Not Feeling It

So, my Saturday run of 5 miles was completed - a little half hearted, but at least I did it. I just really wasn't feeling a run that morning. I woke up and ended up falling back asleep for a few hours. So much so that when Jeremy woke up he thought I'd already gone for the run!!! Anyway, I ran, but it was slow and easy. I walked some - stopped and looked at garage sales some - but every time I would also stop my watch. That being said, I may have been away for longer than a 5 mile run, but I did actually run all 5 miles!

And I'm quite possibly an idiot. What I thought was the time on my watch I think might be the calories burned. I've got to figure that one out... More to come on that later.

So, this morning was a 4 mile run. I started on the treadmill until the sun started peaking through then finished up outside. And let me tell you - it was tough! What you eat and do the day before truly does make a difference. I've really got to get back on that - making sure I'm chugging the water and eating good foods that won't upset my stomach later. I may need to start looking into some gel or beans, too. I figure it's going to be coming time soon that I'll need something like that. It wouldn't hurt to try at least.

This weekend was good. We worked outside a bit on Sat. Jeremy mowed the lawn and I weeded the flower beds. Both were very much needed, and I think we did a great job. Other than that, we laid around and watched TV. I also read a book - first time I've done that in a while. It was a nice change of pace. Then Sunday I cleaned house and grocery shopped while Jeremy was at the farm. It was then that I realized I haven't done dishes in like 2 weeks. Not because we haven't used dished, but because Jeremy has been keeping them cleaned and through the wash cycle. Isn't he wonderful? I truly couldn't do all of this without him - he's such a huge support for me.

This week looks to be fun also. Dance tonight, and again looking forward to it! Last Thursday just went so well and I'm still on the high from that. I just finally hit my groove, I think. My parents are coming in later in the week for another trip to LR. Things are just moving along there! Maybe dad will pass all exams and be back on a transplant list soon, soon.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Quick Check...

I had a nice blog started, and lost it. Sure don't know what I did to do that, but oh well.

It's been almost a week, and I'm still chugging along! It's been busy, busy, but all is going well. Still running - a very successful 5 miles on Sat and looking forward to another one this Sat. Work is going good, dance is also going good. There's a few more busy weeks ahead, so I'm living for the weekends right now!

I know it's short, sweet, and very much to the point, but there's plenty of things for me to get done right now. Happy Tuesday - and have a great week!

Better days...

So I've kind of been down a bit this week. I'm sure mostly because of all the rain we've had. Monday after my morning run, I just didn't feel good about it, then I got home later than expected from dance and didn't get in the extra 1.5 miles to finish out my 3.5 for the day. Yesterday was just looooooong. I had to do a training for work, so I was up early, early and out the door on the road. The rain and dark skies really made it hard to keep from turning around and getting back in bed. Good thing I'm committed to what it is I do! Calling in sick would have been a nice option - too bad I'm honest. Anyway, the rain made dance - fun - for lack of a better word. Rain and a room full of 3 year olds doesn't mix well! They had SO much energy; like more than normal. It was good because I was able to feed off them a bit, but it made being productive a little challenging. I do enjoy the little darlings though. They really can be funny. SO despite the rain, and early start to the day, it really did go well.

Dad and Melanie stayed with us last night before their trip to LR this morning. It was nice getting to visit with Dad and I think Jeremy greatly enjoyed watching the Big Brother finale with Melanie. And of course, JJ and Jojo also love visitors! They got to see Jacob yesterday, too. Jeremy said he kept calling them JJ-Jojo - like they're one in the same. I unfortunately didn't get to see my boy, but I will get to see him Sunday, so it's not too bad.

Anyway, got up early this morning for another 3.5 mile run. And I did it!!! I ran 1 mile outside before it started raining - well, almost. It started raining with about .25 mile to go, so I just booked it to the house, changed out of the wet clothes and got on the treadmill. I finished strong and did a full 3.5 miles. And it actually wasn't too bad. I moved the treadmill under the fan and I think that helped a lot. My legs are definitely feeling it though. I think tomorrow I'll get up and do the bike again. That was nice last week and kept me going while giving me a little less stress on the legs/knees.

So all in all my week didn't start out fantastic. I was tired, it was rainy, and I just dreaded everything to come. Visitors last night and my run this morning lifted my spirits though. I'm back on it, and feel good about everything. Now just to finish the week strong with a 5 miler on Sat - and birthday bash on Sun!

Natalie posted a "Win a Game room for Pediatric Hospital" link on facebook. I'm sharing the love by adding it here. Arkansas Children's Hospital has been so wonderful to my family and extended family many, many times. It would be fantastic for them to get an upgraded game room! The top three vote getters are winners - so go VOTE! You can vote up to 10 times a day.
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http://xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

The Weekend and Monday Morning

It rained through the weekend which somewhat ruined my running attitude. The treadmill is just not my friend, but I had no choice. Saturday was a day of stretching - and lots of sleep. Pretty much all I did was sleep, and I hate it when I sleep that much. I just don't feel normal afterwards. Sunday was a 4 mile day, and because of the rain, I ran it on the treadmill. Needless to say, I didn't run the entire 4 miles. I walked a lot, which I typically do on the treadmill. I did however run 2.25 miles without stopping, and for me, on the treadmill, that was a great accomplishment.

I do think there's something wrong though - maybe with my treadmill, maybe with my watch, maybe with my distance calculations outside. I really don't know. All I know is that on the treadmill, I'm hurting/out of breath/dying around 1 mile. But when I'm outside I can easily go 2-3 miles, and sometimes more if I've paced myself well without exhausting myself. Plus, on the treadmill my thighs BURN - and I'm not even running an incline like the hills outside. I really don't get it. The transition between the two just don't make sense to me.

Anyway, due to lots of travels this week, I've had to alter my schedule. This morning I needed to run 3.5 miles because I won't be able to tomorrow. Needless to say, I only made it through 2. So my goal tonight is to go home after dance and finish out the remaining 1.5 miles. One can hope, right? I just don't feel good about myself for not finishing. I can't start breaking down this early in the game. I'm doing too well. My attitude has been good, my runs have been good, and despite all I've been doing, I really haven't been that tired. So, here's to no rain, cool temperatures, and an earlier sunrise!!! That's really all I need to keep pushing through.

Busy week ahead - work and dance tonight; travel for work tomorrow, dance, and overnight visitors (Dad and Melanie); run Wed; run, work, dance and travel on Thursday; presentation and travel home on Friday; run early, then Fayetteville on Sat; travel home and birthday bash on Sunday... Prayers are much welcomed (and needed).

Another day, another dollar

As I mentioned yesterday, this morning was a run or cross training morning. I opted for the bike - many reasons, but mainly just for a change. It was a nice workout. I biked for 5 miles and 30 minutes. As I increased the tension my legs started burning!!! It went fast, plus I was watching old school Saved By The Bell - anyone remember Jesse's "I'm so excited.. I'm so excited... (sob) I'm so... so... I'm so scared Zack." Ha! That was the episode. Niiiiice.

I'm dancing again tonight. Looking forward to it. Suzie couldn't make it, so I'm going to help her out. It's competition team night, so it should be fun. And I'm so proud of my Jazz/Tap I class! They did SO good yesterday. I also used colored stickers in the 3 year old class so they would have a "spot" to go to when we went center floor. The only issue that came up was one little darling wouldn't leave her sticker. She took me a little too literally when I said everyone who stayed on their sticker if they wanted a stamp at the end of class. :)

In other news, we're having another nephew! I'm so excited. Baby Everett (and I probably spelled it wrong) will be here in January. Oh, how I love all my boys!

Long weekend, 3 miler, and blond(er) hair

I had such a great, long weekend. Friday, Jeremy and I crashed early. I think we were both worn out from our busy weeks. Saturday, I picked up the house and did a little shopping. Then we watched football with Nathan. They supported the Hogs - and I got reprimanded for wearing my Texas shirt. Whatever - they're lucky I at least cheer for the Hogs, but only when they're not playing TX. :)

Sunday, we made a quick trip out to the farm to look at game camera pictures and then headed to TX. There were some good pictures this week, just as there were last week. I'm just hoping all the deer stick around so Jeremy can have a good season. We had lots of fun and good food in TX. There's always good food when we go home. I think it's just because I'm not the one preparing it. Ha! I think B really enjoyed all his gifts, as did Melanie, mom and dad. I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone and can't wait to do it again.

Today was another 3 mile run. I really pushed myself and feel great about it. I'm pretty sure this was my fastest run yet - I'm not posting the time though because it's still not good! I am getting there though. The heat and humidity are definitely back, not nearly as bad as it was, but still pretty bad. I'm surviving though and that's all I can do. Tomorrow is a 2 mile or cross train. I'm thinking about just riding the bike. Hal Higdon suggests that as a great cross train exercise for runners - plus it will keep me from getting out in the heat!

The "blond(er)" comment in the title is referring to my freshly highlighted hair. While in TX, mom highlighted it for me. I like it. It's not really a huge difference, but I think that was a smart go for the first time doing it. Maybe next time I'll go a little more.

So, it was a fun filled, busy, and hot weekend. Now, back to the grind. Running this morning, completed. Work, then dance tonight.

4 Miles and LOTS of Humidity!

I did it! 4 miles down - as well as one full week of running completed. I think I did really well today. I got out about 7:30 and paced myself well. I only had to walk about .25 mile - which is pretty good considering that's about what I walked during my three miler on Tuesday. I also started probably much slower than I needed to. I'm going to have to figure that out as I run more long distances. By starting slower though I was able to finish much stronger. Needless to say, I'm proud of my work today. This is the farthest I have run since April probably when I ran 5 miles. Knowing that I've done 5 before and 4 today just adds to the confidence building up inside me for the really long runs.

My legs are a little sore. I stretched out last night and today after I ran. The soreness will probably be around for a while. Running and dancing are going to keep my muscles guessing! Even though I stretch when running, it ultimately tightens up the muscles; whereas with dance, I need to be loose and flexible. So far it hasn't been an issue though, and I think as long as I keep stretching good I'll be A-OK!

I'm so glad it's a three day weekend! Of course, after today there's only one more day to enjoy. We're going to visit and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries this afternoon! I'm excited - and I think JJ and Jojo are ready for a little travel and visiting, too. They love Texas - though maybe not as much as I do.

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone!

Rockin' Along

Today was another 3 mile run... AND I did it! I was about 2 minutes faster in time from Tuesday, but I think part of that was due to the threat of rain and the garbage truck. I'm really bad about trying to look good when others are watching (and I don't mean appearance). So every time I'd see the garbage truck, I'd stand up straighter and run a little faster. Sounds crazy, right? I even do it when people come out to get the paper and I see them. Anyway, I think that was one of the reasons why I was a little faster today. There was more moisture in the air, but the cool temperature helped keep it from being too bad. So far this week I've run 8 miles. Wow! And after my 4 miler on Sunday I will have almost ran the half marathon distance. Granted, it was over the course of 4 days, but I still did it. Just proof that I can and will do it.

I'll admit though, this accountability is great. Around 2.5 I was ready to go in the house, and I seriously considered stopping. Of course, then I realized I would have to come here this morning and tell you all that's what I did. I couldn't let myself do that! Especially after I already ran 3 miles on Tuesday. :)

Today is a very special day for three very special people. First, it's my mom and dad's 39th wedding anniversary. I am so blessed to have two fabulous parents. They've been great role models and have shown that good times or bad - love, family and God are all you need to have a fulfilling life.

Second, it's B's 12th birthday!!! Happy Birthday B! I honestly can't believe that next year he'll be an official teenager. Fortunately, he's a really awesome guy, and he loves the Lord. Can't complain about that!

I hope everyone in blog land has a great Thursday! Only one more day, then a nice long three day weekend.

Day 2 - Success

It was really hard, but I did it. I got up this morning and went 2 miles! I almost talked myself out of it. Alarm goes off - I snooze while thinking, "hmmm, I really should get up, but then again, no dance tonight, so I could do it when I get off work." Alarm goes off again - I snooze while thinking, "Today is a run or cross training day, I could get up and ride the bike... that's what I'm going to do." Alarm goes off again, and I have to recommit to getting up and getting on the bike. The think is though, once I was up I didn't want to just ride the bike - I didn't want to just do yoga. Either one of those would have worked and been great, but I felt like I needed to keep chugging along running. So, I did. I walked/jogged 2 miles. I think I'm going to spend cross training days doing that for a while. I have a tendency when I walk while running to really slow my pace (as in "take a leisurely stroll"!). So, using cross training for a walk/jog combo will allow me to focus in on the walking portion to make sure I'm keeping a good pace. I really have to make a conscious effort to do that.

No dance tonight. Kind of sad, but I know my body needs the rest. Yesterday went much better. I felt more prepared, and in turn felt like the students had a better experience. Plus, in the one big class, I had two helpers which were fantastic! I really might have pulled out my hair if those girls weren't there to help me. I need to remember to give them big thanks for that next time I see them.

So, running is completed and no dance, I think Jeremy and I will maybe take a short trip to the store and then vegg out the rest of the evening. We've got a little Big Brother to catch up on!

5:30 don't come easy...

Today was the official Day 1 of running. Last night before falling asleep, I asked Jeremy if he heard the alarm to give me a swift push out of the bed. Needless to say, he didn't hear the alarm, but I didn't need a push. I got up, got dressed, ate some PB on toast, and went out the door. Of course, I say that like it was the easiest thing in the world - I didn't mention that I hit snooze three times and took about 30 mins. after that before I actually began the run. Early mornings don't come too easy, but I know as I continue on it will become a routine that I can stick with.

So, I made the run - 3 miles - pretty well. Sunday afternoon Jeremy helped measure my stride length so I could get my watch in working order. This morning I stuck with my typical route so I could double check out handy work. The first mile or so it was right on the mark, but as I continued, my stride length got shorter, thus making my distance show I went longer than I did. I'm going to continue my normal route for another week or so until I'm confident in the accuracy of the distance on my watch. I know it will probably never be perfect, but I want to get close.

Around mile 2 I started getting a little tired. You see, I haven't really done that much since my last race which was the end of July. I would maybe run a mile here or there, but didn't really push myself. Today I did though, which is a big accomplishment for me because usually when I get tired, I let my mind take over, and it usually wins. Not today though! I did walk about .25 mile, but I still felt good about it. When my pace gets so slow that I can walk faster than run, I know it's time to break for a few. I started strong - I finished strong - and put a big smiley face on Sept. 1!!!

In other news, the first day of dance classes was last night. CRAZINESS!!! I felt a little overwhelmed at times, not by the classes, but by all the excitement of day 1. When I got to the studio, I didn't even think there would be a place to park my car. Then I bruised my heel - way to go, Jess. Bummer. I was doing a "dig" in tap class which basically means you jam your heel into the ground, and felt when it happened. I must have been a little too excited. It doesn't really hurt, though. I was afraid it would mess up my run this morning, but I didn't feel a thing.

Day 2 tomorrow is a run/cross train. I'm not sure which I'll choose yet. I may do a walk/jog and some yoga. Love me some yoga!!!

Happy Tuesday.