January 24, 2013--Cold and Windy run

At 5:23 this morning I got the phone call the school was closed for the day.  So I turned off my alarm, rolled over, and went back to sleep.  I got up with Chris and made coffee and watched the dogs high-step through the snow in the yard.  After having breakfast and working on a few projects, I decided to head out and hit the road.  

Weather.com said it was about 27 degrees in our neighborhood.  Of course, as I was getting ready, the wind picked up and was blowing snow everywhere.  I put on Smart Wool toe socks, my Merrells, pants, a fleece skirt, a long sleeve shirt, two jackets, a beanie style hat, my Buff face wrap, Brooks gloves with my homemade fleece mittens on top, and sunglasses. 

I made sure my watch found the gps BEFORE leaving the house since it was so cold.  I walked for about a half mile then I started running.  I had to be very careful since parts of the road were shady and there were some ice patches.  I live on a tertiary road and run on secondary roads...some had been plowed and there was sand in areas, but VDOT can't get every bit of it up. 

My lungs have still not quite recovered, so running was hard today.  When it was hard to breathe--which the cold air makes it almost impossible to breathe--I just walked.  But I was so glad to at least get out there and move.

January 21, 2013

After a week of not running, I finally got out there today.  I spent the last week trying to keep from getting sicker.  I thought a did a great job beginning antibiotics when I knew there was an infection starting, taking over the counter meds, using my Neti Pot, sleeping more, drinking plenty of fluids, and everything else.  The only thing I didn't do (and I know better) was starting to use my nebulizer when my lungs became affected.  I probably should have started using it a week ago, but only started using it 2 days ago.  I'll continue to get better!

But I did get out to run.  I knew it was going to continue to get colder today since a cold front is headed our way.  I walked for the first 1/2 mile and then started running.  I ran for about 3 more miles, then walked a couple of tenths of miles and then finished the rest of the way running.  It felt so great to get out in the air and run.  I struggled with my breathing for the first mile, but then it got better.  About mile 3 I realized that I hadn't taken my inhaler before leaving the house!  :-0 But I decided that I had made it that far and I would continue to run all the way home.

At least I have headed back out.  It felt horrible not being able to run and get outside.  Now, if I can make sure I don't get sick anymore, especially in the next month.  On February 24, 2013, I will run my very first Half Marathon joining thousands of other runners at the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  I can't wait!  

I picked up red, yellow, and white material yesterday at JoAnn's Fabrics to create my costume.  Megan gave me a blue technical shirt for Christmas to be my top and I will sew a yellow skirt out of satin, yellow spandex shorts, and a white collar and red cape.  I'll put photos and my directions on this blog when I get started on it.

Trying hard not to get sick!

I haven't run in almost a week!  I obviously didn't get rid of whatever illness I kept trying to get before my last long run.  Luckily, my doctor gives me antibiotics to begin taking when I know I need them.  The fuzziness in my head and dizziness last week were the beginnings of a sinus infection.  I began taking the antibiotics a few days ago, and have finally started to feel better.  I even had to leave work on Thursday due to the horrible feeling in my head.  I slept most of the day and took over the counter meds to help the mucus start flowing and getting out.  (Mucinex and Alka-Seltzer cold medicine)  I've also been using my inhaler at least once a day to help my breathing and breathing moist hot air in the shower daily.  If my nose was somewhat clear, I also used my Netti Pot.  

Luckily, I think I've caught this in time--if I don't, the yucky stuff drops to my lungs and I just get worse.  I didn't want to stop running, but my husband reminded me that sometimes our bodies just need to heal and get well.  I'm glad he is on my side and can convince me that sometimes it is ok to quit.  Of course, I know the first day back is going to be a little bit of a struggle.  I hope to run tomorrow or Monday close to home.  That way, if it is too soon to run, I can just walk myself back home.  

Here's to modern medicine!

January 13, 2013

Today was Sunday and Chris & I planned on running a nice long run.  On Friday, I almost left work since my head was spinning and I felt horrible, but I didn't.  If you are in education and teach, then you know how hard it is to just leave when you feel ill.  I could have gone to check if a sub was available, but I was worried that none would be plus they don't like hiring subs half day, so I didn't.  I really should have gone home.  

How does this relate to today's run?  Well, I tried to sleep extra on Saturday and Sunday to help me get over whatever it is bugging me (pun intended).  On Sunday, we drove to Harris Hollow road, parked the car, and headed out together.  Chris was actually ahead of me for the first mile or so, and I just couldn't catch up with him.  That should have clued me in that something was wrong.  I was just tired and couldn't seem to get in a rhythm and breathe correctly.  I basically walked a good deal more than I usually do and made it 4 miles out on the road.  Of course, then I had to turn around and go the 4 miles back to the car.  Which I finally did.  Slowly and painfully.  I probably shouldn't have run at all, but I am looking at running the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in about a month, and I want to continue my mileage.  

Once I made it back to the car, I tried to stretch and cool down, but gave up and just plopped in the car.  Chris started driving home while I drank my Accelerade.  As we got closer and closer to home, I began to get colder and colder--mind you, it was over 50 degrees outside.  I got so cold I had to turn on the seat heater and cover up with a towel.  When we made it home, I dropped all my running things, and curled up on the couch with a thick blanket.  My teeth were chattering I was so cold!  My husband said I didn't move for almost an hour--which is amazing since I really had to go to the bathroom on the drive home! :-o

Once I got warm, I soaked in a hot shower and felt much better.  I basically was exhausted and didn't do much of anything the rest of the day.  So much for exercise giving you energy.  But, I must have been fighting something, and hopefully the long run RAN it out of me.  At least I hope so!

So, notes to self: Don't run when you have a headache.  Don't run when you aren't breathing well.  Don't run when you don't feel well!  Or at least just run less!

January 10, 2013

After working all day, I had to run to the dump to turn in some recycling from work, then the post office, then home.  It was cloudy most of the afternoon, so I knew I would have to worry about how much daylight I would have on my run.  I quickly got ready to run, took my inhaler and antihistamine, and debated taking something for my slight headache.  I decided to try to just run through it.  I really dislike taking medication (really ironic since I have to take meds every day for asthma) and had a headache most of the day.  That should have been a big clue for me.  Take something for a headache, don't expect it to disappear on its own!
As I ran down the road, my husband passed me on his way home.  I had hoped he would be able to join me, but he commutes 1.5-2 hours each way to work so sometimes he just can't get here in time.  I only got in 3.5 miles today and struggled with my breathing most of the run.  I am not sure if it was because I was pushing myself, or because my head hurt, or because it was just a bad day for my breathing.  I didn't have an inhaler with me, so I walked more as my breathing became labored.  I made it home by the time it became dark and drank my Accelerade drink, and took a long hot shower.  The steam in the shower always helps my breathing and makes me feel better.  I hope to log a much longer run this weekend when the temperatures will be in the 60s.  Hard to believe, January in Virginia and it will be 60-something degrees!  Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about my bum getting cold on the run! :-)

January 9, 2013--Blood Donation

I should have run today, but instead I decided to save 3 lives.  After work and a meeting, I headed to the Washington Fire Hall for their blood drive.  Luckily the line wasn't long and I got right in.  I have to work on warming up my finger for the hemoglobin check since I am sometimes borderline.  Luckily I had a score of 14 today!  I had a younger phlebotomist today and she had to do a little moving of the needle a few times to keep my blood flowing.  Usually I can fill my bag in about 5-6 minutes, but not today!  But, I donated!  

Go to redcrossblood.org to locate a blood drive near you.  It takes about an hour, hurts only a little, and saves lives.  One day someone special to you may need blood.  Be a hero--donate today!

January 4, 2013

Today was one of my last days off for the holidays, so after doing many small jobs around the house, I decided to hit the road.  I pulled on my VFFs and took my ihaler and antihistamine and headed outside.  I was able to run 4.1 miles today, but my average pace was a little slower than on New Years' Day.  I think the hills here really slow me down, or the excitement of a race really speeds me up!  I felt good running today and didn't have to worry about how light or dark it was since I ran earlier in the day.  Another good running day!

January 6, 2013

Today is Ephiphany, the day where some religions celebrate the Wise Men's visit to the Christ child.  Our family has always celebrated this day with a small gift to each family member under the tree.  It also signifies the 12th day of Christmas and time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations.  So, much of my day was spent trying to do just that.  It is always so much more fun to decorate than to un-decorate!  Plus, both Megan and Sarah have returned to college, meaning I have two less helpers!
Once I found time to run, I had almost waited too long.  It is still getting dark close to 5:30, so I have to remember to start my runs with enough time to finish before dark. Luckily, Megan gave me lights for my hat and a nighttime running vest to help keep me safe.  I needed these today since it was late afternoon when I headed out.  
I was able to log 7.55 miles today, but really wanted to do 8 or 9.  I decided that today would be a slower run, trying to just log more miles and work on my endurance.  I didn't feel fabulous, but I didn't feel horrible either.  Just an okay running day.  About 4/10s from home, it was almost dark and I was running by an embankment next to a field.  All of a sudden I heard a huge noise and rustling leaves--it was a cow that had been right next to the fence that I had startled.  He startled me too!  I jumped and exclaimed, "You scared me to death!" and continued running.  Luckily no one is around when I run, because people might really get a kick out of the things that I say and do as I move along. 
My calves have really been tight lately, so I realized that I needed to do more stretches to help lengthen them. My daughter Megan sent me a link about yoga stretches that help runners since running tends to tighten certain muscles.  After doing a few of the stretches, I definitely felt better.  Now to continue to do the stretches every day.

January 1, 2013 Commitment Day Run

My husband, daughter, and I decided to try something new for New Years' Day.  We drove to Fairfax, VA and joined hundreds other runners for the inaugural Commitment Day Run in Washington, DC.  I love going to runs/races because it is a great motivator for me and the spirit and energy of all of the runners is contagious and uplifting.  We got there early because we weren't sure how difficult it would be get parking, especially since we didn't have any idea how many people would be there.  We picked up our numbers, a T-shirt, and a free journal.  Then we stayed in the car to keep warm until time to head to the race.  
After taking my inhaler and all of us getting suited up, we walked to the race starting point.   My daughter joined other dancers in a line dance, while my husband and I had our picture taken.  We then grabbed our daughter and got a few pictures with all three of us.  We wandered around taking in all the runners and excitement.  The most interesting person had to be the young gentleman who was dressed in a suit, tie, and dress shoes with a number pinned to his shirt.  As he sipped his Starbucks coffee, we asked him if he was really going to run like that, and he said yes.  Wow!
We placed ourselves in the middle of the crowd, talked with a few nice people in the area and then headed out at the start signal.  The run was a 3.1 course that went on the roads around the Fairfax Corner shopping center.  Luckily it wasn't too hilly, and not as crowded as other runs I have been in.  I actually set a brand new best time for myself!  Woohoo!  My daughter found the suit man and asked him if he ran the whole way and if he had any blisters from his shoes.  He laughed and said yes he ran, and yes he had blisters.  Funny.
The whole point of Commitment Day is to help people commit to being healthier.  I think that this was the perfect way to ring in 2013.

December 2-December 29, 2012

 

December 29, 2012

I took several days off to enjoy the family and the holidays, but I am happy I got to get out and run today.  My husband and I headed out after the snow stopped and our brains got stuck trying to finish a holiday puzzle.  I didn't think I would be going very far (2-3 miles max) but the air was warmer than I thought it was going to be and I logged 4.52 miles today.  My pace was a little slow, but that is ok.      Funny, it is almost easier to run when you have very little time in the day than to run when you have lots of time!  I think for me, it is because I have to schedule everything in the day when I am busy, and on days I have lots of time, I waste a lot of it!  I also try to fill my days with a lot of projects that I want to do.  I have another fleece running skirt half made already.  I helped my daughter finish an apron that she had started and working on my skirt at the same time.  I still need to post the directions and photos for making my skirt on this site.      After 6+ months of running, I am very proud of myself.  I began running and barely could run 1/4 mile at a time.  Now I can run 4, 6, and more without stopping.  And my lungs and asthma seem to benefit!  I have not caught the flu, I haven't been really sick a day yet, and I've had fewer asthma attacks. So this is definitely working for me!

December 24, 2012

Today is Christmas Eve and my daughters and I were able to head out and run.  My husband wanted to head out with us since he was stuck on the phone with hughes net about our internet.  :-(     But, as we ran, it was snowing again.  We met a couple that was also out running, which was inspiring and cool.  It snowed for the first part of the run, quite a bit.  As I ran farther and farther, it started slowing down.  It was also getting icy on the road, so I had to watch where I stepped as I ran.  I ran a total of 7.26 miles today.  My pace was a little bit slower, but that is ok.  Merry Christmas!

December 21, 2012

Today was our last day at school until January 2013!  I was able to leave a little early (a holiday gift from admin) and headed home to suit up and get ready.  It was 38 degrees when I hit the pavement!  Whew!  As I ran, there were snow flurries sticking to my eyelashes and actually landing in my eyes.  How weird and still somewhat amazing!  I love the time when the snow is falling and everything seems so still and quiet.  It is quite calming and relaxing to run in snow.  Definitely different than running in the rain.      I was able to run 4.10 miles today in the snow.  It was cold.  I worked on my form and making sure I was running on my forefoot instead of my heels.  I was having a little heel soreness from not quite running correctly.  But, I ran.

December 19, 2012

This is our last week of school before the Christmas break, so things are busy!  So many people have been out with the flu, including my assistant, so things do not always go as planned.  It is funny how one thing that might change in your daily schedule, can affect everything else in your day.  But, luckily I got home in time to fit in a run tonight.      I logged 4.06 miles and kept my average pace at a 12:00 minute mile.  Running in twilight is its own challenge.  To me, it is the hardest part of the day to see and focus my vision on anything.  Add to it the amount of cars that are driving home from work or whatever, and it is just a busy time of day.  I do my best to stay alert and try to keep myself safe.

December 15, 2012

Today is Saturday, so luckily I don't have to wait to run until the evening and worry about how dark it is going to be.  I drove the car to the church, then ran home, back to 231, then back to the church.  I felt pretty good today, and my breathing was ok.  It really wasn't too cool today, compared to how cool it can be in the evenings.  I ran a total of 7.2 miles-- averaging a 12:00 minute mile pace.  I walked 2/10s of a mile at the half way point and ran the rest of the way.  The hills here are some of the hardest parts of my route to complete.  Some days I can run down and up them ok, then other days I just feel as if I am never going to make it up or down the hill. Today wasn't too bad.

December 13, 2012

Tonight it got dark close to 5:00 pm, which really makes it hard to work all day, come home and get ready, and head out.  Luckily, the darkest day is only a week away and things should start getting lighter slowly after that.  It is also hard to work, run, then write on this blog, so some of these are written a few days / weeks later.      I ran 3.94 miles today--almost 4 miles!  My goal today was to run as much as I could without walking.  I walked the first 2-3 minutes, then ran the rest of the route.  It felt good to do that.  Every day that I run, is a day closer to finishing a half marathon.  I will do it!

December 11, 2012

It is getting dark when I run in the evenings after work, and cold!  For that reason, I was only able to get in a 3.1 mile run today.  By the time I get home and change, take my meds, and layer all my layers on, it is that much closer to getting dark for the night.  I kept a pretty good pace, but most of my thoughts were on trying to keep the air that I breathed in from being so cold.  My husband bought me a Buff headwarmer, and with a little work, I can make that cover my nose and mouth and warm the air that I breathe in.  The worst is that it can get wet as I breathe out, which can be a little annoying against my mouth while running.

December 8, 2012--Surf 'n Santa 10 miler

Thursday night and Friday were pretty rough days.  We had a sick dog in pain who kept us up until 3 am Friday morning, so getting through work was very difficult since I was so tired.  My husband stayed home to make the emergency vet visit with our dog.  Luckily, we have amazing vets, and after some observation, x-rays, and a steroid shot, she was feeling much better.  Once I finished with work, I picked up our dog and headed home.  We loaded up the car and headed out to Virginia Beach.  We finally got there around 10:30 at night, tried to unwind, pulled out our clothes, and hit the hay.      We woke up early and grabbed a little breakfast, then headed out to get our registration packets.  It was a little foggy and misty, so trying to figure out what to wear wasn't easy.  I decided to wear a running skirt and long sleeve shirt.  I changed my shoes once we got our packets and put my VFFs on.  We stored our stuff in the car so my husband could pick it up when he finished his race.      We got to start in the same corral which was great.  The crowd was so festive and full of holiday spirit.  There were runners dressed as Christmas trees, Santas, Cookies, elves, and just about anything you could imagine.  I have no clue how they were able to actually run in some of the costumes!  Most of the 5K runners wore jingle bells (we each got one when we got our packets) and more costumes.  The 5K and 10 mile runners stayed together for the first 3 miles, and then we veered off to finish our next 7 miles.  Even though the crowds were less once we split, there were still tons of people running.  I kept a steady pace the whole race, only slowing down between miles 7 and 8.  Luckily I didn't stop running for long, just about 1-2 tenths of a mile.  I drank water or gatorade at every water stop except the very last one.  I met some really nice people while running--we chatted about how much farther to go (when do we turn around...34th?  we are only at 21st!), about other races, and how perfect the weather was today for running.  One of my favorite parts was when I rounded the turn on 2nd to the Boardwalk and got a whiff of the ocean breeze.  It was amazing to run and smell the salty air.  There were also bands and A Capella groups along the course that were singing Christmas carols.  There were radio stations also broadcasting and one even handing out mardi gras type beads to runners.  Although, running the last half with beads bouncing as I ran was a little weird.      Making the final couple of turns into the Convention Center (the finish line was actually in the building) was amazing.  I became teary-eyed when I turned the second turn and realized that I had really just run 10 miles, and finished! And I beat my goal time of 2 hours!  I really was a bit worried about it and nervous, so it was pretty emotional to finish.  When I ran into the building, they were announcing the runners who entered, and I actually heard my name.  I saw my husband with the camera trying to take a photo as I funneled through the volunteers that were handing us water, Gatorade, Power bars, a commemorative glass, and other goodies.  Once I reached my husband, I gave him a huge hug.  I was relieved, proud, and exhausted.  The Convention Center was packed with runners and friends, and there were loads of decorations and a live band.  We had fun walking around, taking pictures, and enjoying the food and drinks.     We left the convention center and headed back to the hotel to shower and checkout.  Once I had a chance to check my watch, I was thrilled by my times.  My average mile time was 11:19, and I kept my pace pretty steady, with the 7th and 8th mile being the slowest ones.  I actually tackled a longer race and succeeded!   This was a great run and a lot of fun.  They hold four different runs during the year, and they are probably all as well managed as this one was.  A very good day indeed.

December 4, 2012

Today was a school day, but I came home on time so I could run.  I suited up and took my meds and headed out.  It was nice weather so I did an easy run.  I ran about 2 miles and wore my Merrells tonight.  My ankles were a little sore, it seems to happen sometimes when I change the shoes that I chose to wear.  So I'm not sure what shoes I should wear on my 10 mile race on Saturday.  Which by the way, I'm a little nervous about.  I haven't run 10 miles ever, so hopefully I can do it.  Tonight my run was easy on the legs and easy on my lungs.

December 2, 2012

    Today was Sunday, so we ate breakfast, went to church, and came home to get ready for a long run.  I have got to plan better for these longer runs than I have been. Racing a long run is actually easier because there are plenty of port-potties and water stations on a race course, and none on my neighborhood route.  I brought my hand held water bottle, plenty of kleenexes and chapstick.  I also took my Benadryl and inhaler and dresses appropriately, so I thought I would be good to go.  We drove to the Baptist church down the road and then we both ran to 231 and turned around.  Chris ran a route right by the car and I continued all the way to the Boston Store and route 522.  My total mileage was 8.5 miles today!  But, it wasn't my best run.  About 6 miles into the run, I became so hungry I was lightheaded.  I meant to grab a gel pack before leaving, and totally forgot.  So I have to remember this for my next big run.  I think I would have felt much better running if I had done that.  I basically walked almost a mile because I was totally wiped out and struggling with running.  I really haven't felt that way too often, and I really don't like how it made me feel!  I also had to go to the bathroom (again!) so I need to remember to hit the toilet one last time before leaving.  Our road is about half way down the route I ran, and I seriously thought about going the 2/10ths of a mile down to hit the restroom and grab a gel, but I didn't.  I would have felt much better today on the last part if I had done that.  Well, chalk it up to something learned.  I finished 8.5 miles in 1:46.  Next week is my first 10 mile run ever!