Running in 2011!

2011 was a great year for me!  I set PRs in the 10 mile and 1/2 marathon distances (see sidebar @ right) and ran a marathon.  I pulled my annual miles from the Nike+ dashboard (LOVE IT).  I think it tells quite the story!

I'm back to running 3-4 times a week and tracking performance again in December.  I couldn't be happier.  While I did enjoy my time off from strenuous exercise post marathon, I am not enjoying the few pounds I put on.

My 2012 goal is finish a 5K with 26-something on the clock!!

(P.S. the 10:28 average time is deceiving since there are so many long slow runs averaged in.)

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? 

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. 

10.2 on this beautiful Sunday!

Thank god for friends.  I totally did not want to run today.  We went to church this morning and saw ALR acolyte.  She did great.  As soon as we got home, I spent the next hour rationalizing why I didn't want to do my long run.  I ate lunch and promptly placed my butt on the couch to watch trash on television. 

I finally motivated myself to go out and do just 6 miles.  I had originally planned on 11 today.  Don't forget...I'm racing 10 miles next weekend.  I did 6 miles in 1 hour 23 seconds (just 24 seconds slower than my goal).  I blame the strong head winds. 

As I was coming back, I ran into my friend Lisa heading out for 4.  Why not join her and get my 10 in?  I had 2 shot blocks, a quick gulp of water, and off we went.  The stats:

10.2 miles
1 hour 45 minutes
1,016 calories burned

After the run, she came over with a bottle of chard.  I made huge taco salads with avocado, tomato, chick peas, and ground turkey with taco seasoning.  It was the perfect post run dinner.  We then polished off the rest of the drunken goat cheese from whole foods and the bottle of wine.  My kind of night...good food, good wine, good friendship.
 
Happy weekend!

Looking forward to this week!

Finally...a break from this cold!  I am so excited to get out and run this week.  It is supposed to hit 60 on Friday.  WOO HOO!  It will be so great to be in a single layer...maybe I'll even break out the capris!

Hubby and I had a nice weekend in NYC.  We go up every year for Valentine's. We see a show, have a great dinner, and stay over.   We saw Jersey Boys this year and we had dinner at Sugiyama.  It was a wonderful weekend!

8 miles today...felt great!

It's been nice running without pain. Really nice.  At that to my list of things to be thankful for.  This week's tallies include a 3 miler, a 4 miler, and 8 today.  I'll try to get out for 6 or 7 tomorrow. 

Life is busy, but good.  This week brought a few proposals at work (one was for $350K...keep your fingers crossed for me on that one) and the near finalization of my website (www.eternalmemorycandle.com).  All I need is a picture on the product page and the website will be done.  I'm starting to approach retailers now!!

Kiddos are good...ARL keeps busy with friends, chorus, drama, violin and homework!  JAL spends most time playing bakugans with a neighbor!  Mike is out on a run now clocking his miles for the weekend!

Why can't I stay on my 'effin feet?

I fell again. Yes, again. This is the third time I have fallen on a run. The first was the worst...remember the nasty spill this summer (see injury report here).  The second time was during the last 1/2 marathon I ran on halloween.  This fall was totally explainable because we were on a rocky trail covered by fallen leaves.  There is no excuse for the third one that happened this weekend when I was out on a 6.5 mile run with my friend Wayne.  I just tripped.   Damn, I'm a klutz.

We had a great weekend in Baltimore with our friends Wayne and Michelle.  Thankfully, not nearly as eventful as our last visit (see Putting it in Perspective).  We ate (Michelle is a great cook), drank (a lot) and just relaxed.  The kids played great together.   I got in two nice runs...they live in a hilly area so I really appreciated the challenge (despite Saturday's fall).  Coupled with my 11 miler on Thursday, I estimate I did 20 miles in 4 days!

Back to work, back to school, and back to reality.  Only a few more days until Thanksgiving.  Fall really does fly by.

Another week...busy, busy, busy....

Lots going on again (what else is new)....quick summary to keep everyone up to speed....

•  Running:  I did 12.4 last Saturday including conquering Shawmont!  For those non-locals, Shawmont Ave is a 300' vertical climb that is 1 mile long.  It's considered a rite of passage around here...I did it on my first try (without walking) and then proceeded to run another 10 miles after that.  I won't lie...I was sore on Sunday.  I ran another 6 on Tuesday (my fastest 6 miles ever) and will go 3 more tomorrow.  I will probably do one more long run (10 miles) before the 1/2 marathon I'm doing on Halloween morning.
• Family:  Kiddos are good.  Hubby is good.  All our healthy and happy which is the way I like it!  ARL got a new part in the play...She's now Patch (instead of Spot) and picked up some more lines.  JAL is really doing well in soccer...they are on a winning streak!  
• Work:  BUSY!  But, busy is good!  I'm picking up some new clients and absolutely adore my new boss.  He's a great leader and truly believes in growing his people.  No, he doesn't read my blog...so I'm not kissing up!  
• Entrepreneurial Venture:  Website is a work in progress.  Logo is finalized (see previous post), prototypes are being made and will begin retailer solicitation soon.  I love that my new business now gets mail!  It makes me smile every day when I see mail in the mailbox addressed to EMC!  I guess someone figured out how to buy LLC and EIN records!  They must be public domain somewhere!

All for now...I've got a proposal to write before we go out in the hot tub!

Ahhh...the weekend is finally in sight!

Wow...it has been one busy work week! I put in some monster hours as an off-site client meeting and need tomorrow to catch up on all my regular work!  Two days off site with no down time for email, phone, etc. can wreak havoc on a clean inbox!

I am looking forward to a long run at Forbidden Drive on Saturday...minimum will be 12 miles...I may push myself and try to go the full 13.1.  Saturday night we have a fundraiser event for the National Lung Cancer Partnership and ARL has a sleep over bday party to go to.  Other than that, a nice quiet weekend is on tap.  Just what I need after this crazy week!

Random fact...Do you know they don't have crickets in England?  I had some of my colleagues from the UK (and Spain and India) here with me this week for the big meeting.  One of the Brits was complaining he couldn't sleep because of the "bloody" crickets.  He tried banging on the window to get them to stop.  Too funny!

20 miles...3 days!

That's a new record for me!

Saturday-9 miles with the coached running group
Sunday-3 miles recovery + 1 mile for striders
Monday-7 miles with Lisa
Tuesday-Rest, Relax and drink wine.  I deserve it!

Hope your Tuesday plans are as delightful as mine!

Are you kidding me...

Heat index: 105-110.
Miles: 9
Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes (walked 2 big hills)
Water consumption: refill of bottle 5 (yes, 5) times.
Issues: blister

I tried a nuun tablet and really liked it...not too heavy at all.  I definitely needed it to replenish the electrolytes.  Will we ever get a break from this heat?

9 mile weekend!

We officially had our first 1/2 marathon training run on Saturday. We only did 3 miles and it was a nice run with a nice group!  Today, I ran 6 with my regular group from Fleet Feet.  We went on the Forbidden Trail along Wissahickon Creek.  What an awesome place to run, bike, walk, horseback ride, hike, etc.  Absolutely gorgeous!

As for the rest of the weekend, I've been cooking & shopping!  Friday night we had friends over who just got engaged!  After she flashed her gorgeous diamond, we put champagne on to chill!  We are so happy for them!  Saturday we had a kid birthday party I treated myself to a massage at Citrus!  Today, both kids have friends over and we are making homemade soft pretzels!  Dinner will be a simple supper of grilled chicken breasts, pasta salad, and grilled veggies (eggplant, zucchini, etc.)

Back to work on Monday...with a busy work week ahead.  I have to run on Tuesday & Wednesday and cross train on Thursday!

11 miles in 2 days

So, this morning I broke my cardinal rule of running:  never run 2 back to back days. I firmly believe in giving your body time to recover. I do cross train on the off days (recumbent bike, walk, etc.), but I never run two days in a row.

A whole bunch of friends were heading to Lake Galina (Peace Valley Park) to do the 6 mile loop.  I haven't run there yet and have been wanting to try it.  I felt good after yesterday's 5 so I set my alarm for 5:15 this morning to run with them.  We did 6 miles in 1:07.

So far, I'm feeling a bit stiff, but it's manageable.  I figured I better get my run in today since I'll be partying it up at the Borgata in AC for the next few days.  Wish me luck!

Date night!

I ran 3 miles this morning...it was hot and I forgot to take 2 puffs on my inhaler before going.  (I have a touch of asthma...the pollen and grass clippings really aggravate it; of course the exercise doesn't help, either!)  29:33 which was respectable given the heat and lack of planning.

Hubby and I have a babysitter tonight!  WOO HOO...it's a rare occasion we get a date night and I am already looking forward to it.  So, what are we doing on our big night out on the town?  A fancy schmancy dinner?  Hitting some bars?  

Nope...we are having a quick dinner at Cosi (I have freebie coupons from a debacle of a dinner that I complained about) and shopping.  Our list is a mile long and, as anyone with kids knows, it is much easier (and CHEAPER) to shop with out them.  So, if you are out and about tonight you may see us Old Navy, Michaels, the mall, Rite Aid, Ann Taylor (my fave!), or any of the other 25 stores we need to go to. 

Not exactly the most exciting date night...but at least the kids will be in bed by the time we get home!

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. We are having a blast!!  The kids are especially having a good time...between playdates, parties, sleepovers and several hours on our blow up water slide, they have really had a great weekend. 

I ran 4.5 this morning.  The heat and humidity was brutal (even at 7:30).  I am really not sure how I am going to train for a 1/2 marathon in heat.  Lots of sweat...that's for sure.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a quick 2 mile run at 6 am this morning.  It was crisp, cool and beautiful!  Then, I came home only to have to rush around like crazy people by getting two kids ready for Olympic Day and one Mom ready for the workday. 

Tomorrow,  I will run again with fleet feet (perhaps 4 or 5 miles).  I have a ton of grocery shopping to do before we take ARL to a birthday party in the afternoon.  Sunday we are going to the circus and Monday to a parade!  Given the weather forecast, I think it is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend!

I would like to take a moment to be thankful that the North Penn board and teachers have finally agreed upon a contract.  I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the kiddos will all go back the Tuesday after Labor Day as planned!  Thank you Mr. Mediator!

Our never ending TO DO list...

As I mentioned before, Spring has me in full cleaning/purging mode!  Our list (started 3 weeks ago) looks like this:

1. Clean all the Windows, Vacuum & Febreeze valences/curtains
2. Take everything out of kitchen cupboards/drawers & clean insides
3. Wash & Wax both cars
4. Seal the granite
5. Update both kids bedrooms
6. Install closet organizer in son's closet
7. Spraypaint urns & firepit
8. Get new natural gas grill and patio umbrella
9. Mulch

I'm ecstatic to report some nice progress and our list now looks like this:

1. Clean all the Windows, Vacuum & Febreeze valences/curtains
   
2. Take everything out of kitchen cupboards/drawers & clean insides
3. Wash & Wax both cars
4. Seal the granite
5. Update both kids bedrooms
6. Install closet organizer in son's closet
7. Spraypaint urns & firepit
8. Get new natural gas grill and patio umbrella
9. Mulch
   

 I love progress!  It's very rewarding to get all this stuff done! 

In running news, I've done 8 so far this week.  Times are pretty good.  I set my goal for Broad Street---1:45!  Will do a nice distance run with Lisa on Saturday AM.  I am thinking 8 or 9.  Only a few weeks left...

Check us out!

Mike and I have been featured on www.rundavidrun.com in his series "Confessions of a Newbie Runner".  What a great honor!   Thanks, David!!

Today's run kicked my butt...guess I wasn't ready for the heat yet.  For the first time in a long time, I had to stop and walk.   6 miles in so far this week....will head out for a distance run on Saturday.

This weekend is my daughter's on stage debut!  She plays a hair dresser in Mulan.  It will be a busy weekend with her in 4 shows + we have tickets to the Lion King in Philly on Sunday.  No rest for us!

Rain, Rain...GO AWAY!

Ugh...this weather is downright depressing.  Looking forward to the next few days of SUN!  I heard 80 on Saturday...what gorgeous weather to explore DC!!

I had a great day at work today....several proposal requests!  Tomorrow is a pretty important client lunch and Thursday is a full day of training that we are providing to one of my clients.  I have a few big days/deliverables to get through before I can relax on Easter break. 

I hope to get a 4 mile run in tomorrow and another 7 mile in on Friday before we leave for DC.  Broad Street is just a few weeks away...so I definitely need to start adding miles soon!

They liked it! They really liked it!!

I got the best call yesterday!!  One of the companies I sent my business plan to called to say they like my idea and they have sent it off to the innovations department for them to assess feasibility of production!  Holy Crap...might this little idea of mine actually turn into reality?  Could I really be responsible for a product concept!! 

In running news, I'm taking advantage of the weather.  I went an easy 3 miles yesterday and today.  Off tomorrow and will do 5 or 6 with Fleet Feet on Saturday.

Alright...enough of the computer, people!  Get out there and get some sun!