Running Thoughts

I had no idea how much I would love my new underarmour running tights, but they kept me warm and happy on a ccccooooold run. In fact, I'm an underarmour girl today. Here's what happened, see. Sara was in Houston at the Woodlands mall, and she called me and was all, "girl, I just bought some fresh-to-death underarmour duds at the outlet, do you want me to snag you some too?" So I was like, "OOOOOO, ya!" And she was all, "Cool." So I was like, "ya!" LOL...I don't know why I went wacky on ya like that, but the jist is that I sent her after tights, a mock turtleneck, and a hoodie. I wore all today and was completely comfortable. Much more so than with my off-brand stuff. I do love my merrells and my hotchili's though. And hubby bought me two great mock turtlenecks too. Seems that brand names are warmer. I only went a couple miles. I ran strides on the way back. There were ice climbers out and a lady cross country skiing o...

I'm sore today from my lifting workout yesterday...yay! I worked chest, shoulders, and triceps. I hope to run outside today. Snow is on the way, though, so we'll see. Right now, the temp is still in the single digits. I'd run in it anyway, but I know it will get warmer, especially if we get snow. Snow warms things up a bit. And I love to run in it if the sun is peaking out at all. Maybe today will be like that! Here are some things I'm trying to figure out about my snowshoes: Running shoes or snowboots? So far, I've worn my running shoes. They get wet by the time 30 minutes is up, but my feet aren't wet or cold by that time. Boots are more constricting. I plan to try both, though. Where to run in them? I end up walking a lot more because I don't know what I'm doing. I still get my feet tangled together every now and then on a narrow trail, and I don't feel stable on a downhill slope. Lots of powder gets me all tangled up too. So, I...

Actually, I mean DEGREES. 16 degrees outside yesterday when I donned my new snowshoes. I took a few days break from workouts which was nice, but now I'm revved up to go again! Sometimes, my brain just needs a break. :) I'm including my bicep picture. I can't see a difference except that maybe my arm is slightly leaner. That's cool. So, Ruth says "Jan. 22" for another bicep challenge. I'm in! Today's workout: chest, shoulders, triceps

The much-awaited snowshoe pictures! This will take some getting use to, but it was easier than I thought to run in them. They are "racing snowshoes" and are meant for running. They have a narrow sort of "tail" at the back to allow for a woman's running stride and the heel is free. They're fun at any rate. Ignore the ugly building in the background...we have siding to go on it, but now we just need the time.

up at 5:30 drove to Wolf Creek Pass skied all day drove home happy birthday, me! (snowshoe pictures tomorrow when I try them out)

Pretty day today...I hope to get out there and run. I didn't get my lifting workout in yesterday. I need a big dose of energy! Today is a yoga day which is fun. Santa let it leak that I might be getting these for Christmas: Update: I ran about 2 miles. I decided to take it totally easy and skip the sprints/hills. I haven't had much energy to spare. So, that's what I did. Didn't take my ipod. Didn't look at a clock. Just took Mr. Golden Retriever and ran. Best run in a while! I would have gone farther but needed another layer in the shade. More about the snowshoes above: They are racing snowshoes, lightweight, well-made, narrower, and the heel is free. I'm so excited to try them! I actually think they are for my birthday instead of Christmas, so that means Sunday...not long to wait!!!! :) Other random thoughts: While running, I pondered the comment I've heard, "I just get so bored on runs." I think that's interesting because that ...

I thought I would melt completely into a puddle today on my 4 mile run. I had planned on 5, but it turned into 4 as I trudged along through snow and sun. The snow is much like running in sand, and the sun, wow, the sun. I knew I should have worn my capris! I lifted yesterday, but didn't get to triceps, so will try to get that done today too. Here's a bummer...the armour thyroid I normally take isn't available anywhere. The pharmacy had to send me another kind that is suppose to be the same thing, but the last time this happened, it wasn't the same for my body at all. Same thing again. Low energy again. Depression again. Arms and legs are filled with lead again. Forgetful again. Weight gain again. At least I know what's going on this time. Bummer again.

Yesterday was a 3 B's lifting day. By that, I mean, "back, booty, biceps." I actually gave my lower body a break and only did the other 2 B's. Back and Biceps should be sore. My lower body has been perpetually sore as of late, so rest for the booty. I've put some thought into Ruth's great idea about training for the Dallas Half. I'd really like to do it, but can't swing the $$ part of it this time. I could run it here, but winter is a tough time to train for distance here.... I thought of running the CanyonLands Half in Moab, UT around the same date, but again, the training works out better in spring, summer, or fall. So, I guess I'm passing on the Half for now, but am mulling over potential plans. More on that later.

I went for a "tromp" yesterday. We got about a foot of snow, you see, and I love to run on a sunny, snowy day. But the snowplow hadn't even touched my road that I love to run, so it was looking more like a tromp than a run. I was destined for injury, so I turned around and ran strides (as fast as feels natural...not full out, but a fast "glide") on a plowed section of road. Then, I walked to the coffee shop for a yummy latte. I'm hoping for racing snowshoes for my birthday (the 20th). Here are the ones I think I want.

Finally...SNOW!! We normally have lots of it by now, but this year has been a little dry. It snowed off and on all day today, making me feel ultra-lazy. Not too lazy to get my upper body lifting in, though. And a little yoga even though our yoga instructor couldn't make it today. Now, it's bed time.

Oh wow. I'm sore from yesterday's lifting workout. A good sore, but sore. Today, my plan was to don my new gaiters and drive out to an old mine and run 4 miles home. Turns out, that was a great plan for today because the wind is soooo bone chilling, I might have settled for a shorter run if I could have turned around. As it was, I had to go home. So 4 miles later, I went back with hubby to retrieve the jeep from 4 miles out, and I feel the usual YAY-ness that I'm a strong, energetic, capable, adventurous me. Ah, running...a nice way to be.

Leaving for Denver for a quick overnight trip to have a truck fixed and to go to the eye doctor. I squeezed in my lifting workout this morning, and I'll let tomorrow be my day off. Yesterday, I ran in my new "dirtygirlgaiters." No rocks in my shoes! Inconceivable! Ran through shallow snow with no snow flinging up and into my shoes. Sweeeeeet! It was cold out, too. COLD wind. Wore my jacket the whole run for the first time this season. Well, sort of the whole time...I came back like this:

Not feeling my best. Female Follies...no need for details, but I just can't wait for this day to pass. Yesterday was hard too, but I lifted, upper body and went to yoga and bellydance. I was surprised that belly dance was an actual workout. It's never a workout. Last night was lots of jumping and kicking. It was fun, but tiring for yesterday. Today is beautiful out and a run day. I plan to get out there, but don't know how the running will go. A walk is nice too, right? Come on, Advil!

I didn't take time to post details about the Turkey Trot when I posted the pictures, so here's the scoop. It was just under 20 degrees outside, but the sun was shining. So before you get too impressed that I run in that kind of temp, understand that I'm at nearly 9000 ft above sea level with a very intense sun. It's amazing the difference. When I lived in Texas, I was cold at 50 degrees. The run was 2 miles through the town and around. We ended up back where we started, at the museum, for refreshments which completely nullified the few calories burned in the trot...hahaha! Now, you may wonder why we wore jingle bells??? The only thing I could figure was that the run was to raise funds for "Toys For Tots," for Christmas. It was fun. Then we went to some friends house to eat yummy thanksgiving food and go in search of the perfect Christmas tree. We found it! Yesterday, I did a little Christmas shopping, and today, I'm decorating...it's beginni...

Even got jingle bells to wear, see?

Remember from whom all blessings flow, and have a happy thanksgiving!

Yesterday was a lifting day and today is a sore day! Yippeee! I did a great job. Today, I'd hoped to run a trail, but I have to go grocery shopping (hour away), so I'm not sure what will happen. I do know that hills are more fun on a trail and that was my goal. I may end up with an inclined treadmill. Less exciting. I have a sick little boy. So, I have to re-think my Thanksgiving plan. We were to go to some friends' house, but now I'm not sure. They were providing the turkey. I guess I'd better add a turkey to my shopping list! MMMMM Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'm planning for that day to be my free day which means that the weekend will be more difficult. I'm pretty stuck in my ways of having a few free meals on the weekend. We get together with friends on Sunday and it's nice to have that time free. But Thanksgiving..yep that has to be free. :) So, my Thanksgiving challenge has more to do with my weekend than the day itself. I hope to run...

I was so close. I decided to run on a trail that I've not run on yet. There is snow up there, but I've heard that it is still runnable. I got all dressed for the adventure and headed over there in my jeep. Along the way, I remembered that I was supposed to be home in the afternoon to do a favor for a friend. So, I turned my little green rig around and went back home. I did run sprints, though, and felt great afterward! I love the energy boost from sprints. I didn't run full speed, I ran fast, but not my fastest so that the distance could be farther. Then, yoga this evening. So, here is my ode to today. Today, you dealt me a hand I could use. You offered me cards I could hold. You slipped me a couple of trump cards, And I say THANKS. Oh, Today, I fan the cards you dealt with a smile on my face Realizing that I hold them, and I get to play them. Win or lose, I will play. And Today, I played. And won.

What I lack in muscle, I made up for in enthusiasm! Ruth suggested bicep pics to benchmark where we are to compare to future pics as we get more and more RIPPED! Lol! Her pic is def more impressive. But that just means that mine will be an amazing transformation, right? Speaking of biceps, I finished my workout today! Burnouts were 18 pound curls. Not too shabby.

I had a great, cold run today. 6 miles from the lake, home. Went back later to retrieve my jacket that I left in the bushes. Too hot with it, too cold without it. I felt great. I was pushing myself and enjoying the cold air. So, tell me what is the secret? I simply can't go any faster. Seriously. Everyone talks about their slow pace being a 10 minute mile. My fast pace... unless I do some walking. If I'm walking between stretches, then I'm around 8.5 or 9. But to run the whole thing, I'll feel fast at 10. I know, I know...I'm not supposed to be worried about it. But it's a downer to feel like a run was good and then look at the time. Every time. I wasn't planning to post about my time, but there it is. bicep curls tomorrow.

Headache and afterheadache all gone, I took off for two miles at my faster pace. Banjo the Golden Retriever by my side (little white rug never gets to go, he is too naughty!), I ventured out into the 30 degree day. I ended up with my fleece tied around my waist and turning down the heater as I re-entered the house. Then yoga this afternoon. We even managed some housework and schoolwork. Lots of water and mostly ate on track. :)

In contemplating the new week, I considered whether Monday should be a lifting day or a cardio day. At 9 degrees outside, I'm thinkin', "lifting." My lifting area is in my bedroom which has looked like this: After much work, it is now recognizable as a bedroom. The weight bench has been uncovered and the weights that were in there somewhere are now accessible again. I tried to take an after picture, but I'd let my camera battery run down. (I need a melon sized red flashy light to signal me when the battery is low) I'll go for it again tomorrow. (later, after lifting, yoga, and bellydance...) I haven't let the mess keep me from working out...maybe I let working out keep me from cleaning up the mess???-something to contemplate... Anyway, workouts done. Sore muscles everywhere. Tomorrow is a running day. That's happy!

I'm finally about to go lift...back, booty, biceps. I ran a couple of miles today with speed intervals. Mostly ate on target...progress, not perfection!

Brooks Kaedance Mitchell and her mommy, Sara.

We are back from Denver. I missed one cardio workout...bummer! But I did my lifting today. Chest, shoulders, triceps. I hope to have more time to post tomorrow, but here is today's BIG NEWS!!! Sara had a baby girl today. All are doing well. Brooks Kaedance Mitchell weighs 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measures 20.25 inches. I will get to see her tomorrow. Pictures for sure!

Foto Friday somehow got pushed to Snapshot Saturday and nearly Sn apshot Sunday...Anyway, here it is: Faces. I see faces when I run. Some are friendly, some mocking. All are companions. Do you see them too?

News Flash! I joined the Transformation Healthy Holiday Challenge. Began Monday, but haven't had time to post. We have my hubby's parents here for a visit. I'm so glad...they've eaten almost all of our halloween candy!! ;) Bill Phillips sent out a challenge invitation for November and December, so I thought I'd join. It's fun to do something different. Besides, I'm in another challenge that my friend, Jen, set up through Beachbody. Here are my goals and plan: Here are my goals: 1. Lose 10 pounds 2. Fit back into my too-tight jeans 3. Run 5 seconds faster per mile 4. Gain pretty muscle Here is my plan: 1. Eat body for life style 2. continue with endurance running, but not train for a distance right now, and include Hiit 3. Lift weights shawn phillips style (absolution), including Chalean Extreme (beachbody) exercises...I've found I'm not crazy about some aspects of the dvd, but like the exercises. And here is what I posted at Transformation.com...

We didn't go to Denver after all. There is over 2 feet of snow there, and we were to drive a propane truck back. Since we can choose when we go, we decided to wait until next weekend. It's been snowing here too, but just a little. I'd love a run today, but my neck and back feel out of whack and I'm taking it easy. Yesterday, hubby popped my back for me...it never pops, and it popped all the way from my neck down to my tailbone! We had a wonderful outreach for my son's home autism program! Julie came and worked with our family on new goals and how to reach them. She is awesome in so many ways, and we've been friends for years. One incredible thing is that she wouldn't allow me to pay her. I cried. Interesting how life fits itself together in interlocking pieces. As Julie talked with me about going into a session with my son with the intention of finding the day's challenge, easing off, but being persistent in coming back to revisit that challe...

I've been super busy lately. Sara is due to have her baby very soon (2 weeks til the due date!) and we have been helping them get into their new place (love their new place) and planning a mothering shower which was last night at my house. It was a great time! And today is a workshop all day for my son with autism which is really fun too! Tomorrow, we go to Denver and will return on Saturday as Odell's parents arrive for a weeklong visit. All good stuff. All this to say, no workouts have made it into my days this week except going to yoga and belly dance. I just keep telling myself that I'll get to run soon. :)

Today was the Nike+ Human Race 10K...the day the world runs. People all over the world ran today and Nike donates money per mile to leukemia research. It's fun to think that somebody somewhere is running with you. And today, someone right here was running with me. My friends, Lydia and Michelle, joined me. I was so nervous like a girl asked to the prom...sort of in panic mode. I couldn't relax and kept needing to take walk breaks. It was fun though, and they were great about it. They just walked and chatted until I was ready to run again and then we got started telling kid stories the last mile and walked on home. Did you run with me today? Cuz that's cool if you did! I'm working on my plans for running...will get back with ya! Thanks for your encouragement. I realize my last post sounded sort of pathetic, but the mountain lion thing is an actual concern, especially if I want to run trails, which I do. :)

Ruth is Right. I miss running for fun. I thought that I could work on speed during the week and then relax into a long run on the weekends, and maybe so. But I ran only the relaxed runs so far in this training schedule to increase speed. I didn't "get to" the intervals or the tempo run, and I'm not going to run 4 fast miles today (on the schedule) because tomorrow is the "Human Race 10K." It really doesn't matter if I'm faster or slower, but I'm slower than the other gals who run around here and I would like to keep up and run with them. Two friends (maybe 3) are planning to run with me on Saturday for the 10K which would be fun except that I know how slow I am and I'm skeered. If only I were a little faster. And when they run with me, they will see how slow I am and won't want to run with me ever again. Running alone is great fun, but I'd like to be ABLE to run with them. And running the trails alone can be sort of a bad id...

I moved lifting to yesterday, thinking that it was a "rest from running" day. Turns out it was to be intervals. So, I figured I'd do both. I lifted. Then realized that my hubby did something to the extension cord for my treadmill. So, the intervals are today's workout that I'm procrastinating. :) Intervals are hard. I want to do them on the treadmill because the distance is measured. There is no track around here for running 5x400's. I'm to run 400 meters at a 1-mile pace, 5 times with a 400 meter walk or jog in between each. I don't know what a 1-mile pace is or how far 400 meters might be. Where I live, you go out and move your feet one in front of the other up and down hills, across creeks, over rocky terrain, through snow (lots of snow today)...until you decide to turn around and go home. There is something to be said for the simplicity of it. But it doesn't help me get faster. :) Maybe this will. More after my date with the trea...

Funny how things are impossible when you believe them to be. You never try... It's impossible after all. Have you ever noticed how many people run marathons these days when it was such an elite thing to do not too long ago? It's still not the norm, but 2 of my friends ran in the Denver Marathon/Half yesterday among over 10,000 other runners. That's remarkable, I think. Number one, big kudos to Martha and Lily! And Number two, think of all those other runners who believed in the possibility. What if they'd thought of mythical Pheidippides' death over running such a distance and assumed it couldn't be done? They wouldn't have had the experience they had today...the accomplishment. And what about the finishing times lately? Amazing records are broken constantly. What was an unheard of speed a few years ago looks slow today. It's really mind boggling how much influence your belief has on your ability. Since a mile has been run in under 5 minute...

I planned on a weight workout and totally forgot to do it until this evening. So, I got all excited about it and was barely into it when hubby called with a change in my plans. I guess I'll plan to do it tomorrow which is fine, but I'd meant to do it today and could have...if I'd remembered earlier! Well, I'm a copycat. I've gotten tired of my mediocrity. I want to run faster and lose about 10 pounds of fat and gain muscle. So, I'm suppose to run a 10K on October 24th, and I will plan to do my best. But I'm joining Ruth in her virtual turkey run so that she can have someone to beat. I'm gonna steal her plan too. I've already printed it. :) And I'm in on this challenge by my friend, Jen. You can join too!

Ingredients: 1 pair of running shoes 1 pair of non-holey socks favorite running skirt warm sunshine cool air ipod 3 great kids 1 great friend yoga Mix shoes, socks, skirt, sun, and cool air, making sure to blend well with ipod. Add homeschooling 3 great kids and laugh happily. Find a great friend who will babysit your child (thanks, Sara), enabling you to go to yoga. Enjoy, as I did.

I ran Monday, but not as fast as I'd planned. Soaking in the sun as it peaked through the clouds, you'd think I'd have been happy. It was a beautiful day, but all I could think about was how very LITTLE I'd improved even with lots of trying. I want to increase my speed. And I have, but ever so slightly. The incremental advancement challenges my patience and my practice at happiness. I ran Monday, but not as fast as I'd planned. I've improved my health, but not as much as I'd planned. I've taught my children, but not as much as I'd planned. I've helped my special needs child, but not as much as I'd planned. Maybe if I replace the word "plan" with "hope..." maybe I'll let go of the expectations that trip me. And I can continue to hope, run, improve, teach, help. I can do that.

This led me to this. Which led me to share this . You?

I enjoyed a short 2.5 miler this afternoon. Here's the lowdown. warm sun, cool air long sleeves, tousled hair reds and yellows orange and brown a hundred leaves come floating down babbling creek, whispering breeze the sky, the mountains touch and tease reds and yellows blue and brown mountain echoes drifting down footsteps landing softly, hear the crush upon a leaf carpet, rich and plush reds and yellows gold and brown hear the quiet autumn sound

I was in such a foul mood most of the day. Until I lifted. Then, I was fine. A hard workout is good for lots of things it seems. Must remember that.

No lifting today... I tried, but my dvd player wouldn't work. I moved my weights to the other room to try that TV, but then had to run an errand and head over to some friends' house who had invited us over for a yummy meal... So, not only did I not lift, I did EAT. Tomorrow. Here is more info on my Goal 10K. I hadn't run anything longer than 2.5 miles for about 3 weeks! So, I almost just re-grouped to try for October. And I could see snow out and up where I was to run. I left the house thinking that I would just run a couple of faster miles and push my goal out. So, I began like it was to be a 2 mile run. But as I got going, I realized that I really didn't want to put it off. I decided by 2 miles that I would just keep going until the snow turned me around. It was a wet snow and I wasn't dressed to get wet. At a little over 2.5 miles, I decided it was time to turn around. No big deal. I could deal with the last little bit on the treadmill. So, I took o...

At the beginning of the summer I set some goals. You might remember... I wanted to lose 5 pounds, run a faster 10K, and explore at least 2 trails by September. Now, I'm checking in. I have not lost 5 pounds, but I have tried. My hormones are still off track, so I probably just kep myself from gaining which is also a good thing. It's next to impossible to lose weight with hormones out of whack. I didn't manage to run my 10k until yesterday. I ran it at about the same pace as my last 10k...but I thought I wasn't going to get very far (snow ahead) so I started out too fast and was slower at the end. And my short runs are faster. So, I'm making progress. I did explore not only 2 trails, but 4. And I loved them! Next summer will be so fun! I have another shot at a faster 10k on October 25th. I'm planning to run the Nike+ Human Race that day. I've begun Chalean Extreme weight training again, too. Re-focusing. Re-grouping. Re-joicing. As Ruth says, ...

Crisp air, unpredictable weather, beautiful color... Ruth asked for pictures.

Lifted! Got that workout in! yay me! I ran 2 miles this morning and lifted this afternoon. I'm already sore in the booty-us-maximus! Hammies and shoulders too. And...here are the top 5 reasons to lift weights: 1. Weight training tones your muscles which looks great and raises your basal metabolism...which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours a day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping. 2. Weight training can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30. 3. Weight training energizes you. 4. Weight training has a positive effect on almost all of your 650-plus muscles. 5. Weight training strengthens your bones reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis. I'm planning to run my September 10K this weekend, then I have another 10K with Nike+ on October 25. Thought about running the Denver Half, but decided not to spend the money. Next summer, I want to run the Creede Mountain Run again, but maybe the 22 miler. And I...

Layered Salad In a rectangular baking dish: layer #1- chopped fresh spinach layer #2-small can green peas layer #3-mixture of chopped onions and chopped bell pepper layer #4-mayo about 1/4 inch thick layer #5-Tsp of sugar sprinkled on mayo layer #6-grated cheese layer #7-crisp, crumbled bacon I love this recipe even though I normally don't like green peas so much. I didn't start my new plan today...blah tomorrow.

Well, we had fun with our guests. They left yesterday, so what did I do today? I cleaned up after our weeklong visit/demolition and I RAN! Only 2.5 miles, but wow I needed it. It felt like it had been a week since my last run too. Some friends invited me to run a half with them mid-October, but today didn't feel like it. What a gorgeous day. Blue sky. God's glory evident in the shimmery, golden leaves. aaaah So glad I went. Tomorrow marks my re-start of Chalene Extreme (lifting workout) with new before pictures and measurements. I'll be working on losing 10 pounds, one pound at a time, and gaining muscle. It's a 90 day program that is BFL-style lifting, but the burnouts are slightly different and the exercises are with music and a coach.... It's a tough workout and fun. I'm also intent upon my whole family concentrating on eating more veggies. We normally do, but lately we've been eating fewer it seems. So, my idea is to plan our meals around w...

Dear Ruthie, My thoughts are with you as you run 26.2 miles. I wish I could run the last 13.1 with you and cheer for you in person. As it is, you will run, you will finish, and I will anticipate your blogpost about your experience. Until then, here are some quotes for my quotatious friend. "We are different, in essence, than other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." -Emil Zatopek "Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity." -Michael Johnson "I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." Jesse Owens "Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts." - Steve Prefontaine "Tough t...

still no run I did babysit a sweet little mini-friend and took him for a walk in his stroller and jogged part of it. Better than nothin'.... Hoping for a good run this weekend. Did you know that Ruth Runs Saturday????? This is for her!!

We have friends in town...not much time to blog or workout or run. It's forecasted to snow this week.  wow My favorite brands of warm stuff to run in: Hot Chili's Smartwool Underarmour Merrell Must haves: tights wool socks moisture-wicking first layer fold over mitten-gloves neck gator beanie

It rained and rained today.  I hopped onto the treadmill for the first time in a long time...a sure sign that seasons are changing.  I ran speed intervals with OKgo.  I downloaded the workout a long time ago and it's a butt-kicker.  More fun that just running on the 'mill, though.   Here it is. I'm trying to figure out when I'll get to run my 10k.  We have friends coming into town Saturday night, so Saturday during the day would be good except that it is my daughter's 15th birthday and we have soccer games.  hmmm  I'll figure it out. Some friends are running this half and mentioned it to me.  Doubt I'll do it, but I noticed that Bill Philip's Transformation is advertised on the bottom of the page.  Cool. Last, but not least, here are some form drills that I found.  Sort of cheesy, but looks like a good change in routine.

A while back I read a fun post on www.mizfitonline.com from a guy who had come up with a super fun way to make a game of fitness.  He called it an "adventure playout."  get it??  instead of workout??  Anyway, I copied and pasted it in a file on my computer to come back to later because I have decided to concentrate more on making sure my kids (I homeschool) get lots of good phys. ed.  I wanted to imitate his great idea.  Here is my adventure playout: Jungles of Oompa Loompa Land Following a home-made map of our area with embellishments of ideas from Willy Wonka, we will set out to save the oompa loompas from snozzwangers, hornswogglers, wangdoodles, and rotten vermicious knids. First, the map will take us around our driveway, noted on the map as the road to Loompa Land.  At the end of this road, we will turn right onto the path that leads to the chocolate river.  At the river we will pause to throw candy rocks at the hornswogglers in the chocolate river.  From here, we will b...

Today, my 10 year old wanted to go with me on my run. I was only planning 2-3 miles if the weather cooperated. So, I decided on 2, and B went with me. I've been resting, letting my hip and neck have a break. Today felt great! B did really well too! We walked a little and waited for our dog a little and ran at a great pace for me. I think it is just taking me a while to figure myself out. Running by myself, I don't realize how fast or slow I'm going or how one pace feels versus another. I look at my runs on Nike plus and my pace is all over the place. LOL I'm getting more efficient. Running the 1ok around the lake a while back and running the 12 mile mountain run were both good for me to see where I am and how I feel. Today, I finished 2 miles in 22 minutes with some walking and waiting thrown in. My friend ran Imogene on Saturday! Yay for her! She did great, beating her time. It's an incredible 10 miles uphill and 7 back down. Big kudos to Mandy! I...

One unexpected lesson in fitness awareness, running, lifting, yoga...is that of learning to respect my body and its boundaries and signals. I ran the 12 mile mountain run (super fun-will do again!) without being really prepared for it. As a result, my hip has been bothering me and my upper back and neck too. I ran one 3 mile very easy, slow run to see how that felt, but it made it worse, so I'm on a leave of absence until Monday. Until then, I'm planning running, reading about running, talking with friends about running...but not running. On Monday, I will try an easy, short run if my neck is completely better and my hip (which is better already) doesn't stop me. I didn't mention the stress of the 12 mile run...I carry stress in my neck and shoulders.... My daughter decided at the last minute that she would come with me and run the 2 mile. GREAT! But then she got there and was nauseated. She's never reacted to nervousness that way, and so I was not sure if it was th...

I had planned to run a 10k on Sat. for a "better than last time" time.  My hip has been troubling me, though, so I may put it off until Monday.  I think I just need to rest.  I'm also excited to get going again with my weights.  I took a breather (longer than intended) to be fresh for the 12 mile run.  So, next week, lifting again!  wahooo! I still don't have pictures from Creede.  I should have taken them myself.  Oh well, when I get them, I'll post them! I'm so excited about Ruthie's marathon on the 26th.  It seems so close.  I'm inspired to plan for the mountainair marathon next fall.  

Been lazy the past few days... I was sore and recovering for 2 days, but yesterday I fully intended to run.  Didn't.  I'm heading out now!  Yay! ******************* 3 miles done!  My hips are still stiff.  They were the part of me that gave out in the 12 mile run.  Not sure why???  I couldn't be getting old. My nike+ gadget didn't save my 12 miles for some reason.  Bummer.  

Creede is a town about the size of my own town, maybe 400 permanent residents.  The town survives mostly on tourism, so summer population is probably closer to 800.  People are attracted to the little mountain town by the outdoor sports.  In the winter, people come to snowshoe and snowmobile.  In the summer, they come for the hiking, the photography, fishing.  Fall, they come to see the color change and to hunt for elk, deer, and black bear.  The elevation of the town is the attraction.  It is situated at 8,850' above sea level, in the beautiful San Juan mountains.  It shares the boast of 5 fourteeners (peaks of over 14,000') in the nearby vicinity with my town which is slightly higher in elevation.  So, I'm accustomed to running some hills.  The idea is not new to me.  I see these gorgeous mountains every day, but never get my fill.  Running the Creede Mountain Run was an incredible experience topped only by owning the bragging rights.   The race started in the town park a...

Ok....no big deal.  It's just a little 12 mile jaunt over a mountain.  Easy-peasy.  More tomorrow when I get back. www.creedemountainrun.com Here is one person's experience.  I will post more about my own experience tomorrow...tonight, I'm going to bed.  But first, I wanted to let you know that I survived 12 miles of mountain running/hiking and thoroughly enjoyed the day.  I can't find my little pocket camera, and that's a shame because the run struck me in two ways...hard and gloriously beautiful.  From the top of the run, you can see all across the continental divide.  Wow.  Really wow.

Up and out the door at 7:30 this morning...early, early for me!  I have to spend the day on errands, though, and really wanted a run in!  When there's a will...   I wouldn't have gotten up and ready for many things, but a run?  Yep. My pace was about 11'21.  That's fast for this old lady.  I only went a couple miles and the faster pace felt easy and good.  The long runs are paying off.  That's what I want to see...improvement.  I don't care about the pace except that it improves.  I think so.  :) Life is messy at my house.  We are preparing for a yard sale to raise money for my son's "son-rise program."  I have belongings scattered and piled everywhere!  My kids' rooms are looking better, though!   I plan to go to yoga this afternoon.  Running, my son's program, and yoga...what do they have in common?  Presence of mind.  I'm not only getting physical exercise, but mental as well.  To maintain a pace and to overcome the part of my brain ...

Here it is...September!  When I look out, I see new colors.  Yellows and golds have crept in, and Autumn approaches.  Mornings are crisp.  We've even reached freezing a couple of nights.  To top it off, a bear ran across our yard yesterday evening.  They've been around in the night all summer and up in the hills, but Autumn is when they really try to fill up their tanks for the winter, so they are down low and in town more.  Yep, September. I love September.  Don't you know loads of Birthdays in September?  My hubby, my daughter, my brothers....and sapphire, wow, what a birthstone!  New school clothes, new pencils, fresh paper, clean notebooks.  Yep, September. This is the month when I try to run a 10k faster than my last one.  September. I'm shooting for Saturday, the 12th.

I wish I'd taken my little camera with me.  I hiked up Nellie Creek Trail past a gorgeous waterfall and then ran back down.   The Creede Mountain Run has a long section of vertical hiking in the first half, so I figured today's trail would help get my head around what I'll need to do.  Conserve, that's what.  Conserve energy and strength early so that I can finish.  It was all I could do not to run the flatter portions of today's uphill trail, but if I want to finish the 12 miles next weekend, I'll have to restrain myself so that I can run the last half.  

I got an email from Ruth (who conquered 18 miles yesterday!!) with a link to a blog with a link to a blog with...  You get the idea?  So, this chain of links led me to Jeff Galloway's book . I've mentioned before that when I allow myself walk breaks, my time ends up faster...go figure, I said.  Ruth had some interesting things to say about that topic that reflect the Galloway approach.  Scheduled walk breaks are a way to better your time, saving your legs for later in the run, says Mr. Galloway. You may recall that I'm to run a 12 mile mountain race.  (Mountain, being the key word)  You may also recall that it is in less than 2 weeks and that my longest long run lately has been 5 miles. It stopped raining.  I went out with thoughts of being lucky to accomplish 8 miles which is pushing it since I haven't built up to 8 lately.  I knew that the only way I'd make it would be with walk breaks.  I put my new watch on my arm and set out to prove to myself that I could do a...

I've lived here for several years, and I've found it difficult to make friends.  Oh, people like me and say hi and I like them and say hi....  But lately some other cool gals have found out that I like to run, jog, trot, crawl.  Suddenly, I have friends.  It's interesting the camaraderie between crazy people who lace up their running shoes.  I've been invited to run the Creede Mountain Run with these new friends .  And I'm going!  I'm planning to attempt the 12 mile run.  My longest run lately has been 5 miles, and the run is Sept. 5!!!!  I hurt my toe, had company, and had a week-long headache...all these things waylaid my plans to train.  But you'd better believe I'm going even if I have to walk it all!   If you read the description of the course, you know that the first part is an uphill climb.  The trail I took yesterday was just such a climb.  I walked/hiked up a mile and a half and ran/fell down it.  I was hoping to do the same thing tomorrow (minu...

Another goal met!  I investigated my second new trail of the summer today.   Some conditions that my Nike+ can't detect:  altitude steep vertical climbs creek crossings big rocks jumping over logs steep descents tripping blood losing 1987 Topgun sunglasses looking for sunglasses I found 'em!

Two Three-milers since I recovered from my headache.  I just haven't managed to blog about it... Some little things I've noticed:  Yoga makes my core tired and sore and if I run the next day, my posture is sloppy.  Yoga loosens my hips and makes me feel more relaxed when I run.  Short, quick steps allow more mileage than long, reaching steps and save my knees.  Jars of Clay have some great running songs.  My left foot feels weird and has strange callouses that my right foot does not.  Chapstick before a run is a good thing.  My sunglasses look like I should star in Top Gun.  More expensive socks last past one run.  Cheap socks get a hole in the toe first time out.  Running doesn't make a headache go away, but it takes my mind off of it.  Pink Emergen-C drink doesn't set well right after a run.  Gatorade does.  Water rocks.  Some days, my orange running skirt is my favorite.  Other days, it's the black one.  My little town gets quieter when school is about to start. ...

struggling with a headache the past few days...out of the game for the moment.  Back soon!

My 4 mile run yesterday was pleasurably enhanced by the fact that the raspberries are ripe!  I stopped and picked some on my way home.  They were sweet and yummy.  Take time to pick the raspberries.  :) Interestingly, my nike plus said that I ran 3.5 miles when I actually ran 4.  I think that all the work on form has changed my stride and I need to re-calibrate.  Maybe I'm faster than my plus shows....  Who knows?  I can't find my watch.  Again, the last time I saw it....my 10 year old..... Also interesting, on the last two runs, this song has come on my ipod just when I thought about walking.  So, I didn't walk.  Don't get comfortable.  

Aren't they swell?  I felt like a lightning bolt!  I ran so fast inside.  But on the outside, I'm still slow...haha!  So, there is the scientific proof that new shoes make you feel faster, and actual speed cannot be determined by a clock.  :) Last week was my 30 day mark of Chalean Extreme (weight lifting program from beachbody that I like so far).  So, this week is off as far as lifting, and I'm running only this week.  It was time to measure progress.   Weight...no change.  That's better than gaining!  I had been 5 pounds over...water weight fluctuation I guess. Lost an inch in my waist...whooohooooo!  That was unexpected...I have a harder time fitting into my jeans these days but that can be explained by the next measurement... Gained an inch in my thighs.  I'm sure it's allll muscle.  Beautiful muscle! Lost almost an inch in my hips. Lost .5 inch in my chest. Lost.5 inch in  my arms. Can't find my calipers to measure my body fat percentage.  The last tim...

Hello, Nature Lovers!  And thank you for joining me for today's Wildflower Report!  I'm thrilled to announce that 13 varieties of wildflowers were noted on today's 2 mile run.  Yes, that's right.  You heard it here first!  THIRTEEN VARIETIES!  Among these noteworthy blooms, rich colors flourished.  The color most frequently spotted was white, followed in a close second by yellow.  Purple also graced the day as did my personal favorite, a brilliant scarlet. Tune in tomorrow for a view of my NEW SHOES and to hear whether or not they increased today's speed.  What do you think?  Do new tennies actually create more velocity as you once believed as a child?  Find out in tomorrow's special (almost scientific) review.

(deep breath)...I know, I know...it isn't about speed.  BUT, when I set a goal, I want to move closer to it, not farther from it.  I've been trying to work on speed and run a 10k just even 1 second faster than my fastest.  I just get slower!!  Even when I feel like I'm faster, I'm slower!  grrrrr! I've been running hills and sprints within my runs.  I've been lifting weights and doing plyometric type exercises.  Do you know that on the days that I allow myself to have walk breaks, my time is better than when I "run" the whole thing?  It's. just. aggravating.  that's all. I crawled 5 miles today with hills and a long faster paced crawl in the middle.  I think I was passed by 2 turtles and a couple of snails.

A run was all I needed. My attitude either needed some prozac or a good run. How is it that 2 miles up and back down a mountain trail can completely change my outlook? I've been trying to get a run in all week, but had only managed my lifting workouts since Sunday. Lifting is good, but it isn't the same medicine that running is for me. Now, 4 creek crossings later, I'm looking at life through different glasses. Things that seemed impossible earlier today now seem completely doable. All's well. Forgot to mention that today's run was the same trail that I've taken before, but lost my way and had to turn back.  Today, I figured it out and kept going, so it was a new trail for me.  Remember my goal???  2 new trails this summer?  I'm on it!  1 down and at least 1 to go!

I know it looks like I've disappeared, but NO!  I'm still here!  And workouts are going great!  I'm on my last week of the first dvd of Chalean Extreme and I am excited about bumping it up a notch next week with the second dvd of workouts.  I took yesterday off from running.  My wounded toe wasn't all that excited about the 5 miles the next day.  So, I gave it a rest yesterday.  I hope to run 4 miles tomorrow, but have a lot going on.  A doctor's appointment about an hour and a half away for my son.  The doc is a cranio-osteopathist.  Funny, when we lived in Houston, I couldn't find one.  Now, we are in the tiny middle of nowhere and here she is.  So, I hope to run when I get back from that journey.  I tried to dream that I might do it early in the morning before I go, but then I got real.

5 miles today!!  I was planning to download my new runlist containing some of Ruth's songs, but I forgot!  So, I still have that to look forward to!  My little piggie made it through, although I felt it, the last mile especially. You may remember that I set a few goals about 3 weeks ago.  I want to run a faster 10k and I want to lose 5 pounds, all by Sept.  Well, so far, my speed *feels* speedier, but doesn't clock that way, and I've *gained* 5 pounds. Nice. I have had several moments of wondering why I'm still trying.  That tug-o-war idea that Ruth expressed on her blog a few days back...Then, I thought of when I was a kid actually playing tug of war, and I remembered that the game was the fun part.  So, I guess I'll just keep playing and enjoy the game of getting more fit.  Wanna play?

due for a 5 mile run...my gracefulness has caused me to postpone.  I'm hoping the toe will be up to the run tomorrow.  It looks worse today, but feels better. Fun news:  My hubby ordered me the new trail shoes I wanted!  Mine have too much cushion and not enough support.  He ordered me the Nike+ Zoom Structure Triax.  They've already shipped!!  woohoo!  And I think I'll go with the gals to the creede mountain run in September.  If I'm last again, well, I'm last.  I can run the 2 mile run if that's all I'm up for that day.  Or the 12.  Not the 22.  Maybe next year! Ok...I'll tell you, I wasn't running a sub-7 mile or fighting off a bear when I hurt my toe...I was gracefully getting into the jeep and stubbed it on the rail.  REALLY hard.