The Next 100

Today was the first day of my second 100 runs.  It's cold and drizzling and not so great out, but I hadn't been for a run since the race, so I had to do it.  After the Jingle Bell Run my calves were sore for several days - pushing it on the 10 minute mile I guess...  And, this past week I painted my bedroom blue.  So, those are my excuses for the days off.

Anyhow, I did my regular 5K in 33 min and 10 sec, which is fine for pace.  I wore my lined Athleta pants, so I wasn't actually cold, even though it was gross and rainy out.

Jingle Bell Run aka #100!!

Not the most auspicious start to the run because I had a little bit of a hangover this morning.  I went to Green St last night, every time I go there I seem to drink too much.  I had a little coffee and an apple with peanut butter, and got to the race start at 10:30, all ready to go.  And then realized that the race started at 11!  In the end it was probably a good thing that I got there early because I got to digest and people watch, so by the time it started I was feeling ok.

My unofficial time is 31 min 20 sec which is a 10 min, 6 sec mile.  I was hoping to get 10 min mile, but this course is pretty hilly, so I was happy with my results.  I did meet the one race goal I set for myself - there was a guy behind me dressed like Big Bird, full feathers and all, and so I set my goal as "not being passed by Big Bird," which I did manage to accomplish!  I did get passed by a Festivus Pole, but Festivus decorations are designed to be simple, so I was OK with that.

The race started out slow at the beginning because it was so crowded.  By the time I got to the 1K mark I realized I was going almost a 10 min mile, and wanted to try to keep it up.  I went a little slower on the uphill bits, and then when I got to the last downhill at about 2.8 miles, I sprinted.  So, it wasn't exactly an even pace.

One hundred runs.  Go me! :)

99!

It's pretty cold out again, and there's all this snow and ice.  I was actually thinking about maybe braving the outdoors anyhow, but by the time I left work it was dark and cold out.  So, I went to the gym.  Looks like some other company has purchased my little (cheap) Planet Fitness.  They had signs all over the place that I didn't notice the last time I was there.  Hope it doesn't mean the price will go up - right now it's $10 per month, which means that even if I don't go for months at a time I still don't feel guilty.

I got there and was all, I don't feel like this, but I have to...  I started really slow, and then by minute 5 I was up to kind of regular speed - 5.7 mph.  I kept increasing the speed little by little, so that at 10 minutes I was at 6 mph.  And I kept it there for 20 minutes!  It didn't wind up being that much further than usual, 2.92 miles in 30 min, 3.2 overall.  But, I was pretty psyched with me for keeping up a 10 min mile for 2 whole miles.  When I was done I lifted a couple weights and was like "this sucks," and left.

It's supposed to rain on Sunday.  I hope everything will work out ok for the race.  Big Run, #100!  (Yeah, might do some shopping, who am I kidding?  I was thinking today that some new sports bras might be a good running purchase. Don't want the girls at the knees, right?)

Run 100 Do-Over

Thursday I woke up at 3 am with the worst migraine ever.  Of course I have no land line, and I had left my phone in the car because there's a USB port there for charging (so cool, it's hidden, so no one can see if you leave your phone overnight).  Anyhow, I wound up having to knock on the door of one of my neighbors, and she immediately called 911.  So, I got my very first (and hopefully last) ride in an ambulance.  One of the things that was a little surreal was that they have this upstairs section of the ER, for people who don't need to be admitted but aren't ready to go home, and it overlooks the Charles River.  So, I could see where I had been running 12 hours earlier, but couldn't even imagine that I would ever be able to run again.  So, I didn't run this week because I was still kind of feeling like crap, and then I didn't want to push it.  I was all resigned to the fact that the race wouldn't be Run #100, and then I got an email yesterday that due to a storm that's coming in the race has been postponed a week!  So, back to my original game plan.  It's like fate.

It's really cold out today, definitely a gym day.  I did the usual 30 min of running, 5K, about 10 min 40 sec per mile for most of the run.  I started a little slow because I was all nervous still, but by the end I was doing fine and ran the last 3 minutes at a 10 min mile.  Then I went and picked up my race stuff, I'll be lucky #5973.  And yes, I lied about my age and weight - I'm really in the Fat Old Ladies category, but no way I'm putting that out there on the internet for the world to see!

97

I learned today that one disadvantage of the new car is that the back windows aren't tinted like the old car.  So, I might have flashed someone.  Oops.  Also poor planning, I just had a tshirt, no long sleeves, and it was like 45 degrees out.  I thought about going to the gym, or blowing it off, but I do want to try to make run #100 the race.  Even if I'm doing it by myself and probably wearing blue instead of Jingle Belly stuff.  It's the same route as the first race I did, so maybe I will be a little faster...

I ran on the Charles, and actually was fine in the tshirt.  It was really foggy out, and the river looked so amazing.  The water was totally still, and there was all this fog coming off it.  Someone had decked this sailboat in Christmas lights and put a plastic santa on it, and it looked a little like a haunted pirate ship.  And, for some reason there were two people in the park playing drums!  Guess their neighbors aren't music lovers.  It was pretty cool to be running through the fog with the drums and the ghost ship.  

I did 3.46 miles in about 36 minutes, so it was about a 10 min 40 sec mile, so not a fast run.  

New Car

Got a new car yesterday, after several days of torturing used car dealers.  It's a powder blue 2012 Honda Civic with 17000 miles.  Really, it's a base model and a pretty inexpensive car, but I'm so psyched that I can afford a Honda.  I feel like a grown-up :)  Of course, the car shopping consumed my long weekend, and I didn't exercise at all.  It's nasty out today, drizzly and 40 degrees, but not too windy at least.  I really really didn't want to go for a run, but I won't be able to tomorrow or Tuesday, so I decided I better just do it.  I told myself that I could run a shorter route if I wanted to, but then once I was going I just did my regular route.  It took me 33 min and 29 sec, but there was a looong stop at one light d/t traffic (totally legit, but I really enjoyed it.)  So, I think it was about 33 min, which is kind of my slower pace, 10 min 38 sec.  Fine for a day when I had to drag myself out the door.

Thanksgiving

Since next Thursday is Chanukah, and my nephew doesn't like to travel for Thanksgiving weekend, we are having Turkey today, and Thursday will be leftovers and latkes.  Seems like a good way to do it!  I made apple pie (as always) and ginger bread men because I am bribing students who have to come to a stupid meeting into thinking it's a good meeting.  I figure if I give them cookies they won't notice how lame it is.

So anyway, I've been eating a lot of cookies (lots of bribery going on) and I'm shopping for a new car because after trip #9 to the garage, and more $ out than the thing is worth, it still almost overheated on the way home from work!  Granted I was sitting in traffic for about 20 min, but I drive in the city, that happens.  I can't plan every trip around traffic...

Which is all to say that I haven't been exercising enough, and I've been eating too much.  It's so cold and windy out today, there was just no way to run outside.  But, I decided last minute to hit the gym.  I did 30 min on the treadmill, with a 5 min cool down.  5.7 mph for most of the run.  3.1 miles total.  It was really boring.  And then I didn't even lift weights because I have to go eat.

Cramps

I seem to have a lot of posts with this title. Anyhow, was dreading my run today, so I decided to just get it over with, even though it was really too soon after eating. I also decided to go the reverse of my usual route, just for a change. I realized as I was slow jogging back that I do seem to get cramps more often going the reverse route. Another reason to not do it (reason number 1 being that I think it's all uphill.) Anyhow, cramps really hit at about minute 20, so I took a short cut back. Total running time 30 min 20+ sec, so I did get a full half hour in, total distance 2.7 miles. Speed, 10 min 40+ sec mile. OK, not super fast, but at least I ran over 2.7 miles.

I figured it out, and run #100 could be the Jingle Bell Run, if I time it right. That would be a pretty good way to celebrate!

Winter's Coming

Getting cold out. I had to take my poor car in again (to a new place) and T in to work again on Tuesday. It was sooo cold out, I wore my winter jacket. Today was warmer, so I decided I should get my run in. I really was not in a running mood, had to make myself go. I went on the Charles, but a little way up from the last couple times. I went over the Longfellow Bridge - they removed all the little towers for construction! Weird. I really wanted to turn left and go the shorter route, up to the Museum of Science. But I didn't. It felt like a pretty slow run while I was doing it, and it turned out that in fact it felt slow because it was slow. 3.9 miles in 42 minutes: a 10 min 40 sec mile pace.  But, at least I did it.

This was run #92. Eight more until 100. After spending all that money on the runaversary, I can't buy new tights. Wonder how I'll celebrate?

Lazy Day Run

It's Veteran's Day weekend and I have been a total lazy slug!  I went food shopping, I went out for pizza and beer (because I forgot about the frozen pizza at Market Basket until I was in line, and then I had too much line time invested to go to the freezer section), and I did 5 loads of laundry and cleaned the bathroom.  I was going to go to yoga, but then instead I made an apple crisp, and ate most of it.  So, I decided spur of the moment to go for a run.  Wore the new Athleta tights, which I have to say would fit better if I stopped eating entire apple crisps in one sitting.

Ran the usual 5K and I did it in 31 minutes and 47 seconds, but I had to stop at the light for 10 sec (totally legit), so it was 31 37 sec, which is a 10 min 12 sec mile.  This route is waaay hillier than the one by the Charles, so I feel like I get some points for that.  For part of it I really felt like I was running, not just jogging.

There's a running group here in Somerville that I'm thinking about joining.  They go for runs three days a week, right in the neighborhood.  Maybe I would learn something about running - there must be things to learn...

For some reason, I kept smelling steak today.

One Year Runaversary

So exciting, I actually made it to my one year runaversary, still running!  Yes, I did get new, incredibly expensive, running tights at Athleta to celebrate.  They're a microfleece with wind breaking material on the front of the legs for cold days.  And a cute new top that's warm and reversible, and also embarrassingly expensive.  Reversible though, so I can wear it twice, right?  With all that, I still wasn't too psyched to go for a run because it was cold and rainy out, not perfect running weather (actually, now that I think about it, the first day I ran it was cold and rainy out too, and I wound up going to the gym.)  I decided to go the same route on the Charles, from the free parking area, over the Elliot Bridge, to the Western Ave Bridge, and back.  I did it a whole minute faster today than last time! Though I didn't have to stop for traffic at the bridges, so it was actually only 30 secs faster.  I actually felt like I was running pretty fast while I was going, though of course two guys did pass me like I was standing still.

Anyhow, I did 3.64 miles in 35 min and 34 sec, which is a 9 min 46 sec mile, which is just crazy good for me!  I felt pretty good for most of the run.  When I got back to my car I did the same little extra bit that I had done last time.  Not that I thought I needed to because I knew I had run 5K, but just because I could.  And a year ago for sure I could not have.

I was thinking about my first year running accomplishments:

• Going from running 2 minutes at a stretch to running for a full hour.
• Improving my pace, though only sometimes.
• Lots of new pairs of tights and cute running tops.
• Three 5K races, two of which I ran without stopping to walk, and one I ran despite having a miserable cold.

I've resisted goal setting with this running because I think it might turn me off.  But, now that I've made it through a year, maybe it's time to set a couple goals.  For this year I would like to:

• Run at least a couple 5K races (first one already scheduled for December.)
• Run a 10K (gasp)
• Not go broke on additional cute running clothes.

Fresh Pond

I went back to Fresh Pond and this time was more successful on the run.  I ran the whole way around - a couple times people passed me like I was standing still.  It's quite the runner's place.  Anyhow, I ran from the Trader Joes parking lot, around the pond, and then back to Trader Joes, about 5K total and it took 32.27 min, which is about 10 min 32 sec mile, which is respectable.  It was a little bit painful run, but I ran the entire time.  When I started it was freezing, but by the time I was finished the sun had come out a little.

It's been a beautiful fall weekend, and Trader Joes had all kinds of delicious fall foods.  Yum (thank heaven, wouldn't want this running to affect the size of my thighs.)

One year Runaversery on Thursday.  And this was run number 90.  December I should reach 100!  Yes, I am looking online at Athleta :)

Broke the Ten Minute Mile!!!!!

Unless my watch is broken I ran better than a 10 minute mile!  Like 9 minutes and 50 seconds.  It sure seemed slow when I was running and there were a couple times when people ran past me like I was standing still.  But, there was some traffic, so I ran faster than the cars on Storrow for some of the run.  Anyhow, it felt pretty good while I was running.  I ran on the Charles, from the nice free parking up toward Harvard Square, across the Western Ave bridge, and back.  I thought it was slightly less than 3 miles, so I ran past my car and then back when I finished, so that I would get the full 3.1 miles.  When I mapped it out on map my run it says it was 3.67 miles.  And I'm going with that!  My total time was 36 min and 30 sec, but I had to stop on the bridge for traffic (totally legit).  I couldn't get to my watch to pause it, but I counted 30 one-thousands while I waited.

It was sooo cold out, I was considering not going for a run, but it had been a while since I was resting my leg from whatever the deal was on the Fresh Pond run.  I even went to the gym once this week and lifted weights.  Wow.

I can't believe I'm approaching my One Year Runaversary!  It will be next Thursday.  New running tights?  Perhaps :)

Leg Pain!

I went to Fresh Pond for a run - no idea why I haven't gone there before.  From the Trader Joe's parking lot it's 2.9 miles around the pond - perfect for a nice shorter run!  It's mostly flat, there are a ton of people and dogs to watch, and part of the path is even dirt.  Anyhow, I got about a third of the way through my run and my right leg was killing me!  I think I need to get back into lifting.  I wound up running for 22 minutes total, and walking for a fair amount too.  Nice day for it, and not a total fail because I did still go almost 3 miles.

Another Flat Tire!

It's either bad karma, parked on an Indian Burial Ground, Punks, or Evil Mechanics.  I refuse to believe it's coincidence.  This time I noticed it was flat in Quincy at the Quarries, figured it was just not pumped up enough, and went climbing.  At the end of the day it was really flat, and totally sketched me out to drive home.  So I brought it back to the mechanic.  Figured it would be best to do today, before it was flat again.

Of course the run home was a lot more uphill than the run there.  Boo.  And it was just two days since the last run, plus I'd been climbing all day (OK, it was a pretty chill day of climbing, but I'm still claiming it.)  So, a little slower on the run.  I took a different route back - it was 2.63 miles which I did in 28 minutes.    That's about a 10 min 39 sec mile, which is actually much faster than it felt.  Knees are sore, and so is the wallet.

Car Repairs

I had two flat tires in two days!  Unbelievable.  The first one still had some air in it, so I was able to drive it to the garage, but the one yesterday was completely flat.  I had to call AAA.  I was thinking I needed a tow, but the dude who came reminded me about this thing called a spare tire.  Which he put on my car - it was hidden underneath the car, not in the trunk, and the rim was totally covered in rust.  I bet that's what the rest of the bottom of my car looks like.

Anyhow, today I took the car over to my mechanic and T'ed into work.  Once I got home I decided to run to the garage to pick it up.  It's about 2.7 miles, which is an OK distance for a run, and most of it was new running area, not the same boring route.  Also, not being a loop, I got to go down hill more than up :) There were a couple big uphills, especially at the start because I ran up Winter Hill instead of around it.  Which is all just an explanation for the fact that yes, I ran about a 10 min, 10 sec mile!  Maybe one day I will actually get below a 10 min mile, especially if I can find all downhill routes....

Fartlek Take 2

I didn't get to run this weekend because I was off at a work thing all day Saturday (in Maine) and then went climbing in NH on Sunday.  Two climbs, my first trad follow!  It was fricking scary!!  The rope was a lot thinner than I'm used to and there's a lot of give to it, so when I needed to stop I went down a lot further than I like : (  Of course, I got to the top and was like, "that was so cool!" Must be the adrenalin that makes it so fun - good to be alive.

Today I had a long day at work, so I decided that I would do a shorter run, but compensate with some fartleks.  I only ran 2.27 miles, but I did about a half dozen sprints, a couple of them up hill!  Total time was 24 min and 10 sec, which is about a 10 min 38 sec mile overall.  So, for sure it wasn't faster than usual.  But I was really puffing away - much more so than normal.  So hopefully it was helpful.

I was thinking about how some people say that a 10+ minute mile is hardly running, it's more jogging and that they walk that fast.  But, thinking about it, no one has ever walked past me while I am running.  And I pass a lot of walkers.  But not runners, of course.

Towards the end of the run my knees started hurting.  I did smash a knee against a hold climbing on Tuesday, so I blame that.  But, I really should try to start lifting again.  I haven't done any of that for a couple months.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I had the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich at Uno's for dinner, sourdough bread coated in butter with a ton of delicious melted cheese, grilled until it was the perfect crunchiness.  With a tasty tomato soup.  Which was probably 1000 calories and 45 grams of fat, and I regretted as soon as I finished because of the intense calorie count and the fact that I'm lactose intolerant and it was a lot of cheese.  But I will think of grilled cheese at yoga shavasana again.  Mmmm.

So, anyhow, I thought it fitting for me to do fartlicks again because, well, the cheese.  But then I couldn't bring myself to do them d/t the large gas bubble hanging out in my stomach.  Anyhow, I came home and did the usual 5K in 33min 38 sec, and it was actually a pretty good run!  I did have to stop one point to cross a street, lots of traffic and they were already looking annoyed by this biker.  But that's legit.  That's a little slower than my "usual" pace - 10 min and 50 sec per mile.  I think I started a little slow because I was worried about the cheese.

There was a man with no shirt on walking his dog.   Big beefy dude walking a skinny grayhound.  You know how people and their pets tend to look similar, well, somehow these two did.

Fartlek

So I read about how these fartlek's can help you to run faster.  I decided to give it a try because #1 I really want to be able to write "fartlek" a lot in my blog and #2 I seem to have peeked in terms of speed - at a very slow pace.  It's beautiful out, and Sunday, so I went to the Charles to run.  I did the 3 mile plus a little bit route that's between Longfellow and Mass Ave bridges, and lets you run through the Hatchshell area on the Boston side.  There was a walk for Alzhimers today, lots of slow people walking, and I got caught in traffic at one point and had to walk up the connector to the Mass Ave Bridge.  Semi-legit walking, and I did stop my watch.

I did my first fartlek on the Longfellow, I felt pretty good running faster at first, but then really tired and glad to slow down.  The second one I did on the Boston side of the river by community sailing.  This one was shorter than the first.  Then I did a couple more between light poles on the Boston side.  By the time it was time to cross I was beat, and my right knee hurt.  I decided that was good enough for the first day of fartleks, and just tried to run the rest of the way back.  I really wanted to stop at 26 minutes, but decided to push it to 30.  Then I was almost at a bridge and so I pushed it a tiny bit more.  But then I really needed to walk.  I went about 31 1/2 minutes and ran about 3 miles, which is my usual speed, but I was definitely going faster for my bursts.  We'll see if it makes any difference - I'm going to try to incorporate them into my runs in the future.

My right knee is sore, I had to sit and ice it :(

One Hour (and one second)!

I ran a full hour today!  I can't even believe it.  Go me!  I decided to try the unpaved trail in Bedford, at the end of the Minuteman Bike Path.  (First I stopped at Athleta in the mall and got a totally cute overpriced top and a wrist thing to put my key in when I have no pockets - also cute and overpriced.)  It took me a little while to find the path - I knew where the end of the bike path was, but then it's like a half mile to the trail head.  So, of course I got in my car and drove to it, kind of silly, but that would have added a mile to the run, and on a not too nice road.  Anyhow, the path was totally awesome!!  It was a very packed dirt path, and totally flat.  Not very many people on it, nice scenery, good foliage, and the weather was even perfect.  Cool and a little breeze, but sunny.

I didn't run that fast at all, I think like an 11 minute mile, though I'm not exactly sure how far I ran - I think about 5 1/2 miles.  I finished the run, got out of the woods, and it had been 56 minutes.  I was totally ready to call it quits, even walked in a circle to start cooling down, but then I was like "four minutes, you can do it!"  I think the last 4 minutes were the slowest.  I ran up the road a little, and then back, and then in a couple circles in the parking lot.  My heart wasn't totally in it at the end, prob slowed down my run average.  But a cool down is good at the end.

I stopped running a couple times during the hour (stopped my watch during them).  I crossed two streets where I had to wait for traffic, and one place I couldn't find the path and had to ask these guys.  But I consider that legit.

I was totally starving when I finished, and of course I have no food.  I was going to go to the Bedford Market Basket because it's so much bigger than the Somerville one, but I couldn't even find parking there.  And, I was pretty disgusting looking. Why is it that I'm always the sweatiest on my boobs?  Grose.  Anyhow, I finally went to Wholefoods and got sushi.  And I held my shopping basket in front of my chest, which must have looked funny, but better than boob sweat.

Boston Common Take 2

I was going to run on the Charles after work because it was so beautiful out - perfect Charles River running weather.  But, there was so much traffic on Mass Ave I couldn't even turn on it, so I decided to try the Common.  I had amazing parking karma, per usual, and it was once again really cool running there.  Of course, I forgot when I parked that the Common is on Beacon Hill, the operant part of that being "hill" and since it's only about a mile and a half around I had to run up the hill twice, which sucked.  I thought about going around the hill the second time, but then pushed myself to do it, and was glad that I had.  It's a little hard to map the trails in the Common because for some reason it thinks some of the paths are one way.  Anyhow, I ran about 2.9 miles in 31 min and 10 sec, which is a little slow - about a 10 min 45 sec mile.  It felt pretty slow when I was running, so that could be right.  Or maybe I ran a tiny bit more...

They are putting up a stage on the Common for Sat - the Boston Ballet is performing for free Sat night.  Of course I'm going, and dragging my sister there.   I just found out about it because I saw banners last time I went.  Prob need to get there early, it looks like a kind of small space.

Boston Common

Decided to try running on the Common today. It was Awesome! So much to see.  I saw a fight brewing complete with cursing and a rather androgynous person grabbing their - well, not sure what they had there, but it was a pretty lude gesture. I saw some Tibetian looking Holy Women in brown robes and shaved heads giggling and having a great time. There were picnics, friends catching up, people reading, angry looking homeless people, and people out with their kids. Ducks, swans, squirrels, and no rats! Very entertaining.  Sadly, I got these horrible cramps at about minute 15 and only ran for 16 min. And I even had a break during a light! I blame the 98% humidity, I don't run we'll in it. For sure I'll have to try again on a more reasonable weather day.

Middlesex Fells

First, exciting news, I have an actual reader!  Hi Kit!!

I decided today to try real trail running and go to the Middlesex Fells to do the Reservoir loop.  It's 5 miles, so I thought it would be a good Sunday Long Run.  Well, not a total success but not a total fail.  I learned that small trails have a lot of big rocks on them and are therefore difficult to run, especially if they go up and down hills.  Which the ones in the Fells do.  I also remembered that I always get lost in the Fells and then wind up in that area with the naked men sunbathing, or coming across a man with his pants around his ankles, smoking a cigarette.  Today I got lost and just came across nice people who gave me directions.  I'm not completely sure where I ran, or how far.  I do know that I ran for about 40 minutes, but I had to walk up a couple hills that were just too steep, and that there were a few times when I gave up on the running due to many rocks.  Still, over 30 min of running, and it was really nice when I was on the bike trail.  It was def slower than road running, but we have already established that I won't be doing Boston Marathon at any time soon, so that's OK.

I think there's a trail at the end of the bike path in Bedford, so I may try that next time - it's 5K each way.

Davis Square

I hadn't run for a while (weekend migraine, totally sucked.) so I decided to try to go a little further.  It's prefect running weather, everyone on the planet was out running by the Charles.  I wished I had brought my shoes so I could run there too.  Instead I ran my usual route with an added loop to Davis Square.  It was about 3.94 miles, and I totally walked up the hill on Sycamore St.  I couldn't find my watch with the timer and didn't want to use that as an excuse, so I didn't time it.  I looked at the clock when I left, and when I returned, and it was about 45 min, which is my usual pace.

If I had run at the Charles I'm sure I would have passed someone.  As it was, a few people passed me, one wearing the exact same shoes as me.  She had a kind of funny stride, but she flew past me like I was standing still.  Apparently stride isn't everything.

All and all, a good run.  It felt like I could keep going, though of course I was happy to stop for traffic lights.  If I'm not going to get faster, then I should go for longer.

Trail Running

Went for a "long run" on the Charles again today. 4.2 miles in 47 min and 30 sec with two stops for traffic at the bridges. Totally legit stops because there was a lot of traffic, but I really enjoyed them. For part of the trail by the Charles there is a path through the woods that I ran on. I'm not sure of the wisdom of that, since there are some sketchy folks there, but I really like it. I may have to try a longer run on the weekend on a trail. It was kind of slow going, I guess partly because it was a longer run, and I like to think partly the trail. Anyway, that's an 11 min 35 sec mile.  I was pretty ready to stop running at the end.

99% humidity!

How can it not be raining?  It's like 85 out, or was when I went for a run, and really humid.  It was slow going - I did my usual 5K, and really wanted to take a short cut, but then I told myself that if I did the whole thing I could walk up the hill on my street.  Which I did.  Total run time was 33 min 47 sec, but I had to wait at two lights for a while, probably 30 sec total.  I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty psyched to see those lights turn red!

Over the weekend I went climbing at Rose Ledge, which was pretty nice.  Lots of crack climbing, and a huge bruise on my elbow from where I shoved my entire arm in the crack.  The walk from where we parked to the cliff was about 30 min up hill with a 30 pound pack.  So, though I didn't run this past weekend, I feel I exercised.  (The walk out was about 15 min, super easy.)

Yesterday I did Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga.  It was in the Swampscott Harbor.  It was so nice!  You could see the Boston skyline and the waves were relaxing.  The sun set during class, and the water looked all pink and rose, and then a full moon came up!  Amazing!!  Of course I was the only one in the class to fall in.  Figures.  Warrior 1.  Meh.

#75!

I totally forgot it was #75 until just now!  Anyhow, I didn't run this weekend because I went on this totally awesome hike.  We climbed Mt Osceloa in NH - it's a 4000 footer (though I believe the trailhead is at about foot #2000, but details...)  This weekend was the Persiod Meteor Showers, so we slept under the stars and woke up at 3 am to watch the meteors.  So cool!  It was freezing up there, but I was snug as a bug in my sleeping bag.  The only thing was I only had my nose and eyes poking out, and I didn't want to walk to a better viewing spot, so I didn't see as many meteors as I could have.

Anyway, today I decided that since it's been so long since I ran that I should do a longer run.  I went to the Charles River after work and ran from the Eliot Bridge to Becon St and back.  It's about 4.2 miles!  I forgot my watch, so I'm not sure how long it took - I texted a friend from the parking lot at work when I left and drove to the river.  When I finished my run it was 67 minutes later.  I'm guessing it was about 45 minutes.  I walked to get some water after I ran.  It wasn't super fast, that's for sure, but only two people passed me, and there were a lot of people out running (OK, I think people were mostly running counter clockwise, and I ran clockwise.)

At Least My Car Didn't Get Towed...

Run today was fine, not amazing speed, not amazing feeling, but fine.  I went my usual 5K in 33 min and 24 sec, which is about a 10 min 45 sec mile.  I was making all sorts of excuses not to run, I hurt my wrist climbing, I'm tired, I haven't sat on my couch and watched enough TV, I just ate.  But really it was so nice out and I'd been inside all day.  It was a beautiful sunset and so I forced myself to just do it.  I had eaten a salad recently before (don't worry, all this running and salad eating isn't making me loose weight!  Heaven forbid.) so I was a little burpy for the run.  And I did hurt my wrist kayaking/climbing.

Anyhow, as I was running up Highland Ave I saw this woman arguing with a tow truck driver, and he clearly wasn't about to unhook her car.  So my run > her evening.

I just realized that my next run will be #75!  Wow!

Ha!

Good run today!  I did my usual 5K in 31 minutes and 47 seconds.  That's a 10 min 15 sec mile, a new breakthrough for me on the regular route.  I had a headache all day, but it finally went away, and so I hit the road.  When I started it was just going to be a regular run, but then a song I liked came on the iPod, and it was cool out, and I just hit my stride!  I was pretty tired while running, but I could still keep going, and it felt great.  Of course, at one point this dude ran past me like I was standing still.  But then I went up the hill and he turned and ran next to it.  Props to me.

One More July Run

Not a pretty one.  I thought that since it poured and there were thunder storms that it would be cooler and less humid out, but it turns out I was wrong.  And, I wore my running tights because I thought it would be way cooler out.  Yuck.  I did the usual 5 k in about 34 minutes - I walked up my street the last bit, I just couldn't stand running any more.  Then I took a cool bath.  Humidity + running = sloooow.  But I did get in one final July run.  Go me!

Rainy Day Run

It's kind of rainy and crappy out, but I decided to tough it out and run outside anyhow. The thought of going to the gym was so unappealing. Once I got outside, it was actually fine, the worst of the rain was over, and it was cool out. Got to wear my grey Athleta tights, and I'm pretty sure that some guys were whistling. Not bad for middle aged.

I did my usual 5K in 33 min and 15 sec, which is about a 10.43 minute mile. A little slower than I've been doing, but considering how rusty I am, not bad.  It felt pretty good, especially the big downhill in the last stretch. I had a few good work ideas that I pondered while moving.

Birthday Run

Short post. Don't run after two drinks and tapas, especially if you are trying to prove you're still young (ish). Worse than Sea World. Thought I would hurl after 10 minutes.  In the end I went 1.6 miles in 18 ish minutes. Some walking, not impressive. Maybe next year.

Post-Cold Run

So, between the cold I had, the new job and the 90+ degree weather I've been a horrible runner. It finally rained today and I decided I had to go for a run. Good news was that I ran the entire way! It was slow, almost 34 minutes, but in my defense, I still do have a little phlem ball in my chest. When I first started I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make it all the way, but then it felt good.

Tuesday's my birthday! There's no denying it, I'm middle aged. But hey, at least I can run 5K! Gonna celebrate by going to Fenway Park and buying tix on game day. Very exciting to just do that :)

Dirty Girls Run

Well, the run was a few days ago, and I haven't blogged about it. Not sure if it really counts, since I only ran about half of it. I wound up with a miserable cold, probably from the stress of the new job (which is going well despite the fact that my office is about 90 degrees every morning, I can't figure out how to use a Mac and I have no fricking clue what I'm doing!). Anyhow, the mud run was so fun! I want to do another! The obstacles were all girl sized, mud tunnels, bouncy things, slides, etc. We took a lot of pictures and I don't look like total crap in them. Not sure about time, or if it was even 5 K, but who cares?

Lame :P

I can't believe it's July 10 and this is my first run of the month. In my defense (I seem to defend myself a lot on this blog, which is kind of silly since my robo-readers don't care) I hurt my IT band at yoga and wanted to make sure it healed. Also, it's been 97 degrees out, plus humidity. And, I started my new job, which was really stressful.  It seems to be going OK, but I've got a lot to learn.  I think I'm really going to like it, though!

So, I ran this evening outside, even though its like 200% humidity. At least it's a little cooler than its been. I was soaking wet by the time I finished. I did my usual 5k in 34 min and 22 sec which is an 11 min and 5 sec mile, waaaay slower than I've been doing. It felt really great, prob because I was going so slow...

Saturday is the Dirty Girl. My friends and i are all wearing pink tutus :)

40 minutes

I wanted to try to run 45 min with a 5 minute cool down, but even though I was only running 10.30 minute mile for most of it I couldn't. I think partly because I went too soon after eating, and partly it was the humidity in the gym. Outside it's crazy humid - 83 percent according to wunderground, so even though it's only 84 outside it feels like 97.  Anyhow, I ran for 35 minutes, plus a 5 minute cool down.  It was a total of 3.25 miles in the 35 min, and almost three and a half in total. The last 7 minutes I had to slow it down gradually so I didn't puke. After I finished I was too tired to lift, so I just came home and took a bath. We'll have to see if I can do some at home lifting later.

The one exciting thing is that the Pioneer Inn sent me my shoes back, so I'm back to running in the originals. I'll need the new ones eventually, perhaps right after the Dirty Girls Run, so it's OK that I got them. Glad I got them back, they still have a ton of wear left, and even after I can't run in them any more, I can wear them for all kinds of other thing.

Gym; zzzzzz

96 degrees and humid out, Sea World potential. So, I headed off to the gym. I hadn't lifted weights in ages anyhow, so figured I should get both done.  Did 30 minutes, mostly at 5.8 (with 5 minutes warm up a little slower.) 2.86 miles in 30 min, total of 3.12 in 35. Pretended that I was one of those totally amazing marathon women running 5 min 14 sec miles while I listened to Eye of the Tiger. Dirty Girls run is in like 3 weeks. Glad it's untimed because it will be HOT!

Long Time No Run

But it was legit! I was off in Utah and Navada hiking and climbing in the desert, so it's not like I wasn't getting a work out. Totally awesome places - Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Red Rock, loved it! I would recommend it to all my readers, if I had any :)

The only sad thing is that I forgot my running shoes at the Pioneer Inn in Springdale. Now I have new shoes. The new ones have a different base to help with the fact that I run/walk on the outsides of my feet. When I finished running, the balls of my feet were really feeling it, so I guess it worked. Anyhow, the first run was a little slow, 5K in 33 min and 10 sec. That's not too much slower than usual. I ran straight through, except a legit stop at a busy light. It was a perfect running, cool weather, sun, so there were a lot of people out running,walking, and just hanging out.

New Job!!!

In the end I decided not to wait to see if anyone would get their shit together with the Assistant Dean position (because its been like three months) and I applied for a job as the Program Manager for the PreHealth Program. I just found out on Thursday that I got the job! It was a really stressful process, involving lots of Cheese Doodles and very little running.  All worth it, though, I'm so psyched.

Back to the gym today. It's 90 and humid, and I did learn something from the Sea World/Bad Day for a Long Run experiences. I really really didn't want to go for a run, so I told myself I could run slow. I went 5.7 mph which is about 10.30 minute mile. In 35 min, with the cool down I ran 5K pretty much exactly, so that was fine. I was pooped after, lifted a few weights, did 4 burpees and left.

Memorial Day Weekend

It's really windy out, so I decided to hit the gym again. It great running when you have a tail wind, but otherwise I kind of hate it. I got to minute 17 or 18, and I was totally in the zone (well, as in the zone as I can get) and then accidentally tapped the Stop button! It totally sucked. I gave myself another 13 minutes, so I would know I def ran 30 min, but I'm not totally sure how far I went. I was going 5.8 mph for most of the run, which is my usual 10.20 min mile, so probably I did 5K.

I tried doing Burpees before lifting, which I did before running -so I wouldn't feel like I needed to puke again. I did 10, five, then a pause and five more. I'm going to try to make them a regular part of my workout, working up to doing a minute of them. They suck, but they are good.

Forgot to Blog!

How could I? Well, I ran yesterday, but it wasn't the most memorable run. I went to the gym because its nasty out and ran on the treadmill. Snooze fest! And, not even a good run. I went 5.7 mph for much of it, then decided to try to bump it up to 6.0 mph. I think I didn't leave enough time between eating and running, because I really wanted to puke. The last 10 min I had to slow it down. I still went 2.6 miles in the 30 min, and 3.11 in 35 min, but it was a rather painful ending.

Then I lifted weights. Yuck.

Sea World All Over Again

For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to go for a long run on one days rest when it's 86 degrees out. BAD idea. I made it about 1.67 miles in about 22 minutes, which is my regular pace. But then I completely overheated and had to start walking at mile 2. I wound up running for 31 minutes, and went about 3.47 miles, but I walked about 3/4 of a mile of it, and when I got home my entire face was a blotchy red mess. I drank a big thing of coconut water and took a cool bath, and now I'm good. I wonder if it was the 86 degrees, or if it was just that I'm not used to the hot weather?  I'm so ready for a nap now!

New Section of the Charles

I went for the first SUP of the season! I had forgotten how nice it is on the Charles. I went from the Boston site, up the river to Harvard Square and back. The weather was perfect. After I went for a run on the Charles, down by the the Canoe and Kayak place. Free parking - yay! I thought I had mapped out the distance and it was like 4 miles that I was going to run, but when I finished I had only been running for 27 minutes, so I knew that was off.  I went to the Anderson Foot Bridge and back. I ran kind of slow because I thought it was going to be a longer run. It felt great! I think it was like a 10.40 minute mile. I felt like I could have kept going for longer, but then I was back at my car, and I was kind of hungry, and I had done my 30 min, and paddle boarded...  Next time I'll try adding another bridge.

There were so many geese with their little babies, and the fish were spawning. I even saw one goose who had built a nest under a bridge hanging out, and I could see the eggs!  I was a little worried that they would roll into the river, but the goose seemed ok with everything.

Retreat!

We had a work retreat today. It was really a faculty retreat but my office had to go as well because apparently we have nothing else to do. It was so painful, and there wasn't even booze at the end! By the end my entire body felt like a wet blanket. The weather isn't that nice and I was going to use it as an excuse to not run, but then I decided that I ran outside in Dec, so that wouldn't fly.

I'm going to yoga soon, so I did do a shorter loop, 2.87 miles which I did in less than 30 min.  That's some form of 10 min mile. I had my pedometer on, so I don't know secs. That is a little pedometer flaw. It felt really slow when I was running, but I think it was my usual pace.

I'm out of quarters and out of yoga clothes! But I'll figure something out. Gotta zen out, and my favorite yoga instructor is moving to FL, so gotta go while I can. Very sad, how can he do that to me?? :)

Charles again

Stopped on the way home from work to run again. It's taking a lot of my quarters, I need to find a free parking spot. I ran 3.16 miles in 33+ minutes (just had the pedometer so I don't know seconds.) I did stop at minute #5 to use the bathroom at ABP, but I decided that was justified/allowed. I thought that by making the route that I did last time into a loop it would be longer for some reason, but it wasn't. I felt like I was going a little slow, but that's probably just because there were cheetahs everywhere.

I think maybe the street I parked on is in front of MIT police, so i decided not to do any illegal moves. I'm such a goody goody!

Charles in the Spring (with sunscreen in my eyes)

Beautiful day out today. I brought a change of clothes to work so I could stop on the way home and run. I parked near MIT and did my Charles River route, with a prologue and a post-script (getting to and from the water.) Good run today, a little slow, but 3.75 miles, so that's acceptable.  I did the whole thing in about 39 minutes. That's according to the pedometer. I decided that I wanted to get an even 40 minutes, and had to do kind of a lot of short spirts to get there.

Of course, putting on sun screen I got it in my eyes, and then they were all watery for the whole run, so I looked like a dork.

As I was leaving in my car, doing a U-ey to go in the correct direction, this MIT bike cop yelled at me that "that's a bad idea and illegal!" I replied something like "oh, yeah, sorry." But on the inside I was thinking "poor MIT cop, can't even give me a traffic ticket." Also, "ahh, so that is illegal." Drivers Ed was a long time ago.

Spring is here!

It's a beautiful spring day! Did my regular 5K in 32.04 or a 10 min 20 sec mile. I thought I might like doing it in reverse, so I don't have to end with that uphill bit, but it turns out that's not so fun. The downhills were fast in this direction, and then there are a ton of gradual up hills. I'd rather get the up hill bits over faster.

Anyhow, it was a pretty good run. I felt good for the most part. There was a lot to look at because everyone was outside. And, I have all these new tunes on my touch! Also, I wore my new Lulu Lemon top, which made me feel a little cool, and a little stupid for spending so much money on a shirt :)

Spring Classic Race

30 min and 47 sec for my second 5K! That's slightly less than a 10 minute mile!!  Go me! I was thrilled about it. I started out slow because it was crowded, but then was just trucking along. When I hit mile #1, I was surprised to see that it was less than 10 minutes. So, I thought maybe I could keep up the pace, and I did. I think I was going a little slower towards the end, but then I saw the finish and tried to haul butt. It felt pretty good. I was puffing away, but not so much that I had to stop and walk.

There was a dude in a skirt at this one too. Maybe it's mandatory that there must be one at every race? He was way faster than me. I def passed people, and they passed me.

I was pretty unsure this morning why I thought a 9:30 race would be a good idea, but now that it's over, and 11:00 and I'm all raced up, it seems like a much better plan.

I took a week off due to sore knees/hip. I even had a massage on Friday. They felt a lot better, but still a little sore.

Post Marathon run

I went to the gym today to run, it was a little windy and chilly out, and I wanted to lift. I did my normal treadmill run, 30 minutes mostly at 5.8 mph, for a total of 2.86 miles in 30 min, and 3.1+ a little in 35 minutes. Not a bad run, but so boring on the treadmill.

Part of why I went to the gym was because I was going to do a 5K run with City Sports on Sat morning. It was supposed to be a fundraiser/solidarity run for the marathon. But, so many people signed up it crashed the site, and they had to cancel it. So I won't be running again in two days. Bozos! What did they think would happen? 

And, in other news, someone actually commented on my blog! Only, when I read their post it was clear that they hadn't actually READ it, they just made a comment about the attack at the Marathon. Dude, that's real news, this is just me tracking how many miles I've run. 

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon Day today. Man, those folks can run! The women were running a 5.41 minute mile. That's almost twice as fast as I run, and they do it for 26 miles. It motivated me to extend my loop just a little, and go to Willow, the next cross street. That's 3.38 miles. I did it in 35 minutes, and who knows how many seconds because I just used my pedometer that doesn't count seconds. I got some cramps at about 22 minutes, and my right knee and hip were pretty sore. I really wanted to walk at the end, but I didn't. I esp wanted to walk up Sycamore St, and even gave myself permission to, but in the end I ran. Very slowly, but running.

I officially started back on Weight Watchers today. I put all the weight that I lost back on, and I'm really annoyed with myself :P

New Toys

I have a new pedometer from work and my new shuffle to run with now. So fun! This woman I work with says that the university is going to use the pedometers to discriminate and charge more health insurance, but I don't see how. I mean, the people who wear them are the active people. Why would someone who sits on the couch eating Doritos wear one?

According to my new pedometer, I was running for 33 minutes. It doesn't keep seconds, but maybe that's ok, it's less bulky than the watch, though it does ruin the lines of my running clothes.

I did my regular 5K. When I was by the library it started raining, and by the time I got to Medford street it was coming down pretty hard. Of course that last bit is up hill, so I was trying to move faster, but it was a struggle.

Run #50

I've run 50 times! To celebrate I got myself a shiny new iPod Shuffle. It's only $50, it's teal, and it's so light, better to run with than my touch. It just clips right onto my pants, and I don't need to worry about dropping it. I just downloaded my running music.

It's a beautiful spring day today, so I decided to go to the Charles for a run. I found a good parking spot, so I didn't have to run far to get to the river, so my total run distance was 3.28 miles, which I did in 34 minutes exactly. That's pretty much my usual pace. It was kind of windy out, which was a bummer for much of the run, but crossing the Mass Ave bridge the wind was at my back, which was just as good as running downhill. The sailboats were flying!

Big news is I actually passed someone! OK, like 10 people passed me, but I passed someone else. I think it was a first (except for during the race, of course.)

49!

I can't believe this is 49 runs! Almost the big 5-0. Didn't know that I would make it this many times. I  did my 5k today, about 31.15/20 (I had to wait at a light for a little bit, almost 30 seconds, but I ran in place while waiting.)  That's less than a 10 minute mile! Mostly I think I was going pretty much my usual, but towards the end on the hill at Medford Street I was flying! It felt great!! A lot of exclamation points tonight.

I love my iTouch, but it's a lot bulkier than a shiny new nano.

Spring!

The first flowers are out and I even saw a butterfly while running today! Hurray, I love spring! I decided to try for a full 5K today since its the weekend and since my last few runs have kind of sucked. I ate kind of close to running, but I wanted to go before it was dark out, even though I was a little worried about The Great Enemy, cramps. There was a lot of burping and farting, I'm not gonna lie, and a little cramping, but not too bad. I did 5K in 31.58 which is 10:11 minute mile or 5.9 mph. I seem to be getting a little faster, and it feels good when I'm not running up too much of a hill (when I'm not about to keel over from cramps.)

First outdoor climb of the season tomorrow! Can't wait to see my little quarry.

Passover #2

I recently read on Boston.com about ramen restaurants in Boston, so of course I had to try them. It's practically impossible to eat there! I bet it's easier to get a reservation at Mistral than to get in to the raman hole. I tried 4 times and they were closed, had a long line and I was starving, or had a long line and it was Sat night and I was embarrassed. So, I finally got in - pork ramen, quite delicious, though actually a little too salty for me. But I still had a large bowl (this place was awesome, cash only, no take-out, no doggie bags, one big community table and the counter by where the cook is. They serve two things, small pork ramen and large pork ramen. Or, more accurately, large and ginormous. I mean big enough that the waiter was congratulating everyone for finishing.)

I waited for two hours to go to the gym to run, but I don't think it was enough. I did well for the first 15 min, but then got crampy and had to slow down at the end. I still did 2.75 in 30 min, 3.0 in 35, so it's not like I was crawling, but it was a little pokey. Then I lifted weights super hard. We'll see if I get any muscle.

Passover

So, I told my boss that I had to leave work early today to help my sister with Passover. But in actual fact, I wanted to go for a run before picking up my carload of peeps that I was bringing. So, I guess it's fitting that I got horrible cramps and had to stop a mile and a half into my run, at the point that was about the furthest possible from home. My stomach was killing me! I wanted to lie down in the street, but instead I walked a mile home. Karma's a bitch.

I did decide to sign up for a 5K in the end of April in Cambridge. It claims to be flat. It's Central Sq to Harvard Sq and back. I'm sure I will be running there and see people headed back. In fact, I had a dream about it last night! I ran really well I thought, but forgot my watch and bib, so I had no idea if I was just imagining it. My first running dream!

5K in 31.18

Awesome run today! I almost broke the 10 minute mile doing 5K! I did my little route here in Somerville, going up Medford St first, and to McGoon Sq. Actuallythere were a couple times where I had to wait a couple seconds to cross the street, so it's possible I was running a 10 minute mile average pace. I guess many people would think that's funny to be excited about, but I'm not one of them. I'm thrilled!

I'm thinking about another 5K, but the one that looks the best is in Cambridge and it starts at 9:30 in the morning. Yuck!

Sadly, it doesn't seem like my stomach and thighs are getting any smaller. (Which was the original purpose of this all....)

Running Like the Devil

I broke the 10 minute mile outside today!!  How unbelievable is that? I only had time for my short loop, 2.32 miles, and I was feeling ok once I got up the hill, so I pushed it on the downhill parts. I did 2.32 miles in 23 min and 10 sec, which is a 9.57 minute mile. And I had to stop and adjust my headphones during the run, so it was really a tad faster :) Go me! Now if I can repeat that on the non downhill parts, and over a longer duration....

Of course, after I went and undid all the benefits of it by eating this totally amazing Morrocan food, and having 2 martinis. So good, and it's Restaurant Week, so you kind of have to go. They had a belly dancer there, and low couches, and downstairs hukkuh (which I didn't have.)  Belly dancing is probably a hard way to make a living. I'm crossing it off my list.

Gym again

It's the middle of March, it should be getting warmer! But, we are in the middle of a cold spell, so I went to the gym again, probably could have run outside, but I needed to lift anyhow.  Good run today! I went 2.9 miles in 30 min, about 6 minutes at 6 mph, and the bulk of it at 5.8 +! I was feeling pretty awesome at 20 min, which is why I upped my speed to 6, but by the end I wanted to puke a little. Anyhow, I did 3.2 miles in 35 min, and was impressed by myself.

The race organizers had photographers at the event. I didn't realize that these folks would email me with pics that I could buy. I guess it's a thing. Anyhow, apparently when I run I look like crap! And when I finished I looked like death. Gonna save the $15 on that. Hopefully at the Dirty Girls run there will be better, muddier pics.

Post Race Run

Short run today, 2.33 miles which I did in 24 min and 4 sec or a 10.20 minute mile. It was painfully slow, and just painful. That's what I always say, though. My plan for the evening is yoga, so I did decide it was ok to slack a little and cut the route short.

Scores are posted for the Big Race! 32.42, which is a little slower than what I got.  That's a 10.32 minute mile. If hadn't lied about my age I would have been #156 of 320 in my class. Of course, since I'm so vain, I was #625 of 991. First half of my real age! I'll take it :) (even if I won't take the age.)

New Pope today. I run past this convent of Carmelite nuns. I wonder what they were doing inside. It was kind of fun to watch the pageantry and pomp, and all the priests in Rome acting like they were waiting for the Beatles to get off the plane.

The Big Race

I met my goal of running the entire race! I finished in 32.34, which is 5.74 mph. Not really fast, but in my defense, it was really crowded at the start line, and for the first mile. I wasn't running really hard until about mile 1.5, and even then I was kind of pacing myself. I went fastest at the end.

I felt pretty good about it. It was kind of fun running with all those people, and kind of annoying to be so crowded. I finally passed people (and of course people passed me). I totally flew past this dude in a skirt! (I didn't think about the fact that it was a St. Pats day thing, everyone was in costume, and green, and kilts.)

I'm very sleepy now, must nap.

Less than a week to go!

I realized today that daylight savings time ends (begins) on Sunday at 2 am, and the race is Sunday at 11 am. #1 I'm glad I realized this today instead of Sunday at noon. And #2 that means my race is effectively at 10 am! And then we have to go for booze right after. Well, the booze part is ok at any time.

Ran the 2.9 mile loop at home today in 30 min, which is about 10.34 minute mile. If that's what I do on race day, I'll be happy. This route does have more uphill. I love gravity. Downhill is much better for me. I was in a mood before I started because the bloodsucker from the condo association filled out the form incorrectly. But I actually feel better after running! Yay runner's high.

Charles River again

So this time I ran the other way around the block of the Charles so I wouldn't have to figure out how to get on the right side of the Longfellow Bridge. It's way less confusing from this direction. I went about 3.57 miles in 38.15 minutes, which is slower than I've been doing. I had to park near the mall, then I sort of ran around the loop, and to the bathroom in Kendall Square. I was definitely puffing and panting for most of it, though only a few people passed me, and there were a lot of runners out today. (I didn't pass any of them, though there was a woman lying down on the Mass Ave bridge who I probably could have taken.)

I really like running on the Charles. I feel like such a city person, watching all the other runners and kids playing in the park, dogs, students.

One week until the big race :)

Home!

Shortened run today, but it felt great, I was happy to see. I was a little worried because of the Seaworld run.  But today I def could have run further. I went 2.36 miles in 24 min and 37 seconds, an average of 10.27 min mile, which is about what I've been doing.

I had to run a shorter route because I was meeting a friend for drinks to process vis a vis the following: I may have a job offer as Assistant Dean! Well, $@&* me! I interviewed for a job like 6 months ago which was possibly the worst interview on the face of the earth. Only, the Associate Dean who I interviewed with came over today and encouraged me to apply for this other position that's not even posted yet. I'm not sure if it was an offer, or a sort of offer. But I couldn't focus at all today, and then I had to go for a run, and then get drunk drunk drunk. They say that's how it works, but who would have known it?

Race is coming up in just 10 days. I'm pretty psyched about it. I have some friends who are going to meet me at the end, so we can jog right over to the pub after.

Seaworld

My objective for the day was to run around Seaworld. It should be almost exactly 5K, perfect! Only, it was a total fail. IDK if it was the corned beef and pastrami sandwich I had for lunch, or the 90 percent ish humidity, or the fact that I've been eating crap for 4 days, but I got though only about a mile of running before getting cramps and wanting to puke. Oh, and my right knee hurts, probably because I haven't lifted in about a week. (The fitness center here is 4 machines, last time I go to a conference and stay in a cheapo hotel.) Anyhow, I ran about a mile and then walked the rest of the way around Seaworld. So I still get exercise points. I saw some huge herons, and a pretty pink pelican :)

Oh, and if anyone ever does read this, First Year Experience Conferences rock! Apparently publishers and authors want schools to use their books for Freshman reading programs. I left with 30 free books! And I got to hear 6 of the authors speak. Love!

Orlando

I've been way ass lazy for the last week. My excuse was that I wasn't feeling so great and it was cold out and I didn't want to run on the treadmill. I'm in Orlando for a conference on First Year Experience (I mean, really?) but it's sunny and warm out and I got to go running in shorts and a tshirt. I also got lost and even had to ask someone for diections. So, I ran for about 30 min, with a couple stops, and a little slow because I had eaten recently and sort of wanted to puke. I'd kind of like a beer now.

2.55 miles, that's legit slower than I've been doing. Left knee was a little sore after. I'll give it a day off and try to run again tomorrow.

You can buy single beers in a gas station in Florida. + 1 for this state! I got two :)

Long Training Run

I ran for 50 minutes today! Not too long ago I couldn't run 5 minutes, and now I ran 50!! For sure, it wasn't fast, but I def passed pedestrians, and the only time I stopped was to wait for traffic and for a sec to unzip and then rezip my fleece, but actually I was out 50 min and about 40 sec, so I think that covers the stoppage (and I didn't stop moving while stopped.)

I ran up Medford St to Curtis, the closest point on the race route, and then I did the race route, and then ran home. A total of 4.87 miles. Dude! I can't believe I ran that far! That's about a 10.26 minute mile, or 5.85 mph. That's about what I do on the treadmill. Boy, it feels slow outside.

4.86 miles, never would have thought I could do it.

Post Blizzard

I guess it was about 27 inches of snow, the 5 th largest storm in the Boston area. It was great! I got two days off work, and didn't have to shovel. The roads are still kind of a mess, and parking is at a premium. So lucky to have deeded parking!  One downer was that they didn't clear the lot until Monday. I had to take the T to work, but I was ok with that, traffic was awful. And, I couldn't run because it was hazardous on the roads and I couldn't get to the gym. The T wasn't even running until Monday (it was like Hunger Games, only a few had cars, the rest of us poor slobs were walking.) I went to Union Square where there was a snow building thing, hot chocolate, snowball fighting, dancing, and a dude dressed in full Jedi Stormtrouper gear. So, lots of walking.c

Today was the first day back running. It was hard, but I did manage to do about the same as I've been doing. 2.85 miles in 30 min, about 15 of those minutes at 6 mph. I forgot my music, but fortunately NCIS was on. Lifted weights after. Then I ate a salad and a banana with peanut butter, even though it was after 9 pm.

Blizzard!

Feeling very hard core because I went for a run at the start of the blizzard of 2013. It sounds like this may be one for the books! I got out early when there were flurries in the air, but nothing on the ground. I had to drop off a check at the condo management company for an excessive fee ($75 to fill out a form! And it had to be a money order, not a check. Guess a lot of people cancel that check, it is pretty extreme. Wish I got $75 every time I filled out a form. Bloodsuckers!) Well, they were still there working when I got there, so they get theirs I guess.

Because I was dropping off the check, I didn't run the entire 30 min straight, but that was an allowed pause. I ran 11 min and then 19 min, but I did spend some time running in place, waiting to cross the street. Only 2.77 miles, but I ran over Spring Hill, and down the other side. The run back the hill was categorized as a cat 5 hill, which is the smallest of the cat hills, but still, it has a cat. I was puffing at the end, and really wanted to stop, but I didn't.

One pretty exciting thing is that I didn't wear my knee braces, and nothing hurt at the end! No need for ice. My body/joints seem to be getting used to running. And I've been lifting weights, which they say helps.

So psyched about the storm! I'm all cozy at home, I have off street parking, and someone plows the lot. Just me and the cats here. I have food and wine. What more does a person need?

Missed a Posting!

I ran last night at Metro Rock on the treadmill, then climbed for 2 1/2 hours.  I was beat by the end, could barely drag myself up a 5.7.  And I forgot to include my run.  2.89 miles, about 15 minutes, maybe a little less, at 6 mph.  I had dinner pretty shortly before going, and had some cramps, but not too bad.  30 minutes is a long time on a treadmill, very boring!

If I run at MR again, I better bring a change of shirt, because I was all sweaty and gross at the end.  I went in the ladies room and used the speed hand drier to dry out my armpits, but that was a little embarrassing :P

Charles River Run

I decided to go for my first run on the Charles today. It was full of runners, and I felt pretty cool being one of them! It was freezing out though, like 30 degrees, and I was really sucking wind while running. Maybe the air is thinner? I wanted to stop and walk a bunch of times, and I kind of felt like puking, but I didn't! I didn't break any speed records, and I was really counting down the Smoots by the time I got to the Mass Ave bridge. I did the Longfellow to Mass Ave loop, which is supposedly 2.8 miles, and I did it in 31 min, more or less. I started on the wrong side of the Longfellow, which added to my time because I had to cross two busy streets, one time I had to wait about 20 sec I bet. So really it was just a little slower than normal.

It feels funny to drive to run. I mean, you should just go out the door. It's like 3 miles to the Charles, so by the time I ran there, I would be done running and need to take a taxi home!

Trial Run

It's actually nice out today, a little wet but warm, like 50. So, I skipped TKD, which had been my plan for the night, and did a practice run of the St. Pat's Day run! Very exciting! It took me 33 minutes and 34 seconds, so a 10.48 minute mile pace for the run, or 5.72 mph. That's about what I've been doing on the treadmill at the gym. The first part is uphill, but not too bad an uphill. Not too good. I was def puffing and tired by the end, there were a lot of runners out today because it was so warm, and some passed me. But I passed pedestrians.

The race is 5 1/2 weeks away, so maybe I will be running a tad faster by then. 5 1/2 weeks ago I couldn't run for 30 min, and check me out now :)

My left leg was fine after the run, the right was a little sore, hip, knee, and ankle. Just needed to ice the ankle.

We paid for the Dirty Girl race today. We're going to be the Girls Gone Muddy team.

Running strong

I have a thing after work tomorrow, so I thought it would be good to go a day early. It's still cold out, though not freezing, but I went to the gym. For a minute or so I thought about going outside, but then common sense kicked in. When I can see my breath, and it's windy, it's too cold. Maybe next winter I'll be tough enough? Really, if I'm still running next winter I'll be psyched, no need to worry about inside vs out.

I did 5 minutes warming up, then 21 minutes at 5.8 mph, before going back to 5.5 for the last 4 minutes. Total distance 2.82 miles in the first 30 minutes, total of 3.1 in 35 min. While I was running it didn't feel amazing, but it was ok, but I didn't want to keep at 5.8 for the last 4 min. When I finished it felt good. Knees are good! I've been lifting weights to strengthen my quads, maybe it's helping. How will I do that once I'm outside?

I was going to go to yoga too, but my fav teacher isn't there, and I went on Thursday. So, I guess I get to be lazy instead!

It gets harder and harder to think of subjects for these posts.

Beating the crowds

More treadmill. It's about 7 degrees outside, no way I'm running out there. Don't even want to walk! Seems like everyone's with me on that, it was really crowded at the gym. Though, I went earlier today, right from work.

I ran 6.0 mph for ten minutes in a row, slowed down to 5.7 for five minutes, went back to 6.0 for two more minutes, and then finished at 5.8 for the final 10 or so min for a total of 2.85 miles in my 30 min, and 3.15 in 35 with the cool down. It felt pretty fast to me, and I was puffing a lot while going faster.

Big running news for me is that my second 5K is in the works! Some friends and I are planning to run in the Dirty Girl, which is a little like Tough Muddler, but less crazy. You have to crawl through a puddle of mud (= PMS or Pretty Muddy Stuff), go over a wall, thought tubes. Sounds fun :)

Winter blues

Cold cold cold out!  So, I was stuck in the gym again. I was running for the first five minutes, thinking how hard it was, going just 5.2 mph, and wondering what was up, and did the extra day off just kill my cardio built up? Then I realized that I had accidentally set the incline at .3 and was running uphill. Dork.  In the end I wound up going about 2.7 miles, 20 minutes at 5.8 mph, and then slower at the end.

Oh, and I had tied my shoes too tight and my big toes went numb, but I didn't want to stop and loosen them because I would have to get back into the zone again.

I'm typing on the iPad today. You just tap and it senses. Keyboard is a little small for fast typing. But, it makes me think about typing class in high school with the manual typewriter where you had to pound the keys and advance the paper by pushing the carriage back. Ha, young me, look at how much easier life gets!

Gym days

I got a new iPad I'm now blogging using Siri! It says it supposed to recognize your voice better in time, I hope so. Maybe this will finally teach me to enunciate well. Because blogging and corrected auto spell is a lot of work. But not as much as running I guess.

Went to the gym because it's cold and dark out.  Also the knees are still sore.  Even with NCIS on tv it's seriously boring.  I ran 5.8 MPH for twenty minutes of my 30 minutes! Five minutes slower warm up, but still running.  And I was getting a little tired at the end. Still, I went 2.86 miles running. With the cool down, 3.1 miles. So, 5K in 35 minutes. I feel like cardio wise I'm getting even stronger, though I still have room for improvement. It's just the knees.

First 5K!

I did it the way I originally ran, doing down Medford St first so that I would have to run uphill at the beginning, like I will have to do in the St. Pat's Day race.  The whole thing took me 32 min and 48 sec, with 121 ft of elevation gain.  The race route only has 79 feet.  The hill profile on the race route looks scary on Map My Run, even though it's less elevation gain.  I'm going to try to run it before race day.

30 minute distance was about 2.86, which seems to be my pace for 30 min.  Maybe on race day, with lots of other people around, I can go a little faster.

I felt a little crampy from about min 12 to min 18, but nothing that I needed to stop for.  And, I've had sore knees.  The knees are going to be the thing.

I think a couple guys were staring at my ass.  They were latino, so it's not like it's a HUGE complement, but I'll take it.

Viewers?

I thought all these mystery people were interested in my boring blog, but then it turns out it's robo urls checking to see if they should try to sell adds to me.  Keep moving robo dudes, nothing to see.

For a third time I ran for 30 minutes.  I got really crampy at about half way and kind of had to force myself to finish.  Most of the run, about 20 minutes, I did 5.7-5.9 miles an hour!  The first and last five minutes I did 5.5 mph.  When I slowed down to 5.5 at the end, it felt a lot slower.  Aside from the cramps and some pain in my left knee, I felt good.  Bored out of my mind because I was on the treadmill, but good.  I think with another 2 months I'll be able to run the entire St. Pats Day run at about that speed.

I gotta think about ways to make the treadmill more interesting.  First, I need more running music, then I need something more interesting to do than imagine that I'm running the Boston Marathon.  All the interesting stuff seems to happen in the weight area, maybe the kids who hang out there would come over to my direction to flirt with each other?

Oh yes, ran 2.8 miles in 30 minutes, then completed the five minute cool down and got to 3.2 miles.  No hills.

Triumph outdoors!

I ran for 30 minutes straight outside!!!!!!  Go me!  It wasn't easy, esp the first 5 minutes, but it wasn't that hard.  A little part of me wanted to stop, but a much bigger part wanted to keep running and break the 30 min barrier, so I did.  According to Map My Run I went 2.9 miles, which is an average pace of 10:17.  I think I need to drive the route in my car, I'm not really convinced about the thing.

Keeping myself humble, there was a chick running waaay faster and I bumped into her twice on the route :)  But, I'm definitely passing people walking their dogs and talking on their cell phones, and not just people with geriatric dogs.

Not too sore after the run.  Still wore the knee things, left knee was a little sore and right hip.  I waited 2 days between runs, seemed to help.  Maybe if I try for 3 days a week my joints will survive better.

30 minutes outside with hills and all, never thought it would happen.

PS. Drove around with my car.  According to my car it's 2.8 miles.  Is my car wrong?  Do I really have a lot more miles than I think?  I did all right turns because I thought it would be closer, but there was a one way street that I forgot about.  I guess I'm going to have to start to believe google, I do about everything else.

Triumph!

I ran for a full 30 minutes today!!!!!!!!!  It wasn't fast, and it was on the treadmill which I had set at 0 incline, but I started at a slow jog and sped it up after a minute and again after 2 minutes to 5.5 mph, and I stayed at that speed for the rest of the full 30 min.  It was about 2.7 miles.  And it felt good.

My shins hurt a little bit, maybe need to take a couple days off and let them rest.  Not really painful, but enough to notice.

I left home thinking today could be the day, and it was!  It took less than 2 months for the first baby step.  From the weather it looks like I'll be inside for a while, so I guess the next step will be to do the same again a few times.  Then look to increasing speed and/or distance.  Maybe distance first, since I have to hit 3.1 for March?

Go me :)

New Year!

I guess I will be in a new month now in the blog.  Hopefully I will be continuing through the year.  Went to the gym again today because #1 It's cold out, #2 It's still icy on some of the sidewalks and #3 It seemed like the thing to do on New Years.  It wasn't too crowded.  Yet.

I did 9 min / 1 min splits!  But the last split I just ran the entire 10 min.  So, 28 minutes of running.  I started slow and got faster for the first few minutes (but not walking) and got up to 5.5 mph.  Second split I did 6.0 mph, then the third I went back to 5.5.  Total distance was 2.8 miles I think.  I'm really suspicious of google maps.  5.5 felt like a nice jog, 6.0 felt pretty tiring (hence dropping back for the third split.)  No hills.  Do I really run faster outside?  I feel like I'm going at a crawl usually.

The gym is fricking boring!  Even with music and a TV.

Post Script: Holy Shit!  I just saw on the news that this couple in Australia is trying to run a marathon a day for the entire year.  And they are grandparents!!  I can't even imagine it: Forrest Gump meets Crocodile Hunter.  What if you just want to spend the day watching Mad Men?