I am a runner

I ran 6 miles today. Before starting, I told myself that if I needed to stop to walk, then I would. My only goal was to complete the full 6 miles, no matter how long it took.

I got gatorade in my face, mud on my socks and shoes, and sweat everywhere possible. And I completed the 6 mile run without stopping to walk.

I've often wondered if I will ever get to a point when I will ride my bike to the start of a race. Or get there early to do a 1-mile warm-up. But these things do not define a runner. I may not be an elite runner and I'm not fast. But I can run 6 miles. I am a runner.

Random Updates

I really need to post more regularly; then I wouldn't have a week's worth of info to post! Oh well, here goes...
Those of us who weren't able to run on Saturday met on Sunday and ran 5 miles. I had never been to this trail before, but it's only 5 minutes from where I live and very easy to navigate. There were some very long hills and my legs were sore for 2 days afterwards. I loved it! I will definitely go back anytime I need a good hill workout.

Again, I'm going to post my times from Tuesday's track workout:
2x400 (1:56, 2:00)
2x600 (3:15, 3:18)
2x800 (4:44, 4:30)
I couldn't believe that my second 800 was faster than my first. I was exhausted but really glad that I completed the entire workout in one piece.

Tonight I'll run a couple miles and do some strength training. Monday night I tried to do day 1 of the one hundred push-ups challenge. I'm embarassed to say that I can barely do 1 full pushup. I was so sure I would be able to do 10 easy! I can do 20 bicep curls using a 15 pound weight, but I can't even do 1 pushup. What the heck! I did do 50 modified pushups and will continue doing it that way, working up to doing 10 regular pushups. When I told patrick, he decided to test his strength and I'm happy to say that he was able to do 10 push-ups. He was struggling at the end and was beet red, but he did it nonetheless! Maybe I can convince him to do the challenge with me. I think we might have a better chance seeing pigs fly, but I'll see what I can do. :)

I found this video courtesy of Geek Girl Fitness. Her blog is very funny and enjoyable to read. The video is hilarious and also extremely motivating.

Track Workout

Here is what we did last night at the track:
1 mile warm-up
1x400 (1:53)
2x600 (3:20, 3:17)
1x800 (4:29)
1/2 mile cool down
This may not make any sense, but I want to log the exact workout along with my times so I can look back on it and track my progress. FYI, a 400 is a quarter mile and an 800 is a half mile. Next week we will probably do the 1600 (1 mile).

Tomorrow I'm planning on running 4-5 miles on the treadmill. I'm not able to make the Saturday long run, but some of us are getting together on Sunday instead. Have I told you how much I enjoy being a part of these groups?

One Hundred push ups

I came across the hundred push ups training program and I'm up for the challenge! It will definitely be interesting and I'm looking forward to trying it.

Tonight my running group is scheduled to run 2 miles at race pace with a rest in between. The most I've done is a quarter mile! I'll let you know how it goes.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

"Getting in shape is a JOURNEY. Each day you learn more about yourself and what you can do. If you need to rest one day, you rest. You have your whole life to get in shape." - copied from The Great Fitness Experiment

It's raining, again. According to the national weather service, we had the second wettest May since 1871 in Baltimore and the third wettest May in D.C. June has already been extremely wet as well and it's really putting a damper on my training and my mood. On Saturday the 7th I ran 4.5 miles. It was extremely hot and I ended up not feeling very good afterwards. Due to the heat and possible rain, our Tuesday night track workout was cancelled (it did end up raining). I took advantage of having a night off and relaxed at home. I worked every other night of the week so I didn't work out at all! But the above quote helps me to not feel so guilty.
This past Saturday I struggled to get out of bed, but eventually forced myself awake and ended up being 15 minutes late for the run. The group had already left for their run so I ventured out on my own, only doing about 3 miles. At least I made it at all. Plus I went home and did another 1.5 miles on the treadmill. It's not supposed to rain tomorrow, but if for some reason the workout gets cancelled I'm going to the track anyway. I don't want to get behind and start struggling through the workouts. We're already behind schedule due to the weather and we only have 1 month to go until our race on July 19.

New Blog

I love having this running blog. It's a great place for me to document my workouts, goals, etc. However, I feel like it might be more for me than for you, my wonderful readers, which is why I'm starting a new blog! The link is on the right. I will be posting on both blogs regularly so please keep reading.

While I'm here I might as well give an update. Tuesday I went for our weekly track workout. I did a 1 mile warm-up, then 2 fast laps (2x400). We were supposed to also do 2x600, which is a lap and a half (crazy!) but a storm came through and we had to end early. I was disappointed but the track will still be there next week.

Tonight I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill and then worked with weights. I started running at my normal easy run pace which is a 12-minute mile. It actually seemed too easy! I felt great and increased my speed for the last mile. I'm definitely getting stronger and I feel terrific! That could very well change in a few weeks when my training gets tougher, but I'm actually looking forward to it. I must be crazy!

8K training and my obsession

My 8K training program started last Saturday with a 3.5 mile run. Tuesday we met at the track for a grueling workout. One time around the track is a quarter mile or 400 meters. Coach Dave had us do 2x400 which basically means running as fast as you can once around the track, walking to catch your breath, and then you do it a second time. We also jogged 3/4 mile as our warm up and cool down.

Someone was nice enough to show me how my now 2-year old watch works and I was able to time my 400 meter run. The first time around I ran it in 1:53 and the second time was a little slower for 2:02. That's an 8-minute mile and also the fastest I've ever ran!! I definitely wouldn't be able to run that fast for an entire mile, but you gotta start somewhere.

Instead of meeting this past Saturday for our 4 mile run, we ran a local 5K on Sunday. I finished in 31:45 minutes. Not bad! I even posted a pic on my profile. I usually hate pictures of myself running because I look crazy, but this one isn't terrible.

When the 8K program ends, the 10K begins and I'm going to sign up as soon as registration starts. I love these programs. I get to meet a lot of great people and I'm not stuck on a treadmill by myself. Plus it motivates me to get up on Saturday and then my workout is done before 10! That leaves the whole day free for riding my motorcycle. Or working on my arms (my new obsession). ;) I definitely don't want to be this mega-muscular buff chick with veins popping out but seriously, Madonna's arms are amazing!!