Monday, May 27, 2013

I am stronger than you!

This year has been my mid-life crisis I think.  I am anticipating at least another year worse than this one however.  Maybe that's pessimistic thinking, but it's my reality.  I feel so stressed pretty much all the time and keep getting knocked down even more.  Today I was went out to conquer my stress!

The stress has been preventing me from many things I love doing.  It has also prevented me from running all my runs, and running through negative thoughts.  Today no matter how much I wanted to give up, I just kept repeating to myself, "I am stronger than you! I will conquer you!"

I originally set out to do 8, but I knew I hadn't run for awhile, ok 8 days.  So, when I was struggling after the first mile I figured I'd do my usual 5 and be done.  The heat was the hottest it's been since last fall so that was wearing on me too.  I know I know, another excuse.  I did complete the 5, running each step of it!



Temperature: 74 degrees
Weather:  winds SE 45, overcast, humidity 62%, flash flood warning
Motivation level: 9
Energy level: 5
Today's Quote: "Running is like mouthwash; if you can feel the burn it's working."

today's mileage: 5 mile running
weekly mileage: 5 miles running
monthly mileage: 17 miles running; 51 miles walking; 20 miles riding
annual mileage: 126 miles running; 201 miles walking; 30 miles riding; 0 miles swimming
TOTAL mileage: 357 miles

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The First 10 Steps

The first ten steps.  That's when I know how the entire run will go.  Doesn't matter if it's 3 miles or 20 miles, the first ten steps tells me.  Today?  It was an amazing 10 steps.

My last run I wanted to stop a million times.  It was all I could do to push myself through the five miles.  Today I wanted to stop a few times, but it was a great feeling to keep going.  We started off with a 10:21 pace and ended nearly a minute faster.  I love those runs.  We sprinted what I'm guessing was well under 9:00 minute pace.

Once we got to Ellsworth we were at 3.5 miles.  I asked them if they wanted to go 7 or 8 today.  Rachael said, "I just want to run."  After some discussion we decided to just turn around and complete 7.  Later when I wanted to walk, I felt like Team Hoyt, where I was out there for my child who loved every minute of the freedom of being outside.  I could endure pain and strife for the love of my child.  Keep me going Rachael....


Temperature: 67 degrees
Weather:  winds SSE 18, overcast, humidity 92%
Motivation level: 9
Energy level: 8
Today's Quote: "Every mile begins with a single step."

today's mileage: 7 mile running
weekly mileage: 7 miles running
monthly mileage: 12 miles running; 35 miles walking; 20 miles riding
annual mileage: 121 miles running; 185 miles walking; 30 miles riding; 0 miles swimming
TOTAL mileage: 336 miles

Monday, May 13, 2013

Dusting

Last week Bill and I did a "big" ride after school.  Unfortunately the night before I only got about 2-3 hours sleep.  I was really running on empty.  When we left I wanted to do a BRick, but about mile 15 I knew it just wasn't going to happen.  I crawled back into town to complete the 20 miles, but I finished.  About mile 18 I really felt like lying in the ditch on the cold grass and sleeping.  My head was pounding and I just felt awful!  I don't even know if I was riding in a straight line anymore.  It was like I hit the wall running, only I was on a bike.  Needless to say we didn't do the originally planned BRick.  I got in the house, took off my shoes, and lied on the couch.  I was out!  Bill woke me up and I went to bed.

When we were getting ready, I got out the Garmin and attached it to the bike, as usual.  It had been over 5 weeks since I used it so I had to dust it off!  wow.  I took a conscious break, due to terrible shin pain.  It was reminiscent of my stress fracture.  When I ran, it became numb.  As soon as I stopped, it was extremely achy and painful.  I have been running home for lunch, literally, to test the proverbial waters.  Just when I thought I was ready to run, it would still shoot pain through the bone.

Tonight it was really nice so me, Bill, and Rachael went out around the Ethanol Loop.  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the mid 90s so this was a perfect day to get out for a run.  I dusted off the Garmin again and we were out the door.  As usual, it started off tough, but about mile 2 I started to feel pretty good.  The last mile a bit rough again, but I did finish and it felt good.  The winds were horrible and we pushed through it to the end.


Temperature: 70 degrees
Weather:  winds SSW 28, overcast
Motivation level: 9
Energy level: 6
Today's Quote: "You were strong enough to get this far.  You are strong enough to keep going."

today's mileage: 5 mile running; 20 miles riding
weekly mileage: 5 miles running; 20 miles riding
monthly mileage: 5 miles running; 26 miles walking; 20 miles riding
annual mileage: 115 miles running; 176 miles walking; 30 miles riding; 0 miles swimming
TOTAL mileage: 321 miles