Amy's "BUT I'M NOT A RUNNER" Journal

[eeyore25]

Hi there,

You are doing a really great job this week!!!! Good job on getting your runs in...even on the day that you didn't have much time!!!

Keep up the good work! Have a great day

 

[kimwim8]

Kim
I will be down at LBI for two weeks in July. How far are you from LBI? I wonder if we could get together to run one day....and maybe go out afterwards? Let me know if that is close enough for a day-trip!!

WOW! 2 weeks in LBI!! That will be fun. I've only been there once a long time ago, but I think it's only about an hour away. I can definitely make some time to come see ya!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Well, I had an awful night sleep. I woke up cranky and my legs were aching! Not a good way to start the day LOL! I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be up to running so I decided to just wait and see. It was just "one of those days" from start to finish....got stuck in traffic dropping DD off early for her field trip, was late bringing the younger DD to school, completely messed up the time for the girls' haircut and showed up 30 minutes late (detecting a pattern?!) . Maybe the whole world was just early today .

My DH has been away on business again...and will be away a bunch over the next month. I think it's starting to catch up with me. I have to give a HUGE shout out to all the single parents and military families out there. I really have so much respect for what you do...it is not easy being on your own with kids 24/7. I love them...honestly I do....but they have been wearing me down. And in fairness to them...I'm just not upbeat and cheerful this week LOL. So it goes both ways, I know I won't be winning "mother of the year" after this week!

Anyway...you guys didn't come here to read about my trivial issues. Back to the training. Yes...legs continued to ache all day. So I decided....if they are going to ache why not run anyway. SO I ran....and not particularly slow either. I did 3.5 miles today and averaged 10:09 mpm. Not too shabby considering I've been hobbling around all week. I decided to run hard up the hills and I did 5:1 run:walk intervals the entire time. But I do think the old bones need a rest tomorrow so I'm skipping KBX and opting for a nice yoga session instead. Gentle yoga! It's a little frustrating when the heart and mind are willing but the body tells you otherwise. Being that I'm older AND wiser I am choosing to listen to the body and give myself two good days free of pounding (both the road and the boxing bags).

Sunday is yet another 5 miler and I need to be rested....well as rested as I'll get. I'm taking two 13 year old girls (not even my own children) to a concert on Saturday. An all day "fest" featuring punk and emo bands. Did I say "rest"? Fest and Rest might rhyme but I'm pretty sure they are mutually exclusive! . I'll be the old lady in the crowd, limping around and saying "huh" and "what I can't hear you" and "nah, better pass on the mosh pit today". .

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy!

Sorry to hear about the bad day yesterday but nice to see you got through it and even managed to get out there and run! Sweet pace too! Anyone willing to take teenage girls to a punk festival is alright in my book!! Which festival is it and who is gonna be there?? Some of those punk/emo bands are pretty good And no mosh pit?? Can you maybe get some crowd surfing in??

I bet that with the yoga and extra rest you'll have a great run on Sunday. Keep up the awesome work! And remember we're here to support you any way we can, so if you need to vent a little or get off topic once in a while please do so!! You are to be admired for doing such a good job with your kids while DH is away on business!!

See ya later...

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

Sorry to hear that yesterday was not a good day all the way around. Good for you for getting out and doing your run...even with sore legs. You'll do great with you run on sunday!!!

Good luck with the concert and two teenagers!!!

Keep up the good work! Have a great day

 

[kimwim8]

Hey Amy! Hang in there, girl. I give you a LOT of credit for keeping up with your rigorous training schedule along with taking care of your family and the house and all that comes along with it while your DH is away.

I think taking a couple days off from running was a good idea, and your run on Sunday is gonna be GREAT!

Any time you need to vent, you go right ahead!! We're here for you.

Have a GREAT weekend!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hey Amy! Hang in there, girl. I give you a LOT of credit for keeping up with your rigorous training schedule along with taking care of your family and the house and all that comes along with it while your DH is away.

I agree with Kim, Amy! I think you are doing a wonderful job keeping up with everything! I know that at times it might be difficult, but you really are doing a great job. Keep on keeping on, Amy!

How are your legs feeling today?

Sending you lots of for a wonderful weekend ahead! Keep up the good work, Amy!

 

[ScoJo15]

Just drinking a beer and thinking about how much fun you are having at a concert today!! Let us know how the crowd surfing went!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi everyone

Wow, what a weekend!! Friday night was the girls' talent show at their elementary school. Nerve wracking....but they did really great! Both of them sang and my older DD8 opened the show A Capella singing "The Star Spangled Banner". She did wonderfully , I can't believe she can sing. I know she did NOT get that talent from LOL!

Saturday was Bamboozle Fest! OMG...what a day. We got there in the afternoon and it was HOT . We had three 13 y/o girls with us. My sis was doing her SIL a favor bringing them. I was recruited to come along b/c my Sis didn't want to do it alone and she knew I enjoyed some of the bands. The shows were on 6 different stages around Giants Stadium parking lot! There was no place to sit the entire time....well the teens were sitting (and sometimes sleeping) on the hot, dirty pavement . But we refused LOL! The best part of the day was checking out some new bands that haven't hit it big yet. It was also fun to people watch! Yikes!!! The VERY BEST part was when my DSis and I decided we deserved a beer after all. So we got in line to get our wrist bands. Finally get up to the security guy checking IDs. He takes my ID and I take off my sunglasses....he keeps looking at it....then looking at me....I say "Yeah, I know, I'm old". He says..."no....I'm just IMPRESSED"! Impressed with my age? LOL...it was a compliment...I think. Maybe all this exercising is really helping!!! It was also funny whensome teenage guys came up to my sis and I to ask US if we knew where certain bands were playing, what they played, etc. I looked at them like...you think WE know more about this stuff then you? LOL! We're two old ladies!!! Well, at least we weren't running around the concert like the other parents (bless them)....with big earplugs in, their fanny packs and tote bags, their Hawaiian shirts and white skirts, high-heeled shoes LOL! I don't think they knew what they were getting into! They all were walking around with this dazed look on their faces. By the end of the night my back ached, my feet ached, my knees ached.....yeah...I really AM THAT OLD! But we were good samaritans and the girls we brought were in LOVE with Fall Out Boy so it was worth it in the end!

Yesterday I ran 5 Miles at the state park. My DH brought the girls to bike around while I ran. The scenery was so great, the weather was great...I really enjoyed my run. Probably more so because I forgot my watch LOL! So I don't actually know my time! Somewhere under an hour is all I've got . But I felt good....the trails that I ran on were really pretty....and I didn't feel too winded. Also, my stomach didn't hurt! I'll post about my home-made sports drink another day! Gotta' run now...Kickboxing class starts in a few minutes. Yikes!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

Congrats to both girls for doing well at the talent show!!! That is awesome!

Glad to hear that the concert went well!!! And that you got a compliment! That is great. Yes that exercising is working!!

Congrats on the run!!!

Keep up the good work! Have a great day

 

[ScoJo15]

Amy - Woah, a capella Star Spangled Banner?? You must be so proud of her! That is just awesome. The concert sounded fun (yep, I still get out to Ozzfest and a few others as often as I can....it's not too loud so I guess I'm not too old yet) and way to go on the compliment! Although I'm a little disappointed to see that you didn't put the charm on and get a free beer out of him... ...just kidding...

Nice job on the run, too. Sounds like it was a great day at the park and I bet it was nice to just get out there without your watch and enjoy the run.

Keep up the great work!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy~

Sounds like you had a great weekend and a great run! Keep up the good work!

Have a marvelous Monday!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy!!!

Just thought I'd stop in and say hello!!

Hope you are having a good day!

Keep up the great work

 

[kimwim8]

Hey Amy!! You had a GREAT weekend! Congrats to your DD's on their talent show! That's awesome that DD8 can sing. That is so impressive!

I'm glad you had fun at the concert. I've been to Giants Stadium, so I can picture what you are talking about. Isn't that a great feeling when someone doesn't believe your age?? You go GIRL!!


And awesome run! ....somewhere under an hour??? I'd be PASSED OUT!!!
Keep up the great work! I can't wait to run with you!!

 

[goldcupmom]

WOW! I continue to be SO AMAZED at your running! INCREDIBLE!!

Hope you're having a good week!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thursday, May 11th

So yesterday in class my KBX instructor kept picking on me..... . Why aren't you kicking high girl....where's your energy girl....we're all waiting for you girl!!! Yes....I was sluggish and a bit slackey in class. So finally I said....I'm TIRED, my legs hurt, I can't kick over my *&%$# head today and I can't do the full split today...ain't gonna' happen. Oh yeah....and I'm OLD!!!! He was just messing with me but I was frustrated at my lack of energy and apparent loss of flexibility over night. So we talked and the bottom line is that he thinks I'm overtraining. Six days a week of intense cardio with the running and Kickboxing plus Power Yoga after my runs is tearing my muscles up...they aren't getting enough time to heal. Funny thing is that an hour or so later my Dad calls me (he's a trainer, coach, fitness guru etc....he has many years of athletic experience) and says....I think you're overtraining...you shouldn't be hurting so much. So that seals the deal...I have to take a look at my training schedule and figure out how I can tweak it so I don't burn my muscles and joints out!

I'm thinking that 2 days of KBX, 3 days of running and possibly 1 day of serious GENTLE yoga practice might be a good solution. BUT...I really need to give my body time to rest before and AFTER my LRs since they are going to be the hardest on my muscles. AND I'm going to have to modify at times during KBX if it's just over the top. I mean....yesterday I could literally wring out my shirt after KBX....the class is completely crazy.

My schedule may look something like this...

Mon: Yoga
Tues: Run (30-45 minutes)
Wed: KBX
Thurs: Run (30-45 minutes)
Fri: KBX
Sat: Rest
Sun: LR (currently 6 miles)

Once I'm into my actual 20 week marathon training KBX may have to drop down to once per week to allow for speed and form running Thursday, switching my easy run to Friday. I'll need to maintain yoga for flexibility and core work.

For the time being....not sure how long this will be the case...I'm going to stick VERY contientiously to my run:walk intervals. I was pushing myself to do all running and it's counter-productive. What have I really got to prove? Nothing...but my hips are screaming at me when I do it! Which brings us to todays run...

The weather was cool and rainy (actually my favorite kind of day to run!). I hit my stride quickly....cranked up the Green Day on my Ipod....and was faithful to my 5:1 run:walk. I hit mile one at around 9 mpm, mile two at around 9:30 mpm and mile three at around 9:30 mpm. I finished 3.5 miles running sub 10 mpm the entire time and I was NOT winded....WHAT?!?!?!?! I could have kept going but I wanted to only run 35 minutes today so as to not stress my muscles out. IT was a great run....enjoyable and fun! I think taking Tuesday as a rest day really helped!

So I'm sitting here icing up the hips and feeling confident that I can do this. A few days ago when sleep was elusive due to pain in the legs, hips and back I was questioning not only my sanity but my ability to train for a full marathon. I know if I can JUST GET THERE I can finish it....but the battle will clearly be between my wanting to do this desperately and my body allowing that to happen. So I need to nurture it! I'm doing sports massage, chiropractics, physical therapy, nutrition and hydration and careful training. The REAL marathon isn't the race....it's the journey!

Sorry to bore you guys with the details of my training, but I need to put it down in writing so I can refer back to it LOL! Peace...

Oh and......BYE CHRIS

 

[kimwim8]

Amy - you are AWESOME!! There's no denying that. I'm proud of you for listening to other people, and your body & easing up on the training routine. I've thought that a few times....how in the world does your body hold up through all of that? Rest is definitely an important part of your training...so remember that!!!

I don't find your journal boring at all! I love the details!! It'll be a reference for me when I someday might do a marathon!! (someday, possibly, maybe...)

What a great run you had today! That is so awesome! I love those runs that you feel like you could go forever! And those times are INCREDIBLE!!

Did you get my note on Scott's journal...that our run is the 12th & not the 13th? I'm sure you did...but just in case!

Take care of yourself, you little dynamo!



oh, and poor Chris....

 

[ScoJo15]

Amy - First of all, what a great run!! Everything sub 9:30 is absolutely incredible, especially factoring in that you weren't even winded. Awesome job Amy!!

What is your plan for the long runs on Sunday? Are you going to keep increasing those runs or are you going to level off at some point?

I'm definitely no expert but your plan looks good on paper...I bet the light yoga on Monday will really benefit your long run without straining your body too much. I can see where 6 days a week of high impact training would take its toll on you.

And don't question your ability to get thru the training...you can do it!! Remember what you told me about listening to your body and taking an extra day off if needed...don't forget to follow the advice for yourself!

And thanks for posting the info...it may seem boring and tedious for you but helps on my end to see what schedules other people are maintaining (as well as how it is affecting them)...

have a great day!

 

[AmyBeth68]

I had to post my Mother's Day Program moment ...

Yesterday DD8 had a program in her class for the moms. It was so adorable and the songs made all the moms cry like big babies...myself included. But each child had to make a flower and each petal said something nice about mom. My DD said I put "strong" and "talented" on my petals because you are running a marathon and you exercise a lot!! OMG! You know, we go through life thinking our kids aren't paying any attention to what we are doing and then something like this comes along to remind us that we are role models for our children in every way.

They had to pick one word to say out loud in front of everyone...."If my mom were a flower I'd pick her because she is strong". Awwwwwwwwe (sniff sniff sniff).

BTW...in case you're wondering she also put nice, friendly and clean. I'm sure you are all very relieved to learn that I'm clean LOL ! She said she put talented on there twice because it takes a lot of talent to run a marathon. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'm certainly not talented when it comes to running....but the sentiment was so sweet!

Anyway....all your children are so proud of all of you for what you are doing whether it's nutrition, health, or exercise. You may not realize it but you are being a wonderful role model. That was the lesson I learned yesterday and wanted to pass it along to my journal buddies .

 

[ScoJo15]

Amy - Thanks so much for sharing! What an awesome moment for you. I love hearing stories like this...you should be so proud to have such a great family.