Yesterday I did the 5K Run for Roses, and that marked the end of the Beginner Women Runners group. A couple people in my pace group and I decided to keep meeting on Saturday mornings to run together, and I'm glad for it. I've really enjoyed them and the group as a whole.
The 5K was good. My mom came to cheer me on and I was surprised to see her handing out water in the Brookside Gardens portion. I figured she parked there, saw the water stop and thought, "May as well hand out some water." (She said that's exactly what happened.) It meant a lot that she came, and it gave me the impetus to continue and finish the damn thing. My time wasn't great, but my feet started hurting in the middle, and I finished regardless.
I started re-evaluating my running goals while going the 3.1 miles. I decided against the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon in February because I don't want to push my body faster than it wants to go and injure myself. I was considering doing the MCRRC 10K program in the fall, but I think I'm going to do the coed 5K one and work on getting really comfortable with that distance. I've got 2 5Ks in the fall anyway - the Color Run in September and the Run for Your Lives in October. The fall 5K program ends with a race on November 4. Once I'm done with that, I'll work on other distances and go from there. Maybe work up to a half marathon in fall 2013. The ultimate goal is the Honolulu Marathon at the end of 2014 for my 30th birthday. I have 2.5 years to get there - no need to rush it right now. Granted, it makes the web address of my blog a little obsolete since I have no current plans to run with Mickey, but what are you going to do?
My weight loss efforts are paying off. I'd be irritated if I did all this and saw nothing. I'm still frustrated with the scale, but I got a tech shirt at the Run for Roses in a size smaller than I usually wear, figuring it will fit sometime soon, and found to my surprise that it actually fits rather well now! Then I dug around in my closet for my old jeans in a size smaller, and those fit too! I can sit down and everything! 3 people in a 24 hour period told me I've lost a lot of weight, and my grandmother added to that today. So, even though I've only lost 7 lbs since I started, the inches are definitely going away. Thank you, running and BodyPump! And Weight Watchers. The thing that bothers me about WW is it's so focused on the scale, but I knew I needed to tackle the food as well as the exercise. I was up a pound this week, but that's most likely because I weigh in on Friday mornings and our pace group dinner was Thursday night at Mamma Lucia. I'd saved something like 30 of my points for that dinner and though I was within my daily and weekly limit, there just wasn't time for it to digest. As long as the numbers generally keep going in the right direction, I'm OK with that.
Showing posts with label BWR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BWR. Show all posts
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Solo run
I was supposed to go to the BWR group tonight, but I had a meeting in Baltimore til about 6. It took an hour to get back, but luckily it's still light outside until past 8pm! I love the summer for that reason. Also, beaches. Anyway, I tried out a Garmin watch that tracks my pace and distance. That is a fun toy. One day I'll figure out what I did with the instruction book that comes with it and will learn how to program it to do things. That day is not today. Oh well.
I'm a little frustrated with how freakin' slow I am. I keep reminding myself that everyone has to start somewhere, but I don't really like the somewhere I'm starting. Goal for this summer: get to the 10K in October at a consistent 12-minute mile pace. I can work with that. Breaking down the larger goal into smaller ones is probably the way to go here.
In other news, I got health insurance in April so I've been able to get lots of things checked out. Some of you know that last year I had a cervical cancer scare and had to have a couple procedures to remove precancerous cells. The first one didn't get everything, so I had to repeat it in July and then my insurance ran out so I couldn't get it checked. As you can probably imagine, that has been weighing in the back of my mind for over a year since this whole thing started. I'm happy to report that it's all gone! Hooray!! I'm so grateful I applied for Peace Corps last year - if I hadn't, I wouldn't have had the tests that found it for another two years, and who knows at what stage it would have been at. It's disturbing enough that it was all clear the year before and it had already gotten to a stage this time where it had to be dealt with. One day I'll listen to my own advice not to Google medical conditions. Everything that came up mentioned a hysterectomy. I'm eternally grateful we caught it in time and I didn't have to undergo that! Just wanted to share my good news. I've been thrilled since I found out. I've still got to get tested every 6 months for the next couple years to make sure it doesn't come back on its own, but the likelihood of that is low.
I'm a little frustrated with how freakin' slow I am. I keep reminding myself that everyone has to start somewhere, but I don't really like the somewhere I'm starting. Goal for this summer: get to the 10K in October at a consistent 12-minute mile pace. I can work with that. Breaking down the larger goal into smaller ones is probably the way to go here.
In other news, I got health insurance in April so I've been able to get lots of things checked out. Some of you know that last year I had a cervical cancer scare and had to have a couple procedures to remove precancerous cells. The first one didn't get everything, so I had to repeat it in July and then my insurance ran out so I couldn't get it checked. As you can probably imagine, that has been weighing in the back of my mind for over a year since this whole thing started. I'm happy to report that it's all gone! Hooray!! I'm so grateful I applied for Peace Corps last year - if I hadn't, I wouldn't have had the tests that found it for another two years, and who knows at what stage it would have been at. It's disturbing enough that it was all clear the year before and it had already gotten to a stage this time where it had to be dealt with. One day I'll listen to my own advice not to Google medical conditions. Everything that came up mentioned a hysterectomy. I'm eternally grateful we caught it in time and I didn't have to undergo that! Just wanted to share my good news. I've been thrilled since I found out. I've still got to get tested every 6 months for the next couple years to make sure it doesn't come back on its own, but the likelihood of that is low.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Summer's here
It is HOT today!! 90+ degrees, complete with humidity. I'm not doing the track workout tonight. I'll get up early tomorrow morning and do it. It's easier for me to run in the mornings. I actually got up at 6:30 Friday morning to run - and did! Who knew?
I think MCRRC has a transition program for after this Beginner Women Runners group is done but before the Rockville Twilight 8K. I think I'll do the transition program - it's really nice having people to run with, and it makes me get out of bed on Saturday mornings! Doubt I'll do the 8K (4.97 miles) in July, though it isn't too much farther than the 5K I have coming up this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend ... I'm running the Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. If you'd like to make a donation, I'd appreciate it! :)
What else ... I broke down and got a hydration belt last week. It's basically a glorified fanny pack, which is why I was resisting. There's a pouch for your crap and 2 10-oz water bottles. I was annoyed swinging my water bottle around as I ran and other people seemed to really like theirs, so I got one. It made such a difference!! I'll happily look like a fanny pack-wearing dork to have water that I don't have to carry.
The other day I came to the realization that I'm actually looking forward to the Disney Princess Half marathon rather than dreading it. Had I decided to go whole-hog and do the full Disney World marathon in January, I would be feeling the opposite. However, I'm enjoying myself with this running thing and I know I'll be ready for it. Also, my goal for it isn't to have a good race time - it's to have a good time racing, if that makes sense. Rather than aiming for under 2 hours or whatever, I'm just aiming to finish, have fun, and take pictures with the characters. I will probably be taller than all of them. Last time I went to Disney I was 8 and I don't recall the characters being much taller than I was. Except for Jafar. He was enormous. And terrifying.
Speaking of Disney World, I found this article today and it made my world a better place. Sweetest kid ever. Enjoy.
I think MCRRC has a transition program for after this Beginner Women Runners group is done but before the Rockville Twilight 8K. I think I'll do the transition program - it's really nice having people to run with, and it makes me get out of bed on Saturday mornings! Doubt I'll do the 8K (4.97 miles) in July, though it isn't too much farther than the 5K I have coming up this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend ... I'm running the Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. If you'd like to make a donation, I'd appreciate it! :)
What else ... I broke down and got a hydration belt last week. It's basically a glorified fanny pack, which is why I was resisting. There's a pouch for your crap and 2 10-oz water bottles. I was annoyed swinging my water bottle around as I ran and other people seemed to really like theirs, so I got one. It made such a difference!! I'll happily look like a fanny pack-wearing dork to have water that I don't have to carry.
The other day I came to the realization that I'm actually looking forward to the Disney Princess Half marathon rather than dreading it. Had I decided to go whole-hog and do the full Disney World marathon in January, I would be feeling the opposite. However, I'm enjoying myself with this running thing and I know I'll be ready for it. Also, my goal for it isn't to have a good race time - it's to have a good time racing, if that makes sense. Rather than aiming for under 2 hours or whatever, I'm just aiming to finish, have fun, and take pictures with the characters. I will probably be taller than all of them. Last time I went to Disney I was 8 and I don't recall the characters being much taller than I was. Except for Jafar. He was enormous. And terrifying.
Speaking of Disney World, I found this article today and it made my world a better place. Sweetest kid ever. Enjoy.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Mixed Emotions
I have mixed emotions today. I weighed myself last night and was displeased. I've never been this heavy, and I hate it. I also hate the negative feelings toward my body. So, rather than just bitch about it, I decided to sign up for one of the online calorie trackers (which is so much easier now that I have a smartphone!) and got my ass to the gym. I signed up for a 6pm BodyPump class, which kicked my butt, and before then I actually walked/ran 2 miles on the treadmill!! That's IN ADDITION to the class I'd signed up for, which is kind of a big deal for me. I'm feeling strong and good after the workout and positive steps forward towards getting in shape and losing weight, though the current state of my body has me feeling gross. Thus, mixed emotions. However, I'm now no longer dubious I can do the 5K in June. No problem.
I think that's about it for now ... didn't go to the running group on Saturday because I went out on Friday night. As of now, no Friday night plans for this week so hopefully I'll actually be good and go early Saturday morning.
I think that's about it for now ... didn't go to the running group on Saturday because I went out on Friday night. As of now, no Friday night plans for this week so hopefully I'll actually be good and go early Saturday morning.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Conquering my fear of the treadmill
Oops, I haven't written in awhile. Oh well.
This morning I conquered my fear of the treadmill! Previously, I avoided the treadmill like the plague. I had visions of my uncoordinated self thumping along on the machine like a hippo trying to do the ballet before spectacularly flying off the back end and wiping out a whole section of unsuspecting gym-goers. However, I'd heard colorful reports of men exposing themselves to women on the trail, masturbating in front of them and others trying to abduct them, so I decided that rather to subject myself to any of those unpleasant fates it would be better to attempt the treadmill. I'd stick to the trail if I had someone to run with during these scheduled solo run days, but I don't, so here we are. I have to say, I broke more of a sweat during the 20 minutes I spent huffing and puffing on the treadmill than I do when I'm running with the group. I'm happy to report that as much as I resisted that machine, I found a lot of value in it for training. I can easily do the run/walk training, for example, since the clock's right there and I can push a buton and have to keep up with it rather than looking at my watch and figuring out when I started whatever portion I'm on. Maybe I'll walk a minute, jog a minute, run a minute, jog a minute, repeat. Who knew? (Don't answer that. I know many people know of the benefits of treadmills.)
I missed the Saturday run last week due to an excess of sangria the previous night with my lovely friend Erin. I wasn't hungover, just not willing to get out of bed.
I'm a little dubious about my ability to run 3.1 miles in 2 months. Maybe I can, particularly with this newfound treadmill doohickey. I signed up for a 10K (6.2 miles) in October. Since I signed up early I get a free jacket. Score! This race swag may actually have people mistake me for an active individual.
What else ... I replaced my bike last week. Mine got stolen in Denver and I've missed it. I rode (along those same creep-infested trails) to Lake Needwood last Friday. It was fun! I didn't see any creeps.
This morning I conquered my fear of the treadmill! Previously, I avoided the treadmill like the plague. I had visions of my uncoordinated self thumping along on the machine like a hippo trying to do the ballet before spectacularly flying off the back end and wiping out a whole section of unsuspecting gym-goers. However, I'd heard colorful reports of men exposing themselves to women on the trail, masturbating in front of them and others trying to abduct them, so I decided that rather to subject myself to any of those unpleasant fates it would be better to attempt the treadmill. I'd stick to the trail if I had someone to run with during these scheduled solo run days, but I don't, so here we are. I have to say, I broke more of a sweat during the 20 minutes I spent huffing and puffing on the treadmill than I do when I'm running with the group. I'm happy to report that as much as I resisted that machine, I found a lot of value in it for training. I can easily do the run/walk training, for example, since the clock's right there and I can push a buton and have to keep up with it rather than looking at my watch and figuring out when I started whatever portion I'm on. Maybe I'll walk a minute, jog a minute, run a minute, jog a minute, repeat. Who knew? (Don't answer that. I know many people know of the benefits of treadmills.)
I missed the Saturday run last week due to an excess of sangria the previous night with my lovely friend Erin. I wasn't hungover, just not willing to get out of bed.
I'm a little dubious about my ability to run 3.1 miles in 2 months. Maybe I can, particularly with this newfound treadmill doohickey. I signed up for a 10K (6.2 miles) in October. Since I signed up early I get a free jacket. Score! This race swag may actually have people mistake me for an active individual.
What else ... I replaced my bike last week. Mine got stolen in Denver and I've missed it. I rode (along those same creep-infested trails) to Lake Needwood last Friday. It was fun! I didn't see any creeps.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Team Self-Care
Yesterday was the Saturday morning run. Our pace group divided into the faster runners, the slower runners, and the run-walkers. I'm probably the fastest in the run-walkers (hey, progress, right?) and was running with this other woman, Sally, when we discovered that we were both social workers. Then we learned that the others in the group were either social workers or LCPCs (LCPC = Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Random. We're supposed to come up with a team name and I vote for Team Self-Care, since that's what we're doing and it elicits a giggle from anyone who has gone through social work school. We did the Matthew Henson trail and it was pretty. It's nice getting to know some of these parks in the area. I'm keeping mental notes of them for when I do my Thursday runs/after this program is over in the middle of June.
The solo Thursday run was pushed to Friday morning. Allergies got the better of me on Thursday and I ended up passing out for a few hours when I got home from work. Oh well - I still did the run, just not on the assigned day.
I started reading this crazy book, "Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner" by Dean Karnazes. Ultramarathons are anything past 26.2 miles, and at this point in the book he's running 200 miles by himself. It was supposed to be a relay and he did the whole thing himself. While I admire his discipline, passion and tenacity, I think I'll stick to my 5Ks in June, possible 10K in October, and Disney Princess Half Marathon in February, and I like the idea of doing a full one around my 30th birthday. A milestone birthday deserves a milestone achievement, I think. Maybe before then, depending on how all this goes. I turned 27 in November, so I've got about 2.5 years for the 26.2. I hear the Marine Corps one is a good one to run, and I think this year registration was maxed out in something like 5 hours. Crazy.
The solo Thursday run was pushed to Friday morning. Allergies got the better of me on Thursday and I ended up passing out for a few hours when I got home from work. Oh well - I still did the run, just not on the assigned day.
I started reading this crazy book, "Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner" by Dean Karnazes. Ultramarathons are anything past 26.2 miles, and at this point in the book he's running 200 miles by himself. It was supposed to be a relay and he did the whole thing himself. While I admire his discipline, passion and tenacity, I think I'll stick to my 5Ks in June, possible 10K in October, and Disney Princess Half Marathon in February, and I like the idea of doing a full one around my 30th birthday. A milestone birthday deserves a milestone achievement, I think. Maybe before then, depending on how all this goes. I turned 27 in November, so I've got about 2.5 years for the 26.2. I hear the Marine Corps one is a good one to run, and I think this year registration was maxed out in something like 5 hours. Crazy.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Progress!
I had my Tuesday night run with BWR last night and it went pretty well. There's a group of run-walkers that I'm running(/walking) with and thanks to my nifty new shoes and insoles, I'm no longer in massive knee pain! And thanks to that, I'm no longer the slowest! I mean, I'm like the 5th slowest, but I'm not the actual slowest. The nice thing about being a complete beginner is that I see improvement and progress almost immediately. Can't argue with that!
I'm really enjoying running outside among the flowers, but I am not enjoying allergy season. My adorable little spunky orange car has a yellow film on it. I'd wash it, but what's the point?
I'm really enjoying running outside among the flowers, but I am not enjoying allergy season. My adorable little spunky orange car has a yellow film on it. I'd wash it, but what's the point?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Frustrated
If you can't tell by the post title, I'm frustrated. I went to the BWR session today and didn't get very far before my knee started hurting. Well, to be fair, it never actually stopped hurting - it just tapered a little bit and then redoubled once the running movement started. I think it's an issue with the shoes. One of the coaches said the place I got my shoes from wasn't good, and she heartily recommended another one that's out in Elkridge or somewhere out in the boonies. Since I've got a meeting in Glen Burnie on Thursday, which is in the same part of the boonies, I'll check out the store then and bring my shoes. Also, supposedly Fleet Feet (Feet Fleet?) will take back my shoes even though they've been outside, so I'm not totally out $100. I'll also ask them about the insoles Pat recommended.
Anyway, I stopped running after a couple laps because I didn't want to completely fuck up my knee, especially since my health insurance doesn't start until April 1. And even though it's not a competitive group, I'm still super frustrated that I can't keep up with the slowest people because of this damn knee issue. One of my coaches suggested MCRRC's upcoming stride clinic, so I signed up for that. I'll figure this damn thing out.
Anyway, I stopped running after a couple laps because I didn't want to completely fuck up my knee, especially since my health insurance doesn't start until April 1. And even though it's not a competitive group, I'm still super frustrated that I can't keep up with the slowest people because of this damn knee issue. One of my coaches suggested MCRRC's upcoming stride clinic, so I signed up for that. I'll figure this damn thing out.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
BWR
I had the first session of the Beginner Women Runners (BWR) group tonight. It went well. It started with introductions, and the coaches are all extremely positive, supportive and helpful. Then we had a time trial. We had to run around a track 1-4 times, depending on what we were comfortable with. I only ran/walked once since my knees started bothering me and I don't have health insurance for another 2 weeks. I did 1 loop in 4 minutes, which means I'll probably be in the slowest pace group, but everyone has to start somewhere, right?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Running group!
At the suggestion of a colleague, I joined the Beginning Women Runners group through MCRRC (Montgomery County Road Runners Club). It starts on Tuesday and consists of 2 weekly coached runs (Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings) with a bunch of other supportive beginner female runners. I'm excited! I think the Tuesday night ones start somewhere near the MC campus and the Saturday morning ones are at different places around the county. The coach seems really positive and enthusiastic, and she bakes! Score! My hope is that this will give me motivation to continue when I don't really feel like it, especially since I'm fully expecting to kind of hate it at the beginning, and will give me a solid foundation to continue on my own after June 16. Also, it's always good to meet new people.
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