Holy cow. Hot yoga is incredible. Hot yoga at TruHarmony Yoga kicked my butt! I went and did a Yoga Scuplt and Bootcamp tonight. It's in 95 degrees, it was 75 minutes long, and I feel amazing. I have never sweat so much in my life, I swear. At the end, I felt incredible, so healthy, so fresh. As my instructor said, "I shed a lot of layers" in that class.
I'm so excited to go back and try again, just this time bringing a beach towel with me.
At one point I was doing downward dog and my feet slipped since my mat was so drenched and my feet were so wet...I took that as a sign to go into childs pose. I was happy with how well I kept up, and really impressed with how I felt afterwards. I think this is going to become addictive quickly.
My advise to anyone going to a hot yoga class:
Bring a mat
Bring a beach towel
Bring a big bottle of water
Listen to your body
Bring a change of clothes afterwards
Not sure if a bootcamp is the best first hot yoga class to do, but it was amazing!
Hopefully I'll be ok to run in the morning :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Recovery time? I don't need no stinky recovery time!
Last night from 5:30-6:20ish I ran 5 miles. This morning at 6:30 I started running 4 miles. Just over 12 hours of rest in between...who needs recovery time!
It was fantastic this morning. The sun wasn't quite up yet, I went on a new route, and I just ran. It was fantastic (did I mention that?)
Tonight I get to go to a Yoga Sculpt and Bootcamp and I am quite excited about this! Hopefully it will stretch out all the muscles that I work when I run.
Since I ran 4 miles this morning, plan is for 3 miles tomorrow...we'll see how I feel after yoga though :)
It was fantastic this morning. The sun wasn't quite up yet, I went on a new route, and I just ran. It was fantastic (did I mention that?)
Tonight I get to go to a Yoga Sculpt and Bootcamp and I am quite excited about this! Hopefully it will stretch out all the muscles that I work when I run.
Since I ran 4 miles this morning, plan is for 3 miles tomorrow...we'll see how I feel after yoga though :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Fantastic
This morning, I was not ready to get up. I opted to stay in bed, run 5 after work, and tomorrow deal with getting up for 3-4 miles and then yoga after work.
I'm so glad that I did this.
Wonderful run, under 10 minute pace! 9:50 to be exact. This really made me feel much better about Saturday's run since I proved to myself I'm doing just fine. The run was great, light wind, beautiful evening. Being out and running after work helped me to feel better about my day too.
Now that I'm home, made some stew for dinner, will relax a bit, go to bed early, and run in the morning...after work tomorrow is a yoga bootcamp which I will review :) Thursday is another run in the morning as well, then Saturday is RACE DAY!
I love running in the fall, it just makes me so happy!
I'm so glad that I did this.
Wonderful run, under 10 minute pace! 9:50 to be exact. This really made me feel much better about Saturday's run since I proved to myself I'm doing just fine. The run was great, light wind, beautiful evening. Being out and running after work helped me to feel better about my day too.
Now that I'm home, made some stew for dinner, will relax a bit, go to bed early, and run in the morning...after work tomorrow is a yoga bootcamp which I will review :) Thursday is another run in the morning as well, then Saturday is RACE DAY!
I love running in the fall, it just makes me so happy!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Bad at updating this past week
It appears I neglected to post regarding two of my runs this past week.
Wednesday run was only supposed to be 3, but I felt good so went just a tiny bit farther, 3.25. It was a good run, but still more humid than a September run "should" be.
On Thursday, my hammy's were dead. I don't know why, but they just were so tight I didn't even know if I could do the stairs at work. I rested that day rather than push too much.
Saturday was my 10 miler. This was a big deal to me since when I ran long distance more frequently a couple of years ago, 10 miles was my favorite distance to run. The weather was more September like. 55 degrees or so, north or northwest wind 10-15 mph, sunny, and just that feel of fall running. I opted to head to the lakefront but ran from my apartment so that takes a good 2 miles. I ran north into the wind for 3 miles, just wanting to hit my turn point. I was not as fast as I wanted to be, but I just kept going. There were lots of people out on the lake, and many of them passed me, but it was ok. I hit my turn point and then had the wind at my back...or so I thought. For most of the 3 miles it felt at my back, but every once and a while it was in my face. Then I started heading west, and the wind was back. I just kept going, I no longer cared about my pace, I just wanted to keep going and get home.
Once I got home, some how I was short about 3 blocks, so I kept going until my garmin told me I was at 10 miles. Perhaps I ran a bit further, which explains the 10:22 pace, but even if I was just at 10, I finished the 10.
I felt out of shape.
How you ask? 10:22 pace made me feel out of shape. My body was fine with the distance. My breathing was fine with the distance. I just felt out of shape. I realize, I ran 10 miles. Most people never run 10 miles. I remember why this was my favorite distance, but I have a ways to go before it becomes my favorite distance again.
The good news is, I have more opportunities to run this distance. I am officially signed up for the half marathon on October 31 which is good.
I am also signed up for an important 10k this Saturday. The AIDS Run & Walk 10k in Chicago...I'm still looking for sponsors, so if you can, please donate before Saturday right here:
Tomorrow morning 5 miles is planned, so I will do my best to write up about that at some point tomorrow.
Wednesday run was only supposed to be 3, but I felt good so went just a tiny bit farther, 3.25. It was a good run, but still more humid than a September run "should" be.
On Thursday, my hammy's were dead. I don't know why, but they just were so tight I didn't even know if I could do the stairs at work. I rested that day rather than push too much.
Saturday was my 10 miler. This was a big deal to me since when I ran long distance more frequently a couple of years ago, 10 miles was my favorite distance to run. The weather was more September like. 55 degrees or so, north or northwest wind 10-15 mph, sunny, and just that feel of fall running. I opted to head to the lakefront but ran from my apartment so that takes a good 2 miles. I ran north into the wind for 3 miles, just wanting to hit my turn point. I was not as fast as I wanted to be, but I just kept going. There were lots of people out on the lake, and many of them passed me, but it was ok. I hit my turn point and then had the wind at my back...or so I thought. For most of the 3 miles it felt at my back, but every once and a while it was in my face. Then I started heading west, and the wind was back. I just kept going, I no longer cared about my pace, I just wanted to keep going and get home.
Once I got home, some how I was short about 3 blocks, so I kept going until my garmin told me I was at 10 miles. Perhaps I ran a bit further, which explains the 10:22 pace, but even if I was just at 10, I finished the 10.
I felt out of shape.
How you ask? 10:22 pace made me feel out of shape. My body was fine with the distance. My breathing was fine with the distance. I just felt out of shape. I realize, I ran 10 miles. Most people never run 10 miles. I remember why this was my favorite distance, but I have a ways to go before it becomes my favorite distance again.
The good news is, I have more opportunities to run this distance. I am officially signed up for the half marathon on October 31 which is good.
I am also signed up for an important 10k this Saturday. The AIDS Run & Walk 10k in Chicago...I'm still looking for sponsors, so if you can, please donate before Saturday right here:
http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/flobear100
Tomorrow morning 5 miles is planned, so I will do my best to write up about that at some point tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hot & Sticky, yet inspiring
This morning was a hot, humid mid September morning. I don't know how high the humidity was, but I know that by mile 2 I was drenched and feeling dehydrated. Something you do not want to feel 2 miles into a 4.5 mile run, dehydrated.
How would I fix this next time? Always remember to have at least a few sips of water before going out for a morning run. Potentially bring water with you on a hot morning run as well.
I've noticed I've been lazy about bringing water with me. I have a fuel belt so it's not as though it's difficult for me to bring it, I just don't for some reason.
At the end of the run I realized that I really do want to start doing a race or two. October 2 is that date. I was scheduled to run 8 miles, instead I'm going to complete a 10k race (6.2 miles). I am running the AIDS Run & Walk 10K.
Anyone feel like donating to a great cause? Go here:
http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/flobear100
It's good to give when you're doing something that you love...especially a great cause like the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
The next step is to officially register for the half marathon, something I plan to do later this week. I'm happy that I'm able to get up and run in the morning. I'm happy that I get inspired to run after work at night. I still don't know if I'm a morning or an evening runner, perhaps that makes me both :)
For now though, I need to stretch some more and drink more water...but the pizza I had for lunch was well deserved!
How would I fix this next time? Always remember to have at least a few sips of water before going out for a morning run. Potentially bring water with you on a hot morning run as well.
I've noticed I've been lazy about bringing water with me. I have a fuel belt so it's not as though it's difficult for me to bring it, I just don't for some reason.
At the end of the run I realized that I really do want to start doing a race or two. October 2 is that date. I was scheduled to run 8 miles, instead I'm going to complete a 10k race (6.2 miles). I am running the AIDS Run & Walk 10K.
Anyone feel like donating to a great cause? Go here:
http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/flobear100
It's good to give when you're doing something that you love...especially a great cause like the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
The next step is to officially register for the half marathon, something I plan to do later this week. I'm happy that I'm able to get up and run in the morning. I'm happy that I get inspired to run after work at night. I still don't know if I'm a morning or an evening runner, perhaps that makes me both :)
For now though, I need to stretch some more and drink more water...but the pizza I had for lunch was well deserved!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Long runs, rain, poop
Once you start training for something, there is this natural tendency to become obsessed with your poop and your poop cycle. This is an important part of the long run since you really do need to poop before you go out for a long run since, well, there aren't always places you can go to poop, and really, do you want to while out on a run? Long run especially...though short runs you should try to poop first. Short runs in my mind are less than 5 miles, long runs are greater than 6 miles...that's just how I view them. On a short run if you have to poop you can always run home and either go back out or be done with your short run. On a long run that's not usually the case. It also depends on where you're running. If you're driving someone to run any distance, that can play a factor as well.
See, you start talking about poop and then there are all of these different factors that pop up regarding your poop! My general rule of thumb is this: long run = empty out the tank...that may mean more than one poop! So be sure to give yourself enough time before you run to empty out the tank.
Rain...rain is an interesting thing that runners deal with. I love running in the rain, but I hate getting the motivation to run in the rain. A few things about rain you should know:
1.) Rain does not soak your shoes, puddles do
2.) Once you reach a certain wetness, you no longer feel the rain
3.) Rain keeps you cool while you're running
4.) There are very few people you will run into when you're running in the rain and you all will give each other the nod, and sometimes hear the "way to go"
5.) When you're done with your run in the rain, you feel extra good
6.) Running in the rain is fun and really can just make you feel like a kid again
That's how I motivate myself to run in the rain. Once I'm out there it's fine, it's the getting out there part, but trust me, it's totally worth it!
So today's run, 8 miles. This is the first real long run I've done in this training. It felt fantastic. It's amusing how the first half of the run seems to take forever and the second half is done so fast. Even more funny when time wise my split was totally off and my second half was about a minute longer than my first half. The first 4 miles were into the rain, the second 4 miles were into the wind, but it was just awesome. I'm really looking forward to next weeks long run of 10 miles. When I used to run long distance all the time, 10 miles was my favorite distance, so this is exciting to be back in shape enough to go out for a 10 miler in one week! For now though, I will be very happy with my 8 mile run today. I came home and enjoyed a glass of dark chocolate almond milk, a wonderful recovery drink due to the mix of carbs and protein, and well chocolate almond milk is just damn tasty!
For the rest of the day, I will enjoy myself and be excited that I did more than most people in terms of working out today....well except for people running the Chicago Marathon, they ran 20 today (or tomorrow)
See, you start talking about poop and then there are all of these different factors that pop up regarding your poop! My general rule of thumb is this: long run = empty out the tank...that may mean more than one poop! So be sure to give yourself enough time before you run to empty out the tank.
Rain...rain is an interesting thing that runners deal with. I love running in the rain, but I hate getting the motivation to run in the rain. A few things about rain you should know:
1.) Rain does not soak your shoes, puddles do
2.) Once you reach a certain wetness, you no longer feel the rain
3.) Rain keeps you cool while you're running
4.) There are very few people you will run into when you're running in the rain and you all will give each other the nod, and sometimes hear the "way to go"
5.) When you're done with your run in the rain, you feel extra good
6.) Running in the rain is fun and really can just make you feel like a kid again
That's how I motivate myself to run in the rain. Once I'm out there it's fine, it's the getting out there part, but trust me, it's totally worth it!
So today's run, 8 miles. This is the first real long run I've done in this training. It felt fantastic. It's amusing how the first half of the run seems to take forever and the second half is done so fast. Even more funny when time wise my split was totally off and my second half was about a minute longer than my first half. The first 4 miles were into the rain, the second 4 miles were into the wind, but it was just awesome. I'm really looking forward to next weeks long run of 10 miles. When I used to run long distance all the time, 10 miles was my favorite distance, so this is exciting to be back in shape enough to go out for a 10 miler in one week! For now though, I will be very happy with my 8 mile run today. I came home and enjoyed a glass of dark chocolate almond milk, a wonderful recovery drink due to the mix of carbs and protein, and well chocolate almond milk is just damn tasty!
For the rest of the day, I will enjoy myself and be excited that I did more than most people in terms of working out today....well except for people running the Chicago Marathon, they ran 20 today (or tomorrow)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
4.5 at a 9:38 pace
Well I found (or perhaps refound) the secret...stop thinking, just go how you feel. I figured out my route earlier in the day and lucky for me, it was into the wind first. I started off feeling pretty strong, and I just went with it. Yes, I stopped at 4 lights, but not for long and ran in place.
I ran how I felt, I did not look at my time, and only checked my distance twice before I was near the end. I checked near the end to make sure I had enough distance. I ended a 4.5 mile run in 43:17, I was really pleased with myself. This week, even with sore legs, I'm getting stronger and just going with it. I'm really looking forward to the 8 miles on Saturday...after that I think I'll officially sign up for the race and not just keep thinking about signing up for the race.
I still haven't decided if I'm a morning or an evening runner, but I've been running for 7 years and I always seem to alternate...hell I even did afternoon lunch runs for a couple of years.
So my secret discovery is to just run how I feel...yes eventually I'll go back to planned runs with intervals and sprints and easy etc, but now it's just go how I feel, but hit the distances I need to hit.
I felt so good when I came home that I decided to do a little bit of strength, just biceps and triceps, but still, that was great.
OK, now, relaxation!
I ran how I felt, I did not look at my time, and only checked my distance twice before I was near the end. I checked near the end to make sure I had enough distance. I ended a 4.5 mile run in 43:17, I was really pleased with myself. This week, even with sore legs, I'm getting stronger and just going with it. I'm really looking forward to the 8 miles on Saturday...after that I think I'll officially sign up for the race and not just keep thinking about signing up for the race.
I still haven't decided if I'm a morning or an evening runner, but I've been running for 7 years and I always seem to alternate...hell I even did afternoon lunch runs for a couple of years.
So my secret discovery is to just run how I feel...yes eventually I'll go back to planned runs with intervals and sprints and easy etc, but now it's just go how I feel, but hit the distances I need to hit.
I felt so good when I came home that I decided to do a little bit of strength, just biceps and triceps, but still, that was great.
OK, now, relaxation!
Body aches
Well, yesterday I ran my scheduled 3 miles though I was exhausted. I ended up running faster than I have since I started training. Under 9:30 pace, I think about 9:27 or so. It's awesome!
Today I am sore, but that really good sore feeling. I have to run 4.5 tonight after work, but I'm going to try to run home rather than run around work then walk home.
Funny story on yesterday's run. I work at a psychiatric facility where individuals live and receive treatment. One of my resident's saw me on the way home and got confused, starting running with me and couldn't catch up...he asked me to slow down and I tried as best I could, but it made me feel wicked fast.
Today's run should be good...possibly a rainy run and that works for me :) but now, off to work
Today I am sore, but that really good sore feeling. I have to run 4.5 tonight after work, but I'm going to try to run home rather than run around work then walk home.
Funny story on yesterday's run. I work at a psychiatric facility where individuals live and receive treatment. One of my resident's saw me on the way home and got confused, starting running with me and couldn't catch up...he asked me to slow down and I tried as best I could, but it made me feel wicked fast.
Today's run should be good...possibly a rainy run and that works for me :) but now, off to work
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
After one week off
So because I was sick last week, and had an important wedding to attend (my boyfriend's sister's wedding), I did not run last week. It was a light week of running, so I decided it wasn't too bad of a decision.
Last night I went out for my schedule 4 mile run. It, was, fan-tas-tic! I had the wrong pants on which will cause a problem for this evenings run, but whatever, I'll deal.
4 miles, most of it on the lake, just lovely. I was very consistent and I felt great. Today my legs are slightly sore and I think after running today and once more tomorrow, my legs are going to be dead on Friday...so long as they heal up for Saturday it'll be fine.
I still have not actually signed up for this race yet, I'm thinking after I get paid on Friday I'll just do it. I think I'm pretty much ready.
One word to the wise...wash all new running clothes before you run in them. Also...when you try them on in the store, run in place a little bit...my thighs did not like these new pants, but hopefully they will get worn in quickly.
Also...missing one week of training will not kill you and it can make you mentally stronger.
Last night I went out for my schedule 4 mile run. It, was, fan-tas-tic! I had the wrong pants on which will cause a problem for this evenings run, but whatever, I'll deal.
4 miles, most of it on the lake, just lovely. I was very consistent and I felt great. Today my legs are slightly sore and I think after running today and once more tomorrow, my legs are going to be dead on Friday...so long as they heal up for Saturday it'll be fine.
I still have not actually signed up for this race yet, I'm thinking after I get paid on Friday I'll just do it. I think I'm pretty much ready.
One word to the wise...wash all new running clothes before you run in them. Also...when you try them on in the store, run in place a little bit...my thighs did not like these new pants, but hopefully they will get worn in quickly.
Also...missing one week of training will not kill you and it can make you mentally stronger.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
She's running the distance (halfway)
On Friday, when I had planned on running my long run, I caught a bug that's been going around. It's hard to tell if this is a summer cold or a flu like thing, but it stinks. I had body aches, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, you name it I had it! I opted to not go for my run on Friday since I had the body aches. Typically, I've been told that so long as you don't have a fever you can go running, I just did not feel up to it or anything for that matter...well except for crochet class :)
So yesterday (Saturday) I worked a full day and then decided I had to try to go running. I had felt like poop all day, but kept taking medicine that seemed to be helping. The body aches had gone away, I was just dried out (thanks to the cold medicine). I brought a full fuel belt of water (since I was so dried out) and figured I'd give it a shot. If I didn't feel well within the first mile, I'd turn back...otherwise, I'd go for it.
Since I was running from work, I opted to go to the lakefront. There was a strong breeze out of the west so it didn't matter where I went on the lake. For Labor Day weekend the lakefront was empty...I guess 65-70 degrees will do that...happy for me, it made my run very enjoyable. I opted to go north on the lakefront, up past North Ave beach, Fullerton, and up to Diversey. Rather than turning around and running on the same path, I opted to go under the bridge at Diversey and run around the harbor. I really liked doing that...must run that again! I ran past the zoo (thought about running through it but there were still people mulling about so opted against that). Then on North. Again, I didn't want to run the same area twice yesterday, so I opted for Dearborn, Clark, and LaSalle back to Division rather than just running on Division. When I got to Wells I realized I was short about a block or two...so I went south on Wells and turned around before sprinting to Orleans.
I made it all 6 miles and I felt great.
While running my nose was clear, I was still dry but water helped. I felt at one with nature and just in a happy place. The weather was perfect, my attitude was right, my pace was slow but I was just enjoying myself out there.
So now I must officially sign up for the half marathon since I was able to run half the distance yesterday, that means I can totally run the whole thing. My brother once told me, if you can run half, the rest is just mental. Of course, he had told me that because we were training for a 16 mile race and he had only trained up to 8 before a minor injury...but he managed to make all 16 miles.
What did I learn from this?
When you are sick, you can totally go running...just be prepared that after feeling great again during the run, when you start to feel like poop afterwards it can be doubly hard, since you just felt great.
So yesterday (Saturday) I worked a full day and then decided I had to try to go running. I had felt like poop all day, but kept taking medicine that seemed to be helping. The body aches had gone away, I was just dried out (thanks to the cold medicine). I brought a full fuel belt of water (since I was so dried out) and figured I'd give it a shot. If I didn't feel well within the first mile, I'd turn back...otherwise, I'd go for it.
Since I was running from work, I opted to go to the lakefront. There was a strong breeze out of the west so it didn't matter where I went on the lake. For Labor Day weekend the lakefront was empty...I guess 65-70 degrees will do that...happy for me, it made my run very enjoyable. I opted to go north on the lakefront, up past North Ave beach, Fullerton, and up to Diversey. Rather than turning around and running on the same path, I opted to go under the bridge at Diversey and run around the harbor. I really liked doing that...must run that again! I ran past the zoo (thought about running through it but there were still people mulling about so opted against that). Then on North. Again, I didn't want to run the same area twice yesterday, so I opted for Dearborn, Clark, and LaSalle back to Division rather than just running on Division. When I got to Wells I realized I was short about a block or two...so I went south on Wells and turned around before sprinting to Orleans.
I made it all 6 miles and I felt great.
While running my nose was clear, I was still dry but water helped. I felt at one with nature and just in a happy place. The weather was perfect, my attitude was right, my pace was slow but I was just enjoying myself out there.
So now I must officially sign up for the half marathon since I was able to run half the distance yesterday, that means I can totally run the whole thing. My brother once told me, if you can run half, the rest is just mental. Of course, he had told me that because we were training for a 16 mile race and he had only trained up to 8 before a minor injury...but he managed to make all 16 miles.
What did I learn from this?
When you are sick, you can totally go running...just be prepared that after feeling great again during the run, when you start to feel like poop afterwards it can be doubly hard, since you just felt great.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Rainy start
I opted for a triple workout yesterday...triple if you count my walk home a workout.
4 mile run in the morning
1.5 mile walk home
30 minute cardio & strength workout (Gilad)
In light of the extra workout yesterday, I understand why my training schedule says to do the run and strength workout the day before a rest day. My body was dead this morning. I'm sure the rain outside had some impact on that as well, but for sure the extra workout did some (good) damage.
I've brought everything with me to run home this evening though...something I haven't done here yet. Yes, it's 1.5 miles home, so I'll add onto the run down here a bit, but still, should be a good run and possibly still raining out.
I do love running in the rain, but it's hard to start the day off running in the rain. I rather end the day running in the rain, unless it's a long run on the weekend, or a race, then it's fine to start the day with.
I think it's just the thought of going to work after working out in the rain...I'm weird, I understand and accept this.
On a side note, I think I need to identify what's going on in my brain. I seem to be turning into a cynical individual rather than my positive, cheery disposition individual that I adore. I need to work on this and see what is going on. It may be some of the thing occurring at my place of work, or the attitude of the individuals I spend time with at work...or perhaps my own self questioning and thinking since I've gone from no free time to all free time...something to ponder indeed.
4 mile run in the morning
1.5 mile walk home
30 minute cardio & strength workout (Gilad)
In light of the extra workout yesterday, I understand why my training schedule says to do the run and strength workout the day before a rest day. My body was dead this morning. I'm sure the rain outside had some impact on that as well, but for sure the extra workout did some (good) damage.
I've brought everything with me to run home this evening though...something I haven't done here yet. Yes, it's 1.5 miles home, so I'll add onto the run down here a bit, but still, should be a good run and possibly still raining out.
I do love running in the rain, but it's hard to start the day off running in the rain. I rather end the day running in the rain, unless it's a long run on the weekend, or a race, then it's fine to start the day with.
I think it's just the thought of going to work after working out in the rain...I'm weird, I understand and accept this.
On a side note, I think I need to identify what's going on in my brain. I seem to be turning into a cynical individual rather than my positive, cheery disposition individual that I adore. I need to work on this and see what is going on. It may be some of the thing occurring at my place of work, or the attitude of the individuals I spend time with at work...or perhaps my own self questioning and thinking since I've gone from no free time to all free time...something to ponder indeed.
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