March 6, 2012

Hello Spring! Thanks for visiting! Please stay a while!

When I left work today, the thermometer in my car read 70 degrees! Woo!

I had planned on running with Sarah at 6:30 and was pleased for a run in shorts! We ran with Kim and Patricia (and of course The Duke). It was WINDY!! Seriously. There was a wind advisory. 30 mile an hour wind gusts...ugh! But running with friends made it much less noticible. I forgot to turn on my GPS on the phone, so it only read 3.33 miles instead of 4. I know we were running an 11:00 pace. I imagine the run took about 45:00.

Good Run! :)

March 5, 2012

Cinco de Marcho? Yeah, I know it would be "Marzo"... but 'Marcho' amuses me. :)

I met Hector at the gym. I warmed up by doing a mile and a quarter. My chest was tight from the day before. Weird how those muscles were sore, but my legs were ok. Hector worked my core. It's definitely needed because it's no where near where it was. Gotta get it back so I can stay injury free!

March 4, 2012

Well, it's been a long week. That 'smoker's cough' from the Hustle turned in to a chest cold, for which I am now taking antibiotics. Needless to say, I haven't run all week. I tried to go for a run today, but my lungs weren't having it. I made it 3/4 of a mile before needing my inhaler. Duke and I made it 3.11 miles. I guess that's better than nothing.

February 27, 2012

I got up this morning to see Hector, and I was dragging. My cough kept me up. Clearly, the stairs loosened all the crap in my lungs. YUCK! I better not be getting sick. We did a lot of core work. I definitely need it. My bribe to get up and working out is that I get to have a Starbucks latte. I haven't had one in a while because either Hector or I keep missing the workouts. Mmm...Caffeine.... And don't judge me for my coffee addiction. After all, there are worse vices.

February 26, 2012

Hustle Up the Hancock!

Ok, so after 4 years, I forget to sign-up and this year I'm stuck doing the half. I was done in 12:18 for 52 floors. Totally sucking wind with a 'smokers' cough now, but the time was about what I expected. The medal was beautiful!

The drawback? Standing in the elevator line for 2 hours to get down. Seriously? There's gotta be a better way. Come on, organizers...fix it! The line situation gets worse every year!

February 20, 2012

No worky today! Thanks President's Day!

First of all, my hip flexors (think they're hip flexors...the tendons in the front of my hips...attaching thigh to pelvis) are so sore! Yep, that's from yesterday's Ab Ripper video. I know it's good for me. My core has been so weak since my injury.

Today I ran with Julie. I was worried that I was going to slow her down. I know she runs with Kris, and Kris is much faster than I am. But we ran a perfect pace together. We did 9 on the path in 1:43. It was a beautiful sunny day! It was really a perfect run. We even ran (not walked) over Wanda. I'm so glad we got the run in...perfect way to start the day!

I'm also excited that I've been averaging 11:30 for my runs. I'm not sure if I should move up pace groups for summer training or not. I don't want to kill myself to do 11:30, but I don't want to hold myself back at 12:00. It's definately something to think about. I know Keith will want me to lead again, but I have a few months to make my decision. I think that running with out a watch has helped. I'm not binding myself to a time, I'm just going with what my body wants. It's not as evenly paced as I used to be, but it is consistantly faster. We'll see!

February 19, 2012

I didn't end up running today. I thought about getting in a 3 mile (even on the treadmill) but it never happened. I did strong-arm Mike in to doing an ab video with me. We did P90X Ab Ripper. I convinced him by saying "It's only 17:00 long!" Yeah...17:00 and I still can't get through it with out stopping. Someday... hopefully. I haven't tried the other videos in the series (they scare me). I mean, if the 17:00 shorty is killer, how am I going to survive an hour? Hopefully, Mike will want to do them and suck me into it. Until then, I'll stick with the ab ripper. Besides, I need to work my core more anyway!

February 18, 2012

Such a clear day...much cooler than it has been. I guess this mild winter has been spoiling me. I shouldn't complain! I love running outside more than the treadmill!

Running into the wind on the way out wasn't much fun. I caught up with Sarah, right before "Wanda" and ran back to 1.5 with her. I rounded out my run with heading back to 0 for a total of 7 for the day. It was a nice run. I had hoped for longer, but didn't want to push it--As Hal Higdon says, rest is important!

February 16, 2012

You always feel better after a run!

Today was a beautiful day! I set out for 3, but ended up with 5 (ok, 4.93) miles. It felt so good! It's been a much easier recovery that after the last race. I wish every run could feel this good!

February 12, 2012

Third times a charm! Mercedes Marathon!!

Three words...Cold. Windy. Hilly.

Yep. That sums it up. A cold front came through, scaring the southerns (who runs a marathon in a parka?). It was about 32 degrees to start, colder than I anticipated, but not bad. The wind gusts were no bueno. I'm glad I wore the extra layer. It may have gotten up in the 40's by the finish. I had some wind burn when I was done!

I found out from Laura (who ran it last year) that the double loop course (yes, ran it twice) went to the highest point in Birmingham. Super fun for this flat lander. I felt like I was either going up or down. And how is it possible that the hills felt bigger on the second loop?

But I finished. YEAH! In 5:49--no PR, but faster than the last one...and I never even saw "The Balloon Lady". :) I was pretty proud that I didn't hit my usual 17 mile wall...that didn't hit until 20 (which also coincided with previously mentioned highest point in Birmingham). Then there was much walking. I hope that Virginia Beach will be better, after all, this is only my second marathon post injury.

February 7, 2012

It's true...you always feel better after a run!

Sarah and I headed out for a run this evening...we did 4.8 in about 43:00...(I didn't shut my phone off at the lights). Totally just what I needed. Why is it that I have such a hard time going out on my own?

We even stopped by Kris's house to see her medal from the Surf City 1/2 Marathon. I think I should run to people's houses to visit more often. Everyone loves when a sweaty Bethie shows up on their doorstep, right?

Good Run!

February 2, 2012

I have the best fiance in the world. He sends me out for a run, even when he's dying for a burger. I felt much better after my 3.08 miles (33:58).

I just need to get out there more, but I feel so drained after work, it's such a struggle to get my tights on. I know. I know. You always feel better after a run. It's just getting out for the run, that's the problem.

January 31, 2012

Today was the last day of January, in Chicago. It was almost 60 degrees! I HAD to go outside and run. It would be a crime not to. I even wore shorts!! I called Julia and we met up for about 4 miles (4.15 to be exact!). We ran it in 46:47 (an 11:17 pace).

It was a great day for a run and just what I needed. It's so hard to motivate myself to run in the winter. The couch always seems so much better than the frostiness outside. I'm so happy I have awesomely athletic friends who will run with me!

January 30, 2012

I saw Hector this morning. I just ran 800m...and we did some strength training (arms and core).
Has anyone seen my motivation? It seems to be MIA.

January 28, 2012

Did not want to get up and go to the trail today. It looked cold. It looked icy. (Queen of Excuses? Who? Me?)
I did three on the treadmill at a 10% incline in 42:00. Hopefully the treamill hills will prepare me for Alabama.

January 25, 2012

So sore...when did I get old?
Hector did this thing, where he ran me on the treadmill (ok, I started walking) and then he stretched me. We did this stretching, interval thing until I was running. It felt good, but I only ran a mile.

January 22, 2012

Gold Medal Challenge, Part 2 or

MARATHON!!

Time for the hard part of the Gold Medal Challenge. 95.5 laps around the Petit Center. I started out a little sore from the day before. I think it was because the track wasn't cushy (mostly concrete). The first part was crowded. I stayed to the right, because the speedy peeps were lapping me. Barb stayed with me for the first third or so. Steve and Darwin (from Niles) were also running. It was so nice that Barb's mom came out again to cheer. Also, Kim, Keith, Dan and Steve's wife were there cheering too. I really liked that I got to see people every lap. It was definitely motivating. I did have to do some walking and I totally hit the wall in the 70's. But once I got to 79, I knew the end was near. I felt good in those last laps and powered through for a 5:59:10 finish.

Not too bad for a first marathon back after a year of injury and the day after a 1/2 marathon. I even had enough energy to run Steve's last two laps with him. I'm not sure I'd want to do the Gold Medal Challenge on the hard concrete again, but I'd defiantly do the marathon again. Oh, and of course, they ran out of medals for the marathon too. The race director did promise to mail them, and because I didn't get the medal yesterday, he saved a marathon and gold medal for me. That was very nice. It would be sad to have run almost 40 miles and just get a t-shirt. (I'll let you know when it comes in the mail.)

January 21, 2012

Gold Medal Challenge, Part 1
It's time for the Gold Medal Challenge. I wasn't really worried about the 1/2. I finished in 2:46:59. Barb and I ran together...all 47.5 laps. Running in circles wasn't so bad. We kept seeing the same people over and over. We started a lovely game of tag with some other Gold Medal Challenge people. Barb's mom came out to cheer us on (very cool!) It was just a lot of fun! We saw speed skaters practicing and open skate. I actually enjoyed myself! Too bad they ran out of medals. I was promised one in the mail. (I'll keep you updated on when that shows up.) I am nervous about tomorrow...
Does this rank on my top 10 list of stupid things?

January 18, 2012

Morning lifting with Hector. Arms and core.
Why do I schedule these for 6 am?

January 16, 2012

I was on the treadmill, while Mike did the bike. I hate that treadmill! (Anyone want to buy one?) I did 3 miles in 44:30 at a 10% incline. I hate to admit it, but I am getting better at the hill workouts. (shhh! Don't tell Mike!)

January 14, 2012

Today was supposed to be the Polar Dash. It was canceled due to snow. WTF? What did they expect in January? No measure of good faith was given (like a coupon for another race or even an 'I'm sorry'). The race is next weekend, so I can't do it due to the Gold Medal Challenge.

Even though it was icy, snowy and cold, Sarah, Pam and I ran 5.01 miles of parking lot loops. Our reward? Breakfast at Jack's. I had the mini pancakes. What can I say, I like to eat mini-food. It makes me feel like a giant! :)

January 11, 2012

Lifted with Hector today. Made it a mile on the treadmill. Still stiff from Saturday. Ugh. So tired. Need more sleep. (who me? Crabby? Never!)

January 7, 2012

So, I went out for a run with the intention of running 18 miles. I was a grand and glorious day, perfect for winter running...

And then I tripped, rolled my ankle, fell, tore my tights, destroyed my gloves and scraped the crap out of my knee.

Screw you, gravity.

There I was sprawled out on the path, bleeding and crying. A few kind souls stopped to check on me. I tried to run, but my ankle was telling me there's no way 18 miles is going to happen today. I just limped the, less than half mile, to my car. :(

January 5, 2012

I can't believe it's January in Chicago! It was so mild today (40's), I took my run outside. I ran from Casa de Bethie to North Ave. and Oak Park Ave. Duke and I ran 10 miles in just over 2 hours. My hamstrings and calves are still pretty tight, but I'm so thankful for the beautiful weather!

January 4, 2012

Back at a very crowded gym. Any by "crowded" I mean "how can this place not be over capacity?!" Every. Frickin'. Treadmill. TAKEN!

So I did 5 miles on the elliptical and lifted "legs" with Hector. My "legs" seemed more like concrete. I pushed through it, but they were very lead like. I hope that eating high protein and wearing compression socks will help get them ready for run outside tomorrow.

January 3, 2012

Well, the bad news was that I spent 2 hours this morning in the dentist chair getting a filling. Not wanting to bite my tongue immediately after due to the novacane, I waited to run. Then the soreness started. :( Needless to say, I didn't run today. I did lift a little with Mike. We did 30 minutes-ish of back and arms. In between some sets, I did some squats and lunges. I guess it's better than nothing.

January 2, 2012

Two days in a row?! *GASPS!*

Yeah, well I worked out two days in a row! Boo-yah!

This morning I thought about running to the gym...and then I looked out the window and saw the wind and snow. Whereas I was injured last year in similar weather, I opted to drive to the gym.

Big. Frickin'. Mistake.

The "Ressies" are back. Those people who feel they are going to make a "lifestyle change" and hog up the gym equipment. Yeah, they'll be gone in a month.

Any who, after waiting 15 minutes for a treadmill, I ran 2 miles. Then I lifted arms and core with Hector. It's nice, after a year of PT, to see the look of surprise on Hector's face when I respond to his question "How much did you run this weekend?" (For the record it was 16.3 miles.) After we lifted, I waited for a treadmill 10 minutes before opting for an open elliptical. I ellipted (is that a word?) the time it would have taken me to run the remaining two miles. I know, I know, elliptical isn't as good as a treadmill, but I really didn't want to wait for a treadmill. And for the record, they didn't open up while I was on the elliptical.

I can't wait for the "Ressies" to go back to their couches.

January 1, 2012

Ok, it's been a while. Better later than never, right?

It's a new year, and I've decided to start (b)logging again. So where have I been? Well, 2011 bit the big burrito athletically. An injury in January took me out for most of last year. I've done my PT and I'm trying to be back.

To start out the new year, I lifted shoulders and chest with Mike and biked on his stationary bike for 31 minutes for a total distance of 6 miles.

Whew. That wasn't so bad. Maybe I'll do this everyday!