Back at it!

Mark it down, I'm trying to lose baby weight again. That makes child number three, attempt to look "hot" number 1,006. Yay!

Today was day 4 of week 1. It was hard keeping my heart rate at the right zone. It was a pain and a half. But, and this is without reason, I changed my training plan to half marathon. I still haven't finished one, I plan to do that before December. 

I've been eating well, I have my new anxiety or depression medicine for that. It completely removes craving.  Well, not completely but as much as it can. I'm helping by keeping hydrated and trying to stay busy. That isn't hard with the children...

On to another day!

Running with the dogs.

Today was an Easy Run day!  Those are my normal days, the ones in HR zone 2 in which it's easy, but not that easy.  The dogs behaved like chickens without heads, they were just so excited and since I'm not a morning person, I really wasn't.  I think they just need more exercise, but don't we all.

I'm planning on taking them to walk tomorrow so I can also get in some cross training.  I have two more miles on the bike today and the 50 mi goal is complete.  It'll be my first medal for cycling!  I'm excited, 50 miles is a big deal to me.

I woke up at 5:00 and 5:30 because my son wanted more milk before going back to sleep.  I sleep walked and changed my alarm to 6:30 to get in "another hour" but really, an hour makes no difference.  I was seriously hoping it was raining or super cloudy to skip my run but after 2 minutes of peeking through the blinds, I got ready.

I am proud of my pace, but I am working on getting faster and stronger!

First Month DONE!

I have apparently been training for my half marathon for a month now.  It's more like a month and a half since I restarted my schedule a week or so after I first started it.  ANYWAY, it's going well.  I'm two miles shy of my 50 mi July Goal for US Road Cycling.  I don't know why I thought I had 5 miles left, which I completed today, but I had 7, not 5.  Math.

I ate cake and all the Coke I could drink.  I think I had 4 cans today.  I was feeling so anxious so, of course, let's add caffeine to the mix!  That's a great idea!!  Buzz, buzz.  I'm all wonked out.  Agh, I need to meditate or hit myself with a mallet on the head and pass out.  Let's meditate, that won't hurt.

I also did 10 mins of strength training for the arms/shoulders.  I'm out of shape.  I couldn't complete half of the workouts.  Shame!  I was doing so well.

My kids are amazing to me, they got to swim in the pool and they weren't freaking out or throwing temper tantrums.  I was happy they got to swim because we got home, cleaned them up, changed, and went right to bed.  I threw my dirty running clothes in the washer and am ready for my easy run tomorrow.  Just 35 mins, I'm taking the dogs.  I feel bad that they've been in their crate while I try to regain my home from the dirt monster.  I cleaned and CLEANED today.

I'm pooped, all this "bad" food is upsetting my stomach and draining my energy.  I've been so sleepy, I should call it a night and go to sleep.  I should.

Indoor Cycling

5 miles left!!

I just LOVE seeing that I cover that many miles in 25 minutes... I know, it's probably half of that but it still helps the spirit.  Today was W3D6 of half marathon training and it called for 40 minutes of cross training.  I did 25 on the bike and now on to more yoga.  Tomorrow's Pilates, which I'll probably switch out for weight training and more yoga.  I really need the yoga thing.  Runs are getting longer and yoga just calls me down.  Yoga.  I love that word.

Still no ideas for the tattoo design I'm afraid of getting but will get because I will no longer be afraid.  I know it'll be recognized once I see it, so no biggie.  I'll just keep on Pinteresting!  It's for a good cause.

Anxiety is rising, a new home and only one income is hard on the wallet.  I talked to my sister and she's agreed to watch my kiddos if and when I find a job.  The last time I tried this, with my husband being the morning babysitter, it nearly broke me down.  I missed a lot of moments and first-times when it came to my son.  But they're almost 4 and 2 respectively, I think it may be time.  I am counting on God and the Universe to take my pleas and lead me the right way.  We shall see!

I have a new outlook in life, I feel empowered and relieved.  I was even considering having a third baby b/c I just think it's the right thing to do... weird, I know.  But, I took care of my little nephew and it was just a little too much if I had to handle three kids by myself.  I want to be a patient and loving mom, but sometimes it's hard to stretch myself so thin.  I know things will happen when they'll happen, so I'll just leave it to God.

Kids are cute, but in numbers they're tiring as hell.

MRTT Running Mad Virtual Race!

I really like that medal!

It always amazes me how many wonderful people you find among those suffering.  Running is great, I love it, but it's a pain in the butt most of the time.  I got there at 6:30 to hopefully warm up and get my heart rate up and all... I was too sleepy so I got to enjoy a nice chat with the event's coordinator.  I waited until the rest of the 7 a.m. starters got there and we were on our way!

Too bad I was the only one running the 10K!  I kept straight while most turned left to continue on their 3+ miles.  It was a long quiet run so there was a lot of time to think and think and think.  I don't know why, but this didn't feel like a hard race.  The path was paved, flat, with lots of runners.  It is such a nice area, I wish I could run there e/day.  I don't know how I feel like driving over 10 minutes to get there... especially during the week.  Anyway.

I miss seeing a faster pace but I really enjoyed not feeling like death at the end of the run.  My heart rate stayed at 144, right at the zone!  I am going to have a great night of sleep, 6 miles take a toll on a chubby body.  It won't be chubby for long, though!

It seems that I may complete the half marathon within 3 hours.  I don't know how I feel about that since I've never ran that long or far.  I think it's time for food, I was hungry the whole race.  It's a bad idea to not eat anything before running 6 miles.  I will have to remember that.

Dying Bear.

Not to exaggerate, but I was infected by The Plague.  The Little Bear got it first and then I did, while my Gummy Bear waited until I was half dead to start feeling sick.  It was great.  We were all sneezing and farting.  Snot was everywhere, our eyes were red and itchy, throats were hugging by themselves... UGH.  But, the important thing, my mother came over to nurse us.  While SHE WAS SICK.  In fact, she came over and cooked/cleaned/pushed me around all while she battled her own plague.

My mother is the most amazing woman ever.  I mean, I don't know how she does it.  She's ol'school.  Oh, and her hair was as curly/bouncy as ever.  The fever made her flush in a girly fashion and she was matching from head to toe.  I mean, I feel like I had pus coming out of my eyes and my hair was half straight, a quarter balding, and the rest curly.  My nose was flaky and I stank of death.  I... admire my mother.

Anyway, thanks to her care, I finally felt good enough and could breathe enough to go out for a run.  I skipped yoga, pilates and yesterday's steady run.  I did 30 something minutes outside at 81* and took my dogs.  B/c everyone should suffer.

"How are you going to run if you can't breathe?" - The Hubby (silly hubby)

I'm so glad I made it home.  I took a shower and cleaned off the remaining virus/cold/flakes of my almost dead body and I think we made it!

I think we have finally crossed the line and we're all OK.  Dear God, I'm a whimp but I already knew that.  Now you do, too.

Hell in the morning.

Lighter and lighter with every step!

GOD.  Seriously, I felt like there was a ghost on my back and I was running with it.  I felt so heavy and just out of it.  My heart rate was at 140 most of the time, but I could've sworn it was at 2,000.  I think my body is tired.  Tomorrow'll be just walking and since I only have 12 miles for my 50 mi goal for July (riding bike), I'll put that off until the end of the month.

I'm pooped!  I was also really hungry yesterday, like a hunger monster of appetite.  Yep.  I think I needed it more than the rest, b/c I couldn't fall asleep until 12.  I woke up at 6:30 and left by 6:42.  Today was a toughie.

Speed work!

Today was intervals day, YAY!  I see now why people dislike speed work.  I thought it'd be fun, running all out and being like, "YEAH, people.  I RUUUUNNNN."  Nope, it was more like, "DEAR GOD, please forgive me for thinking I could run at all.  Ever."

It rained and normally, that'd been awesome, but my iphone was out of its $90 waterproof cover that we purchased for our phones so I had to run back to my car like the angry hipster I've become.  *sigh*  It didn't get wet but it didn't help the overall feeling of disappointment from today's run.  I woke up and only got out of bed b/c of the Wake N' Shake alarm.  Thank goodness for that app! (hipster, me).

I managed to do 2/5 intervals but didn't manage to get my heart rate to the level it called for.  I have recalculated my HR zones (again!) and realized I may have thought I was a bigger badass than I really am.  They're changed and I've also changed the schedule so that the training plan ends on the day it's supposed to, race day.  It just makes sense.

It's important to pay attention to signs of overtraining, injuries are mood killers.  I think I may have been close to one or something b/c I felt like shit these past few days.  Let's see how this goes!

WHY am I awake??

What a stupid question, but I kept asking myself when I woke up at 6 a.m. today to go for a run.  The other day, here in beautiful Houston, it was 100% humidity by 7:15 and that run was hell.  I want to enjoy my runs, not dehydrate into a raisin.  I woke up and only stayed awake b/c I changed the setting to my Wake N' Shake alarm to the second level.  I had to get up and hide in the bathroom b/c I couldn't shake it enough to stop it.  I was awake.

It took me 15 minutes to leave the house, which is a bad record since I'm usually out in 10 and at the park by 15.  Anyway, then my heart rate strap stopped working and I didn't know if I'd died or if its battery had died.  I'd just changed it the other day!  I guess I used an old battery, why I keep old/used up batteries is beyond me.  Ask the hoarder in me.

I kept running b/c dammit, I was awake and I'd be damned if I went back home after all that shaking.  It was my first "long" run in the training plan, only 35 minutes but still.  It was running.  I started jogging and I knew I was feeling too great but well, I ended up covering around the same distance I usually do.  The pace was 12:44 min/mi.  Not too bad!  I'm kidding, it's awful but it's my fault for not being disciplined enough.  Ugh, shut up.

Here's the snapshot:

256C?  I mean, it felt like I burned 1,000.

I got attacked by a bug and I frrrreaked the f-out.  I hate nature sometimes, but I'll be back!

Running with a Psycho

Well, the relaxing 4th of July run I had planned went to hell when my dog started growling and barking at the other runners.  Awesome.  That's how you make friends, by bringing your angry dog!  I think it's funny that I found out how scary my dog can be to strangers.  She's like 2 ft tall, 20+ lbs.  Come on, now.

Anyway, I did manage to catch up on some half marathon talk and gave my card to one of the lovely ladies so we could run together.  I say that's a win!  I want to meet new people that like the things I do and doesn't question me for waking me up so early to run.  It's my goal.

Also..  I signed up for my first official marathon!!  I mean, HALF marathon.  I'm not ready to do a full one, yet.  It'll be in at the end of October when my training plan ends.  I have 5 days between the end of the plan and the actual race, I'm glad there's some wiggle room.  I also got $15 off by signing up early, so that's a win!  I'll get a finisher's medal and a tech shirt.  Plus, bragging rights.  I'm very excited!!

The goal for today's run was to stay in zone 2 (HR: 115-135) for 30 minutes.  It was an ok attempt.  MJ kept pulling on her leash since we usually run faster but it was annoying and I had to keep slowing down and up.  ALSO, we walked through half a block of sprinklers.  COLD water in your face and white t-shirt?  Yes, please.

The average HR came out to 130 but here, picture:

Moms RUN This Town, Run.

We took a picture at the beginning and I just hope my hair didn't ruin it.  It's in between stages right now and it looks cra-cra.  I'm happy I got up on time, I hate missing out on runs.  Tomorrow's bike/strength training.  I also hope to get a short walk in the morning with the dogs.  They need it, both are running around like crazy chickens.

4th of July RUN!

So, I belong to this nifty club of moms who run.  Moms RUN This Town, to be exact.  We're doing a 6:15 a.m. run tomorrow and since I'm not sleeping b/c all of the excitement, I'm updating this ol'thing.

I went for a walk twice today, it seems my legs need the slow movement and my mind the calming view.   I took my dog MJ and we headed out to the same park by my parents' house.  We walked for almost an hour and then another 20 minutes later in the evening.  It was nice.

I saw the updates on FB on the winners for this weekend's race and damn.  I'd have to run a 19:55.0 5K in order to beat the fastest lady!!  That's insanely fast for my 10:45-12:00 min mile!!!  I mean, !!!!!!!

But, there's dreaming, right?  How cool would it be to have a medal for actually placing?  Not that I don't love my "I participated and sweat my butt off" medal... but one with a "1" on it would be super fucking amazing.

I can dream.  And work on being faster.  I've already looked up a training plan, but it recommends being able to run 5-6 miles on the go without dying.  I can work on that.  I can already run 30 steady minutes so I'm almost there.  I just have to build up to that mileage carefully, which is a problem b/c I seem to want to GO-GO-GO!  I have to wait.  I fear my knee will act up again.  I need to walk more and try pilates once again.  I only tried it once.  I may do that instead of the 20 minute ride I have plan for the end of the week.

I have a 50 mi goal for biking this July and I'm here as of today:

Pretty cool!

I'll be receiving June's medal for covering 75 mi total (biking/walking/running).  Pretty awesome medal, I'll take a picture of me wearing it like a dork.  Time to sleep!  Have to be up by 5 so I can start driving by 5:45.

July Goals!

I feel so proud of myself for actually getting my ass out of bed at 7:00 a.m. today!  It was the damned Wake N Shake alarm that got the job done, but I shook that phone like I was choking it.  Today was biking, cross training, b/c having your knee hurt like you're an old lady is no fun.  I went to the park by my parents' house, the trail, by the school.  Anyway, I went.

My mom had been awake for a couple of hours (crazy, I know) and wanted to chat.  I handled a couple of grunts and she wished me luck on my ride.  I'm still a little scared of turns, but I can deal with straight paths all day long.  I ended up with this:

CT - Bike

I am working on a June Goal of biking 50 miles and hope I can ride 3X a week.  I don't want to push myself, but it's hard to know what's pushing and what's actually working my ass off.  We shall see.  

I also took this picture and enjoyed the view during my little butt break.  I need a new seat!

Pretty weather.

I really enjoyed the ride, though my butt could have stayed at home.  It's sore.

A run with a dog.

I finally took my dog out with me to run my Day 4, Week 1 easy run.  Just 30 minutes, it was... different.   She has never run with me but she's a great sprinter.  A mini pin, to be exact.  She was afraid of incoming cars, street sewers, other dogs, and moving objects.  She got over it once we hit the 10 minute mark and she realized we had no energy to be paying attention to pointless objects.  It was on!

At the very end, while I was stretching and she was tied to a branch, two dogs came at us.  They had collars and looked taken care of but either way, she protected us!  I had to pull her back and throw water at one of the dogs who wanted to play/smell us.  He ended up peeing on the tree she was tied to once we left.  I told her she was insane but she looked pretty pleased.  I was, too.  At least by the time we got home.  She's not afraid of EVERYTHING!  She's a brave little pup.

Here's a snippet of this week's and next's calendar:

Training is on!

It all ended with the fajitas.

Oh, and the margaritas.  The delicious Margaritas.  I had too many, to the point that I woke up with a headache.  That hasn't happened since college.  Eh, then yesterday, there were fajitas and cupcakes.  Actually, the cupcake was amazing but I ended up only having one since my daughter and son LOVED the icing.  The scale showed a 4 lb gain but hey, margaritas!!

I'll weigh in again b/c well, I have to.  LOL.  I'm going for a run tomorrow.  The whole half marathon schedule isn't working out so much... in that, I just haven't started it.  I'm going for an early run (for reals this time!!) so I can go to the doctor with my sister.  I'm driving and she's promised coffee.

I'm happy to spend time with her.

I rode 5 mi on the indoor bike and have another 15 minutes of cross training left for today.  I'll probably end up doing a 10 min weight session.  Ugh, weights...

BEAUTIFUL weather!

It's around 68* right now and there's nothing better than relaxing on the swing after a good run and a good bike ride.  Indoor bike ride, but still good!  I covered a total of 7+ miles altogether, burned around 320 calories!  I'll take it.

Today's run went well, it was hard to keep my heart rate under control, I guess I've lost that since I haven't run in a long while.  No matter, I'll get it back.  I ran around my new neighborhood and since it doesn't have sidewalks, I kept my headphones off.  It was such a beautiful day, it's hard to imagine that so many bad events have taken place this week.  How many lives have been lost, families broken up.  It's so saddening to think no one can prepare themselves for that type of pain.  I just keep hugging/kissing my bears until they push me away.

I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many good people.  I pray for e/one every chance I get...

Week of WW+ is about to end tomorrow and I think it's getting easier.  I'm not counting fruits in my smoothies since I only have two servings of fruits a day.  I'll count once I stop losing weight.  I've lost 2 more lbs this week!  So... that only leaves another 20.  LOL.  I don't want to lose that much but I just want to see the type of work it would take to be that good of in shape.  I'd have to lose 25+ pounds!  And that's not including the ones I've lost so far.  Gee.

I think I'll have to reschedule my runs to mid-afternoon or at around 10:30-11 a.m. since that's when my husband can watch the kiddos.  I'll have to b/c they can't happen at 5:30 a.m. right now.  That seems insane and completely unbearable.  Ugh, it's an ungodly hour.

Getting ready for a run!

Tomorrow, 5:15 a.m.  It'll be my first since we moved into the new house and I'm excited.  I'm really sleepy so I'm hoping it means I can go to sleep early.  Here's to hoping!!

3/4 done with goal!

Another 9 miles in the same time, a little slower this time.  I wasn't sore today but I did feel sluggish.  Oh, and hungrier.  I think the hunger was just me and anxiety.  It's not completely gone but it's so much easier to control.  I need a shower BADLY.  I need to go to sleep before my husband gets home or I'll stay awake with him and miss tomorrow's run.  

Half-marathon training has officially begun!  First easy 30 min run tomorrow!!

Another day, another 9 awesome miles!

On the indoor bike, but still, 9 miles!!!  That's the farthest I've ridden on it since my dad gave it to me.  I remember when I picked it up and had to convince my Honey Bear I'd use it even though it took up 1/5 of our old room.  Now it's in my sewing room next to my yoga mat, weights, bands and in front of the TV.  I've made a goal on my Garmin site to ride 4 times this week.  That seems like a lot to me!

Not that it is impossible, but with two little kids, it feels like days are completely unbalanced.  It's either "they were REALLY good (freaky in how well they behaved)" or "OMG, let's burn my uterus!!"  That unbalanced.  Today was ok, my sister, adorable new nephew, and my mini-me nephew came over.  My mom arrived later with cookies and cooked black beans.  I cooked for my sister and nephew and made myself a green smoothie while they ate their own meal.  My little nephew asked me if I was going to drink it. He said it was green.  What does he know.

It was tasty and included 4 servings of veggies/fruits.  I used up my last banana so I may have to get more at the store.  I also cooked pork, which is rare at this house, and ate up the last of the spicy turkey meat/veggies thing I cooked a while ago.  I have a bunch frozen and labeled by points.  Awesome.

This is week two on P+ and I'm doing alright.  I earned 4 APs on the bike, which isn't bad seeing that I really wanted to stop at the 18 minute mark.  I did over 30!

Goal: 50% completed!

Such a sad, sad day.

The reports came via text, and so did the warnings about ever participating in any more races. I doubt I'd ever make it to Boston, but I'm praying for all of those who did this year. My heart stopped when I read he first google results to "Boston and bomb". I just can't understand the lack of love one may have experienced to have the courage to do this anywhere, anytime. There are so many things a runner gives up in order to feel the wind on your face, your heart in your ears and God in your mind... You just never think you'll have to give up your life to experience a run.

I have no words to describe how tight my heart feels. The fear, the pain, sorrow and disbelief combined in my heart and mind. I don't know how anyone can live with he knowledge of causing so much pain.

I have prayed and wondered, but I remain ignorant. I kissed and hugged my loved ones extra tight tonight. I cried while reading the articles, I feel my heart is extra heavy today.

Pure disbelief.

Guess who's back, back again...

It seems I only get on Blogger when things go crazy, but I guess that's my life with two little kids.  They're huge and becoming teenagers.  It's cra-cra.

I biked today while watching Spongebob.  What can I say, I love that yellow guy.  I also did regular housework but not as much since I felt like a tired ol'ady.  I start my half marathon training schedule (AGAIN) this Wednesday and am planning to making the 5 a.m. Bagel Run I have missed since I first learned about it.

I have to get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather.  I can't be kept inside!

Running and dieting.

Ugh, those two words should never be written out together but that's the truth.  I diet *in American terms* because it helps me run.  Run long, run strong!  I need to throw out that Nutella jar!

I have a 6 a.m. run tomorrow and it'll be the long one of the week.  I did a 4+ one who knows when and it killed my toes.  There were walking breaks but still, you can't go from no running in two months to a whole 5 or so miles.  Anyway, it was awesome.  Tomorrow should be short b/c I'm super beaten up thanks to the Zumba instructor.  She's tough.

I need to sleep but am all excited and hopped on excitement b/c I want to create a running group for people who need other people to run with at 5 a.m.  Ugh, I'm really sleepy.  Syntax... grammar... sleepy.

I'll sleep on it, maybe it's too crazy.

Run 5 mi! Unless your Garmin craps out.

Well, don't blame the almighty Garmin gods... it was my fault.  Blame it on ignorance and the fact that I didn't care to read about laps on pre-set workouts and blah blah.  Turns out, the Garmin turned off after I had completed the workout and yeah, didn't record my last 1.5 mi.  It's alright, but when you're working your ass off for the extra 1.5 mi and your heart is all like, "THIS BITCH IS TRYING TO KILL ME!", you have to get at least somewhat upset.

I guesstimated and redrew the map only to get frustrated and so I'm counting it as 5 b/c I know I covered more than that with walking and all.  ANYWAY, my first 5 miles since injury!!!  I got a bit scared b/c I thought I felt my knee hurt.  I almost had a heart attack but then stretched and so far, no pain.  I'll foam roll later and tomorrow.  I have a race on Sunday that I can skip b/c it's FREE and not really that important.  It's just super fun and you get to race!

It rained on us, but after the run.  We were walking back home and were a block away.  The raindrops were super cold and my daughter didn't enjoy them as much as I did.  The sunscreen washed into my eyes, but other than that, it was pretty awesome running in the rain.

I burned, from my calculations, around 500 calories.  Seems about right, 100/mile.  I guess that means I burned off the bread I ate yesterday, heheh.  It's fine, I thoroughly enjoyed that dinner with the people I love the most.  I wish Christmas is just as good (which will be, b/c hey, NEW PHONES!).

I should've taken a picture of the day, it was bizarre.  On one side, pretty sunshine, on the other, impending rain.  Pretty awesome.

For today: more stretching, foam rolling and cleaning up my dirty apartment.  My husband says nothing but I can't be a slob around him.  We're married, after all.