Breaking the Routine

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

So, over the past couple of weeks, I've only managed to run about 2 times. Lame, I know. Until this week I was experiencing lack of motivation, and I just discovered the reason: boredom. I've been running basically the same route outside or on the treadmill and I haven't really been mixing it up much with speed intervals, cross training, or strength training. So, I'ma try to stop the monotony.

Yesterday: Distance: 3.25 mi. (run/walk; treadmill - some hill repeats and hill sprints).

Today: I did a stretch, strength and speed interval session that I got from this month's Women's Running. It was pretty challenging and I think I'll work it into my weekly routine for a while.

I'd write more, but I'm sick and tired and should probably go to bed. Here's the getting back on the bandwagon.

P.S. I got new Brooks Adrenalines today that I'll start running in soon, and I'm pretty excited.

Youth Run4Fun

Monday, February 9, 2009

So the San Francisco Marathon has a program where you can join a team and raise money for different causes in the months leading up to the event. I'm choosing to raise money for Youth Run4Fun (http://youthrun4fun.org/) because I know that kids now, more than ever, need the encouragement to go outside and run around. Having healthy kids in the community is a good thing.

So, yes, this is a bit of a plug. If you just want to know about the organization, please go to their website and check them out. If you want to donate to them, you can do so at my fundraising page:

https://secure2.merchantcart.net/runsfm//MyWebPage.cfm?pID=375107

I'll be back with run updates soon. I've taken a bit of a respite after the half marathon last week, but I need to get back on board tomorrow.

I'm a runner?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Distance: 4.4 mi. (run; outdoors)

I think it's official: I'm a runner. It's a weird thing to say because I know I run, but I've never classified myself as a runner. But I think after Sunday's half marathon, I can truly say it.

I took a break Monday and yesterday to let my legs and right foot recover. (It feels much better now, thank you.) Today felt pretty good. I even went to the Presidio stairs to run. There were tons of personal trainers with their trainees hanging around the steps.

A surprise run.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Distance: 13.1 mi. - Yes, that's a half marathon. (run; outdoors)

So here's what happened. I wasn't planning on running the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon, but a couple friends of mine were running the 5k, so I thought I'd meet them in the park to run just for fun. I hadn't signed up, but I was just going to tag along. I get there and realize it's going to be impossible to find them amidst the swarm of runners waiting at the starting line. But I had met this girl walking from the bus who hadn't signed up for the half, but was meeting some friends to run it anyway. She can't find her friends either, so I suggest that we just run together, and I concede to running the half.

Needless to say, I only stay with her for about 3 miles--I'm a slow runner, and she used to run cross country. I need to run 8 miles for training, anyway, so I figure I'll get it out of the way. About half way through the course, I figure I should just keep running to see if I can make it. And I do. I only stopped to walk for one minute somewhere after mile 11 before telling myself to run again. I finished in about 2 hours, 17 minutes. It was slow, sure, but I'm so proud of myself for finishing. Besides, I was one of the few not downing Gu or some other form of energy supplement.

The downside is now I have a searing pain on the outside of my right foot and my right knee is bothering me. The weird thing is that my left leg feels great. Maybe this means I need to pay more attention to my form. Anyway, I'm glad that today is a rest day, because my body needs it.

Me after the race, looking happy, and feeling good.

I felt good yesterday and celebrated by getting some Blue Bottle coffee with Chip and eating lots of tamales at Kim's superbowl party. Go Steelers!