Back on track...

So, I started week 6-finally.

Run #16- (2.5 min. run, 1 min. walk, 30 min. total). Despite not running in a week and a half I didn't find the ten minute increase to be so bad. It was pouring rain so I was very cool. I did wear old shoes that bothered my foot a little, but I didn't want to get my super fancy new ones dirty.

The run is in 19 days so I'm going to try to finish weeks 6 and 7 early so I can meet the deadline.

Finshed week 4, finally...

Day 30- Run #12 (2 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total). I'm still coughing, but I decided I had waited long enough. I ran on the treadmill at the Golden Door Spa (super fancy). The run was good, it's just hard to catch my breath at this altitude! I felt great after and went with my family for a burger and a local draught lager. We sat outside in the sun at the bottom of the slopes. Afterwards I went back to spa and sat in the hot tub. They have sliced cucumbers and cold towels for your face! I told you it was fancy.

Hopefully I'll feel well enough tomorrow to start week #5.

First setbacks...

Day 21- Long day yesterday followed by a big dinner and a night out on Bourbon. I even played Marco Polo in the pool with Erica and some neighbors. So, today was a lazy Sunday and for the first time I didn't run all three training runs by Sunday.

Day 22- Run # 9 (1.5 min. run, 2.5 min. walk, 20 min. total). Monday, our last full day in New Orleans. I ran all the way down Dauphine and around the french quarter. I'm a little disappointed in myself for not doing the run yesterday, but glad that I still ran and didn't give up.

Day 23- Run #10 (2 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total). It's Tuesday but I count this as the start of Week 4 since I'm off a day. I was starting to feel sick before the run and not looking forward to driving all the way back to Dallas, but the run made me feel a little better and I was suprised that the increase in time didn't feel like much.

Day 24-Sick.

Day 25-Sick.

Day 26-Left for Colorado. Still not feeling great, but I didn't want to get too off track, so

Run #11 (2 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total) was completed in the La Quinta in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a full day of driving. I was so proud of myself for doing it despite being sick, tired and being on the most dangerous treadmill ever. The treadmill in the workout room was slippery and the buttons stuck so it would slow down too much and speed up too much. I used the emergency shutoff thingy you clip to your shirt just in case. Got in the hot tub after with my Mom and then we went for Mexican food with my Dad in Old town.

Day 27- Arrived in Telluride, Colorado. The condo is breathtaking. I'm still not feeling great, but I can't think of a better place to be sick. I've been sitting by the fire drinking tea and looking at the mountains.

Day 28- I wanted to do run #12 today and finish week 4, but I just don't feel up to it. If I wasn't coughing and didn't have a fever I would try it anyways but I'm afraid it would make me feel worse. So this week will have to extend until I feel better.

Day 29- Sick, still. But on the upside the mountains are beautiful and I'm getting in some great reading by the fire.

Run #8 on Bourbon Street

Day 19- I stayed up too late so I layed around most of the day after taking Mom to her lecture in the morning. Mom and I went to a cocktail party for the Historic New Orleans Collection and then Christine came in around 5 with Ella. She's so cute! She's two and a half months and a very good baby. Christine and I took Ella on a walking dinner tour and she wasn't fussy at all. We started at Muriel's for drinks and appetizers. Then we went to Felix's and stood at the oyster bar for 1/2 dozen. Then we went to the Windsor Court hotel for wine and more appetizers. Our final stop was Arnaud's for dessert and coffee. We didn't have entrees at August as planned because I was so full I didn't think I could walk all the way back if I had anything else! We came back to our apartment and my Mom watched Ella while Christine and I went swimming.

Day 20-Run #8 (1.5 min. run, 2.5 min. walk, 20 min. total). I ran through the French Quarter this morning which was hot, but nice. I had a lot to look at. I ran at 8:45 am and there were people already having cocktails walking down the street. I couldn't tell if they started early or hadn't stopped ffrom last night! It was hard starting out, but I felt great when I finished! Now I'm off to the auction.

Moved the running to New Orleans!

Day 14- First official day of vacation. It was greatness. Lunch with The Suz at a fantastic Mexican place I worked at a million years ago and then a manicure and pedicure and dinner with my family.

Day 15- Packing and errands and lunch with Josh S. I was so ready to leave for N.O.

Day 16-We left at 6:30 A.M. and got here around 3:30. I drove the whole way, so once we got here I was just excited to be out of the car! Our apartment is awesome and the rooftop pool has a spectacular view of downtown and the French Quarter. We're right on Bourbon so I can walk out the door and go shopping, drinking, eating etc... We had dinner at Pascal Manale's and had BBQ shrimp, shrimp and oyster panroast and fried soft shell crab. Came back to the apartment and put my feet in the pool after.

Day 17-Woke up late , had lunch at Mandinas (which was amazing- shrimp loaf and gumbo). Previewed the auction, bought a wine table for the shop and then went to Whole Foods for groceries. My Aunt Cindy and I went shopping around 6 and we got some fabulous things. New shoes and jewelry for me and some skirts and jackets for her. I introduced her to the cheapness that is Forever 21. After we picked my Mom up and went to Dick and Jenny's for dinner. That's one of my favorite places and it was wonderful.

Day 18-So, today was run #7 (1.5 min. run, 2.5 min. walk, 20 min. total). I wanted to do this yesterday but just didn't feel like it. So, my next two runs will have to be tomorrow and Sunday. When I walked out of our apartment and on the Bourbon I was feeling reluctant, but good. It's super hot here and a very humid, but once I got to the levy there was a nice breeze. The Calliope was so loud I couldn't hear my ipod!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK7Q5rt9_zA

I was running right by all the boats and the aquarium so the scenery was nice. At first I was thinking that it was so hot I should just walk but I didn't want to give up. After the second run interval I was feeling great and starting to enjoy it. I finished and walked back through the Quarter to our apartment. Every bar I walked by had the air conditioning blasting so I got a nice shot of cold air every few steps. I got back in and talked to my Mom about the run and said I couldn't wait to get in the shower. She said, "Why don't you get in the pool?" I had completely forgotten we have a pool! Haha!

So, the run and my swim was a great start to the day. We're off to preview the auction again and do fun things!

Training Run #6

Day 13- I bought new shoes! I went to Run On where they told me my left foot is bigger than my right and I think the salesman was confused by my huge feet (size 10). He kept bringing me shoes that were too small and he looked puzzled that they were too tight. But, in the end I found a good pair of Mizunos.

http://www.mizunousa.com/equipment.nsf/1/09run2-ftww/410340?opendocument&div=running&cat=09run2-ftww

They're pretty too! So, I went for a run #6 outside in the turbo heat (1 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total). This was the first run that I actually thought about stopping. I think I need to stop using the treadmill because it's way harder to run on the pavement and I need to get used to that. I'm on vacation until the 25th and that whole time I will not have access to a treadmill which is probably a good thing. My list of pros and cons about treadmills vs. pavement will be posted later. I finished my run and felt awesome. I was really sweaty and didn't realize how hot I was until I stopped. I need to really work on drinking water and staying hydrated especially when I'm running outside.

Man my shins hurt...

Day 11- Run #4 (1 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total) It went well. Every time I started walking my shins were really hurting, but it stopped when I ran. I think I need new shoes. Did a 30 min session with David and then hit the hot tub. I've been running on the treadmill because I can go get in the pool right afterwards at the gym.

Day 12- Run #5 (1 min. run, 2 min. walk, 20 min. total) I cancelled my session with David but I still went for a run before work. I was feeling really good and I'm getting excited for my vacation. I may run four times this week if I can get some new shoes and keep the shin splints at bay. On a strange note...Dr. Phil was showing clips from a movie called The Bridge which is a documentary that filmed the Golden Gate bridge 24/7 for a year. Apparently lots and lots of people jump off that thing. After I was done running I walked for a minute to see some of the film clips. One clip was of a photographer saving a girl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5_VYiuK45M

Scroll to about 2min 50 sec.

I would never watch this movie, but that one clip was worth watching.

I sat in the hot tub again trying to heal my shins. Hopefully it'll help.

Third training run and a bunch of laziness...

Day 6- 3rd training run (30 sec. walk,1.5 min run, 20 minutes alternating). The run went well. I was on the treadmill again and the gym was deserted. I worked in the morning and had a few hours off so I got in the pool and hot tub after my run. I like being able to swim after running but I also like running outside. I think I'll try to do more of my runs outside when possible.

Day 7- Sunday day of rest. That's 2 days of rest this week which is more than I need. The training plan says 2 is ok, but I think I need to go everyday to at least walk or lift weights so it becomes a routine.

Day 8- I was lazy today and didn't go to the gym. I didn't work 'til 4, but I spent the time until then being a bum. I did catch up on Desperate Housewives reruns and think about going to the gym, but in the end I cancelled my appointment with David anyways because I didn't want to work out at 3 and try to get ready quickly at the gym and run to work. I planned on rescheduling earlier but I forgot.

Day 9- I was off all day and I scheduled my run for before my lunch plans with Sasha and I slept in really late instead. After lunch I had just enough time to get ready for a funeral and I thought "I'll run afterwards" even though I knew I would probably not be home in time for that.

Day 10- Another full day off without a run. My Mom said she would never plan to work out on a day off, but I know I need to get my routine down! So, I'll be doing run #4 tomorrow (Thursday), and runs #5 and #6 on Saturday and Sunday. I'm embarrassed that I didn't stick to the schedule, but I think as long as I do it that's what counts.

Second Training Run

Day 4- Worked out with my trainer David.

Day 5- Run #2 (30sec, 1.5 min, 20 minutes total).

So, on Day 4 I kinda wanted to run again but I thought I shouldn't push it and my left shin was kind of hurting. That night I started wishing that I had run because after the first run my mind was quiet all night and I felt so much less-stressed! I was able to go to sleep early without staying awake thinking about all the things I have to do and replaying events in my head.

On Day 5 I was excited to run, but not excited to meet with my trainer. I was feeling the previous day's workout (chest & shoulders) and not waiting to do biceps and triceps. But, after the session was over I was ready to run. I ran on the treadmill this time and the 20 minutes went by really quickly. The last three minutes were no bueno though because I finished my bottle of water too fast and was suddenly contemplating how embarrassing it would be if I puked on the treadmill. Don't worry, I didn't.

I have noticed that I'm really exhausted about midday. After working all morning and then running going back to work is rough. By the time I get off work at night I feel like it takes effort to move.

But, I'm starting to like the running and hoping it will continue to be enjoyable. The run time isn't hard for me, actually it breezes by and I spend so much time looking at my watch to see when I should alternate that before I know it I'm finished!

Today is Day 6 and I'm headed to the gym for run #3 and a some serious time in the hot tub.

Links for running...

Here's the training plan...

http://www.half-marathon-running.com/support-files/free-5k-training-plan-for-beginners.pdf

And the race...

http://www.vineyardrun.com/

And I'm running...

Lately I've talked to quite a few women who run and I've been encouraged to start training for a 5K. I'm not huge into running, but everyone I talk to has said "My extra weight all just melted off" and I like this melting idea and I want to have that melting. One lady went on about how she couldn't gain any weight and felt like she was way too thin and I was listening to her and thinking that this would be a problem I would be okay with having.

So, the ladies I talked to said that Run On has classes to help you work up to a 5K and I went online and checked them out. While I was looking I saw the schedule of runs and decided that the Grapevine Winery run would be perfect to train for because it's 10 weeks away. I decided to do this on my own instead of paying $100 for a class. I googled how to train for a 5k and ehow.com had a ton of training plans. I picked one that seemed do-able and now I'm on day three!

Here's the rundown so far...

Day one- 30 minutes of weight lifting and cardio with my trainer David (who I've been working out with for a while).

Day two- Day off (I was off work and decided this was a good day to sleep all day). I played kickball for about 20 minutes at night.

Day three- First training run. Run for 30 seconds, walk for 1min30seconds alternating for 20 minutes.

So, how was the first run?

It was great! It was nice and breezy outside so I didn't even realize how hot I was until I was finished. I ran from my house down through the park- about 1.5 miles. I have a new fancy armband thingy for my ipod and I realized afterwards that my thoughts just drifted and I didn't really think (or worry) about anything. I didn't make a to-do list in my head or worry about what I needed to get done. It was actually very relaxing.

I went to work an hour later and now I'm freakin' exhausted!

So, tomorrow is 30 minutes with my trainer and run the next day. I'll post my training plan and the link for the race in October.

I'm hoping that by posting about all this I will have more motivation to stick out the whole ten weeks. Let the melting begin!

A whole day to do stuff, and things.

Now that the semester is over and I still haven't told my work that I can come in on Mondays (I may never tell them that) I have 3 whole days off! So, I've been busy.
1. Quit smoking- on day 4 and holdin' strong.
2. Finished my resume.
3. Created a cover letter.
4. Sent resume, cover letter and stuff to a possible practicum site.
5. Taught Abbey how to play fetch.
6. Sort of organized my papers.
7. Thought about sending Shana her package. But didn't, yet.
8. Walked at least 5 miles every day (Abbey is beat- we do a mile or so at a time because her legs are so short.

So, you get the drift... There are alot more things but the list has already gotten boring.
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm ok since my recent relationship ended last week. I can't even use the b word because it seems creepy right now. So, I'll say recent relationship instead.
Surprisingly I'm relieved. I think he was sprinting while I was walking and occasionally sitting.
So, the answer is yes, I'm good.
I'm not drinking or eating processed foods- it's supposed to make quitting easier, and I'm following a sort-of detox diet that's pretty laid back and easy to follow. I think this time I'll really quit, it's just hard sometimes.

So, day four a success so far- I'll let you know how Saturday goes when I drink a glass of wine and become a pillar of willpower by not smoking.

No time.

So, as I do my taxes today in my pjs while watching tv, checking facebook, talking on the phone and eating lunch I realized that I haven't blogged since I started. It's funny that I can multi task so well, yet still never really get anything done. So, this is a promise to update soon. Just not now because I need to get ready for work.

Let me start with some uber old pictures...

I got an email from an Air Force buddy today that was full of super old pictures of Iraq and travels in Europe. The one on the left is our "family photo" from Balad. We took that picture like 3 days before we left to go back home. I'm in the center, on the second row, to the right of the sign. Look for the super white person. Why am I so notoriously pale? Even in this picture I'm almost see-through! I guess it should be a goal of mine to be more tan in the new year so that I will show up in pictures and not be constantly reminded that I look like I live in cave.
Anyways, the second picture is from Baghdad. We were about to move to Balad, and during one of the many convoys our brave maintenance guys did they got in a wreck while trying not to get killed. They towed the truck back to the site and put this amusing sign in front of it.
It was crazy to see these. I have so many pictures from those times, but I never look at them anymore. I'll put the rest of them on facebook.
So, I started this blog to have a place to put all my ramblings. Hope you enjoy reading it!