St George Training- Week 2

I am pretty happy with how last week went. I lost a couple more pounds, so that is helping my speed. :-)
Monday- Did not end up working out. I was considering doing a crosstraining workout, but it did not happen.
Tuesday- Pace Run- I was a little nervous for this one since I have only done 1 pace run and I didn't think it went that well. Heather met up with me and also our friend, Mindy. We did a 1 mile warmup and then I took off. They stayed a little behind me and I could hear them chatting- perfect distraction! I felt fantastic!
1- 8:20
2-8:13
3-8:14
4-8:22
5-8:06

My heart rate stayed in the 170's for the first 3 miles and then crept up into the 180's at the end. I thought I would have to slow down up the hill at the end, but it was just fine. This is the best I have felt in a long time! Woo hoo!
Tuesday night- went to hot yoga again- even sweatier than before!

Wednesday- Went for a 15 mile bike ride by myself. Definitely felt out of shape. First time on a real bike ride in a couple of years. Needed to cross train.

Thursday- 800's. I was nervous for these. We did a 1.4 mile warmup and then
Goal is 3:23
1-3:22
2-3:23
3-3:22
4-3:24
I was very happy with these times. I had a cooldown and I was able to run the whole thing.

Friday- I was tired because I stayed up until 1am. So, I just went for a 30 minute swim. I have so much to learn in swimming.

It is Friday night and I have a 5k in the morning with my Couch to 5K group. I am trying to decide if I am going to race it or not. I am supposed to run 15 miles tomorrow so I was going to run in the morning and then run 11 with Jeff Saturday night.

Here are my goals if I race it:

1. Finish strong, even if my speed isn't there. Don't give up and be happy with where I am.
2. Finish under 24 if possible. I ran last years in 24:40 and I think I am in better condition.
3. Get close to 22:30.

Last week I did a tempo run that had 2 miles at 7:35. I was able to do 7:28 and 7:32. I don't know if I could have done 1 more at that pace. I don't want to start too fast. Part of me just wants to join my couch to 5kers and run it with them. We will see... :-) I can come back and run with them or cheer them on! I am nervous. I want to do well. Wish me luck! I am heading to bed. I just want to feel good about my race. I have been working hard and I want my time to show it.

So, the final result is 24:06. So, I beat my time from last year, but I did not beat 24. If I had looked at my total time, I probably would have pushed it even more. However, I did my best. I will keep working hard!

Still have 11 miles to go tonight with Jeff.

St George 2012- Week 1

I think normally I will have an easy run on Mondays and then do my speedwork on Tuesday and Thursday. But, since we are considering a 5k on Saturday I want to be more rested. So, here we go.

Monday- Day 1 of my training. The goal was 3 mile repeats at a 7:02 pace. I knew this was going to be tough for me, but I went for it anyway. I did a little warmup and my shins were already bugging me. I turned on my music and away I went. I kept my Garmin on and just tried to stay right around 7 minutes. By the end, I was starting to struggle and I ended with a 7:08. Not too bad considering I used to do these at 7:20. Mile 2, I struggled even more and ran a 7:28. I was a little disappointed with this one but hoped that I could pick it up for the last mile. I started off strong, but still faded in the end. I ran a 7:29. So, I am a little frustrated, but it is what it is. I have to take what my body can do right now. I am hoping to see progress next time I do mile repeats. Also, I am still trying to lose weight.

Weight- 140.1 (Yesterday it was 139.6- really trying to stay under 140!)

Tuesday- Ran with my Couch to 5k group. They are doing awesome!

Wednesday- Tempo run- 2 mile warmup, 2 miles at 7:35 and then 2 mile cooldown. I went with Heather. I was able to keep the pace up, but it was tougher than I wanted it to be.

Thursday- Ran with friends 5 miles at 9:20 pace.

Friday- Hot Yoga for the first time. Not like anything I have ever done. 90 minutes. Whew!

Saturday- Goal- 13 miles at 8:53 pace. I knew this would be a little tough for me, but I wanted to try it anyway. I ran by myself at first and got 3 1/2 miles in. Then I joined the rest of the group, including Jeff- yeah! I did alright but never felt like I got in a good groove. Ended up averaging 9:07 for the whole run. Very happy with my week! 37 miles overall. I decided not to run the 5k. I think I will be running one next week.

Pre-Training for St George

Last week was my marathon recovery week, and boy did I stick to it. :-) I ran twice with my couch to 5k group and I went for a bike ride with Bryce. That's it! Jeff and I were planning on 8 miles together on Saturday, but it never happened so we decided to save it for Monday. So, here is my last week before my training "officially" starts. I hope I have picked the right plan and I hope I can do it!

Monday- 8 miler with Jeff, started out a little quicker than usual, but I just tried to go with it, since that is my focus this time around. I have the base and endurance, now I need to get comfortable with speed. We did the first mile at 9:09. Then we went up Sunset Hill for 9:56 second mile. Then I decided to enjoy the downhill and I did an 8:23. After that, I was a little tired, so we ran 9:43, 9:44, 9:38, 9:32. Our average was 9:25. Tougher long run for me, but a good way to start. Jeff pushed it the last mile and I was proud of him. He definitely has more speed than me. I just have more endurance for now.

Tuesday- I asked Heather Smith to meet me for 800's. I was really nervous because in the past the fastest I tried to run these was a 3:40. My training plan says 3:23. So, here are our splits

1 mile warmup- 8:58
.2- 9:37

800- 3:18 (What?!!) A little too fast
800- 3:21
800-3:24
800- 3:24
800-3:30
800- 3:35

So, I definitely had to slow down, but I am proud of myself for even being able to do 1 and for not giving up.

These will get better and easier, I hope. I also still have weight to lose so I am working on that. We will see how this all goes!

Week 18 and the Marathon!

Wow, the date is actually June 12th, so I am a little behind! This week was the final week of training so I just
ran a couple of times and tried to feel rested. Here is my race reporthttp://marathonmommies.blogspot.com/2012/06/full-circle.html

I truly am happy that I was able to make it through this training. I feel like I have a strong base to get me to St George. My ultimate dream would be for Jeff and I to run side by side at St George to get my 3:40 and qualify for Boston. I would love for Sarah to be with us too, but I am guessing she will be faster. :-) We will see...

Week 17 Marathon Comeback

Today I slept in. Luckily Bryce wanted to go to Fun Club for his 5th birthday, so I made plans to run with my good friend Annie. She is so fast and doing speedwork, so she said I should join her. I decided to try to run the pace from Run Less Run Faster. It is a 1 mile run followed by a 3 mile tempo run at 7:35 pace. It was tough, but I did it! I then finished with a 1 mile cooldown and walked to finish 5.5 miles total. I am starting to feel more optimistic!

Week 16 Marathon Comeback Week

Monday (evening)- Unfortunately I have pinkeye, so I did not run or swim in the morning. Once I found out I made it into St George, it motivated me to try and get a workout in.  I am considering following the Run Less, Run Faster program and the tester workout for a 3:40 goal marathon is 6x800's at a 6:46 mile pace. That is 3:23 for an 800. That is fast!! I decided to try it anyway. Jeff and I went together. ( I am so excited Jeff is joining me!)

I did a warmup and eased into the pace. It was near impossible for me. I pushed through the first one. On the second one, I slowed down to a 7:35 pace and that was more doable, but still hard. I ended up getting off to go to the bathroom and ran into a friend. It was a good excuse to take a break. The sweat was dripping in my eyes and I called it a day, trying not to be discouraged. I still have 6 weeks before the next marathon training starts.

Tuesday- I didn't text Kirsten in time, so I was on my own for this one. I started out slow, did my first mile at 9:40. I felt good, so I kept getting faster. I ran a 9:25 and then an 8:56. For mile 4, I really wanted an 8:23, but I ended up with a 7:52- even going up the hill that always gets me. I slowed down to 8:52 for the last mile. Overall, an 8:58 pace and I felt pretty good. I would call this a tempo run. :-)

Wednesday- 5 miles at normal pace

Thursday- 5 miles at 10:20 pace

Friday- swimming

Saturday- 12 miles at 9:30 pace on the Portland waterfront. It was beautiful!

Week 15 Comeback Marathon

I know I haven't kept up very well with my training, but here is my update. Last week was my last big week before taper. Crazy!!

Monday- 5 miles
Tuesday- 9 miles
Wednesday- 5 miles
Thursday- 5 miles
Friday- Swim
Sunday- 20 miler with a half marathon thrown in there with Stephanie

Just found out today we were chosen for St. George. Crazy!! Jeff is going to run too and I am hoping to be in Boston Qualifying shape. I am going to work as hard as I can. If I happen to get pregnant, great, if not, I will be running a marathon. :-)

Week 10 Marathon Comeback

I am over halfway through the training. It just seems to be flying by. I am feeling okay, but still not great. I have not done speedwork yet really.

Monday-3.5 miles, can't remember why I only ran that much. :-)
Tuesday- 5 miles, 9:55 pace
Wednesday- 1 mile at the track
Thursday- 9 miles, 9:25 pace
Friday- 4 miles, 9:56 pace- ran with Jeff while Bryce rode his bike, could barely keep up
Saturday- 18 miles, felt pretty good, 3:02, 10:07 pace

Total- 40.5 miles- woo hoo, I hit 40 miles!!

Week 7 Marathon Comeback

March 12- 5 miles
March 13-5 miles
March 14-8 miles
March 15-off
March 16-5 miles
March 17- 15 tough miles, but I did it!

Total- 38 miles

Week 8 Marathon Comeback

March 19th- 5 miles
March 20th- 5 miles- my birthday, but did not feel great. Still feeling sore.
March 21st- 7 miles- did not think I would be feeling good, but felt great!
Did not run Thursday or Friday
March 24th- Ran 13.2 miles with Stephanie, used it as a down week, hoping to run 18 next week

Total mileage- 30

Week 9 Comeback

I know I am behind in my updates, but I thought I would go with where I am and then work my way back when I have a chance.

March 27th- Spring Break, went swimming with the kids.
March 28th- Ran 5 miles
March 29th- Was up all night coughing so did not run
March 30th- Ran 4 miles, but had to walk, still feeling wiped out
March 31st- Ran 16.3 painful miles, in the rain, including walking. I am glad that I did it, but I hope I am feeling better soon.

Total miles- 25

Week 6 Marathon Comeback

Wow, oddly enough, this training seems to be going fast! Last week was a huge confidence builder for me. Even though I am slow right now, the miles feel good. I am trying to add in weight training and maybe yoga this week. Of course, I still need to lose some weight and that will make the biggest difference. Jeff bought me a TRX for Christmas and I am finally getting to use it. Monday 4.72 miles (I was late) Strength Training Chest press- 2 sets of 15 Bicep- set of 15 Squate- 2 sets of 15 Hamstring curls- 2 sets of 15 Triceps- set of 15 Row- set of 15 Flys- T/Y set of 15 each And all of this was working my core! Good start to the week. I will try to do more on Wed. I am excited to see how it does for me!

T-5 miles
W-8 miles
Th-5 miles
Fri- off
Saturday- 13.1 miles

Total- 31 miles

Week 5 Marathon Comeback

Monday- Felt great-woo hoo!! Slow 5.43 mile as we are working on low heart rate. Good to be back.
Mile 1-10:18, hr 143
Mile 2-11:19, hr-147
Mile 3-11:27, hr-152
Mile 4-11:58, hr-154
Mile 5- 11:48, hr-157
.42 miles- 12:09. hr-161
Total- 5.42 miles, ave hr-151, max hr-167
Tuesday- 5 miles- didn't keep track
Wednesday-8.32 miles
Mile 1-10:34
Mile 2-11:35
Mile 3- 10:52
Mile 4- 11:39
Mile 5- 11:54
Mile 6- 11:15
Mile 7- 11:38
Mile 8- 11:49
.32 miles- 12:16
Total- 8.32, pace 11:26
Thursday-Bike ride with Bryce
Friday- 4 miles while Emily rode her bike
Mile 1-10:43, hr-136
Mile 2- 11:26- hr-159
Mile 3- 11:31- hr- 152
Mile 4- 11:05, hr-167
Total- 3.97 miles, pace 11:12, hr ave- 153, hr max 192
Saturday
Mile 1- 9:59, hr- 150
Mile 2- 10:38, hr- 157
Mile 3- 11:02, hr- 159
Mile 4- 10:36, hr-158
Mile 5- 10:05, hr-161
Mile 6- 10:03, hr- 162
Mile 7- 10:12, hr-164
Mile 8- 10:21, hr- 167
Mile 9- 10:34, hr-167
Mile 10- 10:56, hr- 169
Mile 11- 10:34, hr-172
Mile 12- 9:32, hr- 183
Mile 13- 9:33, hr- 189
.1 miles- 10:19-hr-194
Total- 13.1 miles, 10:19 pace

I am feeling pretty good! Still have a ways to go, so we will keep on with the low heart rate.

Week 4-Marathon Comeback

Started Low heartrate training with Kirsten.

Monday-5 miles, then went to the doctor and took an injection of a chemotherapy.
Tuesday-5 miles- horrible!
Wiped out the rest of the week. Decided to let my body recover. Will try again next week!

Week 3 Marathon Comeback

Monday- 2 1/2 miles, but I can' remember when or how. :-)
Tuesday- Met at the track. I was supposed to run 4x800m, but ran out of time and ran 2x800m at 4:04 and 3:49. I ran about a mile warm up and walked about a lap in between each one. It was total about 3 miles
Wednesday- Did not run
Thursday- Ran 5.5 miles with Marnie (plan was 6, but not quite enough time)
Friday- 3 miles on the treadmill
Saturday- Planned for 12, but had time for 11.2, started hurting in the middle but then felt better. Overall, did not feel great.

Total- 25.2 miles

My goal for this next week is over 30 miles. I would really like to run one of my favorite races on March 3rd. It is a 30k, which is 18.6 miles. I don't know if it is too soon, but I definitely need to get mileage in. I am still having a hard time with scheduling my runs since it is dark. I might have to use my preschool time to run and try to get my most important runs in. Maybe at least on Thursday I will do that. I don't know. I will keep trying to figure it out. Maybe I will go week by week. I am also still playing with my running plan. Wish me luck!

Week 2 Marathon Comeback

I am still trying to decide the exact schedule I am following.

Monday- 2.5 miles slow- did not feel great
Tuesday- 4 mile run with middle 2 miles at race pace. I decided to try to stay around 9:09- this would be a 4 hour marathon. I ran a 4:06  4 1/2 months after having Bryce, so I think this is realistic but the way I felt today does not convince me!
Wednesday- Weigh in- 1.4 pounds lost. 151.4   No workout today. I will do some pushups, etc.
Thursday- 4 miler- 4.2 in 43:17, 10:18 pace, ave hr- 174, max hr- 193
Friday- 5 miles with Marnie and Molly (amazing what friends do!)  in 50:11, pace- 10:03, ave hr-170, max hr-190
Saturday- 10.4 miles 9:56 pace, ran with Marnie and Steph. I am still not feeling as good as I would like but I am glad I made it through 10 miles. I need to get gatorade. :-)

Weekly total- 25.9 miles! Woo hoo!



I am hoping my speed comes back. For right now, my focus is the mileage.

Week 1 Marathon Comeback

I am going to try to track as much as I can!

Tues- Cleared to run after my miscarriage and went for a 3.5 mile run while Bryce biked with his buddy, Spencer.
Wed- Did 9 400 repeats on the treadmill. Did not feel good but did it.
Thurs-Ran 5 miles with Marnie- felt okay
Fri- Swimming
Saturday- 8 miles at 10:38 pace

Just signed up the Newport Marathon

So, it is real. I am gonna be a marathoner again- woo hoo! I hope I know what I am doing. This race is not to meet any goals, just get back into it! I miss racing and training.

Weightier Matters

I don't usually post my weight on my blogs, but it is time to come to terms with it. Also, no one reads this. :-) I want to have proof of my progress.

Here is my history with weight:

High School- Not overweight but "bigger" compared to 90 lb teenagers. I probably weighed 115-120.
College- Discovered dorm food and no portion control, slowly gained weight to between 140-150- yuck!
Summer after Freshman year- moved into the apartments, refused to pay money for food that would make me big, so I lost most of that weight and shocked all my dorm room buddies. Probably settled in between 125-130. A good weight for me! Met Jeff, was married at 128.

Marriage years- My last year of school I slowly gained weight and was 148 by the time we moved to Portland.

A year after we were married at a dance. Probably 135.

College break after married- 130ish

 In Austin, a year after we were married- probably 130's

 When we moved to Oregon- 2001, 148ish

 After having Dallin, was down to about 135-140 by summer

 December 2003- I probably weighed 155

 Barely pregnant with Emily- my heaviest pregancy- started at 160. April 2004

 2005. Hood to Coast. 

 2005/2006 I can tell in my face that I am thinner!

 Emily turns 1- pretty good weight for me

 2005- after having Emily, and training for a marathon!

 2006- My favorite! 130ish

2008- around 135 

 In 2010, when I got back down to 130-135

 Low 140's for our New York trip. I wanted to look better. Oh well. Attempting to make babies and my weight do not go well together!

December 2011- I think this shows an accurate picture of me. Here is my weight today:

152.8. Yuck. But there it is. I hope to eat healthy and be motivated. I know how to do it. I just gotta do it. :-)

Here we go again!

I was going to start a new blog, but I realized my goal is still to qualify for Boston someday and it starts with these little steps. I realized I never even posted about how St. George went in 2010. I will have to do a race report. I was very disappointed. I felt ready but the weather was warmer than I expected and I was not able to keep the pace. Jeff ran the last few miles with me and I finished in 4:15.

I have not really been in training since that race. We decided to try to pregnant and so I thought this meant I couldn't be in training. Well, I finally got pregnant this December, but unfortunately it did not last and I miscarried for the first time. It has been a horrible roller coaster. We are taking a break for a little while until we decide our next step.

So, I am a runner again! I am going to keep track here so I can watch my improvements. I am going to try not to compare myself to where I used to be.

First run- 3 1/2 miles outside while Bryce and Spencer rode bikes. We ran slow to the park and then ran slow to Spencers house. Once I got there I realized I had to run home to get my truck in order to get to the school in time. Running fast was a bad idea! I was not quite ready for it. :-)

Today- I decided to follow a schedule to have a good 10k on March 3rd. I went to the gym to do 400 repeats. I was hoping to do them at 8 minute pace (it is supposed to be 5k pace and I used to run a 5k faster than that!). I was not quite ready for that. So, here are my times.

1- 8:36
2-8:36
3-8:20
4-8:13
5-8:13
6-8:13
7-8:00
8-8:00
9-- 7:53

I did a mile warmup and a half mile cool down and I walked in between each repeat for .05-.1 miles. I ended up running about 4 1/2 miles altogether.

I am being patient with myself. I know as the weight comes off and as I build my endurance I will feel better. I did not think I could finish this workout and I am proud I did!