WORKOUT
40 minutes of running
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Course was flat.
WEATHER
Very nice. May have been a bit too warm. I don't know.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was up there: maybe a 5-7. Considering how slow I was going that was kind of wimpy. My lung volume has definitely decreased over the hiatus I took. It's good for me to be doing this, though!
DAYS EVENTS
Going to Grandma's for mother's day and eating a huge hamburger and too many honey roasted peanuts.
SLEEP
7-8 hours
DIET
See day's activities
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
I refuse to believe the scale.
NIGGLES
Seems to be behaving.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just walking the 1.5 miles home from the store after buying mother's day stuff at the end of my run.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday Soleus
Because I haven't said it enough, I may as well start by saying I have a strained Soleus muscle. If you know as much about muscle groups as I do the following picture might help.
Photo credits go to the website I stole this from.
So, instead of running, I did a good hour-long work out on the elliptical today. It was good! My body has definitely worked and I sweat a ton but I never breathed very hard even though I upped the elevation (is that the word?) and the level. :)
In the wake of all this commotion about Susan Boyle, I would like to post some links to my favorite songs from Les Miserables. (Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed a Dream" from this play at her audition.) These songs are very well sung in these clips but you can't tell what's going on in the play because they come from a 10th Anniversary Concert where the whole play was gone through without staging, etc. They just got the best singers and had them stand at microphones. It's the best I can find on Youtube. Sorry.
BTW: I LIKE showtunes!
Songs:
At The End of the Day. A chorus of workers singing about what life is like working in a factory. It's essentially an 18th-century version of "Take This Job And Shove It."
This is actually the song sung right before "I Dreamed a Dream" in the play.
One Day More This is the last song before Intermission so it's quite a production. It's sung right before the rebels take up arms to fight the government, i.e., right before the French Revolution. Marius and Cosette have just fallen in love and are soon to be separated because Jean Valjean has decided to move himself and Cosette away from Paris. The dirty little singer with the awesome voice who is lamenting her loneliness is Eponine. She loves Marius and has for a long time. She treats him like a prince. Unfortunately, he is too dense to see that she loves him and instead goes for Cosette, the rich little princess. This is a classic case of the girl not getting the boy, even though she deserves him far more than the princess he loves.
Bring Him Home This is a beautiful song sung by the main character, Jean Valjean, as he kneels over the wounded body of Marius, a young man. It's essentially a prayer in which Valjean asks God to heal Marius and not let him die.
My favorite words are "He's like the son I might have known/If God had granted me a son."
There are MANY other songs from Les Miserables that others would argue are better than these. These are my favorites.
A+!
Elisabeth
Photo credits go to the website I stole this from.
So, instead of running, I did a good hour-long work out on the elliptical today. It was good! My body has definitely worked and I sweat a ton but I never breathed very hard even though I upped the elevation (is that the word?) and the level. :)
In the wake of all this commotion about Susan Boyle, I would like to post some links to my favorite songs from Les Miserables. (Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed a Dream" from this play at her audition.) These songs are very well sung in these clips but you can't tell what's going on in the play because they come from a 10th Anniversary Concert where the whole play was gone through without staging, etc. They just got the best singers and had them stand at microphones. It's the best I can find on Youtube. Sorry.
BTW: I LIKE showtunes!
Songs:
At The End of the Day. A chorus of workers singing about what life is like working in a factory. It's essentially an 18th-century version of "Take This Job And Shove It."
This is actually the song sung right before "I Dreamed a Dream" in the play.
One Day More This is the last song before Intermission so it's quite a production. It's sung right before the rebels take up arms to fight the government, i.e., right before the French Revolution. Marius and Cosette have just fallen in love and are soon to be separated because Jean Valjean has decided to move himself and Cosette away from Paris. The dirty little singer with the awesome voice who is lamenting her loneliness is Eponine. She loves Marius and has for a long time. She treats him like a prince. Unfortunately, he is too dense to see that she loves him and instead goes for Cosette, the rich little princess. This is a classic case of the girl not getting the boy, even though she deserves him far more than the princess he loves.
Bring Him Home This is a beautiful song sung by the main character, Jean Valjean, as he kneels over the wounded body of Marius, a young man. It's essentially a prayer in which Valjean asks God to heal Marius and not let him die.
My favorite words are "He's like the son I might have known/If God had granted me a son."
There are MANY other songs from Les Miserables that others would argue are better than these. These are my favorites.
A+!
Elisabeth
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Second Lamest Run of 2009
Hello!
Well, this seems to be the niggle that won't give up easily. I attempted a 30-minute run today but only made it about 15 minutes before the pain in my leg -- though diminished -- was messing up my other foot to the point that I turned around and walked straight home, drank a liter of water, and held a frozen ham steak wrapped in a towel against my calf for like, 30 minutes, then I heated it up by placing a space heater near my leg.
This is incredibly lame. I'm even thinking about alternative exercising I can do to keep up some fitness through this. Swimming? I'd have to find access to a swimming pool. I'll be thinking about that.
Eating is going, well, passable, I guess. It still needs to improve.
I had a horrible day at work and spent an hour and a half curled up in my bed hiding from the world after work. It's been a pretty long, frustrating day.
Tomorrow will be better! Night!
Liz
Well, this seems to be the niggle that won't give up easily. I attempted a 30-minute run today but only made it about 15 minutes before the pain in my leg -- though diminished -- was messing up my other foot to the point that I turned around and walked straight home, drank a liter of water, and held a frozen ham steak wrapped in a towel against my calf for like, 30 minutes, then I heated it up by placing a space heater near my leg.
This is incredibly lame. I'm even thinking about alternative exercising I can do to keep up some fitness through this. Swimming? I'd have to find access to a swimming pool. I'll be thinking about that.
Eating is going, well, passable, I guess. It still needs to improve.
I had a horrible day at work and spent an hour and a half curled up in my bed hiding from the world after work. It's been a pretty long, frustrating day.
Tomorrow will be better! Night!
Liz
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Very Uncool Day Goal-Wise
Hello, my Accountability Posse!
Well today was once again pretty disappointing in a bunch of ways. First, my niggle was still acting up at speedwork time. It didn't go away when I ran and wouldn't let me run fast so I had to bag the work out. I did get new shoes, which is always a plus, but they didn't solve the problem like I had hoped they would.
Eating-wise today was a disappointment as well. I am not ordering the Southwest Taco Salad from Wendy's again. I may as well have ordered a hamburger. The word "salad" is very deceiving here.
Oh well, onward and upward! Tomorrow is yet another day! Excelsior!
Well today was once again pretty disappointing in a bunch of ways. First, my niggle was still acting up at speedwork time. It didn't go away when I ran and wouldn't let me run fast so I had to bag the work out. I did get new shoes, which is always a plus, but they didn't solve the problem like I had hoped they would.
Eating-wise today was a disappointment as well. I am not ordering the Southwest Taco Salad from Wendy's again. I may as well have ordered a hamburger. The word "salad" is very deceiving here.
Oh well, onward and upward! Tomorrow is yet another day! Excelsior!
Monday, March 30, 2009
How Far Can You Push a Niggle Until it Moves In?
I'm going to have to log the last two runs here today, since I didn't log Saturday's run.
Monday
I easily spent my running time today on one of the lamest run of the year so far.
WORKOUT
1.5 miles of limpy running
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Time was slower. Distance 1.5 miles. Course -- from my place to the greenbelt and some on the greenbelt. I don't know and I don't care about pace today anyway.
WEATHER
Way too cold.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level 0-3, but it was tough to keep going because my right calf really did hurt! I went on for a while before my left shin really started hurting, too. Then it was really a struggle to continue.
DAYS EVENTS
Work, work, work
SLEEP
7-8 hours
DIET
Pretty good today. I still have to cut a couple more things out, though, to get down to my target caloric intake.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
I can give a guesstimate but there's no way I want all of you to know that.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. It really has been making me wonder! How far can you push it before it moves in long-term. I have decided for sure that the reason this niggle is getting worse is because I haven't replaced my shoes. They're beyond renewal time. Famous Footwear is having one of their half price sales so I had them put two pairs aside for me. I'll pick them up tomorrow.
Perhaps tonight's performance means I'm a weenie, but at least I'm a weenie who has a reasonable chance of completing speedwork tomorrow.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just walking the 1.5 miles home in shorts and a t-shirt in way-too-cold weather.
Monday
I easily spent my running time today on one of the lamest run of the year so far.
WORKOUT
1.5 miles of limpy running
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Time was slower. Distance 1.5 miles. Course -- from my place to the greenbelt and some on the greenbelt. I don't know and I don't care about pace today anyway.
WEATHER
Way too cold.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level 0-3, but it was tough to keep going because my right calf really did hurt! I went on for a while before my left shin really started hurting, too. Then it was really a struggle to continue.
DAYS EVENTS
Work, work, work
SLEEP
7-8 hours
DIET
Pretty good today. I still have to cut a couple more things out, though, to get down to my target caloric intake.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
I can give a guesstimate but there's no way I want all of you to know that.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. It really has been making me wonder! How far can you push it before it moves in long-term. I have decided for sure that the reason this niggle is getting worse is because I haven't replaced my shoes. They're beyond renewal time. Famous Footwear is having one of their half price sales so I had them put two pairs aside for me. I'll pick them up tomorrow.
Perhaps tonight's performance means I'm a weenie, but at least I'm a weenie who has a reasonable chance of completing speedwork tomorrow.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just walking the 1.5 miles home in shorts and a t-shirt in way-too-cold weather.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Liz's Speedwork and Her Niggle
Hello!
Well, my effort to be more faithful to the blog has not been entirely successful up to now. It is still a bit difficult tonight as well since my fingers are still frozen from the run I'm about to blog.
Yesterday's Speed Work
I met Monica at 6 pm for track work. The plan was to do pick ups of 1 lap, then 1 lap recovery, 2 laps, 3 laps, then 4 laps. We did a quick warm up and then started. Here are my speeds:
one lap-- 1:41
two laps -- 3:50? (I think? I can't quite remember)
three laps -- 6:35
I felt sick from the get-go, but when slowing down on the three lap pick-up was still really uncomfortable for my stomach, I ended up just bagging the whole thing. It wasn't ideal, but nothing has been lately. That's not to mention my niggle, which has been acting up lately. Like today, for instance.
Wednesday
Oh, yeah. I forgot the blogger formula.
WORKOUT
12 Minutes
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
On the track, mostly limping. (My right calf niggle was "singing" as I like to say. I stuck in there until my right hamstring joined in the chorus. I knew then it probably wasn't worth it if I wanted to be able to run tomorrow.)
WEATHER
Chilly and rainy
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level 0-3, but it was tough to keep going because my right calf really did hurt! I kind of limp-jogged around the track for a few laps. Then the pain spread to my right hamstring, and I knew forcing another 30 minutes out of my body wasn't worth it.
I walked home and the niggle and hamstring still hurt for a few blocks, but lessened on the way, though it never went away completely.
DAYS EVENTS
A bunch of medical mumbo jumbo. And cooking!
SLEEP
6-7 hours
DIET
Trying! With any luck my weight is slowly dropping.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
I can give a guesstimate but there's no way I want all of you to know that.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. It's been acting up and interfering with running lately.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just walking to the track and walking home. About 3 miles total, I think.
Well, my effort to be more faithful to the blog has not been entirely successful up to now. It is still a bit difficult tonight as well since my fingers are still frozen from the run I'm about to blog.
Yesterday's Speed Work
I met Monica at 6 pm for track work. The plan was to do pick ups of 1 lap, then 1 lap recovery, 2 laps, 3 laps, then 4 laps. We did a quick warm up and then started. Here are my speeds:
one lap-- 1:41
two laps -- 3:50? (I think? I can't quite remember)
three laps -- 6:35
I felt sick from the get-go, but when slowing down on the three lap pick-up was still really uncomfortable for my stomach, I ended up just bagging the whole thing. It wasn't ideal, but nothing has been lately. That's not to mention my niggle, which has been acting up lately. Like today, for instance.
Wednesday
Oh, yeah. I forgot the blogger formula.
WORKOUT
12 Minutes
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
On the track, mostly limping. (My right calf niggle was "singing" as I like to say. I stuck in there until my right hamstring joined in the chorus. I knew then it probably wasn't worth it if I wanted to be able to run tomorrow.)
WEATHER
Chilly and rainy
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level 0-3, but it was tough to keep going because my right calf really did hurt! I kind of limp-jogged around the track for a few laps. Then the pain spread to my right hamstring, and I knew forcing another 30 minutes out of my body wasn't worth it.
I walked home and the niggle and hamstring still hurt for a few blocks, but lessened on the way, though it never went away completely.
DAYS EVENTS
A bunch of medical mumbo jumbo. And cooking!
SLEEP
6-7 hours
DIET
Trying! With any luck my weight is slowly dropping.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
I can give a guesstimate but there's no way I want all of you to know that.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. It's been acting up and interfering with running lately.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just walking to the track and walking home. About 3 miles total, I think.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
14 and I'm exhausted!
Hey!
This morning was an interesting running session. I met up at the park with Doug and Jarred. Jarred ran on his own, doing a quick 11-12 so he could make it to his son's game on time. Doug and I ran 14.
WORKOUT
2-3 hours
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
The regular loop + 3 miles (to Americana and around till we get back to the cars.) Pretty easy pace. I don't know what it was because my watch finally bit the dust on mile one.
WEATHER
Chilly but good
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Oh, I was so tired! Everything was good, though, except for heartburn afterwards. I didn't take my meds before the run so I'm not sure what would have caused it.
DAYS EVENTS
I cleaned a tiny bit, went looking around at Shabby Chic furniture, and then watched a documentary on Operation Valkyrie. Interesting!!
SLEEP
7-8 hours.
DIET
No comment.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. I'm surprised. The niggle didn't bug me today. I can still feel it when I walk sometimes and even when I sit, but it doesn't seem to bug me much when I run.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just lying around waiting for my friend to call. It's okay. Tonight to we're going to watch "Under the Tuscan Sun."
That was it!
This morning was an interesting running session. I met up at the park with Doug and Jarred. Jarred ran on his own, doing a quick 11-12 so he could make it to his son's game on time. Doug and I ran 14.
WORKOUT
2-3 hours
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
The regular loop + 3 miles (to Americana and around till we get back to the cars.) Pretty easy pace. I don't know what it was because my watch finally bit the dust on mile one.
WEATHER
Chilly but good
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Oh, I was so tired! Everything was good, though, except for heartburn afterwards. I didn't take my meds before the run so I'm not sure what would have caused it.
DAYS EVENTS
I cleaned a tiny bit, went looking around at Shabby Chic furniture, and then watched a documentary on Operation Valkyrie. Interesting!!
SLEEP
7-8 hours.
DIET
No comment.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. I'm surprised. The niggle didn't bug me today. I can still feel it when I walk sometimes and even when I sit, but it doesn't seem to bug me much when I run.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Just lying around waiting for my friend to call. It's okay. Tonight to we're going to watch "Under the Tuscan Sun."
That was it!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Loving the Sunshine!
Okay. We're going to get to the nitty gritty early today. But first just let me say how GORGEOUS it is outside right now! I'm in this fabulous, happy, good weather mood. I would love to socially see my friends if they weren't working and sick and not feeling like it. :)
WORKOUT
About one hour
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I started from my apartment and ran a warm-up to the run location, up the hill, and stretched at the top. I then ran the three-mile loop. The trail was pretty muddy.
WEATHER
BE-U-TIFUL!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
My niggle was pretty good but I was really low on energy. It was one of those runs where I really felt like running alone and didn't really want to be there at the beginning. I certainly didn't want to be a model for any other runners. Actually, my energy increased by the end of the run. That was nice. Effort level was 5-7, which shouldn't have been because I was running so slow. I attributed this to my lack of energy and to the fact that the first half of the run was slightly uphill, or so it seemed anyway.
DAYS EVENTS
Just working, working, working all day.
SLEEP
7-8 hours.
DIET
OH SO BAD TODAY! This was a brownie and ice cream day. Oh well. I ran.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. Like I said, though, it didn't bother me tonight.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Are there health benefits to putting up with ninth graders? I sure am tired after that!
It was all in all a very pleasant work out. Now I get to rest and feel guilty for not doing schoolwork after I worked a full day. I always have more to do.
OH! Good news! I found out yesterday that I received the 6 free graduate credits that I interviewed for last week. So, I'll be going to school for free this summer! Awww yeah!
WORKOUT
About one hour
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I started from my apartment and ran a warm-up to the run location, up the hill, and stretched at the top. I then ran the three-mile loop. The trail was pretty muddy.
WEATHER
BE-U-TIFUL!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
My niggle was pretty good but I was really low on energy. It was one of those runs where I really felt like running alone and didn't really want to be there at the beginning. I certainly didn't want to be a model for any other runners. Actually, my energy increased by the end of the run. That was nice. Effort level was 5-7, which shouldn't have been because I was running so slow. I attributed this to my lack of energy and to the fact that the first half of the run was slightly uphill, or so it seemed anyway.
DAYS EVENTS
Just working, working, working all day.
SLEEP
7-8 hours.
DIET
OH SO BAD TODAY! This was a brownie and ice cream day. Oh well. I ran.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know.
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. Like I said, though, it didn't bother me tonight.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Are there health benefits to putting up with ninth graders? I sure am tired after that!
It was all in all a very pleasant work out. Now I get to rest and feel guilty for not doing schoolwork after I worked a full day. I always have more to do.
OH! Good news! I found out yesterday that I received the 6 free graduate credits that I interviewed for last week. So, I'll be going to school for free this summer! Awww yeah!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Choir Concerts and Running
Hello, All!
My hope is to be more active on this blog for the next while since my progress won't be as apparent to all involved.
Tonight was the famed choir concert that my student, Guliya, had been talking about non-stop for the last three weeks. At 6:10, my mother and I showed up at her house in my parents' boxy blue Volvo and drove her and her very bored seventh grade brother to Meridian Middle School. (You'd have to be pretty bored to volunteer to sit in an auditorium for an hour and then watch your sister's concert, wouldn't you?) I sat through the first section of the concert where Guliya sang, and then promptly went outside to do speedwork on the middle school track. This was at about 7:40.
The track wasn't actually that rubbery track stuff but, instead, was just a bunch of red sand. (I don't know what it's called.) This was good and bad. On the one hand, it was a bit easier on the latest niggle in my right calf. On the other, it was irritating because I couldn't go nearly as far in the same amount of time it would take me on the greenbelt where I could get a little push-off.
Stage setting aside, here's the nitty gritty:
WORKOUT
40 minutes approx
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Speed work on the track. I did a four-lap warm up, one minute easy, two minutes hard, one minute easy, two minutes hard, and so on. Essentially I did 5 2-minute pick-ups.
WEATHER
Chilly but manageable. It was getting dark and the headlamp was uncomfortable. God bless daylight savings time!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
I felt fine. Even my niggle wasn't acting up. Effort level ranged from 7-8.5 or so. Like I said before, it was frustrating not being able to cover as much ground because of the sand. Also, my stomach hurt because I had timed this run badly in relation to dinner. Ah well.
DAYS EVENTS
Just working, working, working all day.
SLEEP
Not much. Maybe 6 hours? My bad for staying up late.
DIET
Calories were good. No sweets today. Large breakfast, small lunch, medium-sized dinner and strawberries tonight for dessert.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know. Probably heavy cuz of the time of the month. (Lovely, I know.)
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. Like I said, though, it didn't bother me tonight.
OTHER CONDITIONING
None today. Aside from a bunch of running around saving seniors from last minute problems with their senior projects which were due today.
So, that was the work out! I wish I could give you a reasonable estimation of how far I was able to get how fast, but this was the best I could do under the circumstances.
Later!
My hope is to be more active on this blog for the next while since my progress won't be as apparent to all involved.
Tonight was the famed choir concert that my student, Guliya, had been talking about non-stop for the last three weeks. At 6:10, my mother and I showed up at her house in my parents' boxy blue Volvo and drove her and her very bored seventh grade brother to Meridian Middle School. (You'd have to be pretty bored to volunteer to sit in an auditorium for an hour and then watch your sister's concert, wouldn't you?) I sat through the first section of the concert where Guliya sang, and then promptly went outside to do speedwork on the middle school track. This was at about 7:40.
The track wasn't actually that rubbery track stuff but, instead, was just a bunch of red sand. (I don't know what it's called.) This was good and bad. On the one hand, it was a bit easier on the latest niggle in my right calf. On the other, it was irritating because I couldn't go nearly as far in the same amount of time it would take me on the greenbelt where I could get a little push-off.
Stage setting aside, here's the nitty gritty:
WORKOUT
40 minutes approx
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Speed work on the track. I did a four-lap warm up, one minute easy, two minutes hard, one minute easy, two minutes hard, and so on. Essentially I did 5 2-minute pick-ups.
WEATHER
Chilly but manageable. It was getting dark and the headlamp was uncomfortable. God bless daylight savings time!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
I felt fine. Even my niggle wasn't acting up. Effort level ranged from 7-8.5 or so. Like I said before, it was frustrating not being able to cover as much ground because of the sand. Also, my stomach hurt because I had timed this run badly in relation to dinner. Ah well.
DAYS EVENTS
Just working, working, working all day.
SLEEP
Not much. Maybe 6 hours? My bad for staying up late.
DIET
Calories were good. No sweets today. Large breakfast, small lunch, medium-sized dinner and strawberries tonight for dessert.
RESTING HR
I need to figure out how to do this well enough that I trust the outcome.
WEIGHT
Really don't know. Probably heavy cuz of the time of the month. (Lovely, I know.)
NIGGLES
The classic left calf niggle has morphed into a right calf niggle. Like I said, though, it didn't bother me tonight.
OTHER CONDITIONING
None today. Aside from a bunch of running around saving seniors from last minute problems with their senior projects which were due today.
So, that was the work out! I wish I could give you a reasonable estimation of how far I was able to get how fast, but this was the best I could do under the circumstances.
Later!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday
WORKOUT
40 minutes
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Easy pace around downtown.
WEATHER
It was chilly! I wore a hat and gloves.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Well, my left ankle was a bit sore, and I was kind of tired, but I tried to keep it easy. Maybe 3-4
DAYS EVENTS
Out and about for most of the day.
SLEEP
Didn't sleep well. Only got about 5 hours.
DIET
logged everything
RESTING HR
How on earth am I supposed to know this?
WEIGHT
Hovering between 158 and 159 which, yes, light-weights, is actually an improvement. My ultimate goal is to get it down to about, what, 135-140 or something?
NIGGLES
Strained the calf a bit last couple of days. May stay off of it tomorrow.
OTHER CONDITIONING
WORKOUT
40 minutes
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
Easy pace around downtown.
WEATHER
It was chilly! I wore a hat and gloves.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Well, my left ankle was a bit sore, and I was kind of tired, but I tried to keep it easy. Maybe 3-4
DAYS EVENTS
Out and about for most of the day.
SLEEP
Didn't sleep well. Only got about 5 hours.
DIET
logged everything
RESTING HR
How on earth am I supposed to know this?
WEIGHT
Hovering between 158 and 159 which, yes, light-weights, is actually an improvement. My ultimate goal is to get it down to about, what, 135-140 or something?
NIGGLES
Strained the calf a bit last couple of days. May stay off of it tomorrow.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Bit of a Weepy Day
Saturday
WORKOUT
12-13 miles.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
We really mixed it up today. I did intervals of 2 miles with Karen for the first 6 miles of the run. We did anywhere between about 9:10 and 9:30 per mile. On the way back, I kept it more between 9:30 and 10:00, with the last mile being possibly a little longer than 1o:00 but I don't think so.
WEATHER
Wet, and it snowed, and rained. I was so cold by the end!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
We were up to 6-7.5 for the first half. 5-6 for the last half.
DAYS EVENTS
I was tired for a good part of the day and I felt like resisting. So I declared my own rebellion and lied around between 1 and 5. I was totally sedentary for the rest of the day.
SLEEP
Got to bed by about 11 or so. Got up at 7:30.
DIET
Good today. Too much fat and not enough protein, but the calories stayed in range.
RESTING HR
How on earth am I supposed to know this?
WEIGHT
Hovering between 158 and 159 which, yes, light-weights, is actually an improvement. My ultimate goal is to get it down to about, what, 135-140 or something?
NIGGLES
So Much better! A little pain in the leg, probably a direct result of not stretching enough.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
WORKOUT
12-13 miles.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
We really mixed it up today. I did intervals of 2 miles with Karen for the first 6 miles of the run. We did anywhere between about 9:10 and 9:30 per mile. On the way back, I kept it more between 9:30 and 10:00, with the last mile being possibly a little longer than 1o:00 but I don't think so.
WEATHER
Wet, and it snowed, and rained. I was so cold by the end!
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
We were up to 6-7.5 for the first half. 5-6 for the last half.
DAYS EVENTS
I was tired for a good part of the day and I felt like resisting. So I declared my own rebellion and lied around between 1 and 5. I was totally sedentary for the rest of the day.
SLEEP
Got to bed by about 11 or so. Got up at 7:30.
DIET
Good today. Too much fat and not enough protein, but the calories stayed in range.
RESTING HR
How on earth am I supposed to know this?
WEIGHT
Hovering between 158 and 159 which, yes, light-weights, is actually an improvement. My ultimate goal is to get it down to about, what, 135-140 or something?
NIGGLES
So Much better! A little pain in the leg, probably a direct result of not stretching enough.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Weekend Runs
Hey, Gang!
I am in the midst of taking a break. I have the weirdest task tonight! I have to write letters of recommendation for myself! No kidding! I need two recs to apply to this new masters program I'm going to try for and both parties who I have asked to write them want me to write them first and then send these to them for editing. I guess it makes sense, but, how do you write a letter of recommendation for yourself?? I'm having a difficult with time with one, an easier time with the other.
To clarify, the runs I refer to in this e-mail are the actual distance-crossing kind of runs, not the medical condition you get when you each too much fatty food before a race. (Though I've had those, too.)
Saturday
WORKOUT
12-13 miles through the goose poop.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I think it took a little over two hours. We stayed strictly on the greenbelt and tried to keep approximately a 10-minute pace. I may have gone a bit slower at the end. (not sure)
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. No ice, snow, sleet, or hail.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was moderate, probably ranging between 5-7. The first part of the run was sloped up, and I think this caused some stress, though my muscles felt fine. My stomach was feeling really sour through the whole run, even making me quite nauseous during the short time I walked at around mile 8 or 9. Once I started running again, though, the nausea subsided quickly.
I felt pretty spent by the end, but, even so I was happy that my left calf felt only a tiny bit sore. Nothing to worry about, in other words.
DAYS EVENTS
My stomach felt queasy for the rest of the day, so I pretty much lied around and watched TV.
SLEEP
I got to bed the night before by about 9:30. Slept well, despite waking up three of four times.
DIET
Friday's diet was not great. I ate some sweets, though I did stop around my calorie limit.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
I hope I'm losing! We'll find out on Wednesday.
NIGGLES
So Much better! Only a minimal amount of pain and strain! Woohoo!
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Sunday
WORKOUT
6 miles
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I kept it pretty well at a 10-minute pace. Kept it mostly on asphalt. (Trying to avoid concrete.) Took about an hour.
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. No ice, snow, sleet, or hail.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was a 3-5. This was the first pleasant run I'd had in a really long time. My leg barely hurt and my stomach wasn't acting up. Oh yeah!
DAYS EVENTS
Church, shopping, work on the computer.
SLEEP
Slept about 8 hours.
DIET
Pretty good! Staying w/i the calorie limit for the most part.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
I hope I'm losing! We'll find out on Wednesday.
NIGGLES
So Much better! Only a minimal amount of pain and strain! Woohoo!
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Now I have to write a "personal statement". I would rather write in response to a question instead of a simple request for a "personal statement." It's only 500-1000 words, though. I'll do my best.
Liz
I am in the midst of taking a break. I have the weirdest task tonight! I have to write letters of recommendation for myself! No kidding! I need two recs to apply to this new masters program I'm going to try for and both parties who I have asked to write them want me to write them first and then send these to them for editing. I guess it makes sense, but, how do you write a letter of recommendation for yourself?? I'm having a difficult with time with one, an easier time with the other.
To clarify, the runs I refer to in this e-mail are the actual distance-crossing kind of runs, not the medical condition you get when you each too much fatty food before a race. (Though I've had those, too.)
Saturday
WORKOUT
12-13 miles through the goose poop.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I think it took a little over two hours. We stayed strictly on the greenbelt and tried to keep approximately a 10-minute pace. I may have gone a bit slower at the end. (not sure)
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. No ice, snow, sleet, or hail.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was moderate, probably ranging between 5-7. The first part of the run was sloped up, and I think this caused some stress, though my muscles felt fine. My stomach was feeling really sour through the whole run, even making me quite nauseous during the short time I walked at around mile 8 or 9. Once I started running again, though, the nausea subsided quickly.
I felt pretty spent by the end, but, even so I was happy that my left calf felt only a tiny bit sore. Nothing to worry about, in other words.
DAYS EVENTS
My stomach felt queasy for the rest of the day, so I pretty much lied around and watched TV.
SLEEP
I got to bed the night before by about 9:30. Slept well, despite waking up three of four times.
DIET
Friday's diet was not great. I ate some sweets, though I did stop around my calorie limit.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
I hope I'm losing! We'll find out on Wednesday.
NIGGLES
So Much better! Only a minimal amount of pain and strain! Woohoo!
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Sunday
WORKOUT
6 miles
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I kept it pretty well at a 10-minute pace. Kept it mostly on asphalt. (Trying to avoid concrete.) Took about an hour.
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. No ice, snow, sleet, or hail.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was a 3-5. This was the first pleasant run I'd had in a really long time. My leg barely hurt and my stomach wasn't acting up. Oh yeah!
DAYS EVENTS
Church, shopping, work on the computer.
SLEEP
Slept about 8 hours.
DIET
Pretty good! Staying w/i the calorie limit for the most part.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
I hope I'm losing! We'll find out on Wednesday.
NIGGLES
So Much better! Only a minimal amount of pain and strain! Woohoo!
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Now I have to write a "personal statement". I would rather write in response to a question instead of a simple request for a "personal statement." It's only 500-1000 words, though. I'll do my best.
Liz
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday Run
WORKOUT
4 miles through the goose poop.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I still haven't found my watch
4 miles
On the greenbelt to Petra's
Slow
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. About 34 degrees according to weatherman Dave.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was somewhere between 3 and 4, but speed was low, I think. My leg hurts (not as bad today, actually, which was encouraging) but it has affected my form, I think. I think I've been using even smaller steps and rubbing my ankles more, because not only my shoe but my sock was all bloody by the time I got there.
DAYS EVENTS
It was a pretty even split between being up and around and sitting at the computer.
SLEEP
Didn't sleep too well. Too much caffeine at the shindig last night. 6-7 hours.
DIET
Okay. Today is not one of those touting days, but it wasn't horrible.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
Yup. Got some of that, too! Though I have noticed less cellulite around my hips. Kinda cool.
NIGGLES
It didn't hurt as bad today. It was sore after and during the run, but I hope it doesn't come back to avenge itself as it seems to have in past days.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
4 miles through the goose poop.
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I still haven't found my watch
4 miles
On the greenbelt to Petra's
Slow
WEATHER
Chilly but beautiful. About 34 degrees according to weatherman Dave.
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Effort level was somewhere between 3 and 4, but speed was low, I think. My leg hurts (not as bad today, actually, which was encouraging) but it has affected my form, I think. I think I've been using even smaller steps and rubbing my ankles more, because not only my shoe but my sock was all bloody by the time I got there.
DAYS EVENTS
It was a pretty even split between being up and around and sitting at the computer.
SLEEP
Didn't sleep too well. Too much caffeine at the shindig last night. 6-7 hours.
DIET
Okay. Today is not one of those touting days, but it wasn't horrible.
RESTING HR
I assume I have one. Is that good enough?
WEIGHT
Yup. Got some of that, too! Though I have noticed less cellulite around my hips. Kinda cool.
NIGGLES
It didn't hurt as bad today. It was sore after and during the run, but I hope it doesn't come back to avenge itself as it seems to have in past days.
OTHER CONDITIONING
Nope
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sick of not feeling good
Hello!
I wish I could say that today's 3-miler was all fun and pleasantness because it should have been; there were plenty of people out on the greenbelt and the weather was really nice. Unfortunately that was not the case. Here's how it went.
WORKOUT
easy 3 miles
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I don't know exactly what my pace was. It was slow, though, and I ran on the greenbelt though for all 3 miles.
WEATHER
Beautiful
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Feelings are where it's at right now. I feel exhausted, drained, very given to frustration, frustrated tears, and I find myself asking why I'm even doing this.
My stomach was not cooperating during this run and did not take kindly to being jiggled. That was to be expected since it's sensitive anyway.
My calf didn't really hurt at all at the beginning and only hurt a bit during the run. This did not help my overall sense of futility, frustration, and -- to a certain extent -- hopelessness, though
Emotionally, my running lately has felt a lot like it does at the very end of the race, when you're so frustrated with your body, with the amount of distance you have left to cover, you hurt, and you have kind of lost your reason to even keep going.
What's with all this depression? I find I've been on a roller coaster lately, feeling great in the morning and really down by the afternoon. There has been a lot of stress, and my social relationships have been in turmoil lately as well, especially since there have been some adjustments there. Another possibility is this generic Accutane stuff I started taking 6 days ago; Accutane has been known to cause depression, violence, and even suicidal tendencies in some people. I'm not ready to conclude that that is what it is, though. It's only the sixth day.
Effort level? The effort was in continuing despite my stomach, my frustration, my leg, and even this fatigue I'm feeling.
TRAINING PARTNERS
None. I ran alone.
DAYS EVENTS
I've been feeling pretty crummy for the last couple of days. Yesterday I did nothing but lie around all day, which probably helped my leg feel better today. Today I went to church, went out to lunch, and then came home to take a nap. Nothing too stressful.
SLEEP
I rested all day yesterday, got about 9 hours last night, then rested for an hour this afternoon. (It was actually more like hiding under the covers.) I should be rested up. I've also had quite a bit of water today because it makes my stomach feel better.
DIET
Pretty good. Didn't each much at all yesterday because my stomach felt crappy. I was stupid enough to have a doughnut after church today, though, and the fried yickiness of it made me sick. My bad on that one.
RESTING HR
Who knows?
WEIGHT
We've been through this.
NIGGLES
Same old.
Liz
I wish I could say that today's 3-miler was all fun and pleasantness because it should have been; there were plenty of people out on the greenbelt and the weather was really nice. Unfortunately that was not the case. Here's how it went.
WORKOUT
easy 3 miles
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
I don't know exactly what my pace was. It was slow, though, and I ran on the greenbelt though for all 3 miles.
WEATHER
Beautiful
FEELINGS & EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
Feelings are where it's at right now. I feel exhausted, drained, very given to frustration, frustrated tears, and I find myself asking why I'm even doing this.
My stomach was not cooperating during this run and did not take kindly to being jiggled. That was to be expected since it's sensitive anyway.
My calf didn't really hurt at all at the beginning and only hurt a bit during the run. This did not help my overall sense of futility, frustration, and -- to a certain extent -- hopelessness, though
Emotionally, my running lately has felt a lot like it does at the very end of the race, when you're so frustrated with your body, with the amount of distance you have left to cover, you hurt, and you have kind of lost your reason to even keep going.
What's with all this depression? I find I've been on a roller coaster lately, feeling great in the morning and really down by the afternoon. There has been a lot of stress, and my social relationships have been in turmoil lately as well, especially since there have been some adjustments there. Another possibility is this generic Accutane stuff I started taking 6 days ago; Accutane has been known to cause depression, violence, and even suicidal tendencies in some people. I'm not ready to conclude that that is what it is, though. It's only the sixth day.
Effort level? The effort was in continuing despite my stomach, my frustration, my leg, and even this fatigue I'm feeling.
TRAINING PARTNERS
None. I ran alone.
DAYS EVENTS
I've been feeling pretty crummy for the last couple of days. Yesterday I did nothing but lie around all day, which probably helped my leg feel better today. Today I went to church, went out to lunch, and then came home to take a nap. Nothing too stressful.
SLEEP
I rested all day yesterday, got about 9 hours last night, then rested for an hour this afternoon. (It was actually more like hiding under the covers.) I should be rested up. I've also had quite a bit of water today because it makes my stomach feel better.
DIET
Pretty good. Didn't each much at all yesterday because my stomach felt crappy. I was stupid enough to have a doughnut after church today, though, and the fried yickiness of it made me sick. My bad on that one.
RESTING HR
Who knows?
WEIGHT
We've been through this.
NIGGLES
Same old.
Liz
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saturday Fitness Evaluation
I don't feel good so this won't take long.
WORKOUT
3-mile fitness evaluation
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
My first mile was about 8:04
My second was about 9 minutes (including a stop to take off my pants in the middle)
I finished the third mile was at about 8:21
WEATHER
Below freezing
FEELINGS
My leg didn't hurt. (Ibuprofen right before may have done the trick)
Emotionally, my patience and resistance to frustration was very low. (I was ready to stop by the side of the road and cry at about .5 miles in.)
Mentally, somewhat difficult to maintain the will to keep going.
Physically, tired. (Why?? I sleep fine and plenty long enough.)
Now, about three hours later, I have a headache and I'm nauseous. Perhaps this is a gift from my sniffly babies?
EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
I was working pretty hard, 7-8
TRAINING PARTNERS
Didn't run w/ anyone
DAYS' EVENTS
Came home and cleaned. Now logging. Will rest for a while today. I want pizza.
SLEEP
Somewhere between 7.5 and 9 hours
DIET
Pretty good, aside from the Pizza. (Wed. dinner and Thurs for lunch)
RESTING HR
??
WEIGHT
Ha! If you don't know I'm not going to tell you!
NIGGLES
Frickin' left calf/tendons/joining tissue. Starts in my left foot (when I run) and moves up the back of my leg, eventually hitting my knee and the left side of my left hamstring.
OTHER CONDITIONING
I didn't condition my hair today, nor will I run anymore or swim or lift weights or even get up to change the channel -- at least not for the next couple of hours.
WORKOUT
3-mile fitness evaluation
TIME/DISTANCE/COURSE/PACE
My first mile was about 8:04
My second was about 9 minutes (including a stop to take off my pants in the middle)
I finished the third mile was at about 8:21
WEATHER
Below freezing
FEELINGS
My leg didn't hurt. (Ibuprofen right before may have done the trick)
Emotionally, my patience and resistance to frustration was very low. (I was ready to stop by the side of the road and cry at about .5 miles in.)
Mentally, somewhat difficult to maintain the will to keep going.
Physically, tired. (Why?? I sleep fine and plenty long enough.)
Now, about three hours later, I have a headache and I'm nauseous. Perhaps this is a gift from my sniffly babies?
EFFORT LEVEL (1-10, 10=all out):
I was working pretty hard, 7-8
TRAINING PARTNERS
Didn't run w/ anyone
DAYS' EVENTS
Came home and cleaned. Now logging. Will rest for a while today. I want pizza.
SLEEP
Somewhere between 7.5 and 9 hours
DIET
Pretty good, aside from the Pizza. (Wed. dinner and Thurs for lunch)
RESTING HR
??
WEIGHT
Ha! If you don't know I'm not going to tell you!
NIGGLES
Frickin' left calf/tendons/joining tissue. Starts in my left foot (when I run) and moves up the back of my leg, eventually hitting my knee and the left side of my left hamstring.
OTHER CONDITIONING
I didn't condition my hair today, nor will I run anymore or swim or lift weights or even get up to change the channel -- at least not for the next couple of hours.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday Solo Run
After a month of visiting family in Germany "my" three babies, Abraham, Noah, and Helena (and their folks) returned last night. I got to pick them up from the airport. Since I was so anxious to see them I opted to skip the run tonight and, instead, run from my apartment to their house (right around 4 miles) and visit them instead.
The run was really frustrating. For one thing, my body was tired and I didn't feel like I had much energy. I felt like I was putting forth too much effort for how slow the run was going and this was frustrating. Also, it seems my default stride has become this pathetic limpy compensating gait since my left leg has been hurting now for a while. On this run, only my left ankle hurt at first. (Pretty much 360 around) I thought about it and I thought maybe it was the flexor tendons that hold your leg muscles to your foot? My achilles tendon even hurt. As I ran, the discomfort started going up the back of my calk and even a bit into my shin. I kept trying to improve my stride but it was hard. My patience was low, my body was tired, and I was going too slow. It was pretty frustrating. I stopped a few times, gave a few angry breaths, and then kept tripping along, always frustrating with the gait that favored the right side and kept my stride short.
Finally and with a really sore calf, I arrived at Petra and Hubert's. Poor Noah took a dive off a bunk bed earlier this week and has a swollen nose. He is also sick with a sore throat/headcold/something along those lines. So, he's been unpleasant to say the least. Actually, I don't blame him. He looks like he feels miserable. Poor kid. Abraham feels quite a bit better. He ran right out to show me the new train he got in Germany and to tell me that it goes really fast. Helena has ballooned a bit and grown a lot. She's starting to look like her chubby, red headed aunt who came to visit Petra and Hubert a few months back. She's as cute as ever, though. All three kids are still adjusting to being home. Everyone is worried about Noah. I hope his folks take him to the doctor to see what's up with his nose. It's awfully swollen and he looks miserable.
I am seriously considering taking ice baths again. That always seemed to solve whatever problem I was having, even though they're terribly unpleasant and my ice bath buddy is a lot busier and less willing to talk my ear off while I'm freezing in the tub these days. Would one or two people be willing to switch off as my "ice bath buddies?" Despite the base thoughts that I'm sure some of you (Mike, Scott, Dave, Monica!) are thinking, an "ice bath buddy" is nothing racey. Being my ice bath buddy simply means that you talk my ear off for half-an-hour on the phone while I freeze my fanny to help get my mind off how cold my body is. You can talk about just about anything -- movies, your kids, your recent nose job, your uncle's sex-change operation . . .I don't care. Just be willing to talk a lot without too much response. Usually that's my job, but, when I'm in the ice bath, it's not my job anymore.
Thanks, All! I'm going to go say good night to three grumpy babies and skedaddle my hiney on home!
Liz
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