Marathon Training Week 3 | 5K numero tre: Firecracker 5K Run
Welcome to week 3 of marathon training! If you click on the activity links after the dates, it will take you to the Garmin connect website for full stats.
Day 15 | Monday, June 29: Cross-train for 30 minutes
The only cross-training I felt like doing when I got home on Monday was moving back and forth from the pantry to the couch*.
But, there was an intervention by the US Postal Service! Jen generously offered to send me her yoga DVD after my “Yoga fail” post, and it arrived! I was too excited not to try it.
She included a nice letter, telling me how happy she was knowing the DVD would go to good use. She mentioned that another friend sent her some books, and this was her way of returning the random act of kindness by “paying it forward.” I will have to do that as well!
A letter and DVD from Jen!
The DVD is Louise Solomon’s Total Body Toner. She mixes yoga and pilates and calls is “Yogalates.” The DVD is set up into 4 segments – abs, upper body, lower body, and total body. I decided just to start with abs (which she called “abdominals/waist/pelvic floor”). I even got Steven to try it.
Louise Solomon is fairly annoying, and we both felt like she was forcing us to breathe and go through the moves too fast, but I felt like it was a good way to force myself to stretch. Because sometimes, I don’t stretch before or after running.
My favorite yoga pose – nap time
*I didn’t get to do this cross-traning. I feel asleep after dinner while Steven was watching Valkyrie, and woke up to him making popcorn for us and Data**. Yum!
**Data LOVES popcorn. It is the only human food he eats, besides fish.
Yoga time: 20:00 (est.)
Day 16 | Tuesday, June 30: Run 3 miles
Tuesday was another speedy 3-miler with Erin. I think we should do a 5K together. I bet we could push each other to sub 25:00. I wrote that crossed out section on Tuesday night, then read her Wednesday post and she suggested the same thing! We signed up to run the Rally for Autism 5K together on August 15th! She also had the idea to volunteer with the PAWS group at the Elvis is Alive 5K on August 6th. I am so excited! I have been wanting to volunteer at a 5K for quite some time.
It was 65°F and overcast when we ran – perfect conditions for a run if you ask me! I think I do best in cooler temps. We ran hard, but I didn’t get as sweaty as I normally do, so I skipped the shower (shh!!!), changed right back into my work clothes (another skirt) and went back to my desk. I know hotter days are ahead, so I am grateful for a simple workout like this! And I am really starting to get into the swing of the midday workout. I really look forward to it – it’s a nice break!
As a side note, perfect running weather does not translate into perfect sand volleyball weather. I am in a Tuesday night league with some coworkers, and it’s been gloomy every time we have played so far (okay, just two times).
Wonderful volleyball weather! Not!
Distance: 3.09 miles | Time: 26:42 | 1: 8:23 | 2: 8:56| 3: 8:35 | 4: 00:46
Volleyball time: 45 minutes
Day 17 | Wednesday, July 1: Run 5 miles
Wednesday was another day of shockingly cool temps. Steven joined me for the first two miles and the fourth mile of this run, then did sprints while I did the fifth. And that is after he did P90X Legs & Back and Ab RipperX. He is hardcore.
My splits are all over the place. Oh well. It was supposed to be a comfortable run, and I did what felt comfortable! It was almost like a tempo run. Almost. Okay, a BIG almost.
I wore one of my anti-nip shirts. I am nipping out, but you can’t tell, because the shirt is so swirly!
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 45:16| 1: 9:15 | 2: 9:24 | 3: 8:46 | 4: 9:39 | 5: 8:09 | 6: 00:02
Day 18 | Thursday, July 2: Run 3 miles
Since we were driving to Guttenberg, IA on Thursday night, I decided to save time in the evening by running during lunch. But sadly, without my lunchtime running buddy, Erin.
I was super hungry before my run (after having oatmeal, cereal, a banana, and an apple) so I had a pack of Watermelon Luna Moons. I like the way the Luna Moons taste, but they are impossbily chewy! The only way for me to eat them is before a run when I can pick the bits out of my teeth!
I ran to the Adler Planetarium and back. I think it might be time to take this “comfortable” pace advise more seriously. I think I am pushing myself too hard. I feel fine now, but don’t want to get burned out.
I had my cell phone with me, so I took some crooked pictures while I was running! (Like in that movie Yes Man, Steven pointed out.)
Crossing Lake Shore Drive is a royal pain in the a$$. I had to stop both times. This is the only time the Chicago crossing guards have come in handy, in my experience!
I see my goal…
…and back to Chicago!
It is SO windy right by the lake! This definitely slowed me down!
The Ferris wheel at the Taste of Chicago
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Distance: 3.01 miles | Time: 25:22 | 1: 8:25 | 2: 8:31 | 3: 8:22 | 4: 00:02
Day 19 | Friday, July 3: Rest
Day 20 | Saturday, July 4: Run 5 miles at marathon pace
I just can’t say no. My grandma called me on Thursday and said, “There is a 5K in the neighboring town of Garnavillo at 8:00 am on the 4th! Do you want me to call and get the info?” How cute. Of course I want you to, Grandma. Even though I wasn’t planning on running a 5K!
My parents, grandparents, aunt, sister and her boyfriend, and Steven walked the 5K while I ran it. I started off entirely too fast. I am not really sure what I was thinking. I know I was expecting less people to be running, but there must have been at least 50 people there, and at least 10 finished in front of me.
My grandpa, aunt, me, Steven, my mom and grandma
I won my age group with a time of 24:51 (a new PR), but was the only one in my age group! I won a free pancake breakfast, which I gave to Steven.
After I was done with the 5K, I ran back to Steven and we finished together. Then I finished off my scheduled 5-miler pretty far away from my 9:00 minute mile marathon pace goal.
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 43:33 | 1: 7:46 | 2: 8:12 | 3: 8:17 | 4: 9:44 | 5: 9:29 | 6: 00:02
Day 21 | Sunday, July 5: Run 6 miles
This run was super slow, because I ran so hard the day before and because my wrist hurt. Steven kept me company by riding a bike with me while I was running.
Distance: 6.01 miles | Time: 01:03:45 | 1: 10:47 | 2: 10:48 | 3: 10:59 | 4: 11:00 | 5: 10:34 | 6: 9:30 | 7: 00:04
Week Summary: 22 Miles
I have stuff to say, but am having such a hard time typing with one hand, it will have to wait.
It seemed like a good idea at the time
When we got to the beach today we saw that someone had set up a huge slide at the top of the sand hill, with a pump to run water down it.
There was a huge ramp at the end of it.
My brother Nick got some major air going down it.
I went down a few times.
It was a lot of fun.
Until I landed on my wrist. I can’t move it too much right now.
As long as I can run I don’t care. I may have to see a doctor though.
It’s really hard to type with my left hand only.
Editor’s Note: Check out the awesome splint & sling that Steven and my Grandma made me! And here’s a video of my sister’s boyfriend going down the slide.
More talk about sleep
Because today is an 8-hour workday for me, I took the 6:25 am train instead of the 5:23 am train.
Wow. What a difference an hour of sleep makes. I woke up with a bounce in my step, instead of feeling like zombie-woman.
It’s a reoccurring theme here – my struggle to get enough sleep. I fill my days too full and make my expectations too high. I set myself up for failure and exhaustion.
It makes me very disappointed in myself that I am still struggling with this. Being healthy is not just eating well and exercising. It’s a triad of eating well, exercising AND getting enough rest.
I tried to combat my exhaustion by taking naps the past two weekends. But a 2 or 3-hour nap in the middle of the day? Or two 1-hour naps in one day? That doesn’t seem right (even if it feels right).
I’ve been putting a lot of hope into this 3-day weekend at the river with my family – that it will be relaxing and easy-going. I imagine myself sleeping on the beach, closing my eyes and relaxing on the boat, having relaxing conversations with my (immediate) family, enjoying leisure activities… we’ll see. I’ve learned it’s best not to have my expectations too high (ever, really) when going somewhere where my imaginary schedule has to be coordinated with 9 others people’s.
And however the weekend turns out, what happens when I come back? I’ll still be skimping on sleep, I’m sure.
Fed up
You know what’s exhausting? Trying to give someone what they want, when what they want is constantly changing*.
I am sick of trying to figure people (and their mood swings) out. I know it’s their issue, not mine, but still, it’s exhausting and wearing me down.
My therapist pointed out that when someone is really detail oriented and likes to pick things apart, that by letting it ruin my day, I am doing the same thing – focusing in on the irrelevant details. What a good point. So I am working on not letting the small things build up, but in the meantime… ugh. I feel like I am constanlty being attacked.
*Because they are crazy, and want one thing one day and something different the next.
Marathon Training Week 2
Welcome to week 2 of marathon training! If you click on the activity links after the dates, it will take you to the Garmin connect website for full stats.
Day 8 | Monday, June 22: Cross-train for 30 minutes
Welcome summer, you’re right on time! On Monday, it was 85°F but “felt like 90°F” according to weather.com. Uh, wasn’t it just in the mid 70s last week?! That’s okay, the heat was no big deal on this 2 mile walk. Steven joined me again. I really miss running with Steven. I enjoy chatting with him while I work out.
I’ve been wondering if I should get my bike ready, or do my cross-training at the office gym on Mondays for something different than walking. I think for now I will stick to walking.
Distance: 2.00 miles | Time: 30:04 | 1: 15:12 | 2: 14:49 | 3: 00:02
Day 9 | Tuesday, June 23: Run 3 Miles
I worked out with a coworker at the office gym on Tuesday night. I wasn’t really feeling up to it (I have been feeling down and not too social lately), but figured it would be better to work out indoors, as opposed to the mid 90 degree weather outside. I still had a rough time though. After one mile, I felt like I was going to throw up (Hello falafel pita!). I slowed it down, since it was supposed to be a “comfortable” run, and spent the next two miles bitching about my Memorial Day Weekend (we had some catching up to do!). The bitching made the last two miles zip by.
Lesson learned – stick to my diet throughout the day! My coach took me out to lunch to celebrate a project we completed, and I had an awesome falafel pita and homemade chips (A shout out to Cafe Mediterra is due. If you’re just south of the loop, check them out.)! It didn’t sit well in my stomach though. I need to be even more careful about what I eat before I run!
Distance: 3:00 miles | Time: 29:23 | 1: 9:23 | 2: 10:00 | 3: 10:00
Day 10 | Wednesday, June 24: Run 5 miles
Well, this was an interesting run! I didn’t start until 7:30 pm and it was still 92°F outside! I realized it wasn’t going to be a super speedy, easy run, so I went with the mentality that I would just go out there and have fun. I strapped on my hydration belt (and brought my cell phone in case of an emergency), and put two full water bottles and a bucket of ice on our porch. My plan was to run a loop around our house, stopping for water and ice.
During my warm-up walk, I ran into my neighbor, Fritz, and his daughter, Maya. We walked together for a bit, and she said, “Daddy, I want to ride in the stroller.” Then the words came out of my mouth, “Do you want me to push her in the running stroller?” So, Maya got strapped in, and off we went. I ran with her from her house, all the way around the park, and back home, making up the first 1.6 miles of the run. It was actually fun to run with the stroller. Those were my fastest splits! She told me cute little stories for most of our run together. When we got back to her house, Fritz and his wife, May, were waiting outside with the camera and video camera. How cute! And they brought out cold water for me. What a fun way to start the run!
Isn’t Maya cute?!
While I was running with the stroller, I passed a group of three young girls, whom I actually ended up passing 5 or so more times during my run. Well, the first time we passed them, instead of warning the younger girl that we were coming, one of the older girls just pulled on her pig-tails to pull her off the sidewalk and let us pass! Poor girl. That must have hurt!
After I dropped Maya off, I noticed there was a group of about 8 kids riding their bikes in their street. It was mostly boys, probably ages 12 or so. They were taking up the entire two-way street with their bikes. Cars would come by, and slow down, and the kids wouldn’t let them pass. When the cars honked their horns, the kids would finally move, but finger the cars as they drove by. This made me feel really disappointed. I wanted to follow these kids home and ask their parents if they knew what they were doing, but hey, if the kids were doing that in the first place, I doubt their parents would really care. That’s just so dangerous, and irresponsible.
I stopped by our house to go to the bathroom about two-thirds into the run, and when I came out of the house, I dropped some ice cubes in the front and back of my bra. Of course, those three young girls happened to be walking by our house then. Ha ha. They probably thought that was a strange thing to do. Hey, it felt good.
And, this question isn’t related to the ice cubes, believe me, but how can I be nipping out for an entire 5-mile run in 90 degree weather?! (see paw prints in photo above)
This was a surprisingly good, fun run, despite the heat! It left me in a good mood.
Sweaty Happy Kim
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 47:32 | 1: 9:02 | 2: 9:16 | 3: 9:42 | 4: 9:47 | 5: 9:40 | 6: 00:02
Day 11 | Thursday, June 25: Run 3 miles
Another fun lunch time run with Erin! The forecast called for rain, but it never happened, so we ventured out into the scorching sun (I don’t really feel like I am exaggerating when I say that). I was definitely drenched with sweat by the time I got back to the office, and boy, did that shower feel good!
No rain in the view from my office!
Every other Thursday is a “tele-work” (meaning “work at home”) day for most people in my office, so it’s fairly quiet. With that being said, I was looking forward to running with Erin! I needed to talk to someone! I hope I didn’t talk her ear off.
We did a good job of running slower than we did last week, but we were still running considerably fast (for us). I wish I could run with Erin more often. I can tell we are going faster when we run, but it doesn’t bother me because my mind is on the conversation. I love runs like this. I am looking forward to our next one together!
Distance: 3.18 miles | Time: 29:06 | 1: 9:19 | 2: 9:31 | 3: 8:49 | 4: 1:25
Day 12 | Friday, June 26: Rest
Day 13 | Saturday, June 27: Run 5 miles
I was super excited when I checked the temperature at 6:00 am and saw cooler temps:
59°F and feels like 59°F! Hurray!
That forecast totally makes getting up “early” on a weekend worth it!
I met my neighbor, Fritz, and we ran an easy 5 miles around the neighborhood. It just flew by. That is what happens when you have great company to talk to! I am so lucky to have this happen two runs in a row!
Around mile 3.5, I knew I had to go to the bathroom, so we started to run back towards my house. This is the second time this has happened while running with Fritz. He’s such a cool guy. He said to me, “If you have to go, just go! It’s no big deal!” Ha! I told him that during a race, I would, but that we were so close to home, I could make it. It’s nice to know it wouldn’t bother him if I went on my leg though. Ha ha ha.
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 49:25 | 1: 9:54 | 2: 10:09 | 3: 9:58 | 4: 9:39 | 5: 9:40 | 6: 00:02
Day 14 | Sunday, June 28: Run 9 miles
My alarm was set for 6:30 Sunday morning, but I was having a hard time getting out of bed. Enter Alarm Clock Kitty Cat:
Data seriously makes me crazy by rubbing his teeth and whiskers all over my face when I am trying to sleep, but today he actually helped me get out of bed. Thanks, Data.
I got to the park by 7:00 and started running at 7:20 and got back home after 9:00. That is a lot of time for a 9-mile run! What am I going to do when I have to run further… wake up at 5:00?!
I think I ran this a bit faster than I should have for a training run, but that’s okay. I will surely slow down as I add more mileage. I enjoyed this run. It was nice and sunny and breezy.
More photos from the Nippersink Forest Preserve:
My savior – the public restroom!
Distance: 9.00 miles | Time: 1:22:16 | 1: 9:10 | 2: 9:11 | 3: 9:22 | 4: 9:09 | 5: 9:00 | 6: 9:04 | 7: 9:16 | 8: 9:15 | 9: 8:44 | 10: 00:02
Week Summary: 25 Miles
Compared to last week, my runs this week were more fun and easier. I think that’s because I went out prepared for the heat, and because I ran with friends more often.
One thing I noticed though, is that my running clothes are really starting to stink. I wash them twice and they still won’t come clean. The July issue of Runner’s World has an article called “Stink Stoppers,” reviewing eight new shirts that are stink resistant. Unfortunately, I don’t have the cash right now to buy a new wardrobe, so… any advice?
Vegan Saturday II | Why go vegan?
Alright, it’s the big question! CourtneyInControl asked, “What made you decide you want to go vegan?”
Disclaimer: My intent is not to convert you to veganism, just to share my feelings on the subject!
I’ve been a vegetarian for over 8 years. The idea of becoming vegan (not eating milk or egg products) did not become intriguing to me until I lived in Rome, in 2006. I volunteered at an animal shelter with a lot of vegans who shared information with me about the lifestyle. I believed in the cause, as well as the health benefits of the diet, but honestly, I was NOT ready to make the change yet. I didn’t want to spend time worrying or caring about what was in my food, especially when living in Rome! I wanted to be carefree and eat as much pasta and gelato as I could fit in in 7 months (rest assured, I accomplished that)! I didn’t want to go to the trouble of learning even more of the Italian language to read food labels, and ask waiters in Italian, “Does that have dairy or egg in it?” I was just lazy.
Since then though, I made a somewhat conscious decision to cut back on dairy and egg products. I didn’t eat them that often. When I lived by myself, I didn’t even keep those things in my apartment. BUT, I did enjoy the occasional slice of pizza, bowl of ice cream, or scrambled eggs.
Since then, I’ve constantly run across information on factory farming and animal exploitation. Honestly, I do NOT search this information out, because I cannot stomach it. If I read/see/hear something cruel, I CANNOT get it out of my mind. It makes me feel sick.
But since I kept finding myself running into this information, I did force myself to think about it, and came to the conclusion that I must use my actions to voice what I believe:
I believe that animals should not be exploited for our gain. I believe they are sentient beings, who should have the basic right of living a free life. I believe they should not be used for food, clothing, research, or entertainment, even if there is no unnecessary suffering.
I feel like cutting out dairy and eggs is one small step for me. Animals are used for more than just food. There are many ways they are exploited that I do not agree with. But I honestly cannot go on a rampage through my house throwing away all of my leather products, glue, the tires off my car, etc. I can only make small steps towards a more compassionate lifestyle.
I really want to share some of the awful things I’ve learned about animal exploitation, but I don’t want to ruin your day, if you are like me and cannot get the images out of your head, so I am going to share some links below.
Thanks for reading with an open mind.
Forget Wednesday’s cookies
Forget Wednesday’s cookies, because these taste just like the real thing:
Recipe here.
Steven wasn’t 100% pleased with Wednesday’s vegan chocolate chip cookies, so he searched his new favorite website, vegweb.com for ideas. The new recipe he found truly tastes just like the Nestle Toll House ones. The recipes takes a bit of preparation, but is worth it.
The dough looks like chocolate chip cookie dough!
Our cookie sheets sure do look used!
We also tried this “Craving-Cure Cookies” recipe – similar to an oatmeal raisin. I liked them because they are dense and chewy. Steven didn’t like them as much, for that reason.
I had my eyes set on this one, because it was full of raisins.
Our neighbors came over for dinner, so we had a lot of options for dessert:
Banana Muffins, Craving-Cure Cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
They must have liked the vegan treats, because they took some home! But, there is still enough to share with Diane and E at Saturday’s dinner date in the country.
I think we went a little overboard in our sweets making today. Which is funny, since I gave up sweets for so long for Lent, and didn’t even crave them anymore. Now, since I run so much, I don’t even feel guilty about eating sweets (if in moderation!). In fact, I don’t feel guilty about much that I eat. But I won’t talk about that – I might jinx myself.
Friday Question #72
If your life was made into a movie, what genre would the movie be (drama, action, romance, comedy, adventure, crime/gangster, horror, musical, science fiction, war, western, historical, family-friendly, etc.)?
I like to think that mine would be made into a comedy. Not because I am very funny, but because I find humor in a lot of the situations I am in.
Too much talk about skirts
I hate how I can feel my inner thighs rubbing together* when I wear a skirt. But… I love how breezy it is on hot summer days. Comfort (temperature) wins!
Yesterday was my second quarterly panel report, so I wore a skirt/suit outfit. Then there was a discussion within my team about the merits of wearing a skirt. Some people actually have very strong opinions about wearing or not wearing a skirt. I was kind of surprised. But kind of not. Because some people just like to present their opinions in that strong manner.
Anyway, I have a big box in my closet full of skirts. I got it down this morning and pulled out one of my favorites – this brown/black/orange/white floral print from H&M.
I’ve had this skirt a couple of years, but I just can’t find the right top to wear with it.
With the heat we’ve been having, I’ll probably be wearing skirts more often this summer than I normally would. I just hope I don’t get too much flak about it. Because people generally don’t like to be teased about what they are wearing. Or really, even have it noticed, unless it’s to give a compliment.
*Will they ever NOT rub together…?
Too many cookies before bedtime
I didn’t get home until 8:45 last night. I was a little bit frustrated that my train was late, but all of that frustration washed away when I opened the door and smelled… fresh chocolate chip cookies! Steven decided to try this vegan recipe. How awesome is it to come home to fresh cookies? Steven is such a sweetie. I am so lucky to have a husband who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen.
They turned out very thick on their own. Steven pressed down the second batch, but I liked the big, thick, chewy ones.
Nom Nom Nom
Steven had to make some substitutions to the recipe. We didn’t have unbleached flour, so he used all-purpose. And we didn’t have raw sugar, so he used half white and half brown sugar. He found out that most white sugar is not vegan, as it is often filtered using bone char – an animal product. I am sure as I continue on this vegan journey, I will discover lots of interesting tidbits like that. I will have to accommodate them when I run across them.
Anyway, he thought the cookies were a little bland, that they needed more flavor. He thought they just tasted like sugar cookies with chocolate chips in them – that they were missing that “buttery” (?) taste. I liked that they didn’t have a overpowering taste, as I generally do not consider myself a chocolate chip cookie fan. As you can see, they weren’t laden with chocolate chips. He only used a half of a cup. I don’t like it when chocolate chip cookies are overloaded with chocolate chips. Blah.
With all of that being said, I scarfed down three cookies. Then went almost immediately to bed. These cookies sat like a brick in my stomach, and had me tossing and turning all night. I don’t think it is necessarily the cookie’s fault. I think it is MY fault for eating too much, too fast, too close to bedtime, on an already full stomach.
I got into a bad pattern for awhile in the end of May and beginning of June where I was eating too much in the evening and sleeping very poorly at night. I’d wake up because I feel so uncomfortable and gassy. I would still feel gross when I woke up in the morning. That’s not a good way to start a day.
And the dumb thing is, I couldn’t figure out why I was tossing and turning all night. I just kept repeating the same actions over and over. It wasn’t until I actually slept well, that I looked back and thought, “Hmm, what did I do differently yesterday?”
So, while I’ve always laughed at the theory that you cannot burn off calories you eat in the evening* (because you go to bed), I think I will be making an effort not to eat so close to bedtime.
*I think the advice to “not eat after 7:00 pm” is meant to help people cut back on mindless snacking done after dinner. But it seems to have turned into this belief that calories you eat after 7:00 pm will never be burned off.
Hi! I’m Kim, a 40-something-year-old living in northeastern Illinois with my husband Steven, and our cats, Khaleesi, Apollo, Starbuck, and Eddard aka Ned. My current main hobbies are running, painting rocks, flying, reading, and eating. I follow a vegan lifestyle and work in an account management role. I write about a variety of topics and consider this a “life” blog – a place I can share anything that’s on my mind. Please visit the “About” page to get a better idea of who I am! 🙂
