Hey Y'all I Did 5

I had my swim lesson yesterday, and it went pretty well. First, she wanted to see me swim, and we took it from there. She said, I am not too bad just need some techniques down. We did a few laps, and I drank a few gallons of pool water. It felt so much better swimming correctly than this doggie paddle thing I had going on that was killing my back. The instructor, I think her name is Michelle, I was so nervous that I could have it wrong. Well, Michelle said we are going to work on breathing, form, and on my last class we are going to do an open water swim. I am back in the pool tomorrow, so we'll see if I can retain what I learned.

Today, I did 5 miles. It went pretty well overall. I am still working on this mental blocking that goes on while I am running. Sometimes, I just try to talk myself out of a run, and I need to get over that crap. It was in the 40's and sunny. I wore shorts and a long sleeve tech shirt. It was funny to wear shorts, since I NEVER EVER do. I just knew they looked more comfortable and easy to move in, so I went for it. I like this confidence that running has given me. I feel powerful when I run, not much else gives me that sense of strength, and confidence. It was around mile 3 I felt like giving up at a light, and a lady on her bike was waiting at the light with me. She said, "you are so brave for being out here running in this cold...you are doing so well, good for you." That bike lady gave me the cheer to go 2 more miles without the mental complaining. Thanks bike lady, you rock! My splits are all over the place, but as long as Garmin LT made it to 5 miles, I was pleased.

The other night "Urban Cowboy" was on, I love that movie. I know how cliche a chick from Texas that loves that movie. Well, I was raised in Miami so it is fairly odd. It always shocks the hell out of the hubby on how much I love that movie. I thought I would share one of my fav lines from the movie. I laugh everytime at this scene.

Bud(John Travolta): Let's get outta here.

Girl he meets at the bar: Let me tell my friends I'm leaving.

Girl to friends: Later y'all I found myself a cowboy.

Yesterday's Workout:

Morning/ spin class, 15 minute swim

Evening/28 minute cycle endurance ride, full body strength training

Today's Run: 5 miles (12:32)

Mile 1 (12:21)

Mile 2 (12:37)

Mile 3 (13:02) /bike lady light meeting

Mile 4 (12:30)

Mile 5 (12:06)

Random thought of the day: Trying on wet suits should count as a workout.

Texas Med Center 5K Race Report

Whatever that was stuck in my throat is gone, but looming. It seems like I am trying to fight this cold before it knocks me on my ass! I have been doing the Zicam, Airborne, and drinking orange juice. I hope it just fades away.

I had my first 5K of the year, and will use the time as my official "Shave My 5K Challenge" qualifying time. The hubby had signed up for this one as well, and has now officially popped his race cherry. Yes, he is now hooked. I was concerned because the night prior was absolutely freezing, rainy, and windy here in Houston. It was not so bad when we awoke on Saturday. The temperature was in the upper 40's with little wind. The roads were still wet, and slippery on the course, which made me a little hesitant of most of my steps. The hubby tried to stay with me at the beginning. I reminded him, it is a race, and go balls to the wall I will see you on the other side. My official time was 35:57, so I have taken off 4 minutes since my first 5K last October, and 2 minutes since my PR in November. It feels like I have been coming along well. The hubby clocked in at 31:44 so congrats, Sweet!

One thing that does continue to puzzle me at races is how some people will use me, the fat chick as their run marker. For example, I am running along at my slow steady pace, while person X is running fast past me. Than a short minute after that they begin to walk. I run my slow steady pace past them, and they sprint out again. This rinse and repeat cycle will continue all through the race.

We enjoyed some post race beers, and kolaches. I really didn't have anywhere to put a camera so no pics. I kinda feel bad since the hubby always chases me down for pics at events, and I have not one shot of him, man what a great wifey I am :-(

I had 4 miles on my schedule today, and ended up doing 2. I could not get past it, my right leg was bugging me. I decided to call it a day since tomorrow is Sink Tuesday, which is swimming, cycling, and strength training. I start swimming lessons tomorrow, and it is a 45 minute class. I hope I have a good instructor. I took a unscheduled DOR on Friday as well. I better get my shiznits in gear if I plan on making it to the tri in 60 days.

I also lost another 2 pounds when I officially weighed in on Sunday. I say officially cause I am pretty sick, and weigh daily sometimes twice a day. I have no idea how, I have been making fairly smart choices, but just bunches of it. Weight Watchers talk here --I go through all my points for the day including when I earn 9 activity points, I eat those too! It is like I can't shut my appetite down. What the hell is up?!

4 Stars

I hope everyone enjoyed "Spirit of The Marathon". I thought it was great, and so inspiring. I loved Jerry, he was so funny. I would love to run with him!

I am feeling a little tickle in my throat. Hopefully, it is just a popcorn kernel stuck in my throat. I hope it's not some wicked cold brewing, gonna shoot some Airborne and see if that will stop it from developing. I had a 53 minute cycle lined up for today with a swim, but might just have to do the chill recumbent bike at home. I feel guilty if I skip a day on the schedule. I start swimming classes on Tuesday. Just to give me some basics to build on. After, trying to swim this past week, I realise I know enough just to get me to the wall of the pool, and get out. Tomorrow is the qualifying 5K for the "Shave My 5K Challenge", we will see what I can pull out.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Jess, with the Miami 1/2!

Maria, with the Buckeye 50K!

Took Too Much Ibuprofen & Ran With It

Yesterday, what a miserable 5 miles. I think I complained in my head repeatedly, and I may have cussed out loud like a crazy bag lady for the first 4 miles. I kept debating just walking back to the car. I called myself all kind of things when that thought would cross my mind. It was cold, well freezing for me 44 degrees, and raining. My splits showed my suffering, but alas I did it. I think that last mile came from hurrying to get back to the car. Please remind me how Confucius says these runs make us stronger.

Wensday's Run: Avg Pace (12:45)

Mile 1 (13:00)

Mile 2 (12:07)

Mile 3 (12:56)

Mile 4 (13:48)

Mile 5 (11:53)

Today's Workout:

spin class, endurance cycle 42 minute, 23 minute swim,

full body st, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On a much more pleasant note, I was asked by Amy to share some basics of running that I have learned for 'Take It & Run It Thursday". If you have never stoped by The Runners Lounge go check it out! I still am a total newbie with running, but have learned one thing. Listen to your body when it is trying to tell you something. I ignored my body, and kept going so I decided to re post the entry I wrote when I was sidelined for 7 weeks.

Nov 2007

Calf sprain with a good ol' fashioned stress fracture. That is my diagnosis. I know it is partly my fault when my leg was really bothering me the whole month of October, I continued to push it. I would just cut my running down to two to three times a week and increase the cross training. I would ice it, massage it, and stretch it. I felt like I was just getting this running thing right where I wanted it. So, I would pop Ibuprofen before I would go out for a run, after, and all times in between. Rita, will tell you that when she gave me 800mg Ibu pills it was like crack, I got all tingly on the inside. I just had to have it, where is the milk so I can pop this bad boy and have some relief. Nobody believes me, but becoming this Ibuprofen connoisseur of sorts I will let you in on my hypothesis. The 800mg Ibu dissolves in one big boom, not the same as four 200mg tablets.

A couple of weeks ago I came to the realization that running should not be all this pill popping, Ben Gay, elevation, ice, rinse & repeat ordeal. There has to be good days with a few rough ones, but all of mine got rougher and intolerable. I had this conversation with my gimp leg, please just hold out till the 5 miler on Thanksgiving, and I will take a solid month off let you regroup, and than we can start training for the Cleveland 1/2 in May. Deal?? No deal!! On the weekend of RWTS 5K and Tour de Donut, my leg let me know who is running this show.

So, here I am now with this knee high sexy boot, oh and the ever so hawt crutches that just remind me how uncoordinated I truly am. I spent all last week sitting around with my leg up, and coordinated just enough to make it to the fridge, and pantry several times a day.

__________________________________________________________________

I am now back to running, and sure I have a bad day like yesterday ugh, but it is not every run. I feel like I have new legs, and running is way more enjoyable. I listen to body before my runs, during my run, and after. I do not block it's screams to me with pills.

Random Thought of The Day: Why am I starving after 7PM every night lately.... I am going to start going to bed at 7PM that will nip that in the bud. I just have to convince Lil Buster that we need to go to bed early before Mom eats us out of a house.

The Poll Is Correct...

Well, as hard as it was for me to watch, Greg did do the 6 miles that cold football Sunday afternoon. I really did not think he was going to make it, especially since 1 mile into the run he was jumping curbs, and weaving in and out of trees. He started out on a strong pace, but the last four miles he could have been running (shuffling) with me. It took him 1 hour and 7 minutes. It was funny to watch since he kept making these barking/grunting noises. I am guessing he was pulling out some old football shit on that. The getting mad to get through mode. He did have a rabbit, my sisters Volkswagen Rabbit that is. We were packed in there following him like fools. Other, runners on the trail would stop and stare, people driving would slow down to see what was going on. They were probably like what the hell is going on, who is this guy?! Umm, he is nobody just setting out to prove a point. I guess he is a natural athlete..LOL! He is so getting that on a tee from me, with the back saying, no big deal. That is his favorite thing to say lately. He really is a cool guy, don't get me wrong. My, Dad had some killer steaks waiting for us when we got back. Greg devoured his weight in steak after his shower. He did admit after the run that 6 miles would be his max without training. He also admitted that if we were not there next to him in the car, he would have quit. In the end he said, he totally respects what I do out there. My sister did text me today, and told me he can barely walk.

Tri training is going well. Kicking my rear, but good nonetheless. I am going to call around tomorrow and see if I can locate some professional help with my swimming. Just to teach me some fundamentals that I can practice and build on. I can only do the breast stroke. That is not gonna cut it with 40 other people and saltwater.

The video was the best I could do, had problems with Windows Movie Maker. It was freezing up to no end. I had to use another program that I really do not care for. It did not let me add text mid movie so I could add the mile markers, or lower the volume of the music to hear audio in the movie. I am still on the lookout for an easy to use editing software that is easy like Movie Maker, but definitely more reliable. Also, the whole thing was filmed with a Palm cell, so decent considering.

Random thought of the day: Thanks to the lil ol lady at the pool who said I look like a swimmer. Poor thing must have left her glasses in her locker.

Today's Workout:

morning/1 hr spin class & full body ST

evening/30 minute cycling & 17 minute swim

A Few Firsts

I did my first longest run on Saturday, 6 miles, and it felt pretty good. I have no stats except that it took me 1 hour and 15 minutes. I forgot my LT so I had to ghetto Garmin it with the car. It was flippin cold out there, well cold for Houston. The cold was not as difficult as as the wind. That cold air would get in my lungs, and I would cough like a veteran smoker. I had my first GU, chocolate mint. I only had half since it is 2 points for that sucker. OMG guys, I seriously thought I was going to puke. It was not the taste as much as that gooey feeling in my mouth... I just laughed out loud when I typed that. I may have to find something else to use on those long runs, but I bought a six pack of em so I will stick with it. I ran 3 today on the treadmill, and I am feeling a little discomfort around the shin area on both legs. Could it be from the long run on Saturday???

The scale moved finally, and in the right direction!

My sister's boyfriend, Greg is something else. I was telling him about my long run while we were watching the game yesterday. To which, he responds he could do 6 with no training. I disagree, he jumps of the couch, streches and sets out to prove me wrong. I will post about that tomorrow. We took video of the event. He really does not exercise regularly, and states he is a natural athlete... Man, did I bust his balls about that statement. So what do you guys think, could he do it?
Could Greg run 6 miles?

Yes

53%

No

47%

Big Girls Don't Cry

Thanks for all the encouraging words. I need them with a swift kick to the booty sometimes! I know most of you guys have rocked 1/2 or more, and know what it takes. I am still working at it. All, I can do is not give up.

I do have a secret to confess. I have been reading, Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now. I am seriously considering a sprint triathlon in the last weekend of March. That is why I hate reading these motivating books. They work, it has me thinking I could handle a sprint tri. This tri has a beginner wave, which would be very helpful for this beginner. There is a tri training group in The Woodlands that is about to start up, but they want a big chunk of change. I might have to go at the training on my own. I am not registering for the event until it is a few weeks away, and will play it by ear. I figure I can mix in the swimming and cycling with as part of my cross training for the 1/2 since the heavy mileage will not commence till after the tri.

The 1/2 I will have to plan a little more accordingly since there will be traveling.I am not sure if Cleveland will be in the cards for me, but I have the airline miles so we will see the when and where as soon as I can run a decent distance. I have 4.5 or 5 scheduled for tomorrow.Feel free to throw a chica some advice.

The scale has not moved in weeks, hence that 55 pounds lost still sitting on the left left of my blog mocking me. I have finally reached my pre Thanksgiving weight 2 weeks back, and nothing is happening since than. It is so frustrating!!

Man, do I feel like the oldest 33 year old in blogworld. While, Jess is rockin out to the Foo, I am grooving to songs like Sherry Baby at the "Jersey Boys" musical. It was such a great show! It just ran up to the top of my musical list. I called my Mom, during halftime and told her she is going to love this show :-O I have always called intermission half time it gives it some coolness factor. So, if you are in the Houston area check it out. There is quite a lot of F bombs being thrown around, maybe that is way it's at the top of my list ;-)

One of my closed eyes pic. I think it is just my big

cheeks make my eyes shrink when I smile...

Is Rami getting on anyone else's nerves? He was killing me this past week. I happen to think Sweet P is just that. Sweet! I can understand he was a little frustrated since she didn't know how to drape, and that is all the bastard does! The drama when people get paired up to complete design is outta control. I still love me some Cristian, even though he is a cocky lil' thing, but he is so cute!

Today's Workout:

25 minute Swim & Spin Class

Thursday's Workout:

Spin Class & Full Body ST

Random Thought of the Day: Being nosy, and looking across the gym to see what's going on in Zumba class can cause you to fall in the pool.

Having Doubts

I am a little weary of this 1/2 in May. After thinking about it this past week I have come to realise that I might not be ready for a 1/2 in May. It is just something I will have to think a little harder about as training gets more along.

I have been noticing some pain on my right foot, on the outer bone, if that makes any sense. That's a new one for me. I just got fitted for shoes a couple weeks ago, and I was thinking it could be the shoe. I went by Luke's Locker after my run today, and asked for some sort of insert or something I can put in the shoe. He asked if I was fitted there, which I was. He had me take off my shoes, get on the treadmill, and within a couple minutes all the employees and manager were watching me walk on the treadmill, the pressure to try to walk "normal" was on. They came to the conclusion that I was fitted incorrectly. I don't overpronate, I am actually neutral. Who would have thunk it. I knew I didn't feel like an "Adidas Chick". I am now an "Asics Angel". I guess I could be an "Asics Asshole", but it did not have a nice ring to it. I chuckled when I read the shoe description for the Asics Gel Fortitude. It states for the large frame runner, that is a sweet way to put it. I went back home to grab my receipt and the box, which the hubby had told me, why do you keep all that crap? This is why, they exchanged my shoes for me after 2 weeks of running in them. I had no idea that could be done. I was just going to rig it with some insole till those bad boys served their mileage.

Today's Workout:

Mile 1 (12:40)

Mile 2 (12:06)

Mile 3 (12:03)

Yesterday's Workout:

Spin Class & Full body ST

Random Thought of The Day: Does anyone notice that when Hedi stands on the "Project Runway" she has her legs spread far apart?

No Crap Out, 11 Baby!

I want to send a big ol' congratulations to all the 1/2'ers this weekend! Huge accomplishment, guys!! I woke up at 5AM to see the Houston Marathon & 1/2 runners. Since, I am about 35 minutes from downtown, and the streets were closing at 6AM had to be in the vicinity before than. I only had 1.5 hours of sleep, after a night of many margaritas. Lil' Buster was at grandma's so some sleeping in coulda gone on, and It was my anniversary. So, all that being said, I obviously really wanted to be there. The hubby, and I got to hang with Margo. It was so awesome to meet her. Margo, is the sweetest thing, and the most prepared cheerleader EVER! When, I met her I just gave her a big hug, that is how warm she comes off just after meeting her. After, spectating yesterday at mile 7ish, I was left with doubt, and fear of completing a 1/2. I saw plenty of people who looked strong, but I also saw those that looked like they were struggling accompanied with a pure look of torture on their faces. I have some fears, all I am saying.

Timmy ,you looked fantastic! How the hell do you run a 1/2 and look like your doing a 3 mile jog around Memorial park?!? June Bug, looked super strong! Anna, did really well, especially with all that pneumonia drama that took a huge chunk out of her training. I saw Coach Andrea out there getting it done. I am not sure if she was doing the full or the 1/2, but way to go! I also cheered on a few PIM'sters running, great job! Missed, Coach Trish, and I was stalking, I mean looking for her. The ever behind runner alerts texted me at 7:30PM to know that Trish completed the 1/2 with a fabulous time! It was not 12 hours later, which is how behind the alerts were coming in.

I got to run with the group on Wednesday. It was so nice to see them, after being gone for so long with the injury, and whilst working back up to 3 miles. I am slower (yes, very possible)that I was pre injury, but I am running, so no complaints. I was only able to keep with a few homies from the group for the 1st mile, after that it was just me and my thoughts since I did not bring an iPod.

I found a great challenge that I should be able to handle. Vanilla, is hosting Shave Your 5K Challenge. I am hoping I can shave some time off mine this year since I will be increasing my mileage,and hopefully lowering my weight. Science tells me being a newbie my odds are pretty good, to get a couple minutes off. My qualifying 5K will be the Texas Med 5K in a couple weeks. We shall see....

Today's Run

Mile 1 (13:11) Avg HR 157
Mile 2 (12:57) Avg HR 164
Mile 3 (11:24) Avg HR 173

Last weeks workouts update

Saturday's Run

Mile 1 (13:38) Avg HR 152 Mile 2 (13:54) Avg HR 156
Mile 3 (14:02) Avg HR 158 Mile 4 (13:35) Avg HR 165

Thursday's Workout

1 hr spin class, Full Body ST

Wednesday's Run

Mile 1 (12:23) Avg HR 170
Mile 2 (13:11) Avg HR 172
Mile 3 (13:14) Avg HR 171

Tuesday's Workout

1 hr spin class, Full Body ST

Random Thought of The Day: It really sucks ass when you miss your turn on a run. Than have to walk back an additional 2 miles back to the car after you ran 3 miles.

Good Luck 1/2'ers!!

It has been almost a week since my last post. My computer is really on the outs. It kinda blew up earlier this week and it decided to take my back up external drive with it. On, my drive I had all of my Lil' Buster's pictures on it since birth. I am dropping it by a friends house to try to recover whatever can be saved. All, my 70 gigs of music is on there as well, but the pictures would be the hardest blow by far.

I have 3 miles on tap for this morning at Memorial. The workouts have been going well. I had to take yesterday off since I was feeling run down. I noticed at the spin class on Thursday I was sweating profusely, and just feeling over all tired. I surely don't want to push myself into a cold or something like that. I am trying to be a little smart with my training this time around so I can actually make all my goal races injury free.

I am supah excited about hanging with Margo tomorrow, and cheering on all the Houston Marathon peeps! Best of luck to you all that trained so hard, Timmy, Anna, Trish, and June.
I also want to send luck to all the peeps running in Arizona tomorrow, Pokey, Java, Marcy, and friends.

I will update my workouts for the week later this weekend. I hope everyone has a fantastic racing weekend!

Building That Base

I hope everyone had a great weekend! There was too much shopping going on here, decor for the guest bedroom, camera (mine fell on Christmas), running shoes(rolling out on my Mizuno's), washing machine, dryer(washer broke, and I had to have the dryer match the washing machine). See, I have an excuse for everything. That is about all we can fork over right now, so the computer issues will just continue to annoy me. I type, and about 30 seconds later the text shows up, frustrating. I have tried disk defragment, disk clean up, anyone have any other tips to speed up this computer?

We luckily did have a non spending money activity on Saturday. We were able to run at Memorial Park together. Shane was excited because he had never done a full 3 miles, as he said, in my life. If you pop in, great job Sweet! I was excited because I was able to run 3 miles again since coming back from the injury. It was special doing it at Memorial Park, since that is where I had accomplished it for the first time in my life as well 3 months ago. This next month I will just work up to a comfortable 3 mile base than begin training for the 1/2 at the beginning of February.

Football Corner:

Yaa, to the San Diego Chargers for advancing! It will be difficult for me to pick between my two favorite players next weekend. My man Peyton & The Colts who I have loved for 4 years or my new 2nd favorite player LT. Did anyone see LT take flight?! I am gonna be brave and say it. As long as one of them take out The Pats, I will be happy.

Movie Corner:

"Juno", I found it to be comical with a story line. Thumbs up!

"Atonement" Fantastic! I loved every minute of it. Thumbs up!

They showed a preview for "The Other Boleyn Girl", which looks like it will be a future thumbs up pick.

Saturday's Run:

Mile 1 (13:35) Avg HR 153

Mile 2 (13:49) Avg HR 163

Mile 3 (12:05) Avg HR 181

Today's Run:

Mile 1 (12:02) Avg HR 163

Mile 2 (12:55) Avg HR 171

Random Thought of The Day: Why has everything become a U scan. I have to scan my own groceries, hardware supplies, and household goods.

Enabler

One who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior.

That might be me when I am with the hubby at times. Lil' Buster is going to Grandma's for the weekend, and Shane has asked if I wanted to go to a movie, dinner, anything... My response, how about we go for a run at Memorial Park tomorrow. That is all I feel like doing. I am scared. I have only been back on the wagon for almost a week now, and fear falling into some tailspin of eating this weekend. I usually only get that way with him. I truly think it is because he has loved me through thick & thin for so long that it is pretty comfortable of falling into an eatathon. He makes healthy choices for himself, unless I am there to say let's eat this crap or that crap. I feel terrible for not being strong in this situation. I should just stop being a pansy, pack some carrots or an apple, pike up and go to a movie with him.

There is a club bike ride tomorrow I will not be partaking in, mostly due to the fact that my bike is still in the shop. It has been ready for 3 weeks now. I am pretty sure I have some new fears of the bike again. I need to ball up and go pick it up.

Below, are a few Paris pics, that I have finally uploaded. All, my gadgets are breaking! My camera fell on Christmas, and did not survive the fall. My laptop is slower than molasses. My desktop sounds like a 777 taking off, no doubt it will blow up any minute. Oh, and my washing machine broke last week.

Today's Workout:

20 Minute (1.6 miles) run on the treadmill

1 hr spin class

Random thought of the day: Why does everything happen at the same time?

Shane & I at The Louvre. It was breathtaking. In 5 hours we made it thourgh 1/4 of museum.

The mannequins were moving in a running motion. There were a lot of runners in Paris, or maybe I am just noticing that stuff now. Kinda like when you buy a new car, and notice everyone has the same car.

The desserts were amazing. Hmm, how did I gain so much weight this past month?!

A part of Paris you will not see on The Hills. Me freezing waiting for Le' Metro (subway).

On Track

It is so cold here in Houston. I can only imagine how the people who are normally in the cold areas of the country are probably freezing their asses off!

Everything, is going great, for at least the last five days. I have been back to eating healthy, exercising, and running. The scale is 2 pounds away from my before Thanksgiving weight. The family is back to our routine. The hubby is back at work, and the kiddo is back in pre-school.

Life is GOOD!

I got 3 miles in yesterday. I walked the first mile, and ran the last two with out walking. I took it slower, since I cut the walking intervals. Yes, is it possible for me to run slower than 12:30 min miles. I would say totally doable :-D

Mile 1 (18:21) Avg HR 110

Mile 2 (13:35) Avg HR 151

Mile 3 (13:48) Avg HR 159

Update: Today's workout

1 hr. Spin class, 30 min. endurance bike ride & full body ST

Random thought of the day: The gym was an inferno with the heat on..