25:36 5k!!!! A new P.R.!!!

I skipped out on the Speed Sessions this morning because it was so frickin' cold, and I couldn't go tonight because of a school function at Bailey's school, so I went to the park today to do it on my own. I thought the work-out tonight was going to be a 5k time trial. (Although I later found out that's next week. They did the Mile repeats tonight. ) So, I programed my Garmin for a 25:30 in the Virtual Partner mode, but I really didn't think I would even be close this early in the season. The first mile I had the wind behind me (19mph gusts)and I ran a 7:10 mile..after I turned around it's all a blur, but I know I was running into the wind and it was so strong and so cold I was being blown off the path. But somehow I STILL managed to hit the 5k at 25:36! I couldn't believe it. I really think if it had not been for the wind, I would have beat the Garmin, but I wasn't looking for a time like this until March or April. (My best 5k to date was a 25:56 set on Labor Day last year at the Franklin Classic)This says to me that 24:30 will not be an issue this year. In fact, I may even hit a 23 something. Who knows..But that would be AWESOME!!! I have looked at some of the times to place in my age group in some pretty big 5ks and I think I may be able to do it by the fall. (A goal of mine) We shall see!!

I can admit I almost threw up during the last mile and I even stopped and started walking at one point because I was getting sick, but I glanced down at the Garmin and saw I was ahead of my predicted time (26:30) and thought"I can do this!" so that kept me running. On my way home I got a pounding headache and my nose started bleeding which got all over my body armor. OF COURSE I didn't have a tissue ANYWHERE in the car like a dummy..then I sneezed and it went everywhere. Disgusting. I think the cold wind caused the nose bleed...Although it does happen from time to time when I push too hard. It was worth it. I am so pumped right now.

Carmen Electra Strip Tease

I have purchased some new videos that are alot of fun. Carmen Electra has them and they teach you how to strip plus it's a good work-out. I started them last night and I really enjoyed it, then today I did another one and I could feel it in my legs and butt from doing it the night before so I know it worked. I'm ALWAYS looking for new ways to work-out because I get so bored so fast. This should keep my attention for a little while. Besides, I am "challenged" in the whole coordination department anyway, so maybe after a few weeks of doing these on my "rest "days, I'll be looking hot when I try to dance in heels. HA!

This morning I ran Percy Warner park instead of working and I did the whole (5.8 mile) loop without stopping for the first time ever! I ALWAYS have to walk this because the hills are so crazy long and steep, but today I kept thinking..."Would Melissa walk this hill?" and it kept me from stopping. I did the entire thing in 59:02 according to the Garmin, so I will try and beat that next time. I think the biggest reason I ran so well is I was P.O.'d at some hateful B-word woman who's 4 malti-poos I was supposed to groom. Her appointment was at 9:00 am, and at 9:15 she STILL wasn't there so I called her to see if she was still coming. Well, she couldn't be there until 10:00, but she never even called to let me know. Meanwhile, I had 2 other people call to try to get in today and I could have done them if I had known. I told her I would have to re-book it because I wasn't going to sit and wait. And she went off on me!!! IF she had called and let me know something I MIGHT have waited, but she was so rude and inconsiderate..there was just no way. (later I realized I let over $180.oo float away because of my stubbornness..but I just can't stand people like this so OH WELL!!) I decided to go run instead of wait, and I stewed over it the entire run. I don't know why I let people like that get to me, but it helped with my work-out...so that's good.

Speed Sessions week 2

Tonight was Speed Sessions again. We did 6x800's at a 4:30 pace, but we consistantly did it in 4:10. I had my iPod this time, so it was much better than last week.(Gotta get off that thing, though) Melissa ran beside me.... I can't hardly run without her in sight because she's the same pace and everything as me. After we did the work-out, she challenged me to a 400...which I gladly did, and she beat my ass in it. I was way ahead of her till the last 100 meters, then I thought my legs were going to explode and she charged past me. Something about that mentally caused me to stop running. I physically could not run another step. She beat me. Just wait till next week, Melissa!!

After Speed Sessions we took off to McDougals to drink some Yazoo and hang out. We got into deep topics about life and parallel universe, etc. It was me, Melissa, Jeff, Martin, Grady, and a guy named Paul that I had not met before. We shared two pitchers of beer and some 2 for 1's and then headed home. I am glad I am off work tomorrow! I definately need to lift at some point in the morning, and possibly do a spin class if I have time. I am getting my hair done tomorrow and that usually takes forever so we'll see. I lifted Sunday with Jessika and swam laps. I really need to swim tomorrow but I won't because of the hair situation.

My oldest son, Bailey has had the Flu since Sunday. He has been so sick it was like a bomb hit him. High fever, achy joints...and so far I haven't felt the least bit sick and neither has Connor. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because there were 10 kids absent from his class on Monday and 8 yesterday due to this flu. I CANNOT be sick. I'm just too busy for that right now.

10 mile long run

Today I set out to do 9 miles, but I ended up doing 10. I had my Garmin on and Laurie Austin and I did the first 4 miles together. We ran through Deerwood and back, then she stopped at the park where Michael (her husband) was playing with the kids (her son Mark, Bailey and Connor). Then they took the Boys back to my mother-in-laws and I ran an additional 6 miles. It wasn't that bad till the last mile. I had a hard time, and I really should have just done 9 miles today, but there was no way around it with the loop I chose to do, so finished. I will probably repeat the 10 mile next weekend, or even drop back to 9 because I don't want to over-do it.

After that I came home and washed the stink off, then got ready and we all went to ShoGun to eat for Kathy's birthday (Doug's sister) I ate like a pig but that's a good thing considering the run I did earlier. I DO NOT want to get as skinny as I did last year, and I can already see this happening. I just think it looks gross to be anorexic.

Swimming work-out with Jessika

I went to the ymca with Jessika tonight and she beat up on me in the pool. She's an REALLY good swimmer. She is also certified to teach so she ran me through the wringer, which I desperately need. There is NO WAY I would have swam as much as I did tonight if she had not been there coaxing me on. We also lifted weights and that was good because I actually did all of my work-outs instead of skipping stuff like I usually do. (I loathe lifting weights, but she enjoys it.). I had a lot more energy mostly because she was there so...THANK-YOU Jessika!!!!!

I am really bummed out about the Zoo Run 5k. I just learned that it is SOLD_OUT and 1,200 people signed up for it. I was going to do that one!! This makes me kinda mad, because if I had known there was a limit, I would have signed up a long time ago. BOOOOOO!!!!!!

Speed Sessions Baby!!!!

Tonight the Fleet Feet Winter Speed Sessions started! Woo-Hoo!! It was SOOOO cold, I thought I was gonna die, but we got through it. There were almost as many people there as the Summer Sessions, which was surprising because they had cancelled the winter ones last week due to no one signing up. There were so many complaints when they canceled that they decided to go ahead with it, and what do ya know..Huge crowd! It was held at CPA (Christ Pres. Academy) at their track where the coach teaches (he's a calculus teacher), and the track wasn't lighted except for one street lamp so we were running in the dark. I couldn't see my Garmin readings at all. I think I can light the Garmin up, but I don't know how yet.

So tonight we did Tempo work-outs, and I think we are going to focus on those for the next 10 weeks. My group (Me, Marion, Mary Thom,Melissa, and Jessika) did 12x400 at 2:15 pace with 15 second rest breaks. we never did hit 2:15 though. Every lap was under 2:00. The problem with that was we were supposed to be shooting for a pace that's 30 seconds slower than our CURRENT 5k times, which we all decided would be in the 26:30 to 27:00 min. range if we would have run a race tonight just coming off the holidays. So basically we ran the laps a little fast, although they felt pretty good.

I am so glad I got it done though. I have a love/hate relationship with Speed Sessions. Let's just say that if it were up to me to run them alone...I wouldn't. It helps to have 75 other people out there as miserable as I am..freezing their butts off and complaining right along with me. This summer we all had a heat stroke..and I guess we'll all have hypothermia for the next couple of months this winter. Yee-Haw! The fun part comes after the work-outs, though. BEER!!!!!! I like to knock a few Yazoos back after running. Quickest buzz in the south. We usually go out afterward and do so...but it didn't happen tonight. All I wanted tonight was a HOT shower, my flannel P.J.'s., and some lotion on my poor chapped face!

Picnic at the Park

Monkeys

Zeke...King of the Park

Bailey and Connor on the Trail

Connor

Connor, Bailey, Zeke, and Me

Bailey..Mouth full of food.

Today the Boys and I went on a picnic at Warner park, then went on the white trail for a walk. We took the the goat with us for the first time, and he had fun but I think it may have been too much for him because it's a 2.5 mile trail. (He's still a baby) The kids played football and goofed off after we ate, then we hit the trail. I am not used to walking it, so it was really interesting to see all the stuff I usually miss as I go zooming by. We walked in in an hour and 15 mins, and I usually run it in less than 30 minutes. ( Trail running takes longer due to the terrain) There's all kinds of cool stuff, and it seems really far when you walk it. We stopped and took a ton of photos along the way, and the kids did alot of swinging on the massive vines that grow in the woods. I think Connor ran the whole thing. He was ahead the entire walk...run...whatever. Bailey went really slow and picked up around 10,000 rocks, and Zeke just yelled at us the whole time because he was tired. I hope to get him used to it so he can start carrying water for us. It was a really good day.

This is Doug

This is my hottie husband, Doug. We've been married almost 8 years...going on 30.ha! I have tried numerous times to put it on the side where the other photos of the family are located, but it won't work, so I had to put it here. Hey Baby!!!

Workin' It!

I am exhausted! Yesterday morning, I went to the gym and lifted weights, then I did a spin class for 45 mins. It was so hard. Before it was even over, I decided to try running immediately after spinning to try and get a feel for what a triathlon will be like. It didn't have my iPod, which is a first because I NEVER run without that. (I have to break the iPod habit anyway because they are not allowed during tri's) So off I went. My legs felt like they were filled with sand, and I could barely lift them off the pavement. WOW! I really had no idea how hard running would be coming off a bike. I think I will do that from now on when I spin. I ran about a mile and turned around and came back and man...I was spent. After that I proceeded to eat my weight in food when I returned home. I had fish tacos left over from the Cheesecake Factory the night before, and beans and rice, then I had a sandwich from Arby's an hour later, with a vanilla milkshake, then later that night I ate about 15 cookies and a bag of m&m's. oooh, and a had two cheese sticks and a bowl of cereal.

I ended up needing all of that food for the run I did this morning, though. I have a new Garmin Forerunner 305 which I tried out for the first time today at Percy Warner park. I ran the Blvd. and the 5.8 mile loop with Mary Thom and Wayne (The couple in the photo) and it was SOOOOO freakin' humid I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish it.
I did the Blvd. first to warm up, and that was about 2 miles which we did really SLLLOOOWWW. 18:00 mins. then we did the 5.8 hell run, and my Garmin went off constantly telling me I was over my heart rate, and that drove me nuts. Every time it would beep at me, I would lose my focus and decide that I was tired and start walking. Especially up the hills. I try not to walk those but I just couldn't get past the mental abuse the Garmin was putting out, so I walked. BOOOO! The whole run took me an 1:20 due to me trying to saty within the zone so I wouldn't have to listened to the alarm. I think I will disable the alarm next time, or re-set the zone. SOMETHING! I can't go through that again. Percy Warner is a tough course so I am obviously going to be out of the zone a lot when I run it, I just don't need to be reminded every 5 seconds.

Now I am going to Connor's Basketball game. Doug took Bailey to his. I want to see some wins this time!

Trails W/ Melissa

Yesterday afternoon after work I ran the trails with Melissa. We were going to do the Red trail but opted for the White trail due to time and sunlight constraints. It was freezing cold, too. We only did it once (2.5 miles) then I went home and took a shower to wash away the mud, then I met her at Christopher's Pizza to eat. I haven't seen her since before Christmas so it was good to hang out with her again. Hopefully we can meet up this weekend to do a long run.

I have worked my butt off the past three days..but that was my choice. I try to cram all the dogs into two or three days in January so I have extra time off. There isn't many to do so I hate to book one on Monday, two on Tues, etc. I would rather just get them all done on one or two days.

Today I worked then went to a doctor's appointment for the kids, then we ate at the Cheesecake Factory. Once again I have eaten my weight in food and I feel like I am going to explode. I didn't get to the gym today or yesterday, so I feel like a disgusting slob. I am going in the morning, though. I plan to lift, then do a spin class, and I need to swim but I doubt I will get that far. I took a pill...1st one in over 2 weeks!!! WHY DID I DO IT???? Last night I went to bed feeling fine, but I woke up at 1:00am drenched in sweat and chills. My throat was hurting BAD and closing up on me so I had to take some flu medicine to get back to sleep. Doug let me sleep in because my first dogs today weren't due in till 9:oo. I have a feeling it'll be a repest tonight so I went ahead and took something. Excuse? Possibly.

I ordered a new digital camera from Wal-mart.com and it's ALREADY HERE! I just ordered it 2 days ago and shipping was only 97Cents! It's really small so I can take it everywhere with me, and very user friendly, so I can post a ton of pics on this site!

I CANNOT WAIT till the speed sessions start next week. They canceled them for like 5 minutes because no one had officially signed up, and everybody whined and complained so much they decided to go ahead and do it. they were supposed to be a 6 am, but they changed it to 6 pm..(much better..I am NOT a morning person) Well, that's it for now. Goodnight!

Tired and anxious

Doug and I have been bickering back and forth literally ALL DAY! I am not sure why, but it seems like everything we said to each other today hit a nerve for some reason. I went to the gym to blow off some steam, but it didn't really help because then I was just exhausted so that made me even more moody. PMS?? Not quite time yet, but maybe Aunt Flo is going to be early. Who knows.

I did weights for 35 minutes, then I swam. I wasn't in the pool very long..maybe 25 minutes, but it wore me out as usual. I kicked around on the board for awhile, then I got the leg float and did arms, then swam some laps without any assistance. I have to swim faster than I am really capable of just to stay afloat. When I try to slow down, I start to sink...so I have a hard time making it back across the pool because I am so tired from the first lap. it's terrible. Other swimmers are kinda slow and graceful, and they swim like that doing endless laps. I know if I could slow down I could swim farther. What should I do? Doug was going to help me out today in the pool because he's a really good swimmer, but he was just too over me today to swim with me, so I was solo. He came and watched for a minute on the side, but then tossed his keys into my bag and walked home because I wasn't ready to get out yet. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

The kids had ball practice this afternoon, which is a complete nightmare in rush hour traffic. They both have to be at practic by 6:00pm at two differnt schools. Then they both have to be picked up by 7:00pm. The schools are no where near our house, and the traffic makes me want to scream. (I suffer with road rage as it is) doug kindly took them tionight, but I had to pick them up. I forgot my cell phone and when I finally picked up Connor, I was almost 20 minutes late, and the coach was p.o.'d because he had been trying to call me to figure out where the heck I was. Apparently he had to pick up a kid somewhere else , too. I guess I'll pick up Connor first next time, then Bailey.

Tomorrows plan is to go running after work. We shall see.

Wow! That felt GOOD!

Today I did the 5.8 mile loop at Percy Warner with Mary Thom and Martin. I swear if I did that a couple times a week I could run a 21:00 5k no problem. It was grueling, but it hurt so good! Martin came in first, then Mary Thom, then me. Mary Thom had already run 5 miles before she met up with us so she was smokin'! Good run.

Bailey had a BasketBall game this morning. They lost:( but that's ok. They did really well anyway. The score was 16 to 22. Then I ran the park, then I went to Connor's game. They ALSO lost. They didn't seemed to bummed out about it though. I guess one team HAS to lose. They both played really well and that's what matters.

After that game, I came home and took a nap, then I went to my sister-in-laws house for a Body Shop home party. It was fun, and I smell like a Lifesaver. I ordered a nail file, and some face spritzer for after runs. Jaime commented that she is sure my boobs have shrunk 3 sizes in the past year, and I agree. i went from a double D to a C. BoobJob?? I really hate that it has happened, and Doug is extra upset about it. He's also P.O.'d that I have literally run my ass off as well. He likes his women to look like Play Boy centerfolds, and I used to fit the bill until I took up the running. I can't just stop, though. So I don't really know what to do because I refuse to gain a bunch of weight and be lazy so I can have Boobs and a Butt again. It's nice to have those things if you're a girl and all, but I can't have both ways, and I choose the running. I wanted a breast reduction at one point anyway. Now I got one...for free! I can easily try on swim suits now without a whole lot of hassle, and I can wear small shirts. I used to wear medium or large and they were always all loose at the bottem. They're still nice..they're just not the HUGE porn star quality they used to be. So be it.

Tomorrow's plan is to go to church with the family, then hit the downtown ymca with Mary Thom to go swimming. Maybe I'll lift weights while I'm at it. I am starting to see hints of muscle forming on my arms and this excites me. I don't want to look anorexic. Gross!

Thursday I didn't do ANYTHING!!!

I mean NOTHING in the way of working out. I had every intention, but it SOOOOOO didn't happen. I ended up doing 8 or 50 dogs and didn't get off work till 4:30 or so, and by the time I got off, I just said FORGET IT!

Today I went to the gym early this morning and lifted weights, then did a spin class at 8:30. It felt so good! ( it hurt like hell) then I did 6 dogs and wanted to go swim, but once again I didn't get off till 4:00ish. we had to meet Doug parents at Caraba's at 5:00 so swiming was out of the question. Now tomorrow, the plan is to go to Bailey's basketball game at 9:00, then meet friends at Percy Warner at 10:30 to do the 5.8 mile loop. (this feels like 10 miles after you run it) I need a good long run so this is the ticket. I am meeting Mary Thom and Martin, and maybe Michael and Laurie Austin.

I need to add that I think Sundrop and George Dickle may in fact be THE BEST drink EVER. I've been craving it, and although it's not good for me, sometimes I cave in and go for it.
Pure LOVE. (It's a Tullahoma thing...my hometown) Just had to get that off my chest. Those of us that have experienced it understand how powerless I really am against the sweet taste!

eh

I really didn't do a whole lot of much today in the way of training. I ran a little..no biggie. I started back to work though so that took up half the day, then I ran, then I took the Boys to basketball practice, then we went out to eat at a Japanese Steak House. I was supposed to go to Excel tonight to swim, but I am so tired I couldn't gather the strength to do it. My thighs are extremely sore from the lunges, and my shoulders are sore from the swimming. I can't function like I want to. I felt ok till I started running today, then the pain started creeping up on me about a half mile into it. I ended up just doing 3 miles and it only took about 29 mins since I wasn't pushing myself or anything. So 29 mins of exercise is all I managed.

This will be my 5th day without any sleeping pills to send me off for the night. I'm still not going to bed early like I want, but I am really tired when I do go to bed and I stay asleep which is unheard of when I don't take something. I have serious bouts of insomnia that I think is mostly stress related. Who knows. That's it for now. My husband is looking over my shoulder so I can't type under that kind of pressure! lol!

Swimming Day 3

I went to the Y today with Doug, and the boys. I lifted weights today for about an hour, (full body..Self Ultimate Body Book) then I hit the pool. I swam for about 30 minutes and I saw serious improvement. It's only my 3rd swim, and my form is really bad, but I made it back and forth a few times and even raced someone. (It wasn't a race to her, because she didn't know I was racing her..she was just swimming..and KICKING MY ASS in the process.) Then I got the kickboard and did legs and arms. The hardest part is keeping my abs tight while swimming and trying to breathe. This was easier today than it has been, but I still have a LONG way to go. I think I will try a spin class on Friday, then go swim after that. Or maybe I should swim first, then spin. Hmmmm.

My time for the Res. run yesterday pretty much sucked. 27:14. I am embarrassed to even post it. That used to be considered a decent time for me. That's ok, though. Speed Sessions will be starting soon and I WILL knock off some time this year if it kills me. I shooting for a 24 min. 5k by June, and maybe a 49 minute 10k. The pain will be unbearable, but I will just have to bite the bullet and do it. Makes me want to puke just thinking about it.

Happy New Year!

Today I did the Resolution Run 5k. Although my time sucked, it ended up being better than I thought it would be. I got a 26 or 27 something. (Official times have not been posted yet). It's a hard 5k with lots of hills and an endless loop around the Coliseum. Michael Austin did it in 24 something and Laurie Austin ( Number 587 in the pic) did it in 37 something. Martin did it in 24 something as well.

Jessica and I ran Crokett Park on Saturday with Erin and Tracey. We did 6 miles at what felt like a 5 minute mile pace (HA>>just kidding..it was fast though)

I plan to swim at some point tomorrow if all goes well. I am actually looking forward to it.

Next planned runs....
Jan. 27...Zoo Run 5k
Feb. 10...Fangtastic 5k

Speed sessions start in 2 weeks!