Last Mile Before the Aisle

Last night I got to run 5 miles with Kim, and it was great!  She gets married on Saturday, and I'm so excited for her!!

Miles: 5
Time: 51 Minutes

Miles this Month: 21

Mid Week Run

I am so glad to have the motivation of running with someone else again!  This afternoon I was soooo sleepy, and I would have had such a difficult time running alone.  But thankfully I had plans to meet up with Kim tonight on the trail.  We ran 5 miles together, and although it was tough it wasn't nearly as tough as Saturday's run.  Still working on my endurance, but I'll get back there!  I'm just grateful to be running again.  September is a new month, and I'm ready to log some good miles!! :)

Miles: 5
Time: 55 minutes

Miles this Week: 8
Miles this Month: 40

Running is Like a Box of Chocolates... You Never Know What You're Going to Get

We went to Bubba Gump's in Maui, and I watched Forrest Gump over the weekend so it's been on my mind. :)  But I really do feel like running is sometimes a mystery -- that you never know what you're going to get.  Some days feel great, some days your legs feel like lead, and even within a single run the miles can vary significantly.

Today's run was so many things for me: It was hot.  My shins were sore.  The hills were hard.  But at times I really found my groove and felt like I could keep going for hours.  My goal was to finish under an hour today, and I just made it!  I wish my times were faster lately, but with the hills and heat I just can't seem to push the speed very much.  I alternate a lot between running and walking.  My pace when I'm running is consistently around 10:00 min/mile, and I'm happy with that.  I'm mostly happy to just RUN regardless of pace, but I can't help but think about it at times.

Right now I'm sitting in the A/C icing my shins, and it feels goood. :)  Happy Thursday!

Miles: 5
Time: 59 minutes, 5 seconds

Miles this Week: 18
Miles this Month: 18

Fueling Issues?

I headed out around 7:20 for my morning run today.  I was hoping to get about 6 miles in, but my stomach started hurting around mile 3, and at mile 5 I called it a day.  I really think it might have been the fact that I ate a Kashi granola bar before heading out.  Nothing's wrong with Kashi, but it's not something I've ever had before a run before.  I typically ALWAYS eat an english muffin with peanut butter, but we were out of my go-to pre-run snack.  Not a big deal... I was just glad to log some miles!  I walked another 1/2 mile after running 5, and I feel like it was a good overall workout.

I really enjoyed running earlier in the morning.  It was still cool outside, the birds were chirping, and I must have run by half a dozen garage sales.  I ran up many of the hills too, which was great!  Tomorrow we leave for Hawaii for a week.  I'm going to try to do some running, but I won't be blogging while we're gone.

Have a great week!!!

Miles: 5
Time: 57 minutes, 13 seconds

Miles this Week: 11
Miles this Month: 11

Because I Wanted To

Tonight I went for a run because I wanted to.  And it felt great.  I decided to run 5 miles in the neighborhood, and I'm really pleased with how I did.  I only walked twice, and that's saying a lot for the hills we have around these parts! ;)

It was cool tonight, but I was still able to run in shorts.  I ran with my new iPod shuffle, and the music helped keep me company.  I definitely felt a little rusty.  My feet hurt the first few miles (need new shoes soon), and later on my right knee had some pain.  But nothing alarming... just my legs getting back in the game.

I have a lot of friends who are interested in starting to run, and I think I'm going to try to start a GYRO up again here soon now that the weather is starting to improve.  As Sarah says best... Get Your Run On!


Miles: 5
Time: 55 minutes, 40 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 19

Just Like Old Times

In an effort to get ready for the Shamrock Half-Marathon in a few weeks, Hannah and I met up early this morning to run before work.  When my alarm clock went off, I was NOT feeling it... but once I'm outside chatting and running I always feel great.  The miles definitely go by quick(er) when you have a friend to talk with. :)

It felt like old times running this morning and watching the sun come up.  We did a solid five miles, and it felt great!  Of course we walked some of the hills, and my knees were a little rusty.  But overall it was a great run.  It was still pretty chilly out this morning, but we saw a few signs of Spring along the way.

I'm so happy to be running again.  Only 95 miles left to go this month!

Miles: 5
Time: 1 hour-ish

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 5

Just What I Needed

On Thursday I went running with my friend Stacie.  It was just what I needed to get back into the game.  It was cold, but we were able to be on the Huckleberry Trail which I absolutely love.  I could really feel it, but we kept a fast pace!  The miles went by quick since we chatted the whole time.  I love GYRO runs!!

Mathis and I are planning to do a long run tomorrow, and I may or may not run a quick three this afternoon.  Here's to getting back into a regular pattern of running!

Miles: 5
Time: 51 minutes, 30 seconds

Miles this Week: 7
Miles this Month: 7

Tempo

Today's run called for 5 miles with 3 miles at a 9:09 pace (my goal half-marathon pace)!  I started the first mile off at an 11:00 minute pace on the treadmill before I pumped up the speed.  6.6 on the 'mill was a 9:04 mile and 6.5 was a 9:13 mile.  Since I couldn't zero in on the 9:09 pace precisely I just went with the 6.5 speed.  At the beginning of running fast my left knee was really feeling pulled.  I almost stopped, but decided to see if it went away.  It did.

Much like Monday's run, it was HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Somewhere into mile 2 I felt my hand reaching for the controls to turn down the speed.  But I didn't let myself do it.  I just kept going.  I kept thinking about how I could get through the next 'X' minutes.  I tried to think about how temporary the pain was, and that in a few hours I'd be all snuggly on the couch. :)  It worked!  It was still very hard, but you know what?  I did it!  And the treadmill didn't bother me like it has in the past.  I'd still take running outside hands down, but that wasn't an option with today's weather.

I definitely had the iPod with me for this run.  I have been running without music for months, but I think I'll be bringing back the good ol' tunes to help me attain the speed I'm after.  I can't believe that I did today's run.  My abs were hurting, but I'm glad to know I'm getting stronger.  I was sweating and huffing like a crazy lady, but I don't care a bit.  I did it.  I walked the last mile (14:30ish pace), but I'm fine with this.  I could have jogged, but I told myself I could walk if I got the tempo part done.

I'll run again tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I'll get a long run in this weekend or not.  We're heading out to L.A. with friends so we'll see what happens.  Either way I really hope to keep up this training plan I'm following.  Some days I look at it and think I'll never do it, but I think I have it in me deep down -- just have to be strong and push myself to do it!

Miles: 5
Time: 53 minutes

Miles this Week: 10
Miles this Month: 55

The Need for Speed

Well it looks like Mathis and I will be running the half at Blue Ridge instead of the full marathon.  I was pretty bummed about it at first, but I've got plenty of time in my life to run more marathons.

I spent the weekend thinking about how I could continue to challenge myself even if I don't run another full marathon this year.  Enter SPEEDY Nicki! :)  These next few months (and possibly rest of the year) are going to be spent becoming a faster runner.  I'm know this will be a great challenge for me.  I've learned I can run the distance, but now I'll focus on running the distance better.

I'm going to be following a plan from Runner's World that aims to have you run a half-marathon in 2 hours.  The Shamrock Half-Marathon is relatively flat, and I figure I have a MUCH better shot of running a 2 hour half there than at Blue Ridge.  So now my sights are set more on Shamrock.  I still have NO idea if I can run a half-marathon at a 9:09 pace, but I figure I'll give it my best shot!  And I may have another challenge up my sleeve for the next few months in addition to focusing on speed. :)

Today's run was 5 miles at a 10:30 pace.  Easy enough, right?  WRONG!  It was REALLY tough for me.  I may need to break out the music again to keep me motivated.  Doesn't help that I have to run boring loops in my neighborhood just to try and find something relatively flat.  I had to stop half-way through to take off my jacket and get some water, but other than that I did it.  It felt really tough at certain points, and I wanted to give up.  I just kept pushing myself and in the end I came in a little under the time!  Afterwards I felt REALLY good, and I was so proud of myself.  This is the feeling I run for.  I really don't know if I'll be able to stick to the training plan, but I'm going to give it everything I have.  I'm excited for the push even though I know it will be a lot of work.

Miles: 5
Time: 52 minutes, 15 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 50

Treadmill Thursday

In an effort to make myself an overall better runner, and to do a better job training for marathon #2 I decided to work on my treadmill running today.  I would much rather run outside but there are days and circumstances that prevent me from always running outside.  I'd like to get better about the treadmill, but I know it will take practice.

I think I did really well today!  The whole last mile, I kept saying "one more minute, one more minute".  And it was brutally boring, but I kept running and did it!! :)

Miles: 5
Time: 53 minutes

Miles this Week: 8
Miles this Month: 37

Running for Time?

Well my time was certainly not fast today, but it is was I decided to focus on while on the dreadmill today.  I've found that if I focus on the time as opposed to the distance the treadmill isn't so awful.  Still pretty painful, but somewhat more manageable.

And at this point with the terrible weather and poor training the past two weeks I'm just happy to have gotten anything in.  Here's to adding back the miles!

Miles: 5
Time: 55 minutes

Miles this Week: 11
Miles this Month: 28

Under the Weather

I feel fine, but unfortunately the cold weather has seriously impacted my running this past week.  I ran a quick 5 on Thursday with Mathis, but didn't make it out for my long run yesterday.  I planned on going to the rec center today to run a bit there, but even that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

We got 3-5 inches of snow yesterday, and today's high is 25 degrees with wind gusts of 20-30 mph.  More snow and sub-freezing temps are predicted until Thursday.  I'm planning on starting fresh tomorrow at the rec center, and doing most of my running inside for awhile.  I'm bummed that I missed out on my 18 mile run this weekend, and I'm just hoping it won't set me back too far.


Miles: 5 miles
Time: 48 minutes, 30 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 5

With or Without?

When I first started running I used to love to plug my iPod in and let the music completely distract me from what I was doing.  I welcomed the distraction, and I'm even convinced that I needed the distraction.  I didn't want or need to think so much about my legs or my breathing or how tired I felt.

But it's been a really long time since I ran with music.  And I don't miss it one bit.  I love running without my iPod and just letting myself focus on my running.  I welcome the relief from distractions.  Just me (and God) out on a run with my thoughts and prayers to keep me company.

Miles: 5
Time: 58 minutes, 19 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 14

GYRO Long Run

This morning was one of the weeks that Hal kicks my mileage back a bit.  I still needed to run 5 miles today, and I decided to see if any GYRO girls were interested in joining me.  We had a great turnout with Sarah, Ashley, and Stacie.

I wasn't feeling too hot, mostly thanks to my choice of spicy shrimp tacos last night, but we did really good.  I was grateful to have the support of GYRO to keep my legs moving along.  I definitely realized that I need to be more careful about my eating the night before long runs.  Yet another sacrifice for 26.2! ;)


Miles: 5
Time: 53 minutes, 14 seconds

Miles this Week: 15
Miles this Month: 47

Reunited and It Feels So Good

I didn't plan on taking a week off from running, but that's exactly what happened last week.  And after running yesterday and again today I feel 100% better!!!!!!!  I think it was a good break, but I definitely realized how much I need to be running.  I really can't go very long without it, or I start to go crazy!

Yesterday's run was with GYRO, and my friend Jamie came for the first time.  Jamie is a new runner, and we ran 2 miles together. 

This morning I ran my 5 mile loop of hills through the neighborhood.  I'm calling it an interval workout, which is my fancy way of saying I did a lot of walking.  These hills had it out for me!  I've gotten so used to the flat Huckleberry over the past few weeks, and the hills crushed me this morning.  But I'm not worried.  It was still great to be out there, and I think walking every now and then is just fine!  I'm glad to be back on my "home turf", and I definitely want to make sure I'm getting some good hill runs.

This weekend Mathis and I are running in the Sundown 5K in Blacksburg, and I'm excited!!!!  It's been too long since my last race, and even though it's only a 5K I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm hoping to PR, but I also just want to enjoy the race.  Wish me luck!!!

Miles: 5
Time: 1 hour, 1 minute

Miles this Week: 7
Miles this Month: 25.5

The Cure for Monday

Today was such a Monday.  I picked up a new class today, and by the end of the day I was stressed and in a bad mood.  I didn't even really want to head out to GYRO, but I know that's when I need it the most.

I left feeling today's run 100% better.  Mathis came out with us, and even though I usually run with the girls I love knowing that he's out there getting his run on too!  He is getting so fast!!!  I'm excited to see how he'll do at our 5K next weekend.

I planned on only getting in about 3 miles, but Sarah, Stacie and I were able to push it to 5 miles.  The distance felt good.  My legs were a little rusty, but I know that running is a continual challenge.  I love getting to talk with these girls while running.  And the weather here today was beautiful!!!!  Sunny, breezy and 75 degrees.  All the reasons I left Texas. :)  Just kidding, but I know that running here is 10x easier than running in Texas summers.

Here's a picture Mathis snapped of Stacie, Sarah and I after our 5 miles.  Gotta stay hydrated!! :)

Miles: 5
Time: 52 minutes, 30 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 13

Fast Friday Five

This afternoon I met up with Sarah for a five mile run.  It was great seeing her again since she's been out of town on vacation for the past week.  We dodged a thunderstorm, and I was glad the rain didn't pour on us. Although it was pretty warm on our run so a little rain might have been nice.

We tried our best to stay at a good pace, and I'm really proud of how we did!  Right now I'm sitting on the couch in my recovery socks, and I feel good.  Mathis and I just got back from taking the dogs for a walk, so we logged a total of about 6 miles today! :)

And just for fun... it looks like Jessica Simpson isn't the only one who prefers Asics!  I saw this picture in People, and immediately looked at her shoes... I'm definitely all about the running shoes/stuff right now.

Have a great weekend!!!  Good luck to those racing and those going out for their long runs!

Miles: 5
Time: 48 minutes, 33 seconds

Miles this Week: 13
Miles this Month: 8

Lucky 13?

This morning Mathis and I ran together!  I think this is going to become more of a regular thing which is a lot of fun.  I'm getting slightly faster, and Mathis doesn't mind slowing down a bit to stay at my pace.  I love that running is something we both enjoy, and that it's something we can enjoy together.

We planned on doing 7 miles (to round out my week to 15), but we just didn't have enough time to fit in the extra 2 miles, so we cut it short to 5 (making my weekly total 13 miles).  We ran my 5 mile route of hills in the neighborhood.  I love the Huckleberry Trail, but I also love me some hill running.  It is tough, but it is soooooo good for me too.

Hopefully I'll do a lot more running this next week although it's hard finding the balance between life and school.  I have a crazy amount of summer schoolwork right now, but I still want to make the time to run.  My right knee has felt sore all day so I think I'll need to monitor that some the next few days, but I'm aiming for 20 miles this next week!

Miles: 5
Time: 55 minutes

Miles this Week: 13
Miles this Month: 24

A New Speed!

Yesterday afternoon Mathis and I ran together on the Huckleberry Trail.  I was excited to run with him, because it's not often we go together.  We decided to try for five miles, and I was ready to work in some extra mileage after slacking off Monday and Tuesday of this week.

As we started out, I could tell I was running faster.  I'm not sure why, but I started feeling more comfortable at a 9:45 minute pace.  It felt good to be running faster, and I really enjoyed myself along the trail.  I was also happy that I could match Mathis' pace a little bit better!

It was a little humid, and a few bugs got in my way, but overall it was a great run!  I think yesterday's run was fast because 1). It was flat and 2). I wasn't talking.  When I run here in my neighborhood I am running a LOT of hills, and I think this is helping to improve my endurance and speed, especially when I go run on flatter trails.  And when I run GYRO, we usually have lots to say so we're not always busting out our maximum speed, which I love, but I'm sure it also slows us down a little.  Yesterday really showed me that I am improving from my old pace, and I'm really excited to continue to improve as a runner!

Miles: 5
Time: 49 minutes 32 seconds

Miles this Week: 14
Miles this Month: 25

An Unexpected Running Partner

I've taken a few days off my training this week... it's a hectic time for school, and last night I opted to spend time with my hubby instead of the pavement.

But this morning my running shoes were calling for me, and we hit the neighborhood for a 5 mile run.  It was a little cooler this morning and the sun was out which felt great!  I could tell my legs were a little stiff, but I seemed to find my groove pretty soon.  I definitely ran a lot more today than I did on the same 5 mile route last week.  I'm having to walk the hills less and less and that feels great!  My time improved by a few minutes too, and that always makes me happy!!

Around mile 4 a new friend joined in on the running fun.

I see lots of dogs on my run, but this was the first one that decided to run next to me.  She was really sweet, and it was definitely a new experience.  This doggie isn't familiar with the rules of GYRO however because she soon passed me up.

But then she turned back to look at me like, "Let's move it!" so that was a good push.

My running partner only ran a few mailboxes with me before she headed home.  I'm already wondering if I'll see her again on my next run! :)

Miles: 5
Time: 56 minutes 55 seconds

Miles this Week: 5
Miles this Month: 35