Day 67 - Girls on the Run 5K

Today was the Girl's on the Run 5K race! My mom came with me and we met up with some of my students and other teachers. There were so many things to do and so many people! The girls looked all around and couldn't believe all this was for them.

this program is phenomenal!

I ran with one of my students. I was told she runs the whole time, so I was looking forward to push myself. However, unfortunately, that was not the case. After about 3/4 of a mile, she was walking. I kept trying to push her and run at her walking pace, but she was slightly resistant. I felt pretty good, so I feel like I could run the whole 5K faster than I did during my training a few weeks ago. Today's time was 45 minutes.

sweaty, sticky mess!

After mile 1, there was a water station, but they ran out of water! Some of the other parents and students were not very happy, but at mile 2, there was plenty of water and everything worked out fine. We had a great time running and celebrating and our parents were so excited and happy to have their kids a part of the program and to see how great of a program it truly was!

After getting this race (which was casual with no timers) out of the way, I think I will have better idea of how it will work for the first race I signed up for on June 28th. I kind of got the first race jitters of the way and can feel like I know what I am doing.

It was such a great day and now it is time to celebrate my mom's birthday!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 63 - running buddies

this should say sisterhood...

Today, I wasn't supposed to run, but when I picked up my baby sister from school (I know, I know...she's 17 and not a baby anymore! :O ), she asked if I had run today and if I wanted to run with her. Of course, I can't turn down the opportunity for a running buddy since no one every wants to run with me!! I told her that my next training run was for 1.5 miles and we could do that if it was ok with her. She was down, so she went up, finished her homework and we were off!


This was only her second time running, so as we were going I got to tell her my tips and tricks and fill that big sister role. We took my normal route in the sun, heat, and humidity. After our first mile ran it in 11:10...WHAT?! A whole minute faster than yesterday?! Definitely my fastest 1.5 miler to date...how did this even happen?!

We ended the run with a 11:20 pace. That is crazy awesome! Why all the sudden improvements?! Yesterday I think it was the rest break. Today, I didn't count my warm up and cool down in our run (duh, I know I should have been doing that all along...), but I did that yesterday too. When I use the C25K app it would tell me run pace too, and that was definitely still around 13:00. Today, I think having my sister with me really helped distract me from the normal heat complaints and aches and pains that usually are constantly running through my mind. I definitely need to figure out a better way to distract myself while I run. Maybe taking my dog? That makes me nervous though...

I feel so good about the improvements I'm making, the strength I feel and see in my legs and body and how far I've come in such a short time! Now if only the pounds would drop off too...I just gotta keep on plugging!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 62 - new PR!

Today was exhausting! I only got like 3 hours of sleep, was busy all day at work (I had lunch duty...ugh). I was also super crabby...I think I needed this run after taking the day off (I really should plan my rest days on a weekend so my cranky-ness doesn't effect my work!).

may not have been a 60 minute run, but the sentiment is the same

I also was supposed to have a chiropractor appointment today (down to once every 2 weeks now!), but I decided to reschedule. I had to go to a dinner with my sister for her high school at 7 and knew I wouldn't have time for the doctor and my run. I really felt like I needed the run, and not just a quick a mile just to say I ran.

It was super humid today, and according to my schedule, I was to run 2.25 miles. I decided to do just over a mile loop so I could head back to my house and get some water about halfway through. I was feeling kind of dehydrated and didn't have enough time to really hydrate as much as I like. I was also starving so I had a protein bar about a half hour before I left.

Well, that loop and water was a brilliant idea. About 1 mile in I was starting to cramp and my mouth was so dry it was like swallowing sandpaper. I took like a minute break, grabbed some water and stretched. I paused my run then, because I really wanted to see what my running pace was.

Well, with that break I was able to run 12:18 average pace! That is insane for me! I know on Saturday my app didn't work right, but I know the loop I ran is a little over a mile after doing it so many times, and it was tracking accurately! Goes to show you how important stretching and hydration is!

I ran that whole 2.25 miles and that water really helped!

I'm off tomorrow, so I will probably go on the elliptical or the stationary bike to cross train.

Until next time-
Liz

Day 61 - strength training

Yesterday, my sisters' and my schedules finally aligned and I was able to strength train! We went shopping for my mom's birthday and then waited for my youngest sister to get off work and we did some circuits!

We ran up and down my dad's driveway, then we did jumping squats, a 30 second plank, side lunges (with a ten pound weight), tricep curls with a ten pound weight, and leg lifts.

I only did three circuits and my sisters' did 4. I'm ok with that though, I am in way less in shape than they are.  I was nervous that I didn't push myself hard enough though.

I woke up this morning with some soreness in my abs (yay! soreness always makes me feel like I did something right) and my triceps.

I did not make it out today, so my rest day will just have to be today instead of Wednesday. I spent so much time at my dad's. I ate so much food for memorial day, but showed more restraint than normal and only went over my calories by 100. I know I shouldn't go over at all, but I'm pleased that I showed enough discipline to not go too crazy.

Well, it's late and I have to work tomorrow!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 60 - GPS issues

First of all, I cannot believe I've made it 60 DAYS of running! Does this mean I've really made this a part of my life? I think I could just stop all together, but I also think I would notice how much my attitude would change (negatively, of course) and need to get back to it.

Today was a gorgeous day! It was 70 degrees and sunny without a cloud in the sky, which made for a somewhat warm run, but breezy and gorgeous nonetheless! I used my Fitbit app to track my run (I just bought a Fitbit last week! The cheapest one, but I love it!) and it miscalculated, but based on my previous runs, I knew that it was running about a half mile further than it should be. I got home and mapped it and I was correct!! YAY! I didn't want to skimp on my training, so I'm glad I got it right.

My shoe lacing is still working out great! My right foot still gets slightly numb, but at least it's not uncomfortably numb, so I can keep on trucking well.

I'm nervous about next week - the 5K with my students. Hopefully, all the pressure will just allow me to persevere through it despite the pain. A few of my coworkers will be running with me, so it should be a good time!

I finally got the courage to take a post run selfie! I hate pictures of myself right now...

Day 58 - End of the school year blues

definitely feel this today!

This week has been rough. There are 9 more days of school left and the students are definitely testing me! I could tell I needed a run today. I was very frustrated and all my patience was spent. I never ever thought I'd be one of those people who looked forward to my workout...not necessarily throughout the run but for how I feel afterward!

According to my training today was a 1.5 mile run, so it was an easy run day. My hips were really sore for the past two days from running and the elliptical. Just gotta keep building up that strength I guess.

I re-laced my shoes today before I ran too. I didn't cross any laces across the top of my foot (closest to my toes) and tied my shoes to prevent heel slip (see the video for the heel slip here). The hell prevention step seemed to really help stabilize my foot and having no laces across my toes really helped with the numbness, however there was still a teeny bit of numbness.

I have one of those virtual sticky notes on the desktop of my computer with my running schedule for the week on it. I try to plan my run days in advance (usually on Sundays) so that I can't back out and so that I don't miss a run ( I run no less than 3 times a week). I had my computer hooked up to my Smart Board at work for a meeting and my coworkers saw my schedule and thought it was very smart. They are starting to run too, so I hope they take that tip!

I am hoping to get something done tomorrow, but I have to go to my sister's high school orchestra concert so I'm not sure how much training I'll actually get in. Maybe my sister will FINALLY train with me??

Until next time-
Liz

Day 56 - numb toes

I went for my 2 mile jog per my new training program and again my toes went numb! I posted in my Facebook group and asked for advice.

The main advice was to get fitted for shoes (check) and then check out lacing patterns on Runner's World and try some out and see what works. So I found a few options on Pinterest.


I'm going to try the wide forefoot first, since it is my toes that go numb, but I also have super high arches, so if that doesn't work I will try high instep.

I checked the wear pattern on my shoes today while I was examining any stretching to determine my lacing, and I am wearing out the outside of the shoe, so I do think I am an under pronator and may need a stability shoe next time. However, the Brooks are working well for me now! Underpronators CAN use a neutral shoe, so that should work for now.

Tomorrow is a 100% rest day, so I will update everyone on Thursday!

Until next time-
Liz

P.S. Check out my pinterest for more lacing patterns!

Day 55 - trying out Hal Higdon

I have decided to try Hal Higdon's Novice 5K training plan. The beginning runner training group I am a part of is constantly recommending it. The Nike 5K plan was too difficult (maybe for the next round I can try it) and this plan seemed 100% at my level.

My new training plan! source

I started on week three because that is the level that I feel I am ready for and because I have 6 weeks left until my first timed 5K. Thus, today was rest/walk day. I was feeling up for something more active, so I decided to go to the gym and use the elliptical.

I have not used the elliptical since February before I started running. I was excited to see how my new running strength effected my time on the elliptical. I took it easy (it is only supposed to be a walk week after all!) and yet "easy" was a whole mile per hour faster than I had ever gone before! I loved it and it felt great. I was kind of cranky and tired today, but after I went to the gym, I felt great.

However, when I got there, I looked in the mirror and just thought "wow, I look huge." I hate days like that. I'm not losing much weight still. Clothes are a teeny bit looser, but not much and I'm starting to get frustrated. I will keep on pushing and keep on working, but I have just got to watch what I eat and just keep moving.

I told my student this morning that I would be running with her in her 5K next weekend for Girl's on the Run and she was so excited!! She smiled from ear to ear and gave me a big hug. I'm looking forward to doing that with her and for her. 2 of the other teachers on my team are running too and I am looking forward to a fun time!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 54-Girls on the Run 5K

Girls on the Run of Greater Summit 5K 2015 Spring



After running a 5K last week, I have decided to sign up with one of my students to run with her at the Girls on the Run 5K! When I told her last week that I'd be running with her she was really excited! I just hope I can keep up with her...her coach said I should be fine. The race is not timed and really just to build confidence to set a goal and finish it. Although I didn't coach this program, after finding my passion for running, I'm excited to be able to be a part of it!



Yesterday I did run two miles, but it was very hilly. The part that I'm most excited about is that I am running without walking. That is a huge milestone for me! I flex my legs and can the formation of a quad muscle and calf muscle which is exciting to see! This is the type of result I have been waiting for.



I'm hoping with my new cross training regimen that I can build even more muscles!



Until next time-

Liz

Day 51 - more cramps

I had a job interview for a second job (summer job?) which I was offered on the spot, so my life just got a little busier...however, I still made time for a run today though. That's important to me-I need to prove to myself now that even if I am crazy busy, I can make time for running in my week/day.

So I came home, ate dinner very quickly, and left for a run. I set out to run 2.5 miles, but after about 1, I got the cramp on the side of my right leg again. I ended up only doing about 1.5. I guess at least I got out there. I texted my sister and asked her what the deal is! She said a build up of lactic acid or dehydration. I was kind of thirsty before I left, so I guess I need more water before I leave. Lesson learned. I did feel well hydrated before I ran my 5K on Tuesday, so that must be it. I am going to have to download on of the water tracking apps I think...

So, anyways, I was a bit disappointed, but if the weather is decent tomorrow, I may try to make up for it by running my 2.5 tomorrow.

My sister comes home on Saturday and I can't wait to begin my training with her!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 49 - I ran a 5k today!

100% how I feel today

So I had a chiropractor appointment that ran late and got home late. I had to eat dinner and by the time I was finished eating, my Cavs were on (and are tied 2-2 with the Bulls in the series!) and considered scrapping my run (which I had already scrapped from yesterday due to severe thunderstorms that I didn't want to drive in).

I also decided to switch from using the couch to 5k app. I felt that it was hindering me from making progress and that I relied too much on the timer and not as much on how I felt. I also think I was using it as a crutch, "Oh only run so many minutes and then I can walk." So, I switched to the Nike + 5k program. Feeling that I have had enough progress to switch to a more "professional" app I guess.

Well for that program, I was supposed to run 2 miles, but as I was going I just felt GREAT. No pain, no huffing and puffing and fastest splits yet (since I wasn't walking and then trying to make up the walking time by running too fast) so I just went for it. I thought I could go one more mile-and I did!!! I was starting to think that I was never going to be able to get to the 5k mark-seriously NEVER. So I did it to prove it to myself and because I read an inspirational story on Facebook.

I follow some beginner's running groups and read them pretty religiously. I read a story from someone in a similar spot as me. Feeling defeated, feeling like I can't keep up with my friends, or look as good as them, etc. and I thought of the obstacle this person recently overcame, and just kept running. Cleared my head, and just kept going.

my times for my first 5k (yes I walked for a warm up/cool down but not more than that!)

So, knowing now that I can do it, I feel confident and excited. I texted everyone who knows about my journey and told them, and received an outpouring of support. I feel good physically, despite a bit of runner's knee (I'm sure its just all the weight I put on it!) and some hip pain while running (seeing the chiropractor and doing the exercises he recommends for strengthening has already brought me a long way) I felt great, and could be happier of my accomplishments.

Also, the Cavs pulling ahead in the series by winning tonight didn't hurt! :)

Until next time-
Liz

Day 47 - Running in the heat

First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there! My siblings and I are cooking my mom some dinner and got her some great presents. I can't wait for her to open them and enjoy her meal! And of course we are watching the Cavs together today! It's game 4 of the playoffs against the Bulls.

Yesterday, I was having some tummy trouble, but I took some tums and waited awhile, then went for a run. It was SO hot and I think I was a bit dehydrated, but my first mile was amazingly fast! 12:50. Towards the end of the run I was way too thirsty and just had to walk. I think I will begin taking water with me or run past my house a few times in order to get some water on these hot humid days! However, I'm still pleased with the time, just wished I could have finished strong.

yesterday's run

A couple days ago, I joined a beginner's running club with a coach at my local shoe store Fleet Feet. I am so excited to get started, but it doesn't start for a few more weeks, with the beginning meeting on June 3rd and the first run the Saturday after that. It's through No Boundaries sponsored by New Balance.

I'm trying to only run a few days a week to not push it and kind of rest up a bit since I have been so sore and stiff. As soon as my sister gets here on Friday through, we will be developing my strength training program so I can begin to build more muscles and start running faster!

Day 44 - Trying to get back on the wagon

I asked my brother to join me for a run today, however, he runs much faster than I did. I tried to keep up with him during the first 5 minute running section. My throat was on fire and I definitely broke the "hold a conversation while running" rule. I did just fine, but was just huffing and puffing like crazy! I think my legs could have carried me the distance.

Then, towards the end of my run, on the hills, my legs started cramping up again! Ugh! I don't know what else to do to try to stop it! I also think I need to build up calluses on the bottoms of my feet. They burn during my run and slide around. I guess I just need to suck it up. I think I'm expecting too much and progress too fast. I just want to improve! I definitely think I'm expecting too much too fast.


I guess I just got to suck it up and keep working slow and steady...and begin cross training-hopefully next weekend when my sister gets here!

Until next time-
Liz

Day 42 - Missing in action :/

Well, first let me apologize for my absence. I have been insanely busy! Last Tuesday I tried to go for a run before going to girl's night and seriously just could not do it. I hadn't eaten, I hadn't taken a rest day in 5 days, and have probably have been training too hard and too fast. So anyways, I ended up walking a mile and a half.

I decided that my legs needed a break, so I took Wednesday off. Then, Thursday, a co-worker had tickets to the Browns Official Draft party and asked me to come. We went right after work so we didn't have to leave downtown and come back less than an hour later, so I wasn't even home until 11pm!

Friday I was so exhausted from the draft party that I fell asleep on the couch, woke up, and went straight up to bed.

new shoes!

Saturday was my birthday! I got so many great new running clothes, a new yoga mat, and a gift certificate to my yoga studio. I also decided that all my calf cramps has to be coming from my shoes. I have built up enough muscle strength to not be hurting anymore and the only thing I haven't done is gotten fitted for a pair of shoes. I found out there is a running store way closer to my house than I thought (which is going to be dangerous here shortly...) and I had an hour between my birthday celebrations at my mom's and the celebrations at my dad's. I was the only one at the store, so I got helped right away and found out I should be wearing a 9.5 (not a 9) and that I need a neutral shoe. I tried on about 4 pairs, and ended up loving this pair of Brooks Glycerin! As soon as I got home I HAD to try them, so I went for a quick mile run. I still felt kinda tight, but I think I was a bit dehydrated and totally not ready to roll.

Sunday I drove to Columbus to see my brother who goes to THE Ohio State University and see my baby sister play in her last volleyball tournament of the year (she didn't place as high as she normally does, but she still had fun!).

my coworkers and I at the game :)

Then, yesterday, I had tickets to the Cavs playoff game and went with some coworkers! We, again, left right after work and HAD A BLAST! It was unfortunate that they lost, but it was a close game and so much fun (we even got our picture we tweeted displayed on the jumbotron!! wooo!)

today's run!

So, today, I was supposed to have plans after work, but I was so tired and things kind of fell through, so I came home after my chiropractor appointment. I ate some dinner and was feeling kind of lazy, so I decided to really try my new shoes out. I went back to an easier run on my couch to 5k app just because I had taken so many days off, so I was only running 5 minutes at a time, but my legs felt AMAZING. Literally no cramps, just normal muscle burn from pushing it and was going a lot faster than normal! I felt like I could go forever (minus the rubbing on the bottom of my feet - these socks are new which makes them more slippery, so maybe I just need to wear them in, they are moisture wicking!), it was awesome. I'm not sure if it was the rest or the shoes (or a combination of the two), but I felt GREAT and am actually excited to get back out Thursday instead of dreading the pain.

I noticed when I wasn't running I was more exhausted (could it just have been the busy-ness?), definitely more crabby, and way more lazy. I know understand why I need running in my life. I feel like a completely different person.

My sister Meredith who lives in Georgia comes home on the 15th! We just came up with a plan for her to help me figure out strength training and working my core. She's also going to run with me and go to yoga with me! I am SO excited to finally have a workout buddy! I also talked to some of my co-workers to start a Saturday or Sunday running group and may join a beginner's runner's club that starts in June.

So I may have taken a week off, but I am back, and excited to get back to work!!

Gotta get ready for that race on June 28th ;)

Until next time-
Liz