Medina Half Training: Week Two

February 24, 20142 Comments

This was certainly an interesting week. It went nothing like I had expected, but I did learn a lot from it. It all started Monday evening as I was leaving for Body Fusion. I had originally planned on going early to get a few miles in before class. Time got away from me, and I ended up leaving about 10 minutes before class started, and about 5 minutes later than I should have. As I was leaving the development, I came across a car parked funny in a driveway. After taking a second look, I realized there was an accident and quickly turned around. I was the first one there and wasn’t sure what to do, but luckily a neighbor, who was an off duty officer came out to help. Within the next half hour paramedics came, got the man out of the car and started to take note of the accident. There wasn’t much I could do, so I headed to the rec to get half of my class in. Turns out it was a drunk driver who admitted he had a problem, but doesn’t remember much of what happened. Makes you think that even on the sidewalk there can be dangers when running. Drive safe and run safe, no matter where you are.

Clearly Monday I wasn’t too focused in class and I definitely didn’t get my full hour in, but I figured I’d make up for it on Tuesday. I headed to the rec for an easy run, but ended up with an off feeling in my stomach and couldn’t keep going. I was disappointed, but hoped I’d feel better for my speed work the following day.

Wednesday I attempted my first speed workout of the cycle and my first speed workout on an indoor track. Because 10 laps equals one mile on our track, I was a little nervous on how it would go, but I just tried to imagine myself on an outdoor track. I started my warm up a little quicker than I had hoped, but was still able to kick it up for the first mile. I recovered with an 800m jog and attempted another mile, this time 10 seconds quicker. I finished up with a very slow mile but was pleasantly surprised when I saw that I had done my complete workout in 39 minutes. I felt great and knew that there would be many more amazing speed workouts ahead for me.

4.5 miles on the track, I’ll take it!

But as quickly as I finished, my stomach started to disagree. I headed home, but luckily felt back to normal by the time I got there. I usually prefer evening runs because my body almost always works with me. But unfortunately this week it didn’t. I’ve been keeping up with my hydration (during the week), and trying to eat healthier. The problem? Eating dinner at 9:30 every night. I’d like to say this doesn’t happen much, but because of my and D’s work schedule, 9:00-9:30 is typical dinner time. Now that I’m on a regular running schedule I need to figure something out so this doesn’t happen every week. Lesson two of the week, eat earlier so my body can run better the next day.

Monday: Body Fusion Class – 5 minutes of lifting/abs/squats & 30 minutes of yoga

Tuesday: 2.5 Miles

Wednesday: 4.5 Miles, 1 mile w/u, 1 mile 8:12, 800m recovery 4:38, 1 mile 8:02, 1 mile c/d

Thursday: Off

Friday: Off

Saturday: 1 mile

Sunday: 3.5 miles

Total Miles: 11.5 miles

The week didn’t get better from there. I pretty much failed as a runner this weekend. I only got 1 mile in on Saturday, but I ran with Darren and it was his choice of how far we’d run since it was an optional day for me. The wind was pretty strong, so I’m not sure I would have felt any better after a couple more miles, but it was nice to get outside and not be bundled up in 48 layers.

I knew Sunday would be weird because we spent the night in Wooster celebrating our anniversary. I was in a funk all day and chose Target and wine tastings over my run when we got back home that morning. I never had the motivation to go running, until around 5:00, post nap and a cup of coffee. The only thing to motivate me? The sunset. I had a glimpse of the sun setting over the houses and decided to head out. And I’m so glad I did! I ventured on the back roads, keeping my eye on traffic and decided to venture off road a bit. I climbed around a fence (possibly trespassing) and up a hill to see the most beautiful view.

I live for runs with this view

I headed back down and headed toward home, knowing I had limited minutes left, I stayed on the sidewalks and ended up with 3.5 beautiful sunset runs. It wasn’t a lot, but I felt great and it was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t a good week, but I did have a few good runs. I’m hoping this week will be better and hopefully no surprises! Lesson three, get my runs done early, because putting them off all day won’t help in the end. Although the views can be pretty magical.

Do you prefer runs at night or in the morning? What are your best tips for indoor speed workouts?

Weekly Fact about Type 1 Diabetes: What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes? Because Type 1 Diabetes is often diagnosed in young children, the symptoms may be difficult to notice or can be mixed up with another diagnosis. Be on the look out for these symptoms if you think someone may have Type 1 Diabetes.

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Sudden vision changes
Sugar in urine
Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
Increased appetite
Sudden weight loss
Drowsiness, lethargy
Heavy, labored breathing
Stupor, unconsciousness

If you notice these symptoms, then contact your doctor immediately. It’s important to test for Diabetes as quickly as you can before it can cause more damage.

Please help me find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes by donating here!

Running for a Cause

December 9, 2013Leave a comment

With less than 6 months to go until the Medina Half Marathon, I know I have to get my butt in gear. I haven’t started training yet, but I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself for this race. I’ve got some major goals and I plan on meeting all of them. However, one goal I have is pretty important. This year I’ll be running to spread awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, and running for Team JDRF. I ran for the team in 2012 at the Cleveland Half Marathon, but this time I’m doing it on my own.

You may or may not know, but Darren was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was just three years old. He’s had to deal with the ups and downs, but he has everything pretty much under control now. Over the past four years I’ve learned a lot about Diabetes and I want to help find a cure. Darren has been a wonderful support system with my running, traveling to races and getting up at the crack of dawn to stand outside for hours, just to see me pass by for a few seconds. There seems like no better way to thank him than to help find a cure for Diabetes.

Braving the wind & cold for me

So now until May 31st, I’ll be running my tail end off, not just for myself, not just for a course record or a sub 2:00 time. I’ll be running to help find a cure for Diabetes and spread awareness. If you’d like to help as well, you most definitely can. Spread the word about Type 1 Diabetes, read up on it, or donate to help find a cure. Any way to help is always appreciated!

And don’t forget, you can still sign up for the Medina Half Marathon & 5k! Registration for the half is only $40 until 12/31 so sign up and BEE there!

Just a few things

January 18, 2012May 23, 20121 Comment

While I’m in Canada, I wanted to fill you in a few fun things.

This past weekend we hit the slopes to enjoy the most recent snow storm. Last year I tried snowboarding and after remembering my large amount of falls, I wanted to try something easier and safer. So I decided that I’d spend a few hours skiing. I’ve never done downhill, but I grew up doing cross-country skiing, so I felt I kind of had an idea of what I was doing (not really). I took the beginners lesson so I wouldn’t completely embarrass myself. I definitely learned the basics and felt comfortable going down the easy hills. However, an 8-year-old in the group showed me up and was better than me the first time down, he also didn’t believe that I was in my mid-20’s so I had lost all faith from him. I spent a couple of hours on the easy slopes until Darren tricked me to try a harder one. Sorry buddy, it wasn’t easy and I pretty much had a panic attack on the top of the mountain.

Notice the harder hill I was tricked into

Somehow I made it down, secretly proud of myself that I could do it after just a few hours of learning, but didn’t want to try it again that day. I plan on going a few more times this year, and eventually investing in making it my winter sport. Of course nothing compares to running.

Skiing 101= Survival

Next up, I’m running Cleveland Half for a reason. I’ve decided that the Cleveland Half marathon will be dedicated to running for Team JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. My goal is to raise $500 by Cleveland to help support those who are looking to cure this disease. No surprise, the reason I’m doing this is for Darren, who was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was just 3 years old. I appreciate any donations and encourage you to learn more about Diabetes.

The final and maybe most exciting thing is….there are 3 more days until Columbus registration opens up! I haven’t even started training or planning for this, but I’m already getting excited, I can’t help but get goose bumps every time I think about it. 2012 is the year of races!