Now that I'm actually getting into shape - my mind is starting the think crazy thoughts. "If I can run 10 miles on April 3rd - why not do a half marathon in May - I'm practically there!" Etc etc.
These are the races/events that are on my radar. Trying to figure out which ones I can realistically do. Training wise AND budget wise! It's ambitious for sure.
April 3, DC - Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. I'm really excited to run through Washington and check out all the sites! Hopefully the trees will be in bloom.
April 30, Marion, VA - Mountain Do Triathlon. 10K Run, 3K Canoe/Kayak, 20K Mountain Bike. This is a somewhat local race and I've wanted to do it for years - but it's always the same weekend as the Nashville Rock N Roll half. I wonder how serious the mountain biking is? That will be my weakness!
May 1, Cincinnati, OH - Flying Pig Half Marathon. I've had friends run this one and they have nothing but good stuff to say. I'd rather find a half the 2nd or 3rd weekend in May - but I don't know of any. I like to run large 1/2 marathons so there are lots of runners and fans :) (Possible alternatives the Capital City Half in Columbus, OH on May 7th or Two Rivers Heritage Half Marathon in Harper's Ferry, WV on May 14th?)
May 28, Radford, VA - Wilderness Road Ride. A local event for the cycling community. Probably the 58 mile distance. Maybe the 78 depending on how much biking I can get in. (Might not be much if I do the 1/2.)
June 18, Warm Springs, VA - Bath County Triathlon. 750 Meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run.
June 24 - 29, New River Valley, VA - Bike Virginia. Between 50 and 60 miles/day for 5 days. This is one of those things on my bucket list. Not sure if this will be the year - but I WILL DO IT one of these days.
Obviously I won't be training to WIN any of these :) Just a little challenge that adds some fun to working out. I'm just focused on crossing the finish line.
Anyone want to join in the fun??
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Operation: 10 miler (week 6)
Posted in exercise on 10:27 PM by Jilian
Is it really March in 2 days? A little over a month til the race!
I was able to make time for 2 runs and the final indoor soccer game of the year this week. No swimming :( (Remember this was an abbreviated week because Week 5 rolled over into Monday :) So technically I ran 13 miles!)
Wednesday's 4 mile run was outside. I underestimated how cool it was, wish I had worn gloves. It wasn't a great run - but wasn't bad either. 43 minutes. The most important thing was I DID IT. Check.
Thursday's soccer game felt good. We didn't have subs and I didn't die. I've been a little rough around the edges since I haven't touched a soccer ball in over a year - and all my leg muscles went to pot during pregnancy. Finally I feel like I have a bit of my touch back. Looking forward to the Spring season!
Most surprising was how well Saturday's run went! It's been a long time since I've been past mile 1 on the Huckleberry. I can't say I missed the hills - but it was also strangely comforting. Like being home. I forgot the Garmin - but that's not so bad. It's freeing to run without a clock. BUT the run went pretty well and I felt strong - so now I wonder how my pace was :) I love runs were I don't have the mind battle - constantly thinking 'I can't make it' and having to psyche myself up. The weather was beautiful, my body felt good, lots of traffic on the trail, I focused on 1/2 mile at a time and the hour flew by!
That being said... I'm still glad there's two weeks before my next long run! And only 2 long runs left before race day!!
I was able to make time for 2 runs and the final indoor soccer game of the year this week. No swimming :( (Remember this was an abbreviated week because Week 5 rolled over into Monday :) So technically I ran 13 miles!)
Wednesday's 4 mile run was outside. I underestimated how cool it was, wish I had worn gloves. It wasn't a great run - but wasn't bad either. 43 minutes. The most important thing was I DID IT. Check.
Thursday's soccer game felt good. We didn't have subs and I didn't die. I've been a little rough around the edges since I haven't touched a soccer ball in over a year - and all my leg muscles went to pot during pregnancy. Finally I feel like I have a bit of my touch back. Looking forward to the Spring season!
Most surprising was how well Saturday's run went! It's been a long time since I've been past mile 1 on the Huckleberry. I can't say I missed the hills - but it was also strangely comforting. Like being home. I forgot the Garmin - but that's not so bad. It's freeing to run without a clock. BUT the run went pretty well and I felt strong - so now I wonder how my pace was :) I love runs were I don't have the mind battle - constantly thinking 'I can't make it' and having to psyche myself up. The weather was beautiful, my body felt good, lots of traffic on the trail, I focused on 1/2 mile at a time and the hour flew by!
That being said... I'm still glad there's two weeks before my next long run! And only 2 long runs left before race day!!
Operation: 10 miler (weeks 4 & 5)
Posted in exercise on 8:36 PM by Jilian
Boy am I glad I have a race planned. Otherwise I would not have gotten in a single run over the past two weeks. Knowing I have to run 10 miles in April really helps me dig down deep to find motivation. Life is busy :)
My training plan builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - etc. Week 4 had two 2 mile runs on the agenda. I skipped both. Life was crazy preparing for our annual Snowshoe trip and I knew missing these runs wouldn't throw my training off. Instead I spent 5 hours snowboarding on Thursday and I'd say my legs got plenty of exercise. I also hit the slopes Friday and Saturday but not for as long. I was shocked at how well my legs held up. Usually after a couple runs down Cupp or Shay's my legs are burning. We did 8 or 9 runs over there in a row and I felt great! I hope I feel this way in Utah next week :)
Last week wasn't much easier on my schedule. I did play indoor Thursday night - which went well until my shoe stuck and I ate it hard with 3 minutes left. My back has been aching ever since and I have sweet bruise on my elbow. I wasn't sure how the runs were going to happen. I squeezed in 4 miles Saturday evening between hosting a baby shower and drinks with the girls. I thought it best not to run my two longest distances back to back so ran the 5 miles Monday night. Technically rolling into the week 6 but I just want to get the miles in.
Both were treadmill runs and felt relatively easy - until the last 15 minutes or so. I have a little interval technique I use that makes the time fly. The first mile I run at a 10 minute pace to get warmed up - then I tackle 5 minutes at a time doing a 1 - 1 - 2 - 1 interval. I can do anything for one or two minutes :) Last night I ran 1 min at 6.1 (9:50), 1 min at 6.2 (9:40), 2 min at 6.4 (9.22), 1 min at 6.0 (10:00) - then repeated 8 times. My time for the final 4 miles was 38:30 - which for a 10 minute miler felt great! I'm even more impressed I was able to drag myself to the gym at 8pm. I look forward to the day when I can get back to watch the sunrise during my morning runs :)
Wow - I'm halfway through training!
My training plan builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - etc. Week 4 had two 2 mile runs on the agenda. I skipped both. Life was crazy preparing for our annual Snowshoe trip and I knew missing these runs wouldn't throw my training off. Instead I spent 5 hours snowboarding on Thursday and I'd say my legs got plenty of exercise. I also hit the slopes Friday and Saturday but not for as long. I was shocked at how well my legs held up. Usually after a couple runs down Cupp or Shay's my legs are burning. We did 8 or 9 runs over there in a row and I felt great! I hope I feel this way in Utah next week :)
Last week wasn't much easier on my schedule. I did play indoor Thursday night - which went well until my shoe stuck and I ate it hard with 3 minutes left. My back has been aching ever since and I have sweet bruise on my elbow. I wasn't sure how the runs were going to happen. I squeezed in 4 miles Saturday evening between hosting a baby shower and drinks with the girls. I thought it best not to run my two longest distances back to back so ran the 5 miles Monday night. Technically rolling into the week 6 but I just want to get the miles in.
Both were treadmill runs and felt relatively easy - until the last 15 minutes or so. I have a little interval technique I use that makes the time fly. The first mile I run at a 10 minute pace to get warmed up - then I tackle 5 minutes at a time doing a 1 - 1 - 2 - 1 interval. I can do anything for one or two minutes :) Last night I ran 1 min at 6.1 (9:50), 1 min at 6.2 (9:40), 2 min at 6.4 (9.22), 1 min at 6.0 (10:00) - then repeated 8 times. My time for the final 4 miles was 38:30 - which for a 10 minute miler felt great! I'm even more impressed I was able to drag myself to the gym at 8pm. I look forward to the day when I can get back to watch the sunrise during my morning runs :)
Wow - I'm halfway through training!
Operation: 10 miler (week 3)
Posted in exercise on 11:08 PM by Jilian
Week 3 is in the books. Only 7 more to go! ugh.
I'm holding steady with 4 workouts per week - which has me pretty thrilled considering how hectic life is right now! I can totally see the benefits from making the time for exercise though. Helping me plan my days better, getting out of the house, a break from 'mommyhood', PLUS I get exercise! I'm a happier person.
Tuesday's 3 mile run ended up happening at the gym. I try to keep myself entertained on the treadmill by changing up my speed every minute or two. Makes the time go by faster. The first two miles I did 2 min at 6mph then 1 min at 5.8 - repeat. The final mile I pushed a little harder and alternated between 6mph and 6.1 - I know BIG difference :) I actually spent about 7 minutes at the 6.1 pace. It felt good. I followed the run up with some grapevines and shuffle steps on the indoor track. Trying to strengthen my hip muscles - it taking them a while to recover from the childbearing stress.
By now you should know I'm not aiming for speed - just to complete each training run and complete the 10 mile run at the end. By 'complete' I mean without walking :) Each long run is one step closer to that goal. Today was the first time I've run 4 miles in a LONG LONG TIME. Maybe 2 years. And it felt GOOD. Granted my time was 43 minutes so I definitely didn't push myself. But gosh darn-it there are nothing but hills around here. The first two miles were 10:15ish. The final mile included a 1/2 mile CLIMB. I didn't feel my legs telling me to JUST STOP until the last 1/4 mile. I finished with a smile on my face. What a beautiful day to enjoy the fresh air too!
Once indoor is over I plan to add an interval day and see if I can't get a little bit of speed back :) (maybe 'speed' isn't the correct term)
The swim was good. Soccer was eh. I've lost a lot of muscle in my legs and itsucks stinks (sorry mom!). I feel like I can't even kick the ball sometimes. It's sad. Need to do lots of strengthening and passing before outdoor begins. My hips are KILLING me with all the cutting side to side as well. I'm not really sure what the best fix for this is? I guess they'll get better the more I play :)
My training program increases weekly for 3 weeks and then takes a step back! Woohoo. This will be a light week for running. Only one 2 mile run! The real workout will be 3 days of Snowboarding this weekend. I'm so stoked to spend 4 days with our friends on the mtn!
I'm holding steady with 4 workouts per week - which has me pretty thrilled considering how hectic life is right now! I can totally see the benefits from making the time for exercise though. Helping me plan my days better, getting out of the house, a break from 'mommyhood', PLUS I get exercise! I'm a happier person.
Tuesday's 3 mile run ended up happening at the gym. I try to keep myself entertained on the treadmill by changing up my speed every minute or two. Makes the time go by faster. The first two miles I did 2 min at 6mph then 1 min at 5.8 - repeat. The final mile I pushed a little harder and alternated between 6mph and 6.1 - I know BIG difference :) I actually spent about 7 minutes at the 6.1 pace. It felt good. I followed the run up with some grapevines and shuffle steps on the indoor track. Trying to strengthen my hip muscles - it taking them a while to recover from the childbearing stress.
By now you should know I'm not aiming for speed - just to complete each training run and complete the 10 mile run at the end. By 'complete' I mean without walking :) Each long run is one step closer to that goal. Today was the first time I've run 4 miles in a LONG LONG TIME. Maybe 2 years. And it felt GOOD. Granted my time was 43 minutes so I definitely didn't push myself. But gosh darn-it there are nothing but hills around here. The first two miles were 10:15ish. The final mile included a 1/2 mile CLIMB. I didn't feel my legs telling me to JUST STOP until the last 1/4 mile. I finished with a smile on my face. What a beautiful day to enjoy the fresh air too!
Once indoor is over I plan to add an interval day and see if I can't get a little bit of speed back :) (maybe 'speed' isn't the correct term)
The swim was good. Soccer was eh. I've lost a lot of muscle in my legs and it
My training program increases weekly for 3 weeks and then takes a step back! Woohoo. This will be a light week for running. Only one 2 mile run! The real workout will be 3 days of Snowboarding this weekend. I'm so stoked to spend 4 days with our friends on the mtn!
Operation: 10 miler (week 2)
Posted in exercise on 11:26 PM by Jilian
Not a whole lot to report. My total mileage went from 2 to 4. Woot! The runs are NOT easy - but they aren't impossible either. I have a 4 miler coming up this weekend - that will be a great test!
The one lingering issue from pregnancy is my hips! Running in a straight line isn't so bad - but playing soccer or any other side to side movement = pain! I'm trying to incorporate some plyometrics, grapevine, and shuffle steps to help strengthen the hip joints. Crossing my fingers that works!
Aside from my two runs I managed two cross training days - swimming and soccer. I'm very happy to find time for 4 workouts in a week. That seems to be a good balance right now. More than that and it all might come crashing down! A little part of me really wants to find the time for pilates, squats, and lunges though. Snowboarding is going to KICK MY ARSE. Plus my core needs major work!
Highlight of the week was definitely my run on Saturday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL! Plus it was followed up by dinner and quality time with two girlfriends I don't see nearly enough!
The one lingering issue from pregnancy is my hips! Running in a straight line isn't so bad - but playing soccer or any other side to side movement = pain! I'm trying to incorporate some plyometrics, grapevine, and shuffle steps to help strengthen the hip joints. Crossing my fingers that works!
Aside from my two runs I managed two cross training days - swimming and soccer. I'm very happy to find time for 4 workouts in a week. That seems to be a good balance right now. More than that and it all might come crashing down! A little part of me really wants to find the time for pilates, squats, and lunges though. Snowboarding is going to KICK MY ARSE. Plus my core needs major work!
Highlight of the week was definitely my run on Saturday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL! Plus it was followed up by dinner and quality time with two girlfriends I don't see nearly enough!
Operation: 10 miler (week 1)
Posted in exercise on 10:11 PM by Jilian
The baby weight came off pretty easily - yay breastfeeding! Currently I'm down 5lbs (maybe more) from my pre-baby weight. Hallelujah for my jeans fitting better than they did pre-baby! BUT - I'm not in shape and I don't feel strong.
I've been able to fit in a work out here and there - but nothing consistent. T & I have signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in April which is my motivation to stick to a training plan. I'm relying on Hal Higdon to get me ready once again.
I'm happy with how Week 1 went. I made time for two 2 mile runs, masters swimming, and two indoor soccer games. I figure soccer can take the place of one of my runs until the season is over.
I'm also trying to work in a couple core workouts and some squats/lunges to help prepare my legs for our snowboarding trips. These will be bonus. Great if they happen - but not going to stress myself right now. Just getting my runs in will be a huge success!
I've finally created a Training Peaks account to log my workouts. Hopefully I'll be able to look back over they year and see some improvement. Plus who doesn't love looking back over stats and running reports. Hmm - maybe that's just the geek in me :)
Crazy most of my workouts are now happening in the evenings. I do miss 6am :) I look forward to enjoying my mornings workouts again one day!
I've been able to fit in a work out here and there - but nothing consistent. T & I have signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in April which is my motivation to stick to a training plan. I'm relying on Hal Higdon to get me ready once again.
I'm happy with how Week 1 went. I made time for two 2 mile runs, masters swimming, and two indoor soccer games. I figure soccer can take the place of one of my runs until the season is over.
I'm also trying to work in a couple core workouts and some squats/lunges to help prepare my legs for our snowboarding trips. These will be bonus. Great if they happen - but not going to stress myself right now. Just getting my runs in will be a huge success!
I've finally created a Training Peaks account to log my workouts. Hopefully I'll be able to look back over they year and see some improvement. Plus who doesn't love looking back over stats and running reports. Hmm - maybe that's just the geek in me :)
Crazy most of my workouts are now happening in the evenings. I do miss 6am :) I look forward to enjoying my mornings workouts again one day!
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