Mother Nature's rollercoaster!
Mother Nature, you're killing me! This up & down weather has my sinuses all jacked up. Temps in the upper 20s & lower 30s for morning runs at 5am and daily temps in the 40s & 50s. By the weekend we'll be in the 70s??? So now I'll be pulling my shorts, running skirts, and tank tops back out? Make up your mind please...I beg of you!
I woke up with drainage, a headache, and a slight scratchy throat. I'm trying to follow Nike's motto & "Just Do It!" So I sucked it up & ran this morning...my "sole sisters" were counting on me. Hoping I don't feel worse for my long run on Saturday.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Exhaustion, Wind, & Evaluation=Good Times!
Good Times! (oozing with sarcasm)
Last night I felt a little drainage creeping in, so I decided to take something...I guess it was taken too close to my nighttime pills for headaches, because I felt like I was awake more than I was asleep. I was also trying to be cautious since my husband moved & dropped a heavy mechanic's table on his shin, which was extremely swollen. I was afraid I'd bump or kick his leg in my sleep...I AM a kicker...or so I've been told!
Since my alarm was set to run & I was already awake, I figured I might as well get out. I knew I'd never go back to sleep & if I did crawl back in bed I'd just toss, turn, and be mad at myself for not running. As I'm washing my face, I can hear my Jamaican bamboo wind chimes clattering & clanking together...I'm thinking to myself "Oh, great! I LOVE running in the wind! About as much as I love running "the Delphus" (one of the lovely hills on my route)!" I really need to learn to love the things I hate.
After a 4.5 mile run, I get ready for work...running a few minutes later. I needed to get a few things done in my classroom this morning, so I go about my business, but I've had this inkling that my unannounced evaluation could happen any day now. Yep! That's right! Today was THAT day! That woman snuck in my room like a ninja! I didn't have a clue she was in there! And she is punctual...counts off if you're not on time. Thank goodness...for some strange reason that I can't explain...everything just fell into place! She would choose the week of our most difficult Reading skill: main idea & supporting details. Hoping for some decent scores and feedback! But before I get the feedback, I must type up a detailed lesson of everything I did in an hour and a half.
Can you say STRESSED? Doesn't that say DESSERTS if read backwards? I need some desserts & a RUN!
Last night I felt a little drainage creeping in, so I decided to take something...I guess it was taken too close to my nighttime pills for headaches, because I felt like I was awake more than I was asleep. I was also trying to be cautious since my husband moved & dropped a heavy mechanic's table on his shin, which was extremely swollen. I was afraid I'd bump or kick his leg in my sleep...I AM a kicker...or so I've been told!
Since my alarm was set to run & I was already awake, I figured I might as well get out. I knew I'd never go back to sleep & if I did crawl back in bed I'd just toss, turn, and be mad at myself for not running. As I'm washing my face, I can hear my Jamaican bamboo wind chimes clattering & clanking together...I'm thinking to myself "Oh, great! I LOVE running in the wind! About as much as I love running "the Delphus" (one of the lovely hills on my route)!" I really need to learn to love the things I hate.
After a 4.5 mile run, I get ready for work...running a few minutes later. I needed to get a few things done in my classroom this morning, so I go about my business, but I've had this inkling that my unannounced evaluation could happen any day now. Yep! That's right! Today was THAT day! That woman snuck in my room like a ninja! I didn't have a clue she was in there! And she is punctual...counts off if you're not on time. Thank goodness...for some strange reason that I can't explain...everything just fell into place! She would choose the week of our most difficult Reading skill: main idea & supporting details. Hoping for some decent scores and feedback! But before I get the feedback, I must type up a detailed lesson of everything I did in an hour and a half.
Can you say STRESSED? Doesn't that say DESSERTS if read backwards? I need some desserts & a RUN!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Just Another Manic Monday...
Looking back on my run this morning...I'm not happy with it! I know you're supposed to have a slow, easy run every so often, but there was nothing that felt easy about it! I did my usual pre-run routine...RynoPower Carbo Fuel mixed with a small glass of orange juice & my RynoPower Motivation and Endurance pills, plus a couple of Gu Chomps. None of which seemed to give me any super running powers or energy.
I ran with two of my "sole sisters" at our usual time...5am. We ran our usual route...down in the cove where I meet up with them, then down & up this hill I call "The Delphus" (named after our former sheriff that lives at the bottom of the hill. We typically run "The Delphus" once because it kicks butt! This morning we decided to run it twice!!! Then back to the cove and up to the next neighborhood & around the lake. I only had time for a little over 4 miles, since we were "turtle trotting".
I didn't feel like I was going terribly slow, but my Garmin begged to differ with me! I guess I can chalk it up to being Monday & being the Monday after a long holiday weekend. Hoping the next run gets better...might even try some fartleks! Have I mentioned, besides hills, I loathe speedwork!
I ran with two of my "sole sisters" at our usual time...5am. We ran our usual route...down in the cove where I meet up with them, then down & up this hill I call "The Delphus" (named after our former sheriff that lives at the bottom of the hill. We typically run "The Delphus" once because it kicks butt! This morning we decided to run it twice!!! Then back to the cove and up to the next neighborhood & around the lake. I only had time for a little over 4 miles, since we were "turtle trotting".
I didn't feel like I was going terribly slow, but my Garmin begged to differ with me! I guess I can chalk it up to being Monday & being the Monday after a long holiday weekend. Hoping the next run gets better...might even try some fartleks! Have I mentioned, besides hills, I loathe speedwork!
Product Review: The North Face Denali gloves
I've been using these gloves for a couple of weeks now. So far, I am pretty satisfied with these gloves. I still have a little trouble with cold fingertips, mainly with my right hand...more than likely due to running with a small handheld water bottle. Hopefully once Santa brings me a bottle with a neoprene sleeve, that will make all the difference in the world!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Product Review: Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm Tights
I think I am in LOVE! This morning was the perfect morning to try them out. They are lightly lined with a fleece material. I ordered them in a small...a little snug, because they're compression, but not tight...no fat rolls or muffin top! I had recently bought a pair of tights at the Nike Clearance store in a medium...they are slightly imperfect...I'm constantly tugging at them! I also own a pair of Under Armour tights in a medium and feel like at times they're falling. Let me tell you, these bad boys I wore this morning didn't budge! I definitely give them an A+ in warmth, comfort, and style!
Going "Mental"...
My long run goal was 8 miles...I did it!!! I couldn't have done it without the company of two of my "sole sisters". We decided to venture out away from the neighborhood, which I've never done before. We got out at 8am...the temperature was around 30, but with a windchill & winds about 7-8mph. We ran about 2 miles or so around our usual route, then decided to switch it up. We crossed 4 lanes of highway...a little tricky on a Saturday morning...made me think of the Atari video game Frogger! We ran a short distance along the highway, then cut across to the less traveled old highway. Soon we were running the grounds of our local Mental Institution...hence the title "Going Mental". I live in a small town...all we're known for is our Walmart & the Mental Institution.
My mother used to work at this institution. As a kid, I remember going there to visit my mom at work, company picnics with all the employees & their families, and church activities. I remember when the grounds looked more like a university than a hospital. The grounds used to be so gorgeous! Now, they have demolished certain wings of the main hospital, neglected other areas, and modernized other sections...what a shame! It was still a nice change of scenery...lots of inclines & declines.
On the way back home, we were coming around our little neighborhood pond/lake...whatever you want to call it, and I noticed someone brought their leftover Thanksgiving bread to feed the ducks & geese...now I see why they're so plump!
Now, for the rest of the day...rest, relax, lots of "the Stick" usage, Christmas movies, lesson plans, and grading papers. Such is the life of a teacher!
My mother used to work at this institution. As a kid, I remember going there to visit my mom at work, company picnics with all the employees & their families, and church activities. I remember when the grounds looked more like a university than a hospital. The grounds used to be so gorgeous! Now, they have demolished certain wings of the main hospital, neglected other areas, and modernized other sections...what a shame! It was still a nice change of scenery...lots of inclines & declines.
On the way back home, we were coming around our little neighborhood pond/lake...whatever you want to call it, and I noticed someone brought their leftover Thanksgiving bread to feed the ducks & geese...now I see why they're so plump!
Now, for the rest of the day...rest, relax, lots of "the Stick" usage, Christmas movies, lesson plans, and grading papers. Such is the life of a teacher!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Another One Bites the Dust...
Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. I splurged on Cajun deep fried turkey, crockpot dressing (best dressing ever...thanks to a recipe my neighbor gave me), corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, macaroni casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, Sister Schubert rolls, and white chocolate chip pumpkin spice cake. I had all of this again for leftover lunch! I don't want to eat or even look at anymore Thanksgiving leftovers! And we still have a ton of leftovers in the fridge...I hope my husband will take it all to work with him tomorrow!
I was feeling so guilty & miserable for eating so much and not having run, that I forced myself to pop in my 10 Minute Solutions: Pilates DVD. That DVD does wonders! If only Netflix would bring back all the 10 Minute Solutions workouts on Instant Play. I absolutely loved the yoga one! Dear Santa, I hope you're reading this...I really want to do the 10 Minute Solutions: Yoga, again....wink wink.
I'm now ready to take on my long run in the morning. Hopefully going for at least 8 miles! Mother Nature, did I read the forecast correctly? It'll be around 30 degrees at 7am with a Real Feel of 25??? Your "roller coaster" weather is driving me bonkers! Thank goodness I just received my Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm running tights the other day...they feel toasty...we shall see.
I was feeling so guilty & miserable for eating so much and not having run, that I forced myself to pop in my 10 Minute Solutions: Pilates DVD. That DVD does wonders! If only Netflix would bring back all the 10 Minute Solutions workouts on Instant Play. I absolutely loved the yoga one! Dear Santa, I hope you're reading this...I really want to do the 10 Minute Solutions: Yoga, again....wink wink.
I'm now ready to take on my long run in the morning. Hopefully going for at least 8 miles! Mother Nature, did I read the forecast correctly? It'll be around 30 degrees at 7am with a Real Feel of 25??? Your "roller coaster" weather is driving me bonkers! Thank goodness I just received my Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm running tights the other day...they feel toasty...we shall see.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Thankfuls...
As I ran on this Thanksgiving morning, I had time to reflect on what I'm thankful for:
1. My health & that I'm able to run.
2. A loving husband that supports my "addiction".
3. My running "Sole Sisters"...even though I had to go at it SOLO this morning.
4. Specially made orthotics & athletic tape to get me through a run...pain free.
5. My bright green Brooks Breakaway Running shirt...so I could be visible on this foggy morning.
6. A foggy morning, so I could run on the golf course without worrying about getting hit in the head by a golf ball. Once the fog started lifting, it was absolutely gorgeous to take in nature's beauty!
7. My iPod & RockMyRun.com music. Thank you, DJ Little Fever!
8. My Nathan handheld water bottle & grape flavored Nuun
1. My health & that I'm able to run.
2. A loving husband that supports my "addiction".
3. My running "Sole Sisters"...even though I had to go at it SOLO this morning.
4. Specially made orthotics & athletic tape to get me through a run...pain free.
5. My bright green Brooks Breakaway Running shirt...so I could be visible on this foggy morning.
6. A foggy morning, so I could run on the golf course without worrying about getting hit in the head by a golf ball. Once the fog started lifting, it was absolutely gorgeous to take in nature's beauty!
7. My iPod & RockMyRun.com music. Thank you, DJ Little Fever!
8. My Nathan handheld water bottle & grape flavored Nuun
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
It's Monday...the work week is almost over & it's just beginning! by nikerunner75 at Garmin Connect - Details
Untitled by nikerunner75 at Garmin Connect - Details
Gotta love being a teacher & Thanksgiving week!
Gotta love being a teacher & Thanksgiving week!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Discovery Saturday
I discovered a few things on my long run today:
1. Peanut Butter Gu=YUM!
2. If you wait until 8am...when the sun is in full force...it's much warmer...even though the temperature outside was 35. I'm used to running at 5am, and I've been freezing on my morning runs the past two weeks. Thank goodness I wore something lighter weight...even though I did have to come out of it before mile 2. I didn't expect to get as hot as I did!
3. Seven miles by yourself can be pure torture! I'm used to running with three other girls during the week and at least one of them on Saturdays. I had no one to talk to, other than myself & some geese I passed by...no one to vent to about the past week...no one to help me forget about the distance or time. Thank goodness for my iPod & my @RockMyRun music...it was at least background noise to drowned out my thoughts!
4. I found a spread for my Thomas' Cinnamon Raisin bagels...Pocket Fuel Crunchy Banana Blueberry=YUM YUM! It should've been my pre-run breakfast, but I don't eat much before a run. I had picked up a packet at my local running store & thought I'd give it a try. Quite a few calories, but also 100% natural & high in protein.
1. Peanut Butter Gu=YUM!
2. If you wait until 8am...when the sun is in full force...it's much warmer...even though the temperature outside was 35. I'm used to running at 5am, and I've been freezing on my morning runs the past two weeks. Thank goodness I wore something lighter weight...even though I did have to come out of it before mile 2. I didn't expect to get as hot as I did!
3. Seven miles by yourself can be pure torture! I'm used to running with three other girls during the week and at least one of them on Saturdays. I had no one to talk to, other than myself & some geese I passed by...no one to vent to about the past week...no one to help me forget about the distance or time. Thank goodness for my iPod & my @RockMyRun music...it was at least background noise to drowned out my thoughts!
4. I found a spread for my Thomas' Cinnamon Raisin bagels...Pocket Fuel Crunchy Banana Blueberry=YUM YUM! It should've been my pre-run breakfast, but I don't eat much before a run. I had picked up a packet at my local running store & thought I'd give it a try. Quite a few calories, but also 100% natural & high in protein.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
What's the old saying..."cold hands, warm heart..."?
With the temperatures dropping here, I've yet to find a running glove that I'm truly satisfied with. When I first started out, I bought a thin pair of Nike dri fit gloves...perfect for cool days, but not 35 & below. Then received a pair of Under Armour gloves as a Christmas gift...much better, but my fingertips were freezing. Last Christmas, I received some Nike fleece running gloves...much thicker & warmer, but my fingertips are still freezing. Sometimes I have to double up & wear two pairs of gloves. I carry a hand held running water bottle on my runs...maybe this is part of the problem...so I've asked for a new bottle with a neoprene sleeve. I also bought a new pair of gloves over the weekend, hoping they'd do the trick...some fuzzy, thick North Face gloves...a little better, but still freezing fingertips! Anyone else have this problem? Anyone have glove recommendations?
Sunday, November 11, 2012
1st Long Run of Training...
Today was my 1st long run of my training. My plan was to run 6 miles & wound up running 7.5! It was a nice, crisp morning...got out around 6:45 am...met my friend Beth after running about 1.5 miles. We ran the golf course...almost forgot how much I enjoy running it, since we normally run at 5am & it's too dark to see (Dear Santa, if you're reading this...I'd love a light that clips onto my visor or some Knuckle Lights!), but boy was it hilly! Maybe the combination of Ryno Power supplements & Gu Chocolate Outrage helped me go the distance.
I may pay for the distance tomorrow...went shopping after my run, which was a little over an hour away=cooped up in the car & not able to stretch my legs good. I did visit my favorite running store...shout-out to my Breakaway Running peeps. Trying to get ideas for Santa. I've run in nothing but Nike Lunarglides...today I tried on some Mizuno Wave Rider 15s & 16s, and Precision...I think I might be sold!
I may pay for the distance tomorrow...went shopping after my run, which was a little over an hour away=cooped up in the car & not able to stretch my legs good. I did visit my favorite running store...shout-out to my Breakaway Running peeps. Trying to get ideas for Santa. I've run in nothing but Nike Lunarglides...today I tried on some Mizuno Wave Rider 15s & 16s, and Precision...I think I might be sold!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Third time's the charm!
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