January 11th, 2011

2011; this is going to be my year!

It is official; I probably was one of the very first people to sign up for Iron Girl this year. Registration opened up on the 31st and I was just so excited to put my nme on the list.

I ran another 5k; this was in November, called 'Jinglebell Run". I did it with a few friends and had a blast. I really wish that I had someone to do IG with me. They are opening up the race to 1200 participants this year. It will be crazy! The race is a 600 meter swim, a 18 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. The challenge I am facing right now is to train without becoming overwhelmed. For some reason I am having a hard time getting motivated to get myself to the pool. I have been going here and there but not enough. Same for biking. I need to get myself into spin class atleast 2x a week. The only thing I have been doing on a regular basis is running.

Here is the schedule I am thinking I am going to impliment:

Monday: 1 hour spin
Tuesday: 45 minute swim
45 minute run
Wednesday: 1 hour spin
Thursday: 45 minute swim
Friday: 60 minute run
Saturday: off
Sunday: 90 minute run.

I am really flirting with the idea of signing up for the Boilermaker run this year. That is a 15k (9.3 mile) run. So far the longest I have been able to run is only 6 miles. I will see where I am milage run in April, and if it looks like I can do it within a semi-reasonable time, I think I will.

I have decided to just do 5k runs that are fun. Either a big event or if I have a friend running with me. I am really not ready for any competitive running. If I could get me 5k running time to under 30 minutes, I would be really happy.

Off to go swimming!

Finished!

My foot made it through. My anxiety is what got to me though. It seemed like I just could not catch a proper breath. People were probably thinking I was having an asthma attack!

My time was 32 minutes, but I finished 87 out of 117. Eeeks. That is okay though, I will get stronger and faster. This race was only the beginning.

Here is Kevin and I posing post race.

Pre-race

My foot is achy and I have a major case of anxiety going on. At least I look cute!

September 18th (just going by dates now)

Today is the big day! In a few hours I am running my first 5k. I am in agony over my left heel, but will fight through it as much as I can. I was able to fit my custom made orthotics in my running shoes, so I think that will help.

So excited to get back to the Y! I am starting up yoga again on Friday's.

Will report back with race results!

Day 103

I know that I have been MIA lately. Unfortunetly, I let my training slow done due to a few different reasons. However I am back on track.

I did not end up doing the Harbor run. I just was not ready.

Taking a trip to Fleet Feet (a great but be it overpriced) was exactly what I needed to get my butt in gear. That and all of the attention from people over my weight loss. It is frustrating; I am happy that people notice, but I am sensitive so when people say, "you look so amazing/great/etc"., I just keep thinking gee, did I really look that horrible before? I just feel the scrunity with these people. Because I am in a lull with my weight at the moment, I feel I am dissapointing people that the weight is not coming off fast enough. Or that if I am bloated due to my period, people will be quick to say, "oh look, she has already gained some weight back". It is truely making me miserable.

So.....anyway, I found another 5K that is about 3 weeks away. The registration has already been submitted and paid for so there is no backing out. The race is Sept 18th in B-ville. Kevin is doing it with me but will probably finish a good 8 minutes before me. I am not looking forward to it, but at least I have a goal to work towards. I think it is exactly the motivation I needed.

So I have just been focusing on running. My YMCA memberships starts back on 9/20 so I really look forward to getting in some cross training.

This post sounds really whiny, but it is how I feel at the moment. :-(

Day 85

Okay, I know it has been over a week. The post race blues has lifted and now I am on the back to school August manic pace. It happens every year, where I cycle into mania in mid-August, early September. This started the year Abbie went into Kindergarten. Year year I say that I won't let it get me, but it always does.

With that said, I am still working out at least every other day. One enjoyable thing I have been doing is taking my beloved doggie out to state land and running with her. It is great exercises for both of us and the scenery is pretty. I am running more and biking less. Kevin and I are doing the Inner Harbor 5k run in two weeks so I guess I am focusing on that for now. I have started a running log so that I can keep track of my progress. I am up to a 5.3 pace down to a 4.2 pace for about 60 minutes.

I have great news~I now have a training partner for next year's Iron Girl! My good friend Holly is going to do it with me. To hold her to it, I took her picture and posted it. I met her 4 years ago when our boys when to pre-k together. She also works at the Y, so I get to see her there as well. Thanks Holly~I really think we are going to rock it!

Day 73

Wow, I have been in a funk. I guess it is the post race blues. I am totally lacking energy and just feel like a slug. This past week I have only two runs and a long bike ride under my belt. It did not help that we went out with dinner and wine jazz with friends so I over indulged.

This week will probably not be any better since we are leaving on Thursday for a camping trip. My goal is to start fresh on the 9th and continue to work hard.

On a positive note, I beat my personal bike time by 10 minutes. 52 minutes for 9.3 mile. I realize I have a long road ahead of me, but at least it is a start!