I Just Wanted To Be Athletic - And Now, I Am! (comments welcome)

[kimwim8]

Yeah, C.....where are ya??? You're not pullin' a Forrest Gump are ya?

 

[corinnak]

Life IS like a box of chocolates.

I've been out of town - sorry guys. I don't like to broadcast it too much. I was in Naples, Florida over the long weekend and spent most of last week, you know, packing everything. So it was a slow training week and a fast everything else week.

Things are OK here. I just registered myself and my kids for an event next month - I'll be doing that 5K and the kids will be running the kids races. I think I've roped a couple of friends into signing up as well - the race has a $2 discount per entrant if you register as part of a team, so me and four others are now to be known as Team TED Hose. Because my friend, Austin's wife, Sara is in Nursing school and had to get her CNA certification and one of the things you might have to do on the exam is put TED hose on someone. And well, it was such a simple thing, she'd been kind of praying she'd get to do TED hose for the exam. But then.....she did. And it almost caused her to fail the whole thing because the person was wearing a sock "for sanitation purposes" and evidently, TED hose are a lot harder to put on over a sock, and she got messed up and had to start all over. It is not a story with a great punch line, but when coming up with a name for a team, for some reason, that is what I came up with. The other people on the team so far are a woman that Sara goes to nursing school with and her husband. It's unique anyhow. And I feel as though I have actually arrived. *I* the captain of a Team! How Athletic is that??

I have a sniffly, coughing kid tonight. My mother brought us this germ last week on her random stopover trip on the way home from Las Vegas. Her flight home was cancelled while she was here on layover, so I picked her up and we kept her overnight. While I was supposed to be packing for Florida. Sheesh. Nice to see her, but the timing kind of was tough.

So I got us packed and up and out on Thursday night and I got to run in Florida TWICE over the weekend. The first run got shoved back later and later in the afternoon on Friday and I ended up running after dark which makes me nervous even in a place that doesn't have alligators and snakes. Not that I saw any....but you know what I mean. The sidewalks were all asphalt on that run, but we were staying in a high rise hotel and it was amazing, looking out, just how large an area I had run around. Nothing even kind of scary happened, either, I just didn't like it.

Then on Sunday, I got up and out before breakfast - we were meeting the relatives for breakfast at 9, so I figured I needed to be heading out by 7. And I did, and it was humid, but not too hot, and I had a very nice, though not very speedy 6 mile run. First I ran on the boardwalk thingy out to the beach - gorgeous. And on the way back, I saw footprints on the walkway in the dew, you know? And there were raccoon footprints, too. They had climbed up to check out the garbage cans. And then there was a big fur smear - I think they were wrestling or rolling around - who knows. And I ran out toward town and in the opposite direction from the previous run, found a nice asphalt sidewalk and took that out as far as I thought I needed to before turning back to finish my run at 6 miles. My math is not bad, but it's worse when I'm running, I think. I ended up walking a little more than I meant to in order to get back to the hotel. I thought about running with my camera, but decided, ultimately, not to. I had my water belt and phone and a little energy bar (which I melted some of the chocolate on by holding it in my hand for a while) and the camera seemed like one thing too many that morning. So sad. But it was lovely.

I wanted to run my 2 on Monday, but packing precluded it and we came home to the COLD. And I didn't get onto the treadmill, I fell asleep in exhaustion.

So I am going to do that brutal Wednesday interval/pace run tomorrow. Very exciting. And yet, not.

And now, Dear Stacie and Dear Kim, you are all caught up on what's been going on around here. I think I might have left out the trip to the doctor's office for my DS last week, too. In the ever continuing ringworm saga. Nevermind. My refill trials aren't all that exciting.

 

[kimwim8]

Have I told you lately how much you ROCK, C? You are 'da bomb dog (as Randy would say). You certainly didn't owe us any explanation of where you were - I just wanted to make sure you were ok.

Great job on getting the runs in (and I'll forgive you for not taking pics ). Hope your DS is feeling better.

 

[corinnak]

Aw, Kim - it's so sweet of you to look out for me. I rock, huh? That's kind of neat. It was a real treat to get to run over the weekend - it was one of the things I had really been looking forward to about this trip, really, and I was so glad I'd packed and prepared for making those runs happen. It's definitely an added layer of packing and preparation and all, but I was really glad I'd gone to the extra trouble. I did take some photos on the trip - I'll look through and see if I can find a couple to put up for you.

 

[postesf]

Yeah...What Kim said! Seriously...Great job getting your runs in while away from home. That can be a challenge!!! Sounds like it was very pretty and you had a good time!

And "Captain" Way to go! You have definately arrived! You are athletic!

Stacie

 

[corinnak]

Oh, Stacie, that's sweet of you to say. I think I am getting there, anyhow.

So it has taken a few days, but here are some pics from the trip, for your edification, enjoyment or entertainment:

First, the highly expensive water in the room. Needless to say, this went absolutely untouched in favor of a big jug of $1.29 drinking water from Walgreens.

The view from our room on the 11th floor. you can see the mangroves closer in and the Gulf of Mexico in the distance. Apologies for my thumb at the top of the frame.

Here's the sign for one of the resort restaurants - why doesn't Disney have a burlesque themed restaurant? That's what I want to know! I didn't go into this one - the menu looked fairly dreadful, but Andrew tells me that in fact, the restaurant is decorated with illustrations of burlesque dancers! Oh, he didn't go in either - read about it in the resort materials, evidently. One of the most vaunted dishes is Strip Steak with Goose Fat Potatoes.

The local county park/beach - there are little trams (i.e. golf carts) that will take you the 1/2 mile to the beach if you want. Andrew and I discussed how it sounds like some sort of uptight double entendre..... And the boardwalk is made of recycled milk jugs and is super-fun to jog on early in the morning.

And the sign at the tram pick-up spot near the hotel - I didn't see any alligators in the wild this trip, but this sign makes me believe it was at least a possibility!

Here's my older son walking on the beach - this is further south of Clam Pass....

And me with my younger son at the end of that beach - I found a rock to sit on, but it was really tough getting up. And all those piles of seaweed - phew! Stinky! The sweet little guy had such a good time finding shells on the beach, though - he especially seemed to like pieces of shell rather than whole shells. His little hands were all full.

I guess that's about the extent of it from Naples. Kind of a weird collection of photos, now that I think about it.

 

[corinnak]

So I think I am at my first Runnaversary. I can't be sure of the exact date. I could kick myself a little for not making a better note of exactly when it was I started running, but it was right around this time last year. I wish I had the date, but I'm pretty sure I just didn't want to jinx it by documenting it. My non-jinxing plan seems to have worked out OK, aside from not knowing exactly when to celebrate my first year of running. Maybe I should just adopt Feb 25th as my Runniversary. What the heck.

Yesterday, I went out for the LSR of the week - 6 miles. I was supposed to do 5 last week and nudged it up to 6 because, well, there were supposed to be two weeks at 5 and one week at six, but I was in Florida, for goodness sake, so I took the extra mile. Six this week was not a problem, except for the somewhat treacherous conditions. There was re-frozen melted snow on the sidewalks a lot. There were some nice clear stretches as well, but there were plenty of patches of ice. Fortunately, I didn't fall. Knock on wood. I don't know that I will ever get the clothing right. When I left the house, I thought I was going to freeze, considered going back home for a warmer jacket and to trade in my fleece headband for an actual hat. But I kept going, like a fool, and in another couple of minutes was nice and toasty warm. Halfway through the run, I was taking off my mittens because my hands were even plenty warm. I don't know if I will ever get the clothing worked out such that I'm not steamy/sweaty around my core. I have not had a problem so far, but I would be in trouble, I think, if I ended up having to walk a long ways or stop altogether.

And this crazy training plan has, of all things, a 2 mile run the day after the long run. Which is the run that doesn't feel so good, I think. What I have usually had after a long run is a rest day. So my legs are a little surprised to be cranking out another 2. I am able to do it, though, and maybe there is some reasoning behind it, even. I just have to sit back and muse, on this, my theoretical runniversary, that my short runs are 2 miles long. I remember a year ago reading about the magic of completing that first 1 mile run. I remember reading with awe about people who went from walking a little to running for MILES.

My next 5K is coming up in a few weeks. It will be interesting to see what the weather is like. And what time I am able to manage. That sub 30 is on my mind, but I know that realistically, it may not happen right now. If I can do better than my last 5K in December, I will be happy. If I somehow don't manage to match that one, I have to confess, I won't be thrilled. I shouldn't get so hung up on the clock, I know. It *has* to go better than that one. The weather was way colder than optimal! My training had taken a huge hit during the months of November and December! I went out too fast! So you can see where I am building myself up to think this race could be better. And yet, I also have in mind that I maybe am just not going to be that fast yet. This has got to be the boringest train of thought ever. Moving on.

Back to my Runniversary.



I feel a little tacky with all those race stickers in my signature.

 

[corinnak]

Oh, and one more thing. Since it's MY Journal. I have been tracking this month's mileage on the Ohana mileage thread (page 2) and I was astounded to find that I have run OVER 50 miles this month. And I still have a couple of days left. I don't think I've ever run over 50 in a month before. Woo hoo, that's a lot of mileage. For me.

 

[kimwim8]

happy runniversary, happy runniversary, happy runniversary, haaaaaaaaaaaaaappy runniversary!! Look at how far you've come in ONE year!!

Loved the pictures from your trip. You look like you're REALLY shrinking, lady! Look at those skinny minnie legs!

Don't you ever feel weird about the race info you have in your siggie. You ARE a runner, and you're allowed to announce that in your siggie. (just kidding)

And YOU GO GIRL with over 50 miles in this short month (and you're not even done yet)!!!! You're incredible. I hope you know that.

 

[corinnak]

Thanks for the serenade, Kim! And thanks so much for being my #1 cheerleader. It means a lot, I hope you know THAT!

I am not actually shrinking.....that's an optical illusion. My legs are the slimmest part of my body, so it's great to have them front and center in a photo. I think my still considerable middle is largely blocked by my arms and still considerable bosom. And no, I can't take a compliment, but thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. It was a crazy little trip.

What a year it has been. Oh, and I don't feel weird about my race clippies exactly, just like it's kind of.....a jumbled lot. Not a sleek siggy at all. (my other favorite smilie, relegated to the "more" page.

I am so psyched about the mileage for the month. I remember having 50 as a goal a couple of times and just not quite ever making it. Well, so much for that! I'll be sure to post my monthly totals over here as well when the month is done.

 

[postesf]

Hi Corinna! Looks like you guys had a nice trip! $8 for water!!! Geez!

Congrats on your runniversary! Now I wish I knew the exact date I started my C25K running plan last year! It was somewhere around labor day--but that's all I know...

Thanks for the "shout out" on the 1/2 Marathon...85% full thread! I'm super excited...and nervous!

I wish I had skinny legs... I never wear shorts anymore...The thighs don't like them!

50 miles is awesome! Way to go!!! Keep it up girl!!!

Stacie

 

[corinnak]

Stacie - I don't know how thirsty I'd have to be to pay $8 for a bottle of water. That's worse than WDW prices! Of course, it is from Fiji.

What is it with us and the unceremonious inception of running? You'd think we'd make a note or something!

I can NOT believe that the half marathon is already so full, can you? Try to relax - it is still a long way away. Are you nervous about the Minnie at all? I probably won't be until the night before. Or maybe morning of. I had never had a problem before, but got really nervous before the ToT 13K. Something about the hugely backed up traffic, I suppose. Fortunately, that seems to be a non-issue for marathon weekend.

I don't think I could strictly say that my legs are skinny, though I don't have a problem with them except for that they are currently pasty, pasty white. Anyhow, it's better to have POWERFUL legs than skinny legs, and I know we've both got those. Do you wear shorts for running? Body Glide is my friend. I have a friend who would say that was TMI.

 

[postesf]

I know...I was really hoping to hold off until after the Minnie to register for the 1/2, but it just didn't look like that was going to happen.

I am excited about the Minnie. We'll see how the training goes... My family is coming and we're doing the 5K too. (Matt, myself, my mom, dad and sister). So all the 15K in combination with them being there is going to be really fun.

I don't wear shorts. Most of my running has been since Sept, and I've just worn old cotton capris or my Nike Dry-fit pants. I've just bought a pair of Champion fitted capris that come just under my knee. So far, so good with them. Once I lose some more belly, I'd really try to try one of the "Skirt Sports" running skirts. I think they would be so cute. I'm just shaped so weird now, they don't look too flattering. It gets really hot here in the summers so I'd like to wear shorts...Maybe by next year!

I do kinda like that little bit of soreness after a run. It does make you feel like you have strong legs!!!

Keep up those miles!!!

Have a great day!
Stacie

 

[corinnak]

Today was another one of those interval runs. 4 miles with intervals. So I asked Austin "Why is it that intervals are so not-fun?" And he says "Because they're WORK, that's why." Indeed. They are work. And I'm sure it's good to be pushing myself, cause as we all know, you don't get better if you don't push, you just stay where you are. I want to be able to tolerate harder exertion. I want to be able to go faster, at least a little. Most important, though, I want my heart to be über healthy, and I think intervals crank it up that extra notch. I don't know where the TM's heart rate monitor is - it always seems to chafe, but again with the body glide as my friend, I am thinking it might be OK.

So, the thing I realized today as I was logging my miles after the brutality of a 4 mile interval run, during which I actually stayed at the 6.2 pace during all 5 intervals, including the entirety of the half-mile interval , the thing I realized is that I am not only busting through the 50 mile mark this month, I'm actually on track to exceed 60 miles, barring illness or injury Thursday or Friday. That boggles my mind!

Stacy, what could happen at the Minnie to prevent you from wanting to do the half? Weak powerade? Not enough port-a-potties? You have to walk some portion of the course? The WISHers are all crazed maniacs? Actually, that one seems likely..... I know it seems like putting the cart before the horse to register for a second race before you've done the first one, but in your heart of hearts, you really want to do the half, right? Your pace has improved so much, it doesn't sound like you're in the sweep-zone at this point. You have ample time to prepare and besides, you DESERVE it! I'm sorry if that was an uncalled for bit of attempted bolstering. I'm SO glad you registered. The half is going to be an amazing experience. A year ago, could you have even dreamed of it?

I am getting REALLY excited about the Minnie. It's amazingly cool that your whole family will be along. I'll have DH and the kids and also my Father in Law may be spending a couple of days as well. Are all of you doing the 5K?

I like the skirts I have, although I have issues with the shorts riding up. At which point, why wouldn't I get the spankies? Maybe I need to try the skirt sports ones. Apparently there is no comparison. Plus, they seem to have POCKETS. That impresses me so much, I just can't tell you. I hear you on the belly - I may be deluding myself, but I feel like the skirts kind of hide the contours of my belly and hips better than other options I've tried. And I still went out looking like a stuffed sausage on Sunday - leggings and a pink form fitting light jacket/heavy shirt. I'm not really sure what it is, but it's not that flattering when zipped.

Tomorrow is a Kim - maybe I'll even go outside for it. That might be kind of fun.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Corinna...

WTG on the intervals. I'm playing around with speed work myself and curious what your intervals entail (pardon me if you posted this earlier...I'm being lazy and didn't research even though I do follow your journal LOL).

Anyway...Also super impressive that you're busting through the 60 mile mark this month!!! You have officially kicked my butt in February as I'm nowhere near those miles in running this month. I don't think I'm busting the 50 mile mark to be honest...so I have to say that is super impressive in the winter months .

What is your current training plan like? Are you excited for the Minnie??? Do you have a goal...or is just to run your HP and enjoy the event?

 

[corinnak]

Hi Amy!
I don't think I posted much detail about speedwork - I didn't know anyone would be interested in details.

The training plan I'm following currently is from the book The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchick. The training plans are actually by someone else: Budd Coates, marathoner, coach, corporate fitness director for Rodale Press and advisor to Runner's World magazine. There are three levels for the two training schedules - the one I'm following right now is the 5K and 10K schedule, Bronze level (i.e. easiest) and includes 5 days a week of running, including a long run (working up from 3 to 8 miles), a pace run and at some point I am supposed to start something called "Strides" which are shorter runs with 20 seconds of fast running and 40 seconds of easy running 8x. The other two runs are shorter, 2 mile deals and speed isn't specified for those as far as I can tell.

There are instructions for the pace workouts over the 8 weeks of the program (plus two more weeks for race and recovery) and it starts with 1 mile easy, 4x400 meters (recover for 200m), 1/2 mile easy. The one I just did today was 1 mile easy, 2x400m (recover for 200m); 1x800m (recover for 400m); 2x400m (recover for 200m). Next week, there will be 2x800m and the week after that there will be 1x1,200

Now I didn't know what all that 2x400m meant, but fortunately for me, the book has a nice explanation of how to run "pace workouts" though I'm not sure, but I think these sound like intervals. I am so new, I'm not clear on all the differences. Maybe intervals are a variety of pace workout? Anyhow, I am still working my speed up little by little, but was proud to run all the intervals the whole way through at 6.2mph this week. Last week, I did some at 6.1 and the long one at 6. So there's some progress. It's not the most dramatic, and a lot of it was mental, I think, but progress.

It is not as fast as the pace per mile chart in the back indicates I need to be running these for my sub-30 5K, but a person can only do what a person can do and I am pushing my limits, so I'm just going to note that as a reference and keep on going.

And that is why I haven't typed much up about speed work. It looks a little like nonsense even to me!

So when I finish this, in another month, I am going to start into the bronze (easy) 1/2 marathon training. That should put me in pretty good shape for the Minnie, I hope. Possibly over-prepared. Though I am thinking I'll run an actual half marathon the first weekend in June. I am getting excited about the minnie, though it still seems a lot of miles away. I haven't really formed a solid goal for the Minnie - it's a distance I have never run before, even, let alone raced. The closest was the 13K last October, so I suppose I'd like it if I performed a little better than I did on that one. I will probably just go for the happy pace and enjoy. What's the fun in gutting through a race at WDW when I don't even have a prior time to beat? I want to go and get a medal and spend a little time being grateful that my happy pace keeps me well in advance of the sweepers, I guess.

How about you? Are you getting excited? Formulating goals? You've done the Minnie in previous years, right? If you're doing the Goofy challenge again, you'll be surpassing my mileage before long. The thing that astonishes me is that I don't feel like I've been beaten down by the mileage this month.....gosh, I hope I didn't miscalculate. I'm going to need to re-check that.

OK. I'm heading to bed. I've got muscle to recover before tomorrow's big 2 mile run. I think I am going to do that one at the HP, now that I think about it. If the plan doesn't specify, I get to pick my own pace, right?

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks for the info on your speed work Corinna! Sounds similar to what I'm doing...let's hope it works right LOL! I'm doing intervals every other week...throwing a hill repeats workout in every so often and a tempo run on the off speed interval week. Today is my speed day and I'm kind of not looking forward to it .

I think your mileage is incredible! You've done great this month. Running 5 times per week will definitely bump the miles . I'm only running 3 maybe 4 days a week...but that's what I did throughout Goofy training and it worked for me. Only now all the run days are shorter than for Goofy . Thank god! I just have to incorporate a whole bunch of cross training...just too injury prone to run 5/week. I wish I could...but I just know my body.

You're doing awesome and there is no doubt in my mind that you'll be well prepared for the Minnie (it's my first too!) and that you'll do fantastic in terms of endurance and pace. Continued luck with your training!

 

[corinnak]

Amy,
I'm glad to hear that my speedwork doesn't sound way out there. I don't blame you for not looking forward to the speed run. It is easily my least anticipated run of the week. Cause it's hard work, I guess. I have never purposely done hill intervals - where you run up the same hill over and over, right? but whenever I go on a run outdoors, there are hills. Significant hills. Hills that intimidated me so much from running outside the first several months I was running, actually, so I am getting a good bit of hill work, even though it is very different from hill intervals.

I have been wondering about running 5 days a week, if maybe I shouldn't do some cross training on those days that call for 2 miles. So far, so good, but 5 days strikes me as a LOT.

I am so glad I signed up for the Minnie - it's really sad that it will be our first and last one, though. Do you think the Princess 1/2 marathon is going to happen? Would you do that one? I guess marketing wise, it could be a big winner.

Happy training to you too, Amy!

 

[corinnak]

I am now going to make an actual JOURNAL post.

Last night, I cooked up some awesome Dal. It's my absolute favorite kind of Indian food. Mmm. Lentils. I had never made it before, but I bought a bunch of lentils at the store on Tuesday which impelled me to find a recipe online and then get the rest of the ingredients and make the darn thing. Masoor Dal

Last night Andrew and I came to the conclusion that it is time to let our very old, sick cat, Nicky go on to a better place. He's had a mastic tumor for several months, 17 years old, and has gotten to the point where he just seems like he's going downhill, feeling generally miserable and not enjoying the things he used to enjoy. So I made an appointment with the vet for after school - the kids want to go along. The vet asked if they had ever seen a pet euthanized. Well, no. But truly, they have lost more loved ones than anyone under 10 really expects to. Grandmothers, great grandmothers. Two other cats, just in the past year and a half. So we'll all go and give him a good farewell.

My run this morning was short but good. I wore my new sugoi jacket and found it to be entirely adequate. I was as close to the right temperature as I think I have ever been on a winter run. It doesn't have the cool MP3 player pocket or cord loops, and I ended up with my shuffle clipped to my fleece headband. I didn't pass another single pedestrian, though. I guess they were all at work.

And now I should get to "work" as well. My morning off is over and my kid-schlepping must begin. First OT for one of them, then back home briefly, then pick them both up and take Nicky to the vet. Then ECFE and Kung Fu tonight. I'm going to a rehearsal tomorrow night and then tech week is next week for Godspell. That will add a whole new level of busy, I guess. Should be fun, though.

 

[Caitsmama]

Hey there girly!!!! I miss ya!

Sending (((Hugs))) to you for your cat.. i know how hard that is to have to do -- but it is better for the animal, so you have to think of it that way.

Sounds like you are doing good -- keep it up!! Can't wait til May! Gotta go check out the boards - i feel like i must be missing a thread about the minnie somewhere???