It's A Crazy Life.....: running

Showing posts with label running. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Getting back to my running/walking groove

I'm starting to get back into the running/walking groove. Of course, just as this happens, we have a late March snowstorm and I can't get outside again!

Last weekend, I managed to put in 3.34 miles on Saturday, 1.25 miles on Sunday and 1.23 miles on Monday. Mostly did half walk/half run for these. Not great times, but not too shabby either.

I also discovered a walking/running path around my yard. If I do the perimeter of the two acres, it is just about 0.25 miles. If I shorten it, I can get a 0.10 mile path around my drive/the barns/front yard/sidewalk area. So now I have some options for when Mr. CrazyLife is working late at the farm or his parents house and I can't get out on the road. I can walk the yard while the kids play outside. It's not as fun doing that, but at least I get some millage in.

I'm also researching some races to sign up for in the upcoming months - give me something to work towards. Plus, I really enjoyed the race in February and would like to continue with them. So here's a possible list:

Dow RunWalk - June 4th - 5k
Cheesetown Races - June 18th -5 mile - in the town where I work, probably won't get to this one as it's the same day as dance recitals and it looks like it's in the evening, which totally rules it out. - bummer
Volkslaufe Races - July 3rd - 5K/10K/20K - if we don't go up north this one will work out
Higgins Lake Sunrise Run - 1/2 Marathon - June 18th - again on dance recital day, so definitely out - bummer

Still looking . . . .

Friday, March 11, 2011

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Part Four

Labels: running at 12:31 PM

After the race, we headed back to the resort and crashed! I slept for three-ish hours! Guess I was tired!!!

Then we headed out dinner, where we dined with some friends of Meredith's and met up with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Step-Mother and the Step-Sisters. And of course we took pictures!!

Then we headed back to Epcot to catch the Fantasmic show. That was awesome!!!

Monday was my last day in Floriday. We headed out to the Magic Kingdom for brunch in the castle and some last minute Disney magic.

I had to leave the resort around 4:30 to get back to the airport. We went back, I packed up and headed out . . . only to find that all the flights going my way were either delayed or cancelled!!! Tornados and thunderstorms in Atlanta set me back quite a bit.

However, only about four hours late, I pulled into my driveway and crashed into bed.

It was a truly magical experience and weekend and one I hope to do again!

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Part Three

Labels: running at 12:23 PM

Finally, it was the morning of the race! Our alarm went off at 2:30, but I think we were both awake before that...brimming with anticipation!

Once we arrived at the staging area, there were flags, lights, a DJ and a red carpet to welcome us to the race.

Because of the number of racers registered for the race, we were started in heats. I was in the last corral. =) Meredith came back and joined me there. We pushed as far forward in the corral as we could and ended up just behind the rope. At the start of each corral, the Fairy Godmother gave a magic spell and fireworks went off signalling the start!

The race went pretty well. It was kind of exciting there and actually be doing it! I also thought it was funny to hear all the timers going off for the people following Jeff Galloway's walk/run plan. It was funnier to see those same people ignoring the timerd continuing to walk!

We did great, if I do say so myself. Our final time was 3:32:39. We did walk most of the way. We ran the very beginning, most of the downhill parts and somewhere between mile 4 and 5 when we stopped to use the restroom and fell behind the pacers - couldn't let that happen! But whoever put all the ramps and hills on the last 3 miles should be shot! Yikes!!

It was pretty exciting to walk/run through the castle and see the trumpeters and all the Disney visitors cheering you on!! And at every mile or half mile or so there were characters and music set up. All the mile markers looked like storybooks. The entertainment really kept you going.

Some highlights:

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Part Two

Labels: running at 11:49 AM

The second day I was in Florida, Meredith got up early and headed out to do the Royal Family 5K. I skipped that one! =)

When she came back, we headed out for an Epcot day!!!

We enjoyed the beautiful topiaries.

We visited with some Fairies, who promised to send the sewing fairies up to Michigan to fix the "hole" in my "mitten" so no more snow fell in and to send the Flower Fairies up to plant some purple flowers, too!

We had lunch in "France" and dinner in "China" and thoughly enjoyed the day. Headed back to the resort for an early night since we had to be up so early the next day for the race!!!

The Princess Half Marathon - in review

Labels: life in general, running at 11:43 AM

It seems that since I returned home from Florida and the Princess Half, I've been in a kind of post-race, post-vacation funk. I really haven't done anything more than what I needed to do to get by. So no blogging, no emails, no internet of any kind. Just laundry, housework, schoolwork and family.

But I want to share what a wonderful time I had down south. And I want to share the accomplishment of finishing the Half Marathon.

And to be honest, I want to re-live the moments through pictures! =)

Because, really, who WOULDN"T want to re-live this?

So here is a quick photo re-cap of the weekend (all my own photos with a couple stolen from my dear friend, Meredith who I ran the race with!)

I left Michigan Thursday evening with little trouble. I got to fly to Atlanta with the Michigan State baseball team, which isn't as exciting as one may think. =) I finally arrived in Orlando around 11:30 and took the Magical Express to the resort. Meredith was awake waiting for me. We chatted for a bit before falling asleep and sleeping very soundly!

Friday morning we started the day at the Fit for a Princess Expo at the ESPEN sports complex. What a show!! We were greeted at the door by two handsome coachmen and walked in to find a hall full of vendors selling way too many things I just *had* to have! Thankfully, I walked out of there with just my race pack, a new SPIbelt and a headband. Oh, and a 13.1 magnet for my car!

The glass running slipper was definitly a highlight of the Expo.

The rest of that first day was spent at Hollywood Studios where we had all kinds of fun!

Then we head over to the Magic Kingdom for some evening entertainment.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Fit for a Princess

Labels: fitness, running at 7:43 PM

And the most important question regarding the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which I am "running" in a little over a month's time:

What does one wear to such an event???

Here are the final decisions on that part. Tshirt still to be determined, but will probably be a light pink one bought locally from Target or Meijer or somesuch. I'm not terribly picky about my shirts.

My shoes will be either my trusty LA Gear tennies or my new New Balance ones . . . we'll see which feel better at the time.

Debating about tights/capri's to wear under the running skirt. What will the weather in Florida be at the end of February? From what I remember from college choir tour, it was much warmer than up here, but still a wee bit chilly. So that is left up to how I feel the morning of.

Debating also about a jacket or long sleeved top to begin the race with. Not sure what I would do with it once I warmed up. It would be too bulky to tie around my waist, but I don't want to just throw it either . . . a dilemma to be sure.

As for a belt, my trusty black fanny pack will be in use. I really wanted to invest in a SpiBelt, but think I'll pass for this round. I totally fell in love with their pink plaid one though; it's been a tough decision. And I'm not sure about a water belt or not . . . I don't currently have one and don't know if it's worth it to invest in one. My fanny pack can hold one small bottle of water, but that's it. Will the water stations still have water by the time I get to them? That's the big question!

The running skirt: New Balance Jodi Tennis Skirt in Asphalt

And the most important part of all : The TIARA!!! What good would a jogging princess be without one?

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Running-Walking in the Snow . . . .

Labels: fitness, running at 11:59 AM

(source)

I have to admit that the past few months my passion for fitness walking/jogging has diminished. It's hard to get your walk/jog on when there are eight inches of snow and ice on the ground, the temp is below 30 and the wind is blowing at 25 mph out of the north.

And I hate treadmill walking. I get bored. I stop. It doesn't work.

I've been trying to fill up my walking time with other fitness pursuits. Things like Zumba, yoga, Highland Dance, Jillian's 30 Day Shred. With mild success. I'm keeping active at the very least.

But I've been worried. It's like a month away to the Disney Princess Half Marathon that I've signed up for. And my training is WAY out of line! Now, I'm not planning on actually running much of the Half, but perhaps a few stretches here and there. Mostly just fast walking. There is a 16-minute mile cut-off. It's a bit scary. In the summer, I was hitting about a 13-14 minute mile. Pretty good.

So with that in mind, I set out on Friday with high hopes of getting a good walk in. The sun was shining, the snow stopped blowing and the temp was 34. 55 minutes later I was back home, cold, but feeling great. I put in 3.34 miles. It was a bit slower than the cut-off time, but considering the terrain, not too shabby, I feel.

You see....I was walking on snow covered country roads. The roads that don't get plowed until we reach about 12 inches of snow and even then are only plowed after everything else has been cleared five times over. Welcome to living in the Michigan countryside in winter!

But I discovered something. Walking in snow is kind of like walking on the beach. My shins and ankles say so. They got quite the workout for sure. My bottom sure feels it too!

I didn't attempt to jog. I was worried about slipping and falling.

But I got out and did it. Yay me!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I think I've lost my mind...

Labels: running at 2:48 PM

So after all the walking/jogging/running I've been doing this year. After the over 350 miles I've put in since April 1st. After coming up with every concievable reason not to - - -

I decided to go ahead and register for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon!

Call me crazy. I don't think I can actually run that far. I plan on walking most of it. Maybe do a jogging sprint at each mile marker, through the castle and of course the finish line.

The distance doesn't phase me....it's the time. A 16 minute mile. Can I do it? Let's hope so.

I've got to up my attitude and training though. Since school started, I haven't done much of anything walking/jogging wise. My prep times have changed as well as being in a new school and they just aren't as condusive to walking/jogging. So I've got to try to fit in time at home. Yeah, right! LOL

Starting November 1st, I'm going to amp up my training. I've got to get more miles and less time going. I'll post my training plan once I get it finalized this week. I'm gonna need some help keeping in check on this!

I am really excited about it though...even through the nerves. I'm going with my friend Meredith . We're going to have a blast!!!

And when I cross that finish line in February....I'm gonna have me one of these!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The end of an Affair

Labels: fitness, running at 11:53 AM

I started an affair about two months ago. An affair with running. And I think that affair is drawing to a close.

Now, don't get me wrong. I still like running. I still plan on running. But I'm going to do it on my terms. On my time. At my own speed. To my own music.

You see, I've been using some downloaded podcasts from This Spot. I was following the Couch to 5K running program. Things were going great. Then I got injured and took two weeks off of running and even on week off walking. I started back in. Things were going great. But I got bored. I'd be listening to the podcasts and when they said run, I wanted to walk. When they said to stop running, I wanted to keep going. It was getting frustrating. Because of the way the music was set up, you just couldn't do your own thing - the cadences were wrong. You had to follow. Ergh.

So I stopped running. It's been a week now and I've just been walking. I added some weights to my walking routine. Just little 3 pounders, but enough to give some resistance. But I'm still feeling the urge to run.

So I've decided to drop the podcasts. To drop the C25K program. To do my own thing. Run when I want to. Walk when I want to. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Running in Heels....Aiming for a Tiara

Labels: fitness, running at 2:58 PM

So I mentioned that I've been walking during the day and was feeling the urge to run. I've been reading some running blogs and some fitness blogs and some foodie blogs (my faves!) along wtih teh usual craft and family ones I read. I saw some posts about the Disney Princess Half Marathon with pictures and I was totally entranced! It was as if my fairy godmother sprinkled some magic dust and my eyes were filled with the awesome-ness of running or even walking in this race!

So now I'm inspired. I've been taking about 2.5 mile walks during my lunch breaks and averaging somewhere between a 13 and 14 minute mile. To walk/run the half marathon you need to be able to keep to a 16 minute mile pace. At the rate I'm going, that shouldn't be too hard. But 13 miles is a long way!

So I'm going to start training. I have a couple friends that are up for the challenge as well, so I'm hoping we can keep each other motivated and going.....hopefully all the way to the finish line in FLORIDA next March!! After all, how can you see this and not want one with all your heart?

And so my training begins.......

I've been walking already, as I mentioned above. And starting today, I'm beginning the Couch to 5K program. Since I'm not a runner it looks like a great program to get started....slow and steady. The Disney Princess Half Marathon is a year away, so that gives me plenty of time to get there. And honestly, I'd be happy doing a walk/run of it. Just as long as I finish!

So off I go....dreaming of running in heels and earning that tiara!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fitness Frenzy

Labels: fitness, running at 8:41 AM

So I've decided to really push up my fitness/weight loss/inches loss goals and plans and push forward with them and force myself into meeting these goals. I'm not overweight or unhealthy or whatever, but I'm not liking how my clothes fit or how I feel. Plus, with the weird health symptoms I've been having the last 6+ months, I'd rather take the bull by the horns now so if something pops up, I can better deal with it.

So I joined a fitness challenge on the newsgroup I belong to. I'm part of a team and we work together on mini-challenges to earn points. Hopefully, it will give me some motivation.

I've also started walking during my lunch/prep times. Yesterday I did 3.5 miles. I was walking about a 12-14 minute mile, so my heartrate went up as well. It felt good to be out moving and in the sunshine. And I've seriously considered running. Now, understand - I hate running. I've never been a runner - I'm a dancer, not a runner. But being outside and walking hard, makes me want to run. Weird? Maybe I'll look into a 5K or something for later in the year. I've walked them before, but never actually run one. Today my goal is to walk 2 miles during lunch - if the rain holds out, that is.

I take a fitness class at the gym, called a fitness buffet. It's hard! But I feel sore and fantastic afterward. And we always do neat circut activities. Last week it was Bosu balls, the week before it was hula hoops and stability balls. It's a fun class and a great workout. I can tell a difference in my strength after just a few weeks in.

Then I try to get to the gym at least 2 other nights a week, but usually it's just one night. I walk the treadmill for about 30 minutes and then do the eliptical for 15 and then do a circut of the weight machines.

And I haven't dropped any weight. The weight honestly doesn't bother me, it the inches. I've picked up the signature "Mommy tummy" or "muffin top" and I hate it. Since Thing #4 stopped nursing last fall, I've gained weight and my tummy hangs out. My clothes don't fit right. I know I need to look at what I'm eating and that will help, but I love food! *laugh*

I started keeping track of my fitness calorie burnage and my calorie intake this week on LiveStrong.com. It's helping me see what I'm taking in too much of and what I need to increase. I'm also making a concentrated effort to not eat after 8 pm and to take in more fiber and drink more water.

My husband asked me why I was doing all this. He said I look great and shouldn't worry about it. I'm getting older, blah blah blah. But I told him that I don't feel good. I want my clothes to fit better. I want to sleep better. I want to have some muscle defininition again. So he's supportive of it because he understands why, but I don't think he likes all the time I'm spending on it! *laugh* I'm glad he likes me the way I am, but I don't.

Anyway...long story short....I'll hopefully be updating my fitness/weight loss/inches loss profiles here. I'm going to try to keep up with what I'm eating and any weight or inches loss. If you're on the same track...I'd love to follow along and support each other!

It's A Crazy Life.....