Sunshine takes my blues away

So if you follow me on Instagram then you seen what day 2 of core work and push ups consisted of. I still hate it very much. I almost never have to convince or talk myself into running or going to the gym. But when there is strength work to do, I will think of about 14 different excuses  All at which I could not justify using today. Even though, let me add, my six-pack abs stomach is very sore. The good kinda sore, but none the less very sore. I pushed through. I think you got the picture as to how much I hate planks from the last post. So I started off with that. I was able to do 1 minute off the bat. 45 seconds in I thought there was a earthquake cause I was shaking. HARD. I finished the minute out. Then I moved on to bicycle crunches, squats and push-ups. Push-ups are almost as hard as planks for me. I really should jump back into the pool. I remember when I was a teenager, I use to swim a few miles every Saturday. It really kept my arms in decent shape. Plus swimming is good cross training for running. I think I'm just afraid of getting in a swim suit. The first day I was only able to do 5 girly style push-ups. Today I did 6. It's not even worth mentioning really.

I had plans on going to the gym today. So I could get my run in and then a hour on the elliptical  But someone mentioned to me how it was a sunny day. I got all excited and changed my plans within 7 seconds of hearing so. The sun changes the game. Yesterday I did 5 miles around my neighborhood/city, so I wanted new scenery. I decided to hit the bike trails. Choose one along the river near by. A couple things happened. Garmin died 3 miles in. Mud and geese crap aren't fun to run in. And I over dressed. Got a little too heated. But seeing the sun setting along the river was worth every bit. It's amazing how the little things make the "big" things your stressing about seem not so bad. Work, bills, health, relationships, family. All those "problems". Most the time they aren't as big as they seem. I've had some things on my mind the last two days, things I really shouldn't be worried about because I have no control over it at all. It's up to God. It doesn't make it any easier though. I guess it means I don't have complete trust in Him. I just don't know how to fix it.

Planking- LONGEST MINUTE OF MY LIFE

The last day or two, I've ate like crap. No really. Ice cream, cookies, pizza and more ice cream.

BAD.

The Mr. was off with me today, so we decided that we were going to chill today. No gym. It was suppose to be a cross-train day. No running. So I wasn't too bummed on skipping. Had a relaxing day. Visited with his Dad, made Heaven in a brownie and Chili. Took a nap. Had a embarrassing size of heaven. I was started to feel guilty about not going to the gym. I guess that's good though. Working out is a part of my regular day life, so when I don't do it...I hate myself. So both the Mr. and I was off to the gym. Firstly, I hate going after 5pm, because it is insanely busy. I wasn't too worried though, I was going to do the stair master. Not a whole lot of people use it. It's a wicked workout. I wanted to do 1 hr on it, then a 1 hour on the elliptical  I got 30 minutes in and I thought I was going to upchuck the next 15 minutes  So I was only able to do 45 minutes. But I did up the level. Usually I'm on level 3. Today I did it on 4. (The stairs go faster) I swear my heart rate was at-least 160 or higher for the duration of the time. My point in telling you this, I can tell a big difference in my workouts when I eat like crap. Ugh. I just felt sluggish and fat and slow and lazy and blah and like a failure. I'm glad I don't have too many of these days. 

My favorite piece of mail came today. Runner's world. Each month I look forward to reading it. Really gives good advice and interesting articles. I've read countless articles about how important core work and strength training is in running. I got home from the gym, and decided to man up! Planks first. I have done a few of them. But they are HARD! So I kinda stopped. Today, I was determined to get to 1:00 minute. I did two each of them 30 seconds. I was so mad at myself! Each time I tried, added more fuel to the fire. The third time of FAILING I wanted to punch the wall. I took a break to gather my thoughts. Then tried again. It was the LONGEST minute of my life!!!! But I did it! My stomach was shaking and burning. I love the feeling of success! I also decided to try some push-ups. I knew It wasn't going to be pretty. It's no secret I have no upper body strength. But I was able to do 3 sets of 5 reps- girl style push-ups. I use to do Jillian 30 day shred and she was big with bicycle crunches. I did 3 sets of 20 of those. I'm pretty sure my stomach will be hurting tomorrow. But it's the good kind of hurt. My goal is to do this routine at least 3 times this week. 

Saturday was scheduled long run of 6 miles. Sadly, I had to turn to the treadmill. Got there at 7AM  Lately  the treadmill hasn't been to hateful. But its only a matter of time before my luck runs out and I dread it. I started like any other run on the treadmill, easy pace 5.00 just to get warmed up. Then a mile in I bumped it up 5.2 Usually I don't pay to much attention to speed on long runs. I'm in it for the distance so I don't want to use up to much effort on speed. I got to 6 miles and was feeling great. I figured lets just continue til my allotted time runs out. (The treadmill at the gym I go to has a time limit of 95 minutes)  It was here I started bumping up the speed every half mile or so. I got to 8 miles and was at 5.9 I wanted to get 9 miles done before quitting  I turned up the speed. 6.1 Oddly enough, it was fast but not too uncomfortable fast. I was at 8.50 with 4 minutes left. All of a sudden the treadmill slowed down. I was bummed. I was feeling great! Top of the world. DON'T YOU LOVE WHAT RUNNING DOES TO YOU!!!??? I just called it a day. It wasn't until I was home and in the shower thinking, when I realized what happened. I am too hardcore for the treadmill. I wore it out! Machine can't beat me!!!! BAM!!!!

A treadmill run that I didn't want to cut my wrists.

Just in case you haven't glanced at the date, it is January 31st. So of course I am reflecting. Gotta stay on track to succeed. My New Year's Resolutions was to 1) not lose conscious from over intoxication 2) log 1000 miles in 2013 and 3)Complete 3-4 half marathons 4) take strength training seriously. I just checked and I am at 71 miles for January. 83 was the number if I was going to do the same amount each month. So 12 miles short. Damn. Guess Ill have to make that up somewhere in the next 11 months. I'm not too worried..well about the 12. But I am glad I looked at it. Will be paying more attention to it. Strength training...well I did it twice last week. This week 1. Not going that great. Still haven't lose conscious from drinking. So that is right on track.

I did 7 miles today on the treadmill and you know I didn't hate it too much. I guess I was really into my music. There is never anything on the TV that I can get into. Although, I am not looking at a wall, I am looking at a empty field so the view could be worse. My pace on the treadmill is always slower then outside. I bet I could have bumped up my speed, but I was going for endurance not speed. I always set the treadmill on incline too. Default: I go to 1%, which actually felt kind easy today. I thought about kicking it up a notch, but my stomach started to get if'ey. Must have been the cookie dough and ice cream I had for dinner last night. Don't judge. When I first started running, I had GI issues, but since I been running for a year now, I've learned a few things. What to eat and what not to before a run. Or day before a long run. Which today was only suppose to be 3, I just can't count. A TM run almost never makes me forget I'm running. But today I was in the zone. I would have kept going but my stomach and treadmill only had 15 minutes to go. 

Headbands. Am I the only person who can't wear these? I don't get it. Every time I do they end up falling off. It's frustrating. Is my head too big?

Tattoo. I have been on the fence for awhile on this. Biggest reason is because of where I want them. On my wrists. But been thinking lately. I am 99.8% sure I am a lifer at the place of employment I have. With that being said, a tattoo isn't going to keep me from making a decent living. My right wrist I was the word "Breathe" on it. Most people think I am silly for this. But I am a person who HATES failing. Almost to the point where I push too hard. When I see or tell myself to breathe, it reminds me it is OK to fail. The world isn't going to end. Relax Christy! The second tattoo I want is fairly new, but when I saw it I knew I had to have it. Other then "Kindness matters" its my philosophy in life. 

This would be on my left wrist. I love everything this says. It's pushed me so many times when I didn't think I could do something  I remember the first time I did 13 miles. I wanted to stop so bad at 12. But I kept telling my "mind over matter, Christy, mind over matter. You can do this." And you know what? I finished. I will NEVER forget that run. This philosophy applies to more then just physical activity. Life in general. 

I am a little afraid of dying of ink poisoning though. Which I understand is stupid, I mean come on. I'm not getting a home made tattoo. I'm going to a professional! But knowing how crazy dumb my body is, Ill be the exception. The rare case where something horrible happens. I mean come on, we don't have the best of luck.

Changing goals and a confident long run

You have a problem when you schedule all vacations around a race. I was looking at my Runner's World magazine this afternoon, when I saw a advertisement for The Rock N Roll Marathon in Chicago. My first thought, "Is there a half?" Second thought after finding out there is, "How can I afford this?" I am not a big money maker. I have a decent paying job, that most days, I don't dread going into. My husband isn't Bill Gates. I have already spend 350.00 on races/hotels for upcoming races. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I went to Facebook. I asked if I had any kindhearted friends living in Chicago, and perhaps I could crash on their couch. It worked. I didn't even have to give a sappy made up story about how my best friend from high school died and was going to their funeral. There ARE nice people out there! Luckily for me, it is a person I trust. Most people on my Facebook  I trust. Although, there are a couple people I would have declined..or well at least took my husband's gun with me. So the plan is to leave Saturday morning, stay the night and the race is Sunday. Maybe do a little shopping afterward/relax, then head home. All in a days work, right? I'm so excited. I've been to Chicago once, and loved it. But I was much heavier then and hadn't started running. I do remember thinking it would be a great city to run. The Mr. and I will be trying again for a baby by then, so this could get postponed til the following year. Depends on how far along and if it's "healthy" to run. I'm terrified as it is to "try" again, I won't be taking ANY risks.

This morning I readdressed my goals. I am 10 pounds from my original goal. But when I was thinking about it, my ultimate goal is to get a sub 2hr half marathon time. I don't  care if that's 1:59:59 I want it so bad! The thing is I KNOW I CAN DO IT! But I think I need to be a little lighter then first thought. So I think another 20 pounds will help me reach that. Like I said, it has nothing to do with vanity. It's really about that PR. So I am going to lay off the beer. As of lately, I have really wasted a ton of calories on it. I will still have a drink here and there, but I really need to focus.

This past Saturday, I woke up and was questioning how the long run was going to go. Honestly, it was suppose to be 4 miles. But being the over achiever, I told myself 5. Well, it was one of those runs where EVERYTHING went good. I ended up stopping at 6.43, and only did that cause Hubby wanted to get to the gym before I went to work. I took a rest day the day before and had a unhealthy amount of ice cream. I just know that's what contributed to it. So I might make that as a rest day routine. The weather was great. There were a lot of runners on the trails and people walking their dogs. I love seeing people being active! It was one of those confidence building runs, that reminds you why you go through then pain in the first place.

Jumped back into the saddle!

So when I first started this journey, I began taking spin classes. I went into my first class alone and was thinking this is going to be cake. Boy! was I wrong! Spinning is a workout! Of course it is great cardio and it strengths your legs. Which if you are a reader of mine, you know I hate strength workouts. But since it combines both I can deal. I actually love it. I only stopped doing it because it was too much when I got further into my training for the half marathon. So I picked it back up and will do it for a while, until I get deeper in the training again. Last night, Bob was the instructor. Oddly enough, he was the the instructor for my first class too. He is hardcore. Always, pushing you and mixes things up. Also, very funny guy! The only thing I don't like about his classes are they are always busy. But that must say something about him as a instructor. He is good.

Running. It's going OK  I'm not thrilled with it but I'm working on it. I can't seem to pace myself right now. Today, I did 3 miles. 31 minutes. That's way to fast for me right now. But I slow down and feel like I'm a slug. I am going to have to get that in check or I will never make it past 5 miles. I don't really know why I care so much about speed. I have always been the kind of runner out for distance. Not speed. So this is surprising to me. My long run this week is only scheduled for 4 miles, so I will be working more on pacing with that run, or it will be a miserable.

I'm looking for a good 5K to do soon. I saw one about chocolate and beer. Maybe? Heard about any 5K's coming up soon? Maybe a good Cupid's 5K?

Something stupid and ice cream

I am pretty sure I am going to do something stupid tomorrow morning. We are having a very short spell of nice weather. Today it was 59 degrees. Tomorrow is suppose to be the same maybe even a little warmer. So with that being said, I am going to take full advantage of it. I am still on restrictions, but the more I think about it the more I think it's to cover her butt. I am taking it slow and not pushing myself with speed and no hill repeats..yet. I did 5 miles on Thursday. Felt great. I wanted to go a couple more, but didn't want to push to much. Maybe I was feeling guilty. But I haven't had any weird feelings or pains, I don't see any problem. Like I was saying, doing something stupid tomorrow; I haven't done a long run in FOREVER. I'm thinking 6-8 miles. I like the number 7. But I will just let my body tell me when to stop. No pushing..yet.

I love ice cream. If given a choice of dessert, I will always pick ice cream. Who wouldn't? I was at Kroger and I usually go for Ben & Jerry's. Very yummy, but it is very costly money wise and calorie wise. Considering I only get 1220 calories a day, a whole container of B&J is 1200. I wouldn't get to eat anything else, unless I did a long run that day. I came across Arctic Zero. 150 calories for the whole pint. I thought it's too good to be true, but bought it anyways. To my surprise, it was good. Not B&J good, but it defiantly has my ice cream craving taking care of. I've only tried the Chocolate peanut butter one. A half a cup is 37 calories. You seriously can't beat that. I can't wait to try the other flavors.

Today was a rest day from running. I went to the gym. I was dreading it. The reason. The stupid stair-master. I love it, and hate it all the same. It does wonders for your thighs, hips and butt. Also, I credit it to my improvement in running. You think you are in good shape. Do stairs. I promise you will get a good workout. I was able to do 45 mins before the nightmare. Did it today. Only got 20 mins. I was okay with that. Gotta build back up. I then jumped on the elliptical for another 20 mins. I was on the elliptical when I came across reason number one why I hate the gym. Nowhere to spit. I know this sounds gross, but I am a runner. A runner that runs outside. It happens.

Don't stop my run to chit chat!

I am not following a training plan yet. I won't be starting that until I get released from the Dr. (I got my blood work back today. Shouldn't be more then 2 more weeks. Hoping next week, but not holding my breath.) Basically, I am doing 3 miles every day. I really didn't want to run today. Mostly because I loathe winter. I use to be a fan of cold weather. Not so much now. I complained on Facebook for a couple minutes, saying: "Winter is the only time you will hear me say I would rather run on a treadmill. But I was sucking it up and hitting the pavement." I layered up and got to it. I always do this too. I dread the first half mile and then I warm up. There was no ice, which I was nervous about. The sky was so clear, every star was shinning bright. I got back to my house at a little over 3 miles. If I was cleared from the doctor I would have doubled that. Perfect weather, perfect scenery. 

Let me ask you a question. Does anyone else think it's rude to completely stop someone running to have a conversation? Let me explain. I was running tonight when this guy stopped me. He was older. Ummm, if I had to guess I would say late 50's. But then again it was dark and I would not be able make a living at telling age. Anyways, I guess it doesn't matter. I figured he had lost a pet or something. I have been stopped by several cat lady's looking for there beloved. This is how the conversation went:

Old man: How far you running tonight?

Me: Just a couple

Old man; Nice weather. 

Me: Yep. (Smile and nod. Go to resume Garmin)

Old man: Any ice out there tonight?

Me: (Losing patience) Haven't came across any yet.

Old man: That's good. Well, Ill let you get back at it. Nice talking to you.

Me: Same here. Take care.

Oh my word! First off let me say I am very friendly. More so then I should be really. I am constantly waving and saying hello to anyone who looks my way. I've always been like that. But even more so to fellow runners. It's like we have a bond. You get me, I get you. But if you want to have a conversation, get to running! I will gladly listen to how Sally rubbed black marker on your walls. How Oreo buried your favorite shoes in the backyard. But we need to be running! I should not have to stop my run to chit chat. That's the primary reason if I am running in daylight I choose trails. Once I start, I hate being stopped. My gym is about 3 miles away from me. So I've run there a couple times. But I end up hating myself every time. Traffic lights, cars and people walking. 

So my question to you, does this bother you too?