I ran 5 miles yesterday, and felt really good as I pushed to finish it in under 44 minutes. As I listened to my final stats, I was hoping to hear a "Congratulations! You have just completed your fasted 5 miles ever" blip. But it did not happen. I checked my stats, and missed beating my fastest five miles by 3 seconds! I finished in 43 min. 53 sec, and my best time was 43 min. 51 secs! Man, what a bummer! It wouldn't have taken too much to push just a little bit harder, if I had only been aware of the time to beat.
Also, towards the end of my run yesterday, I felt a little pain in my heel. This got worse towards the end of the day, and this morning it feels like plantar fasciitis, which I read can be caused by over pronation. I know that I do have too much movement in my feet while running and that I do over pronate, I think it is time to get new running shoes ;-) and make sure that I get some specially designed for over pronation. I was reading too that some good insoles can also make a difference. Meanwhile, I guess I just need to ice it, take some ibuprofin and take it easy (i.e - minimal - if any- running) for a week or so. :-(
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Where's Dad?
I got home last night after picking up Erika, and Jeff was nowhere to be found. None of the kids knew where he was, so William and I went all over the house looking for him. Was he playing hide and seek? Something he may have done when the kids were really little, but now? Not likely! To confirm our bafflement, I even looked in the small front closet and William hollered out the back door. Finally, I told Will, "he must have gone for a walk."
So I went out to the front porch to watch for him and immediately saw a dark figure come jogging down the cul-de-sac. It was Jeff! On a whim, Jeff decided to go out and see how far he could run, and said that he turned around at the point where he figured he could make it back. He had gone a mile! Now, for those of you who do not know Jeff, this is a guy who has not run in years (like 20), and has perpetual feet and back problems. Sometimes just walking is painful.
Now I would like to say I am just total inspiration, but I think it was watching The Biggest Loser. Seeing people in way worse condition, people in pain, just push through it and endure for the hopes of a healthier life, people like Dan.
So, kudos and three huzzahs for Jeff:
HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
I am proud of you honey!
To end this blog with the words of John "The Penguin" Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start."
So I went out to the front porch to watch for him and immediately saw a dark figure come jogging down the cul-de-sac. It was Jeff! On a whim, Jeff decided to go out and see how far he could run, and said that he turned around at the point where he figured he could make it back. He had gone a mile! Now, for those of you who do not know Jeff, this is a guy who has not run in years (like 20), and has perpetual feet and back problems. Sometimes just walking is painful.
Now I would like to say I am just total inspiration, but I think it was watching The Biggest Loser. Seeing people in way worse condition, people in pain, just push through it and endure for the hopes of a healthier life, people like Dan.
So, kudos and three huzzahs for Jeff:
HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
I am proud of you honey!
To end this blog with the words of John "The Penguin" Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Personal Trainer Watching
Personal Trainer watching is similar to bird watching, but, in my opinion, a bit more entertaining. Like birds, personal trainers tend to flock in small groups of 3 or 4 in the corner of the gym. There they chit-chat and lift weights and just generally look cool.
Then comes a client and one breaks away. She commences to inflict pain upon another human being, walking casually along as the woman is doing walking lunges across the gym while holding a bar over her head. Back and forth, then to a machine, and then back to lunges. And all the while she is charging about $60.00 and hour. That is my kind of job!
Now, I have to admit, that client handled everything fine, is obviously used to working with a personal trainer, and didn't seem in too much pain. About 45 minutes later the same trainer was putting another lady through the same paces, and she was having a tough time: red in the face and struggling to hold up the bar. The P.T's grin was just that much bigger!
In between clients, the trainer returns to her corner with the rest of the flock. Most are there every morning, not only is it their job, but it is there identity. Most are women, some are young, others are thirty something with kids, they are all in great shape. I wished my arms looked so good!
Now, I wasn't just sitting around watching the flock of P.T's, but I was on the balcony doing my 9 mile long run. The balcony overlooks the weight floor, so Personal Trainer watching is a great thing to do for over an hour and a half.
The next morning as I left spin, I saw a lady in her early sixties on a row machine with her trainer. You could tell that lifting weights was a recent endeavor in her life. The personal trainer said "just one more" as she leaned over and helped with the last rep. The client was grinning ear to ear with her new accomplishment! It must be those small moments that make being a personal trainer rewarding.
Then comes a client and one breaks away. She commences to inflict pain upon another human being, walking casually along as the woman is doing walking lunges across the gym while holding a bar over her head. Back and forth, then to a machine, and then back to lunges. And all the while she is charging about $60.00 and hour. That is my kind of job!
Now, I have to admit, that client handled everything fine, is obviously used to working with a personal trainer, and didn't seem in too much pain. About 45 minutes later the same trainer was putting another lady through the same paces, and she was having a tough time: red in the face and struggling to hold up the bar. The P.T's grin was just that much bigger!
In between clients, the trainer returns to her corner with the rest of the flock. Most are there every morning, not only is it their job, but it is there identity. Most are women, some are young, others are thirty something with kids, they are all in great shape. I wished my arms looked so good!
Now, I wasn't just sitting around watching the flock of P.T's, but I was on the balcony doing my 9 mile long run. The balcony overlooks the weight floor, so Personal Trainer watching is a great thing to do for over an hour and a half.
The next morning as I left spin, I saw a lady in her early sixties on a row machine with her trainer. You could tell that lifting weights was a recent endeavor in her life. The personal trainer said "just one more" as she leaned over and helped with the last rep. The client was grinning ear to ear with her new accomplishment! It must be those small moments that make being a personal trainer rewarding.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Last day of the month - Again!
Yes, I am continuing my bad habit of blogging on the last day of the month. I have had some good ideas of stuff to blog, but have not made the time to write. But I don't want a month to go by without an entry, so I find myself blogging on the last day of the month. This seems to have been my pattern over the last few months, and is NOT a good one! So, I will try to do better. After all, with the infrequent entries so far, it wouldn't be too hard to double my efforts ;-)
Brief monthly overview: my eating still stinks and my weight is still stalled.
Good news: I am feeling more confident in doing better on my eating habits. I have started my training program for the May marathon (hence, one result is better eating, so the next should be some weight loss!).
I Just completed my first week of training. Overall, I run Mon/Wed/Fri, with my long run being on Monday. Last week, I ran 9/3/5 miles, all on a treadmill which is not exactly great for the scenery! And on Tuesday and Thursday I went to spin class, I have really enjoyed starting to spin again, it is a lot of fun and a great workout.
Well, that is it for today, in the future you can look forward to some different type of posts rather than just the hum drum update. Things such as hairy legs, chaffing, spinning and my favorite health & motivation magazine! Now, I know you are curious, but you will just have to check back later, I promise it will be in less than a month!
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
p.s - I will get a link up soon with my full marathon training program so that you can see at a glance what I am doing.
Brief monthly overview: my eating still stinks and my weight is still stalled.
Good news: I am feeling more confident in doing better on my eating habits. I have started my training program for the May marathon (hence, one result is better eating, so the next should be some weight loss!).
I Just completed my first week of training. Overall, I run Mon/Wed/Fri, with my long run being on Monday. Last week, I ran 9/3/5 miles, all on a treadmill which is not exactly great for the scenery! And on Tuesday and Thursday I went to spin class, I have really enjoyed starting to spin again, it is a lot of fun and a great workout.
Well, that is it for today, in the future you can look forward to some different type of posts rather than just the hum drum update. Things such as hairy legs, chaffing, spinning and my favorite health & motivation magazine! Now, I know you are curious, but you will just have to check back later, I promise it will be in less than a month!
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
p.s - I will get a link up soon with my full marathon training program so that you can see at a glance what I am doing.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years Goals!
I have basically taken it easy this past month. I have been doing about 2 short runs per week, and nothing Christmas week at all (of course, coming down with the stomach flu Christmas Eve left me with little desire to do much).
We did get totally dumped on with snow, so that stopped my outside running, but I did join the locally owned gym and hit the tread mill. Running on a treadmill is a totally different feeling than the road and I think that I prefer the road! But it is still a good work out.
I have been setting my new running goals for next year, because I know that if I do not have anything to aim towards, I tend to fizzle out. My goals include a half marathon on March 7, the Snake River Canyon Half Marathon, and a marathon in May. I was excited to discover that Spokane will be hosting its first marathon on May 15, it is the Windermere Marathon Spokane. It starts in Post Falls and follows the river into Spokane finishing at Riverfront Park. I am also eyeballing the Boise Half Ironman on June 13th. Since I do not want to run/race/compete on Sunday's, I have been excited to find these different races on Saturday's, and not that far from home!
So, my winter work outs will include running and spinning, and if I want to do the Half Ironman, then I need to do something about my swimming. This is my weakest event and the one I normally ignore, just figuring that I can flounder my way through (and if you have seen me swim, you know to take the word "flounder" literally). So, to change that I am considering the local Masters club, Chinooks Maters Swimming. But, I am slightly chicken on that, my weight loss came to a stand still in November, so I am a bit self-conscience about appearing in a swim suit!
But, I am rededicating to good eating habits in the New Year, and have a local competition to encourage me. My sister-in-law and her friend have started their own Biggest Loser competition (I had never seen the show before, so went online and watched an episode). It lasts 3 months and there are 15 competitors. Everybody pays $60 to compete, and the person who loses the largest percentage of weight is the winner. That person takes home 2/3 of the stash, and 2nd place gets the remaining amount. So, basically $600 to the winner and $300 to the next person. But, hopefully wonderful results will be better than money to all who participate! Yesterday was the beginning of the competition and it runs through April 7th. I feel good because I am already in the habit of working out, I just need to keep it up and refocus on diet.
Well, overall 2008 has been GREAT! I have established some good exercise habits, I stated running in June and completed a Half Marathon in November, and though having reached my highest weight ever in the spring, as of last Sunday I had lost about 25 pounds! So, not bad, and looking to a better year in 2009 with many accomplishments.
Ciao for Now!
MJ
We did get totally dumped on with snow, so that stopped my outside running, but I did join the locally owned gym and hit the tread mill. Running on a treadmill is a totally different feeling than the road and I think that I prefer the road! But it is still a good work out.
I have been setting my new running goals for next year, because I know that if I do not have anything to aim towards, I tend to fizzle out. My goals include a half marathon on March 7, the Snake River Canyon Half Marathon, and a marathon in May. I was excited to discover that Spokane will be hosting its first marathon on May 15, it is the Windermere Marathon Spokane. It starts in Post Falls and follows the river into Spokane finishing at Riverfront Park. I am also eyeballing the Boise Half Ironman on June 13th. Since I do not want to run/race/compete on Sunday's, I have been excited to find these different races on Saturday's, and not that far from home!
So, my winter work outs will include running and spinning, and if I want to do the Half Ironman, then I need to do something about my swimming. This is my weakest event and the one I normally ignore, just figuring that I can flounder my way through (and if you have seen me swim, you know to take the word "flounder" literally). So, to change that I am considering the local Masters club, Chinooks Maters Swimming. But, I am slightly chicken on that, my weight loss came to a stand still in November, so I am a bit self-conscience about appearing in a swim suit!
But, I am rededicating to good eating habits in the New Year, and have a local competition to encourage me. My sister-in-law and her friend have started their own Biggest Loser competition (I had never seen the show before, so went online and watched an episode). It lasts 3 months and there are 15 competitors. Everybody pays $60 to compete, and the person who loses the largest percentage of weight is the winner. That person takes home 2/3 of the stash, and 2nd place gets the remaining amount. So, basically $600 to the winner and $300 to the next person. But, hopefully wonderful results will be better than money to all who participate! Yesterday was the beginning of the competition and it runs through April 7th. I feel good because I am already in the habit of working out, I just need to keep it up and refocus on diet.
Well, overall 2008 has been GREAT! I have established some good exercise habits, I stated running in June and completed a Half Marathon in November, and though having reached my highest weight ever in the spring, as of last Sunday I had lost about 25 pounds! So, not bad, and looking to a better year in 2009 with many accomplishments.
Ciao for Now!
MJ
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Half Marathon Pics
Crossing Hwy 95, the last 1/4 mile
The Final stretch
My wonderful family supporters
Approaching the finish line
It is important to raise your arms when crossing a finish line!
Crossing the finish line!
3 HUZZAHS!
Happy to be done
I did it!
Presentation of (unexpected) Finishers Shirt
My "official" Finisher shirt
A week as gone by and I have taken it easy (maybe a bit too easy?). I just ran once this week, 3 miles, but plan to be back to 3 regular runs this week. With the weather getting colder (though still unseasonably warm), I plan to start going back to Spin. I really liked Spin when I was going regularly, but haven't gone in about a year. Though I don't think I will go back to the 5:45 am class, I have a bit more flexibility working at home, so I think the 9:00 class is early enough! Well, going to keep this short, here are the pictures from my personal Half Marathon last week. Keep on runnin'!
Oh, side note, I was talking to a friend who started the Couch to 5k running program, and found out that she is up to a mile without walking! Makes me feel good and inspired to keep going when I see someone start running, partially due to my influence.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Mission Completed: HALF MARATHON!
First things first, no longer will I commit to blog at any type of regular interval. Life is full, I am a procrastinator, so I will blog when I blog! I would like to blog more, but it is time to be realistic and not beat myself up if I am not blogging every week.
The good news, I ran a half marathon yesterday - 13.1 Miles! It was a great accomplishment for me. I set a goal, I set a training program, I stuck with it (never missing a run) and I did it! I did make some changes though. I did not go to Seattle to Run the HUGE Seattle Marathon (14,000 runners expected). I had talked myself into it, justified it, but could not get comfortable with the idea of running on Sunday. It set a bad example for my kids, when I was trying to do something good. There was another marathon in Seattle on Saturday called the Seattle Ghost Marathon that I considered doing. It is a small marathon (about 100 runners) and is more like a fun run for a running club. Then I thought, I can run anywhere and meet my goal, why spend $250 in gas and hotel charges?
We were headed up to Sandpoint for Thanksgiving with Jeff's side of the family. All of Jeff's brothers and sisters and family were planning on being there, so it was a big deal. Unfortunately, Janie and Cean couldn't make it at the last minute. Janie was still recovering from minor surgery and wasn't up for travel so, so it could not be helped. But, WE MISSED YOU JANIE!
Jeff had called his sister Sherry and asked her to arrange a Spaghetti lunch celebration for after my run. I took all my running stuff, and made sure my iPod was charged before leaving town. On Friday it snowed, and I thought, "I wish I had remembered my Yaktrax!". We were staying with my brother-in-law, Richard, and when we woke up Saturday morning, there was still snow outside. So Jeff and I drove into town to check out the trail conditions and to see if I should buy another pair of Yaktrax for the run. I really wanted to complete the run, everyone was excited for me, plus the weekend after Thanksgiving was my goal date. Now, my in-laws live in Sagle, ID, which is about 6 miles from Sandpoint, and there is a paved trail that goes all the way into town. I was happy to see that most of the trail was clear, with just some small patches of snow and slush. So we went back to Richards where I got ready, and then back to Mom and Dad's for the start (I was originally going to start at Richards, about 1 mile away, but the road between the two houses was covered in very wet snow).
It was a quiet send off. Jeff, Mom & Dad, Erika and Kylie were there. I did have a half hour delay when I discovered that my iPod needed charging, but I took off about 11:30. My goal was very realistic, complete the run in under 2-1/2 hours. Considering my 11 minute mile pace, I did not foresee any problems in meeting my goal. So I got running! It was just under 1/4 mile to the highway, cross the highway and right onto the path that led all the way into town. A lot of down hill for the next mile. The traffic from the highway was louder than I expected, so nervously (and successfully) turned up my music (whenever I had tried this before, I always messed up my Nike iPod settings and had to start again!).
Jeff was my great support team! He met me at the beginning of the long bridge with a water bottle (3 mile mark), a quick drink and I continued on my way (I also ditched my hat - too hot, and my sunglasses - too foggy due to all the moisture in the air).
At mile 4 on the bridge, I was feeling pretty good and decided to increase my pace a bit. This was so I could have a bit of extra time at the end when I was going up hill. I ran about 100 feet when I felt a small 'twang' and pain shooting down my left hamstring. Oh, Great! I ran a few more feet, stopped to try to stretch it out - no good, so I continued on. My pace dropped to slower than 12 minutes per mile, and I thought, why couldn't this happen on the way back, when I have 4 miles left instead of 4 miles into my run? I also thought, I have to finish this, or when will I do it? If the injury puts me down for a few weeks, then another month of training to get back up to endurance, and then it will be January some time before I tried again. This just wasn't an option, plus I was on the bridge still and Jeff was over a mile away, so I might as well just keep running. Slowly my hamstring started to feel better (less painful), and my pace increased back to normal. When I came to Jeff's water station at the far end of the bridge (mile 5-2/3), I made sure that I had no appearance of a gimp so that Jeff would not ask me, in a very concerned manner, if I was 'all right' (though he always asked me how I was doing ;-).
I wasn't sure how for I had to go in town, but was just going to turn around when my iPod told me I was at the half way point. I did not want to run right downtown, so I turned towards Sandpoint City Beach, and was about 3/4 along the path around the beach (located at a beautiful sandy point on the lake, hence the name "Sandpoint". A lot of the beach areas around Lake Pend O'reille are rocky, so the sand is very nice) when I turned around. I was feeling pretty good and was happy to be on the return leg of my run. Jeff was at the same places going back with water (very good to have. While training on those long runs, I was lucky if I found a place for just one drink, the hydration really helps to Keep on Going!).
Going uphill during the last 2 miles wasn't too bad, though my pace did slow a bit. That is one good thing about running in Moscow, there is no way to avoid hills! My main concern was my iPod not having enough juice to last the entire run. I had barely charged it half way, and my power was in the red. Before crossing the bridge on the way back I picked up another iPod from Jeff to use if mine completely died, but it was only for an emergency! I really wanted to compete the run on one iPod - for accurate stats. And I am happy to report that it did last the entire run, whew!
Well, to make a short story longer ... I finally made it back into Sagle, where I crossed the highway. Jeff was there with the camera, to record the moment for all posterity :). According to my iPod, my 13.1 miles was up about 50 yards from Mom and Dad's driveway (I always run a bit further than half way before turning around). I pushed "Run Completed" on my iPod for an accurate time, but kept running. I knew everyone was waiting for me, so I couldn't very well just saunter on in and say, "Oh, my 13.1 miles was up 50 yards back down the road."
It was a great finish. The whole family was there cheering, they had a finish line, balloons and a poster (thanks Sharon!). Everyone had huge smiles on their faces, and felt genuinely happy for me, they even gave me three "Huzzahs!" - way better than finishing with 14,000 other people! William then presented me with my Half-Marathon shirt! (I will post pics tomorrow - too late tonight!) I was very surprised and touched that everybody (and especially Jeff) went to so much trouble. I am truely blessed with a wonderful husband and family!
We then all went in for a wonderful spaghetti dinner (though I did shower first!). Dad had made chocolate chip cookies, and there was ice cream left over from Thanksgiving for dessert. I was dog tired, so by 5:30 I was ready to head back to Richard and Nancy's for a soak in their jetted tub and an early bedtime.
We are back in Moscow now. Today I am a bit sore, but better than expected. I am especially glad to say that my hamstring feels fine and I will be running this week. I am trying to establish my next goal. There is a marathon in Lewiston in the spring, but I have not been able to find out an exact date yet for 2009. Though what I really have my eye on is the Boise Half Ironman on Saturday, June 13th - 1 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run! But to help me with either, or both, is that professional training certificate that I still have that I won at the Sprint Triathon in September. I will definitely be using that at the beginning of next year.
Oh yea, my official finishing time: 2:25:26, average pace: 11:05 min/mile. GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!
The good news, I ran a half marathon yesterday - 13.1 Miles! It was a great accomplishment for me. I set a goal, I set a training program, I stuck with it (never missing a run) and I did it! I did make some changes though. I did not go to Seattle to Run the HUGE Seattle Marathon (14,000 runners expected). I had talked myself into it, justified it, but could not get comfortable with the idea of running on Sunday. It set a bad example for my kids, when I was trying to do something good. There was another marathon in Seattle on Saturday called the Seattle Ghost Marathon that I considered doing. It is a small marathon (about 100 runners) and is more like a fun run for a running club. Then I thought, I can run anywhere and meet my goal, why spend $250 in gas and hotel charges?
We were headed up to Sandpoint for Thanksgiving with Jeff's side of the family. All of Jeff's brothers and sisters and family were planning on being there, so it was a big deal. Unfortunately, Janie and Cean couldn't make it at the last minute. Janie was still recovering from minor surgery and wasn't up for travel so, so it could not be helped. But, WE MISSED YOU JANIE!
Jeff had called his sister Sherry and asked her to arrange a Spaghetti lunch celebration for after my run. I took all my running stuff, and made sure my iPod was charged before leaving town. On Friday it snowed, and I thought, "I wish I had remembered my Yaktrax!". We were staying with my brother-in-law, Richard, and when we woke up Saturday morning, there was still snow outside. So Jeff and I drove into town to check out the trail conditions and to see if I should buy another pair of Yaktrax for the run. I really wanted to complete the run, everyone was excited for me, plus the weekend after Thanksgiving was my goal date. Now, my in-laws live in Sagle, ID, which is about 6 miles from Sandpoint, and there is a paved trail that goes all the way into town. I was happy to see that most of the trail was clear, with just some small patches of snow and slush. So we went back to Richards where I got ready, and then back to Mom and Dad's for the start (I was originally going to start at Richards, about 1 mile away, but the road between the two houses was covered in very wet snow).
It was a quiet send off. Jeff, Mom & Dad, Erika and Kylie were there. I did have a half hour delay when I discovered that my iPod needed charging, but I took off about 11:30. My goal was very realistic, complete the run in under 2-1/2 hours. Considering my 11 minute mile pace, I did not foresee any problems in meeting my goal. So I got running! It was just under 1/4 mile to the highway, cross the highway and right onto the path that led all the way into town. A lot of down hill for the next mile. The traffic from the highway was louder than I expected, so nervously (and successfully) turned up my music (whenever I had tried this before, I always messed up my Nike iPod settings and had to start again!).
Jeff was my great support team! He met me at the beginning of the long bridge with a water bottle (3 mile mark), a quick drink and I continued on my way (I also ditched my hat - too hot, and my sunglasses - too foggy due to all the moisture in the air).
At mile 4 on the bridge, I was feeling pretty good and decided to increase my pace a bit. This was so I could have a bit of extra time at the end when I was going up hill. I ran about 100 feet when I felt a small 'twang' and pain shooting down my left hamstring. Oh, Great! I ran a few more feet, stopped to try to stretch it out - no good, so I continued on. My pace dropped to slower than 12 minutes per mile, and I thought, why couldn't this happen on the way back, when I have 4 miles left instead of 4 miles into my run? I also thought, I have to finish this, or when will I do it? If the injury puts me down for a few weeks, then another month of training to get back up to endurance, and then it will be January some time before I tried again. This just wasn't an option, plus I was on the bridge still and Jeff was over a mile away, so I might as well just keep running. Slowly my hamstring started to feel better (less painful), and my pace increased back to normal. When I came to Jeff's water station at the far end of the bridge (mile 5-2/3), I made sure that I had no appearance of a gimp so that Jeff would not ask me, in a very concerned manner, if I was 'all right' (though he always asked me how I was doing ;-).
I wasn't sure how for I had to go in town, but was just going to turn around when my iPod told me I was at the half way point. I did not want to run right downtown, so I turned towards Sandpoint City Beach, and was about 3/4 along the path around the beach (located at a beautiful sandy point on the lake, hence the name "Sandpoint". A lot of the beach areas around Lake Pend O'reille are rocky, so the sand is very nice) when I turned around. I was feeling pretty good and was happy to be on the return leg of my run. Jeff was at the same places going back with water (very good to have. While training on those long runs, I was lucky if I found a place for just one drink, the hydration really helps to Keep on Going!).
Going uphill during the last 2 miles wasn't too bad, though my pace did slow a bit. That is one good thing about running in Moscow, there is no way to avoid hills! My main concern was my iPod not having enough juice to last the entire run. I had barely charged it half way, and my power was in the red. Before crossing the bridge on the way back I picked up another iPod from Jeff to use if mine completely died, but it was only for an emergency! I really wanted to compete the run on one iPod - for accurate stats. And I am happy to report that it did last the entire run, whew!
Well, to make a short story longer ... I finally made it back into Sagle, where I crossed the highway. Jeff was there with the camera, to record the moment for all posterity :). According to my iPod, my 13.1 miles was up about 50 yards from Mom and Dad's driveway (I always run a bit further than half way before turning around). I pushed "Run Completed" on my iPod for an accurate time, but kept running. I knew everyone was waiting for me, so I couldn't very well just saunter on in and say, "Oh, my 13.1 miles was up 50 yards back down the road."
It was a great finish. The whole family was there cheering, they had a finish line, balloons and a poster (thanks Sharon!). Everyone had huge smiles on their faces, and felt genuinely happy for me, they even gave me three "Huzzahs!" - way better than finishing with 14,000 other people! William then presented me with my Half-Marathon shirt! (I will post pics tomorrow - too late tonight!) I was very surprised and touched that everybody (and especially Jeff) went to so much trouble. I am truely blessed with a wonderful husband and family!
We then all went in for a wonderful spaghetti dinner (though I did shower first!). Dad had made chocolate chip cookies, and there was ice cream left over from Thanksgiving for dessert. I was dog tired, so by 5:30 I was ready to head back to Richard and Nancy's for a soak in their jetted tub and an early bedtime.
We are back in Moscow now. Today I am a bit sore, but better than expected. I am especially glad to say that my hamstring feels fine and I will be running this week. I am trying to establish my next goal. There is a marathon in Lewiston in the spring, but I have not been able to find out an exact date yet for 2009. Though what I really have my eye on is the Boise Half Ironman on Saturday, June 13th - 1 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run! But to help me with either, or both, is that professional training certificate that I still have that I won at the Sprint Triathon in September. I will definitely be using that at the beginning of next year.
Oh yea, my official finishing time: 2:25:26, average pace: 11:05 min/mile. GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!
Friday, October 31, 2008
October Update!
What a month! I totally blew it, didn't track my food intake regularly and my weight was about the same at the end of the month as at the beginning (up and down, kind of like a see-saw). But I did do very well on my running schedule, didn't miss a work out! I also rode my bike all the way to Troy and back on the trail. The mysterious "THEY" have been working on completing the trail for the last few years, and recently finished. It was a beautiful ride, the last 2 miles were all down hill through a beautiful wooded area just turning with Fall colors. Of course, that meant I had to go uphill heading home, but it was a gentle grade. Overall it was about a 24 mile trip and I was out for about 2 hours. I have really wanted to make that ride this year, so I was happy to have a wonderful fall day to enjoy it in.
My long run is now up to 9 miles, and I am over half way through my training program. My half marathon is 4 weeks from this weekend. I really feel that I am will be ready. This next month I am going to concentrate on my diet. I know that a better diet is crucial to improving my running, since it is the fuel my body is running off of (so to speak ;-).
On a side note, three of my kids decided to be Star Wars figures for Halloween: Darth Maul, Yoda and Princess Leia. I decided to help out and it was quite a day! I am nowhere near being a seamstress, but today I pulled out the sewing machine to make hoods, belts and Yoda ears. Then spent a couple of hours on make-up and hair. They turned out quite cool, if I may say so myself! My oldest daughter (a senior), who hasn't been trick or treating for about 6 years, had a friend come visit and also went out. They were their own kind of Super Hero's. Being the oldest, she felt that she had outgrown Halloween when she was 12, so it was good to see her go out be a kid. A cousin was also visiting and he dressed as Goliath. He is quite tall, and wore really small armor. Clever idea!
My long run is now up to 9 miles, and I am over half way through my training program. My half marathon is 4 weeks from this weekend. I really feel that I am will be ready. This next month I am going to concentrate on my diet. I know that a better diet is crucial to improving my running, since it is the fuel my body is running off of (so to speak ;-).
On a side note, three of my kids decided to be Star Wars figures for Halloween: Darth Maul, Yoda and Princess Leia. I decided to help out and it was quite a day! I am nowhere near being a seamstress, but today I pulled out the sewing machine to make hoods, belts and Yoda ears. Then spent a couple of hours on make-up and hair. They turned out quite cool, if I may say so myself! My oldest daughter (a senior), who hasn't been trick or treating for about 6 years, had a friend come visit and also went out. They were their own kind of Super Hero's. Being the oldest, she felt that she had outgrown Halloween when she was 12, so it was good to see her go out be a kid. A cousin was also visiting and he dressed as Goliath. He is quite tall, and wore really small armor. Clever idea!
Well, I will give weekly updates through the next month as I approach the Half Marathon. Let y'all know how it's going!
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
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