Tag: slacker

5k to Start March

Sunday was one of those overcast, slightly rainy but still really wet days. The ones that just make you want to curl up inside with a nice warm blanket and a good book. We rarely get that in California, so I decided to take advantage of it. Plus with my less than graceful self, I figured I would still manage to find a way to fall even if it wasn’t pouring.

Yesterday was actually a pretty good day, no Monday blues in sight. I packed my stuff so that I could run right after work. My first run in 7 days and a chance to test my new shoes. A heavy marine layer had rolled in by the end of work, so I decided to turn the planned 4 miles into 3. It was darker than I had hoped for, but even 3 is better than last week!

The shoes were ok. They definitely have more cushion than I am used to. So much in fact, that I had troubles with the gas pedal on the way home. 🙂 The right shoe still feels abnormally loose but I am hoping I can adjust. Overall my legs felt good, maybe a little too good because my pace was faster than it should have been. The only thing that really annoyed me during my was that my belt kept sliding down. I had to yank it back up every half mile.

I finished a little over a 5k and then forced myself to walk around the block again as a cool down before stretching out. I am trying to be smarter now. Anyone want to place bets on how long that lasts? Tonight, I packed my stuff for the gym but did not want to run, I wanted to give my legs a break since yesterday was less than easy. I told myself I would do a few miles on the stationary bike. But I was totally looking for an excuse not to go, and it came! I ended up staying another hour at work with IT. Thanks pesky computers!

After driving home, I did complete a stretching program and some push ups. I attempted a plank or 2 but that was just an epic fail. 🙂 I am planning on a few more miles tomorrow but haven’t decided when or where yet. So this brings my total for the Around the World Running Blog Relay to a spectacular 5k. Woo hoo!!!!

I had a minor panic attack today when I checked my Facebook feed. There was a post reminding me that I only have 18 days until Wine Country Half. Yikes!!!! I’m not ready!!!! I need to get my training back on track, not only for this but for the SLO Marathon weekend too. Where did the time go? There is a 5K race that I was going to run on Saturday but I am on the fence. It’s kind of pricey for a local 5k and I need to do a long, slow run. I have to decide by tomorrow because that is the last day to register. Decisions, decisions.

While today may have been National Pancake day, I did not have pancakes today. 😦 However, I did have breakfast for dinner- scrambled eggs and cinnamon rolls. So yummy.

I still have a discount code for the SLO Marathon,anyone want to come join me?

Who ate pancakes today?

How did everyone’s week start?

February Recap

February ended with a whimper. I did not get in a run on Thursday like I hoped. I decided that another rest day was smarter than just trying to add to my monthly mile total. Plus by some freak chance of nature, the mileage came out perfectly even and I decided that was pretty cool-

The numbers geek in me is smiling :) — The numbers geek in me is smiling 🙂

Mileage- 70 Miles
Races- Super Fun Run 5k and Heart & Soles 10K both of which ended up being way harder than planned.

Friday I was prepared for a 12 hour work day but it only ended up being 10ish. No complaints here. 🙂 Everything got done (hopefully) and we were home free. Our area has been pummeled by rain the last few days. While I’m not complaining because we desperately need it, driving in it is not so much fun, even less so at night. Turn on your headlights people!!!

Today’s weather was more of the same but that didn’t stop me from heading to SLO for a little shopping, good food, and a trip to the Running Warehouse. Lunch was the usual yumminess, and I was able to show restraint when shopping. For the most part, I did buy two new pairs of running shorts. 🙂 You can never have too many right? Plus it occurred to me that I didn’t own a pair of black shorts, how did I let that happen? Problem resolved.

The Warehouse was packed. I had hoped that the rain would keep the crowds down, but I should have know better. We runners are crazy, right? I knew I was going to take awhile, so I was ok waiting. I had come prepared and I had both my Inspire’s and my Wave Rider’s with me. I explained everything to the guy who helped me. I am pretty sure he has helped me before and he seems super knowledgeable and friendly. I then ran on the treadmill in both of my current shoes. I still over-pronate but only on the right foot. The shoes didn’t make a giant difference either. Apparently I do things backwards, my right foot is smaller than my left and also has a higher arch. But it is my left that hurts. Truthfully, it feels like my shin splints used to, so I know ramping up my mileage and pace were factors. I am also come to realize that my left glute is weaker than it should be. Which is kind of hilarious actually, not only am I a Slacker but I have a lazy ass to prove it. 🙂

After the treadmill test it was time to try on shoes. All the shoes!! Haha, just 4 pairs. I tried on the following- Mizuno Wave Inspire 10, Asics Something or other, Brooks Transcend and Brooks Adrenaline 14. I guess that tells you how the Asics worked out. 🙂 The toe box pinched in a way I did not think I would get used to. Whereas the toe box in the Transcend felt huge, plus the price tag was a little steep. The Inspire’s felt ok but not great. The Adrenaline’s felt loose but more cushioned. Each time I tried on a pair of shoes, I ran up and down the concrete walkway outside the building. I am sure the people in the cycle store thought I was looney. I have seen people doing it before but never have. I felt like a weirdo but it was better than the treadmill.

I mentioned that the right Adrenaline felt very loose. He tied my shoe in a way I had never seen that made it super snug. They called it shoe-doo (shoe +voodoo). I was torn, I wanted to stick with Mizuno out of principle and I had a knee jerk reaction to the Adrenaline’s. Probably because the very first pair of running shoes I ever owned were Brooks Adrenaline. In the end, I went with the cushioning and chose the Brooks. As long as they work out, my shoe rotation will now be the Adrenaline’s and the Wave Rider’s. So long to the pink Inspire’s that have not been so friendly.

My mother was with me and I took so long that the new Brooks Cascadia caught her eye. She’s had the previous two versions. She tried them on and loved them, so she left with shoes too. I then treated her to dinner at Woodstock’s. Today was my cheat day, so yum!

I didn’t make it home in time to run today. It was already dark and my gym closes early on Saturdays. I am anxious to finally get back out there tomorrow. Both because I am getting twitchy and to try out the shoes. I am hoping for a break in the rain because I would like to test them outside and not have them turn into a giant mud ball. I need to get back into training!

Who raced today?

Anyone else ever feel like they are cheating on their shoes?

Slight Stumbling Block

Happy Hump Day!!!! Although by the time this is posted, it may be Thursday. 🙂 Which is better right?

Monday I was set to run after work. My ankle was a bit sore Sunday evening and Monday, so I figured I would head to the gym for the softer but boring treadmill. I changed before leaving work which involved taking off my derby socks and then went to tidy up a few things. That little amount of walking around the building made me rethink things. I was more than sore, I was straight up hurting. I had an argument with myself about what to do. I was smart, urgh, and did not run. I did not run yesterday nor today. 😦 Instead I have spent time like this-

What you can’t see is the laptop open to a blank page that should be a paper and a Netflix marathon on the tv. Does that kind of marathon count? I have spent plenty of time stretching and foam rolling too.

Tomorrow is up in the air. I am optimistically taking my running clothes with me but I am not expecting much right now. The smart little voice in my head says I should just take the 5 week days off. The cranky runner in me is growling at that. Grrrh. I have a half marathon in 25 days and have not done a long run since February 9. I was hoping to get to a 12 mile training run this time around but at this point I will be thrilled with a crawling 10 8 next weekend. I am supposed to racing a 5K on the 8th too, but I am not sure about that now.

Friday will probably end up to be a very long work day, like 12 hours or more, so I have absolutely no guilt about not running that day. Yesterday was a later meeting so it was easier not being able to run since I was busy. This weekend will hopefully have some decent runs (please!) but I also have a date with the Running Warehouse. My Inspire‘s have not seemed friendly lately and they only have 250 miles on them. I think it is time to be refitted for shoes. Especially when I consider that I have only been fitted once and it was before I even ran, I was 40 pounds heavier and had never been on a treadmill before. I am interested to see if things have changed since then. Also hoping that it may help my ankle issues.

Not using that word but yeah... Thanks Pinterest — Not using that word but yeah…
Thanks Pinterest

I am anxious to get back up to speed, with last’s week’s easy miles and this weeks zero, I feel like I am falling behind. I had such hopes for Wine Country and even more for the SLO Marathon. Plus I feel like I just sound like a complete cranky pants right now, sorry! I was so bored tonight, I weighed my cat, which also meant I weighed myself, ugh. She’s 15 pounds by the way, she doesn’t look that big, but maybe she needs a treadmill too.

As I type this, I can hear it pouring outside, yay- rain!!!!! Driving home not so much fun but the rain is awesome. Keep it coming!

Who’s racing this weekend?

How has everyone’s week been going?

Running with a Jiggle

Want to know a good way to find what areas you need to tone? Fall at work, get bruised and then go for a run. A similar thing happened a few years ago after I was attacked by a dog while out ~~running~~ walking. I was left with a giant bruise and puncture marks on my backside. First time I tried to walk/ run, I could no longer deny that my butt jiggled. Seriously it hurt. Damaged my ego a bit too. 🙂

Friday was a little crazy at work and I had a late lunch. I was sitting in the back at the table eating when the phone rang. Getting up to answer is where the trouble started. I had one foot propped on the chair across from me and one wrapped under mine. Somehow I tangled my chair in the chair next to me when getting up, slammed the second chair into the inside of my left leg and face slammed into the door. I say slammed because my co-workers informed me you can only call it a face plant if you hit the ground. Good to know.

I worked Saturday morning so I didn’t head out for a run until that afternoon. Saturday’s work has a shiny new building and I was so excited that I got to stand and work the whole shift. I didn’t sit down once. I had a little bruise on my leg but it didn’t bother me at all while working. I headed out for an easy run later that afternoon and was greeted by pain. So apparently I need to work on toning my legs more. 🙂 So much for running doing that for me! I had planned on my usual 4.2-4.5 route but I ran into my mom and Zoey along the way. I walked with them for a bit. While it helped me slow down and take it easy, it added some distance and then I ran a little more to round it up. Finished the run at 6 miles.

Today was the only day I have for awhile to sleep in, so I totally took advantage of that. It was so nice. I also managed to make myself get back on the bike. Soooo boring. I forced myself to do 4 miles but wasn’t paying attention, so ended up at 4.5. Or so I think. Miles on the bike always seem to go so quickly; boring but quick. I think my bike needs to be serviced but who has time for that?

After, I got the puppy and went for a puppy jog. She did so good today!!! Only barked at 2 cars and laid down twice. She may never be a solid runner but she’s great for fartlek training! Super speedy sprints followed by walking breaks. 🙂 She made it a full 5k today! She played nice with a little girl and was overly excited when a small terrier wanted to play with her. She only had one odd moment when we passed a particular house. Now this house is on my usual running route and while interesting looking with an even odder looking trailer in the front yard, I have never been concerned by it. Today however, Zoey was spooked. She actually growled at the house and barked a few times. She was completely fine as soon as it was out of sight. Great, thanks Zoey, now I am going to be spooked the next time I run by it.

I should actually be working on a paper right now but nah. Following that I should be getting some sleep, I have a crazy week ahead. So crazy, I am a little unsure of how I will get my runs in. I’m trying to look on the bright side and just say that the lower mileage week will help my ankle soreness. My first 1/2 of the year is exactly 4 weeks from today. Yikes!!! When did that happen?

How was everyone’s weekend?

Anyone run by any spooky places?

A Twitchy Slacker

The Slacker in me is a little confused right now. I decided to take it easy this week after the my painful race on Saturday. Was that really just a few days ago? Sunday was a puppy walk and Monday was an easy run. What I didn’t mention before is that after that somewhat stiff 4.5 mile run, I went for another puppy walk. Total miles for the day 7.5. Not exactly low key.

Tuesday I did take a rest day, which I won’t lie was pretty nice. By Wednesday I was itching to run. The weather outside looked marvelous and I couldn’t wait for work to be done for the day. I figured I could do an easy 3.5 miles in the 40ish minutes of daylight remaining. This time I was prepared with my belt and my Garmin. Just after starting my run I remembered what I had forgotten. Wednesday was a high wind advisory day. Holy crap, it turned a mild 58 into about 38. My ears were so cold!!!!

I felt like I was crawling. I was a little stiff and not loving that the route from work is pretty much all downhill and then uphill back. I didn’t make it to the the 1.75 mark before turning around because I realized that would put me halfway down the blind curve-hill so I turned around just before. Other than the wind, the weather was great and the views were awesome. I stopped a few times to take pictures. I stopped my Garmin around the 5k mark and walked the rest of the way back to my car. Checked my Garmin while stretching- 29:14. Big oops.

Like I said, a little confused. I felt slower than that. I made sure to stretch and foam roll really well last night. At least as well as I could. There’s something about the foam roller that makes me feel completely uncoordinated. 🙂 My leg feels mostly ok today. It doesn’t help that I have had a few meetings this week, so that has meant skirts and heels. And I haven’t taken my comfy boots to the repair shop yet. Even with a tall heel they felt like slippers.

Today was a rest day and tomorrow will be too. I admit to feeling lazy and its making me antsy. I know I need to rest a bit and it is annoying. Luckily or not, next week will be really busy at work as well, so I am thinking maybe another step back week. 😦 My training should still be on track even with that. My 2014 mileage goal is on track as well. I was over what I needed in January and I should be above in February as well. Now I just have to convince myself it’s not a bad thing to cut back next week.

Thanks for listening to my rambling twitchiness. I should be working on a paper but I am channeling my inner Slacker and marathoning Netflix instead. I’m on episode 4, I may have created a problem. 🙂

How have your week’s been?

Can you believe there are only 8 days left in February?!