AWhitehair

update

2008-01-03T14:45:00.000-05:00

I am so bad about updating this, but I assure you I have been keeping up with my fitness. We continue to cross train, weight train, do group classes and run at the gym on the tm. We have also incorporated Karate America into our routine temporarily, until my trial membership runs out. I do Krav Maga and Muay Thai there. I love both, but the classes are out of my price range. I have really been enjoying the boot camp and cycling classes at Bailey’s. The boot camp involves a lot of calisthenics, which I love. Cycling is a great workout for Friday’s! Saturday or Sunday we cross train and the other day we go to the gym and weight train and I do some cardio afterward. Mainly I have been using my weight training days for arms only because I feel like I get enough leg work between the cycling, calisthenics, cross training and running. I’d rather use that time for more cardio since my goals are focused on fat reduction and toning. I work my abs 4-5 times a week and my stomach is getting flatter everyday. I expect to see some abdominal definition in the summer in my bathing suit.

To note, I ran 6.5 miles on Tuesday and did the boot camp class Weds. Monday was New Years Eve and I took the day off. Sunday I ran 3 miles and spent thirty minutes on the elliptical.

Wow, that was an 8 day break!!!

2007-11-20T12:56:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I have been out for 8 days. With all the manual work on Derek's house and moving his stuff into my place, I had no time to hit the trails or gym.

Yesterday I came back strong with a 4 mile run around the neighborhood. It was a great run! I am excited about getting back into it.

Work, work and work some more

2007-11-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

Fridays cycling class was AMAZING! I loved it, and the instructor was great. This is definitely going to be the gym I sign on at. The class lasted about an hour and was as intense as I made it. I felt my butt, quads, and hamstrings working.

On Saturday I helped Derek with his house, which was manual labor in and of itself, and then that night we cross trained at his place. We started off with a 15 minute run, which was 2 miles and then he started biking while I continued to run for 15 more minutes, approx 2 more miles. I figured I did all that cycling the night before, I really didn't need to bike and I would get more out of my running. After that we went right to the stairs and did 21 with alternating big and small and then we did a hill sprint.

We want to incorporate these hill sprint into the stairs next time we do them because his stairs are nothing compared to the stadiums at UNF.

Sunday I worked on Derek's house again and we relaxed on Sunday.

Monday I had every intention of working out after we worked on his house, but he took me to Golden Corral and I was soooo sleepy after eating the buffet.

Strike Zone in the Bag Room

2007-11-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

I went to Bailey's last night and took their strike zone class in the bag room. It was two people per bag and they had community gloves available, which were disgusting! They smelled of wet dirty dog and I felt like my blister on my hand from punching the bag at home would get infected if I stuck my hand in there. I did it anyway of course...then I washed and sterilized my hand afterwards. lol.

The class was not what I was expecting. I actually felt like I got a better work out at the Bally's kickboxing class, but maybe i didn't push myself enough. I loved the instructor though. He was very passionate about what he does. I think I will do my two free sessions with him if I choose to sign a membership. This morning my back was kind of sore, I guess I worked it more than I should have yesterday. I was really throwing the punches hard. I also ran two miles after the class, to get some more cardio in. I really didn't feel like I got enough out of the class. This picture is the actual bag room at Bailey's taken from their website. Not too bad.

On Weds I took the day off because I was very tired after working my second job. I am not taking any days off this weekend though. I plan to try a couple of the classes and possibly do a beach run. Tonight I am going to do cycling if I get out of work on time.

Bailey's Powerhouse Gym

2007-11-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

This gym is awesome! I am doing a 7 day trial right now, and I think it is going to be the one! It has everything a girl could want in gym. Two cold cardio rooms, Two studio class rooms, a bag room, a stretch room with lots of ab tools, such as an ab solo machine with the medicine balls! In the ladies locker room it has a dry heat sauna!! The spin room is very inviting...it has black lights and the music is kickin. Then of course, the main attraction, the weight room...which is the span of the gym. The free weight section leaves something to be desired though. It is hard to find a spot on the mirror or a bench and with all the testosterone floating around, it is difficult for any of the men to move aside for little ol' me.

I get very distracted in the free weight area anyway. I need to set up a schedule for myself so that I am not wasting time thinking about what exercise to do next. Also, so I can keep track of my weight and reps along the way.

Yesterday I used the elliptical for 10 minutes to get my blood pumping and then I did arms. I did three sets of bicep curls with 15 lb weights, and 15 reps. The I did triceps dips, 3 sets...15 with 15 lbs, and then two sets of 12 with 25 lbs. I did shoulders with 10 lbs, and did two sets. I did bicep curls with a straight bar, 2 sets 12 each 30 pounds. I did shoulder press with that same bar, 25 for two sets. Those were very difficult and I reached my limit at the end. I really had to push it at the end. I finished with abs. I did 2 sets of each exercise at 25 reps each. I did the ab solo medicine ball machine, the stability ball crunches and obliques and the stability ball leg roll ups. Those always burn.

There were some very fit ladies there. If I signed on with Bailey's I would get a free x-ray and two sessions with a PT. I would choose to do my sessions with the marital arts instructor though. He seems to really push his clients and I love that. I am excited about trying some of the classes they have their, especially the strike zone class on the bags.

Love them drugs...

2007-11-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about endorphins!!! Woooweee. I was in a depressed state for the past couple of days (mainly this weekend after seeing the x). I didn't work out all weekend and when Monday came around I was feeling horrible. I was tired and dragging ass all day at work. I was crying like a baby off and on...just depressed. I forced myself to go to my apartment gym to work out. I got on the tm and busted out five miles at an 8:30 pace. That made me feel good...I set a goal and I met it. This might be a PR for me. I remember the Ortega run I had 45 minute five miler, so a 9 min mile. Those endorphins kicked my butt right out of the depression it was in. I am feeling good today and ready to get back to the gym! Tomorrow my goal is to get to work at 8 so I can get off at 4! I hate leaving work when it is dark.

Woop Woop

2007-11-05T13:53:00.000-05:00

Wednesday I busted out an awesome five mile run and then I did some abs. I really feel like this protein shake mid-day has boosted my fitness level. I am able to take to the next step with ease. I will keep testing, but for now it seems like a good idea to make this change a permanent one.

Thursday must not have been that great because I cannot remember what I did!

Friday I ran behind my place...I ran a 3 miler and then I did 20 minutes on the bag. It was a great workout all around.

Saturday and Sunday were rest days. I really wanted to work out on Sunday, but it just didn't happen.

Sum it up

2007-10-31T09:04:00.000-05:00

Weds- Nothing- worked second job...too tired.
Thursday- Bally's Kickboxing class! Great work out! Incorporated punches, kicks, lots of push-ups, and abs.
Friday- Nothing
Saturady-Nothing
Sunday- Nothing
Monday- 5 mile run on TM at Bally's
Tuesday- x-train: 1.5 mile trail run, 15 minute bike, 3 sets of 25 dips, 3 sets of 15 chair push-ups, tempo track run- 4 warm up laps/2 speed laps (15minutes), Stadiums (7 full).

On a side note, I am doing much better with my sweet tea consumption and my serving sizes. I get full a lot faster now. I have not been eating breakfast everyday though. It seems like I skip out every other day at work for some reason.

Goals Revised

2007-10-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Friday- neighborhood run. Down old bay rd and then service rd and back. Approx 4 miles

Saturday- xtrain at Derek’s. (Abs, push-ups, tricep dips) x 2. Run 15 mins, stairs x 13, bike for 15 minutes.

Sunday- day off

Monday- Golds Gym- Ran on tm for 3 miles, elliptical for 13 minutes, arms

Tues- Bally’s- Ran on tm for 2 miles, abs.

Also, I think I need to start tracking what I eat/drink. I don’t know what is going on, but I have gained 3 pounds in the past week or so. I have a feeling it is the addition of sweet drinks into my diet and not passing over the banana pudding and chocolate cake during office meetings, as I was doing before. Those extra calories really do add up after a week.

I am suspicious that that could equal a 3 lb weight gain for me though, there is just no way! Especially with all the running I do. I think I have some pre-menstrual bloating and water weight going on right now to be honest, but it definitely opens my eyes to the little things I have been doing lately…like taking a couple bites of swiss roll when I get home from work. I have also noticed that I have a bigger appetite now too. I used to be VERY full off of a half sandwich and not feel hungry again until dinner. Now I am still hungry after I eat and I am hungry before dinner as well. I hate this! It makes weight loss way harder! Last night I had a larger than normal plate of unhealthy BBQ from Bono's…it is so hard to pass up free food!

Goals:

-Eliminate sweet drinks like Starbucks frap bottles and replace with coffee with sweet n low and good cream. It will still taste good, but without as much sugar or milk. Replace that sweet tea I’ve been drinking every day at lunch with water or a water with a propel packet. In general, I need to drink more water.

-Eat less! Get back to feeling full on that half bagel and half sandwich!

-Eat healthier! You were doing so good before, than those bad foods started slipping in there. No French fries with your sandwich at lunch…no more potatoes at work for bfast…too many carbs Alacia! Do you want that 6 pack? Grapefruit for b-fast or fiber cereal. Lunch- sushi or healthy sandwich (wheat bread) and dinner have chicken or fish.

-No more heavy beer and reduce the amt of lite beer! I want the other 6 pack! To get Crunk, drink straight liquor without the carbs

-Incorporate Whey protein back into my diet. Have it as a mid-afternoon type snack.

-Start taking a multi-vitamin every day. To remind myself I will keep it at my desk in my office.

-Abs everyday!

When I finally decide on a gym, I am going to have my body fat percent taken and my measurements so I can keep track of my progress. I plan on keeping a log book for my weight training days as well.

La firm

2007-10-19T13:34:00.001-05:00

Well, Tuesday I ended up doing butt and legs with the firm. A great leg day and I had the next day to show for it...I could barely walk around!

Wednesday I worked my second job and had no time for working out…I was physically exhausted!

Thursday I made it up with a 5 mile tm run at Gold’s. Yes, that is right…I’m back at Gold’s. I really like it there…I have not committed yet, but I am pretty sure I am going to do a month to month. I will also check out Bally’s and Baileys though before signing on. I did abs after I ran, but felt I was kinda antsy to get out of there and get on with my night. I would like to go into a little more detail about my runs from now on so I can keep in track of my progress. I started out with a five minute walk warm-up at 4.0, then I went on to a 6.5 for approximately 2 miles and then 7.0 until I reached 3.75 miles, when I picked up the speed to 7.5 and finished off at 4.75 with a cool down in increments the same way I went up...until I reached 5 miles when I slowed to a walk at 4.0 again. Clock was at 44 minutes when I got to five miles, which isn't to back considering the 4.0 pace warm-up for five minutes in the beginning. All together running, I averaged about a 8.5 minute mile for the majority of the run. The tempo was very good though, and it makes the run a lot harder than a straight run at the same pace. Looking forward to hitting the trails soon!

The past few days in a nutshell

2007-10-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

Looks like another day of catch-up. Let’s start with what I did on Weds, because it was not what I had planned. Again, it had gotten dark on me, so I could not run outside my house. Instead I went to the University gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes and then I did an intense upper body workout…mainly my arms and chest. I finished strong with my abdominals. Bad new is I can’t go back to the gym unless I want to buy a membership! They figured out I was not taking classes this semester.

On Thursday I ran around the University for 2 miles and then I did stadiums (6x), then I ran another 2 miles. It was a good work out!

On Friday and Saturday I relaxed.

On Sunday I had an awesome day! We went out to Hanna Park and ran trails for 15 minutes and then we biked the trails for 45 minutes. It was sooo fun! I bruised up my legs and got eaten up by the mosquitos, but overall it was a great workout. We finished off in the ocean taking on the waves. A great day! On a side note, I cannot do a full pull-up. I get half way up and fatigue. Maybe next month!? Might I add that Derek treated me to Olive Garden and I ate way too many breadsticks! I couldn't stop stuffing my mouth! I had four at the table and then 2 the next day for lunch!

On Monday I ran around my apartment trail 4x. Equivalent to just over 4 miles, I believe. It was a good run, but my breathing was a little heavier than usual. I started getting bored going around the same track. I think next time I am going to switch it up and find another route.

4 miles and the wave

2007-10-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (Tuesday) I enjoyed a night at the University gym. Ran into a friend and spent 20 minutes chatting on the tm. Did two miles at a 6 min mile pace because we were talking. After that I tried that new wave machine that looks like an elliptical but moves differently to isolate the outer and inner thighs and buttocks. It works well because after ten minutes I was ready to get off, and that I did…but in my defense, I wanted to get in a two miler outside around the university. Was out for aprox 17 minutes,but I took a different course than normal so I am not sure about the distance. It may have been over two miles, but I will track it as two. Today (Weds) I plan on running the trails outside my house (four laps around) equivalent to about 4 miles, then I will do some arms and abs again.

2007-10-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

Where I left off…yeah, so, um…didn’t get to that longrun on Friday. Damn! In fact, I didn’t even get myrunning shoes on! I was lazy lazy lazy and worried more about “other things”!!! Anyway, Saturday I ran a three-miler in the hot Florida heat. It was dreadful.The body just cannot cool off when there is so muchhumidity in the air. Today (Monday) I am running the trails behind my apartment~ 2 mile and stairs, and then abs. But first I plan to go home and relax alittle from a hard day at the office. xoxo

2007-10-07T00:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I released my pent-up anger through the best outlet I could …running! At first it was punching thetm, and then I realized I looked like a madwoman, so Imoved the show outside and ran along the dark roadsfor three miles. I really didn’t care because I felt like I could take on anyone that dared to mess withme. My adrenaline was pumping and I had the anger tobring it home. Not too bad on time, considering I wason a tight schedule. I would have done more had timepermitted. I cannot tell you how good it felt to punch that treadmill. I didn’t think I had it in me before all of this. This makes me revisit the kickboxing idea I was looking into the last couple months. I just really don’t want to part with 120 dollars every month. That is a HUGE chunk of change for hitting abag 2-3x a week. I am thinking about buying a bag for myself and hanging it up on my patio. I’m not sure if it would be secure enough though. Plus, I only knowthe basic forms and I don’t want to injure myself one day from getting all pumped up.Now, on to my weaknesses…my arms and upper legs look much better, but IMO they are my weak areas that are taking longer to shape. My arms are shapely, but they are a bit chunkier than they should be. I think I will post some pics to watch my progress. Today I plan on doing a long run, probably 6 miles or so, but I will keep you updated.

X-Train

2007-10-04T10:58:00.001-05:00

It dried up enough yesterday to cross train outside! It was a great work out that started in the gym (abs, arms) --->climbing stadiums (6x) --->biking (15mins) --->running around campus (16mins). The stadiums are always the worst part for me. I probably could have pushed myself to do one more, but everything in me wanted to stop and I did. Maybe next time I will fight that inner quitter and make it back up for one more excruciating flight of stairs. The bike ride was a walk in the park, but I still felt my upper legs and quads engaging and getting a good work out. Somehow I managed to injure the back of my lower right leg when my foot slipped forward from the pedal. I went forward on the bike and avoided a bad crash and fall, leaving only a bad bruise on my leg to show for the incident (which my workout partner had no idea about). It is actually pretty swollen today and you can feel the knot inside spanning across the back of my lower leg, just right above the ankle. Do I bruise easily or am I just too rough on my body? The run was great. We did something very different and ran up the parking garage, back down the stairs and across the 2nd floor of the campus. Great workout!

Marathon Training Schedule:

2007-10-03T13:48:00.001-05:00

Note: I am going to do two days of cross training per week instead of one.

Rainy Day...stuck inside

2007-10-03T13:39:00.001-05:00

It rained like mad crazy yesterday. The roads to my apartment were flooded and I have a little sports car. All I could think was “accelerate” as I was praying the water would not get into my car. When I stepped out, my feet sunk below the water and my nice business shoes were near ruined. Ah, and I had plans to run the trails. Rather, it would be swimming the muddy trails. Not gonna happen! I wish it looked more like that <------

I was on the way to initiate plan B after cleaning up and doing my “after work” routine. This included getting off the uncomfortable clothes, feeding the cats, doing the dishes, and cleaning out the litter pan. Dressed for a run on the good ol’ tm, and I was out the door to my lil’ apartment gym. Its really not a bad gym for an apartment. It has cardio equipment with the little televisions built in…love it! It also has really good arm machines, not like other gyms that just have one universal machine. Anywho, plan B was not going down tonight…gym was locked down, closed shop, noone home! What? To my outrage, I got back into my what should be a boat, car and paddled my way back to my apartment. I sat there for a while, wishing I could do cardio because it had been three days, then I realized they might open it up later if someone with a key comes along to work out! Surely enough, around 7:30 I tried again and it was open. I busted out 30 minutes on the elliptical to get the legs movin’ and burn some calories and finished off with the tm for 2 miles. I would have done a long run, but my ipod was dead and the tv on the tm was not working. Hey, I need some form of entertainment!

Deciding on doing a....

2007-10-02T11:18:00.000-05:00

MARATHON!!!!

Catch up…I have decided to train for my first marathon!!! It will be on February 17th, so I have four months to train. Initially, I only planned on doing the half, but I feel like I will be prepared to do the full if I start my training now. I already run on a regular basis, and currently my long runs span from 5-7 miles depending on what I have done that week. I am excited about training, but a little worried about burning out before the race. I have to mix it up and keep it interesting so I won’t lose interest too fast. I have really been enjoying cross training because I have a great partner to do it with.

My eating habits have improved, as I stated before, I do not drink sodas or eat sweets like I used to. I have been eating more fruits and vegetables and more well rounded meals. I don’t obsess about food because I am not on a diet…I just eat less and I eat three meals a day. I don’t feel hungry in between meal times, so I do not have the urge to snack. One improvement I could work on is drinking more water and less coffee. I drink about 40 ounces of water per day, but I would love to double that amount by replacing some of my fruit drinks and sports drink with water. I will never give up coffee entirely, I need to cut down on the portion size of my “one” cup in the morning though. J Those large iced McDonald’s iced coffees and Starbucks ventis and/or grandes get me every time!

A new me...

2007-09-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since I last blogged. First off, I am no longer with Justin. Things happen. Secondly, I lost 15 pounds! I am now 128, which I had not been for four years! I have been running and working out steadily for the past two months. I feel great physically and I am preparing myself for a half marathon in February on the beach.

My long runs consist of about seven miles and I have been doing about one a weeks at that distance. I do a lot more cross training now, which incorporates biking, trail running, stadiums, and weight training. I have been eating breakfast everyday now, which I believe has help to boost my metabolism. I don't crave sweets as badly as I used to. I eat smaller portions, but I eat three times a day, whereas before I would eat one or two really big meals.

At first I lost the weight because I was depressed and I wasn't eating...the unhealthy way to lose weight, but I turned that around to my benefit and I have continued to lose weight the healthy way. I am also not scared to weight train with heavier weights now, which has given me a lot more muscle mass and increased my metabolism. I do not snack throughout the day like I used to, and if I decide to have a snack, I make it a healthy snack, like carrots.

I will try to keep up with this now that I am a bit more stable. I want to see my progress as I train for my first half. I am excited about what lies ahead. :)

Here we go again!...

2007-06-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! It has been too long. A whole month and a half now since I have done anything productive with myself. I am back at it again and taking it slow. I realize I can't jump on the tm and bust out ten miles where I had left off. Today I decided to walk a half mile then run a mile then walk a half mile again. Slow and easy. I will increase to three miles next week and I hope to get my racing times back by the 21st of next month because I signed up for a 5K bridge run!!! It is going to be an evening run with free beer and live bands...how can I say no to that?

On a complete side note....Justin is doing awesome on his workouts. He has been going steady since I quit to tackle the MCAT (which I really shouldn't have done) and he looks great! I am sooo proud of him!

oh yeah

2007-04-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

Ran a three miler yesterday on the tm while my hubby was cutting it up on total body workout machine. I love having him to work out with!

2007-04-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

Forgot to blog yesterday, so I will update today. I had an interesting run yesterday. I decided to head off on a path around my neighborhood, uncertain of what the distance would be. I kept my watch and thought I would run thirty minutes total, fifteen one way and then turn around for fifteen minutes back. That is not what happened. After about what felt like two miles I looked at my watch and it read that I had only been running for four minutes. I was thinking that I must really be out of shape, because that four minutes was the longest hardest four minute run I had ever experienced. Instead of trusting the watch I ran to a certain point and then turned around. I have not mapped how far that distance was, but it felt like it was a lot longer than what my watch was telling me. Sure enough when I got home my watch did not read correctly with the time I had left. I had been out there for about forty minutes, not twenty like my watch had said. I will post later how long the run was after I map it.

2007-04-21T00:07:00.000-05:00

Today was a hard run. I wanted to quit before the first mile. I had to play mind games with myself the whole time. I endured through three miles, but it was in no way a "good run". I was definitely dragging to say the least. I hope tomorrow is better.

Justin...my new workout buddy?

2007-04-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

Justin has been hitting the gym every other day for a week now. Last night I went with him and did a 3 miler while he lifted weights. It was nice having someone to workout with again. I also did some push-ups and tricep dips.

Oh, I am horrible at blogging...

2007-04-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, I really need to catch this thing up. Last post was the 11th. The 12th I did a 3 miler and weights, the 13th I did biking for 30 minutes and then running for two miles. Saturday I went biking with my hubby. We did about 9 miles. Sunday I relaxed, Monday I relaxed, Tuesday I relaxed and today I relaxed. Yeah, I guess it really isn't relaxing anymore...it is laziness. In my defense, I have been doing very well keeping up with my MCAT studying! I have been putting in some mad hours at the library.

I am going to do a good workout tomorrow! I have decided to hold off on the triathlons...I really need to focus on the MCAT.

It's been a while.

2007-04-11T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, you have not heard from me and a while and yes, I was being lazy and slacking. I had so much school work last week! I started back at the gym yesterday though. I only did twenty minutes on the elliptical and arms in the effort to save time and not to mention I am kinda out of shape again! Anyway, I am going to try and keep it going again and not quit like I've been on the verge of doing this past week. Today I am going to attempt a run. Probably a short 3 miler. I'll let you know how it goes.

Arms

2007-04-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

Started off with two miles on the tm at an average 8:30 pace, then I did a good workout on my arms.

Hit the Trails...

2007-04-01T18:04:00.000-05:00

I ran with Suzanne today. It has been a while since I have run with her! It was a short run. Only 2.5 miles, but it was on the trails so I got that added bonus. Hopefully I will run with her again at the beach on Tuesday!

Another day, another run...

2007-03-31T22:14:00.000-05:00

I did four miles today around my neighborhood. That concludes my miles for March. Not as good as February, but I was training for Gate in Feb. I also had my ten days of slacking this month that didn't help my record. ;) I will do better in April!

Beating the Clock

2007-03-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Trying to fit my workouts in on Fridays is very difficult. I just barely was able to get in 2 miles and legs today, but I did it with an 8:30 mile pace (7.0 on the tm). It was an okay run. I was burning it up on the tm in my apartment complex. After I finished, I went home and took out my firm fanny lifter with some eight pound dumbells and did about fifteen minutes on legs. This included lunges and plies. I read up today about training for a triathlon. The first one is at the end of June on the beach. I am so excited! I am going to use my mountain bike in the fat tire competition because I have never done an event like this and I don't want to fork out the money for something I don't even know I would enjoy.

A new partner to run with

2007-03-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today I ran with a new partner and it was great. She was just a tad bit faster than me which kept me going. It was as though I were almost running on her heels. Unfortunately, she will be leaving for four months out of state. :( We ran around the University twice, making it a four mile run. It felt like an 8:30 pace with spots of 9:00 mixed in. Overall, it was a good run and I look forward to her return.

Yesterday and Today

2007-03-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

I am starting to get back into this, both physically and mentally. I challenged myself yesterday and today! Yesterday I did 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill and then I did an intense leg workout. This workout included squats and lunges, the two things I hate to do most while in the gym or anywhere else for that matter. Today, my legs were hating me. Major lactose build-up! Just goes to show how long it has been since I have worked them like that.

I pushed through the pain today and got on the elliptical for about thirty minutes. Felt great, but didn't want to overdue it since I wanted to leave myself some energy to do a hardcore upper body workout to mirror the lower I had done the day before. I did a very good job in the gym today and I am sure I will be paying for it tomorrow morning when I wake up! In any event, soreness is inevitable when you are getting back into a heavy routine. My goal is to lift weights three times a week, two times for either lower or upper body and one time for the other, alternated weekly. My running goal has slimmed down quite a bit compared to the miles I had been doing before to prepare for the Gate. My goal is to run my longer distances on the days I am not lifting. For now, the longest distance I want to do is 7 miles. I realize this is not close to what I was doing before, but my body was tearing apart when I was doing ten miles three times a week. Maybe I will be able to do this in the future without shin splints and ankle problems, but for now it is too much too soon.

Weekly workout schedule (tentative)
Monday: Run 3 miles; intense upper body workout; abs
Tuesday: Run 5 miles; abs
Wednesday: Elliptical; intense lower body workout
Thursday: Run 3 miles; intense upper body workout; abs
Friday: Relax or yoga/pilates
Saturday: Spinning or cycling outside
Sunday: Running Group long run: 5-7 miles.

2007-03-26T22:44:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am slacking AGAIN! I am so disappointed in myself. I did go running like I said I would on the 21st, but I did nothing after that until today. I ran a 4 miler today and felt great afterward. I am ready to keep this going. I have still been eating bad though. I have had way too much sugar lately...I really need to cut back!

The first day back in ten days

2007-03-20T22:50:00.000-05:00

Back at it again, but started in slow. I ran for twenty minutes outside and then came in and did weights for about thirty. I focused on arms and abs. I could have definitely run some more, but I figured I should start slow to keep from injuring myself. Tomorrow I will run 3 miles and work legs on my stepper/fanny lifter using weights.

Lazy week comes to an end...

2007-03-18T22:58:00.000-05:00

Ever since the Gate River Run last Saturday I have been extremely lazy! I have not run all week. I have not even walked or lift weights or done the elliptical. I have ate everything unhealthy you can imagine and in large quantity. I must redeem myself from these habits and get back on the training horse. In other words, I better use it before I lose it. I have not worked so hard since January to give it all up now. Tomorrow I start fresh.

My plan is to get back in the gym tomorrow and give it all I got. I really want to focus on muscle tone and continue to work on my endurance. When I start back this week I will try not to run anything longer than a four miler. I would like to start cross training on the elliptical and bike some more and get into the lap pool to work my upper arms and back. I have listed the races I plan to run up to September. Most of them are no longer than 5K, but my long term goal for January is to be fit for a half marathon.

2007-03-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Stroll down memory lane...today I googled myself and found the results from the Indianapolis Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure in 2003. My time for the 5K was 28:17 , 9:06 mile pace. I don't remember much about the race, just that I felt very ill afterwards. I remember it was very humid that day. I was a finisher, but barely...coming in at the 1000 place out of 10,313 runners.

Gate River Run!

2007-03-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

Today was my first 15K race...the day began bright and early at 6AM. My husband drove over with me for support and I saw several familiar faces at the race. My goal for the race was 1:33, but mainly I just wanted to keep running. The start of the race dragged on because I had lined up under my pace time, but didn't cross the start mat until after 3 minutes of the gun going off. I have discovered through this race that it is virtually impossible to run with someone else and one, keep from tripping or two, keep your pace. I tried to run with two different friends at two different times in the race. People were driving me crazy at the water stands! They would cut in front of you, steal the cup you are reaching out for, stop right in front of you to drink it and then throw it in your face or in front of your stride to trip on. I know they were not doing these acts on purpose, but nevertheless, it was at most times inexcusable.

At the 5K marker my ipod froze up on me...no more music to pump me up or get me over the Hart bridge at the 7.5 mile marker. I was determined to not let this stop me and I pushed on at a pace that I am convinced was slower than my potential. It was just so hard to get around all the people without risking injury. Live bands played throughout several portions of the path and the faithful spectators cheered us on. Some of which, had even bought goodies to pass out (orange slices, ice pops, lemonade, etc.)

The most memorable part of the race was tackling the Hart Bridge. It was half a mile up-hill with the hot sun offering us no mercy in that six minutes that seemed like it would never end. When I reached the top I had a great view of the city to look upon and was thankful that the rest of the run would be downhill. My ankles started to bother me a bit on the way down, but I shrugged it off and finished the race with a chip time of 1:31:25 (about 9:49 avg minute mile). I beat my goal I had set for myself, but I was surprisingly unfulfilled. I wanted to do better and I think that is the reason I am addicted to running. I am very competitive, especially with myself. I want to go longer, faster and feel better while doing it. The rational side of me realizes I have only been running for a short time now and there is so much room left for improvement. I am ready to start planning my next race and I am thinking ahead for a half-marathon.

Day before Gate

2007-03-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Well, nothing too exciting is going on today. However, yesterday I picked up my race packet from the Jax fairgrounds and the line was insane! There were sooo many people out there and there were loads of free stuff. I got my ipod armband from UPS yesterday...not too shabby. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be able to use it on race day because I took the time to get the perfect playlist for it.

I did 30 minutes on the elliptical yesterday and then did legs. No pain whatsoever when I do the elliptical. Today I am going to take it easy and rest up for the big day tomorrow...9.3 miles! If I can get off of work early I will be heading over to Sweet Tomatoes with my running group for a nice before-the-race dinner.

Update

2007-03-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy lately, I haven't had the time to blog. So, this is to update everything I have done since the 2nd. Saturday and Sunday I went over to the in-laws and ate like a pig all weekend with no exercise! When I say pig...I mean PIG...I ate all you can eat BBQ, greasy pizza, chili, lasagna, a couple big breakfast meals and one big steak dinner from roadhouse.

When Monday came around I knew I had to start eating better because my stomach was sooo bloated from the couple days before. I made sure this time that I stretched every part of my body, especially my legs and the inside parts of my calves. I found a new stretch that I remember seeing a lot of people doing, but never thought it worked for me. The one where you put you hands on a wall and put one flat foot back and the other foot forward to stretch the back of the leg (see image). I did 45 minutes on the elliptical and did legs on Monday (fyi: first time I have done my legs since getting into my new running regimen). I had thought that weight lifting for my legs was useless because of all the muscle running builds, but recently I read that it can prevent injuries. It's a wonder why I have been in pain lately...between not stretching the back of my legs properly to neglecting the weightlifting for my lower body.

On Tuesday, I woke up very sore. The back of my legs behind my knees was terribly sore and I could barely extend them to stand up straight. I guess that stretch was well overdue and I should not have done calf raises yesterday for the first time in a long time, right before running a major race. Tuesday night I ran 3 miles on the tm (although I needed to run more), and my legs started bothering me again.

When Wednesday rolled around I was still sore, but I ran 5.5 miles and had about the same amount of pain as I did from the 3 miler the night before. I did my arms after the 5.5 miler and felt great after a good stretch. It seems as though the back of my legs only hurt when I wake up in the morning or after period of sitting down. I guess the muscles need time to warm up.

A little worried...

2007-03-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took it easy and decided to stay off the legs. After I did my seven mile on Weds my right lower leg on the inside started hurting. After doing some research, it sounds like it is shin splints. I ran three miles today at a little slower pace than my norm, but after the run my leg started hurting again. I iced it and the pain subsided a bit. I really hope I can still run the Gate River Run in the time I am hoping for.

2007-02-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

I ran seven miles today...wooohooo. It kinda dragged on because I did it on the tm, but all in all it wasn't a bad run. I had to cover up the digital clocks and distance meter with my sweatshirt because I kept looking at them. I hate when I watch the mileage creep by a hundreth of a mile at a time. I tried to distract myself with the tv in the gym and my tunes, but it was a very hard run. I was definitely glad when it was over! I need to get some new tunes on my ipod and create a playlist for running. There is nothing more annoying than having to skip through five hundred songs to get to one you can run to. Blah!

Trail Running

2007-02-27T13:34:00.000-05:00

Today Suzanne and I headed out for the trails at our college. They have three different paths ranging from .5, 1.5, and 2.5 miles with a beautiful lake at the end of the course. I don't do much trail running, but I would like to start.

I remember the first time I went, I was by myself and it started getting dark and I had no idea where I was at on the path...needless to say, I was freaking out. I promised I would never go back by myself. Today was different though; we went late in the morning and it was the perfect temperature through the wooded trails. I left the ipod in the car as did my partner and we headed off down the 2.5 mile path. We talked about all kinds of things on our run, including tripping on the tree stumps and roots along the path, which my partner and I had both done at least once in the history of our trail runs. Luckily, we were never injured beyond a quick pain that would subside within a couple minutes. After completing the 2.5 mile trail we felt adventurous and decided to do the 1.5 mile trail. Just at the end of it I tripped on a root and stumpled forward a few yards trying to keep my balance from shifting to my knees...that attempt was a failure and down I went. It was rather humorous, I must admit. I got up and finished the trail (the one hundred feet left of it). On a side note, I haven't had scabbed knees since I was six! lol.

Flashcards and Elliptical

2007-02-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today I did the elliptical for 45 minutes without music (the battery on my ipod died). Instead I went through my flashcards for the medical college admissions test which made me feel doubly productive. Surprisingly, I really wasn't tired afterwards or even during and I kept it at the same intensity and speed as last time. This just goes to show I am building my endurance and can still function without the motivation of my music.

Ortega Run

2007-02-24T21:56:00.000-05:00

I ran the five mile Ortega run today and beat the goal I had set for myself. I finished at 45.07, a 9 minute mile pace. Overall, I placed 197, in the top 25 percent. For my age category 20-24 I placed 12 out of 45 runners. Not too shabby for my first run in over three years. I remember the third lap being the worst of them all...the hot Florida sun was beaming down as I was pushing it over a bridge wishing I had drank the water from the last free stand. I missed the three mile marker so it felt like forever and when I had reached the fourth mile marker with the time I thought I was at the third and assumed I had been going uber slow. To my surprise and momentary relief it was the fourth mile marker and not the third.

The day before Ortega

2007-02-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

Today was very uneventful. I had a day of relaxation and decided not to do much in the way of exercise since I will be running a race tomorrow. I am excited as this is the first race I have run since 2002. My goal for tomorrow is to get through the race without getting sick and to have a time somewhere around 53-54 minutes.

2007-02-22T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today I started off not knowing what kind of workout I was going to do...I just knew I had a little over an hour to do it in. I started on the tm and did exactly 2.1 miles and finished off running around my university for a total of 4 miles. I felt great afterwards and was ready to do some abs. I have been working on my abs about four times a week in hopes of a six pack by August. Think it's possible? As long as I continue to remove the fatty tissue from my abdominal wall there is a good chance my abdominal muscles can show through. lol. I guess we'll see in due time. I registered for the Ortega River Run today. It is a five mile run in Jax by the river. I believe I am going with a running club here in Jacksonville, but I have not confirmed that yet.

My shoe experience...

2007-02-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

When I started getting minor ankle pains during running, I decided it was time to cash in my old running shoes and take it up a notch. I went to a professional running shoe store for the first time and was pleased with the experience. They looked thoroughly at my old running shoes to see the pattern of ware and they measured my foot and examined my gait. Through all of this they determined I have a normal arch, slight overpronation and I had been wearing the wrong size shoe for a while. I needed to go up about half a size to leave myself some room during running. After going through about six pairs of shoes perfect for my gait, I had it narrowed down to two pair: the Mizuno's inspire and Nike Air Structure Triax 10. I went with the Nike's, but returned them a couple days later after walking around the house in them. They had started bothering the top of my right foot for some reason. The Mizuno's are perfect though...I couldn't have asked for a better running shoe.

Catch Up

2007-02-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

Okay...I started getting back into running last month and I couldn't be happier. I love the feeling of satisfaction it provides, not to mention the transformation of my body. There are sooo many benefits...why didn't I start earlier? So far since January 8th, I have lost twelve pounds (146 to 134) and roughly thirteen inches off my body, mainly in the midsection.

I have been training to do the Gate River Run, courtesy of my friend and running partner Suzanne. My longest run thus far has been seven miles at 1:10. I started out huffing and puffing running one to two miles. My first mistake was going too fast and rushing into it. The second was not wearing good running shoes. I quickly resolved both these issues and added in a new ipod for bonus. There is nothing like pushing it to your favorite song.