Rain run....

.
57:47
.
1,449.2
.
Ran in the rain on Friday. Calves really sore. I have to keep running. Maybe PF will help. I am stretching daily, too...maybe need a twice a day regimen?
.

Every other day this week will be better...shouldn't get back too abruptly...the knees are talking...

.
55:38
.
1,444.2
.
Quick...simple...
.

Back on track...

.
55:48
.
1,439.2
.
My first run after the half marathon. Not bad. I didn't have in mind to go fast just a nice steady run. The plan is to do 5 miles each day during the week. Sat. off and we'll see about Sunday. Next week will be determinied in the days ahead. I was really low mood-wise the last few days. I can't not run more than 3-4 days and if I go longer, I pay dearly....not good!
.

13.1 dream come true!

.
1,434.2
.
2:14:25
.
I did it!!! I finished the OUC Half Marathon! It was raining slightly but I kept a great pace and got my medal! Teagan did hers in 2:02! Wow!!!
.

I'm goin' two by two this week!!! Except for Sat.!!!

.
19:40
.
1,421.1
.
Another 2 miles down...only 2 days and then it's showtime!!!
.

3 days left til race day!!!

.
19:16
.
1,419.1
.
Quick run.....2 milers this week.....great time.....building speed..... ready for the distance!
.

Three days of running...

.
Saturday (11/28/09)
.
50:15
.
1,417.1
.
Another fast run. We ran the Linear Trail in Erwin, TN. It was good for uphill training. My calves and shins got the brunt of it but I'm okay. I am excited about my pace. I think the half marathon will be a happy day for us!
.
Thanksgiving Day (11/26/09)
.
30:08
.
1,412.1
.
Yes! We did it and with a grand effort!!! I'm so happy we did this. Teagan had a great idea. KJ joined us. They ran it together. I was the slowpoke. ;)
.
Tuesday (11/24/09)
.
44:22
.
1,409
.
Last run before leaving for TN and the Turkey Trot! Nice run. A bit slower but that's okay. I have had some lower body issues and don't want to push myself too hard.
.

A quick one...

.
33:21
.
1,405
.
EZ run. Still sore in the hips but I'm pushing through the pain. Almost done and with stretching, bath soaks and Advil, etc...I will be just fine.
.

Two more runs completed...the race is in 2 weeks...

.
2:18:09
.
1,402
.
This was my big run before the half marathon. I was very happy to be able to get through it with minimal pain and no breathing problems. My knees were hurting on and off but I could tell it was nothing I couldn't run through. I am excited about December 5th. Now, I only need to do 3-5 mileseach run before the race and increase my speed, if I can, to keep me up to par for the race day.
.
30:48 (Thursday, November 19)
.
1,390
.
This was from the run on Thursday which I guess I forgot to post. A good run...I took some Excedrin Migraine for back pain that day and it allowed me to run faster and without any pain.
.

Some fast, some slow.....

.
43:03
.
1,387
.
I am staying under 11 minute miles but I'm not happy about it. I think I should be decreasing my time every run. I guess I need to regroup and not be so hard on myself.
.

Runs are getting better...

.
31:19
.
1,383
.
Good 3 mile run...Supposed to be "EZ" but I felt like I could use some speed practice. It was good for me. No pain in the legs...good sign...I think I can do the 13.1 already!!!
.

Tough times.....

.
2:12:40
.
1,380
.
I skipped two runs and forgot to add this one from Saturday morning. It was not an easy week for me. But I have to proceed and finish this!
.

I'll prepare better tomrrow...

.
54:12
.
1,369
.
Still under an 11 minute mile but i felt sluggish...it might have been the Sarku Chicken and cup of ginger ale I had within 2 hours of running...I'm just sayin'...
.

Sunday's easy run...

.

33:36

.

1,364

.

Wow, I'm headed for 1,400 miles soon! Close to 1,500 for the end of the year! Great! Today was EZ, not really slow but very doable. My legs aren't even really sore today...just a little.

.

Wow!

.
1:52:14
.
1,361
.
My longest run again! 10 miles...I will beat it next Saturday when I go for 11!!! Amazing weather, an early start, I saw Teagan doing her run at the same time, what a morning for a new record!
.

Beautiful run!!!

.
40:57
.
1,351
.
Another achievement! My fastest time yet! The weather was wonderful...breezy and 70 degrees. Sun was going down fast. Humidity was 45%...a great running day!!! Tomorrow is off day...I will try to get to the gym and ice my shins down. They are throbbing a little tonight.
.

What a happy day!

.
31:33
.
1,347
.
Just a few seconds off yesterday's pace but still really good. I keep sweating a lot but it doesn't stop me. And the only thing that slows me down is pain or breathing problems. Neither have been an issue this week, thank goodness! It's all good! :)
.

Running stronger everyday...

.
41:32
.
1,344
.
Wow!!! My fastest yet again! I am plugging along this week, so far. I attribute it to the monthly cycle and hormonal influence. Plus the weather is finally cooling down. Today was mostly overcast which also helps. Humidity is still high...prol around 70-75%. Bad for the breathing but I am still keeping a good, steady, quick pace! I'm psyched about December 5th!
.

I don't use no stinkin' easy button!

.
31:36
.
1,340
.
Today was supposed to be the EZ" run. I made it not-so-EZ!!! I had cramps in my thighs (quads) all day on and off...but when I got out to run, they weren't there so I decided to see what I could do. The humidity was high but it was overcast with no rain and "felt" cooler even though the temp gauge said 78. So I went out and was able to keep a great pcae without overheating, coughing much or having any pains other than from the run yesterday. (Soreness pains) My heart must be getting stronger and I can move quicker. Maybe i will have a faster pace than I thought. Or at least keep a decent pace throughout the entire 13.1 miles! That would be cool!
.

Feel the burn

.
1:44:27
.
1,337
.
I am now starting to feel my legs get heavy at the last end of the run. Today was 9 miles. The most, now, that I've ever run. I missed my Thursday run. The weather has been extremely humid and I have not been very motivated. People may think this is easy but it is not. It is a struggle many days (50%) when I don't want to run or go to the gym. The motivation is more of a pep talk with myself. I have to kick my own ass!
.
Addendum: I didn't mention my PF workout on Wed. I did an 8:55 mile on the elyptical and full upper body/abs/back. I need to remember to post these as they are incentive when I look back.
.
8:55
.
1,328
.

Hard day to run...

.
46:58
.
1,327
.
My 4 mile run for the day. Done early so we can go out to dinner before dark. It was 78 degrees with 78% humidity. Not easy to do...I wanted to walk...but I just kept running and got it done. I hope the rest of the week will be better than this.
.

Can my heart keep beating faster?

.
32:59
.
1,323
.
Today was supposed to be the "EZ" 3 miles but I did a slow 3 miles on the treadmill last night even though it wasn't easy. So, today was a see-what-I-can-do run. I did well. Under 11 minute mile and that will be great for the race time.
.

It's a "dust" kind of day...

.
35:05
.
1,320
.
Not easy tonight. I did the treadmill and Kent had it on an incline of 2.5 or 3!!! My shins were killing me. But I completed 3 miles and 250 situps. I have a busy morning tomorrow and then maybe relax some.
.

Another long run done...

.
1:33:33
.
1,317
.
Okay, after a two day rest in bed saga, I decided as I got out on the pavement that the best thing for me to do was my long run...got it out of the way. Things will be busy the rest of the weekend. It wasn't easy but I did it. And under 12 minute miles, too. If I keep it up, I will be able to complete the half marathon...you have to maintain a 15 minute/mile pace or better or they pull you off the road.
.

Great running day!!!

.
1,309
.
42:35
.
My fastest time yet!!! I am picking up the pace and I can do it. Not out of breath just working harder. I'm excited! I saw the doctor today and after my blood results, I will have a better indication if the exercising is helping me out. I think it is!!!
.

Quick and easy...

.
12:29
.
1,305
.
Okay, this was on the elyptical at PF but it still counts. I wanted to knock off the half mile anyways! Plus, I added another upper body workout along with 100 back extensions.
.

Oh, the weather outside is...well, wonderful!!!

.
34:32
.
1,303.5
.
What a great day for a run...60 degrees! My so-called "EZ" run! I'm still keeping it under 11 minute miles. I wonder what kind of time I will have on December 5th?!!!
.
Tomorrow is my day off. It will be well received.
.

A Knight run today!!!

.
1:18:54
.
1,300.5
.
Yeah! I crossed the thirteen hundred mark. My longest run ever!!! If I can keep up this pace, I know I will stay under a 12 minute mile for the half marathon! Now, can I hit fifteen hundred by the end of the year? Time will tell...
.

Time to fly...

.
32:32
.
1,293.5
.
Best time here at home! The temp was about 78 and the humidity % was the same! UGH! But, I remembered to have my inhaler ready...I put it in my running shoes ties!
.
I'm excited! I have my big run on Sat...7 miles. I am getting up there. It will prepare me well for Dec. 5th.
.

Inhale, exhale, wheezing inhale, exhale...

.
1,290.5
.
33:43
.
74 degrees...not bad to run in. Too bad the humidity was 78 %!!! UGH! I forgot my inhaler again - new plan - tape it to my running shoes! Gotta go do that right now...
.

Run, Karen, Run...

.
1,287.5
.
34:18
.
My EZ run. It was hot. It was humid. It was drizzling. It was thundering. It was anything but EZ!!!
.

High mileage

.
1:08:03
.
1,284.5
.
My long mileage today. Not fun...heat and humidity is rough but the clouds were my best friend as I huffed and puffed my way to the end. I'm hoping this difficult weather will be good for training.
.

Inhaler was a must

.
44:24
.
1,278.5
.
A fairly quick run for 86 degrees with high humidity! My times are getting better.
.

Keepin' on...

.
32:56
.
1,274.5
.
3 miles today. A great run considering the heat (86 degrees) and humidity (prol around 65%). I'm working towards a consistent run without getting too winded. I've used my inhaler twice now. I think it is helping. Tomorrow is a day of of running. More situps and maybe a quick PF workout for upper body.
.

Added runs...

.
I haven't been keeping up very well. Here are my runs and accumulated mileage. I may not hit 1,500 by the end of the year but, with a different goal in mind, I am accomplishing great things.
.
24:00 (October 5, 2009)
.
1,271.5
.
53:45 (October 3, 2009)
.
1,269.5
.
32:49 (October 1, 2009)
.
1,264.5
.

Ab city...

.
56:35
.
1,261.5
.
Big day...I didn't do my run yesterday so I had to "catch up" today. I did well, in doing so. The weather helped. Great time.
93 days left of this year...800 situps done...9,200 left...my abs are "feelin' it"!!!
.

Ab lounger update...

.
94 days left of this year...700 situps done...9,300 left to do...My abs are going to be rock hard!
.

100 more tonight...

.
A day off from running but not from situps. 100 more done tonight...a total of 600 and 9, 400 remaining...95 days until the end of the year...
.

Simple Plan...

.
33:50
.
1,256.5
.
Now I have to add the half miles! Ha!!! I got on the treadmill after dark last night. I had to do an EZ 2.5 for the training...can't slack off now... (100 more sutups done, too)
.
Monday is a day off....I need it...
.

Days going fast...

.
44:50
.
1,254
.
My long run of the week...time was pretty good considering the heat and humidity were very high for the end of September. Running the full four miles was difficult but I am determined to keep up the training for the half marathon. I have to do this. i just have to.
.
97 days left until the end of the year and I have kept up with the situps. 400 done, 9,600 left to go...
.

Sitting (up) pretty...

.
98 days and 300 situps done as of last night. (I also went to PF for upper body and abs so I actually did 300 more situps this week total!!!) I won't include the elyptical this time.
.

99 Days left of the year 2009

.
Another hundred situps done 9,800 to go...
.

1/2 Marathon training continues...

.
34:24
.
1,250
.
Added an extra mile for a total of 3 miles straight running. KJ joined me and he kept my pace up so I was a minute quicker per mile on my run over Tuesday's. Thanks KJ!
.

100 days until the end of the year...

.
100 sit-ups done...9,900 to go...
.
September 23rd marks the 265 day total. So, with 100 days left, I have decided to add a routine of 100 sit-ups per day to my half marathon trainning. That is in addition to my Planet Fitness abd. machine workouts. My goal is 10,000 for a hundred days in a row!!! My abs will thank me...esp in a midriff!!!
.

I'm Baaaaack....

.
33:15
.
1,247
.
PF upper body, a mile on the elyptical (8:46), a two mile run (24:29) in prep for the half marathon in Dec. Not bad.
.

Don't stop ...(I'm) thinking about tomorrow...

.
1:01:12
.
1,244
.
A tough run but I persisted. I am sweating beyond belief considering it was close to sundown when I left. I think the perimenopause is in full force. The hormones are hitting all time highs and lows and creating a difficult time right now. I won't let it stop me as long as I can hold off. I truly want to get through this without HRT.
.

Ellie run...

.
1:04:27
.
1,239
.
Yeah! This was my celebratory "new great niece" run!!! It was 89 degrees out at 6 pm but I toughed it out. 09/09/09 will be a date to remember.
.
I figure I can hit 1,500 miles by the end of the year if I can keep up with a 20 mile/week pace.
.

Rest over...back to work...

.
1:03:20
.
1,234
.
I got up early and went out to walk and ran most of it. I felt some pain but it subsided. I just need to get out 5 days a week. I don't really have to run each time but just get out and walk!!!
.

Break time...

.
9:00
.
1,229
.
Upper body workout. No running/walking since last Monday. Issues with my hips and legs right now. I'm not pushing it.
.

Back on track.....

.
1:14:12
.
1,228
.
Hmmm...it's okay, I guess since I started out really great and pulled something in my right iliac crest. Some ligament...Skip tomorrow...at least I got a mile on the elyptical and an upper body workout at PF. First time in two weeks...head cold and slight bronchitis kept me inside for some recovery time. I sure hope to get 1,500 miles in by the end of the year! Doable...yep!
.

Strides in determination...

.
1:10:14
.
1,222
.
Big day...still having the pain in the lower body from my first lower body workout in a while but I maintained that I WOULD go to PF for upper body. I did it along with abs and lower back. Plus a 5 mile earlier than usual run because my visual "accuweather" forcast said "Get out there before it starts thunder/lightning". I was rained on for about a mile but it kept me cool, there was no sun out and no lightning. I'm glad I didn't go by the accuweather on the computer or I-Phone. I'm proud of myself for the determination. I so didn't want to do any exercise today but did quite a bit. I feel so much better for it.
.

Keeping up the miles...

.
1:10:06
.
1,216
.
Today was a busy day. I did both upper and lower body at PF plus a mile on the elyptical. Then, later in the evening, sun still up but lowering over the horizon, I did my 5 miles. Not as fast as I had hoped but still a reasonable time. It was scorching hot out today and no wind so it was hard to maintain the speed I wanted. My body was very cooperative, just not the lungs!!! i will take tomorrow off to let the muscles recoop and then hope for another Wed. like today.....well, except for the heat and humidity.....not too much to ask for, is it?!!!
.

Quick PF run...

.
8:33
.
1,210
.
Okay, add another mile. I went to PF with KJ and did one on the elyptical before an upper body workout. Wasn't east but I made it through. It's amazing how much I am sweating these days. I'm not on top of my game this month! Sucks!
.

Slow to go.....

.
1:09:49
.
1,209
.
I'm lucky to have finished today!!! Bad day for me. Earlier than normal but still a hot sun beating down. I still got out there and plugged along. I didn't run as much as usual and when I did, it was slower than molasses in...well, you get the picture! Menopausal symptoms are kicking in stronger than ever and really trying to bring me down. I'm not going wiliingly. I will have to go kicking and screaming back at it!!! I hate these ups and down swings!!!
.

Tears from heaven

.
1:02:58
.
1,204
.
I hit the twelve hundred mile mark. It always feels good to have another hundred completed. I waited until the window of opportunity was getting narrow before making the final decision to go out in between raindrops. I had to motivate myself then, while I was getting my exercise clothes on, it started to pour! Hadn't rained in two days!!! So, I stood by the door looking outside then looking at accuweather on my IPhone then looking outside then radar on IPhone.....I finally said I'm just going. There was no thunder/lightning that I could hear, even though it said there were thunderstorms in the area. I took a chance and God and I had a good cry on the second half of the run. It's okay. I don't melt in water!
.

No Thunder, time to hit it...

.
58:43
.
1,199
.
Quick, dodging raindrops run. Actually, it was more like "I think it's going to rain any second" but it never did!!! Good time. Much sweat. Legs swift.
.

Maintaining pace...

.
59:14
.
1,194
.
Another run under an hour. I went out in the sun at 7 pm-ish. A bit warm at 87 but clouds soon covered my path and made it bearable the rest of the way. The great thing is that I have no pain anywhere. I am good to go and go I do.
.

I get by with a little help from my friends...

.
58:49
.
1,189
.
Yes! A great run. I had a brief encounter with some friends who stopped their car to let me pass and then proceeded to hoot and holler to get me going! It was a thrill. I love it when friends support me.
.

I'm proud of me......

.
1:17:27
.
1,184
.
I had problems sleeping the past two nights (before last night) so I took a Melatonin (ask your doc before you take) and slept pretty well. I did wake up a little slower than usual...almost groggy, but I kept moving, stretching, starting my routine for the day. I got KJ motivated enough to go to PF with me and we got home just before 5 pm. Since everyone was already home and I cooked all week and decided to go out for dinner, I figured I had to walk/run earlier and, of course, in the heat of the still showing sun. Okay, I loaded up on 4 oz. of Gatorade and put half Gatorade in my iced bottle and went out. I was able to do one mile but hit the heat harder than i wanted so I slowed to a walk until I could manage a faster pace. I finished my bottle way before I ought to so I knew I could potentially get dehydrated quickly (been there, done that) so I just meditated while I walked and the clouds pushed their way into site of the sun! Yeah!!! I ran the last mile and a quarter home and finished in under an hour and ten. Plus the mile I did on the elyptical. So, even though it appears slow, it was what I could do for the day. I am very satisfied with it and with myself.
.

Days are getting so much better....

.
8:35
.
1,178
.
PF today with 10 on the elyptical. A successful workout day. I wanted to take a day off of running. Have to watch for shin splints. My energy level today is 10 on a 1-10 scale! I don't want to change it. I will meditate for grounding purposes. I need to get a hot epsom salt soak in, too, for good measure. Got to take care of this body! It's what I can do best without anyone else. ;)
.

Good day all around...

.
1:01:04
.
1,177
.
Liver and onions for lunch, a dinner made for the guys - full Mexican meal, a 5 mile run with a decent time, sweat pouring down my body and I feel fit! My iron level is at an all time recent high, good FBS, A1C is great, my lower back pain is gone and I can't ask for better.
.

Busy day...

.
1:02:47
.
1,172
.
Great workout day. I did my run at 1 pm with a totally overcast sky and 78 degree temp. Humidity was extremely high as it had rained a couple of times in the morning and the cloud cover kept the moisture at ground level. I ran almost the entire 5 miles even though my time was slower than I would have liked. I went to PF right after for an upper body workout. My back is feeling better but I have a muscle strain that is annoying. By the end of the day, after 2 hours of pulling weeds (bent over for the most part), I am feeling pain in my right lower back but I'm sure it is muscle and not nerve. A hot soak in the tub should help.
.
I got my lab results back for the last 3 months and my glucose was 95!!! I'm so excited about that. Also, my A1C was 5.5 and that is good for me. My iron level is the best it has benn, too. So, I'm feeling really good about my accomplishments, inside of my body and out!
.

I'm trying for 20 miles per week

.
1:06:15
.
1,167
.
I think this is my best week since a while back. The Prednisone is working and as long as I keep up the movement, I can do this.
.

See Karen...See Karen run...See the rain follow Karen...

.
59:43
.
1,162
.
Okay, I dodged another bullet! I again prayed to the lighning/thunder gods and they spared me once again! Thank you gods of L & T!!! But, I didn't really mention the rain in my prayers so I made it back to the entrance to Stratton Woods before the grapefruit sized raindrops entered the picture. Luckily, I live in the first house! So, I basically dodged another round tonight. The thunder and lightning soon followed after I got in the house. And mind you, my time was a wee bit faster than previous days!!! LOL Yes, with good reason, I didn't want to be a statistic!
.

A thankful day...

.
1:13:10
.
1,157
.
PF, a mile on the elyptical, upper body, abs and lower back and a 5 mile run. I was able to talk with the thunder/lightning gods and keep it at bay while I was out. Not an easy task but appreciation was shown ...I worked hard in my mileage especially with the Prednisone I am on right now. And the hot flashes aren't making it any easier either. I look forward to easier running days in the future and no menopausal symptoms eventually. That will be sweet!
.

A quick mile...

.
8:43
.
1,151
.
I did a mile on the elyptical so I added it to my log. Better than nothing.
.

Add it to the log.....

.
1:05:30
.
1,150
.
Morning run...heat...sweat...pain....done...
.

Morning run...

.
1:03:01
.
1,145
.
It looked like rain when I got out of bed, the rain stopped and it was overcast while I was doing the first load of laundry, then clouds broke through with bits if sunshine as I got my running clothes on. By the time I got out, it was sunny but still cooler than usual. 77 degrees when I left and 80 degrees when I returned. Not bad. And it is July!!!
.

An added mile...

.
FBS - 111 (7/1/09)
.
Wt - 145
.
10:00 (6/29/09)
.
1,139
.
A mile on the elyptical...I didn't see the time so I used the 10 minutes which is the time I spend on the machine. It's was probably a faster time, though. I also did an upper body workout. Was away in TN for 5 days so need to catch up now.
.

Big workout today...

.
1:11:21
.
1,138
.
PF early afternoon for upper body/abs/back and then made dinner followed by a quick...okay, not so quick 5 mile run. The hour and ten includes the 8:41 on the elyptical for an extra mile today but I was just under 1n hour and two minutes which i was hoping was faster since I have been running most of the distance anymore. Unfortunately, it was so humid...it had just rained. but, I plugged on.
.

See Karen Run..Run, Karen, Run...

.
59:03
.
1,132
.
Quick and simply. I walked, I ran, I added some mileage to the books!
.

Early out...

.
Add on an upper body/abs/back workout at PF and the day is accomplished before 10 am!
.
1:03:50
.
1,127
.
Early am walk/run...left at 7:45 am. Hope to do it all week.
.

Another mile...

.
8:45
.
1,122
.
PF upper body, some lower body and of course, abds and back. Too wet out to run...taking a day off. Back to the pavement tomorrow.
.

Hot with a chance of heat...

.
1:03:00
.
1,121
.
A tough 5 miles. It was pretty much overcast until I got outside (of course) and then it just got sunny again. Oh well, I did get a couple of quick breaks of cloudinesse but not much. I finished my water way before I was done running which I haven't been doing lately. I am just glad I didn't get overheated. Gatorade a cold shower followed. Running break tomorrow...just upper body and abds at PF.
.

Working out is working out...

.
1:10:05
.
1,116
.
An upper body workout at PF plus a mile on the elyptical plus 5 miles in the evening. It feels good to exercise...not that I don't have to push myself to do it but I reap the rewards when I do and I try to think that way when I am getting ready to go.
.

The heat is on...

.
1:03:40
.
1,110
.
It was an evening scorcher tonight! I left at 7:30 and I was dripping before I left my street! I have to say that I had been out for 2 hour prior in the pool area watering plants and fixing them up a bit. I bought a few new ones that I pruned, too, so I was already a little warm before my exercising ever got started. I also had that full body workout on Wed. which I'm not fully recovered from yet. My legs were sore before I left. Now they are extremely sore. Epsom salt bath is in order for later tonight.
.

Hot and heavy workout...

.
1:10:35
.
1,105
.
PF...a mile on the elyptical...a full body workout and a 5 mile walk/run in the evening.
.

Short and sweet

.
9:26 (yesterday, Monday, June 8th)
.
1,099
.
Elyptical at PF. I thought I'd be running later in the day but it turned not to happen so I only got the mile in but with an upper body and ab workout on the side!
.

the fast and the furious

.
56:53
.
1,098
.
Quick evening walk/run at 7:30 pm with little sun and humidity. I stepped up the pace for a faster time. More running, too. I think I could go the entire 5 miles now running, if I chose to...hmmm.....
.

More miles hit...

.
1:03:16
.
1,093
.
Hot with a touch of overcast mixed with sun.
.

More...

.
June 2
.
1:01:28
.
1,088
.
June 1
.
FBS - 100
.
Weight - 143 lbs.
.

Adding more to the pot...

.
1:00:11
.
1,083
.
Another 5 miles to add. Very warm at 7:30 but a breeze helped keep me from over heating. My mood is really low today and I have some muscle soreness from gardening yesterday but i have to keep on moving.
.

An hour a day...

.
1:00:51
.
1,078
.
I waited for the showers to pass and ended up getting out at 7:30 pm. I didn't sleep well so I didn't get up early enough. The weather is hard now to be able to just go out anytime. I have to work around heat, sun, rain and others. I still got out. And I am keeping my time around an hour which I am surprised about. It shows that my heart is healthy enough for me to step up the pace even in the heat.
.

Morning runs...

.
1:00:21
.
1,073
.
So, the mornings are working out for now. I ggot out before 8 am today and it was much cooler. A great way to stay hydrated. That sun is a killer during the day and even into the early evening. And the rain makes it difficult to predict when I can go. Except for the fog which produced a lot of condensation on my sunglasses, I was pleased with the weather.
.

Trying to get into a groove

.
1:01:49
.
1,068
.
I have chosen to go out early in the am. I hope I can continue this path. The weather has been so rainy most of the day and I know that summer showers will tend to be later rather than earlier. So, if I can get up and out by 8:30 am, I should be able to get back to my routine. Right now, I am working on that.
.

Catching up

.
So, I have a few miles to add up. I haven't blogged my walks since the Relay but I have been going out. Just less frequently than before it got HOT!!! So, I am slowing down a little but starting to bike with a friend occassionally. I even bought a basket to put water bottles in. Hmmm... maybe I can bike ride to a shaded location and then do my running.
.
5/16/09 1:03:11 1,063
.
5/15/09 1:03:59 1,058
.
5/11/09 FBS - 97
.
Weight - 142.5 lbs.
.
5/5/09 18 mile bike ride 2 hours - not included in mileage
.
4/29/09 1:05:01 1,053 (on the cruise ship)
.
4/28/09 1:20:01 1,048 (on the cruise ship)
.
4/8/09 1:13:39 1,042
.
4/6/09 1:02:02 1,036
.
4/5/09 42:42 1,031
.
4/1/09 FBS - 102
.

Feelin' Groovy

.
Weight - 142 lbs.
.
I am already recovered from the weekend Relay. My legs are minimally sore and I figure I will take another day or two off before I hit the pavement again. I slept quite a bit over the weekend and caught up on sleep. I feel really good - powerful - today. No surprise there!
.
15 hours = 900 minutes (Friday to Saturday)
.
1,028
.
I finally did it! I hit my 1,000 miles during the Relay. It was longer than last year. At least that is how it seemed. I stopped at 9:20 am after 15 hours of walking. My knees were really hurting and my calves were on fire. I wasn't sure if it would be worth having an injury at that point and I felt I gave it my all. I did 304 total laps for 38 miles. I think I actually did less than 47 miles last year. Maybe the lap counter was incorrect? I will never know but I can say I felt like I walked more this year than last year. So, my goal of 50 miles wasn't reached but I'm not complaining about what I did accomplish. Being on a running track gave me a standard to follow. Next year the Relay is supposed to be at the same place so if I go again, I will know how to decide my goals. Until then, I will continue to walk/run as I have been doing and keep my health to an optimum.
.

.
1:06:20
.
990
.
KJ went out with me. He couldn't keep up but he tried. I was glad he came with me. He got my pace improved and it gave me a good time. I also did upper body at PF with a mile on the elyptical so I am at even numbers again. Only 10 to go to hit the thousand I hoped for last year.
.

A shot for what ails ya'

.
58:27
.
984
.
I wasn't going to go out today but I had two "moments" today that required me to get out and clear my thinking - running always does that for me. I'm glad for that. If I could, I would run twice a day just to give myself a double daily dose of endorphins. Unfortunately, my legs and joints won't allow it. But, I do what I can, when I can.
.

Luck 'O the Irish...

.
57:41 (Today)
.
979
.
1:23:14 (Monday)
.
974
.
Two more days. Another one on the treadmill and one more outdoors. Weather getting hot...but that's what I have to do to keep my body hot, too!!! Now, it's back to the gym tomorrow for an upper body workout plus elyptical and abds...stay tuned.
.

More time to add...

.
1:23:37 (Sunday)
.
969
.
1:24:21 (Saturday)
.
964
.
I walked outside Saturday since my calves were still sore. I needed the cardio but not the stress so I figured it was the next best thing. I had minimal soreness during and afterwards. Today I woke up and stretched and my calves felt pretty good but during the day, I could tell they would get sore when walked. So, I got on the treadmil tonight (only chnace to exercise today) and did a 16+ minute mile pace. My legs feel okay. I stretched afterwards again. Showered and I feel pretty good - maybe ready for a slower run tomorrow.
.

Weather hotter, moving slower...

.
59:09 (Wednesday)
.
959
.
As it warms up, the humidity makes it harder to breathe. And my left calf is still giving me grief. I iced it last night and also iced the right calf since it was mildly sore but this am it still continues to cause pain when I walk on it. I can't stay still today but I will try not to walk on it much. And I will ice it this afternoon when I get home.
.

Two more to add...

.
56:48 (today)
.
954
.
57:24 (Saturday)
.
949
.
Weekend walk/runs in great weather. Time changed between the two days so now I can run as late as 6:45 pm! The weather is in the 80's again so I have to go out later anyway.
.

Happy and healthy

.
57:10 (Thursday)
.
944
.
Another day behind. Better mood on Thursday as I was happy to get out and exercise. I ran most of the way. It felt okay. Sore calves still but doable. I'm trying to soak my legs every morning in a mildly hot bath of epsom and dead sea salts. Plus stretching while I'm in the tub. I think it is helping some.
.

Go, Karen, Go...

.
59:34 (Wednesday)
.
939
.
I absolutely did not want to exercise today. My mood was really low and I just wanted to curl up and sleep. I did nap in the afternoon for an hour and a half but as 5:30 approached, I just felt this inclination to get out and do what I could. As usual, I felt much better when I was done. I kept the time under an hour and I was glad that I went out. If I don't get out and do my 5 miles, after 3 days, I'm toast!
.

Here's an update...

.
Weight - 146
.
March FBS - 83 (yeah!!!)
.
58:15 (Friday)
.
934
.
I forgot my last walk/run from Friday. Slower but that's okay. I had some sore calves that day.
.

WOO-HOO!!!

.
54:55
.
929
.
Yes, I did it again. Two days in a row of breaking records!!! I am under an eleven minute mile now. I hope to keep it up. My calves are sore but otherwise, I am ecstatic. Great weather and great run!
.

Opening presents on random days...

.
Weight - 146 lbs.
.
55:16
.
924
.
Yeah Baby!!! My fastest time. Eleven minute miles with a couple stop-to-walk periods for a quick drink of agua. I know I can get down to a ten minute mile eventually if I run the whole way. Only a matter of time now. Each day is a gift. Today was my present to me!!!
.

Keeping up appearances...

.

59:58
.
919
.
Not as quick as yesterday. Weather 75 degrees. Legs a little stiff today. I'll have to stretch some more. I wonder how long it will take me to hit 1,000 miles. I was hoping to hit in in December and here it is already the end of February. Oh well, not complaining.
.

Great day for a walk...

.
56:42
.
914
.
What a nice day to be outside. It was 71 degrees with a slight wind. I enjoyed it.
.

Over and done....

.
909
.
1:07:23
.
I did lower body and a mile at PF then the usual 5 at home. Later than usual...I started at 5:30, but the sky was still on the blue side so I could see the pavemant all the way. It was more humid and around 79 degrees. I was wheezing a bit but slowed down when I needed to. All in all, a great workout.
.

I hit 900

.
1:07:37 (Monday)
.
903
.
I went to PF for a full workout and abd/back. It was a nice day for walking/running. I have hit the last of the three digit hundreds and soon will be into four digit walking/running miles. I am excited about how far I have come and how far I still want to go. It is a great big world with a lot of pavement. I am happy to be a part of it all.
.
Weight - 144 lbs. (I am heading back south!)
.