Proper Attire

The Pixie Dust faded, just as I thought it would.  The first mile of my run was pretty good, but then I was struggling.  I didn't even do 3 miles!  It could have been the weather - it was about 20 degrees cooler and it had rained earlier in the day.  But at least I went out there, right?!  Nearing the end of my run, I told myself that I had to go to kickboxing, too, since I didn't perform my best.  I knew none of my friends were going, so this was my first solo class at the gym!  It wasn't as bad as I thought - not as much fun and laughing to get my through, but still a good workout.

I never know how to dress properly if it's not warm out.  I tend to put on too many layers.  In my mind I know that I'll get hot a couple minutes into the run, but that hasn't stopped me from throwing on a zip-up.  Half way through my run I get uncomfortable and maybe that affects my performance.  Jeff Galloway has a section of what to wear in different temperatures, I'll have to reread that section and follow it!

Dress to Impress

My friend came over again yesterday to run.  We did the same route, and shaved 4 minutes off our time!  I tried to use Galloway's run-walk method more for her this time.  I think she just needs to figure out what techniques work for her the best and then we'll be golden!  We have ten months - I'm glad we're starting so early.  I want to get to the mileage and then improve on my time.  And I'm dragging her with me whether she likes it or not.

I found this DIY shirt on Pinterest (love that website!!).  I tried it over the weekend with an old shirt that was way too big on me, and while it worked it looked silly because of how big it was.  So yesterday I picked out a tie-dyed shirt that fit properly and cut away.  Love it!!  Michael's is having a sale 5 for $10 t-shirts.  We went and picked up shirts and this weekend we're having a craft day.  We're going to make motivational Disney Princess running tank tops!!  So I just have to pick some quotes/sayings to write on the shirts.


I think we're going to put something like this on every shirt - to remind us of our goal!  I'll post pictures of our final products!

Here We Go

So yesterday I made the decision to not go for a run.  It was so windy outside, weather.com even said the wind could cause power outages.  I know I was just making excuses, but the last time I ran in 'high' winds it was just a horrible run and I felt like I wasn't going anywhere!  I know that if it was a race day I wouldn't let that stop me, but right now I have the choice.
I needed to go food shopping, though, so I guess it worked out.  And what did I see while walking into Sams Club... a display of Disney DVDs.  Score!  Since it was Sams, they were reasonably priced, too.  I was toying with Beauty and the Beast and Tangled.  I mean, I could have just gotten both, but I'm trying to save money to do these races.  So I went with Beauty and the Beast, a classic, and it'll go back into the vault sooner or later.  I watched it last night while I was reading Uglies.  And they added a song?!  Why do they feel the need to change the classics.

Back on the grind today.  I will go for a run.  I decided to start a training program now instead of in a couple of weeks.  I made up a weekly schedule according to Jeff Galloway's training programs listed on the race website.  I listed both "To Finish in Upright Position" which is 20 weeks and "Time Improvement" which is 23 weeks on my schedule.  That puts me completing the program at the end of August or beginning of September!  Then I'll have 4-5 months to improve before the race!  I know I'm going to end up tweaking the program to fit my personal preference.  The time improvement plan does 800s instead of long runs some days, so I'll adjust that as I see fit.  I have a friend on board training with me.  She's on the Beginner Runners program, so we're not doing the same mileage, but we're still running 'together'.  I still need to read Galloway's book to get more tips and tricks.

Recording Workouts

When I ran back in college (2006) I never recorded mileage or times, I had a general idea but never kept track of it.  Back then, I did it more to relieve stress and to get into shape.  I didn't even own a fitness watch, I just put in my ear buds and ran.  A year ago (4/11/11), when I started running again, I got a little notebook and started writing down miles and times.  I found this to be a great motivator!  I loved to see my mileage increase or my time drop!  I ran for two months and then we had a crazy heat wave and just stopped.  I ran a couple of times in the fall.  But now I'm gearing up for the long haul!

I got an app on my phone (iMap My Run) that records the miles and times for me!  And then it even tells me the pace I was running at.  Could it get much easier?  Only downside, is that I can see where my mileage was a little off before from doing it on MapQuest or driving it in the car.  But I love that I now how that accuracy that I can rely on!

Jeff Galloway suggests a little more detail:
Date
Morning Pulse
Time of run
Distance covered
Time running
Weather
Temperature
Precipitation
Humidity


Comments
Walk-run frequency
Any special segments of the run (speed, hills, race, etc.)
Running companion
Terrain
How did you feel (1-10)

I think I'm going to not do as much detail, but definitely use some of his suggestions!

You Can Do It

Yesterday I got Jeff Galloway's book, You Can Do It, in the mail!  I'm so excited to start his training plan in a couple of weeks!

I browsed through the book yesterday.  The run-walk method is a genius idea.  I was always under the assumption that everyone that participated in races ran the entirething.  On a good day I can go 4 miles without stopping, but then I feel like I want to fall over.  So adding walks on purpose will definitely help.  I’m very intrigued with the nutrition chapter.  I like to say I have a pretty healthy diet, but I’ve been slacking a lot with that lately.  I want to know how to fuel my body properly.

For the next couple of weeks I’m just going to continue running as I usually do.  When I feel more comfortable I’ll start with his weekly training plan.  I’ll start at week 6 or 7 because that’s the mileage I’m currently at.  So in about 30 weeks I should be able to run 13.1 miles.  Let’s hope this works.