Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Head For The Hills

Day #2 of training has been conquered! Today was a "hills" day with no goal pace. I ran a new course into PV. I ran and out and back course so that I wouldn't get lost because I was running in some unknown territory. The run went by fast, I'm guessing that's because it was a change of scenery and I didn't know what was next. My time was just over 41 min, and I am happy with that. I tackled a pretty big hill that was almost a mile long. Not sure on the elevation change, but it was steep! I took one break in the middle of the hill, and next time I hope to run the whole thing without stopping. My calf held up pretty well, although I did stop once to stretch it and it felt tight. After the turn around I ran the entire distance home without stopping. That was an accomplishment to me because lately I have been feeling sluggish and taking too many breaks. I felt strong during the run. And I know it is VERY early on in training, but I have been running with so much more confidence lately.

Side note: tried on a pair of pants today and they are still feeling snug. (I know I am at a good weight when they fit comfortably) That was a little bit discouraging because I feel like I have been working so hard lately. I just have to keep at it...the weight loss will come. I should probably write another post today to address the list that I made in one of my first posts. That would help me stay positive by looking at how far I have come this year.

Tomorrow is listed as a "rest" day for training, but I will probably go to the gym and do an easy workout on the elliptical. I have been slacking on my weight training again...need to get those sessions in. They are short, there is no excuse.

I watched an inspirational video the other day about running. They always choke me up. Who knew something so simple could make me so emotional. Here's a quote from the video, I will share more in future posts:

"Why do I run?....Because when I do, there is always the chance to be extraordinary."

Monday, June 28, 2010

Training Day One

Woohooo!! Today kicked off my first day of training for my next marathon. I ran 4 miles this morning in 39:13. That's a little bit quicker than the plan, it would have put me at 40:16, but I gave a kick in the last mile because I was feeling good! I did the run on one of my usual courses, down the esplanade to the strand, to the pier and back. Luckily it is still gloomy in the morning which has been keeping the heat away. That also brings a bit of humidity, but I can handle that, it's nothing compared to what I had to deal with in Texas for all those years.

I know it is early, but I am feeling very confindent about the marathon this time around. I learned a lot from the last one. If I can make it through the training and stay injury free I should be looking at a pretty decent PR. Breaking 4 hours will always be in the back of my mind, but I know that it is probably not going to happen this time around.

My "diet" has been going well. I have been counting calories, aiming for 1500-1700 per day. The jeans were feeling a little looser this morning, so that makes me feel good. I went grocery shopping last night and am packing lunches for work again this week. Saves me a ton of money too!! I leave for my parents house 5 weeks from tomorrow and want to look good. I am in training mode now so that helps make me mentally tough and stay on track. Slow and steady. Consistency.

Hoping that this week goes by quickly. Long weekend ahead with some beach time and volleyball action. :)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

World Cup

I am loving the World Cup action!! Even though it is half way around the world and the game times aren't the most convenient, I have still managed to watch most of the games. I am very proud of our boys today. Even though the score does not reflect the skill of the two teams (we outplayed Algeria by a long shot), I am happy that we came away with the win. We had many missed opportunities. We will need to make sure we finish in our game against Ghana on Saturday.

That being said, I am super excited to watch the US's round of 16 game. Having grown up playing soccer into my collegiate years, it is amazing to see the support of the viewers. Even this morning people were dressed in flags at the bar at 7 AM. It gives me hope that the sport of soccer will continue to grow here.

The England/Germany game will also be spectacular.

I can't wait for this weekend. I am planning on watching some good soccer, playing beach volleyball and hopefully getting in a semi-longish run (8 miles) before the game on Saturday.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Winner Winner, Long Beach It Is!

So I have been debating the last few weeks about whether to run a full marathon this fall. I did my first, the LA Marathon, in March of this year. I ran a decent time, but my competitive nature will just not let me end there. I had been contemplating running the Long Beach Marathon on October 17th. I ran the half there two years ago and would really love to run through the city and campus of my soon-to-be graduate school, Long Beach State. Then the decision got really easy for me...I won an entry to the marathon!! I would run the half again to try to wash the bad run I had there two years ago, but the full runs on the LB campus! So that was a no-brainer!

I have been running steadily since LA. Been averaging about 15-20 miles a week. I think this is probably a good base to start the marathon training at. A plan that I am using is to break 4 hours and starts next week. I'm not sure that the 4 hours is 100% attainable, but I want to get as close as possible. I'm also not going to be so strict about sticking exactly to the training plan. 16 weeks is a long time to train and I don't want to burn myself out. And with school starting in less than two months, I will have to be a little flexible. I like to have a little wiggle room. But no matter what I know that the long runs are important and will be sure to get those in. I also like that my plan includes hills in the beginning, and tempo runs at marathon pace towards the middle and end. The plan I am using is in the July 2010 issue of Runner's World.

My runs have felt a little sluggish lately. I have switched them to the mornings. Not sure if my body is not awake yet, or if it just fatigued from all the exercise. I have been going about 6 days a week for the last few weeks. Perhaps I need to make sure I get enough rest days.

I know the next few months are going to be challenging in many parts of my life, but I am excited and feel ready. I'll be sure to draw on what I learned during training for LA to help improve my time for Long Beach. Training starts Monday, June 28th ....here we go!!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Amazing News!!

I have great news to share!! Last Thursday I found out I was accepted to the graduate school that I applied to!!! It is at Cal State Long Beach for Sport Management. I am so excited to quit my current job, start school and a new career path. This place was really bringing me down. I have already been looking at different places to intern at: MESP, AVP, LA Marathon just to name a few. I am ready to turn my passions into my career.

Over the weekend I took part in my very first beach volleyball tournament. Seeing how I have only been playing for a week, I was pretty nervous. Before last weekend, the most volleyball I played was messing around in the backyard with my sister when she played. So I was very impressed with myself when we made it all the way to the semis only to be knocked out by a couple who had been playing together for a long time (it was the first time I had ever played with my teammate). I think like many sports, it takes awhile to find someone that you are compatible with. I would like to play several more times with different people to see who I mesh with best.

I am still struggling with food. I have been doing much better about seperating my emotions from food and not eating impulsively, however, I still could be making much better choices at mealtimes. If you want to run like a champion, you must eat like a champion. I have decided to eat the same food at dinner during the weekend days. I eat the same thing for breakfast Monday-Friday and I think it helps get me into a routine. Dinner M-F will now be brown rice, veggies and a protein. I need the consistancy.

I have also decided that I need to fully commit to working out in the morning. Lately there have been other things in the evening that I have wanted to do that are taking up my work out time. Plus is if I work out in the morning and then play volleyball or ride my bike in the evening I almost get a double workout.

So here is the new weekday plan:

Monday- Spin or cardio & strength
Tuesday- Run
Wednesday- Spin or cardio & strength (may do PM class because I really like instructor)
Thursday- Run
Friday- Cardio & strength
Saturday- Long run followed by volleyball
Sunday-Volleyball

I know it's a lot, but I like it that way, keeps me on my toes. I will probably use Friday as more of a rest day than a true cardio day. And there will also be some weekend where I don't play much volleyball or it will be recreational so I don't count that as a workout day. My 25th birthday and yearly family vacation is in 8 weeks and I want to look great. After I get back from vacation, I start school and I want to feel my best and be confident. I know I can do it, it will just take a lot of focus and dedication on my part. I am also really looking forward to adding the strength training back into my workout, I think it makes a big difference in weight loss for me.

I think it might be time for me to revisit my list I made at the beginning of the year, I have some crossing off to do...

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend

By far one of the best weekends I have had in a very long time. And I sure needed it! We got off work early on Friday and I had time to run some errands and settle in for the night. The rest of the weekend was spent running, biking, hanging at the beach and playing volleyball. I did three runs this weekend...8 Saturday, 6 Sunday and a short 3 miler on Monday on the beach. My runs were much slower than usual, but I didn't mind, I was just happy to be out there. I took a volleyball class on Sunday morning too. I am so impressed with how much better I got in just two days!! I had basically zero experience. Actually I was a bit angry with myself for not starting sooner....I was always afraid that I would embarrass myself. Terrible reason not to try something new! I love it now! Taking class again tomorrow and playing more this week and weekend. It keeps me motivated to be healthy and fit so I look good in my bikini!! Planning on an easy run tonight and maybe some strength training.

Short and sweet today. I have doing much better with my eating, not guilting myself and being very conscious about what I put in my mouth and what my hunger levels are. Haven't weighed myself yet by I think the scale should start heading in the right direction...the side with the lower numbers!