Tara's Dreamer Tales

Becoming a Dreamgirl

2007-01-23T16:59:00.000-06:00

I'm on my way...that's right! I'm on my way to become my own "dreamgirl." I am the constant perfectionist and I am ready to dedicate my life to a health lifestyle. I'm pretty good with working out, but my eating habits are not as good. So in accordance with my pursuit of perfection I will begin a high protein and semi low carb diet. I do not want to eliminate carbs because well (1) I love them; (2) I feel like I need them for running; and (3) Did I mention I love them? :)

Anyways, tonight I'm going to go to the gym with Nick and knock three miles out on the treadmill and do some lifting/stretching. Then I'm going to get me some protein powder.

I cannot seem to get enough protein in my regular diet without adding a protein supplement.

Also, I'm going to start using Sparkpeople on a regular basis to monitor my calorie intake. I think this is the only way for me to get out of this weight loss slump. I just cannot seem to get under my current weight. Its like I'm stuck there and can't get under it. Even when I workout, I still stay there. All last week my weight stood steady at this damn number. I REALLY WANT TO DROP 6 pounds by April 5th. This is a really reasonable goal and I need to just "get 'er done" already.

I'm hoping to increase my lean muscle mass and simultaneously drop excess fat pounds. Hopefully the protein will help. I am going to accomplish this goal for once and for all. I hope that along the way I get my eating habits under control.

One more goal = to have at least 8 glasses of water a day. This is something I currently struggle with...so here's to becoming a dreamgirl.

Preparing for Shamrock Shuffle Training

2007-01-19T10:15:00.000-06:00

I'm a bit less crabby today...not because it warmed up outside...because it actually got colder. I think it has something to do with the fact that it is FRIDAY. Whooohoooo!! Anyways, I did my 3 miles last night along with some lifting and stretching. So mission accomplished.

I'm preparing my schedule for my official Shamrock Shuffle training. Since I am an OCD chick...I like to live by a schedule. So I think I'm going to do Hal Higdon's Intermediate Schedule for an 8K. Which basically means I need HELP figuring out exactly how to do Tempo Runs and Speed Work from you experts out there.

I did a brief calculation of my training zones from McMillans website based on my half marathon time of 2:06 and came up with the following:

Long Runs: 10:39-11:39 pace per mile
Tempo Runs: 9:13-9:37 pace per mile
Tempo Intervals: 9:06-9:25 pace per mile

Two things about this. First of all...I always trained harder and faster than that pace during marathon training for my long runs, which is why I may have injured myself. Also, I have noticed that during my brief running career of about a year now...I NEVER really change my running pace. When I run on the treadmill I typically hit 6.0 and cruise at 10 minute miles. This is the same whether I'm doing a 3 miler or a 7 miler.

I think I need to learn that I need to train at different paces for the long runs. Can any of you help me out and provide some guidance on how to run speed workouts. Hal's Intermediate program calls for alternating tempo and speed workouts. I think I've got the tempo down...but I have issues with the speed training. It says to run a certain number of 400 m at 5K pace. How long should I walk/job in between each of these intervals?

Also...should I really be "busting balls" on the tempo intervals? Is it like an all out sprint? Because I can tell you that at 9 min/mile I'm not really sprinting.

Any and all help and guidance is appreciated!!! I'm just a tad clueless here and really want to improve my running capabilities this year!! Thanks so much guys!

The Tale of a Grumpy Icicle

2007-01-18T16:11:00.000-06:00

So I'm really irritated right now. I think it has something to do with the fact that I am literally frozen sitting at my desk right now. I really think my office is maybe, just maybe a whopping 60 degrees. This calls for a space heater. I'm not sure why, but our offices are just freezing. I think it is because we are a really old building with bad windows. I literally feel a breeze blowing across my neck right now. NOT HAPPY.

Which leads me to my next point...I HATE WINTER! HATE, HATE, HATE it. Now that I ranted about Winter, I will give an update on my injury screening.

The PT confirmed that I do have ITB issues. She gave me some stretching and strengthening exercises and told me to keep up with foam rolling. So, I am going to do just that. I think the arch pain may have been a fluke or may have been due to the fact that I wore some 4 inch heels all day...since that run, I haven't felt the issue again.

I think a major part of my problem is due to my laziness with stretching. I know how important stretching is, but I admit that I do a cursory stretching routine. I know this is terrible. So I've vowed to work on it. I plan on doing 15 minutes of stretching and foam rolling after every run. I will even time myself.

So onto this week's progress. I'm NOT happy about that either. Monday was my designated "rest day." After the PT appointment Tuesday after work, I decided that I did not want to go to the gym...so no running happened. Yesterday I did go to the gym...did 3 miles, stretched, and did some abs exercises. Tonight I really need to workout for a while...I'm going to do my run and then lift, and stretch.

I'm feeling extremely OCD about my weight and exercise routine again...which is a bad place for me to be. I just am going to try my best to keep focused on my healthy eating and workouts. I just really needed to vent...sorry for ranting nonstop.

Hopefully once I get to the gym I'll be feeling much better....until then I feel like I'm going to be a freezing grumpy icicle. :(

Heading for a Injury Screening

2007-01-16T09:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, to ensure that I am not going to exacerbate an injury I signed up for a free injury screening with Athletico...it is a "freebee" for being a member of Lifetime Fitness. I am going tonight at 6 pm. I hope that it goes well and that I can just briefly discuss my pain issues and get some advice on how to treat them and make them go away!!

Thanks to everyone who provided all the helpful suggestions too! After tonight, I think I'll be better able to plan on the Shamrock Shuffle training program I want to use. I am thinking of using Hal Higdon's Intermediate program.

Here is a recap of last week's workouts:

January 8th-14th
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 3 miles recovery (walk/run), 15 minutes elliptical, 10 minutes on stairs
TOTAL= 19 miles

I plan on following the same schedule this week. I'll report back tomorrow about the results of my Athletico visit.

Questions about Aches and the Goal for April 1st

2007-01-12T15:57:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I'm not really one to complain...but since I feel like I want to stay perfectly injury free this running season I think I could use some input from all you running veterans out there (or anyone who has any input at all).

Last night I set out to do my four miler on the treadmill. About 5 mintues into my run, I started feeling this nagging pinching/burning feeling in the bottom of my left foot. After 10 minutes, this feeling turned into more of a stabbing pain. I kept on going though hoping that it would just go away on its own. After 15 minutes of this issue, I paused the good ole treadmill and untied my shoe. I found that massaging the arch of my foot was very sensitive but it felt a bit better. It felt like a knot in my foot. I re-laced, a bit tighter than normal and resumed running. The pain didn't stop and so I decided to call it quits at 3 miles. I did some stretching and it just became a dull pain when walking.

My questions for all of you about this issue are as follows:

What is this nagging pain?
Why is it only bothering me in my left foot?
Is there anything I should be doing to stretch the foot?
Can this be in any way related to the ITB issue I have with my left leg?

Ok, moving on....about the ITB. It hasn't caused any major issues in my new training regime...but I am feeling a bit tender sore on the outside of my left knee today. I'm thinking Mrs. ITB is rearing her ugly head again. I read about foam rolling, but have no idea how to do this. Anyone have any good insights about this issue. I think a bunch of you have this issue.

Ryan, Whitney, OOSG? Please help me before this gets worse. I have no time or money to see a PT right now and I could use some guidance about how to prevent a full on ITB attack.

I'm getting ready to head out of work and head to the gym. On tap is another 3 miler. We'll see if the foot and knee hold up. I'm telling myself now, if I feel any bit of flare up, I'm heading straight to the stair climber for some good old fashioned cardio cross training. Thanks for any help in advance!!!

OK, now onto the goal for April 1st. Nick and I are going for a four night spa resort trip to the JW Marriot in Summerlin, Nevada over Easter. My goal is to look as good, IF NOT BETTER, in a bikini than I did on my honeymoon. That means I need to loose about 7 pounds and gain some serious muscle. I can do it. If you read this far...I guess you can see my desired OUTCOME.

Ok no, seriously...that is more a dream. Here is the REAL DEAL. I'm going to bust my ass the next few months. I know I'll get there...here's to hoping!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-01-10T16:24:00.000-06:00

Yes, I realize it has been way too long...I'm not even going to begin trying to make excuses for my piss poor blogging. But, I have good news. I have been running now steadily since December 29th. I got a three day jump start on my New Year's resolution to get back into running. I did miss it alot.

So here is my brief running update.

12/29: 3 miles
12/30: 3 miles
12/31: 4 miles
1/1: Rest
1/2: 3 miles
1/3: 3 miles
1/4: missed
1/5: 3 miles
1/6: 3 miles
1/7: 4 miles
1/8: Rest
1/9: 3 miles
1/10: 3 miles

I do believe that this counts for sure as "on a roll!" :) I am very excited to be back into things. I am for sure taking it slow though. I do not run any faster than a 10 min mile pace. I've just been cruising along on the treadmill for the past two weeks and I must admit I am damn proud to be "back in the game" so to speak.

So, I think this weekend I am going to register for the Shamrock Shuffle. Who else is running it? Hubby can't do it with me because he is on call, so unless I convince my sister to run it...this girl will be running solo.

Happy New Year everyone!! I'm going to start catching up with all of your blogs now too. :)

Total weekly mileage thus far (starting from Sunday): 10 miles

Goal for rest of week
Thursday: 4 miles and situps
Friday: 3 miles and lift
Saturday: 3 miles plus extra half hour of cardio

A Comeback?

2006-11-16T09:31:00.000-06:00

Well last night I surprised myself at the gym. I knew I wanted/needed to do some serious cardio to feel better mentally...so I jumped on the treadmill and set it for 60 minutes. I started with a nice, easy job to make sure that my neck didn't object and the good news is that it didn't at all.

I ended up running (with a few walk breaks) for 45 minutes.

45 minute run/walk
4.3 miles
500 calories

So yeah...I'm pretty pumped about it. My speeds ranged from a nice easy 5.5 jog to a more brisk pace of 6.5. All in all I am not as out of shape as I thought I would be. Today I'm not really feeling that sore either. SO YIPPIE!! Here's to my running comeback!!

Tonight my goal is to run 3 miles and lift weights. Until then...

Ouchie! :(

2006-11-15T13:56:00.000-06:00

Ok, so my neck and head have been semi-suffering since the weekend . . . Hence the "Ouchie" title of this post. Therefore, I do not have any workout related information to report. I'm going to try my best to do some cardio tonight. (The workout clothes are already in my car...so I need not worry about a detour home)

So yesterday I took the day off work because my boss (being the lawyer he is) insisted that I go see a doctor about my head pain and neck soreness from the accident. I went to the doctor, who basically said I'm fine, that soreness is to be expected and gave me some nice "suped up Advil."

I was going to go and do the Strong class last night, but since it involves some pretty heavy lifting for shoulders and such, I thought it would be better to lay on my couch, take a bath, and just relax. So I did just that. Went to bed nice and early and woke up today feeling a bit better.

I cannot believe Turkey Day is already a week away. I am greatful for this because that means A THREE DAY WORK WEEK!! Yippie!

Also, next Wednesday night I am going to see the Pirate Queen with my husband and parents. I'm really looking forward to that also.

Yet Another Setback

2006-11-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

Ok...so what could possibly throw off my new workout schedule? Well besides my crazy travel schedule for work and my exhaustion? How about a nice case of WHIPLASH?

As if I haven't already been slacking enough...toss a nice huge rear-ender onto my Saturday night. Nick and I were coming home from a nice visit with my parents, sister, and her fiance, when all of the sudden some teenager slams into the back of our car while we were at a stop light. Her immediate (DUMB) reaction was..."oh gosh, I'm so sorry...I was looking at my cell phone and didn't see you)!!! WTF?!? So immediately after the collision I felt a bit off...my neck had a burning sensation and this kinda radiated to my shoulder and right arm. I just went home and slept it off. Yesterday I was feeling just kinda groggy and out of out it in the evening...so I took a nap, which is rare mind you...and still slept kinda icky. Headache is in full force today, so I'm hoping that this will be the worst of it and it will all go away after my yoga session tonight. So, yeah...grrrr!!! :(

Anyways, brief update on my workouts. Seeing that Thursday was shot with travelling, I didn't workout and Friday I was just darn tired by the time I got home from Houston. So I just decided to rest. Saturday morning Nick and I did go to the spin class, which was all anaerobic...which meant lots of sprinting and hill riding. Loved the class.

But yesterday's strong class was skipped because well frankly my body was begging not to be pushed after Saturday night's incident. So my faithful readers, I have resorted to what I feel is "slacking" again. I know I did pretty decent at last Sunday-Wednesday...then just skipped Thursday and Friday...for good reason. And managed to get back into it Saturday morning...but I HATE SKIPPING workouts. I feel like I have to start all over with the "routine-building" because I skipped shit. Ok, enough of my crazy ranting.

In other news...Nick and I did go out and begin some purchases for the Christmas extravaganza this winter....outdoor lights have been purchased for our townhome and cookie cutters were purchased to make scrumptious sugar cookies. I cannot freakin' believe Thanksgiving is next Thursday already!! CRAZY!!

I'm going to catch up on some blog reading in a bit. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Just to keep my spirits up and hopefully brighten everyone's day who reads this blog...it is on next September 15th-30th. Nick and I will be heading back to the beautiful island of Maui to enjoy some time off and spend some time with my fabulous parents. Look out Maui .... we're coming back!!

Big Beach, Makena Maui

Also...after reading Nicole's blog I remembered one more race I wanted to sign up for next year. For sure I'm going to do the Soldier Field 10 miler. Thanks Nicole for the reminder!!

Yoga Report

2006-11-08T09:44:00.000-06:00

The verdict on yoga is in...I LOVED IT! I thought I would think yoga was too foo-foo and not enough cardio, but let me tell you...I was so wrong. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think I can solely practice yoga and feel fulfilled in terms of my exercise regime, but I think Yoga adds multitudes of benefit. A special thanks to blogger Lance for encouraging me to try yoga! Thanks Lance!!

My favorite pose during the class was the "tree pose," which is demonstrated to the left. However, I did a slightly modified verion of this and my foot was just below my knee...no where as high as that woman's is...but I digress. I think yoga is excellent for gaining strength and flexibility. I also find that it really relaxed me and made me become more aware of myself and my need to breath better during the day. I am going to try to start practicing yoga 3 days a week and go from there. I also slept like a baby after the class...which I think is a result of the destressing that came during the class. So, I'll be trying to do Yoga 3x a week now: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I think it is something that is necessary right now for my peace of mind and sanity. So it is well worth the extra time in the gym.

Thank you to everyone who responded to my rant about the scale. I know that I need to focus on being happy with my body and not obsessing about numbers. I am trying my best to focus on working out and eating healthy...if the numbers happen to drop...that will just be an added bonus. I'll just have to keep reminding myself of this.

So brief update on this weeks workouts...

Sunday: 2 mile run + Strong Class
Monday: Yoga Class
Tuesday: 2 mile run + Lifting (arms)
Goal for tonight: 2 mile run + Yoga Class

I'll have to skip tomorrow's workout because I have to be on a plane by 8 am to Houston. And won't be done with my workday until close to 9 pm and then have to be up for a 7 am flight back to Chicago Friday morning.

Friday evening my goal is to do another 2 mile run and a Yoga Class. Next week I have no travel for work, so I am going to rock the workouts next week. Also, I came to the realization this morning that I just CANNOT do the morning workouts. So I've come to accept the fact that I just will be relegated to working out at night. Maybe once spring is back in the air, I'll be more motivated to workout in the mornings...but until then...I'll just continue to hibernate in the mornings.

Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm starting to feel more positive and I will continue my workouts even though its hard right now because I'm in that routine setting period. I hear it takes like 3 weeks to set a routine...so hopefully by December this will all be cake. :)

Oh yeah...speaking of December. We're having CHRISTMAS at our house this year. So you'll all get to experience the "Griswald-ification" of my household. (My husband is insane over Christmas and really is just like Clark Griswald). Nick and I are planning on buying a real tree this year...this will be a first. I'm also beginning to gear up for hosting Christmas and am trying to come up with a crafty gift to make all of the guests....yes you heard it....Tara is actually acting like a "house-wife." :)

Weekend Updates and Scale Rant

2006-11-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

So, I haven't been slacking...I started my workout regime Saturday morning with a 60 minute spin class. I am still feeling the soreness from the seat...can't wait until that goes away! :)

Then on Sunday I did 2 miles before my Strong class. I paced out at 10:10 min/miles...nice and easy to get back into things. It felt pretty darn good to run again. The Strong class made me realize why I look flabby in areas. I am SO weak. Others in the class were easily lifting double what I was and today I am extra sore still. I am going to keep on going with this weight class because I want to look more cut and defined.

Today I have Yoga at 7:30. I've only done a yoga class once and I felt like an idiot...so hopefully tonight I end up enjoying the class. If not, I'm going to have to modify the schedule and maybe add in more cardio in the form of swimming on Monday nights instead. But I'm trying to stay positive about Yoga. I hope that it helps with flexibility and helps with relaxation a bit.

Other than that...I have no more exercise related weekend updates. But I did do some other fun things this weekend. On Saturday I accompanied my mom and sister for cake tasting for my sisters wedding. That was fun, except I had a wee bit too much cake, buttercream, and mousse fillings.

Then Saturday night, hubby and I went out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants...Uncle Julio's Hacienda. I had a delish dinner, way too much chips and salsa, and THREE, yes count them: one.two.three frozen margaritas and sangria swirlers. Basically a yummy frozen concoction of frozen sangria and margarita. I haven't drank in a while and Sunday I felt bloated and gross. Which...leads of course to my next issue that I need to get in check.

Recently one of my favorite bloggers, Running Rabbit posted about her hatred of the immortal enemy...the scale!! As I read her post, I totally felt her pain. While Running Rabbit is in absolutely excellent condition and shape, as evidenced by her kick ass marathon results, she still feels plauged by the evil scale.

Well, RR you are not alone. I consistently struggle with the scale and with my weight. Everyone around me including my mother and husband probably want to shoot me when I complain that "I'm feeling fat." My poor husband has to listen to me complain about denim and that jeans are the devil and that they hug my ass and thighs way too much. THEN, as some of you ladies out there may experience...he has to indulge my ever obsessing need and desire to conduct what I call a "stretching routine" with my pants.

Let me explain in detail. The routine goes a little something like this. Tara rummages through her closet and finds a pair of jeans that she thinks would be fun to wear. Tara puts on said pair of jeans and begins to get cranky. These jeans happen to have been recently put through the washer and possibly even the dryer. Therefore, Tara attempts to do about a hundred deep knee bends and squats. Then to make matters even more fun she attempts to sit Indian sytle with said jeans on. Then she does more squats and is still unsatisfied with the fit of said denim. Therefore she has to call in the reinforcement troupes...aka...her husband Nick. She politely looks at her husband and requests the stretching routine. Nick grimaces, but obliges as he gently tugs on the waistband of the devil denim while Tara leans forward in the hopes that this technique will make her feel better in the denim. Ultimately the jeans probably look the same as they did when I first put them on, which Nick swears is in the "not too tight" category...but I on the other hand, HAVE to go through the routine because the jeans feel TOO tight and I just need to have them stretched.

So, for those of you ready to kill me for boring you with this story...the moral of the story is that Tara is NOT happy with her body. It is to that point of the year again, where I am every November right before Christmas time. Where I try on clothes, do the stretching technique, almost cry and just get cranky. Yet, I still had those Tostitos with chillie cheese dip yesterday and still had some ice cream last night. The fact that the dip was made with fat free cream cheese and that the ice cream was light does not make me feel any better.

Couple all of this with the fact that my daily scale shenanigans today showed a number that disgusted me and the result is one upset and tormented Tara. So my plan to combat this problem is to try and mentally accept the fact that 135 pounds on the scale may never happen for me. Try as I may, I may never be able to break the 140 barrier which has been in place for the last four years.

I know that in the next few months with my new exercise and weight plan, the numbers will likely go up before they come down. Muscle does weigh more than fat, but somehow I still can't get it through my dumb head. I really need to come to terms with my eating also. I admit that I often think less is more on the food front. Despite all contrary evidence that 6 smaller meals a day is the best way to lose and maintain weight loss, I consistently find myself watching calories and telling myself that if I keep my calories down I should lose weight. Well today is a reality check for me. I haven't lost any weight utilizing this technique in ages now. So I'm going to do my best to change this mentality.

Ok, enough of my rant. Thanks for reading this far, if you have had the patience! :) I'll let you all know how Yoga goes tonight.

Oh yeah I almost forgot. I have to go back to Texas on Thursday and Friday, so my Thursday workout will be missed. I'm going to try my best to motivate to do Friday mornings workout after work Friday.

Coming up with a Schedule

2006-11-02T15:49:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I'm a schedule whore. I need a schedule otherwise I won't workout. Since my first race of 2007 will be the Shamrock Shuffle on March 25th, I really can't get down and dirty with running quite yet. But I've already decided I'm going to start training in earnest for that race at the end of January. Then, after that race, I'll gradually build up my running mileage and get to the half marathons in the late summer.

But for now, I need another focus...and I think my new focus until the end of January is to work damn hard on cross training, spinning, yoga, and or pilates to get into great physical shape. I want to start eating healthier as well and ultimately would like to be about 10 pounds lighter by the time I start full fledged running again in January. I just need to figure out a way to accomplish all of this.

So I think since I do pay a hefty sum to workout at my gym that I am going to utilize all of the wonderful classes. I am going to try to incorporate a lifting regime as well. There are lifting classes at my gym. Gotta love Lifetime Fitness.

So I'm going to figure out a way to get to the gym 6 days a week right now. Ok, so here it is...the plan for the next few months for me and Lifetime Fitness.

MON: Yoga class at 7:30 p.m.

TUES: Strong class at 5:30 p.m. followed by some cross training action

WEDS: Cycle class at 5:30 a.m.

THURS: Strong class at 5:30 a.m. followed by at least a 30 minute run

FRI: Cross train action at 6:00 a.m.

SAT: 8 a.m. or 9:15 a.m. cycle class

SUN: Strong class at 9:30 a.m. followed by at least a 30 minute run

And guess what guys...I'm going to do this and stick with it. Starting tomorrow morning I'm going to be on this schedule. I'm going to set an alarm clock away from my bed to FORCE me to get up for those morning workouts during the week. I can and WILL do this. Here's to having a damn schedule!!

P.S. For my family that lurks out there...ie, dad, mom, and niko....leave me some damn love already would ya?!?

Houston Gal

2006-11-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ok folks...just as an FYI, my job sent me to handle a hospital takeover in Houston this week...but I'm not MIA. I've just been so busy! I'll be coming home tonight...so back to working out tomorrow! :) More then...

Also, I hope you like this new blog format. The last template was giving me some trouble...but here it is. AND I'm done changing it and being psychitzo blog girl!

NOT a morning bird...but want to be...HELP!

2006-10-26T18:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I didn't wake up this morning for the workout I planned on Is this a surprise? No!

I have decided that I have a serious problem right now motivating to wake up in the morning to work out and then by the evening it becomes a chore. Bottom line is that my jiggly ass NEEDS to motivate in the morning because come after work time, this chica does NOT like to work out. So how am I to do this? Maybe I need to set up some system of self reward? Ie....workout 3x a week before work and I get to buy a pair of shoes? Hmmm....this could be fun! Nick...what do you think?!? ;)

So yeah...I still have the snooze problem. I love the damn snooze bar...I just can't motivate to pop right out of bed and get going. WTF? Anyone have any tips on how they motivate to rise so early. Now that we'll be turning the clocks back and good old day light savings time goes bye-bye...combined with the fact that it doesn't get light until like oh 9am in Chi-town in the winter....I need HELP peeps!

Tomorrow I'm GOING to do it. I swear...I swear...I swear! I will do this because that way I'll have my Friday night to myself and can spend some quality time with my hubby, who is on call all night tonight...I HATE when he is on call. Not only do I hate when he is on call because he is not with me...but I have NO distraction in the am from his usual morning antics.

Now it is time for me to give my furry children some quality time and then of course spend some quality time with Dr. McDreamy....lol!!

Happy Birthday to Coco (aka Loker)

2006-10-25T12:42:00.000-05:00

While I know very well that little Coco will not be able to appreciate my blog shout out to her...I can't help but wish her a very happy first birthday! I still thank God everyday for returning her to us safely so we can celebrate many more birthdays with her. Happy Birthday Lokester! (that is her nickname)

So in other news...I was ROBBED yesterday. Yes, you heard me correctly. Some vagrant stole my very nice Coach bag from under my desk at work complete with wallet, journal, and very important things (like my favorite MAC lipgloss). Needless to say I was enraged when I went to leave for work (on time mind you...which is rare) and my bag was MIA! I cancelled ALL of my credit cards, went to the bank for at least an hour closing out and reopening a checking account...which means that I had to miss my workout. So I was one pissed camper! I mean I went so far as to put all my workout clothes in my car. GRRR!!

BUT, low and behold...someone dumped my purse into the train station garbage can and a police officer found it. I recovered the stolen goods this morning and all that was missing was the $6 bucks I had in my wallent. I guess the joke was on the theif....I should wear a sign that says I am broke and don't carry cash fools! :) But all is good now...I have my special bag that was a gift from my parents for my swearing in ceremony last year. I love the bag...I'm glad I have it back!!

So, tonight I will have to workout AND go to the grocery store. Don't you hate when your plans are foiled by things beyond your control?!?! Ah well...it's Lokers Birthday...and she is home with me...now THAT is something to smile about.

New Goals and Re-Prioritizing

2006-10-24T11:19:00.000-05:00

Ok so now that the LBCM is over and I've shed all my tears about not participating, I thought it was time to revamp my blog, set some new goals, and re-prioritize. So here we go!!

I'm tired of feeling upset and lazy because if my knee/hip pain that came about around the 16 mile long runs in Hal's training program. So on Sunday I told myself that I would not pout anymore. I made a commitment to get back into the gym and get cross training and lifting to build up the strength and flexibility so I can be ready to hit the ground running with a half marathon training program in February. As you can see on my sidebar, I have three races in mind right now for 2007:

Shamrock Shuffle (Sunday, March 27th)
Chicago Distance Classic (date not yet released)
Maui Half Marathon (Sunday, September 16th)

Yes, you read that correctly...I will be running a half marathon on the island of my dreams!! Therefore, I will be running right there on that street only steps away from the Pacific Ocean next September!!! How perfect is that? I mean, it is poetic really. Tara, of Tara's Dreamer Tales, will be running a half marathon in beautiful, sunny Maui next September. Nick and I had the trip lined up for two weeks as a 2 year anniversary gig and it just so happens that we will be in Maui for this race. So my friends, I AM SIGNING UP!!!

Sidenote--for all you triathletes out there who may stumble upon my blog...please take note!! I am seriously considering taking up tri training. I was a competitive swimmer for over ten years, so swimming really comes naturally for me. However, I do not own a bike and do not pretend to know how to bike. I would love to do the Chicago Accenture Triathlon next summer as well, but obviously I need to purchase a bike and figure out how to fit that race into my training schedule. If any of you have tips on what kind of bike I should buy and how I can keep the price under the $500 range for starters I would greatly appreciate it.

Alrighty, now that I've taken care of the side note....back to my re-prioritizing.

In order to be physically ready for next year, I'm forcing myself to get back into tip top cardiovascular shape. So you know what that means, right? Well if not, it means 6 days a week at the gym doing cardio everyday and mixing in some weight lifting. I need to get disciplined again and now is the time.

Additionally, I need to try and lose about 5-10 pounds so my body has less stress from impact in the spring. I also need to do this for my sanity and to make myself happy. Also, I need to do it so my poor husband can quit listening to me bitch about it non-stop. I'm such a freak, I know!!

So here's to my new goals and priorities. I expect each and every one of my readers to keep me accountable. I'm going to do my best to be a faithful blogger and keep up for once and for all!!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2006-10-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

Please pardon the mess...I'm revamping right now...sick of the pink!

2006-10-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here they are folks....little Coco and her big sister Peaches. This was the day when we got Coco back. Needless to say, everyone is happy again!

The Bow Out...

2006-10-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the title says it all. I feel like such a quitter and I NEVER quit...so I'm still rationalizing everything in my head. But the bottom line is that life just got way too complicated for me to finish this training and be ready for the marathon. It is a big disappointment for me, but over the past few weeks I've come to accept the fact that I am only one person and that I cannot control the knee pain that started up about a month ago now.

Since I need to rationalize for myself and because I don't want to look like a quitter...here goes the saga of my life for the past month. After my return from Vegas, running wasn't fun anymore. My knee and hip started killing after short distances and when I say short...I mean like 2 miles, which should have alone been enough to make me stop training. But no, I continued through the pain...hating every second and crying way more than I should have.

Then something tragic happened. When I was on one of my weekly trips for work my husband took a trip to visit his grandma and took our two beloved pups with him. I was gone for a Monday and Tuesday and returned Tuesday evening. To my dismay upon my return, my mother greeted me at my door with the news that my little baby Coco was gone. She got loose when Nick's grandmother was looking after her while he was to dinner with his brother. My poor little cute 7 pound puppy, who hadn't even turned one yet was out, loose in the wild with her retractable leash attached to her.

The next 72 hours were literally the worst of my life. I've never cried so hard and hurt so much. For those of you who don't have dogs or who don't know what it is like to love an animal, this may seem trivial...but Coco is our baby...we love her like a child and this was the most devastating feeling to loose her. Nick and I went back searching for her the next day, put up signs everywhere, and had to leave again without her.

At this point, I mentally checked out of running and the Marathon because...well...frankly running the race meant nothing to me compared to the emptiness I was feeling without her in my life. Then MAGICALLY somehow God brought her back home....yes it is true!! Coco has been reunited with her big sister and her mom and dad.

Somehow that precious little dog made it through one hell of a thunderstorm and three days without food out in the middle of nowhere with corn fields and ravines and graveyards, and expressways....she SURVIVED and is flawless. I thank God so much for bringing her home to us!!

Needless to say...I tried so hard to get back into training, but I just wasn't into it anymore. I missed too much training during this timeframe and when I tried to run again, my knee and hip tormented me even worse. So I have a serious case of IT Band Injury right now, but at least I have my Coco back.

This year...the Chicago Marathon wasn't in my cards. I could have pushed it and hurt myself worse, but my body has limits. And I pushed too far...right after Coco came back I came down with the worst cold/flu ever. My body was tired, stressed, sleep deprived and I just can't do it now. But I've accepted it and I'm working on my knee...doing some cross training and lots of stretching trying to get the knee and hip back to normal so I can get back to running. I'm not done with running....I'm gonna keep it up.....but maybe just stick to 1/2 Marathons from now on.

I can't be perfect and this is just life catching up with me. But I've grown so much this past month. I appreciate everything God has blessed me with and am a true believer in Miracles now. I prayed my heart out and God gave our dog back to us when we thought for sure she was dead. Now I'm focusing on enjoying life and my husband and my dogs and free time.

I've been keeping up with your blogs here and there...you all rock and are going to kick the Marathon's ass!!!!! You're all in my prayers in this home stretch....but don't think I won't be back....I'm still a dreamer....and I'm already dreaming up my next dream!!!!

The Home Stretch...Only 25 Training Runs Left

2006-09-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

WOW...I cannot believe that I only have 25 training runs left before the big day!! I'm very excited/nervous about the final 6 weeks of training. The week off was wonderful. I wasn't looking forward to getting back out last night, but I did it anyways. Nick and I headed out for an 8 miler and we did just that. The first 2-3 miles did NOT feel good at all. My legs were tired and I felt a bit winded, but after that things started getting back into a groove...until about mile 6 or so where I began to experience an excruciating pain throughout my left shoulder and down the front of my arm. I'm not sure what the heck happened, but I tried to adjust my arm swing and positioning, but nothing really helped.

Also, my legs were a bit sore...I'm hoping that the new Brooks I bought from the running store are ok. I'm such a Mizuno girl, but they didn't have the shoes I wanted in. Here is the new shoe...so far the verdict is still out!

Here are my splits from the 8 Miles (average 9:45)

Mile 1 = 9:39

Mile 2 = 9:43

Mile 3 = 9:40

Mile 4 = 9:42

Mile 5 = 9:58

Mile 6 = 9:46

Mile 7 = 9:32

Mile 8 = 9:52

After I got home from the run, the shoulder continued to give me trouble. So I slathered some Icy-Hot all over it and went to sleep. This morning it is still not feeling 100%. I hope that this issue resolves itself REAL quick!

Tonight I have 5 miles on tap...hopefully the shoulder isn't a huge issue. Then tomorrow I'm thinking I may try and do some cross training or yoga at the gym to loosen up a bit for Saturday morning's 12 miler.

I have to go to Houston for work on Monday and Tuesday, which I am not at all excited about. The travelling is exhausting because it makes for very long work days. I'm going to try to get 4 miles in either Monday evening or Tuesday morning...but it totally depends on how much work I have to do while I'm down there.

I'm already counting down the time until my next vacation. Exciting news in my family is that my little sister got engaged!! This year will be super busy with planning her wedding. Quick update on Vegas...I didn't loose any money because I don't gamble, I didn't get wasted at all either! Additionally, I discovered that even though I am only 26, I act more like I am a grandma...I'd rather laze about all day and evening than spend way too much money to jam into a club that is nothing more than a meat market....boy how things have changed since college. :)

I just realized that I have only been hard core running since around the beginning of April, when I did the Shamrock Shuffle. I have to stop being so hard on myself and realize that this marathon training isn't supposed to be easy...it isn't easy for anyone. But I think I've come a long way since the beginning of the year...so I'm damn proud. And I'm not going to blame myself for taking a week off anymore...I'm back for the home stretch and ready to kick this marathon's ass! :)

Taking a Week Off

2006-08-29T13:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, I haven’t posted in a while because this blog is mainly dedicated to my Chicago Marathon Training and well…frankly….running has turned into a chore as of late. So, I try not to think about running or obsess about how hard the training has gotten because it depresses me.

I really don’t want to quit, but I find that I just dread the runs now. This all happened shortly after the CDC Half Marathon. I think I ran it too fast which resulted in massive soreness the week following the race.

Additionally, since I am going to Vegas this Thursday and won’t return until late on Monday, I had to rework the schedule so I wouldn’t miss my long training run of 16 miles this Saturday. So, I decided to move up the 15 to the weekend after the ½ and I did 16 last weekend. Here is a recap of my running (or should I say cheating)…

Post CDC Runs

Week 9
Ran 3 miles post race…which killed.

Ran 7 miles.

Skipped a 4 miler because of a concert.

Ran 15 miles, which HURT.

Week 10
Skipped a 3 miler because of travel for work.

Attempted to run 7, but only ran 5 and walked 1.

Attempted to run 4, but only could muster 1.5.

Ran 16 (or shall I say 10 and then 6 on a treadmill about 20 minutes later).

Week 11 (this week)
Ran 8 and cried during it. I did this yesterday morning at 5:20 am. It was still dark out and I wanted to do 8 miles on Monday, followed by 4 on Tuesday, a 10 miler on Thursday, and then a 4 miler sometime in Vegas. After yesterday’s run during which several walk breaks/stretch breaks/and crying breaks were taken I decided that if I am going to keep up this training and not bow out of the Marathon I just need to give myself and my body and entire week off. Maybe this is a horrible idea in terms of the training plan, but ultimately if I don’t do this I won’t be running Chicago. The mental struggle and physical fatigue I feel during the runs this past few weeks have been no fun at all. It has made running a chore and I hate that. So, I’m taking a break.

I’m such a perfectionist and I feel like I am cheating myself by all the shortcuts on this training plan. I hope that this will end up helping me in the long run rather than hurting me. But I just think that after some time off my body and mind will be refreshed and ready to give the last 6 weeks hell. I’m going to try and do lots of stretching and some cross training this week, but all in all I’m going to rest and enjoy the small bit of fun that Vegas has in store for me.

I've Returned...

2006-08-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, it finally has happened. I have found some time in my crazy life to post again. Things have been INSANELY crazy busy and something had to give for a while there...so sorry bloggers, this just took a backseat to life. The job required some intense travel and I have some crazy travel coming up this week and next...but you will all be happy to know that I have not given up on running!

Running has been the one thing that I have been religous with...I haven't missed ONE run. Not one single run. Last week I did one 2.5 miler instead of the 3...but all in all, I've stuck with Hal's plan and so far so good.

Let's recap the running adventures. I will only detail my long runs since the last post, because otherwise I'll bore everyone to death. First of all, remember the dreadful hot weather we were having? I did my 7 mile step back week on the treadmill because I didn't want to melt. But it got done nonetheless. The week before that I was shipped off to Texas to take care of some stuff for our clients.

Then the week after that was the 12 miler...I nearly wanted to die. That was my first attempt at such a distance and it was horrific. The first 6 miles were ok, but when I hit 8 I just had no gas left. I think it was due to the fact that I crammed all my runs that week into the end of the week to avoid the heat. So I did 3 on Weds, 6 on Thurs, 3 on Friday and then the 12 miler Saturday morning. So I was running on dead legs. All in all, the run went. I had to do some walking toward the end, which made me feel like a cheater and defeated...but I did it nonetheless.

Now, onto this weekend's CDC race...I did it. Nick and I both completed the 1/2 Marathon and I'm pretty darn proud of our results. Nick finished his first 1/2 marathon in 1 hour and 51 minutes. I think this is damn impressive considering he has never ran an organized race before. Yea, he may have done track in high school...but we are way older than high school now. Gosh, he is smart, hot and athletic...what a lucky gal I am!

So onto my race report. All in all, I'd have to say I'm proud. My goal was to finish under 2 hours and 10 minutes, which I did. My official time was 2 hours and 6 minutes. However, I am agitated because I think I could have finished under 2 hours. I had some SEVERE abdominal cramping issues which resulted in the need to stop at a porto between mile 8 and 9. I never in my life thought I'd ever fear that I would have an "oops I crapped my pants" incident...but let me tell you...this thought permeated my mind from about mile 5 through the point when I decided to stop to use the porto. I seriously wanted to cry because I had to stop. I was doing so great and then I just had no choice but to wait in a line to use a nasty ass porto-potty. I think this added about 5 minutes to my time and made me cranky.

Due to this nasty problem, I didn't crack open my sports beans until after the Potty break, which means that I didn't eat anything until about mile 9...which I know is way too late in the run. But around 45 minutes, my stomach was stirring a bit too much, so I knew that I needed to wait a bit.

The course was amazing, the race was amazing, I suppose my time was pretty amazing...but when I finished the first thing I thought of was....OH DEAR LORD...HOW IN THE HELL AM I EVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO A FULL MARATHON? I was exhausted and had an upset stomach. I had to immediately seek out another restroom once running ended. I guess I have what some call "runners trots"...which is nasty and wrong. But it hurts like hell. :(

I had to deal with it the remainder of the day and still felt icky when I finally got to sleep last night. If anyone has ANY suggestions about this dilemma please advise. I am going to try my best to post again frequently. Hopefully my work schedule doesn't take away from this.

Congrats to all of you who did the CDC....you are all awesome!

Have a great night all...I need to stretch tonight and rest....the legs are JUST a BIT sore!

Weekend Update

2006-07-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

In sum, my weekend was busy but productive. Running is going well...I'm feeling pretty excited that I'm sticking with this training. I am so excited that I am slowly but surely becoming a RUNNER! So here is the weekend in review . . .

Friday

First things first. I got a raise on Friday. I'm SO thrilled about this because I've only been at this job for like 4 months. I've never discussed my job or work on here much...but to make a long story short I changed jobs in February and was very nervous that I was maybe making a rash decision. The firm I worked for after I passed the bar SUCKED. It was horrible, the partners were evil and the work was boring. I always wanted to get into healthcare law and doing insurance defense work was the farthest thing from that. One day I got fed up and found a job posting on line and applied for it. I interviewed and was offered the job on the spot. This was on Valentine's Day. I debated it briefly because it involved a small pay cut, but my happiness was more important than money. I took the job and couldn't be happier. I no longer hate going to work. I like what I'm doing and feel like I'm learning so much. One day I hope to take everything I've learned and maybe do hospital administration or in house counsel work.

So non-work related...I got home from work and had to deal with freaking Comcastic f-ing up things at my house. We were supposed to be getting HD/DVR installed at the home and the technician sent out (don't really think he even graduated high school and highly suspect he was stoned out of his mind) had NO CLUE what was going on. So we knew we weren't getting HD and I had to spend over an hour trying to work things out on the phone with the comcastic retards. Finally, they agreed to send a more qualified technician out on Saturday to remedy the situation...more on that later.

So after that stoner left my house, Nick and I went to pick up a few little furnishings for the house...pics will follow later...I promise. I'll show you all the fun home improvements we have done over this past month. Then we went to get some GU for our 9 miler. We bought Chocolate Outrage and Vanilla Bean. Reviews to follow!

Then we went home, had some pasta and crashed!

Saturday

The alarm went off at 5:45 a.m. I DID NOT EVEN PRESS THE SNOOZE BAR!! Go me. I was hoping to see some clouds when I looked out the window, but unfortunately there was not a single cloud in the sky. So we hurried to get ready and headed out for the 9 miler before it got to blazing hot.

So, we got to the Old Plank Road trail (which we both love to run on). It was a sweet find because it is similar to the Lake Front Path...long and flat. While there is no lake, there are alot of trees and people on it. So it makes the run more pleasant. Anyways, we started out running and it felt pretty good. I told Nick I wanted to run slow...and he agreed that he would run slow because he was nervous that he wouldn't even make it to 9 miles. But boy did he! :)

We cruised along for about 2.5 miles and then we hit our first water fountain. Quickly stopped to drink and wet my head because I already felt like I was overheating and then picked it up again. The next water break was at about 3.3 and we drank quickly and continued along. When we got to 4.5 we stopped quickly to take our Gu's. We decided that we would split the Vanilla Bean at that point. It really wasn't bad at all. I liked it actually. Then we ran back and stopped for some more water and split the second Gu...Chocolate Outrage. I didn't like this one as much because it was MUCH thicker and not as tasty. After this we ran and kept running. With about 2.5 left we took our last water drink and finished home. I made Nick run ahead of me for the last 2.5 because I felt like I was holding him back. He didn't get too far ahead of me...this was kinda cool!

Interestingly around 7 miles I started feeling noticable chaffing pain on my inner left thigh on my collar bone. I also started feeling my socks rubbing on my skin. None of these things have ever happened to me before...so I think I should start using Body Glide on my long runs on these areas? Does that seem about right for all you other Body Glide users?

Anyways, on the last .5 mile homestretch my song "You Get What You Give" came on my Ipod and I just got all choked up. Tears formed in my eyes and I couldn't help but smile because dammit I was almost done with freaking 9 miles! I was proud of myself and just finished as strong as I could. I'm happy with the run and proud of myself for sticking with the training. I cannot wait to do the 1/2 Marathon on August 13th...so pumped!

For all of you who like to see splits....here are mine from the 9 miler.

Mile 1 - 9:53
Mile 2 - 9:30
Mile 3 - 9:43
Mile 4 - 9:21
Mile 5 - 9:32
Mile 6 - 9:50
Mile 7 - 9:34
Mile 8 - 9:35
Mile 9 - 9:21

Pretty happy about the splits. Maybe I really can run under 10 min miles for the marathon? I dunno, I didn't feel that I was pushing too hard on this run at all. What does everyone else think? I really don't know what my marathon pace should be because I've never ran one before. I guess I can figure out my pace after I run the 1/2? My only real race was this year's Shamrock Shuffle, which was 5 miles in 47:13. What do all you experienced runners think of my long run times? Am I really running too fast? Help if you can! :)

So after the long run, Nick and I got some bagles at Dunkin Dounuts and got ready to go to a jewlery show at the Rosemont Horizon. Fun times ... we went with my mom, my sister, and her boyfriend.

Then we just watched Pirates of the Carribean on USA. Great movie...we never saw it before. Then we crashed and slept and slept some more.

Sunday

Sunday we were pretty tired. We went to the bank in the morning and then pretty much had a napathon all afternoon. We passed out on the couches with the puppies and then I woke up and went to do some cross training. That's right, I did cross train this week. I only did 35 minutes on the Elliptical, but did 4 miles. Then I did some situps. I'm hoping that one day I will be confident enough with my abs to run in a sports bra...but until then I will stick to the long tank top sports bra type shirts.

For you ladies who like those types of shirts...I found the best one this weekend. It's by New Balance and it has these awesome pockets in the back for Gu/Sports Beans/Keys/etc....it isn't cheap ($40-$50)....but it is a well made quality running top. It does hold the "girls" in....minimal bouncing and it has a mesh back so it is nice and cool. Check it out...I bought mine in black and am thinking about ordering another one already because I liked it so much!!

Happy Birthday to the 2nd Hottest Doctor

2006-07-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

My husband is, of course, the first hottest doctor ever.

But Dr. Jack from Lost (Matthew Fox) turns 40 today. I bet all men wish the age as beautifully as he does. For all you Lost fans out there, HOW EXCITED are you for next season?! Best show ever!

I'm Melting, Melting!

2006-07-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

Ok fellow bloggers, this pretty much captures the way I feel with this nasty humid, hot soupy weather we have going on in the Chicagoland area. Fortunately, I decided to bring my shorter runs this week into the gym onto the treadmill to avoid over heating myself. However, tomorrow's 9 MILER is an entirely different story.

I will not run 9 miles on the treadmill for several reasons, including:

I think running on the treadmill is substantially easier than outdoors;
I do not like resetting the treadmill after 6 miles because I loose some sense of accomplisment when I have already run 6 and it is telling me I have done zero;
The chances that it will be this hot and balmy for the CDC 1/2 Marathon are HIGH, so I must do it outside now and get used to it;
I just want to do it outside and prove to myself that I can run that distance on ground and not a movable tread.

So I am going to have to wake up extra early on Saturday (one of the only days I can sleep in) and take my butt out to the Old Plank Road Trail and run and run and run some more. I'm going to slow it down and try and run 10:30 pace, which may be difficult because when I'm outside I seem to always run faster than I do on the treadmill. I guess I should be on the path ready to run the 9 miles no later than 7am. ICK! So that means the alarm will go off at 6:20, to allow myself ONE snooze. :)

For all you snoozers out there...I think this cartoon explains the desire to snooze very well. Some of my best dreams occur during my hour long snooze period in the morning. Don't know why the hubby can't understand my snooze desire!!

Nothing much exciting to report on my other 3 milers this week, except that they were both on a treadmill and run in approximately 30 minutes. So until I am finished with tomorrow's SOUP RUN...

Good luck with your long runs this weekend everyone!! Stay hydrated and good luck staying cool!!!!

Ick! Could It Be Any More Humid?

2006-07-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

In response to that question...yes, yes it could! Our Mexico trip wasn't that long ago and oh how humid it was there...but much more tolerable because of how gorgeous it was. See for yourself...

So, this morning's run did not go well because well it did not go at all! LOL. I had good intentions, I swear. The alarm went off, but that evil hand of mine hit snooze and hit it again and again. So you get the picture...morning run did not happen again. But it was pouring this morning when I woke up, so I decided I'd save the run for tonight.

When I got off work it was HUMID. Nick and I debated heading into the gym to use the Dreadmills, but then decided nah, let's just do it outside. We started off the run, it was hot and wet. Then about 1 mile into the run it started raining. Not a downpour, but enough to cause some serious wetness.

I think because I skipped cross training my calves were super-d-duper tight and of course I had to stop and stretch after 1.5 miles. But eventually the legs loosened up a bit and I got ambitious and just kept running. At one point Nick yelled to me through my headphones, "Hey how much further?!" At this point we were almost to 3 and about a mile or so away from the car. I told him and he was like what the heck. So we walked for about .2 miles and then ran one more for good measure.

All in all, 4 miles were ran. I only have accurate splits for the first 3 because of the .2 mile walk escapde. :)

Mile 1 = 9:25
Mile 2 = 9:35
Mile 3 = 9:33

Running Updates from Week 3

2006-07-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here are my running updates from last Thursday and Saturday's long run.

Thursday's 3 miles (I think Garmin was acting odd)
Mile 1 = 10:37
Mile 2 = 10:27
Mile 3 = 9:45

Saturday's 5 miles
Mile 1 = 9:30
Mile 2 = 9:22
Mile 3 = 9:43
Mile 4 = 9:50
Mile 5 = 9:11

Ultimately the run was ok on Saturday. I was hot and thirsty. Luckily I made myself drink after every mile and I think that was my saving grace! Nick ran with me, I got annoyed with him running behind me at one point and made him go ahead. Drafting definately annoys me, unless of course I'm the drafter. Being the draftee is no fun!

So this brings me to the confession that I did NOT cross train again on Sunday. I blame it on finding a side table for my living room and a stain for the mantle. Needless to say I feel guilty and fat. I really need to do cross training and start an abs routine....seriously need to work the abs otherwise I will NOT, I repeat will not be a happy camper wearing a bikini in Vegas next to my sister in Vegas! YIKES....

So another high annoyance factor. WORK SUCKED TODAY. I had conference calls all day and wrote like 3 memos and then had another conference call with a client and my boss at 4:30. The freaking call lasted for TWO, I repeat, TWO hours...I was beyond pissed because I really wanted to run tonight. However, because I'm a good wife and because I hadn't seen hubby since Saturday night due to his on call escapades in the hospital I stopped and bought FAST food for dinner and just came home.

I have now consumed a grilled chicken sandwich, french fries, and one Mike's Hard Limeade....as we speak I have some Edy's Slow Churned Light Peanut ButterCup Ice Cream next to me to consume. So I must sign off and get a bit chubbier.

RATING of this ice cream: 10 out of 10 on the delicious scale. For all you calorie and fat conscious readers...this is a MUST MUST TRY! YUM YUM. Plus, peanut butter = protein right?! HEHE!

I will RUN tomorrow morning and do my 3 miles!! Have a good night all.

Mantles and More

2006-07-10T15:38:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, where the heck have I been right?! Well lets say in addition to running my summer away, I've also decided to tackle some semi-major home improvement additions and projects. This was all done in order to prevent me from looking for a new home to buy...I'm terrible since we have only lived in this townhouse for .... oh, just a year a 3 months!

Anyways, I will give a full running update with splits galore after my 3 miles tonight. But I just wanted to give a shoutout to my amazing husband!

You see, since we purchased the plasma to mount over our fireplace I decided that we MUST HAVE A MANTEL so as to not damage the beauty with heat! A mantle will deflect heat you know!! So anyways, problem is that we could not simply buy one of those cute little simple prefabricated mantle shelfs to mount above our fireplace because our fireplace is situated in the oddest of fashions. SO, we had to custom build one ourselves. We came up with this idea on Friday and low and behold after our 5 miler on Saturday we went into Lowe's all sweated up and did some purchasing of wood and other such materials.

The hubby and I and my parents worked on the mantel, but Nick mostly did everything. He built an entire mantle FROM SCRATCH in about 4 hours. It still needs to be sanded and stained, but overall I love it! I will post before and after pics once I take the darn pictures.

Given the fact that Nick is going on sleep deprivation from his first year of residency, I consider this to be an amazing feat! He is a hell of a husband...I'm one lucky chica! So this post is really a dedication to my husband ... who is currently trying to catch up on some sleep. He was on call all day and night and got no sleep whatsoever at the hospital. Despite this, he came home and told me he was "gonna get to sanding right away." I demanded that he put that off and eat and get some well deserved sleep! Anyways, here is to my new mantel and mostly to my amazing hubby!! Luv u sweetie!! Hopefully he isn't mortified that I posted a larger than life photo of us for the whole internet ... well, ok for my few selected readers ... to see! I will post my running info later!

Plasmas, Running, and Evil Dogs

2006-07-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

Ok fellow bloggers....this Fourth of July was an expensive holiday for this household. I haven't blogged because I've been out SPENDING MONEY!! First of all...Monday I got the itch to go furniture shopping because of the wonderful sales that occur around this time of the year in the furniture industry. Needless to say, yes I bought some furniture for the home: 2 chairs for our living room area and then this little wall settee thing with a mirror and lamp. The chairs were custom order...so they won't be in for 8-10 weeks! :( But the other purchases will be in next week. I'll make sure to show you the pretties when they arive. :)

But, since I got all sorts of girlie furniture and the husband went along and participated....he said...let's look at plasma TVs. The thing is...we've wanted to buy one since we moved into our place over a year and a half ago. We have this little fireplace in between two windows with a big open wall above it. It is one of those gas wonders...so we wanted to put a flat screen TV above there. Finances have been tight (ok well really still are)...but we saw a great deal and alas...there we were buying a Plasma Freaking TV too!! I know, I know....crazy shoppers!!

So turns out that plasma TV wall mounting is way complex. You need all these crazy HDMI cables and surge protectors...not to mention getting an electrical socket put above the fireplace, figuring out how to fish wires through walls, finding the right wall mount (flush or tilt), etc., etc....and of course...being the perfectionist I am, I refuse to spend more than I have to. So today I spent a ton of time online searching for the best materials and methods to go ahead and mount this sucker on the wall. I can't wait for the freaking thing to just be done with and up!! It will take some time for sure...but until I can show you the finished product...here is what we have to look forward to!

Now...onto the RUNNING!!! I know, shopping just totally outweighed running reports!! Where are my priorities?!!? :)

I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't follow Hal's cross training requirements. After Saturday's long run, there was no cross training on Sunday and I totally didn't make up for it on Monday (because after work on Monday...I of course opted for furniture shopping and a random plasma TV purchase) So I need to make sure to get those cross training days in...I'm a slacker at cross training! BAD BAD BAD!

But Tuesday, after some furniture finalizations, I had to run my 3 miles on the DREADMILL because it was God aweful humid and hot out. I never hated the treadmill before...but boy do I now. It was a rather uneventful run...3 miles/30 minutes. Eh, whatever.

Tonight after work, I had to play with the dogs and make sure they ate some dinner because Nick was on call and they were locked up in their crates all day. After they ate, I played with them for a while and then geared up for my 4 mile run. I had to do it around my small neighborhood, which translates into annoying running around the same blocks and streets just to get to 2 miles...plus I had to double that...YUCK. But I got the run done and am happy about it.

4 Miles

Mile 1= 9:52

Mile 2 = 9:53

Mile 3= 9:41

Mile 4= 9:41

So after the run, I decide I'm going to stretch in my backyard and put the dogs out side with me so they can play around. Since we live in a townhouse...they must be on their respective leashes because we don't have a fence. As I'm putting my small doggie, Coco, out to do her "potty duties" my older dog (or shall I say "bitch") decides she is going to dart out the door without her leash for a nice game of cat and mouse with mommy (aka ME). I wanted to kill her! She ran around like a maniac for oh ... at least 30 minutes ... I tried everything in my arsenal to coax her back into the house or sit her ass down. Nothing worked ... her favorite little soccer ball ... greenies ... treats ... nothing! So finally my mother came over and OH YES ... little Peaches decided she would run into the house for her grandma! EVIL little white poof ball!!

So after some grass burns from my diving attempts at catching her and several mosquito bites ... Peaches is safe and sound where she loves to be ... in my BED! Thus, Running Rabit is not alone in the quest for space in her own bed. Ironically my dog looks like her dog's long lost twin. SIDE NOTE: Blogger sucks because even though 2 minutes ago I was able to upload a picture, I am no longer able to do so...sry can't show you pics of Evil Dog in action! :(

I have to end this post now...because the EVIL white poof ball is laying next to me whining because she is tired and I am disturbing her sleep! :) Good night all!!

Kinda Bored

2006-07-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

Because my husband is on call all day and night and I'm home alone with my pups. So I just thought I'd give a quick update on today's 7 miler.

I woke up around 6:45 and drove over to my mom's...she is so awesome because she is giving me moral support when I have to run alone. She came out and did some walking/jogging/biking while I endured 7 miles the the best of my ability. I'm not gonna lie...it was hard...it was darn hard! But I finished it all and only walked for 1 minute around 6 miles to get my heartrate down some. I'm proud of myself because this is the longest I've ever run outside. My record is 10 miles on the treadmill...but for me road running outdoors requires much more physical endurance than treadmill.

So anyways, here are my stats from the run.

Mile 1 = 9:58
Mile 2 = 9:38
Mile 3 = 9:42
Mile 4 = 9:43
Mile 5 = 9:35
Mile 6 = 10:23 (walked for about a minute or so)
Mile 7 = 9:18

I'm pretty darn happy about the run. It was pretty hot out this morning and I was dying for water around Mile 3 or so...luckily there was a fountain at 3.25...it was fantastic!!

Since this morning I've not done anything too productive. My mom and I drove around and looked at some houses for sale...for fun...yes it was fun! Then I came home, showered, played with the dogs, and went out to Super Target for a few items. Not a very exciting Saturday...but I miss Nick lots!! I hate that he is working all day and night...but we are off together for the 4th!! So excited.

So now I think I will go relax and hope that my legs aren't feeling broken tomorrow when I wake up...for sure going to have to cross train them to loosen up!! Until then...have a great weekend everyone!!

Wishing Summer Never Ends...

2006-06-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

So I am SO not a fan of winter or really fall for that matter. Today started out with a semi-ok three mile run. I set the alarm for 6:00, SNOOZED, like the snooze queen I am and woke up around 6:40. I was going to shower and get ready for work, but instead I said..."I'm going to run now so I can swim tonight." And that is just what I did. I went out and it was cool and brisk and comfortable. I loved the temperature and the morning sun. I did NOT love the slight pain and dead legs feeling after about 1 mile though. I'm really hoping that this weekends 7 miles doesn't start hurting after 1 mile, because the last 6 will be REALLY long. Anyways...here are today's stats...I ran alone and went a bit slower...but I still think I should run even a bit slower.

3 Miles
Mile 1 = 9:48
Mile 2 = 9:46
Mile 3 =9:45

At least I was consistent, right? :)

Then I worked all day and went to my gym's pool to loosen up and swim some laps. It felt great to get in the pool...I sure don't remember how I used to swim double practices in high school!! I definately want to get into triathalons next summer because I miss swimming so much!!

The weather tonight is equally gorgeous...cool, not humid and just perfect. I was swimming some laps in the outdoor pool and the water was so warm! I love summer....

NOTE TO SELF--MUST MOVE WEST!! Like...maybe Maui!! WHAT AN AMAZING VIEW...I could do some awesome running there.

WTF...Pacing Issues...Please Help!

2006-06-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so tonight's three miler felt like SHIIIAAAT!! I just felt myself wanting to stop alot because the lower legs were hurting again. I'm wondering what pace I should be running my weekday runs as opposed to my long runs.

Ultimately I'd love to finish the marathon anywhere under 4:35, which is about 10:30/min miles. As you may tell from my splits I list, I think I may be training too fast for this. Thoughts?!

Here are tonights splits from the 3 miles:

Mile 1 = 9:26
Mile 2 = 9:41
Mile 3 = 9:42

The run sucked for me because as usual I felt like I was slowing down Nick, who was running with me instead of ahead of me because he wanted to track his mileage. I think I need to just start running on my own to get into my own groove/pace. But I need everyone's help with the training pacing.

I know the long runs should be about 1 minute slower than actual marathon pace goal....but running 11 min/miles seems like I may be forcing myself to slow too much. Input at this point would be great!! Thanks so much.

Maybe tomorrow's post will be more interesting...I'm off to watch So You Think You Can Dance!!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

2006-06-26T18:45:00.000-05:00

Ouch...that 3 miler just killed. I discussed with hubby and we both feel that the sidewalk running is NOT, I repeat, NOT a good option. It just makes my lower legs throb and now I have to jump into another ice bath. GRRR...this means that I will have to now drive about 20 minutes extra just to do my shorter weekday runs so as to avoid the dreaded CEMENT SIDEWALKS. I much prefer the paved trails and streets. :(

Anyways, I'm off to the ice bath. Here is the 3 mile breakdown:

Mile 1 = 9:00
Mile 2 = 9:24
Mile 3 = 9:31

AND, for comedic relief...here is a picture of me back from the Shamrock Shuffle...the race that started it all for me. I'd like to think I've already come along way from back then...for starters, I will NEVER pose for a picture with that stupid ass face again! :)

NOTE TO SELF - start posting cuter pics of yourself on your blog so as to not scare off any of your limited readers! LOL!!

Hydration and Nutrition Questions

2006-06-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

Ok...so before I get onto the topic of this post, I thought I would update everyone on the shopping expedition from yesterday! The purchase of the day was a fancy new Ipod Nano...I broke down and bought one after the Mac Genius told me that my 20 gig Pod isn't meant for running because that freezing issue is typical with hard drive based MP3 players. So, since the Nano is a flash driver based player, I've been assured that it will be freeze free during my runs. I'll kill someone if it isn't...or just return it! :)

I also added to my ever growing collection of jeans. I have this bizzare fettish with jeans...I never seem to get that perfect fit, but I think yesterday I accomplished it, without spending over 60 bucks. Beats that last pair of $160 jeans that are a wee bit tight...damn pounds need to start falling off!! GRRR!! I won't even get into this mornings hatred of the scale. Bottom line is that I almost threw it against the wall...that damn thing MUST be broken. ;) Not sure how hubby keeps losing weight while I keep adding. But I digress....

So onto the topic of today's post: HYDRATION and NUTRITION I need some help with this from experienced long distance runners. I know that as I start increasing the mileage and time I run on the weekends, I'm going to need to start worrying more about these factors. I am definately focusing on eating enough good calories during the days and drinking plenty of water as well. But I need some guidance on how much to drink before/after/during the long runs and what I should be drinking. I've heard water isn't the best choice? I also need some help on all those GU/Sport Bean type nutrition things for during the long runs. Any information about what strategy is best for running hydration and nutrition would be appreciated. Here are some questions currently running through my head:

How much fluid do I need to drink before the long runs? What should I be drinking? Water/sports drink?
How much and how often should I drink during the long runs? Again, what should I drink?
When will I need to start using Gu or another similar nutritional supplement?
Is Gu the way to go? I don't want to puke! :)
Is there some sort of specific recovery drink that I should be drinking after the long runs?

Ok...I'm sure some of you out there have some guidance on these issues. I want to try and become consistent with my hydration and nutrition plans. So please give me any info/advice/suggestions you may have!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE.

Also, I think I may have to modify my running schedule again because I really want to do my long runs on Saturday's instead of Sundays. So tonight I'll be heading out for a 3 miler in order to try out this schedule for the week:

Monday: 3 miles

Tuesday: Yoga

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: Yoga

Saturday: Long Run (7 Miles)

Sunday: X Train (Swim)

I think this schedule may work out better for me. Oh yeah...in other news...I'm going to VEGAS for Labor Day weekend...the 16 miler I'm supposed to run that weekend should be LOADS of fricken fun. Will I really have to put in 16 miles on the Dreadmill!?!? Thoughts/advice? I'm already worried about this...what a freak I am...I know, I know...one day at a time right! We are going to celebrate the little sis's 21st birthday...Vegas Style. Mandalay Bay...here I come!!

Nick...another small vacation is on the way. Did I ever mention my husband rocks? Well he does...he has his first night of overnight on call as a doctor tomorrow...poor thing! How will I manage without him?!? Luv u Niko!!

Last Minute Change of Plan

2006-06-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday after work I headed out with sore knees and shins to do my three miles. Suprisingly, that run went better than expected.

Friday's 3 miles
Mile 1 = 8:44
Mile 2 = 8:59
Mile 3 = 9:09

I was a bit winded toward the end, but no significant pains during the run. I iced the knee last night and popped some Advil.

This morning I woke up and took the dogs for a quick 1 mile walk to loosen up the legs a bit.

Then I went to lay out at my gym's pool for a few hours with my mom and sister. My mom informed me that she wanted to head to Woodfield tomorrrow for some shopping, which means she wants to get an early start...so that got me thinking...hmmm...maybe I'll do my 6 miler tonight instead of tomorrow morning.

I went to get my mani and pedi...felt lazy...and developed a headache.

When Nick got home from the hospital we both decided that it would be best to get the 6 miler under our belts tonight so we could sleep in a bit tomorrow. So out we went. My mom came along for moral support and did her walk/jog routine! It was awesome out.

We headed out to this great place in the suburbs for some nice trail running. It was the Hickory Junction Bike Path that connects to the Old Plank Road Trail. We did 6 miles...and boy were there some killer hills. Maybe they were just "rolling hills" but they were hills nonetheless. I feel like adding some hill training in the mix will only make us stronger for the marathon.

It was sweet running through that trail...it was slightly wooded in parts and the scenery was much more pleasant that just neighborhood sidewalks. Except for the time when a bug flew in Nick's eye around 4.2 miles, we didn't stop once. All in all I'm pretty pleased with the run. Here are the stats from my first official long training run:

6 Miles
Mile 1 = 10:07
Mile 2 = 9:45
Mile 3 = 9:57
Mile 4 = 9:25
Mile 5 = 9:25
Mile 6 = 9:14

That made for an average pace of 9:40/mile. I wonder if I can maintain such a pace on longer runs....we shall see!! Now I'm tired and must rest. I have a big day of shopping ahead of me tomorrow...maybe I'll just break down and buy the Nano. Today I actually ran with no music b/c stupid Ipod wouldn't even turn on!! But, I found it to be peaceful without the music. G-Nite All!!

HELP IPOD USERS

2006-06-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, so everyone who uses an Ipod during their runs, I NEED HELP. I have the 4th generation IPod (20 gig/no video or color screen). I use it on a clib when I run because when I put it on my arm I feel like I'm carrying a weight! :) Anyways, I've been experiencing some jamming up and freezing issues lately during my runs. Does anyone else have this problem?

I've read on some Mac techie websites that this is a common problem with Ipods that have that much memory because of the mechanical hard drive in them getting jostled during running. I hate this problem and I'm contemplating purchasing a nano if this issue will be avoided. The Pod regularly works but adding jostle creates this problem. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated since the Ipod is likely to be my training partner.

If I have to drop $200 on the Nano, I wouldn't mind. I'd rather do that then pay $160 bucks to run with CARA for the summer...I think that is a steep price to pain for running partners especially since I don't want to have to be downtown by 7am every Saturday...I live about 45 minutes out of the city.

I admit that this no running partner issue is frightening to me, especially thinking about those long weekend runs...but I can do it. Running Rabbit you won't be alone in your solo training endeavors!! :)

Other than that, I have nothing too exciting to report. I'm experiencing some interesting shooting knee pains today as I sit at my desk. I'm hoping that tonights 3 miler doesn't aggrevate or worsen that condition!! Tomorrow I think that I am going to do some laps in the pool and lay out to work on my tan. Then I'm getting a mani and pedi with my gorgeous sister Gina!!

Sunday I'm hitting up the 6 miler solo...which should prove to be fun. BUT, my wonderful mother said she'll come out with me and walk while I do the run! She is truly the best!! Luv u mom!

Tag I'm It

2006-06-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

Runner Girl wanted to play a game of tag...and now I'm it!

A) Four Jobs I've Had in My Life:

Lifeguard
Swim Lesson Instructor
The Express Retail Girl
Attorney

B) Four Movies I watch over and over:

City of Angels
Jerry McGuire
Save the Last Dance
Big

C) Four Places I have lived:

South Holland, IL
16th floor of Mertz Hall at Loyola Chicago
North Shore Avenue in Chicago (Roger's Park)
Orland Park, IL

D) 4 TV Shows I love to watch:

LOST
CSI
Law and Order SVU
Jordan's Crossing

E) 4 Places I have been on vacation:

Maui
Kauai
Mayan Riveria, Mexico
Scottsdale, Arizona

F) 4 Websites I visit daily:

Comcast (email)
Bloglines of all my runner pals
Mollygood.com (celebrity gossip)
Weather.com

G) 4 of my favorite foods:

French Fries
Crab Rangoon
Pizza
Ice Cream

H) 4 places I'd rather be right now:

With my hottie hubby
On a beach in Maui
On a hammock in Princeville Kaui with Nick
In a Mayan Shower (ask for details)

I) 4 Favorite Bands/Singers:

Dave Matthews Band
David Grey
Coldplay
James Blunt

J) 4 Bloggers I am Tagging:

TAG YOU ARE ALL IT!!

Loving Ice

2006-06-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know you are all dying to hear if I killed the "Debbie Downer" in me yet...and the answer...well you'll just have to wait until the end of the post to find out. :)

So last night was depressing. I hate feeling like a failure because I am a relentless perfectionist and always want to be on target for whatever goal is looming on the horizon. So when I feel like stopping a mile into a measly three mile run, when I've run pefectly easy 8 milers previously...the pefectionst is NOT pleased at all!!

Tonight before my "easy 3" I slathered Biofreeze all over my lower legs...this stuff is wonderful...creates that nice numb feeling that sets in after 3 miles automatcially rather than trudging through 3 miles of creaks and moans. I went out to where I normally do my 4 mile loop and just did a 1.5 out and back. It was HOT and HUMID tonight. I was hoping the sun would not be blaring down on me, but no luck...because it did.

Luckily Nick ran out in front of me right from the start because I HATE, HATE, HATE feeling like I'm being pokey and slowing him down. So I just ran along and the first mile was semi-pain-free. But since it was so darn hot, I had issues keeping my breathing under control.

NOTE TO PERFECTIONIST SELF= remember to focus on breathing slow and even when it is HOT HOT HOT! I am definately a cool weather runner, despite loving summer. So I am looking forward to fall for training already (unfortunate as today is the first day of summer)!!

Anyways, so I'm plugging along, watching Nick get further and further in front of me. After I mile, instead of stopping to stretch I pushed on until the 1.5 mile turn around where I laugh at Nick who is still running....too bad he doesn't have his own Garmin! ;) Then I turn around, crank up "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" on my IPod and hope the next 1.5 doesn't go into a painful downhill spin.

Suprisingly, it really didn't go all that terrible. I ran another mile when Nick passed me up...I wanted to punch him, but remembered how awesome he is and just watched him run by as I quickly paused to stretch out those lower legs for the last .5 miles. All in all, not terrible. I feel a bit better than last night and optimism is back on the rise in my head.

Here are the stats from the "semi-easy-three".

Mile 1= 8:53
Mile 2= 9:21
Mile 3= 9:19

My question is, when will the easy 3 become just that? I also wonder why my super competitive dumb ass self can't stop looking at the watch and saying "oooh, I'm running at 10:00 min/mile pace, lets try to keep it under 9:30....I'm a freak! I should not push myself so hard and be so hard on myself. I need to remember that this is only my first marathon and that finishing it alone is awesome. I'm such a competitor...grrr!!

So after the run, I took Leah's advice and took an ice bath. I jumped into my tub, closed the drain, cranked the cold water on high power, and took the torture...Nick walked in, called me a freak and told me to stop complaining that the water was so cold because I did it to myself...point noted honey...I'll try better next time. It took at least 3 minutes for the water to rise enough to cover all of my legs and toes...those first 3 minutes were definately the worst...probably not quite as bad as this guy jumping into some sort of garbage can ice bath...but oh were they worth it!! After 5 minutes my legs were in a state of numb bliss and all of the semi-pain left from the run melted away!! I love ice baths now...I'm official an ice bath addict. Maybe its silly to ice bath after the measly 3...but I will do it from now on after my legs feel that they have taken a beating!! Thanks so much Leah!!

The only downer for tonight is that my friend who promised she would run the long runs with me on the weekend just informed me that she wants to do the training runs with CARA...this makes me sad because I live in the suburbs and don't really want to get up at 5:30 on the weekends just to make it downtown from the suburbs in time for the 7AM CARA training runs.

AND to make matters worse...my Ipod is on the fritz...it keeps freezing up on me...maybe I'll just have to break down and buy a Nano if the peeps at the Apple Store can't fix it. OH well...I guess everything can't be perfect.

Hope everyone else out there had a great training day!!

My new motto for the week is "You Get What You Give"... hopefully that keeps me going ... I'm gonna give this training my all and hopefully I'll get to that finish line in one piece and with a smile on my face!!

Already Doubting Myself

2006-06-20T19:10:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes I know...how is this possible? Well let me tell you how today's easy three miler went:

First off, it was NOT easy at all...in fact I nearly cried almost three times throughout the run because I felt pain in my lower legs. I ran all 3 miles, albeit not very well. I pushed myself through the run despite the hubby's attempts at convincing me to stop and just walk home. I only stopped two times, after mile 1 to stretch briefly and again after mile 2.

Total 3 miles

Mile 1= 10:17

Mile 2= 10: 08

Mile 3= 9:45

Now, let me explain how this run felt...like utter and complete shit...blech, ick, yikes! After about .9 miles in I verbally announced to my husband next to me, "I think I am not ready to run a marathon." I'm thinking to myself now...what the heck was I thinking...how in the world will I be able to run 26.2 miles when a measley 3 hurt like none other?! I am not quite sure what is up with my lower legs....I'm going to try icing and stretching them out alot tonight and hope that they feel considerably better tomorrow's 3 miles will not hurt so immensely.

Many people may think I'm just being a baby, but tonight's run put serious doubts into this head of mine. I wanted to cry because I feel like I've been "pre-training" so much since March to get into a decent shape so this weeks Novice training program wouldn't hurt, but still it does. :( Tear, Tear from Tara....

Sorry to be "Debbie Downer" tonight, but I just needed to vent. I will keep it up and continue to push through this issue and my doubts. Obviously this marathon training will be a self-growth and learning experience for me. I'm going to ice/stretch and go crash on the couch to watch the first season of Lost with the hubby.

And for those of you who are Lost addicts, feel free to discuss at any point...I'm addicted. Nick is so kind to let me pause on Matthew Fox when he has his shirt off. :) Now maybe that thought will help me get through those next 3 miles. HEHE...just kiding Niko...you're my one and only...."hey where do you work out"? Until tomorrow...

And So It Begins

2006-06-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

Marathon Training is Officially Here!

I will be following Hal Higdon's Novice marathon training program with a few modifications. Here is my plan for the next 18 weeks:

Work is hell today, so I can only briefly update on my workouts since last Thursday.

Thursday: CRAP RUN of only 1 mile (lower legs were killing)
Sunday: 4 miles
Monday: X-Train (60 minutes of biking/ 21.6 miles)

The Garmin was out of batteries on Sunday, so I can't give you my details. Tonight I'll be heading out for 3 miles. Hopefully they go well!!

Best Hubby Ever

2006-06-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

Before I begin to rave about my husband, let me do a quick running update.

Tuesday morning I went out for a 4 mile run. It was a pretty good run, the weather was pleasant and I did it around 40 minutes. I had to walk a little toward the end because as usual I went out way too quickly with the hubby.

Yesterday was a no run day because it was MY BIRTHDAY...which leads me to the title of this post...I HAVE THE BEST HUBBY EVER!! Unfortunately, like all adults, I had to work on my birthday. It just so happened that my boss who was out of the country for two weeks, returned to work yesterday also. So that made for a super hectic day at the office. BUT, Nick (hubby) suprised me with the most amazing floral arrangement, which was delivered to my office. I'm a huge fan of cymbidium orchids and they were in my wedding bouquet...and what do you know...Nick had these sent to my desk. LOVE THEM.

Also, I get home from work....and a full gourmet meal was in the works. NOT only did I have filet mignon with homemade Bernaise sauce, but there was also rosemary roasted potatoes, fresh green beans with shallots and garlic, and a special desert. ON TOP OF THAT...Nick made me a pitcher of Mojitos. I am addicted to this drink....for all of you who have never tried one...YOU MUST...by far the best summer time drink out there.

So, needless to say, this was an amazing birthday. He also suprised me with a cute pair of shoes for my growing collection and invited my parents and sister over to participate in the wonderful feast he created. LOVE HIM...muah!

So back to running. Considering the large quantities of calories consumed yesterday, I probably need to run at least 10 miles to make up for it, but tonight I will just be doing a 4 mile run. I hope to also get up tomorrow morning for a quick 3 mile cruise before work.

Nick and I are headed to Warren Dunes in Michigan for two nights of camping...it should be fun to do the five miles or so in that environment Saturday morning.

Also, quick shout out to Running Rabbit: AWESOME 9.5 miler!! You are getting super speedy!! WAY TO GO!!

Hope everyone going to the RBF meet up Friday night has a blast...wish I could be there, but I'll be there in spirit. :)

Wally World Running Skirt Debut

2006-06-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

So, after reading Runner Susan and the Running Blogfather's blogs religiously...I learned that running skirts are all the rave lately. So, this weekend when I was out doing my weekly errands, I discovered a running skirt at Walmart...yes you heard it right....Wally World carries a running skirt.

The best part is that it was UNDER $10...and it wasn't even on sale. So I had to buy one, just to see what it was all about and give it a try. Despite my husbands best efforts at trying to convince me to purchase a WHITE, yes I know he is crazy, skirt...I did what I do best and bought it in BLACK! :)

So here are two pics of me in the skirt pre-run tonight.

Wally World Skirt Review
I actually liked the skirt. Let me explain what it is all about. Underneath what you see in the picture are some spandex like short shorts. So it really isn't like the typical underwear like insert in running shorts. I thought it was very comfortable...not super tight, not super loose. The waist band was elastic and comfy...it only shifted a bit during running but nothing that was too annoying. I have a bit of a "booty" but I didn't feel that it was hanging out or jiggling too much in any way...which is always good.

The only drawback is that there are no pockets of any sort...so this is strictly a skirt for short run training runs in my opinion.

Garmin Review
As you can see in the second picture, I am sporting the new Garmin 205, which I LOVE and highly recommend. It makes outdoor running so incredible for you technical runners who love to see your mileage and speed. Thank you to Bob for helping me figure out how to clear my Garmin! :)

Tonight's Running Stats

TOTAL: 3 miles

Mile 1- 8:48
Mile 2- 9:44
Mile 3- 9:34

Bottom line is that this run hurt my calves like crazy. I felt super tight after the first mile, probably because it was a bit fast (which is what happens when I run with speedy husband). Had to stop and stretch the calves out two times...but overall I pushed through it. Tomorrow morning is a four mile run...I'll have to force myself to stay above 10 min/miles.

Improving Little by Little

2006-06-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

So, running is getting back on track (sorta).

I do love the Garmin 205 and highly recommend it...I am still working out the details but it is awesome!

Here are the running updates:

Wednesday: 4 miles in 40 minutes (it was hot and I hated every second of the run)

Thursday: 2 miles (recovery run)

Friday: off

Saturday: 6 miles in the rain in 57 minutes (very proud of this run)

I decided that I much prefer running in cooler temperatures than hot ones. The Chicago Distance Classic should prove to be fun! BARB AKA Running Jawhawk...RUN IT, RUN IT!!

For other Garmin users...Leah and Jason....how do you post the picture of the details of the run from the software into your blog? I am clueless on this still. Also, I still haven't figured out how to clear a run from the watch without deleting it, unless I link it up to the PC. Is there something I'm missing? :)

Running Goals for this week:

Today: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles (IN THE AM, b/c that is my 26th birthday!! YIPPIE)
Thursday: 3 miles
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: X-Train

This weekend Nick and I are going camping for two nights (Friday and Saturday). SO our 5 mile run will be in the Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan...should prove to be a nice change of scenery. Unfortunately I'll miss the RBF Chicago Get-Together. Nick starts his residency in one week from today...I hope I won't go insane missing him from his new crazy schedule. YIKES!

I cannot believe how fast the summer is already going...the races will be here before I know it! So I'll just keep running!!

I'm Back

2006-06-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...where did I go right?! Well I was on a much needed vacation with my family and hubby. Had a wonderful time, managed to only run two times, which is NOT good.

Good news is that Nick (the hubby) gave me my birthday gift early...he bought me a Garmin 205...I am so excited!!

Bad news is that I have started training again and feel so out of shape from the vacation. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that all inclusives are not good for me and that I ate way too much?! Or maybe it is because I'm used to treadmill running and I am not 100% transitioned to outdoors yet? Or maybe because I've ran my past three runs with the hubby who is way faster than me and I feel bad going slow? Or maybe it is because I've been leaving my IPod at home? Or maybe it is just a combination of all of these?!

Regardless, it is frustrating that after 2 miles I feel totally winded and tired. I could normally treadmill run for at least 3 before even feeling phased. Hopefully this annoying phase of starting back up doesn't last for too long.

Here is a running recap since I've been back from vacation:

Saturday: 4 miles
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 1.5 miles

Tonight my plan is to do 4 miles nice and easy. Wish me luck!! I'm back for good now.

It's Official

2006-05-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

I finally signed up for the Chicago Marathon. YIPPIE!! I'm very anxious/nervous but excited at the same time. My husband also signed up, but I know he will be running way ahead of me in a significantly faster pace group!! As many of you know, I deliberated long and hard about this decision. After this past week of running, I feel confident that I can complete the race so long as I stick to training consistently.

Since last Friday, here are my runs:

Saturday: 8 MILES (SO EXCITED I DID THIS...this was my longest run ever)
Monday: 2.5 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles

Tonight I will do 4 miles again. After being able to do the 8 miler on Saturday without much exertion, I feel that adding miles will just be a matter of pacing myself and gradual increase. I am super excited!!!!!!!! So on August 13th, I will be running the Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon as part of my training for Chicago.

In other news...I put the scale away! It really is the devil. I feel like I've been working so darn hard to lose the 10 or so pounds I have put on since my wedding for the past 3 months and yesterday the scale said I gained weight!! Insane and annoying. I am going to try my best to focus on the way I feel and look instead of what the scale reads. But, for a technical chick like I am, this is damn near impossible.

I cannot wait to run tonight...wish this day would go faster and I'd get out of work now! But I have to get back to work...just wanted to post this because I am super excited about the marathon!!

Two 4.5 Milers in a Row

2006-05-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

So I'm pretty excited about that...granted I still haven't dragged myself off the treadmill, but I still feel great. On Wednesday and Thursday evening I ran 4.5 miles. That is a FIRST for me and it felt pretty darn good. I have upped my days of training per week from 4 to 5. I feel like the 4 days just wasn't enough to build the mileage I wanted to. I'm going to go the gym this evening and I really want to just run maybe 2.5 or so. Tomorrow is going to be my long run day...I'd like to do 7 or IF I'm feeling great, maybe even 8!!

I am addicted to running...I love it and look forward to it. I am still on the fence about registering for the marathon because I definately do NOT want to injure myself and cut my new found running love off or disappoint myself because I overtrained and did too much too fast. At the same time, I really think I can do it. I know it won't be easy, but I'm up for the challenge. When do you think the latest time is I will safely be able to register? I'm leaving for vacation from May 19th-31st. Should I commit before then to be on the safe side, or just see what happens by the time I get back? I just am torn. What is everyone's opinion on when Chicago will sell out?

My wonderful hubby has finally finished his medical school career. So now he is off until the end of June, which is when he will begin his long 5 years of residency. I'm so proud of him...this is totally a shout out to the best guy in the world! Congrats baby! Even if that wasn't enough, he has been at home doing errands and chores without me demanding it. What an amazing husband I have!!

In other news, Phillipe (you know who you are) has made me extremely excited to visit Cancun. We will be going to Xel-Ha, an awesome natural water park...wonder if there will be fields for him to run in there?! :)
Tara's Dream of the Day: To get the heck out of the office and get to the gym. Shouldn't be too much longer...I HOPE! Maybe if boss lady would leave, I could too!!

Gotta Keep Running

2006-05-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

Who is the biggest blog slacker ever? That would be ME! Thanks to Jennifer I am back on track. Check on her blog, she just gave us ladies another reason to spend more money!! Thanks Jen! I will promise to try and be better this time around. It doesn't help that I have been crazy busy at work and that my sister has hijacked my laptop from my home.

Updates

Running has been going just OK. I still have yet to transition myself from the "dreadmill," which I actually love, to outside running. I am such a technical person that I love seeing the miles, time, and calories add up on the treadmill. Also, living in the suburbs makes for difficult exciting outdoor running areas. I've found a few places I'd like to try running including trails and some other bike paths, but the subdivision I live in does not motivate out door running. I know I have to just get out there already and do it.

So this leads to my new issue: POLAR or GARMIN?! If anyone has tried a Garmin Forerunner or the Polar RS200sd, please gives your raves and rants. I really want to know the ins and outs of these watches before I drop a large amount of cash on them!

Here are the two I'm contemplating:

Garmin Forerunner 201

Polar RS200sd

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

In other news, I will be leaving for sunny HOT Cancun in exactly 16 days. Can you tell I'm excited? Soon I will be enjoying myself and tanning myself (ok maybe burning myself)! I keep delaying signing up for the Chicago Marathon. I know I want to do it, but should I?! I really, really want to do it. But at the same time I keep having minor set backs that keep me from just biting the bullet and signing up. For example. I had a pretty great week and a half of runs. Then I went to an out of town wedding this past weekend, wore crazy 4 inch stillettos all weekend and missed my "long run." Monday I get on the treadmill and instead of my standard 1 mile or so shin pain I experience a stabbing pain in the instep of my foot for my entire run or should I say "run/stretch/walk/run" of 3 miles. I wanted to scream...hopefully tonight is relatively painless and I'll be back on track. I'd like to think those "torture shoes" did it to me. Grrr...thoughts/inspiration on just signing up!?!? Help me out guys!

Again, sorry to be a blog slacker, but I think I'll be back on track from now on.

Tara's Dream of the Day: To be a stud runner chick...ok, I'd just settle for runner chick. I am dreaming of the Chicago Marathon...should I or shouldn't I?!!?

It is FRIDAY!!

2006-04-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

So I love Fridays because that means no work for the next two days and lots more time to get in running and relaxing.

Running update...I ran 3 miles last night, but still felt a bit sore in the shins. The training program I'm doing involves training runs three days in a row with mondays and fridays off and then a long run on either Saturday or Sunday. I was thinking that the 3 days in a row is a bit much, and thought that maybe I'd try giving a day break somewhere in there at first, until this shin issue resolves itself. Also, I have been fitted at a running speciality store for shoes, or so I thought. The new shoes I bought 2 weeks ago have been giving my shins all sorts of problems, so I'm going to go back to the store tonight to see if maybe these aren't working for me this time around.

Poor little Coco is currently getting her insides taken out. She was SO cute this morning. She is usually quite a spaz dog, but this morning she laid on her back and let me tickle her little belly...it was the cutest thing in the world. Luckily my mom is fabulous and dropped her off at the vet for me. I don't have the heart to do it and I had to get to work...BOO!

I'm contemplating adding pilates or yoga in once a week to the workout schedule. Maybe that will increase my poor flexibility some more and help recover on the non running days...I HOPE!

Tara's Dream of the Day: To look like this, minus the cartoon qualities! And to be able to give leis as a job instead of working in an office everyday of my life . . . oh what a dream! :) Here's to you Leppa!!

Pale as Can Be

2006-04-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

So I just realized that I'm going on vacation in almost four weeks and that I will burn in the hot Mexican sun if I don't get some "pre-tanning" in. Hopefully this weekend will allow me to sit outside and soak up some sun here in Chicagoland. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

On the running front, last night I went to the gym again and lifted and really stretched my legs out. When I got home I iced my shins for a while. This morning they don't feel so tight or sore. So I'm hoping that my easy three miles tonight is just that...nice and easy with no tightness or pain in the shins.

ALSO, I was wondering if any runners out there experienced feet swelling/growth with the onset of training for marathons. Lately I feel like all of my shoes are so tight. I'm not sure why they would just grow, so maybe they are just swollen, but they don't look like it. Hmmm....

Hubby is home today with the pups studying for his second to last medical school exam. He is telling Coco that her little surgery tomorrow will be ok and that she'll never miss her ovaries at all! Poor thing!! :(

I am going to order some non-cotton socks today as well! Woo-hoo. I think I am going to try some of those Wrightsocks double layered jobbies. Hopefully they work nicely for me.

Tara's Dream of the Day: To move to Maui and learn how to surf. This is really more than a dream. I really want to move to Maui or some other amazing part of Hawaii one day. I pray that we can retire there, or at the very least eventually get a condo there. I love everything Hawaii. I cannot wait to go back!!!

No More Cotton Socks and Dreams of Makena

2006-04-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

I vow to no longer commit the cardinal sin of running. I will ditch my cotton socks and find some good new "moisture-wicking" ones. Suggestions are welcome! :)

Regardless, I am a bit frustrated today with my runs this week so far. Last night I did my three mile training run and it HURT. I did a long run of 6 miles on Saturday and I think that I was still suffering from that. I tried my best to strech out the shin pain I was experiencing, but it just stayed there throught the run.

THEN, this morning I got up to get today's 3 miles under my belt before the evening and I couldn't even do all 3 miles because of chin pain. :( I am sad about this and hope that with some more stretching it will get better soon. Any tips on how to avoid terrible shin splints. I think that I may have jumped to 6 miles too soon for my long run. I have been doing 4-5 mile long runs on the weekends though. ARGH! I'm gonna stick with it and stretch it out alot tonight. If the rain holds off, I'll take the doggies for a long walk too. Maybe that will loosen up any tightness also.

It is so odd how one day 3 miles can seem SO easy and the next it can hurt SO bad. When will this stop!?!

Tara's Dream of the Day
To be back at Makena Cove with my hubby soaking up some sun! NOTE: That beach, right there, is where Nick and I were married almost 9 months ago. That was the best dream come true so far in my life!!

NOTE: Even if I don't get to go back to Maui this year, the plus side is that in 32 days I will be in sunny, warm Cancun with the hubby and family. I'm not counting down the days or anything. :)

Gear Poll

2006-04-18T15:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is my attempt to find out what the best running gear out there is as well as some basic info about long distance running.

I want to know:

What are your favorite type of running shorts/pants? I'm not a fan of mine and need some new ones to try out.
Do you use a "fancy" training watch that keeps track of pace/distance? If so, give me the scoop.
Running socks--do I really need to get something other than the basic cotton ones?
When will all of this running chaffing occur? When can I expect to become injured from a long run in this fun manner so that I will need to use "lube" of sorts. :)

Ok I think that's it for now, but chances are there will be many more similar polls to come for all you experienced marathoners.

Running Later

2006-04-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

So, I was lazy per usual this morning and didn't get up when my alarm went off to do a morning run. I have this thing/obsession with the snooze bar that Nick cannot stand. I purposely set the alarm for at least 30 minutes before I need to get up. Then I snooze, and just like sleeping so much that I just keep on snoozing . . . right until there is no more time to snooze.

As a result, I will have to run tonight after work. I'm planning on an easy three miles. I hope I that my training intensity is good for now. I think we are going to sign up for the full Chicago marathon this weekend. YIKES! If anyone has any first time marathon tips or training info PLEASE let me know. :) I am currently following the Hal Higdon training guides that are free online. So far my longest run has been 6.25 miles. I did that in around an hour and 5 minutes.

ALSO...please forgive any annoying changes to this blog format. It is still a work in progress. I am also trying to figure out how the heck to upload pictures. I'll keep trying. Maybe if I get bored at work, which is likely, I'll write more about the training program I'm trying to use.

Off to work now...

I JUST FIGURED OUT HOW TO POST PHOTOS! :)

Here is picture of our little Coco.

And lets not forget Peaches!

Introduction

2006-04-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

About Me: Attorney, wife, aspiring runner, perfectionist, dreamer

I am new to blogging. I am also relatively new to running. I was a competitive swimmer from the time I was about 5 thoughout high school. I met my wonderful, amazing, gorgeous husband in undergrad. I thank God everyday for bringing us together, or more bringing me to my senses. Nick, my husband, and I got married last August in Makena, Maui.

A few days before we got married, I took the Illinois Bar Exam, thought I failed, but obviously didn't. I packed my bags, bikinis, and wedding gown and got "MAUIED." We had the best time of our lives. My husband is graduating medical school in a month and will begin his 5 year residency in Radiology. We have dedicated the past 8 years of our lives to upper education and are now ready to get on with our lives.

Why Running?

Being the perfectionist I am, in combination with the increased obsession with my growing waistline, decided to take up running. I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K on April 2nd. This was the longest run I ever completed. My goal was to finish all 5 miles around 50 minutes. My sister and husband were both supposed to sign up for the race also, but they missed out and sign up closed before they could register. So I ran ALONE, without my IPOD!! To my surprise I finished just over 47 minutes. The last 1.5 miles KILLED, I clearly went out way too fast with not enough training under my belt. But after the run, I felt so proud of myself. I have never been a good runner. Running is the polar opposite of swimming. So much pounding and not enough water. But I have it now...the running bug.

Therefore, I have signed up to run the Chicago Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon on August 13th. I am trying to work up the guts to just do it and sign up for the Chicago Marathon too. I really want to, but I am so AFRAID that I won't be able to do it. I will do it...I have to sign up.

This blog will obviously be mostly about my training and all things related. But I am a DREAMER and I get these new ideas and goals in my head so often. Hopefully I will learn alot about myself during this training and through the blogging. As a novice runner, I look forward to learning from fellow bloggers. I've already been on the sidelines stalking quite a few running blogs, which I will shortly figure out how to add to my blog.

TODAY IS SPECIAL BECAUSE...
It is my husband, Nick's 26th Birthday!! Happy Birthday baby! Unfortunately we may not get to do anything too special this year. We have to take our puppy, Coco, to the vet. She is getting fixed this weekend and she has to have her "pre-snip" checkup. After that, maybe we can make a nice dinner, OR even get a nice dinner together. Just so he knows, if he reads this, I adore him more than anything in the world. What a lucky lady I am.