Sprints

The other day we took the family over to the track, and we took turns watching the kids and running (I would run a lap while Bryce hung out, then I'd stay with kids while Bryce ran a lap). I told Bryce I was going to sprint the last quarter lap each time I ran.

When we were packing up to go back home, he questioned me in all seriousness, "I thought you were going to sprint at the end of your laps?"

um...

"I did." I thought I was running like the wind. I could race a cheetah and win. Apparently, an on-looker wouldn't have guessed. It made me think of this picture I've seen on Pinterest:

And then I found this one, which I also think is appropriate:

And while it's true that I probably run more like an elephant than a quarter horse, at least I'm out there!

Week Five

Exercise: Walked the half marathon distance to see what I'm in for...
  Monday: Walked 13.1 miles outside. Ran last mile to get away from bugs. Felt pretty good! 3hr 28min.
  Tuesday: Rest
  Wednesday: Ran a 5K in 35 minutes on the middle school track. Walked there and back.
  Thursday: Gym for lifting weights and strength training. Tabata with burpees, squats and planks.
  Friday: HIIT on the track. Jog 3/4 of a lap, all out sprint last 1/4, walk it off. Repeat for two miles.
  Saturday: Long run day. Bald Mountain trail, 4.5 miles, full of ups and downs. 55min.
  Sunday: Rest

Food: Sit down at table to eat. Stomach is only as big as my fist.

Poundage: Lost 4# (188 to 184)

Walking the half really showed me that I CAN DO THIS! I also discovered what I need and want in order to successfully complete the race. My phone and blue tooth headphones will have to be fully charged. I have to have the right play list, but I learned I can manage without music as well. At about mile 9, I'll need a snack
(probably a Clif Bar or the like). I'm going to have to pump right before starting the race; running full of milk is no bueno. I'll wear a hat, sunglasses, my long spandex pants, a DriFit shirt and of course, my sweet shoes. Also, don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray!

For the Birds

These funny guys are always at the track when I run:

They're Sandhill Cranes. I love it when it's just me and the birds on a beautiful, summer morning!

Week Four

Exercise: Made the decision to sign up for the half marathon. Started really running.
  Monday: Ran to the library via Polly Ann Trail (2.5 miles)
  Tuesday: Strength training: squats, sit ups, lifting, planks
  Wednesday: Treadmill running 2 miles at 5.0mph then did HIIT (sprints from 7.0-8.0 with walking recovery in between) for 1.5 miles. 45min
  Thursday: Rest
  Friday: Treadmill running 4 miles. 50min
  Saturday: Ran first 4 miles of Silverbell loop. Walked/ran the remaining mile. 1hr15min
  Sunday: Rest

Food: Done eating for the day by 7pm.

Poundage: Lost 4# (from 192 to 188).

This week was SSSOOOO hot outside, so I did most of my running here:

I'll try to do most of my running outside, but this sure is a good option when it's 98* and 100% humidity!

New Shoes

Today I got some real running shoes!! Love them. My toes are saved.

(Thanks M&D!!)

Ollie also got some new running shoes. Dawn picked them up for us while she was helping a family move and de-clutter. Ollie is SO proud of them, and she keeps telling me that she wants to run a marathon like mom. A marathon for kids, though.

Week Three

Exercise: Week Two on the couch to 5K podcast; run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes. I started really revving up the speed on my runs (6.5-7.0 mph), and doing sprints. Getting much easier.

Food: Smaller portions!

Poundage: Lost 4# (from 196 to 192)

Week Two

Exercise: Started the couch to 5K podcast. The first day was SOOO hard. Run 1 minute, walk 2, for 30 minutes. It was much easier at the end of the week.

Food: Going strong. More fruits and veg.

Poundage: Lost 4# (from 200 to 196)