time for 5 miles; long these days. Again I felt pretty good. I'm finding it's taking me a little longer to feel warmed up and into a rhythm. I ran out one mile and back and a the end of the two miles, I wanted to call it a day. But I drank my water and continued on. Pregnancy is not going to stop me from moving. I'm glad I did, because by the time I reached mile 4, I got a new energy and was able to pick up the pace without feeling like I was digging too deep. I actually ended up running the 5th mile as fast as I ran the first, which has not happened since pre-preggo.
I feel like I am needing more fuel lately. More food, more sleep, more rest. Up until now I've been giving in to cravings and desires of taste. Sweets, salt, fat. I've been letting myself go. I mean I don't totally indulge, but I think I've been using the excuse that I'm pregnant a little too liberally. I've become tired of it. Now if I want a snack at night I won't eat a cookie, I'll have milk and some cereal instead. Milk is just fantastic to me right now. So clean, rich, light, nourishing. No wonder they call it the perfect drink.
So tomorrow, I hope to get out again for a short little run. 3-4 miles would be ideal. This energy I'm having right now is wonderful and I want to take full advantage. And, if I run 3 days in a row, I'll be tying my record of consecutive days since pre-preggo.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lazy Legs
I have not run since our trip to Portland. And I don't know how I feel about this. When I found out I was preggo, I was all gung-ho about being one of those women who ran the whole time. Bouncing along at 8 months feeling fabulous. Well, you know, I don't feel fabulous. I feel like hell.
Every night my head feels like it's in a vice. Tylenol does nothing. Drinking water does nothing. Sleeping doesn't do much either. I guess it's "hormones." Sheesh. Why can't my body just deal with it? I also feel like hell in my running clothes. I've gained about 7-8 pounds and my capri pants don't fit all that well anymore. The cutting into my belly and the back fat really turns me off. And this recession doesn't bode well for shopping, especially for clothes that I may or may not wear that much. My shirts are ok, but soon I will be showing skin of my mid belly. It won't be so embarrassing once I actually look pregnant, rather than just fat, but for now it's embarrassing. I feel like my belly jiggles as I run down the path. And it just makes me not want to do it so much. And it's cold. I hate cold. One day here and there is doable, but every day... for months and months drives me a little batty.
So instead of running I've been doing the elliptical machine. Last year I used the elliptical to help me prepare for Boston while my neuroma healed. It works and is minimal impact. So that means no belly fat jiggling. I feel like I get a pretty good workout on it, especially if I can make it to 45 minutes. Sad that 45 min is about my max. In January I was running 50 mile weeks without too much trouble. Somedays even 45 minutes is hard because of boredom or, I get hypo-glycemic. One of the lovely aspects of being pregnant.
I'm not complaining. I'm excited to be pregnant and especially excited to not be pregnant and have a new little baby.
I'm also doing yoga. And it's hard! It doesn't feel like all that much while in class but the next day I really feel it. I don't make all the poses as I am not all that great at it, and I do get tired, but still, it is more relaxing to me than hard work. It's hard in another way, not like running 18 miles hard. I am going to resist the pre-natal classes for as long as I can. I hear that those classes are just too easy. If I can get to at least 1 class a week I'm happy, but 2 is ideal.
Anyway, more later. My new show, Southland, is on and I'm hungry for some cottage cheese and cereal...
Every night my head feels like it's in a vice. Tylenol does nothing. Drinking water does nothing. Sleeping doesn't do much either. I guess it's "hormones." Sheesh. Why can't my body just deal with it? I also feel like hell in my running clothes. I've gained about 7-8 pounds and my capri pants don't fit all that well anymore. The cutting into my belly and the back fat really turns me off. And this recession doesn't bode well for shopping, especially for clothes that I may or may not wear that much. My shirts are ok, but soon I will be showing skin of my mid belly. It won't be so embarrassing once I actually look pregnant, rather than just fat, but for now it's embarrassing. I feel like my belly jiggles as I run down the path. And it just makes me not want to do it so much. And it's cold. I hate cold. One day here and there is doable, but every day... for months and months drives me a little batty.
So instead of running I've been doing the elliptical machine. Last year I used the elliptical to help me prepare for Boston while my neuroma healed. It works and is minimal impact. So that means no belly fat jiggling. I feel like I get a pretty good workout on it, especially if I can make it to 45 minutes. Sad that 45 min is about my max. In January I was running 50 mile weeks without too much trouble. Somedays even 45 minutes is hard because of boredom or, I get hypo-glycemic. One of the lovely aspects of being pregnant.
I'm not complaining. I'm excited to be pregnant and especially excited to not be pregnant and have a new little baby.
I'm also doing yoga. And it's hard! It doesn't feel like all that much while in class but the next day I really feel it. I don't make all the poses as I am not all that great at it, and I do get tired, but still, it is more relaxing to me than hard work. It's hard in another way, not like running 18 miles hard. I am going to resist the pre-natal classes for as long as I can. I hear that those classes are just too easy. If I can get to at least 1 class a week I'm happy, but 2 is ideal.
Anyway, more later. My new show, Southland, is on and I'm hungry for some cottage cheese and cereal...
Friday, March 20, 2009
Big Sister in Training
Camille is very excited that she will be a big sister later this year. She doesn't understand progression of time yet, but she knows she has to wait a long time until the baby arrives. I avoid telling her that a long time is longer than five sleeps. She says things like, "mommy, you need to eat because you need to feed your baby." (Not that I usually have any trouble eating. It's more so that I have trouble NOT eating!) And "your belly is getting bigger because your baby is in there." And, one of the best, she tells Barry "mommy and I are going to be soooo busy (with the baby)."
I hope that these statements are a sign that she knows change is coming. She's been the center of attention for 4 years now, and adding a new little person to the mix is going to change that quite a bit. I'd like to think that Barry and I have done a good job teaching her that there is a world outside of her world. Teaching her about waiting her turn to speak; that there's an appropriate and inappropriate time to act silly and play; the act of sharing not only toys but also friends, etc. But even so, there's only so much a four year old can comprehend.
Last night I was put at ease a bit more about how she'll adapt to having to share mom and dad. She miraculously took a nap yesterday afternoon so getting her to fall asleep at bed time was more challenging than usual. It was after the fifth time she came out of her room to ask me "how long until morning? It takes sooooo long. Can I get a back rub to fall asleep?" that I told her no more coming out of her room because I'M going to bed. (Barry was out of town so on those nights I tend to go to bed earlier than usual and try to catch up on some reading. It was 8:30) She agreed. I gave her a back rub, sang some lullabyes, and then told her she could read books if she's still having trouble falling asleep, but NO COMING OUT OF YOUR ROOM.
Ten minutes passed. I could hear her reading her Dora book, telling the story out loud. I was in bed, finishing my book (Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed - fabulous. Long but fabulous). At fifteen minutes, her door opens. She came to my door anticipating my frustraion and said, "I'm just going potty. I'm not coming out of my room to tell you anything except that I have to go potty." "OK, " I say "thank you." Oh I want to eat her up. She goes, and goes back to her room. Ten minutes later, her door opens again. "What?!" "Umm I want to sing you a song." Although frustrated, I want to hear the song.
It's one I've never heard before and have never heard Barry sing to her. And I got one of those feelings that my daughter is the smartest kid in the world for remembering all these words. The song was about falling asleep will let you do whatever you want to do tomorrow. And then she started listing all the things I could do tomorrow after I fall asleep. And they were not things that she would do; they were really things I could do, like go to work, cook, bake, go for a run. When she was finished, she kissed me good night, turned off my light and closed the door. After that I didn't hear anything from her. I laid there for a few minutes in the dark and realized what a great big sister she will be.
I hope that these statements are a sign that she knows change is coming. She's been the center of attention for 4 years now, and adding a new little person to the mix is going to change that quite a bit. I'd like to think that Barry and I have done a good job teaching her that there is a world outside of her world. Teaching her about waiting her turn to speak; that there's an appropriate and inappropriate time to act silly and play; the act of sharing not only toys but also friends, etc. But even so, there's only so much a four year old can comprehend.
Last night I was put at ease a bit more about how she'll adapt to having to share mom and dad. She miraculously took a nap yesterday afternoon so getting her to fall asleep at bed time was more challenging than usual. It was after the fifth time she came out of her room to ask me "how long until morning? It takes sooooo long. Can I get a back rub to fall asleep?" that I told her no more coming out of her room because I'M going to bed. (Barry was out of town so on those nights I tend to go to bed earlier than usual and try to catch up on some reading. It was 8:30) She agreed. I gave her a back rub, sang some lullabyes, and then told her she could read books if she's still having trouble falling asleep, but NO COMING OUT OF YOUR ROOM.
Ten minutes passed. I could hear her reading her Dora book, telling the story out loud. I was in bed, finishing my book (Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed - fabulous. Long but fabulous). At fifteen minutes, her door opens. She came to my door anticipating my frustraion and said, "I'm just going potty. I'm not coming out of my room to tell you anything except that I have to go potty." "OK, " I say "thank you." Oh I want to eat her up. She goes, and goes back to her room. Ten minutes later, her door opens again. "What?!" "Umm I want to sing you a song." Although frustrated, I want to hear the song.
It's one I've never heard before and have never heard Barry sing to her. And I got one of those feelings that my daughter is the smartest kid in the world for remembering all these words. The song was about falling asleep will let you do whatever you want to do tomorrow. And then she started listing all the things I could do tomorrow after I fall asleep. And they were not things that she would do; they were really things I could do, like go to work, cook, bake, go for a run. When she was finished, she kissed me good night, turned off my light and closed the door. After that I didn't hear anything from her. I laid there for a few minutes in the dark and realized what a great big sister she will be.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Let the truth be told
So, I have a confession to make. In my last blog entry I said I wasn't running Boston because I needed a break from running, wasn't enjoying training in the winter, etc.
While that is all true, there is a bigger truth to it all. The main reason I am not running Boston this year is because Barry and I found out we're expecting a baby in October. It came as a complete surprise to us! My body was about a week ahead of itself to have made this happen. But even so, it is quite the exciting news. Camille is thrilled to be expecting a new baby brother or sister.
I'm still running and do plan to run throughout the entire pregnancy. When I was pregnant with Camille, I was new to running and was really OK with NOT running. But this time around I am a more experienced runner and want to keep the motor running (so to speak) as long as I can.
I've completely cut down on the volume that I run already. I'm 11 weeks and currently try 30-60 minutes 4-5 times a week. Sometimes I can manage only 3-4 times because some days I succumb to fatigue. I figure that's just ok.
While that is all true, there is a bigger truth to it all. The main reason I am not running Boston this year is because Barry and I found out we're expecting a baby in October. It came as a complete surprise to us! My body was about a week ahead of itself to have made this happen. But even so, it is quite the exciting news. Camille is thrilled to be expecting a new baby brother or sister.
I'm still running and do plan to run throughout the entire pregnancy. When I was pregnant with Camille, I was new to running and was really OK with NOT running. But this time around I am a more experienced runner and want to keep the motor running (so to speak) as long as I can.
I've completely cut down on the volume that I run already. I'm 11 weeks and currently try 30-60 minutes 4-5 times a week. Sometimes I can manage only 3-4 times because some days I succumb to fatigue. I figure that's just ok.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Oh Boston
I decided to take a break. Moving back to Illinois has been good. It's nice to be back in familiar territory and be close to family again. It's great to be close to good, long time friends and know that these people will be there through whatever comes along. It's also comforting knowing that Camille will have an excellent education in a public school.
But the weather sucks. Before we moved we hated the weather here. (I know, hate is such a strong word.) And now I think we hate it more. Weather isn't everything, but it's a lot when 98% of your recreation is done outdoors. It was a good thing we moved here in June rather than January or February, because we might have committed ourselves.
I ran several 40-50 mile weeks indoors and finally, when it was nice enough for me to run outside (must be above 20 degrees without too much ice) my legs just killed me. I just don't like running in the cold. My legs cramp, my hamstring seizes, and my jaw freezes in place. I don't like running in multiple layers feeling like a snowman. Running in the cold wipes me out for the whole day and I just don't think that's all that worth it. I have other things I need to do all day in addition to running. It mostly just puts me in a bad mood. So, instead I did my runs on the treadmill. Some may say 17 or 18 miles inside is insane. And it's true, it does sort of turn your brain into a strange being for a while, but at least it's relatively comfortable and sweat doesn't freeze to your ears.
But the treadmill isn't the same as running on the road, even if it's set at an incline. The first run I did on the pavement killed my quads. I wondered what all that running was for the last 6 weeks. Then I started wondering what all this running is for anyway. I wasn't enjoying it. Going to the gym for hours to run wasn't all that fun and neither was running in the cold sun. And I'd been sick for about a month with a hacking cough. So I decided to give it up. No Boston for me.
Ah! I feel FREE. I can run when I feel like it (although still 4-5 times a week); not have to run 12 miles on a Tuesday; not have to run 18 on a Saturday. Instead I'm keeping it in maintenance mode. 30-35 miles a week, indoors if it's cold (according to me) outdoors if it's nice.
I don't know what I'll do next. And for now that is just great with me. I need this break. I have nothing to prove but to myself that I can relax and enjoy.
But the weather sucks. Before we moved we hated the weather here. (I know, hate is such a strong word.) And now I think we hate it more. Weather isn't everything, but it's a lot when 98% of your recreation is done outdoors. It was a good thing we moved here in June rather than January or February, because we might have committed ourselves.
I ran several 40-50 mile weeks indoors and finally, when it was nice enough for me to run outside (must be above 20 degrees without too much ice) my legs just killed me. I just don't like running in the cold. My legs cramp, my hamstring seizes, and my jaw freezes in place. I don't like running in multiple layers feeling like a snowman. Running in the cold wipes me out for the whole day and I just don't think that's all that worth it. I have other things I need to do all day in addition to running. It mostly just puts me in a bad mood. So, instead I did my runs on the treadmill. Some may say 17 or 18 miles inside is insane. And it's true, it does sort of turn your brain into a strange being for a while, but at least it's relatively comfortable and sweat doesn't freeze to your ears.
But the treadmill isn't the same as running on the road, even if it's set at an incline. The first run I did on the pavement killed my quads. I wondered what all that running was for the last 6 weeks. Then I started wondering what all this running is for anyway. I wasn't enjoying it. Going to the gym for hours to run wasn't all that fun and neither was running in the cold sun. And I'd been sick for about a month with a hacking cough. So I decided to give it up. No Boston for me.
Ah! I feel FREE. I can run when I feel like it (although still 4-5 times a week); not have to run 12 miles on a Tuesday; not have to run 18 on a Saturday. Instead I'm keeping it in maintenance mode. 30-35 miles a week, indoors if it's cold (according to me) outdoors if it's nice.
I don't know what I'll do next. And for now that is just great with me. I need this break. I have nothing to prove but to myself that I can relax and enjoy.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The crud, the blood and the cough
This week was supposed to be one of my biggest weeks so far of the training plan. I've started the threshold portion of the training plan and also entering the first week of 50+ miles per week. Monday I ran 10 with 5 miles at 7.40-7.20; Tuesday 11 miles in 1.32; and Wednesday rest. I think that rest gave my body a chance to develop this cough and cold. Fighting it for the past two weeks, I gave in. I think I was getting more tired from fighting it. So this morning, the first morning in weeks when it's above 20 degrees, I'm contemplating not running and resting instead to fight this horrible hacking thing. Bed sounds nice.
I'm coughing some yellow crud, blowing bloody snot from my nose, and feel relatively hot in the chest. I've been searching the Web for reasons why I should run, but can't find too many. Perhaps I should visit the doctor instead.
"Hey doc, I really need some antibiotics so that I can run my 18 miler this weekend."
That's always my plea. Always for running. But wait. I need to find a doctor since our insurance changed and my doctor is not on my plan. Oy. I'm all for natural health but when it comes to colds and coughs and such, give me the meds.
Last night I tried out my new pasta roller. I made homemade pasta for the first time and it was fantastic. A little time consuming, but totally worth it. We had just a little pasta with some olive oil and herbs, chicken sausage, and roasted asparagus. Just lovely.
I'm coughing some yellow crud, blowing bloody snot from my nose, and feel relatively hot in the chest. I've been searching the Web for reasons why I should run, but can't find too many. Perhaps I should visit the doctor instead.
"Hey doc, I really need some antibiotics so that I can run my 18 miler this weekend."
That's always my plea. Always for running. But wait. I need to find a doctor since our insurance changed and my doctor is not on my plan. Oy. I'm all for natural health but when it comes to colds and coughs and such, give me the meds.
Last night I tried out my new pasta roller. I made homemade pasta for the first time and it was fantastic. A little time consuming, but totally worth it. We had just a little pasta with some olive oil and herbs, chicken sausage, and roasted asparagus. Just lovely.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Boston bound
I realize that I have not entered any blogs of recent. The post marathon relaxing got to me and then the holidays took over. Now, being cold January, and I mean COLD, here I am.
Barry and I joined a gym in December. I thought I'd be able to run outdoors most of the winter but quickly found that it's more difficult than you would think. It's one thing to just go out for a run and not have a goal. But I really don't like two stepping along in the icey and I especially don't like slipping on ice. So since early December, most of my miles have been indoors.
The treadmill is better than I thought. At first it felt like time stood still. One mile seemed to take 15 minutes. But now, since I've been on it for over a month, I'm used to it and time has normalized. Updating my playlist weekly helps, and This American Life helps on my long runs. Mixing it up bit helps on those mentally challenging days. Our gym has an indoor track where 1 mile equals eleven-and-a-half times around. I do 2 miles at once - 23 laps is about all my brain can handle. One day I ran 6 miles on the track and it wasn't until one of my clients (who also goes to that gym) asked me how many times around that was. 69.
This week I'm running my biggest week since starting my 18 week program. 46 miles, including a 17 miler today. (I plan to do 11 on the treadmill and then 6 on the track) I've never done this 18 week plan but figure Boston deserves some special attention. I actually might get there well prepared despite running so much indoors since the treadmill helps me to keep easy runs easy, long runs at long run pace and tempo runs at tempo pace. Outdoors I end to fall into one pace - 8 minute miles no matter what. That makes me pretty fit but mostly tired by marathon day.
But anyway, time to pack my gym bag and my gu. More soon.
Barry and I joined a gym in December. I thought I'd be able to run outdoors most of the winter but quickly found that it's more difficult than you would think. It's one thing to just go out for a run and not have a goal. But I really don't like two stepping along in the icey and I especially don't like slipping on ice. So since early December, most of my miles have been indoors.
The treadmill is better than I thought. At first it felt like time stood still. One mile seemed to take 15 minutes. But now, since I've been on it for over a month, I'm used to it and time has normalized. Updating my playlist weekly helps, and This American Life helps on my long runs. Mixing it up bit helps on those mentally challenging days. Our gym has an indoor track where 1 mile equals eleven-and-a-half times around. I do 2 miles at once - 23 laps is about all my brain can handle. One day I ran 6 miles on the track and it wasn't until one of my clients (who also goes to that gym) asked me how many times around that was. 69.
This week I'm running my biggest week since starting my 18 week program. 46 miles, including a 17 miler today. (I plan to do 11 on the treadmill and then 6 on the track) I've never done this 18 week plan but figure Boston deserves some special attention. I actually might get there well prepared despite running so much indoors since the treadmill helps me to keep easy runs easy, long runs at long run pace and tempo runs at tempo pace. Outdoors I end to fall into one pace - 8 minute miles no matter what. That makes me pretty fit but mostly tired by marathon day.
But anyway, time to pack my gym bag and my gu. More soon.
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