Back on a training plan

I'm offiicially in training for the Chicago Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on August 1. That means 4 runs during the week, 1 long Saturday run, and 2 days off (before and after the long run, so on Friday and Sunday). I was doing this before my kidney stone surgery in preparation for some spring 1/2 marathons, and it was working well for me. In fact, I was probably in the best running shape I'd been in...at least for the past couple of years. It's about time I get back to a more structured running plan.

Bill and I went on a 5 mile run today. I chose the route--poorly. It was 90 degrees, and I decided we should run into Waterloo through an area of the bike trail that offered zero shade. Good idea, Elaine. Actually, it probably wouldn't be that bad, but I don't think we're quite acclimated to the heat yet. You could tell by the times. None of the miles were less than 10 minutes, but that's okay. That's where my training times are supposed to be on easy days anyway.

I was sore today as well because I taught aerobics last night in addition to running. I don't teach too many fitness classes anymore, and when I do, the lunges and squats kill me since I'm not used to them.

Tomorrow is a tempo run. So a warm-up mile, a cool-down mile, and 3 quicker miles in the middle. I am thinking about 9 minute miles for the quick miles, although my training plan suggests they should be slower--closer to 9:20, I think.

I asked my mother-in-law, Denell, if she wanted to walk the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon in Cedar Falls on Sept. 11. I am thinking I will run it. If not, I will walk it with her. I haven't decided yet. They also have a 5k and 10k. This is the 1st year they've had a 10k. Bill will be in Denver by then, so he won't be with us (unless he should happen to head home that weekend, of course.)

My friend Leslie is back in town. She is currently attending University of Alabama at Birmingham. Last night, she came over and I blew all of my Weight Watchers points on pizza and wine. Great to see her though. Never seen Murphy and Gus-Gus so excited. Side note: Gus-Gus was a holy terror at the vet today. This serves as a public apology to Dr. Den Herder.

Some family pictures!

Kickin it for Cambodia

Looks like I am running a 5k tomorrow out at George Wyth State Park--Kickin' it for Cambodia. Hopefully this will be more fruitful than my attempt to run Lincoln to Lincoln last week. The weather should be nice. It is supposed to be windy, but hopefully that won't start until afternoon. We are supposed to have a warm weekend. Close to 90 on Sunday--but windy and humid. Bill won't do the race with me tomorrow. He's got ju jitsu.

On a side note, I think running races might be counter productive to my weight loss efforts. Let me predict what will happen tomorrow: I will run 3.1 miles, burning about 310 calories. Then I will eat at least 600 calories (at the very least) worth of post race refreshments.

The little dogs (Gus and Murphy) are at daycare today. Karl is home--he is too old, big, and lazy for daycare. I've worked on my online course that I am teaching, Psych of Aging, this morning, and I've done some "chores" around here. Might take a nap this afternoon! I am trying to only go into my office a couple of days a week right now. In a few weeks, summer orientation will start, and that will have me on campus most days, so I am enjoying the flexibility I have for the rest of May. It seems like I have a long list of work tasks to tackle, but some days I have lots of motivation while others days I have virtually no motivation. Thus is life, I guess.

After Psych of Aging is over, I will start teaching an online courses called Families, Alzheimer's, & Related Dementias. I am still in the process of prepping for this course. It's a new course--the only one of its kind in Iowa of which I am aware. I am excited about this class. Students will have to watch parts of an HBO documentary series called the Alzheimer's Project--which is incredibly interesting and well-done.

Oh, and after almost a month on Weight Watchers, I think I've lost about 1-2 pounds. I am eating healthier though, so I'm proud of that. If I could lose 10 pounds, I'd be thrilled, but if not, that's okay, too.

Saturday's Non-Existent Race

The race I tried to run on Saturday was canceled due to flooding. I didn't realize this until I arrived at the race...and was the only one there. It was actually pretty funny. Poor Bill got up at 6 a.m. to drive me--I felt bad! I went home and ran 9 miles by myself. Actually, it was a pretty good run. The race is rescheduled for the end of August. There is a 5k at George Wyth this Saturday that I might run.


Congratulations to Bill for getting his blue belt in BJJ this weekend. Big accomplishment and he's worked really hard.

Race today

I am off to run an 8 mile race from Lincoln School in Cedar Falls to Lincoln School in Waterloo. It is to raise money for their PE programs. I haven't run a full 8 miles since I got out of the hospital. I have done 7 quite a few times, so it should be fine. I am thinking I am meant to do this race because I woke up before my alarm went off this morning and I think the weather is perfect. And it's only $20. It would have been $15 had I registered earlier, but it's rained constantly lately and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be running in the rain before I committed.

Bill is testing for his BJJ blue belt today, so he won't be with me, but he is getting up super early to do transport for me. He has to take me to plant my car at the finish line and then drive me to the start line. Then he'll take my purse back to the finish line because I will have needed it to pay at the start line. If that makes any sense....but I appreciate his help.

 

One lousy and lonely pound

Guess what? A little over two weeks on Weight Watchers and one pound lost. Yes, one lousy and lonely pound. It's okay though. I am going to stick with it. I'm not even really discouraged. I think I've been eating healthier, and I've been feeling pretty decent energy-wise. I am learning how to stick to the "points" system.

I actually like the program. There is plenty of good stuff I can and do eat, and it does stop me from some of my bad habits--particularly some of the binge eating crap. It also keeps me eating a lot of fiber because fiber makes food worth fewer points. I've been eating a lot of popcorn, Nutri-grain waffles, garden burgers, and grilled veggie salads from Panchero's.

I ran six days out of the week last week. I did end up taking today off just because I got lazy--so today is my day off for this week. I usually do 4-6 miles a day. I haven't been running hard, just nice and easy. The weather has been nice, for the most part, so it's been enjoyable. Murphy has been out with me a few times. He's such a focused little runner. I love watching his stride while I run. He just gallops along effortlessly. If only I were that smooth.

This is finals week--and next week I start teaching summer classes already! That's good though. I need a little bit of structure or I start feeling blah. I got to work in the yard this weekend. I bought my hanging baskets. I planted flowers in my flower boxes. Bill sprayed the front yard for weeds--because the weeds have been taking over. It feels good to have created my "summer yard."