Just Keep Swimming (or Running)

The past couple of weeks have been pretty tough.  Last week I didn't go for a single run and I must say I felt extremely guilty.  I'm getting ready to go on vacation and the half marathon is only 31 days away! I had a pretty good run on Tuesday (3 miles) and had my fastest mile yet (11:48).  I've also gone to Pilates three times this week and it has been great.  I am loving getting back into it and starting to feel like I'm actually able to do most of the things in class.  I'm still freaked about the race because my longest run so far is 6 miles.  I need to make sure I get in my mileage during vacation which has always been tough.  It will be especially tough as I'm going to the gulf coast for the next week where the heat and humidity make working out pretty tough.  I just need to hunker down at get in my mileage while staying healthy.  My knee and hip have been bothering in my last couple of runs so hopefully they can hold out until the half marathon.  Only a month left!

Posted a new running playlist! Go and check it out!

Blown Away

That is exactly how I felt during my run today and not in a good way.  The wind along the Marina on a given night can range from mild to Cat 5 Hurricane.  Tonight it was leaning towards Cat 5 Hurricane.  I have no idea what the actual speed was but it was brutal.  I felt good going into the run and knew that I would really be able to pick up speed on the second half of the run.  That being said I almost didn't make it to the half way point due to the wind.  There were points during the first 1.5 miles where I stopped and walked because I felt like running wasn't any better.  I knew my time on mile 1 was going to be bad (and it was) but knew I had to push through.  I'm proud of myself for sticking with it.  I could have easily turned around and gone home but I didn't.  The second half of the run proved to be worth it and mile 3 was one of my best miles yet.  In total the 3 mile run came in better from an average pace/overall time perspective compared to my other 3 milers recently.  After Saturday's run (if you even call it that) I was feeling pretty down on running and today's run was really able to turn it around.  I feel like I am making progress and consistently working on both distance and speed which are both going to be crucial for conquering the SF Half Marathon.  This Saturday's run will be the real test at 6 miles.  It doesn't get much easier from here on out so there is no turning back now.

Side note - I went back to Pilates on Monday for the first time in quite a while.  It was definitely tough but I felt like muscles were dusting off the cobwebs.  I wasn't able to hold positions as long as I would have liked but that will come with time.  My current plan is to try to get in two Pilates classes per week (and maximize my use of my unlimited pass) as well as the two runs and bootcamp provided as part of my training program.  I'm also trying to squeeze in some spin classes but we shall see.  Working out 5 times per week while attempting to have a social life is draining.  I feel like I am constantly coordinating my social schedule with my exercise schedule.  I've become extremely dependent on my Google Calendar.  I schedule my workouts (runs/bootcamp/spin/pilates) so that I can fit them in with work as well as with other social events.  As things come up I always try to reschedule my workout on the spot. I feel like it makes you more responsible to your routine.  

Run Like The Wind! 

Picking Up The Pace

Sorry for the long delay between posts.  I have fallen into my old overcommitting habit.  Last Thursday alone I had three different things to do after work.  I ended up choosing Kickball as it was our last week of the league and didn't go to my training program or book club.  I had even read the entire book club book so I was pretty disappointed that I didn't get a chance to make it for the discussion.  Last week was also pretty busy at work with a short week and two days off-site.  I only made it to one run (2-miler) and spin class.  I was proud of myself for fitting in spin class even though I was meeting up with friends after for dinner and drinks.  It made me feel not as guilty for going out drinking.  My favorite spin instructor was back and it made my day!  I also missed the long-run (5-miles) with my training program but I didn't compete in my first race (just a 5K) since my injury.  My time wasn't great (42 minutes) but I was proud of getting back in the swing of things and my first mile was pretty good (12:42) which leaves hope for finishing the SF Half in under 3 hours.  This week has started out okay.  I made our run yesterday (2-miler) and made it to the gym today (50 min elliptical).  I have an event tomorrow but need to make it up with a workout Friday.  We have our recovery run this Saturday so I will only be logging 3 miles.  I am starting to get nervous about being able to get the miles for SF Half.  There are 53 days until the SF Half Marathon and my longest run yet is 4 miles.  I know that the training program will pick up the miles in the coming weeks but still a little queasy! Also,  FINALLY signed up for Pilates.  I'm hoping that a combination of elliptical, pilates, and spin will help on my cross-training days.  I really missed pilates and had been avoiding going back due to the high upfront $ commitment.  I finally took the plunge today and am trying to fit the classes into my already busy schedule.  I know that pilates will help build my core which will come in handy during my runs.  We shall see how it goes!

Side note - posted my latest running playlist.

Happy Running!

Ice Ice Baby

As part of my regular post workout routine I have been icing my bad knee.  I have used a variety of items to get the job done but this weekend I finally broke down and bought an ice pack.  I went all the way and picked up the Moji One at Fleet Feet Sports.

I have used it a couple times so far and it definitely makes a big difference.  I can leave it in the freezer and grab it when I get back from working out.  Also, because I can wrap it on I don't have to be confined to the couch during my icing time.  I'm able to accomplish things around the apartment while still icing my knee.  AND I don't have to worry about spilling ice everywhere!  I'm definitely glad I took the plunge and purchased this item.

Another key item in my running arsenal is my Road ID.  I purchased it while I was training for NWM 13.1 after much persuasion from my mother.  Anyone who runs alone on the road should invest in one of these items.  I often run without my phone or ID so this allows for a bit of peace of mind.  I got the Wrist ID Slim in Pink (of course) and it doesn't get in the way while running.  The price is also extremely reasonable!  I went with the original version as opposed to the interactive version.  I don't know about you but if I'm lying on the side of the road I want the person to be able to know right away who to call.

Side note: I was really proud of my run from tonight.  I was able to finish two miles in under 26 minutes so I'm slowly getting my mile times down.  YAY!!!  I need to crack the 3 hour mark for SF Half Marathon and I'm shooting for 2:30.

Back to Work

So I've finished my first week of my half marathon training and I'm feeling pretty good. I worked out 5 times this week without even trying.  We had 3 workouts with the program (short run, bootcamp, and long run) and then two cross-training sessions (elliptical and cycling).  Today's long run (~4 miles) was pretty tough.  We ran through Golden Gate Park on one of the trails along JFK Dr.  Running along the trail was tougher than I expected and my first two miles were pretty tough.  I walked much more than I would have liked.  My third mile was much better and my pace matched that from our 2 mile run earlier in the week.  I'm shooting to keep my mile paces sub 13 minutes and work my way down to 10 minute miles eventually.  I wore my usual running uniform of Wunder Groove Crops and Define Jacket.  I was glad I brought my jacket as it was freezing at Ocean Beach but had to take it off once I got in the park.  Definitely a variety of climates on the run.  I was able to finish strong even though I started out pretty slow.  Looking to work on more steady pacing on future runs.

Also, I am posting all my runs to DailyMile so feel free to friend me on DailyMile to get course maps and more detailed mile splits!  Happy Running!

And They're Off!

So I must say I failed quite miserably at sticking to my workout schedule last week.  I went into the training kick-off on Saturday feeling pretty crappy.  I had prepared myself to be one of the slower people there and was just shooting to get a time under 30 minutes for 2 miles.  I must say I actually surprised myself.  The first mile was pretty good and I was able to run most of it.  Second mile was a bit tougher but was proud of myself for finishing.  I know I have a lot to work out to crack the 3 hour mark in July but think this program will definitely help me.  This week kicks off our first full week of training and I'm already trying to figure out how to fit in my runs/cross-training with my schedule.  I'm going to try to sneak in some cardio during lunch today.  Also, check out the sweet DailyMile widget I installed on my blog.  Last week I spent some time researching blogs in order to make some updates to mine and came across this on someone else's blog.  I already use DailyMile and thought this might help me stay more honest with my workouts.  DailyMile syncs with my Garmin so its super easy to upload my runs.  Be on the look out for more changes to the blog!

Overworked

And I don't mean overworked out.  Between traveling, work, and family commitments I have been struggling to get in good workouts.  Tuesday, May 1st was the last time I worked out.  Jazz Fest in New Orleans was great and I got to hang out with good friends and eat good food.  I was unable to get out for any workouts and felt pretty bad by the time I got back to San Fran.  This week at work was crazy and I was unable to get a chance to workout.  I tried to make up for my lack of workouts by going for a 2-hr walk today with a friend.  It was great to get back out there and we were able to get in over 5 miles.  I start my Half Marathon training program on Saturday so I need to focus on getting back into the swing of things this week.  Two of my friends just joined me in signing up for the Giant Half Marathon.  I am excited to start running with some of my friends and feel that it will motivate me to train more/harder.  Below is my hopeful workout schedule for the week.  Wish me luck!

Monday - Run
Tuesday - Spin Class
Wednesday - Off
Thursday - Trying for a Morning Run because I have a Bowling Event and Kickball in the afternoon
Friday - Morning Run
Saturday - TRAINING KICK-OFF!