Who Knew?

So I'm not one that's lucky in contests etc...but what do you know, put my name in, and even though they haven't officially sent emails congratulating people drawn, my credit card has been charged. Apparently I'm running the Nike Women's Marathon in October...holy crap.

And on a note around that...Boston is 4 weeks from Monday, today was supposed to be #2 of 20 miles and it ended at 10.5...and was not good. I didn't feel the energy to do 1 more whole loop of the lakes. Thought I'd call it quits and rest, then get back out for a second run...nope...hasn't happend. And at this point, doubting it will. I was adjusted yesterday for the run...something was still off in my pelvis/SI while running, but it wasn't even that. It was flat out lack of energy and negative thoughts. So I think after Boston...however I struggle through and give an embarassing performance...that I have mom and dad coming to...I'm taking a break. Not going to run Minneapolis Marathon and just try to take the time and let running feel good again. It's just unfair that now, when the weather is finally getting good again, I just can't enjoy it.

100% Irish for a Day 10 Mile

My first race of the year. I ran the Irish for a Day 10 Mile...they have a 5K as well and I knew I wasn't up to racing a 5K and doing well, so 10 mile it was. I like this race. Ran it the first year, 3 years ago and missed it last year for a dumb reason...so today I got to run it again and realized how much I like it. I know the route cause I run it, the shirts are nice (tech shirts) and it's a local race. All the race sponsors and such are from the local area so it's nice to support the small local businesses. It included, being Irish and all, Finnegan's beer at the end. Which is brewed locally, by a woman owner, which I think is pretty cool.

So yes, ran the race...it wasn't great, but it wasn't awful. On a good day, I think I can run 10 miles in 75 minutes. Probably even faster. But today wasn't going to be that day. I haven't done speedwork much at all. But, the good thing about running a race distance you haven't run before...automatic PR! I managed just slightly over 84 minutes. Which my trainer said I should run (after he said 75, and then 80 which I said neither was feasible really). First mile was slow due to icy spots on the course and then slow runners who lined up badly...but I was sub 9 for it. Then the next 4 were under 8:30, but then I slowed. 5 miles all pretty consistent though from 8:27-8:31.

At the end of the race there was a beer tent. I stopped to have a beer with some friends but they had had to leave so weren't there anymore, but I ended up talking to some other people that are starting an unofficial run club and today was their first run. So I hung with them and now have joined up with the group. There are people in the group looking to BQ, girls and guys, and some do tris too, including Ironman 2010 in FL...so I think I met some new cool people. Heck, one might have a bike for me to buy too!!

Anyway, about to head out for an evening. After a buzz from the beer, I came home, took a nap and now ready for an evening of beer!

Thoughts of Spring

So yesterday’s post, well, I didn’t have control over it. I was just so angry over the cold. I mean I think I’m justified. This winter we have had 34 nights where it got below 0. Not below freezing…BELOW 0!! For someone that hates cold weather, that’s too much!! A few years ago we only had 6 of them…so now I better understand why this winter has been feeling so long. But instead of complaining about it and crying and swearing over it, I’ve decided it’s time to do something about it. How to defeat Mother Nature…I had this thought…positive attitude and happy thoughts. Remember in Peter Pan (at least the book and record, yes I’m old, I actually had read along records) when Tinker Bell is dying, she needed people to believe in her, and if you believed in fairies you were supposed to help her and say I believe and clap your hands. Well, spring, I believe in you, I believe you want to come to MN and get rid of/defeat winter…so I’m clapping hard!!

And as a reminder…this is what spring should look like…

It's my favorite time of year...

I want it now!!

What the F*#%??

I do have a pretty bad potty mouth sometimes, but I try to keep it fairly clean on my blog…you never know who might run across it! Heck, my mom has had access to it but I don’t think realizes it!!

Anyway, we sprang ahead in daylight savings time on Sunday. Moved us an hour closer to spring right? Today I got up, went outside, found it cold, knew it was supposed to be, but hadn’t checked temps…anyway…driving to the gym at 5:30 this morning it was -1. Air temp. No wind chill factor or anything. Put the gusting, cold icky wind made it -23. Yes, it’s March, March 11 in fact, almost halfway through the month, and IT WAS -23 THIS MORNING! Global warming? Yeah right. I’d say an ice age is definitely on the way.

I did get my butt out of bed, and to the gym, and did 5 miles on the track. A warm up mile, a cool down mile and 3 miles of some pick up…finished around 8:35 for the 5 and managed around 8 minute miles for the 3 faster paced…I’m doing a 10 mile race this weekend. Was kind of spur of the moment. I registered on Monday. I had been thinking about it off and on and finally opted to do it. I know it’s not going to be very good, I have no speed work, very little running that’s been quality…but it’ll be a PR, that’s important right? (I’ve never run a 10 mile race!) And there is beer for sale at the end…It’s not called the 100% Irish for a Day race for any other reason!! I have some friends doing the 5K as well so will meet up with them after. Wish the 10 mile started first. Seems dumb the 5K is first since my friends will be done almost before I start but oh well. I’ve been told they will wait for me at the finish and have a beer with me.

It’s only Wednesday but thinking about the weekend. I’m typing this at noon but by the time I post it (since I’m hitting the gym for a strength session after work before class) I’ll be done with class for the week. Tomorrow night get some cleaning done. Friday since I can’t drink due to the race the next day (although first and only other time I’ve run this race, I did the 5K and was out for beer the night before, had one more than I should’ve and ran my current PR so hmm….) and my friend has a few other reasons she can’t drink I suggested dinner or a movie so we are meeting up for that…and then Saturday I actually have a date, unless something comes up, we were supposed to go out last Saturday but he was not feeling well so we had to postpone…this is actually a second date, and the first one I did have a really good time so we’ll see what happens this time. I’m hoping to actually hit the Britney Spears (yes, I said Britney, she’s supposed to do a great show!) with him here in April…he has connections, ie FREE tickets (yes, I will spend a ton for NKOTB apparently but I wouldn’t spend the money for Britney, but I’d see her for free for sure!).

First 20

That's right...my first 20 of the year, first 20 in training for Boston...it wasn't pretty. What can I say?? I made it though. I don't think another 6 would've happened, but this was just 20 and I got through it. I didn't want to wear my fuel belt, so I opted to take advantage of the snowbanks around my association and planted a water bottle and Gatorade in it to stay nice and cold. I took off for a 5 mile loop...and while running the first one, figured out the next one. I live in a neighborhood with lots of little side roads and curvy areas. While I can old go two directions leaving my house, I have lots of options within a mile. So first loop was OK. Got some water and gatorade, realized I didn't have gel with me, but opted to stay that way and not grab some from my house. Second loop was again 5, both first loops were coming back on the lower grade hill (I have a hill either direction to get home, one is a little less noticable), but the next I decided another route and came back up the harder side. This had been a 6 mile loop so I got to the water and gatorade with 4 left. I was hurting and had to walk some of the last miles...and had all the last a LOT slower than the others had been. Overall I ended up so much slower than I should be, but considering the lack of speedwork overall, the lack of decent training etc, I guess it was OK overall. I survived it at least. I'll have to get an update of the last week, some time off trying to get the hip feeling better (saw my chiropractor on Thursday and my right leg was shorter than my left by an inch, that's how much my pelvis was twisted yikes!.

Anyway, will have to get an update in of last weekend soon.

Yes, I'm Slacking

But thought before I turn in (I had a personal training session after work and man my PT is mean...OK, he's not mean, he's good...my shoulders are going to be aching tomorrow, along with my abs...we did what hurt me most last time, kind of on my request and he had me do 5 extra on the last set, and 45 second plank, on a scooter, and I actually said 5 more seconds, he said just 10 more so last one was a minute...now to get rid of the snacking so the fat goes away) thought I'd post real quick.

Last weekend was interesting. I was out for HH on Friday that went long and had a large amoung of beer, but was very fun and I might have to do one of those again soon...recovered on Saturday, crappy run on Sunday (18 miles that took almost as long as 20 should've). This weekend a friend is going to be here (tomorrow is my Friday she gets in tomorrow night in our upcoming blizzard) and we are hitting the Food and Wine Experience. I can't wait. Good wine. Good friend. I'll post more on that later.

Running...on advice from one friend, and my PT and myself...I'm taking this week mostly off, from running for sure and probably not much cross training since I decided I'm tired and don't want to get up tomorrow (we'll see, it MIGHT happen) for the gym. My running has just been terrible lately and I think maybe I need to reboot...maybe if I unplug myself from it, allow myself to unplug from it (except the run I promised my friend while she's here but it will be 3 miles at a slower pace) and then see what happens. I'm 8 weeks from Boston, but training is not going well and it's a combo of a lot of things I think. I'll be able to finish the race, just not as well as I would've hoped I could...we'll see what happens.

Cold has returned…

And I don’t like it…not one bit. After some warmup, which we deserved (I’m past the whole it’s winter in MN and I should expect the crap, we had a much colder than normal December and January was worse than January has been in a few years. Plus last year spring came really, really late, and fall came on time, if not just a tiny bit early…so sorry, we deserve an early spring and I want it now!! It was back below 0 again here…but thankfully we did have warm last week and the week before that melted a ton of snow. If only this wasn’t MN and we know that it will eventually come back (in March even, we are notorious for getting a big storm in March, or two or three!).

Running…well, should I go down that one? That Mojo, that is hiding somewhere, disappeared again. I had that great run last week and now it’s back to being painful and sucking…well, not painful except painful to get through, but you get the drift. I’m just not sure what more to do and I’m extremely frustrated by it feeling so difficult. I recall times when the good running days far outnumbered the bad, but right now the bad far outnumber the good and I need something to help that. I’m 8 ½ weeks from Boston and I have no clue that to expect since the training just hasn’t’ been there like it needs to be for a good run. I know Boston had been meant to be “just for fun” but a part of me wanted to maybe shoot for a good time, even a PR maybe, but this time of year for training, combined with the same problem I was having in 2007 only on the other side and it not seeming to want to fix itself, I just can’t seem to get there. Can I run and finish Boston? Yes…is it going to be nice…not so sure…I have a little time yet to get a few good runs in, but nowhere near the time to get the good quality training in, and you know what…I can’t seem to get the motivation into my body for it. I read things to motivate myself. Just re-read my race report for Twin Cities and I remembered the emotions. I re-read comments I had made about the pride of my dad. I have been reading tips on doing Boston. And all of this gets to me. I feel teary eyed. I feel excited. I remember what this all means…and then I go to run and my body betrays me. The mind is in it. The body just decided to abandon me and I’m not sure what to do about it.

I know many of you are battling injuries and have some things going on that are preventing the joy and such of running and you can’t wait to get back, if you even will be able to. And I feel bad, typing this, when I know that many of you are wishing to be in my position. Yes, I qualified for Boston. Yes, I know it’s not an easy feat. Yes, I know that many will never be able to make that qualifier…but it doesn’t make it any less an issue for myself right now, in my selfish instance in time right at this moment, where I’m feeling pity for myself and wishing I could get it all figured out.

This weekend I’m trying to motivate for what is scheduled as a 20 miler. If I don’t make 20, I’m not going to beat myself up, but I’m hopeful. I have no other plans this weekend, so can do it whichever day feels better for it. Probably Sunday but we’ll see. I also have things to look forward to. Next weekend, Food and Wine Experience…yes, so much wine, so little time…and one of my best friends in the world is going to be in town. I haven’t seen her in a year and I’m so excited. It’s been a really long time since she’s been here too, and we have plenty of good things to see and do and things I’m going to show her that she hasn’t been around for. Then next month MNFirefly, and her new fiancée, as her and Josh just got engaged, will be here, and we’ll get to go out and celebrate, although Josh has threatened to punch me, so not sure I’ll get close enough to him to extend congrats…they will be having a long engagement, but looking forward to the celebration when it happens. Then a week after they are here I’m heading out to Buffalo/Niagara for that little concert…and then 3 weeks to the day of when I get back from that trip I’ll be running from Hopkinton to Boston. Then a month after that I’m planning to be in San Francisco to finally see a city I’ve wanted to go to forever and visit a good friend of mine that moved there a year ago. Might even run a fun little race I’ve been dying to do out there…sometime in June or July I owe a trip to Chicago…then August there is the Ragnar relay…possibly a fall marathon (I’m still contemplating Nike Women’s if I can get into it, having that friend to visit and all)…so yes, lots coming up…not to mention school and work to keep me busy…and I have lots to be thankful for, but it still doesn’t keep me from feeling that let down about my running right now. We do have to live in the now as well as the future…

A Funny Thing

So I'm sitting, watching the movie Definitely, Maybe that I recorded earlier this week. I have seen it before, but not since it came out a year ago...there is a scene where Isla Fisher's character comes into Ryan Reynolds characters apartment, he's a mess and has been in a down spiral for a while, and it's a mess...she looks around, sees the mess and they show the TV, which has Chinese noodles that have been thrown at it and are dripping down it...her comment "I see you've been eating noodles"...and I laughed, loud and long at it. It's weird how things can strike you so strangely at such a weird time.

All this while I was considering today and thinking on life...Valentine's day is one of those days I haven't ever been a big fan of. Surprise, surprise. Let's see, I've had a boyfriend for exactly 4 V-days I think. But even without that, the day in and of itself is just a way out for those that don't express themselves throughout the year. Do a dozen overpriced flowers and a hard to get dinner reservation really make up for a year of not being told things that you should hear everyday? Now I'm not saying that's how it is for everyone, in fact most people I know I don't think actually have that, but it is how a lot of people deal with today. Shouldn't you tell someone you love them everyday? Shouldn't you do little things to show them you love them everyday? Instead of overpriced flowers one day a year, if you know she likes flowers, wouldn't it be a nice thing to buy her even just a nice bouquet from the farmer's market once in a while? How many people really do that?

Anyway, I was thinking earlier too, about soulmates...and how, at least in my mind, soulmates don't have to be a romantic interest. I believe you can have soulmates even of the same sex, if you are not gay. It's just that person you really connect with on a level so beyond anything else. I've had a few friendships like that in my life and it really bums me out that one of them, probably one of the closest I ever had, is one I lost because of someone else's insecurities. How do people let things like that happen? This was a male soulmate and unfortunately his now wife (while they were still dating) didn't like me, not having ever met me, but she felt threatened an he let it end our friendship. What sucks most about it? He was the one that said to me that we should never let a relationship get in the way of our frienship...that anyone we dated would need to be OK with our friendship...ironic that he's the one that let it end huh? Anyway, I hope he's happy. On occasion we chat via places like Facebook, but most often not. Maybe someday I'll write out the story...but I think now I need to crawl into bed. Was up too late last night.

Running Mojo

I never got my post done about how much I hate running...that was Sunday...19 miler...it sucked...we'll leave it at that. I had another frustrating one on Tuesday but somehow it all came together yesterday and I managed 8 at an 8:20 pace. For once nothing felt heavy...this wasn't even a tempo run. Today is supposed to be a tempo. We'll see if I can pull something together for that. Otherwise I'll have to be satisfied with the idea that the running mojo is still there, it's just buried more often than it's out for me to feel.

The Wedding of a Best Friend

My best friend got married last weekend. She had been dating the guy for 4 years, just under 4 years from their first date, in fact, to the time when he finally proposed. And we had known him for probably two years before that. It was an interesting way that they got together and I won’t go into that, but I’ll tell you that even up to and within the last year, when she was talking about when he was going to propose, I was not sure about him…I had my reasons, and no, they weren’t that he was taking my best friend away. I want her to be happy, and happy for her is having a baby, she would be incredibly unhappy if that wasn’t an option for her (not that she couldn’t have one without being married) and I definitely don’t want her to be unhappy. But there were things about him that reminded me somewhat of her ex, at least on one occasion, and another time with things she was saying about him…so I was leery…but I made a point to get to know him better in the past year and, actually think he made a better effort toward getting to know me as well, and we’ve come to an understanding and as long as he makes her happy, that’s all that matters to me now.

Their engagement was in June, and as I said, she wants a baby, they might be trying even as I type this (although she’s supposed to wait till end of the month because we are going to a wine tasting), so they didn’t want a long engagement. As they started looking, it’s also a little cheaper, at least in MN, to get married in the winter as well. So they picked a ceremony spot (put link) and a reception spot (put link) and the date was set for January 31st because the ceremony spot was changing over from poinsettias to orchids and the orchid show was the weekend they originally wanted. That weekend was also one of the coldest of the year and the weekend they had hit almost 40….but I digress. I was at their engagement party. I went in July to help find wedding dresses, and was asked to be a maid of honor that day…in August we looked at bridesmaid dresses…and found dresses that we loved (there were three of us, myself, her sister and sister-in-law) and even got our shoes that night…and went to dinner at the place that they got engaged. Her fiancée even came and met up with us for a drink. In December we planned out and had her bachelorette party, which was the perfect thing…8 of us in total that were out, ended with 3 of us at the hotel, hit some nicer bars, dressed up, did dinner, karaoke and had pizza before passing out…what more did we need? Early January was a bridal shower…and then the wedding week. I had offered any help she needed, so the night before the grooms dinner we were supposed to work on programs, but unfortunately something wasn’t printing right, but we had time on Friday night to do them. Friday I left work a little early to meet at the ceremony place to look around and figure out with them how they were going to stand and what was going to happen…she kept saying 10 minutes start to finish (I didn’t time it but I bet she was close). We left and went to the hotel where they were staying (I was staying with her that evening), the groom’s dinner was there and was quite nice, had some beer then went back to her room and her fiancée joined us along with her sister-in-law and we put the programs together. A little talking and we went to sleep…I woke early the next day but was careful (practicing my speech, trying to be able to get through it without crying) not to wake the bride…she woke up around 9, I got her coffee made, took a quick shower and the girl came to do our hair. The bride was paying for it and a friend of her and the groom’s did the hair (she was also at the wedding and reception). Mine was done and I helped out doing a few things, moved things to my own room (just down the hall from her and the room they were going to share that night) and then the photographer was there and we started getting her dressed.


Limo was supposed to be there at 2:30, it didn’t get there till 3, so we were late getting to the ceremony site for pictures, but it worked out fine due to some policies at the place they were getting married at…anyway, when the limo got there we took her down and got her into the limo, the Vulcans were out (a winter carnival thing) and saw her and suggested they should steal her! Then when we got to the ceremony site, it was so nice and still warm enough that we had some pictures outside, then when it opened up for them to go inside we had pictures done inside…finally 5:30 arrived and it was time for them to get married…short ceremony, they were husband and wife and we all got back into the limo (hummer stretch I might add) and started pouring the champagne I had brought…we did some toasts and wished them well while we headed to the reception site. Pictures, attempt at bustling her dress and so much confusion and couldn’t find some button hooks and we finally gave up so they could do the toasts (I gave a speech, managed to NOT cry and had a lot of complements on it after, including the groom thanking me very much for it, and I told him I meant every word of it, I had been worried, trying to write it, since, as I said, I had been skeptical, but he’s grown on me, he really has, and now I have another brother in my mind), had a nice dinner, talked to people, had drinks, I talked to my parents and sister, introduced them to another friend (yes, my parents know my friend enough to be invited) and then they took off, got caught up with another person I hadn’t seen in a long time…managed to avoid the dancing…had cake…embarrassed myself getting on the shuttle back to the hotel by asking about my brown bag and where it might be when it was hanging on my arm (let’s just say I had had a little champagne that night!). We got back to the hotel and moved stuff into people’s rooms to store…somehow all the booze left over from the wedding (they could bring in their own) ended up in my room…we only had one more after leaving the bar along with the top of the cake, yes, that would’ve been a good snack if I was a bad maid of honor!! Anyway, after stuff was dropped we went back to the bar and had some drinks, chatted more and saw a local TV news personality that we talked to and had our picture taken with. Then it was time to call it a night. Two other friends crashed in my room with me…we ordered pizza but it was taking so long to come that I finally dropped off to sleep and when it did show up, I just ignored it and kept on sleeping…it had been a long day and I hadn’t eaten enough.


Next morning I wasn’t feeling too bad…we had a knock on the door from the bride and groom at 9…he had woken her up at 6 and she had gotten up (she normally sleeps in and he’s up early!) and they were out saying hi to people. I had a little snack from things I had brought to have while we were getting ready, then got stuff together and left with the bride…since I had the cake topper yet. I was going to swing it by their house but she had to drop a tux so met her there and we got a smoothie at Caribou, said our good byes, I had things she had asked me to return for her in my car since they left on the honeymoon the next day and wouldn’t have time to do it before they left…I gladly did it, after all, I had to help out however I could…she thanked me again for all I had done to help out and I drove home for a much needed nap before watching the Superbowl and she went home to be with her new hubby…and now they are in Hawaii…and it’s below 0 again here…I kind of hate them now!

Boston Training Struggles

I am still around and keep thinking I need to do an update. For one tickets for Niagara have been bought, we have confirmation on our tickets for the show and a room is booked…so it’s all a go.

I’ve been have a very low level of motivation to get out and workout, which sucks because now I have classes starting this week which takes away time I otherwise had TO workout. It’s really hard this time of year. It’s dark and cold so I don’t want to get up. I am tired of running at the gym. My hip is out of wack still and I need to see my chiropractor but haven’t had time and won’t get there this week. Next Monday I’m shooting for though!! But with the weather as it is, it’s just hard to keep the motivation. And Boston is only 11 weeks away and I feel so less than prepared right now. I know I was feeling that with Twin Cities too, but I think I had more going on runningwise by then than I do now. In fact, I’ve had the last 5 days off…and not liking that. I need to run tomorrow morning but it’s going to be tough. I ran last Thursday morning, Thursday night I just didn’t have the motivation to get out due to a chill in the air and needing to get things ready for a wedding I was in last weekend. I was also up later helping the bride with someone so no ability to get up early the next day. Friday groom’s dinner kept me from running after work…Saturday, OK, I could’ve gone to the treadmill, but I was in the bride’s room with her and wanted to be there if she woke up and needed anything and wasn’t sure when she might wake up (not to mention not wanting to wake her going out of the room). Sunday…well, I was in a wedding on Saturday, what do you think (by the way, there will be stuff about the wedding, just needs its own post)? By the time I was functioning it was time to meet a friend to watch the Superbowl. Monday I just wanted to get some stuff done at home and knew if I stopped at the gym I wouldn’t get around to anything at home…and this morning…I was up, I was heading to the gym…car went “click” and didn’t start. So by the time the tow guy came to jump it, no time to get to the gym and tonight after work I have class. It’s in a location I haven’t been to before and not knowing how long it might take to get there, I can’t chance it…if I could run outside (it’s too freaking cold) I’d have the time/ability for it, but unless there is a dramatic increase in temps, it just isn’t going to happen. Boston…my dream…is getting so close…and yet I can’t seem to get the motivation. Why is this??

Once Was Not Enough...

NKOTB, Repeat!! That's right. Seeing them once after 17 years was not enough by a long shot. Not enough for me. Not enough for one of the friends I went with…It just was, not, enough!! So…friend I went with (and also saw NIN a month later thank you very much) was watching some of the stuff on their site and they announced a cruise. That’s right. Three days on a ship with them. Talk about fun!! (OK, yes, for the 3000 women on the cruise it would be fun) But it was quite expensive…and sold out in 48 hours…(cheap tickets were $900, plus fees, plus flight there, plus hotels, yikes) but it was over my birthday, that would’ve been quite fun. But things happen, we didn’t book and it sold out. Then, they added more tour dates. But this time to smaller venues…places they didn’t see first time around. None real close, Nashville, my friend mentioned. Maybe…Niagara Falls, that would be cool. She has a friend in Toronto and what do you know, she likes them too. It was also a Saturday show…tickets went on sale yesterday. Well, you know, we did VIP last time, could we really not do it again?? So as of yesterday we bought tickets, have a hotel booked (room at the casino they are playing at in fact thank you very much, even though they are gouging it, but oh well, it’s also only a few blocks from the falls) and I’m working on flights. Kicking myself for not trusting we would get the tickets (we were on right when they went on sale, had them bought within 2 or 3 minutes of them going on sale). It’s actually good though we bought them for VIP, the other tickets that went on sale today through Ticketmaster…I was able to get 2, but not the 3 we planned and/or needed. The venue appears to seat somewhere between 2000 and 2500…unlike the 12000 we were there with last time…will be much more intimate. I’m excited. Plus hey, I get to run my last 20 miler someplace other than at home.

VO2 Max

So remember a few weeks ago I was talking about signing up for and doing a VO2 test, well I did manage to get it in. It had had to be rescheduled because the equipment wasn’t working for about a week, but it was finally back up and I did it this past Tuesday. This meant some fasting before (easy enough since I don’t normally eat before a shorter workout anyway), no caffeine (not a problem because I don’t have to have coffee to start my day, although I think I’m starting to get that way!). It also required me not to be sick, consume alcohol, stimulants, drugs (no meth that night before, that was tough!), get a good nights sleep, etc…so I went to bed early on Monday and did get a good nights sleep and was up for the test…although I honestly was not looking forward to it. I kind of dread hard workouts sometimes, and this one, while I knew it wasn’t long, I knew it was going to hurt.

It started with me doing a 5 minute walk at a 3.0 mph to warm up. That was easy. Oh, and of course I was wearing the lovely mask…it wraps around your head and has a plastic tube coming off it that is connected to the computer, along with a HRM that is connected to the treadmill which is reading it off you. The HRM that I have wouldn’t work with the treadmill though, so I had to use one of the ones they have there. While I was warming up, I was asked what I "normally" run...well, that's hard to answer since it depends on the workout, but I said for an easy 30 minutes probably 8:30-8:45 (of course not often that I run just 30 minutes, since I go in miles and shortest is usually 4 which is usually 32-36). After the warmup so she bumped it to 4.0, I walked that a couple of minutes and then it was up to 5.0 which is the break point for me where if I really tried hard I could walk, but it’s easier to start a light job, next was 6.0 which I told her still felt pretty easy, so we went to 7.0 and asked how that was and it all felt comfortable so she said we’d stay there, and after a minute or two is when the fun beings. The incline. From 0 to 2, then up to 4, then 6 and finally 8 while she watched my HR...I need to clarify exactly when she knew it was done as she said another 10-15 seconds she could tell it was going to be done shortly, and I know it had something to do with my HR not going up as much as it had been and/or kind of peaks. It was around 180 that this was happening. This all took about 14 minutes…then I walked a bit to cool down, and got my recovery HRs recorded as well.

The main thing, other than the VO2 max that this test determines, is your AT (anaerobic threshold) from where you jump to burning more fat and fewer carb calories to almost exclusively carb calories. It also told me, how much I personally burn for calories and what part carbs vs fat for each minute of exercise when I’m in certain heart rate zones. My AT starts in Zone 4, the 175-185 HR zone, which is good, since that is actually about the zone I start pushing on harder workouts, but most of my recovery and long runs and even the early parts of a marathon are, so I burn more fat in those places, which is good since that’s my biggest workout zone! It won’t take too much training either, to push the AT up a bit and actually burn more fat in those zones. Basically how I see it is I can run fairly fast and still burn more of what I want to burn namely the fat!!

Now my VO2 max, which of course is the number most runners are familiar with came for me to be 46.2. Basically this puts me in the 90th percentile for my age group. And then running the numbers with Daniels, based on my times for marathon, half marathon and 5K, it comes pretty close in predicting. My 5K time was exactly on, the other two had me in the 44 range (guess, as I’ve said, I can run a faster marathon and half, although I know I can run a faster 5K too).

After the test, based on what I picked for my “goal” (weight loss, fitness or performance) it provided a list of workouts I should focus on. Since all are goals of mine, we put in fitness and the workouts provided aren’t even close to what I’m doing for my training, but oh well. Guess they are something to look at for a few days, here and there? I mean when you have 1 minute intervals, what can you do with that??

Update

So I'm thinking more and more it was PMS more so than SAD. I've actually been trying to force a bad mood this week and it's not working. Although I am in a slightly bad mood because this is MN and yes we get cold but Oh My God....this week it hasn't been above 0 since Monday. I've been inside running this week. And todays workout would've had to be inside anyway because I needed to do speed work, but I was not able to even get a workout in because it was so freaking cold my car would not start today after work. That's how cold it got...I think it was just tired by the end of the day and sick of the cold...so I couldn't stop at the gym on the way home as I was worried stopping my car it wouldn't start again. And at -6 without the windchill, I wasn't running outside. So no run...tomorrow my plan is now to get up early, get a run in in the morning and then either at lunch or after work get a strength session in and a second short run before going to the Gopher hockey game. It's also kind of a goodbye to a friend as well. It's supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow I think...I hope...I really am missing that workout today though. I wasn't up this morning in time to workout because I was out with friends for dinner last night...and wine...and cheesecake...

S.A.D

Although we did have sun today...maybe PMS...but not sure that's right either.

This kind of shows...

How I'm feeling right now...I have no idea what is going on. It could be PMS, I hope that's it, but for whatever reason I'm really low right now. I could type more about it, but think I'll keep it close for right now.

Brr...and I'm Sore!

I'm freezing my arse off right now...and getting stiffer by the minute. So I had my first session with my personal trainer last night, and Darryl kicked my ass! Seriously, he's cute, but man he's mean!! Alright, not really. I'm in pain because I'm sore and sore is good, it means I worked. So what is sore you ask? Well, here's the workout. Walking high step lunges, then planks...held for 1 minute, 3 times...OK, that wasn't so bad. Walking lunges with shoulder press...then v-sit for 45 seconds...3 times...Walking lunges again, bicep curls and presses...then leg raises, held for 45 seconds...3 times...ouch!! And that wasn't enough. One more set of walking lunges with tricep curls, and 1 minute wall sits...you guessed it, 3 times. My legs, particularly hamstrings and glutes ache and best of all, he made my abs ache...that NEVER happens!! I also signed up for a VO2 max test next week. I'm excited to get that number. And Darryl is going to work my workouts around that then. Saw him tonight when I was at the gym, struggled through 5 of the 8 I had wanted to do (I was on the dreadmill and just couldn't go anymore) and then 30 on the bike and saw Darryl...he asked how I was and I told him. It made him smile that my abs were sore. He knows his stuff. Annette, do you get that same satisfaction?

Oh and one more bit of excitement...my tickets to Boston are now booked. Mom, dad and I will be boarding a plane to Beantown at 6 am on April 16th and coming back at 7 am on April 21st. I figure I'll be hung over on the plane but oh well!

Starting the New Year Right

So yesterday I was a little hung over...well, maybe a lot hung over. On Wednesday I went to dinner with friends, we had drinks, then we went to a bar, we had drinks and one thing led to another and all day yesterday I recovered. Hey, I wasn't as bad as my friend that crashed out at my place pretty much sleeping till about 2:30 and it was after 3 before he was OK for us to drive to his car! :) Once in the car though, I realized I wasn't feeling well. I came home, had something to eat finally and took a nap. Around 6 I was finally feeling human and I went to the gym. I strength trained and ran a 1 mile run before biking for 30 minutes. The run was kept short intentionally. I saw my podiatrist on Tuesday and he did an adjustment to my insterts and warned that the adjustment doesn't work well for some so he didn't want me going out for a long run in them to start. 1 mile felt fine in them. I'm going to head out for 2-3 in the gym tomorrow in them again and see.

Today I managed to get up and get a 14 mile run in eventually. It was ugly toward the end. My hip is really bothering today so might be back to see my chiro on Monday! Ughh...hopefully eventually all will be good!! I was feeling so thirsty by the end (and hadn't brought water with me) that I cut the planned 15 to the 14 that I finished. It was a bit slow, but oh well. At least I'm getting back on track.

Tomorrow I'll be doing a strength session again and some crosstraining. Only 2 more days of vacation. I'm not sure if I'm ready to go back to the office or not, but I do have some major goals on things I need to accomplish and get my stuff back on track at work.

So I haven't declared resolutions yet either. One thing I'd like to do this year is a race a month. I'm not a big racer, so we'll see. I'm tentatively looking at this though:

Heart of Winter 12K - Jan 10 (so soon not sure it will happen)
7 on the 7th - Virtual race on Feb 7 that I was just reading about
Irish for a Day 5K - March
Boston Marathon - April 20
Bay to Breakers 12K - May 17
Minneapolis Marathon - May - this one I'm not sure about
June - Not sure yet
Raspberry Days 4 Mile - July
Ragnar Relay - August
City of Lakes 25K - September
Nike Women's Marathon - October
November - Not sure yet
December - Not sure yet

Happy New Year

OK, I almost missed it, but here it is, my resolution, wrap up the year thing. I had to re-read what I resolved to do last year, and you know what, I actually made most of my goals. I never manage to keep new years resolutions, but this year something was different. I believe I wrote them out 12/31/07 if you want to read them. I'm not going to put the link. Main recaps though:

1. To tell friends and family I love them. It hasn't been super easy, but I have managed to get in the habit of telling mom and dad at least that I love them every time I say goodbye to them. That's an accomplishment.

2. Get to know more runners through a running group, which I did, and also QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON!!

3. I am in grad school...and even managed respectible grades. If you really want to know, A in Stats, A- in Law (go figure)

Work was another resolution, I don't think I've done as well at, but I'm going to work more on that this year.

I still can't believe the year is wrapping up. So much has happened and so much has stayed the same. I have gotten to know more running friends, but still not as many as I'd like!! I made two trips out to Boston and get to go again in April and I am helping a friend get ready for her wedding a month from today. My birthday wish even came true (with two options, wishing to qualify for Boston and getting into grad school, which do you think I wished for? Lucky for me both came true!)

For this year...well, I think I'll hold resolution post for tomorrow, but I also owed a response on an earlier post:

Write down your top 3-10 accomplishments done in 2008. Put this in your running log. It's important to reflect on what you did well this year.

My top 3-10 Accomplishments:

1. I qualified for the Boston Marathon. On what was really only my first “real” attempt (I came close once before and was planning to attempt it at the next one but was somewhat injured) in not the best of conditions.
2. I managed a fantastic 25K 4 weeks prior to my goal marathon and it felt really good. I was “in the zone” and remembered why I run.
3. I ran a half marathon and managed a new PR (and according to Garmin time/distance at least managed my goal of sub 1:40, officially I did get a new PR at least).

Write down your top 3-10 things you thought could go better in 2008. Put this in your running log. Perhaps you did not get your best 10k, or you disliked the weather for this year's marathon. Make a note of that.

My top 3 things I could’ve done better

1. I could’ve gotten a bit better in the qualify runs and stopping freaking myself out about my training
2. I could’ve, even though weather was bad, run a better Twin Cities and gotten a better time. Factors were against me, but I did talk myself out of it a bit toward the end
3. I could’ve dealt with the PF a little sooner instead of still be dealing with it now

Write down 3-5 goals you want to accomplish in 2009. Include at least one time goal and one new race you plan to enter

My 3-5 goals for 2009

1. Finish Boston, possibly with a new PR
2. Run a sub-1:37 half to get a guarantee into New York, probably for 2010
3. Run a sub-6 mile
4. Run a sub-21 5K (current PR 22)

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday. And Santa is a wonderful man. I am set for Boston. I have my chip, and I was given money to put toward my jacket...as soon as it's available!!