A Half Marathon Morning!

What a way to start the weekend...I ran 13 miles this morning. Not an official half marathon...just a training run. The temperature wasn't too bad (upper 70s at 6 am), but the humidity was high.  My friend said the dewpoint was 94 which is ridiculous!  She ran the first 6 with me.  Then I met up with some other friends and finished the last 7 with a guy named Matt.  I had only run with him once before...so it was great getting to know someone new.  It really takes your mind off running.

This week my plan called for:

Tues:  6X800s
Thurs:  7 miles
Saturday: 13 miles.

I actually did 4 miles on Tues, 7 miles on Thursday and 13 miles today.  I'm still a little gun shy on the speed work given my knee.  The knee felt great all day today...so I guess I need to get back to the speedwork plan. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  Looking ahead to next week makes me smile...a step back week with only a 10 mile run on the weekend.  SWEET!

7 miles in the upper 60s!

Runs don't get much better than this. A friend of mine came over and we started out at 6:15 to get 7 miles in.  The weather was perfect....overcast and highs in the upper 60s.  The cool breeze was delightful. 

My friend is a bit slower than me...so I could really chat it up while we ran 12 minute miles.  It was nice not to stress about time and just enjoy the beauty of the run.  She finished strong.  I had her sprint the last 1/4 mile and she got down to an 8:30 pace. 

What a great way to kick off my Thursday.  It is a busy day today....but my neighbors will surely be in my thoughts and prayers.  Today is the funeral for his Dad.  Never easy to lose a parent...I surely know that all too well.

The Drama Queen strikes again....

My daughter (the drama queen) is currently in her latest show...Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. She's in the light blue t-shirt and tan shorts.

11 miles at 70 degrees!

A gorgeous run this morning....The heat finally broke and allowed me to get my long run in.

The best part was I had no knee pain! It certainly wasn't fast...but I'm not focused on time right now. Just running pain free!

Heat wave #6 of the season starts again on Wednesday. Great (said with heavy sarcasm).

Too hot! But at least I can...

Running in the heat and humitidity sucks!  I will get up at 5:30 tomorrow to get my 5 miles in before it hits 100 degrees.

The ability to run is wonderful. My knee feels strong.  I should stop complaining about heat and be thankful for my recovery.

Do you think I'm feeling bipolar today?  Ever have days where you just want to complain but know you shouldn't? 

9 miles this morning and a marathon plan recap - week 1

I ran 9 miles this morning with no knee pain. WOO HOO! What a great way to end week 1 of my marathon training plan.

Week one called for:

Tuesday:  8X400s
Thursday:  3 miles
Saturday: 10 miles

I completed:


Tuesday:  8X400s, with warm up and cool down
Thursday:  3 miles on a treadmill at my PT's office
Sunday: 9 miles, 1:38

I'm not going to stress about missing the last mile of my long run or about my finish time.  Let me say that again so that I really believe it.  I'm not going to stress about missing the last mile of my long run or about my finish time.  My PT only wanted me to do 8 this week.  I felt great at 8 so I pushed for one more.   The most important thing right now is that I'm running pain free.  Thank you Scott Toale @ Phoenix Rehab!

Happy Friday!

Yay...Friday!  Another busy week down!  I am looking forward to some sushi and wine tonight!

I will try for a long run of 8 miles on Sunday.  Cross your fingers the knee holds up!

ARL had her first 'table read' last night for the movie.  It was an interesting new experience for us.  I sure am learning a lot about the entertainment industry.

6 miles today. almost pain free.

I increased my mileage again today and did 6 miles in his stinkin' heat & humidity.  I was doing so great until I felt the slightest bit of knee pain at 5.53 miles.  It was a good reminder that I'm not out of the woods yet and really do need to keep on the PT regimen. 

After a shower and quick run to Staples (did you all see the back to school sale already?), I had a lovely warm beet, peach and goat cheese salad and promptly parked my behind on the couch.  I fell asleep and sadly missed the end of the soccer game.  Way to go, Ladies!  They so deserved to win!  I so deserved my nap!

PT today!

Yesterday, I ran 4.3 miles totally pain free. Today I go back to the physical therapist to reevaluate my knee, assess my strengthening and stretching progress, and hopefully get cleared to resume marathon training.

Wish me luck!

3 miles pain free!

No need to say anything more.

:)

Progress...on many fronts!

Wow..what a weekend of progress...

First...I ran .5 miles at PT on Thursday.  I attempted .5 miles again on Friday with some minor pain.  I had planned on going a mile...but chickened out at the first glimpse of pain.  Today, I ran 2 miles.  I buckled down when I felt the weakness and ran through it.  I was trying to concentrate on what I was doing in terms of foot placement and knee bending that would trigger the pain.   I had 3 separate instances of pain.  I still have not figured it out.  I am just hoping that the strengthening and stretching I am doing is helping the other muscles surrounding the knee. 

Second...my baby boy...my chug-a-lug-bug, my stinker...whatever we call him...he finally mastered riding his bike.  We are all so proud! 

Finally, we redecorated the kids bathroom.  It was time for the fish theme to go...they are nearly 10 and 7 now.  Time for a more grown up bath.  I have to tell you I am absolutely thrilled with how it came out.  We didn't repaint...I still liked the powder blue and it went with the new theme.  I know light blue and brown were "2009", but I don't care.  I love the clean simple lines and the uncluttered feel.  Simplicity really brings me peace.  It all came from Bed, Bath and Beyond and we spent just under $200 to complete the makeover.  The kids love it, too!  I just hope they are inspired to keep it neat and clean (at least for a month or two).  For those random folks reading the blog who don't know me, "A" & "J" on the towels are my kids initials and the "L" on the floor mat is the initial of our last name.