Maddie's First Run

Here's Maddie before our first outdoor run this morning. I decides that as soon as she woke up we would be up and running. I had planned to go yesterday but it rained all day so instead I stayed in and did circuit training from the Insanity total body conditioning program.

I was a little nervous about going mostly because I didn't know how Maddie would like the run. You never know unless you try, right? It was a huge success. The weather was perfect. Maddie made not one peep the entire time. I ended up doing 2.5 miles but did some walking along the way. This was only my second run outside plus my first run pushing the jogging stroller so I will most certainly be happy with 2.5 miles with a few breaks of walking here and there.

I definitely enjoyed this run more so than my first run outside on Tuesday. It was nice having company with me and the weather was so much cooler. Now if Hailey can learn to ride a two wheeler, she can come along with me too. I am getting excited about my upcoming 5K run. I hope the weather is like today. Great running weather.

It is easy to now go about the rest of my day feeling like I accomplished another goal. I am looking forward to many more runs with Maddie and hopefully Hailey.

Outside Run=Success

Yesterday I did my first outdoor one on pavement, up and down hills, gravel roadsides and road kill! I had decided the night before that I was going to do a 4.2 mile loop on the roads surrounding my house. I didn't feel much up to it but I did it anyway because I had committed myself to it. No excuses, right? I was tired when I started my run which didn't start until 2 in the afternoon. It was also 85 degrees and humid. Not ideal running weather (conditions or time of day) for my first outdoor run but I was up and running.

At first I was very distracted. I realized that when I run on my treadmill, I have no concept of time. I run in the same place, looking at the same thing. When I was running outside, I was well away of how far I had run and how much longer I had to keep running to get back home. The end of one block just meant I had another whole long block to run. The run seemed to last forever. Plus the last mile leading to my home was pretty much all uphill. I had to break up some of this run with a minute of walking followed by a minute of running. When it was over, I felt great and VERY thirsty. Chris met me outside with a huge glass of ice water. After several glasses, I realized that I had just accomplished what I set out to do and it felt great. I can only get better from here. Only about 18 more days until my first 5K race (I ran one 15 years ago but I don't count that since it was so long ago). I hope I am up for it. I am going to keep running outside every other day, if possible. Tomorrow I plan on trying to go just 2 miles but pushing Maddie in a jogging stroller. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will be up and running.

Cardio Power & Resistance

Today was an very early morning workout for me. I had a very busy day today so I had to make sure I was up and all worked out before Hailey was off to school. I did Insanity's Cardio Power & Resistance in preparation for an outdoor 4.2 mile run tomorrow (fingers crossed). I enjoyed this workout because it was intervals of cardio and toning. A nice balance between getting your heart rate up and then recovering while still working your muscles.

My goal for tomorrow is to run outdoors on the roads (hills included) a 4.2 mile loop around my neighborhood. I won't be able to run until later in the afternoon or early evening which worries me a little bit. I don't enjoy running/working out during these hours. I much prefer to do the morning but it isn't an option for tomorrow. I have a feeling it will be another instance of thinking this is going to be easy and then wondering why I ever thought that 5 minutes into running.

Let's see what happens...I will be sure to fill you in.

Outdoor Running

Today I ran 3.5 miles at the local track. It definitely is different running outside. It was windy and cold so it was harder to breathe especially since I have a cold. But it was easier to stay motivated because I could focus on different points to run to. When I run on the treadmill, I usually just focus on a plastic Rubbermaid storage container sitting on the basement shelf. My family came with me so it was nice to have company. Chris pushed Maddie in the jogging stroller. Yes, he walks as fast as I run. Hailey played on the bleachers and the track equipment and occasionally joined us for a lap around the track. It was great to have the motivation and the company.

I tried to do interval running. Two slow laps followed by a faster lap and then another lap faster than the last. Then start the cycle all over again. It sounded great but was hard to do. I averaged 14:30 minute miles which I was okay with since it was my first outdoor run. At least I know I can run the distance of a 5K. I also know that I am running less than 16 minute miles which is what I would need to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. That is still a long way away so I am sure by then I will reduce my time.

For my next outdoor run, I plan on running on the local roads which includes hills and a total of a 4.2 mile loop. Tomorrow I am just going to walk with a friend on the "rail trail" not far from my home. My legs are hurting tonight but in a good way. Here's a pic of me during my run today:

Cardio Recovery

Today was my cardio recovery day which mean a I basically did a workout that was still tough but was a much slower pace. Lots of squats and yoga poses. I can honestly say I am not such a big fan of the slow going tempo. Made a 40 minute workout feel like 2 hours. It was a nice change of pace though.

Tomorrow I am planning on doing my first run outside. I am going to the local track and will run 3.5 miles in preparation for my 5K race on May 15. The plan is to run 2 laps at a normal pace and then 1 lap faster than the first two and the next lap faster than the previous 3 laps. Then start the intervals all over again. I will time my laps to see how well I do. Fingers crossed I keep a good pace and do well.

Stay tuned...

Plyometric Cardio Circuit

The name of my post doesn't begin to tell you how hard Insanity's circuit training workout is. I am on Day 3 of this new total body conditioning program that will hopefully build my endurance for running. My legs are sore and I curse every minute of the workout but I continue to keep digging deeper. Yesterday and today's workout consisted of "suicide drills" and a warm up that felt more like a workout.

I still have to get outside to run in preparation for my 5K race on May 15. Maybe tomorrow I will do a quick run on the treadmill and then do the next workout with my new program. Until tomorrow...

Insanity...Dig Deeper

Today I tried something new. I am starting a new body conditioning program called Insanity by Shaun-T. This program is an series of high intensity interval training segments that is suppose help condition your body and build your core, endurance and cardiovascular health. So I might as well give it a try. Insanity's motto is "dig deeper." I truly feel that this is what I have done in the past three weeks every time I got on my treadmill to run. If I set out to run 1 mile, I dug deeper and ran 2. If I tried to do a mile at a higher speed, I dug deeper and kept running longer and faster. Once I achieved a goal, I never went backwards. I never settled for less than what I could do. I will couple this with running as well since I have really enjoyed running. Today I did the Fit Test. Boy was it a challenge. I was thankful for the minute rest in between each interval. I did switch kicks, power knees, power jumps, suicide jumps, push up jacks and low plank obliques. My hope is that I will become more conditioned so I can run faster and longer. In two weeks, I will take the fit test again and see if I have improved.

I am looking forward to May 15 when I run my first 5K. Today I wore new running socks and a new running shirt both of which felt great to wear. Apparently, "cotton is rotten" when it comes to socks when running so no more cotton socks for me. I really need to start cleaning out my old workout clothes---out with the old, in with the new.

Change Of Pace

Today was a change of pace for me. I ran 14:17 minute miles instead of 13:20 minute miles. But I increased my incline to 2.0 which is suppose to be a better representation of what it would be like running outside but running on a treadmill instead. So I ran at a slower speed since today was my first day at running at this new incline. My goal was to run just 1 mile to get use to it. I played around with the speed a bit at first but then just thought I should get myself into a comfortable running pace rather than worry about speed. After 1 mile, I felt as if I could keep going so I went for 2 miles. It definitely was a challenge but I won't go back now. I will keep the incline at 2.0 and worry about my running pace later one. My total running mileage is now 44 miles. I realize that when training for long distance runs, I should be more concerned with endurance and how long I run not so much how far I run. But it is easier to keep track of miles so I will continue to do that.
Tomorrow I would like to run for one hour and do a longer run.

Today was my 37th birthday and my presents were geared towards my new love for running. Hailey gave me a Mickey hat to wear as I train for and run the Disney Princess Half Marathon. It is the perfect gift from a 7 year old. Chris gave me a Sportline ECG heart rate monitor watch. It is a sports watch that tells you your heart rate, how many calories you burned and your time. It also has other features but those are the ones I will be using the most. Below are some pictures of my very thoughtful gifts. Maddie gave me a little something too but it didn't have anything to do with running (a little stick figure decal of a little girl for my car to add her to the ones we already have of our family)

3 More Miles

Total Running Mileage: 42 Miles

Today I ran 3 miles but my initial thought was to do 2.5. I was pressed for time and I didn't know how long Maddie would sleep. I decided that I would run until she woke up. As you can guess, I got 3 miles in which is a a 40 minute run. I was happy with both the length of time and the mileage. I have been doing more and more research on local races and even races not so local. I also have been looking at message boards and photos from the Disney Princess Half Marathon 2011. I didn't realize that Disney hosts many running events. All different lengths of races and all different times of day. There is another half marathon in September in which the race starts at 10PM. Too bad Disney wasn't closer. I would have loved to try a night race through Disney. I have found a lot of information on www.disneyrunning.com. It even gives you running maps around the resort so you can still run while you go on vacation there.

I am trying to find a race to run every month. I have a 5K race in May I am signed up to do. There is another one in June I am interested in doing but won't sign up for until I complete the race in May. I would love to run the Falmouth Road Race in Cape Cod in August but I have to get picked through the lottery system to get in. So that is not a definite race. Last year I watched the race and said I was going to run it. I am definitely more committed now than ever before.

I am going to start running outside 1-2 days a week to help with my training. I hope I can do that as it is easier for me to run on the treadmill with Maddie napping along side of me. I would like to run on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Let's see how that works out.

Not sure what tomorrow's run will bring. Until then.....42 Miles Completed in 17 days.

Ready, Set, Race!

Today I signed up for my first official 5K race. It will take place on Sunday, May 15th in my town. Now I need to really start running outside every now and again to see how different it is from running on my treadmill. Today my goal was to run 3.5 miles but I actually hung on until I ran 4 miles. It took my 52 minutes. If I can keep the same pace for the 5K race, I should be able to complete the race in about 40 minutes. Maybe quicker if I pick up my speed between now and May 15.

Today when I was running I was thinking about how differently I feel since I started running just 2 short weeks ago. I definitely feel like I have more energy, more positive and more self confident. I also noticed that I stand up straighter when I am running. Hopefully this means my core is getting stronger. Above all, it is nice to take some time to be alone and recharge my batteries.

I brought a big black garbage bag up to my bedroom and I am getting ride of my old clothes and bringing in some new ones. I definitely need an updated wardrobe. I haven't bought new clothes in such a long time. I also made an appointment for a pedicure and a hair coloring. A little spoiling can go a long way.

Total Running Mileage To Date: 39 miles and counting

Early Morning Run

Today I ran at 7:30 this morning and I felt much better. I ran 2. 5 miles making my grand total now 34 miles. I would love to run that early every day but it won't always be possible. I am thinking about taking my running outdoors soon. Not sure if I want to go to the track or run by my house. I am not a big fan of getting in the car to drive to the track even though it is only 10 minutes away. I would rather walk out my door and get going. My one day soon I will give it a try. Not sure what my plan is for tomorrow. I would like to run at least 45 minutes. The last two days have only been runs that lasted just a little over 30 minutes. Since I wrote it, I guess that is what it will be. I feel like I have already committed to run at least 45 minutes. Maybe longer if I can. The treadmill is in the basement and every day the mess in the basement gets more and more on my nerves. I must start some spring cleaning ASAP. So maybe a 45 minute run following by at least 30 minutes of cleaning in the basement. My office is in the basement too so I see the mess way too often. Must do something about it quickly. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.

Running And Eating Cake

I definitely am a morning workout person. Today I didn't get a chance to get my run in until early evening. I definitely felt it took me longer to warm up and it seemed like what was suppose to be a quick run was taking forever. I was only 1.3 miles in and I felt like I had been running for hours. I ended up running 2.4 miles in 32 minutes. My grand total now is 31. 5 miles. Tomorrow my plan is to run first thing in the morning since I have a busy day planned.

I am replacing my weekly donut with some birthday cake this week. Although my birthday is at the end of the week, we celebrated today with a delicious red velvet and cream cheese filling cake.
I bought myself some new running clothes and think I like them so much, I may go back to the store for more tomorrow. They are super comfortable. I can see myself wearing them even when I am not running. Looking forward to tomorrow....another day I will be up and running.

Longest Run Yet

Today was my longest run yet in miles not in time. I ran 4.5 miles in one hour. Since I have increased my speed I am running further in distance but the most I have ever run in time has been one hour straight. I took yesterday off because I have had a nagging pain in my side since Tuesday. I thought maybe I pulled a muscle running so I decided to take the day off and see if it went away. Well, it didn't go away so I decided today I would be up and running.

I didn't have a real plan for today's run. My only plan was do whatever Maddie allows me to do today. She didn't nap real well yesterday so I didn't know what was going to happen today. I put the travel swing in the basement and told myself if she at least sleeps for 1/2 hour then at least I got a quick run in. Here's Maddie sleeping in her travel swing next to the treadmill while I am running.
After 30 minutes, Maddie started fussing and I was kind of disappointed. I really wanted just a few more minutes. Well, she ended up falling back asleep after about a minute so I kept on running. At 45 minutes she did the same thing but went back to sleep. Lucky me. So now I had my sights set on a 1 hour run. Maddie cooperated and not only did I get a good run in but she also got a good nap in. My total mileage now is 29.1 miles.

Now I feel more focused and have the whole day ahead of me. What a great feeling.

No Going Back

So today I hit the treadmill knowing that since I ran a 13:20 minute mile, I would have to do that again today. No going back. Although I felt like running at a slower pace today, I knew that I could probably run at the same speed today. I ended up running 3.5 miles in 45 minutes. My grand total is 24.6 miles so far. Not too shabby for a beginner runner. I printed out a training guide specifically made for running the Disney Princess Half Marathon. To my surprise, training only consists of running 3 times a week....30 minutes twice a week and then a 3 miles run every other Saturday and a longer run on the the Saturdays in between. Weird. Doesn't seem like that little training over a 5 month period would get you to cross the finish line. But I guess it does.

It is amazing how I feel like I have come so far in such a short amount of time. Looking back at my previous posts, I was so excited to run 3 miles. Now a "quick" run is 2 miles for me. 3 miles now doesn't seem so difficult. I still can't believe I actually look forward to running and can't wait to get to the treadmill. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I am alone in a quiet place where I can just focus and think straight. Those moments don't come around too much during the day with juggling family and a business. Until tomorrow...

Met A New Goal I Didn't Yet Set Out To Achieve

So today was very busy and hectic. I only had one hour from the time I got home until I had to get Hailey off the bus. I quick put on my workout clothes and sneakers and I was up and running. In my haste, I set the treadmill at a speed of 4.5. I didn't realize it at first. I usually run 15 minute miles at a speed of 4.0. After a few minutes I felt more out of breath than usually. That is when I realized the speed was increased and set to run 13:20 minute miles. A big difference for me. A minute and forth seconds faster is quick a jump. I started turning it back down to my normal speed but then put it back up and thought I would try to run 1 mile at a 13:20 minute pace. I did it! I felt pretty good so I did another mile. 2 miles down at my new running pace. I had about 10 minutes left until I had to run outside to get Hailey off the bus. I totaled 2.6 miles in 40 minutes. A new goal has been achieved and I didn't even set out to do it. I felt pretty good although my knees still hurt. I have run 21.1 miles in 7 days.

I realize that running and training for a half marathon isn't so much about distance as it is about endurance which is why I try to run at least 40-60 minutes a day. I want to keep building up how long I can run versus how far I can run. It is a work in progress.

I must confess that I did go food shopping today and did get my one donut. It was delicious but not my favorite donut I usually get. Guess everyone else got their donuts before me today. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to eat it after I bought it because I had to go to the dentist. I had to look at my donut for a good 2 1/2 hours before I could eat it. But it was well worth the wait :)

Dinner tonight was yummy homemade vegetable soup with turkey meatballs. I also am increasing my water intake. I usually don't drink much during the day but I now am carrying my water bottle around with me and try to make sure I drink at least 2 water bottles full each day. I also love my green tea in the morning. I even give Hailey a cup with her breakfast. She loves it too.

I am putting in a picture of my inspirations: my family...Chris, Hailey and Madison. I run for a healthier me and a happier me. As I run, I think about my family and all the great memories and times we have ahead of us that can be enjoyed with good health. Until tomorrow....

One Week Ago Today...

One week ago today Up And Running was born. Today marks one week that I made the commitment to improve myself by training to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Although it is quite a ways away as you can see from my countdown ticker on this page, I wanted to start focusing on myself and my health sooner rather than later. So far so good. Today I ran 2.5 miles and it is funny how I think of it as a quick workout now. What a difference one week can make. I am keeping a running total of how many miles I have run and today makes 18.5 miles.

I ordered 2 free issues to Runner's World and I hope that it will give me some good pointers on building endurance, training, etc. I am not sure if they will get read simply because I have a pile of People magazine and Parenting magazine sitting here that remains untouched. Can't seem to find the time to just sit and read. I would rather be up and running. I am going to start looking for some local 5K's that I can run in the spring. I would like to also start running outside but for now I will make that a goal for a later date. I am enjoying my treadmill and don't want to cheat on my trusted friend just yet with the outside world.

I am very focused on eating healthy and never thought I would enjoy a pile of vegetables on my plate. But when you work hard at achieving something, I hate to sabotage it just for the sake of the taste of something delicious. I must say, however, tomorrow is my day to go food shopping and I will still buy my one donut and enjoy it immensely. Unfortunately, the girl scout cookies have also arrived but I was sure to place them way up high in the pantry. Hopefully, out of sight out of mind. I plan on putting them out at a Mary Kay Get Pampered Party I am having this weekend.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring. I have a lot of errands to do and a dentist appointment to go to. I can probably fit my run in later in the day. I don't feel as focused during that time of day though. But something is better than nothing I suppose.

4 Mile Run=16 Miles For The Week

Today my goal was to run a 5K. I thought a 5K was 3.5 miles but when I googled it, it said a 5K is 3.1. So that was what I was going to do. Originally I planned on doing my run in the afternoon but I just don't feel like I focus as much in the afternoon as I do in the morning. Probably because it is later in the day and I am thinking of all of the stuff I still have to do. So I brought the travel swing down to the basement, put my workout clothes on including my sneakers and at the first sign of Maddie rubbing her eyes, I would be up and running.

I didn't know if Maddie would cooperate. Yesterday she only napped 20 minutes at a time. Wasn't sure if the same thing would happen. It was worth a try though. I told myself as long as I get 2 miles in, it would be considered a good day. So with Maddie napping in the travel swing next to the treadmill and Hailey playing with her dolls, I began what I hoped would be a practice 5K race. Not only did I complete the 3.1 miles but I made it to 4 miles. The first 2 miles went fast. I knew I could go to 3.1. Before I knew it, 4 miles was complete and I felt great. It took me 1 hour but I did it. Couldn't believe I ran for 1 hour straight. Best part, Maddie was still sleeping. I am glad that I am building my endurance. I am going to start looking for some local 5K races to run in the Spring. Until tomorrow....

Day Off

Today I decided to give my legs a rest. It was a busy day anyway so I don't even know if I would have had time to fit in my running. Maddie wouldn't nap more than 20 minutes at a time and Hailey made her First Penance in preparation for her First Communion so time was very limited. All day I kept thinking how I didn't go for a run. I definitely felt a little blah without my run. Tomorrow I plan on running 3.5 miles, my longest run yet. I believe this is the distance of a 5K race so I am already psyching myself up for it. It will most likely take me 52 minutes since I run 15 minute miles. Starting on Monday, I am going to try and increase my speed to run 14 minute miles. Here hoping I reach my goal for tomorrow and the week ahead. Stay tuned.

12 Miles!

Today I ran 2 miles which means I have run a total of 12 miles in my first 5 days of running. Not too bad for someone who never really consistently ran. I usually walked on my treadmill and would throw in a little running every now and again but nothing too substantial. I am enjoying the time I put aside for myself to run. Even though it is hard to find time each day, I try to really just fit it in whether it is morning, afternoon or night. Either tomorrow or Sunday, I would like to run 3.5 miles at once. Wish me luck. I will let you know how it goes.