Tag: running

Meeting a goal

Last Saturday’s race was not even going to happen. It is too hot out. I don’t want to run in the heat. I had 6 miles on the schedule to prepare for the big run this Saturday. But I signed up anyway. It was the annual Autumn Rock and Run 5k race. The autumn part must be a joke – it is still summer here. Bands play along the course. My husband wanted to run it and I at the last minute decided to join him. Besides there being a cute shirt this year that I might actually wear when I am not working out, it was a good race for me. My goal was limited – I just wanted to get under 38 (Have I mentioned that I am slow?). Fortunately I finished in 37 minutes exactly. That is good news for me. I am getting faster, even in the terrible heat. Imagine what I can accomplish when it cools down finally!
Feeling the early signs of a migraine (I can tell when they might come) I decided it was a bad idea to enjoy my FREE organic beer at the finish line (poor me)! It didn’t matter, I ended up getting one anyway. I caught it too late and ended up throwing everything up. After about 5 hours I was much better. Time only can heal when I get a full on migraine. Luckily I catch most of them early on and treat them with OTC medicine.
But I am happy I met a goal.
I can’t wait until it cools down!

Pre-Run meals

One concern I have with running is pre-race nutrition. It has been a goal to find that perfect pre-race meal; the meal that will sustain me and not weigh me down. I found that I was really bad at carb starving pre-race (see my my first half-marthon recap). Instead of carb starving I enjoyed wine and fried foods prior to my first big run.
A 11 mile run was on the schedule this past weekend. I finally had a chance to test out a pre-run meal. The meal was simple: Salmon (baked and brushed with lime, olive oil, fresh garlic, salt & pepper), steamed sweet potato, and a salad (mixed greens, tomato, black olives, bit of feta, lime juice).
The result is……a fantastic run. I had plenty of energy and nothing weighed me down. I might stick with this formula for my upcoming races.
What is your favorite pre-race meal?

Motivation

Motivation is fading again.
Weight loss is nice. You feel healthy. People compliment you. You get complacent.
One rest day between workouts becomes one week between workouts and then it stops altogether.
Part of my problem is that I don’t have an immediate fitness goal on the horizon. Races are great motivators because you have a schedule to meet your goal. My next half-marathon in in November and I start an early training for that in mid-June. I am having a hard time completing my maintenance runs.
I have decided to add some more cross-training in the mix to keep me interested, but even that is tough to get motivated for.
Last weekend I had the house to myself (and the cats). I was able to get some work done, some studying done (technical certification may be in the future) and some housework done. However it was impossible to accomplish any kind of aerobic activity.
I had a simple plan, do a run one day and maybe a body pump class.
Saturday it rained in the morning. I was unwilling to do a rainy run (plus I had to carry my work pager with me) so bodypump it was. I went to the website of my gym to confirm the time of class and the website was completely down. I had no idea when the class started that morning. A motivated person would go to the gym anyway and take advantage of the treadmill or elliptical to get in their exercise. I decided to sit on the couch and watch movies during that rainy morning. The rest of the day was spent doing the activities I listed above (but I did go trim the bushes outside for a while when the rain stopped – that is sort of like exercise?).
Sunday a similar situation was unfolding. I woke up. I knew it was time for a run but I didn’t feel prepared for it (It has been 3-4 weeks since my last long run). I was on the verge of bailing out again but I couldn’t. The weight seems to be creeping back on and I desperately crave the energy I get from exercise. I set out to do only 4 miles and I was going to let myself walk the whole thing if I needed to. Anything to just get started.
We had another one of our perfect Florida weather days. It was sunny and around 70 degrees. It was perfect running weather. It is very odd for this time of year but I soak it in. The run feels mostly effortless. I not only run 6 miles, I add in a bridge to do some hill training.
The next day I attend that bodypump class. Usually I leave around the lunge time (because lunges are invented by Satan). I actually stay throughout the class and don’t do bad considering my last class was months ago.
Am I back on the exercise train? Time will only tell. I am planning the rest of the week of activities. I hope my motivation shows up as well.

Running to the Park(s)


 
Today’s run ended up being a delightful run.
But things didn’t start well.
My next race is scheduled a few weeks from now. The race is a 10K plus 2 miler (about 8 miles or so). I signed up for both races in one day because I needed a distance challenge. In addition I will get another fancy medal to add to my collection (I need to catch up to my husband!!!).
This weekend had my longest run on the schedule (10 miles). Unfortunately I did as little preparation as possible for today’s run. My nutrition has been poor this weekend (some wine may have been involved) and I got very little sleep last night due to staying late at a friend’s house.
I almost bailed out of today’s run.  I forced on my running gear and made it out the door before I could change my mind. I started the course I mapped out in advance. Thoughts of defeat still stirred in my head. About a mile into the run I decided to change the scope of the run. I allowed myself to take all the time I needed to complete the 10 miles.  I came up with the idea to make a photo journal of all the parks that I pass by on my run. This made the run have more of a purpose than  “just a run”. I was able to complete all ten miles and I wasn’t ashamed of my time.
Below is journey through the parks I stopped at this morning.

The run begins through the tree shaded path by Fleet Peoples Park. I apologize that I have no photos of this park but picture if you will the sound of dogs running freely in the background as you are running along the tree lined trail.

After a couple of miles, it is time for a bathroom break and water stop at Phelps Park.

Phelps also has one of these handy book exchanges like the one in Baldwin Park.

The path continues through a neighborhood with tree lined streets and very expensive houses that are very interesting architecture wise. Kraft Azalea Gardens lies along a lake across the street from some of these houses.

Soon after Azaela Gardens I get to run by one of my favorite homes Casa Feliz. I sometimes fantasize about living in this home or some other James Gamble Rogers creation.

Next stop on the run is central Florida’s famous Park Avenue and Central Park. It looks like there will be a Orlando Philharmonic performance later in the day.

I cross a busy Fairbanks Avenue to continue my run through the prestigious Rollins College.


In the distance you will see tennis courts and a volleyball court (or what some of us volleyball players might refer to as a kitty litter court – nasty sand that looks like a litterbox).

After running through Rollins I follow Lake Virginia around into a neighborhood that takes me to Pennsylvania Avenue. On Pennsylvania Avenue is a hidden back entrance to the lovely and free Mead Gardens.

Running once again through residential Winter Park leads me to Blue Jacket Park. Every weekend you can see any sport you can think of being played here.

Finally I reached my 10 mile goal. I take a short walk and end up relaxing to a cool breeze in Harbor Park located in Baldwin Park.

Note: Many of these running routes I discovered from running with my running group last year. The group was great to help with motivation and to meet some cool people. I ended up sort of “dropping out” of the group after my last half-marathon because my body disagreed with the 4:00 am and earlier wake up times.