Evening Walk

After Ryan finished up his run I hopped on the tready and quickly walked 1.0 at 4.3mph so that I could get a mile in before running out the door to meet up with friends. Total Workout: 1.0 in 13:59 163cals.

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1341.0
Miles Remaining: 159.0
Weight: 128.4

Run for Change

Sick of hearing the same 10 pop songs over and over on Pandora I created a Count Basie Pandora station and ran to some swingin' jazzy hits of the 1930s and 40s. It put me in the zone. I warm-up, a run, then a cool down. Total Workout: 4.0 in 40:45 629cals.

New Miles: 4.0
Total Miles: 1340.0
Miles Remaining: 160.0
Weight: N/A

3 Walks

Today started off with fog and looked and felt like a rainy Spring day. Come lunch the fog had cleared and the temperature was in the upper 50s or perhaps even the 60s! I went on a 1.0 lunch walk.

When I got home from work it was still light out - like dusk during summer - so I changed quickly, put on my vest and walked about 1.0 miles around my neighborhood. (To round it out I walked around my house for two minutes - lapping the dining room, living room, and kitchen.).

I talked to Ryan for a few minutes and then when he laid on the couch to take a nap I got onto the treadmill with my book - A Higher Call - and walked 1.0 in 14:19 at 1%.

New Miles: 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 = 3.0
Total Miles: 1336.0
Miles Remaining: 164.0
Weight: 131.2

Ready for Reading

I was excited to read more of "A Higher Call" - which has had me addicted to it as it is a riveting read. And I was looking forward to walking. And then I realized that I could combine the two! And so I did.

Total Workout: 2.0 miles in 28:26 327cals 1%

New Miles: 2.0
Total Miles: 1333.0
Miles Remaining: 167.0
Weight: 130.2

Cold and Crisp

After a nice mid-afternoon coffee time with my former co-worker Matt and his baby (of which just 2 of us drank coffee), I got home and immediately changed and went out for a run. It was 32 degrees with a "Feels Like" of 27. It's funny how a couple of single digit degree days can put 32 degrees into perspective. And I think after shoveling 4 inches of snow from the driveway on Friday allowed my body to realize it needed to and could heat itself while outside. So come today and 32 degrees it felt kind of warm. (Yep, it actually happened - I found freezing cold to  be "not too bad".) 

I wore my Reebok running pants with my neon green shorts on top, with a t-shirt covered by a long-sleeved half marathon shirt covered by my neon green jacket/coat covered by my running vest, with neon green running gloves, and my Champion ear warmer (which was brand new and a $1 purchase from Goodwill a couple months back). When I started my run it was kind of chilly but not distractingly so. The only thing on me that was cold was my nose and cheeks. But somewhere over the 3 miles they warmed up and I was as pleasant as a peach as I ran along. 

My pace started out strong and felt good. About 1.5 miles in my left shoulder cramped up and my left side got a bit of side stitch. I rotated my arm a few times and I think that helped. My pace still felt pressing but not unbearable as I continued on. I passed an elderly couple out for a walk, then a mile later I passed an elderly lady walking her dog and another elderly lady also walking. Apparently today was the perfect weather for elderly people to walk or maybe it was just the time in which I was running.  

Towards the end of my run I could tell I was going slower, but I still felt decently strong. I finished my 3.0 mile loop in 25:14. 

New Miles: 3.0

Total Miles: 1331.0

Miles Remaining: 169.0

Weight: 130.6 (while wearing my pants, shorts, t-shirt, and socks which definitely adds up)

Mental Tricks

In preparation to go out to Buffalo Wild Wings and eat bad food I went running. I struggled to motivate myself through 3 miles. But luckily at mile marker 3.25 when I was supposed to slow down I said "Do one more at 7.0 then you can jog". And when I got there I said "Do one at 6.5; that's not hard." and when that was done I said "Just do another one. This way your cool down lap will bring you to 4.0". And when I went to finish up the jog I told myself that I could at least keep going at 5.5 and so I did but then during it I went back up to 6.0. Towards the end of that lap I slowed it down a little bit, which allowed myself to say I needed to do another lap to have a proper cool down walking - and so after doing 4.25 I jogged for one minute at 5.0 and then I walked the lap. Total Workout: 4.5 miles in 41:50 702 cals 1%.

During the run I found that a great motivator was "Just do this for 30 more seconds that's all." or "Do 1 minute at this pace. Surely you can do that!" and so every time that amount of time was up I re-upped and said "What's another 30 at this pace." I started off slow but then did 2.0 solid at 7.mph. I then ran 1.0 miles at 8.0mph - and while it was difficult I got through it by saying "You just need to run for 10 more minutes" - I tried to watch the clock rather than think of the pace.

Basically, my run was just full of mental tricks to get myself to keep going. I am glad I can pull these mental tricks on myself to get me to continue. I wish I was still in a place where I didn't need them to get me through 3 or 4 miles, but since I am back in that place where 3 or 4 miles is actual work I am just glad that I can get myself to do the running that is good for me.

New Miles: 4.5
Total Miles: 1328.0
Miles Remaining: 172.0
Weight: 129.6

Simple Run

After a nice time at home talking with my family and consuming a veggie pita then chocolate cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream I got home and changed into my running clothes. I really didn't feel like running. But I felt like showering and so I pepped talked myself by saying "Just 10 minutes, that's not bad. Then you can shower." And so that got me at least to the treadmill and walking. After a lap I went into a run but seconds later I dropped it down to a 6.0mph jog while my legs warmed up and stretched out more. They refused to be loose and they've been this way for a few months, or at least for what feels like a few months. It was good to start out slow as my left knee was complaining a little bit. Then a lap later I got running at 6.5mph. As I went into the final lap of the end of my 1.0 mile run I finally got into the proper running mood - and so instead of settling in to a walk I kept running at 6.5. After another 2 laps, bringing me to 2.0 miles, I slowed back down to 6.0mph and jogged til just over 1/8 of a lap left when I dropped it down to 5.0mph. Total Workout: 2.25 miles in 222:34 353cals 1%

A couple songs came on Pandora that put me into the mindless running mode I needed. I am glad I got those songs to get me to where I needed to be so that I could run more than just 1.0 miles. I ended and  my calves felt crampy and tight as they have been feeling. But at least it was because of using them.

New Miles: 2.25
Total Miles: 1323.5
Miles Remaining: 176.5
Weight: 130.6

Evening Walk

Walked 1.25 miles in 17:49 at 3%.

New Miles: 1.25
Total Miles: 1321.25
Miles Remaining: 788.75
Weight: 131.4

Feeling Hungry

I was hungry for dinner, and so my main motivation for running was actual hunger -- I wanted to get the running out of the way so I could eat.

I donned my Nike free twists and jogged a lap, stretched, then ran 1.0 miles at 6.5mph. I then changed into my other Nikes and ran 2.25 straight at 7.0mph followed by a half lap down at 6.5 then down to 6.0 then the final lap I ran at 5.5 then 5.0 each at 30 seconds then walked at 4.3 for a little then finished up at 4.2mph. Total Workout: 4.0 miles in 37:17 621cals 1%.

New Miles: 4.0
Total Miles: 1320.0
Miles Remaining: 180.0
Weight: 130.6

The Hamptons

Away for the weekend in the Hamptons indulging in deliciousness and nothing and time with my college friends. The morning was warm and sunny and since no one else but one other person was up I decided that instead of staring out the window at the nice weather I needed to go out and enjoy it. So I went out and walked for 20 minutes.

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1316.0
Miles Remaining: 184.0
Weight: N/A 132.0?

Morning Jog

Walked a lap, jogged at 6.0 for a bit then at 6.5, final lap at 7.0 while listening to NPR. Total Workout: 1.25 miles in 13:23 198cals 1%.

New Miles: 1.25
Total Miles: 1315.0
Miles Remaining: 185.0
Weight: 128.6

Knock on wood!

All day I just felt as though I was starting to get a cold, or worse the flu. I have gotten the flu shot so I hope I definitely don't get that. I made it home and after eating a chocolate cookie, well 2 of them, I took a bit of a nap. I wanted to keep sleeping. But since I will need to go to bed soon enough I got up, put on my shoes, and walked a mile while listening to The World and playing Solitaire. So as not to be defeated by a hand I kept walking after 1.0 miles and won and then played another game before the end of the lap - finishing the game just as I finished the lap. Total Workout: 1.25 in 17:54 204 1%.

In addition to feeling a bit under the weather, last night after running I sat on the couch and straightened out my left leg just to find that doing so really hurt my knee. I winced in pain then felt very fearful that I had really hurt myself. I took it easy, just sitting on the couch and it didn't hurt so much but it felt odd. During the night I woke up a few times when I accidentally straightened my leg to whatever point my knee was not happy with it. I tried to sit properly during the day and at least during tonight's walk my knee didn't complain. I am afraid that I'll have to start worrying about tendonitis and what not, I hope this was a fluke. I have been so fortunate to not have any major problems during this journey and I would hate for them to start now. Knock on wood! (which, coincidentally, usually involves me knocking on my knee when I say that)

New Miles: 1.25
Total Miles: 1313.75
Miles Remaining: 186.25
Weight: 131.0

Poem-ly the Lonely

The only reason I went on a walk was so I could write up a poem I found in my purse that I had written in November. So as to not lose it I figured I should type it up. I wrote it while looking out my work window one day and feeling trapped inside my work, and then thinking about being trapped at work and unable to go and do what I wanted I thought about what it would be like if that feeling carried over to life:

there is a hill in the distance that i long to climb.
it stares at me and dares me
to reach its peak.
but i do not move or make attempt;
defeated, deflated, denied.
by self, by fear.
i think of the glory found on high.
but it is a hill i dare not climb.

Just before 10pm I finally got myself to get walking and do a mile so I could settle on the couch. 14:20 later I had gone 1.0 miles at 3% and burned 176cals.

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1312.5
Miles Remaining: 187.5
Weight: 131.8 (what is happening???)

The Sooner You Start

It was in the low 30s and Josh came by to see if I was going to go on a walk. I said yes and that I would be ready in a few minutes. Then a few minutes later the two of us went on a 1.0 mile walk together. It was nice having someone to talk to during the walk. It is nice to learn more about someone you have worked with for 5 years. Apparently he did track and cross country in high school; which is never something I would have guessed.

In the evening I started watching The Biggest Loser and lifting my 5lb weights. I was in my work clothes and slippers and thought myself a comical sight. I looked forward to Ryan getting home from work and either laughing or saying I looked ridiculous. When I opened the door for him still holding my weights he indeed commented on my oddness. Mission accomplished. 

Then I went up and changed into proper work out clothes. I then got onto the treadmill and walked 1.0 at 3% incline while playing Solitaire, but listening to Pandora. I then ran at 6.5mph for 1.0 at 3%. Having survived that with some but not too much struggle I eased the incline down to 1% and ran another lap - bumping it up to 7.0mph for 3/4 of the lap. 

Then I took a water break and got myself ready for a more intense endeavor. Somewhere during my 7.0mph stretch I decided that it would be a great idea for me to run hard again - in intervals. So I readied myself mentally - but I was already quite prepared this time and not scared. I hopped on and ran at 7.0mph, but then I decided that was not a challenge and so I bumped myself up to 8.0mph and ran at that pace for a minute. Once a minute went by I slowed it down to 6.5mph and caught my breath and recouped. When a new lap started so did a new pace. For a minute I found myself going at 8.0mph. Then for one minute at 9.0mph. Between that one and the next time I gave myself a 50 second break - as in the intervening 50 seconds I told myself the sooner I started the sooner I could end. And with ultra-readiness I pressed the button to run at 10.0mph (6:00 mile pace) and I banged it out. I then slowed down to 6.5mph and ran there for a lap of recovery, followed by a final lap still running for another minute, then jogging at 6.0 then 5.5 then walking. Total Workout: 3.5 miles in 36:36 576cals 3% and 1%. 

New Miles: 1.0 + 3.5 = 4.5

Total Miles: 1311.5

Miles Remaining: 188.5

Weight: 131.8 (ugg-a-bug)

Lunch Walk

I went outside into the approx. 40 degree day and walked. It was half sunny, half cloudy. I wore my winter coat, gloves, scarf and a baseball hat. It was kind of chilly when the wind blew - made more unpleasant by knowing how nice yesterday had been.

Before I went out I thought to ask Taryn and Josh, my co-workers, if they would like to join me - as they have said they do want to start walking. But I didn't. I felt like being alone. The walk was nice and a comfortable solitude. Later in the afternoon Josh asked me if I went walking. I told him I had and that I remembered to ask him but didn't because I wanted to be alone. I didn't mean to sound mean, and he understood. So next time I definitely need to make sure I invite them along with me. Because while I do like walking alone sometimes, it is also nice to share a walk.


New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1307.0
Miles Remaining: 193.0
Weight: 130.2

Outdoor Freedom

I attempted to wake up early but failed in that effort. After sleeping in until 10am I quickly changed, ate half a banana, then went outside. I was practically still asleep as I walked up the hill and stretched a few times. I was tight in my legs and I hoped I would loosen up by moving. I moved but no loosening followed.

My pace was slower than usual and I recognized it but could do nothing about it. I tried for a few moments and then my body said no. And so I listened. I told myself it was to just be a comfortable one; one where I just enjoy being outside and that running slower was actually better because I would be outside longer. I ran along, feeling each step and not that I had to force it but definitely as though I had to work for it. I reflected on some days this past year where I would run a lot of miles in the morning and then again later in the day. I wished I had kept that fitness. To make my wish come true though I needed to re-earn my fitness and put in the effort. I have not done a great job of keeping up the effort. These last few days have put me back on track. This run was a nice jolting reminder of the need to not get lazy.

I wore just shorts and a t-shirt (and my safety vest). I didn't bring any music, so it was just me and my thoughts for the run. It was so nice and calm and quiet and relaxing and fluid despite the uncooperative muscles. I asked my body to do this one little thing today - just give me 3 miles - and it reluctantly agreed.

As I went into the final stretch the kid that is usually out playing was outside, but playing with his dad. I've talked to this dad a few times - he runs (or used to run) half marathons - and he asked me how many miles I was doing. I said "Just 3" as though I could still do many. Inside I wish I had left off the "Just" as these 3 miles were fully earned and "3" could have stood on their own today. These "Just 3" felt like 10 hard miles pulled from the depths of energy-less legs. Funny how not fueling up your body or stretching it out or warming it up can make it difficult to get it to do what you want. But lucky for me my body did it anyways, under noisy protest. It didn't hurt or anything, I wasn't risking injury I don't think, I was just being unreasonable and was glad my body said I could enjoy the beautiful 60 degrees and let me take my time in seeing it.

Total Workout: 3.0 in 25:53.


New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 1306.0
Miles Remaining: 194.0
Weight: 129.2

Unreasonable Temperatures

Climate change is good for one thing - Spring-like temperatures on a day that is "supposed" to have snow or be cold. But instead I was able to go outside wearing running shorts, a t-shirt, and a long-sleeved shirt and I was fine. And actually I was more than fine as 1.0 miles in I discovered I didn't need the long-sleeves and I had overdressed for the day. The temperature was around 60 degrees! The sun got thru the clouds for most of my run. And the air felt warm and comforting and comfortable.

I did my 3.0 mile loop in 24:53.

New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 1303.0
Miles Remaining: 197.0
Weight: 129.6

Milestone: 1300.0 Miles!

During lunch got outside into the 40 degree day and walked a mile. This freed me up to be able to run in the evening and make reaching 1300.0 miles possible. As I set out to run I hadn't decided whether or not I'd go for it today, but then as I ran and thought about it I knew it had to be today.

My first lap was at a half walk then jog. Then I ran at 6.0mph for a little and then at 6.5mph. I stopped after a mile for some water. I was not feeling into it and was saddened by the fact that it was hard to run one mile when just a few months ago I was running many miles every day at a fact pace. But then instead of just getting down about it I used it as motivation to go on.

Mile 2 was a similar struggle. I tried desperately to get myself to day dream and be unconscious about running. I was able to do so briefly but then it faded away and all I could think about was how difficult it felt to run. But I ran on and for the half mile until mile 3 it felt like it lasted for ages. It felt like 15 minutes of time elapsed but all it was was less than 5. Once I crossed the 3 mile threshold I knew I could just bang it out no matter how crummy it felt. It was reminiscent of early on in this journey and how difficult miles would feel - it was nice to be reminded of that so late in this journey. I was working hard for these miles today and I need to remember that I need to work for what I accomplish - just because I want to run 3.0 miles without a problem doesn't mean I can - I need to put in the effort to get out the reward.

Finally around 3.25 I hit the groove. I found the happy place of not having to constantly think about running. And then at 3.5 I was helped by Mumford and Sons and I was fortunate to have the song last thru the last two laps. The song helped so much that I actually bumped it up to 7.0mph for those final laps as well.

When the song ended I ended my 4.0 mile run and felt so proud of these 1300.0 miles I have journeyed. Every mile is new and a fun challenge and a fun memory. Today's was that I kept going until I found the motivation I needed and then I held on tight.

Total Workout: 4.0 in some amount of time (darn it I forgot to jot it down!) ...somewhere around 35 minutes I want to say at 1%.

New Miles: 1.0 + 4.0 = 5.0
Total Miles: 1300.0!
Miles Remaining: 200.0
Weight: 129.6

Night Walk

My legsfeel like I have been sitting too much, so at least I have been walking to help myself out. I played Solitaire and listened to NPR and walked 1.0 then I put the Kindle down and walked in silence for .5 just thinking. Total Workout: 1.5 miles in 21:27 243cals 3%.

New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 1295.0
Miles Remaining: 205.0
Weight: 131.0 (...Herm...)

A bit of a run

I walked 1.75 miles at 3% and 4.2mph; then down went the Kindle. I kept it at 3% and then ran at 6.0 for a 1/3 of a lap and then I upped it and did 2 laps at 6.5mph. It felt challenging which felt sad but also felt good to do. I then jogged a lap at 5.0 then 5.5 and ended my run. Total Workout: 2.5 miles in 32:39 453cals.

New Miles: 2.5
Total Miles: 1293.5
Miles Remaining: 216.5
Weight: 130.6

Drained Run

I got home from work and changed into work out clothes. I was determined to make myself run. I walked 1.25 miles as a warm-up at 3%. Stretched out a little. Put down the Kindle and Solitaire and cued up Pandora. Then I started out at 6.0mph then bumped it up to 6.5mph and I ran. As I was nearing 1.0 running miles I felt like I was pushing myself to move forward - like I had tired muscles, no energy reserves, no water, and very little motivation. I told myself I had to finish the mile and then I could lightly jog for a lap then walk. But as I finished it a peppy song came on which helped me think I could keep running and so I did. I did another at 6.5. And it was during that lap that I finally broke into a groove, got past those tired and can't-do-it feelings, and felt good running. I ended up doing 2 more laps at that pace, trading off the cool down walk for some good running. Total Workout: 3.0 in 34:32 493cals - walk at 3%, run at 1%.

I then moved to the living room and cued up episode 1 of Season 14 of The Biggest Loser. That's right -- it is finally back -- and, as I am sure they planned with a new year start and all, right when I need that motivation the most. Instead of working out though dinner was ready and so I ate - chicken, yellow rice, broccoli paella. When I finished that up I grabbed my 5lb weights and did all sorts of arm presses and curls and squats and kicks and lunges for much of the rest of the show. Though I did fast forward a lot at the end.. and so probably only did about 30 minutes of a work out. But at least it was better than doing nothing. .


New Miles: 3.0
Total Miles: 1291.0
Miles Remaining: 219.0
Weight: 129.0 (Woah so many 1s 2s and 9s!)

Pre-Downton Abbey Walk

Excited for the new season of Downton Abbey on PBS I knew I had to get my walk in in the early evening. I did 1.5 miles in 21:16 260cals 3% and 4.2mph for 5 laps then at 1% and 4.5mph for one lap. I then excitedly got a few chores done then settled onto the couch with Ryan to watch Masterpiece Classic. Classic.

New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 1288.0
Miles Remaining: 222.0
Weight: 128.4

Lots of Sitting followed by Some Walking

I woke up at 8, ate some cereal, then sat down at my dining room table and researched family genealogy. I did this with very few intermissions until 6pm. Then at 6pm I said "Holy crap it's 6pm!" and then I walked. I needed to undo some of the long term sitting damage I had just done to myself. It's bad enough to sit around on my weekend - one of the two days a week I am able to go and do whatever and be away from a computer and I chose to sit and be at a computer.

My muscles were tight and as I walked they loosened up some. I did 2.0 in 28:33 351cals 3%.

New Miles: 2.0

Total Miles: 1286.5

Miles Remaining: 213.5 

Weight: 128.4

Night Walk

I walked 1.0 in 14:20 2% while playing Solitaire and listening to PRI's The World. 

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1284.5
Miles Remaining: 215.5
Weight: 129.4 ...Last night I bought batteries. Today I put the batteries in the scale and was relieved to learn that I am still a reasonable weight, and this was even after dinner which makes me even happier. (Phew!)

First Run of 2013

In realizing that I have not actually run in quite some time I started off with a walked lap, jogged one, then ran for 2.5, jogged one lap, then did a cool down lap. While I ran and jogged and walked I listened to, and somewhat watched episode 1 of The West Wing Season 6 -- since my Birthday present to myself of the Season 6 and Season 7 DVDs finally came in the  mail. I figure it a good compromise -- I want to watch TWW but not sit around and do nothing, it is a show that for the most part you don't actually need to see, so I can always walk and run when I want to watch. This way Ryan can't complain about me just sitting around doing nothing useful.

New Miles: 3.5
Total Miles: 1283.5
Miles Remaining: 216.5
Weight: N/A

Night Walk

I did 1.0 in 13:58 at 4.3mph 1% while playing Solitaire.


New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1280.0
Miles Remaining: 220.0
Weight: N/A

Hello 2013!

Nothing like celebrating a new year than by walking 1.0 miles in 14:18 182cals... but to change it up I walked at 4% incline. Because I finally realized if all I am going to do is walk then I better make it a bit more challenging and beneficial.

New Miles: 1.0

Total Miles: 1279.0
Miles Remaining: 221.0
Weight: N/A ...I really wanted to have batteries by now to have a good "Beginning Weight" for 2013...