Terapin's Journal: 5 yrs running! Couch to Goofy, Fracture to Fab, Baby to Dopey. Comments welcome!

[Terapin]

Weight loss has stalled a bit this week - and has been slowing down. Trying to ramp it back up so will journal my food again for a bit. Feel free to comment!

Breakfast:
Greek yogurt (about 3/4 cup?)
1/2 c blueberries
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
2 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1 tsp honey

Today I need to go for a big bike ride.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

We should make a plan to meet up and say hi! We are staying at Bay Lake.

we should definitely meet up. I'm not sure where we are staying yet, either Swan or AoA. I really want to stay at the Cars Hotel but I'm also not keen on values. Or I might get DVC points from a friend. I need to decide soon though.

I need to register soon, the 1/2 is 57% full already.

So what is Hemp heart?

 

[Terapin]

Hemp hearts is the 'meat' of the hemp seed: lots of protein and essential fatty acids. Yummy and nutty.

Food has been either great for me, or not so good. Took the eldest for a grad dinner at a local chinese buffet that actually has quite a few healthy options (has a designation from the city for it). Got mostly veggies (still has quite a bit of fat I imagine in the sauteeing) and some meat and broiled fish. A few sushi rolls. But I did have dessert - little bites of a few decadent things.

This morning I am going out for a bike ride and will do some core work. Tonight I need to go for a short run. My race is tomorrow.

Did I mention we are considering putting in a pool? Meeting with 3 of the 4th contractor we are considering this morning! Looking forward to adding swimming regularly to my cross training, hopefully.

This morning breakfast is coffee and blackberries.

Just for comparison, today:

waist 38 (1.5" lost since April)
hips 45 (2.5" lost since April)
bust 47.5 (.5" lost since April - DH adds he really doesn't mind the lack of change there - cheeky boy!)

Sitting at 218. Ready to kick this up a notch.

 

[Terapin]

Completed the 5miler/8k race. In the words of another runner, "it was stupid hot". Two collapsed runners that I saw. Was 34 degrees out and humid. THe course was hilly (golf course) and about 2/3 in the blazing sun on asphalt trails. It was hard going even 2 miles into the race and I saw many strong runner walk those hills. I walked a bunch in this race out of complete overheating. Very disappointed with my time: just over an hour. Was hoping for about 7 minutes faster. I really just knew that I had to slow down and cool down - I felt nauseous and a little dizzy when running if I pushed too hard.

At least I finished, huh? Feeling a bit discouraged tonight :-( Feeling like I should have run it better and faster. Hoping my coach won't be too disappointed in my performance.

 

[Terapin]

Yesterday I biked about 10k/45 minutes and did some core work with the bosu ball and medicine ball. Nicely sore this morning in the ab regions.

Today is a short running day.

Got all of our financing in order for our pool. Almost ready to sign. Will be swimming in our own backyard in a month. (my 5 year old requested these smilies btw while I was typing).

 

[Terapin]

Here are the photos from Thursday's race:

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Love the medal!!
You look great!

I'm glad you listened to your body and didn't push. there will be other races that you can push your time, hot and humid is not the day to do it. We've been having the same weather here, workouts have either been bad or nonexistent.

Congrats on the new measurements!

 

[irishtwins1112]

Thanks for coming to visit me on my journal! It looks like you do some great workouts. Congrats on the 5 miler. Even though you didn't finish in your desired time, it is still a great accomplishment. I would probably pass out if I tried 5 miles right now.

 

[Terapin]

One more from the race:

 

[Terapin]

Just back from a good run. Ran 7k at a 7:55 pace. Was very hot and humid. Did 10:1s. Met a new running friend and plan to go out next Sunday again.

 

[Terapin]

I made a long post last night about how I was unhappy with how things have gone recently with my Coach. Essentially, he isn't providing the support he used to (which *was* awesome) and isn't even providing the basics right now, due to his own busy life.

I'm so disappointed as he was a great motivator. I really enjoyed his support.

Now, he is being curt with me, even vaguely insulting, and not following through on stuff. And last night, when I hadn't gotten the usual message confirming our session, I emailed him. Nothing. Then texted him. Nothing. Then about 30 minutes before our usual time got a text back cancelling the session as he was still out of town. We have been training at that same time and day of the week for 5 months so it wasn't that he had forgotten. I plan my running schedule around it. Stuff happens, but it was the lack of courtesy that irks me.

So now I am thinking of going it alone, with the local Running Room Half Marathon group. I ran with them on Sunday, and it was nice. I really enjoyed having a great coach, but really not enjoying the new version as of the last few weeks.

Should I hang in and hope that things get better? My half marathon is in 16 weeks. And I wouldn't mind not spending the $200 a month if I'm not getting the value from it.

 

[Terapin]

Oh, and yesterday did an easy 4k with my new shoes (Saucony Progrid Guide 5s). Not sure what is on tap today - depends what I decide with coach as he is likely to recommend meeting today. Tomorrow I made a running date with a friend for an 8k run with some serious hill work with the 10k running group.

Will be another hot and humid day. Running is so icky in the heat. It saps my will to push myself.

 

[Terapin]

Good morning!

Had a frustrating day yesterday: found out through crunching some numbers that the bank made an error and we may not be able to move forward with our pool. Truly a 'first world problem' but disappointing. Ah well, we're fed, clothed and sheltered. The rest is gravy, and in the case of a pool, the cherry on top of the whipped cream on the gravy! Or something like that. Will know for sure this week and we can either move forward or shelve the dream for a year or so.

Down a pound which is good: 217. Makes 10 pounds in about 7 weeks. Chugging along.

TOnight is an 8k run: 2.5k each way to a hill workout, and 3 x 500meter hill and down again, 2.5k back. Hills really kill me so this is good for me but will be so bad. Heat + hills =

Still haven't heard from my coach about training. Answers come in many forms, huh?

 

[Mykelogan]

Sorry to hear about the possible pool snafu Carolynn, and even more sorry to hear about your absent coach? Have you confronted him about the changes? I think you need to do what you think is best for you, and if that means changing up your running to work with the running group and saving the $200 on a coach, go for it! You are certainly one of the most motivated people I have come across in ages, so I think you have the motivation to take what you have learned from your coach and continue applying it to your training. Whatever you choose, I of course wish you the best!!

Mike

 

[Terapin]

Sorry to hear about the possible pool snafu Carolynn, and even more sorry to hear about your absent coach? Have you confronted him about the changes? I think you need to do what you think is best for you, and if that means changing up your running to work with the running group and saving the $200 on a coach, go for it! You are certainly one of the most motivated people I have come across in ages, so I think you have the motivation to take what you have learned from your coach and continue applying it to your training. Whatever you choose, I of course wish you the best!!

Mike

Good morning!

Just waiting to hear on the pool. We should know today. Here's hoping!

My coach is a funny person, and does not deal well with conflict I have noticed. I still haven't heard from him, so the answer is becoming more and more evident. When he coaches me I really give 100% and that is good, but it is also stressful. I'm also wondering if I am more of a recreational runner. It was his time goals that I worked towards, and my last two races I felt such anxiety when running about making the times, and it wasn't all that fun. My sister finished our last race feeling great and triumphant, where I felt guilty that I hadn't made my time. So maybe I want to focus on finishing and feeling good, and get some more races under my belt before I really focus on time. Not to say that I wouldn't have a goal, but to only be accountable to myself for that goal might take away the anxiety.

I haven't signed up for the class tonight yet because I guess it feels weird to just move on. I don't really want to email my coach and let him go without knowing where he is at. I suppose though that I need to move forward and go in the direction that I need to - I DO have a bunch of races I need to train for. I guess that I want my old coach back - and am hesitant to make a move until I know that that is impossible.

Last night was 8k in almost record-breaking heat and humidity. My run was 2.5k to the hilly area, 3 x 500 meter hill (some walking back down), and 2.5k back. Plus about .5k warm up and cool down. Felt good.

Tonight is my first class with the half-marathon group (having total imposter syndrome!) and it is just a 3k.

Today's weight was fantastico: 215. Yay! Wasn't dehydrated, so am happy with this. Means a total weight loss of 55# so far in 53 weeks.

12 more pounds until my BMI is under 30 (leaving the 'obese' category behind), 16 more pounds until I leave the 200s behind, and 25 more pounds until I get to my next goal weight! These are achievable goals!

 

[Terapin]

Good morning!

Had a good brief run yesterday. Swallowed my apprehension and joined the half-marathon group (who me????) and ran with them the first time. It was just a short race pace 3k (not 10:1s, but run straight through) and I did it at 7:08/km which is really good for me for a short run. It was super hot, sunny and humid, again (about 90 degrees).

My new run plan with the HM group is running 5 days a week. Some of those runs are pretty short comparably (like 3-5k). So now I will be running T,W,TH,S,S. I also got some core work in tomorrow and will do some today. Other than core work I am going to take a break off my legs. I have been sticking with their plan in anticipation of joining them, and tomorrow I will have 5 days in 7 running. I need to fit in some cross training there - so will try to do a bike ride tomorrow on the heels (tee hee) of my run.

Today we are heading to the beach with my kids and my sister's kids (7 altogether). We live about 700 meters from the lake waterfront, and there is a nice sandy beach. It is supposed to get super hot today and super humid (95 degrees, will supposedly feel like 105 with the humidex).

Still waiting on the bank. Once I corrected their numbers and resubmitted the application, we were again put on tenterhooks. Keeping our fingers crossed. If no pool this year, then we will save over the winter and hopefully put it into action next summer. C'est la vie!

 

[Terapin]

Today I ran 3k with my sister as per the HM week 2. Ran it at a steady pace (no walking) at 7:28/km. Tomorrow is 7k done slow and with 10:1 intervals. Not sure if I am running with the running group or solo.

Tonight I also biked 10k in 45 minutes with my 14 year old son. Was really nice to get one-on-one time with him, and to learn that he needs to learn better road etiquette and to signal while on the streets. Our trip took us through our neighbourhood and down the the lake on the waterfront trail and through a park, then back home. Nice ride, but as it was dusk the bugs were starting to come out a bit. Very picturesque though.

I did let my coach go. Sent him a nice email thanking him for all his help. I got an ok message back and hopefully it won't be awkward seeing him around as we do cross paths a fair amount.

Weight is steady.

Really getting excited for my upcoming Disney runs. I am fundraising for the Tower of Terror 10 miler (will see if I can post the link here - would love support!). I am heading down with DH and we are staying at the Grand Floridian Club Level for one night, and then off to AKL Kidani for the last night (will be hardly there as the race doesn't start until 10pm and there is a party afterwards). We are making our reservations and having a good time planning our stay. We are only going into Epcot for the one day.

Also have our flights booked for my sister and I for Marathon Weekend. Got a great deal at $210 return from Buffalo. We are staying at BLT for that one. I think I am going to surprise her with the Race Retreat for her Xmas present, and DH is buying mine for my Xmas present. Will be so nice. Still very apprehensive about the Goofy - but I keep telling myself that I can take the marathon as slow as I want - even walking most of it if I want. I should be able to get a decent corral and run intervals for a bit, and then if I slow down and end up walking the last half, that is A-Ok. It will be a zero pressure marathon - just for me to enjoy and FINISH. The Half I would like to do in 2:15-2:30 and that is what I am setting my training pace at.

So excited to be planning all these races. I have a 10k in 2 weeks that I have to sign up for. It is a mixed trail race called Stop the Mega Quarry. It is described as rolling hills, gravel, some paved roads, and trail. Should be good. I am working as a camp nurse for the week prior, so I am a bit apprehensive about how I am going to fit my runs in. I work there Sun-Sat, so I guess I can do my long run Sunday before we leave, and then try to get in 2-3 short runs while I am away, though that is hard as it is a camp and there isn't a lot of places to run and I am always on call. It is a lot of splinters, sprains and cuts, and really, really gross camp feet. We are week 3 so some of the kids have been there for 3 weeks already - you can imagine how they look and smell by then! I have a shower in my cabin and have been known to make them wash their feet before I will touch them. LOL The perk of this volunteer job is that my kids get to go to camp for free. The Saturday of the race is our last day and DH is coming to replace me for the morning so I can run. I think my sister is joining me for the race - Yay!

 

[Terapin]

Today was a long slow distance run. Ran 7k at 8:10/km. Was able to go out for coffee with my half marathon group and get to know a few people - nice. Unfortunately our leader tripped over an uneven sidewalk and landed on his brow and ribs and was pretty shaken. He also suffered a goose egg on his temple and a good scrape, poor guy.

I've been on my feet since as we are hosting a barbeque shortly and the house needed cleaning and we went to Costco (The $400 Store). (We buy most of our groceries from Costco as a large family I like their groceries.) I'm sitting with a bowl of strawberries as my legs are tired. Just taking a few minutes to have a rest because once our guests get here I won't sit down again for a bit.

DH is setting up the portable ice maker and I am looking forward to a margarita later. On the menu for tonight:

-steaks
-fried mushrooms
-hamburgers and hotdogs
-salads
-fresh fruit
-adult beverages
-kids beverages

Sounds yummy, huh? Have been watching my calories all day in preparation. Tomorrow is a rest day from running (thankfully).

 

[irishtwins1112]

Out of curiousity.....Over the last 6 months what was your beginning pace and what is your current pace now (for running)? I am slower than I want to be and I am training for the marathon in January. I hope it is feasible to get down to around 15 minutes per mile by then. I am currently about 18:30 minutes per mile comfortably.

Btw, great job on your weight loss. I was just looking at your beginning post and you have come a long way!

 

[Terapin]

Out of curiousity.....Over the last 6 months what was your beginning pace and what is your current pace now (for running)? I am slower than I want to be and I am training for the marathon in January. I hope it is feasible to get down to around 15 minutes per mile by then. I am currently about 18:30 minutes per mile comfortably.

Btw, great job on your weight loss. I was just looking at your beginning post and you have come a long way!

hi!
A year ago when I started I was running about 11 minutes per km (about 18 min per mile) or slower. Three months later I was running about 9 mins per km (14.5 mins per mile). I hovered there until I started training more seriously in Feb again and got it down to about 7:15-7:30/km (12/mile) or a bit faster until the heat and humidity when I slowed down to between 7:30 and 8:15/km for longer runs. Planning to run at a pace just under 7:00/km.

Thanks - have been working hard on the weight loss. Not killing myself, just making changes I can sustain.

I think it is very doable to gain that extra time. I watched some videos on YouTube that discussed proper running form and that helped. Hills helped, as did targeted short but faster runs.

I'm happy to pass along anything I can to help - just ask. It would be super awesome if I could help someone else!!!