January in review

I saw a post were people were rating their month and I like that so I am going to do that every month. This month I would give myself an A-. Running wise I hit all my runs and ran 111 miles this month ("grade" A). However, I think I slacked on strength training, even though I was getting better by the second half of the month ("grade" B). And eating wise I'm working hard to figure out what is going to work for me since but I have stayed in calorie range and am feeling okay ("grade" B+).

Today's run was inside which I was okay with me. I set the belt at 5.5 mph and put the incline at 3% for 5 minutes. For the next 5 minutes I set it at 5.6 mph with 2.5%. Next 5 minutes I set it at 5.7 mph with 2%. Next 5 minutes I up it again to 5.8 mph but left the incline at 2%. Again the next 5 minutes were 5.9 mph at 1.5% and the last 5 minutes I went from 6 to 6.5 mph, every minute adding .1 mph. Ended up running 3 miles in 31 minutes. It felt really good and I think I might do this every Tuesday. After I was done running I did 25 minutes of weights. 4 upper body machines, 4 lower upper machines, the back extension and some abs.

Looking forward to seeing what happens in February.

12 miles!

My running buddy wasn't able to do the long run yesterday so we had to wait until today. Yesterday I was just had to do something. After a lazy morning and after grocery shopping I decided I could go for a walk. It was chilly and windy so I opted for the gym and the treadmill. I set the incline to 2% and started walking. I got bored quickly and decided it would be okay to run at 5.5 mph. I played for the incline from 2-5% and ran 4 miles in 45 minutes. Matt made homeade pizza for dinner and we enjoyed a movie called "The Way, Way Back". Same people who did "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Juno", we both liked the movie.

I had a little bit of trouble falling asleep last night but was ready to get moving. I woke up and ate a protein bar and a string cheese. I also decided to drink 16 oz of water before heading out the door. I was perfectly dressed this morning with my fleece lined tights, my UnderArmor shirt, Matt's "windbreaker", darn tough socks, and glove/mittens. I also brought water and some shot blocks since last week's run was bad. We ran out 6 miles and we stopped so I could eat some of the shot blocks. They got cold (and they are also like 5 years old but I don't think that really matters) and it took me a mile to finally chew 2 up. I do think that really helped but not sure if shot blocks are the answer, but we had them in the house. Maybe GU? We were almost a whole minute slower than last week but I felt so much better than I did last week. The towpath was covered in snow which was okay except over the bridges where it got deeper and we were unsure of footing (even though there was no ice to be seen). Next week I have a "break" and have 9 miles on the schedule!

TGIF

This week has been a LONG week. And for some reason I have struggled with almost all of my runs. I just looked at an article though I think I might have figured out why. I don't think I was eating enough. I was averaging 1400 calories daily and from what I have gathered I should be eating closer to 2000 calories. And more carbs (!) However, it's hard to eat more calories when you are eating "good" food. I could eat McDonald's and donuts and easily get 2000 calories quickly but I know that's going to help me. Lately, like I said I have been eating more fruits and veggies. Also this week I have eaten a lot of chicken! Still trying to figure it all out.

This is exactly how I have felt about this week!

Busy week

After my run on Saturday, I felt just okay. I felt like I drank lots of water but didn't have to use the bathroom that much. And by Saturday night, my tummy just didn't feel "right" and I had the most restless legs ever! I tend to get that way when I am exhausted or after a long/hard run and the best thing I can do is just go to bed. I went to bed at 9:30 and slept until 8:30. My legs felt much better but my stomach was still just okay, and it didn't help that Ella came into the room and said that she had thrown up at some point in the night. Matt also had said the night before he wasn't feeling 100% either. After relaxing for awhile and going grocery shopping I decided that maybe the bike ride would be fun. I am glad that I did, because of that I felt 10 times better.

Monday was a rest day and I read another book,  "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikery". It was another book that my mom had said that I would like. I did, but I still liked "What Alice Forgot,,," better. There was a mystery side to the book but I had it figured out as soon as it happened. I wasn't as invested in the characters either.

Tuesday, I met my running buddy at the towpath for 3 miles. It was a little chiller than we both had thought and I wished I had gloves but since it was only 3 miles it was okay. I don't think we do it on purpose (at least I didn't yesterday) but we ran 9:25, 9:15 and 8:34, I do like progressive runs but when it's an "easy" I need to keep it slow. I went to the gym in the evening and ran a mile to warm up and then I lifted weights for 45 minutes and another mile to cool down. I did all of the machines and today my arms are a little sore.

And today I was suppose to run 6 miles at marathon pace (9:24). Since last week I decided to incorporate some speed to those runs I had a 35 minute tempo run (between 8:45-9 minute miles) in between. I went over to the gym and got on the treadmill. I ran for 15 minutes at 6.4 (1.6 miles) and then started my tempo run. I ran anywhere between 6.7-7.1 for those miles (I stopped every 15 minutes for a quick drink of water) and by 50 minutes I had run 5.50 miles. When I read what I was suppose to do today I thought  it had said to run 7 miles so I ended up finishing the run in 1:02:35. I was happy to be done and very sweaty. Then I looked again at the training plan and was "mad" that I ran an extra mile. But I was also very pleased that I stuck with the tempo part of the run as it was difficult at times while running on the treadmill. Mental toughness here I come.

FunDay Sunday

Sunday's are cross training days. And today I could not pass up going back out on the Bike and Hike for an hour bike ride. I actually thought about  riding from our house and just riding on the towpath but Matt said was just going to be a muddy mess and not that much fun to ride through. So Matt helped me pump up my tires and get it on the bike rack and I off I went. There were tons of people out since it was so nice but even if you say "passing on your left" some people have headphones on or just don't hear well (maybe I don't say it as loud as I feel like I am saying it) and don't get out of the way and I had to slow down. Riding through Brandywine Falls again and all those hills right there sure make me feel like I not as great as I think I am as a cyclist but I rode 14 miles in a little over an hour. I could take the weather all winter long for sure but I know it's not going to last but I am thankful that I took advantage of it yesterday and today. Next Saturday is 12 miles!!!

I feel like the helmet is on crooked, it just might be me

I hope everyone got to enjoy this weekend's weather in NEOhio!

Good, Bad, Ugly

Good

• Last night Matt and I went to one of those escape rooms with some of his co-workers for a team building thing. We escaped with 3 SECONDS to spare. It was hilarious and I still can't believe we escaped!
• Also we went to a new restaurant with the group, The Oak Barrel, and had good food.
• Mimi and Papa H. took the kids overnight so we could really enjoy the night.
• I ran 11 miles today in the glorious sun and 60 degree weather.
• I got to see the waterfalls at Brandywine which is always cool.

Thanks Amanda for the pictures from today's run!

Bad

• I ran 11 miles.
• I didn't eat good pre-run food last night, I ate a cheeseburger and half of the fries. I did make sure to drink tons of water.
• I went to bed "late" (11:30) and had trouble sleeping.
• I woke up hungry but didn't eat much before running (a protein bar and a string cheese).
• I was already dreading the run.

Ugly

• I ran 11 miles
• I should have carried water with me
• I should have had fuel with me
• I mentally defended myself at mile 7ish.

But really overall, I was pleased that I ran 11 miles (see the whole good, bad, ugly thing) and proud that I completed all my scheduled training runs this week. But I really do have to start thinking about taking water with me on the long runs. I am wondering if I should get a belt or just a hand handled thing. Next week I am thinking of trying hand handled with some Nuun that Matt gave me for Christmas. I have used Nuun before and I like the flavor and things but really didn't notice if it helped, but I haven't ran more than 10 miles in a LONG time. It has "energy" in the drink but I think I need to find sports beans (I've liked those in the past) or the stringer things that everyone else seems to love. And lastly I need to get OUT of my head. I know that I could have completed this run running the whole way but after we turned around and I knew we had to run up the hills again and then a gentle incline the rest of the way just go me. Any tips on how to become more mentally focused? I need to really work on that...last year I totally learned that my head gives up way before my body but I just haven't tested it past a 10k (20 more miles seems soo intimidating!)

Speedwork

Getting some advice has been helpful from other running buddies, Cathy. I was trying to figure out how I could incorporate in a little bit of speed in my runs. I am running 4 days a week, two easy days (Tues/Thurs), a medium run "paced" (Wed) and the long on Saturdays. She helped me figure since Wednesdays were all ready "paced" days that I should use that day to add a little bit of speed. So I guess starting next week I am going to start it. She also helped with calculating some speeds for me (things I probably could have done on my own but didn't think to use) based on my last 10K time of 53:40. According to that my predicted pace for a marathon would 9:37 (!!!!) which would be around a 4:15 marathon (yikes and overwhelming to think about, and I shouldn't...) My 5K pace is 8:18, 10K 8:38, and half marathon is 9:08 things that should help me with my speed workouts.

The speed workouts that Cathy thinks I should do include a lot of 800 (4:10 for quarter mile) repeats, hills, and tempo. My last two runs on Wednesdays have actually been my "tempo" paces (8:45-9 minute miles) so I know I can probably keep up with that. The repeats don't even bother me too much but it's the hills. It's not hard to find hills around other than I am wondering if I should do hill repeats or is this just running over at Sand Run (6 miles of hills aka "Hills of Hell")? But I am going to attempt maybe both. (I am rambling now)

I am just adding what each week looks like for me:

Week 5: 35 minute tempo run (6 miles)
Week 6: 5X800s (6 miles)
Week 7: 5 hills (7 miles)
Week 8: 40 minute tempo run (7 miles)
Week 9: 6X800s (7 miles)
Week 10: 6 hills (8 miles)
Week 11: 45 minute tempo run (8 miles)
Week 12: 7X800s (8 miles)
Week 13: 7 hills (5 miles)
Week 14: 40 minute tempo run (8 miles)
Week 15: 8X800s (5 miles)
Week 16: 6 hills (4 miles)
Week 17: 30 minute tempo run (3 miles)
Week 18:  Rest (2 miles)

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51141/Marathon-Advanced-1-Training-Program

Tough Run

I know that every run is not going to be rainbows and unicorns but today's 6 miles were TOUGH. I ran the first 2 miles at 6.3 mph and stopped for water. I had to convince myself to get back on and ran the next 2 miles at 6.4 mph stopping every freaking mile to get more water. The last 2 miles were "let's hurry up and finish this" 6.6-7.5 mph. I did NOT like anything about today's run, well other than I keep on trucking until I hit 6 miles. I could have not run at all (I had some inner voices telling me I didn't have to even run at all) or given up at 2 miles. I guess that's why they call running such a mental thing. Something that I am still learning. Last year I totally learned that I am much more capable than I thought. I crushed my 5K, 10K, and 15K goals out of the water.  I also learned that my head gives up way better my legs (stopping feet away from the finish of the 10K...LOL). I just gotta remember that and today's run in April or any Saturday as I start running longer and longer.

Tuesday

I started reading "What Alice Forgot.." on Sunday, it's now Tuesday and I just finished it. And here I thought I never had time to read. I think I learned that I spend way too much time watching TV or playing around on the computer in my free time. I made it a point to turn off the TV and the phone out of my reach and to start reading. It didn't hurt that I really enjoyed the book. I can't really talk about the book without accidentally reviving something about the story but I had to keep reading to find out things that Alice had forgotten. Anyways I think the next book that I will be reading is "The Storied Life of A.J.  Fikry".  It's another book that my mom (and dad) recommend so I hopeful that I like it as much.

I got my 3 mile run in this morning. I ran at 6 mph for 2 minutes and then 7.5 mph for a minute for a mile, the next mile was 6.1 mph for 2 minutes and 7.5 mph for a minute and then for the last mile same with 6.2 mph 2 minutes. 3.3 miles in 30 minutes. Then I did a little bit of leg strength training. 

Reading update

After I posted about trying to read more my mom give me a list of books. "What Alice Forgot...", "A Man Called Ove", "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" and "Small Things". I looked at the library to see if I could get any of the books. I had to request all of them (and will have to wait awhile for most of them) but "What Alice Forgot..." was at the library so I picked it. Yesterday was a rest day so I spent most of the day reading. I have already read about 100 pages and I can tell you that I am really enjoying it and it's actually relaxing. I'm someone who loves having background noise (right now I have the TV but I have no idea what's on) and I have trouble just sitting. The kids spent some time in the basement playing, Matt was reading himself, and I sat in our bed and read. We got out of the house around 2:00 and took the kids for a walk just to get them out of the house as they were yelling at each other, but I totally would have been okay staying home all day. I think I am going to try to read every night instead of watching "silly" TV which will probably help me sleep better too and maybe not snack since I am busy reading.

Also since I took yesterday as a rest day I went to the gym this morning for an hour of cross training. It felt good to be active and this week is going to a "jump" in training. Tuesday and Thursday are the same 3 miles. Wednesday I am running 6 (instead of 5) and Saturday is 11 miles (almost the furthest I have run in a LONG time!) I am going to try to lift tomorrow and I have kettlebell/kickboxing on Thursday night.

Day goal today is: to read for half an hour and have only one snack/treat today

Words of Wisdom

So I might not have a ponytail anymore, but my buddy Beth (the one I ran with yesterday), posted this at the beginning of the year and I have be thinking a lot about that. I know I said that I have been doing well with the whole losing weight thing but in all honesty I have probably gained about 4 lbs over the last 6 months (actually I am sure I said that, whatever) and today I just got mad. I ate great most of the week, we may have Klondike bars in the house right now, but other than that I have eaten good. Lots of fruits and veggies and protein. I know there are other factors like salt and for lack of a better term women issues but I was angry this morning. But instead of letting it get this best of me I had a great run with Amanda. I met up with her at the Bike and Hike again and ran 7 miles. We ran the first 5 "slow" around 9:50 pace and the last 2 miles were 9:16 and 8:39 (average 9:31).

And then on another blog someone posted that instead of focusing on big goals and looking at trying to lose 25 lbs (which overwhelms her, even though I don't have as much to lose it still overwhelms me) she is going to look for things to do for today and today only. So with that in mind today I am going to think about the fact that I ran 7 miles and that I am focus on drinking more water and eat more fruit and veggies. Charlie has a birthday party to go to at the bowling alley which will be fun but I am going to eat lunch before hand so I don't snack too much. And I am going to enjoy a piece of cake because I can and NOT feel guilty!

I am going to do my best to post about these mini goals daily and see if that helps make things less overwhelming.

Rest Day?

Today was suppose to be a rest day but I couldn't pass up running with a buddy that I don't normally get to run with. Beth and I met up at the Bike and Hike on 303 and set out to do 5-6 miles. I let Beth pick the pace and we had a steady 10 min mile pace going. I enjoyed our conversation, when running with Amanda, we tend to try to go at a 10 min pace but is always faster and I am unable to talk much. Beth was ready to turn around at the 2.5 mile mark but I told her that we should just do the 6 she wanted. With a mile left I told Beth that it was time to pick up the pace (I always love running the last mile a little quicker than the rest) and we took off. I was super proud of Beth for picking it up and even if she doesn't think so I think her last mile was under 10 minutes!

Even though I didn't "rest" today I think it's okay since I am only suppose to run 6 miles for my long run. And even though I could count that as my long run, I haven't seen Amanda all week, so I still think I am going to meet up with her in the am. She needs 8 but I am only going to 6 (she can't make me go a step further!) Also Charlie has a birthday party that he is super excited about at the bowling alley with his school friends.

Besides running goals, I have decided I am going to try to read more. I picked up a book on Monday at the library and have already read it (wasn't great but it was a book and not a fitness magazine) and have already requested a new book "A man called Ove" both my parents told me that I would love the book. I like fiction mostly but am wanting to try a little non-fiction as well. I know goodreads is a good place to look for books, but does anyone have any good recommendations?

Randoms

Ohio winter weather is weird! This past weekend it was 15 degrees and now it's raining and about 60 degrees. Back to the 30's this weekend and by next Tuesday, 60 and rainy! I almost rather see snow since it's winter and all, we would probably have a foot of snow if it was snow! Amanda and I haven't been able to meet this week. Tuesday the kids had a snow (ice day) and today it was too rainy. I wouldn't have minded running in the rain but it was POURING and as I drove back from dropping of Charlie I looked at the towpath, the canal was almost spilling over from all the rain. So it's been a treadmill week.  Tuesday and today were just "easy" days, since I was on the treadmill it was easy to go slow. Tuesday I ran on an incline for 2.5 miles and and then dropped it down and picked up the pace a little and ran 4 miles. Today I started at 5.7 mph and just kind of went slow for the first 2.5 miles and then sped up to make it 3.5 miles in 35 minutes. Wednesday I ran 5 miles at an average pace of 6.7 mph .  I ran the first mile at 6.5 mph and then up the speed a .1 mph each mile after and then at 5 miles took it down to 6 mph for a half mile cool down. And tomorrow is a rest day.

My hair is too short for ponytails but it's not too short to do something with my hair. My friend Maria last week gave me some HippieBands, which worked out great! I saw on their website you can get 10 for $20 right now. It's a grab bag thing so you have no idea what you are getting. I probably will either do that or just pick a few since they are usually $5 a piece since I already have 2 from her and some old BondiBands. I just feel kind of weird wearing the BondiBands because of what's on them. One says "Let's Race" with a picture of a turtle and the other one says "Slow is the new Fast". 6 years ago they were great since I was kind of slow and getting back into running from having Ella and from health things. But now I feel like I'm just making fun of slow runners.Too bad you can't just turn them inside out and no one would know but the fabric on the inside is what holds the band in place.

Last week at Aldis, I saw a bag of "bite size chicken" and since I like easy I bought a bag for my lunches. All week I have been making 6-7 pieces of the chicken, hard boiled egg, bell peppers, celery, carrots, snow peas, and cucumbers (with honey mustard salad dressing for a dip). And surprisingly it's kept me full. I am trying to eat more protein so the chicken has been a great addition. For breakfast on the days I have to take the kids to school,  I have a protein bar and a string cheese. I do like eating Greek yogurt with fruit and granola when I am not in a rush. Any other ideas for protein?

Blah

Woke up at 6 this morning to find out that Ella and Charlie had a snow day. I was sad that I wasn't gonna be able to try out my new fleece lined running tights but enjoyed sleeping up 9 (I think Ella would have slept longer). I feel like we've done nothing all day, we did go to the library for story time and Ella and I worked on her spelling words and MobyMax for awhile. But I feel like a slug and can't wait to go over to the gym after dinner when there is Child Watch.

UPDATE: going to the gym and running 4 miles really helped. I only have 3 on the schedule but I just had to do one more. I ran 4 miles at a 10 minute pace but with a 1.5% incline. Still trying to stick to a plan and I know I will be better for it but like I said it's hard when I am "used" to running so much more. I just don't want to overdo it and mess up my back again when I start adding more and more miles to my longer runs. Tomorrow is a 5 mile race pace (whatever that mean, I mean for a 10K is would be like 8:30 but for a marathon? a 10 minute mile, I think I will just go with what my body says tomorrow....)

Rest day/Thinking Out Loud

Yesterday was a cross training day. Which means anything but running so I choose to use the elliptical for 30 minutes (I just re-read my training plan and it was suppose to be an hour...bummer!) And today is another rest day. I am not sure if I can do two rest days in this training program. I get that I should have a rest day (Friday) before a long run day but this one on Monday is rough on me, well until the mileage really ramps up. I wonder if on Monday I could do a light walk (for like 30 minutes) and then a small strength training. Even though the plan has me doing weights on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I run 3 "easy" miles. Thinking more of this, maybe a little bit of walking along with my PT exercises and maybe a little bit of yoga would be okay on Mondays. I just can't do NOTHING!

These next few days are going be weird weather wise. Tomorrow snow and ice in the morning before warming up and just raining. And then raining all day on Thursday with it almost being 60 degrees. I don't know if Amanda and I are going to be able to run together, as I rather NOT run in the cold rain.

I did buy myself a new pair of warmer running tights that I will be able to wear if it's windy (and maybe double up if I have to) thanks to Amanda and Target! I also am getting my own neck warmer thing (as I have been using Matt's). I definitely have been loving my Darn Tough brand socks (they are wool and keep the sweat and wet off my feet). I think I might have all my running gear that I will need.

Long Run

My friend Cathy posted earlier this week about this weekends run plans and I was excited. Then I realized they weren't running until Sunday and I knew that I couldn't do Sunday. So I okay with running my long run by myself on a treadmill. I mean it's 9 freaking degrees. Then I asked my friend Amanda if she realized it was Sunday and not Saturday and asked her plans. She said she'd be willing to run outside on Saturday if I was going to. After Thursdays run I felt confident that I wouldn't get too cold and the snow wasn't a problem but I kept looking at the 9 degree forecast, so I told Amanda just to run on Sunday and I'd do the treadmill. Matt came home from work and I talked to him about it and he called me a wuss, I texted Amanda and said let's meet at 845. Sigh, but really I am so glad that I put my big girl pants (tights) on and went out. The first mile was rough but after that I got warm and enjoyed the run.

I think I still need to figure out clothes, bottom was fine with just running tights and darn tough socks. I ended up wearing an UnderArmor bottom layer, a vest that Matt let me borrow and then the fleece jacket again. I was fine the whole time but Matt thinks I overdressed as I sweated through all the clothes. I added a hat over my headband and will probably continue that. Overall, I was happy with this run and could have done maybe one more mile.

Kettlebell/Kickboxing

When Charlie was about 9 months old Matt asked me if I would like to join him and take a class at the YMCA called kettlebell pump. I think I had seen the kettlebells at the gym but prior to starting the class I hadn't take any classes at the YMCA (I had done P90X in my neighbors basement), I pretty much ran on the treadmill all the time and had taken an introductory session to show me how to use the weight machines. I thought it would be fun to do something with my husband too, since he didn't like to run or even go to the gym period. I remember being really nervous when we first went to the class. Everyone seemed to know each other and knew the routine. Matt and I found a spot in the back against the wall and found out where the mats and kettlebells were located. That's when we met Jeremy the instructor and he was very helpful in helping us decide which weight we should try. At the start of the class we did a warm up (something foreign me and made me nervous all again when I couldn't follow along) and then we started swinging the kettlebells. It was challenging and Jeremy had to come over and correct our form a couple of times. And then after the kettlebell part, we did a quick core workout....WHAT I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THAT!!!! but by the end of the class we both were a sweaty mess. The next day? Yea I was super sore, I couldn't even put my hair in a pony tail! However, I had fallen in the love with the class. I've taken the class off and on for the last 4 years. I think my favorite part about the class is that I can really be challenged (sometimes we stand on BOSU balls or do TABATA workouts) and feel strong

About 1.5 years ago, Jeremy decided to add kickboxing. Matt wasn't excited about it and decided to stop going but having done P90X and KenpoX (probably my favorite workout) I have enjoyed the addition. Last night was the first time I had gone in about 6 months and "dragged" my running friend Maria went. She had never done a class at the Y either and she was so nervous. I tried to help as much as I could, it was fun to watch her grow in her confidence throughout the class. And I am excited to know that she didn't hate it and can't wait to come back in a few weeks. Also I learned that I missed the class a lot and am excited to start being a regular again!

Winter running

I have always been a fair weather runner and when the weather gets to be about freezing I stay inside and run on the treadmill. Unless I joined in on some runs with friends. But this year, I have to get out as much as I can since I am well aware that running outside is way better for training for a marathon (and less boring!)

Today I met up with my buddy Amanda to run on the towpath. It was 19 degrees and felt like 10 degrees. I had a pair of running tights, warm and cozy darn tough socks (Thanks Heather!), a long sleeve tech shirt under a fleece jacket, mittens, ear/headband thing and a neck thing (yep I don't know technical terms!) Felt cold before we started but I knew that I would warm up quickly. A mile into the run everything felt good except for my toes, by the end of the run I was completely warm and actually sweating! We ran quicker then the training plan said but I know that I am going to try to make the best of what my runs. I love seeing negative splits :)

 And I know that my longer runs will NOT be this quick. I am guess those will be closer to 10:30 minute miles. Even though my long runs that I have been doing were in the mid to high 9's. But I haven't gone past 10 miles so I am sure the average pace will get slower.



Still thinking about what my goal is for Canton will be. I probably should have some sort of goal right?

Managing a healthy weight

I have a love/hate relationship with my body. I am amazed at the things it does like running, having two kids, doing yoga, lifting weights (kettlebells), walking, chasing the kids, kickboxing....just to name a few. What I really don't love (but am beginning to appreciate) is the extra weight that I carry on my 5'10" (or 9" depending on the doctor) frame. Over the last decade I lost 40 lbs, had two kids, and recently lost 25 lbs. I have been able to maintain this weight for the last year and a half and I think that's why I had so much success last year in my running. SIDE NOTE: I am aware that all the running I did also helped me get those PRs. I also have started lifting more weights and probably gained muscle as people think I have lost more weight over the last year, I have NOT but it's been rearranged (haha!). I am getting to point I finally feel comfort in my skin but would LOVE to lose about 10 lbs. Over the last 6 months I probably gained 5 lbs (but was able to stay the same weight from Thanksgiving to New Years Day!)  So, I am getting back to the healthy habits that I did 2 years ago and hope that the weight comes off again. This weeks goal has been to eat more fruits and veggies. And it becoming a habit again, in fact last night instead of the usual chips or chocolate I got out some bell peppers, cucumbers, celery and carrots. A pro (haha!) tip as soon as you get your produce home wash it and cut it up! I use to say that I always was getting veggies, but they would get gross before I ate them as I never wanted to cut them up!

I am not looking for people to give me compliments...this was a post for me just to talk through some of my feelings about my body and weight. But feel free to give me helpful advice

People on facebook are you able to comment on my blog? I know that some people have been able to (other bloggers) but I am having trouble even replying to comments....Just wondering

Training plans?!

I am thinking of doing this training plan, http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51138/Marathon-Novice-2-Training-Program, it's for 18 weeks (we're already on week 2) but I felt that I already had the base mileage. It's Hal Higdon's Marathon Training-Novice 2. I think following the schedule would really help me actually take rest days. After running everyday for a year I am having trouble taking rest days, my body just wants to go! I know I should try to do the weekday runs but the long ones are more important to me and seeing rest days on the schedule might make me really actually have rest days.The only problem I have with it is I only run 20 miles once. I think when I ran Akron I tried to get to 2 20 milers (but failed as I don't think I ever made it  to 20 miles!) But I still think I am ahead on long runs. December I was running 8-10 miles on Saturdays already! Amanda B. which one are you doing? Or what plan are you using? Anyone else with any advice please comment!!!

First 5 miles

Yesterday I should have run. But instead I did some cleaning around the house and then went for an hour walk with the family. We were going to go to the towpath but it was a muddy mess so we drove up to 303 and walked the Bike and Hike. I cannot believe all the complaining we got from the kids especially since this past fall we did the fall hiking spree and it was so much fun! They had been in the house for days so I thought they would enjoy being out in the fresh air. 5 minutes into the walk, Ella was like "can we go back to the car?" And Charlie can be the slowest walker ever. Actually Matt kept "kicking" him in the butt to make him move faster. We must have been a sight (especially towards the end when Ella was screaming and crying because we teased her with walking the other way when we got back to the cars!) I did learn something though, Charlie can move when there's candy on the line. Not sure if that's the best thing or not...but who am I kidding food totally motivates me too!

Here are some pictures of various hikes we took.

Today I did get 5 miles in. I could have run outside since it was nice but I was thinking of doing some sort of intervals. I ended up running at 6.0 for 4 minutes and then running 7.0 for a minute for a mile. And then I increased the running for 4 minutes part by 0.1 every mile. I ended up running 5 miles in 47:25. Then I was going to some weights that my friend, Alyssa, gave to me but my phone wasn't letting me look at the document so I just did some core and back stuff. Tomorrow is the kids last day of winter break so I will have to run on the treadmill again but hopefully Wednesday I'll get back outside. Or Thursday with my buddy Amanda!

Thoughts on the New Year

I personally hate the whole New Years Eve and resolutions thing but I do like to make goals. Sometimes they are rather crazy like running everyday for a whole year! It really didn't start like that but I guess it was mid March when I realized that I had run everyday and it sounded fun (?). I thought about the rest of the year and thought about the challenges I would likely face: getting sick, vacations/travelling, weather, etc.  I was surprised that I really didn't get sick, okay I did one time and should have taken at least a day but whatever. It started as a cold and then became bronchitis. I think I even scared a few people at the gym a few times. I'd be okay running and then as soon as I stopped I would sound like I was coughing up a lung or something. But other than that one time, I didn't get sick. Could it have been from running everyday? Vacations/travelling, I knew over the summer we were going to be taking a vacation to Hilton Head and to Geneva on the Lake (a long weekend). I made sure that I could run on treadmills at the hotels we had to stay at travelling to HHI. I was that person on Friday night pounding out miles at the hotel. I even got up extra early the next morning to run 2 miles before driving the rest of the way to the beach. I decided I would wake up early (630) to run every morning before it got too hot and before the family got up. There is a nice bike path in the Sea Pines area that I ran on since running on the sand at least for me is NOT good. I did get lost once somehow while running on the bike paths but whatever. Once we arrived in GOTL I realized we were in a neighborhood setting and it was easy to get up early and run before the family was up there too. We had to travel to Iowa twice this year and again I knew that the hotels we were staying at would have treadmills so I just had to get up early and run. Weather was never an issue either since we have gym memberships. I guess what I am saying is that with a little bit of planning and A LOT of dedication any goal (resolution) is possible.

So today as I was thinking about it my main goal this year is to run the Canton marathon (April). I still haven't decided if I want a time goal or to just say I did it. I ran one, the Akron marathon 10 years  ago, in just under 5 hours. I had had little training and no real running support from other runners. I feel like I am in way better shape so I feel confident that I could run faster than 4:54. But do I dare a specific time? I will think more on that. I want to continue to be injury free too. And since I finished up my physical therapy I will be doing all the exercises that I was shown to help strengthen my weak areas (back, glutes, and hips) and will maybe get back to my old favorite Y class: kettlebell/kickboxing combo class. 

All I really know is that I am excited to start running/training again tomorrow. And I can't wait to run with my buddies as much as possible especially Amanda who is going to be running the Canton marathon with me.