Tuesday, September 20, 2016

An Unexpected Training Goal Completed

Originally I was hoping to get a long run in this weekend that would be about 5-6 miles.  However, this week got hot again and even the mornings were pretty humid.  If I didn't wake up before the sun, then the run was probably not happening, at least outside.  And of course my body decided it liked sleeping in until after the sun was up.

I spent most of my workouts in the gym, but I was definitely feeling stronger.  I was able to go farther on the elliptical and I felt really good on the treadmill.  My knee had a few issues towards the end of the workouts, but overall I felt really good.  That helped my running self-esteem for sure.

Now three days of running on machines is good, but not really that surprising for me.  The unexpected training goal was that I ran today as well, making me run 4 times in 5 days.  I did take a break one day for sleep and yoga.  I was pretty sore from pushing it on the machines (I make sure the settings aren't easy and there's still a challenge) and decided a day of stretching would be beneficial.  It paid off and this morning I felt fantastic.

The weather was gorgeous, humidity was low, and I felt great.  My legs didn't fatigue until towards the end of my 3.5 mile run and I knew I could have pushed it farther if I had been given enough time.  Unfortunately work cut into that.  I have felt good all day as well, no soreness from the run.  Maybe my endurance and strength are coming back?  I'll only know in the coming weeks.

I'm just excited I was able to get so much cardio in so close to each other.  My legs will hate me now, but they will thank me later.  We will see what next week has to bring... and the week after that... and eventually the challenge.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Getting A Little More Into It

We have had some decent mornings in central Florida, and I was hoping today's would be the same.  It was... sort of.  It was starting to get hot around around 7:00 when I left for my run, but it still wasn't too bad and there was a slight breeze.  I'm just hoping we don't completely fall back into a typical Florida summer weather pattern... I'm so sick of hot mornings.

Last week when I tried to run, 2 miles was a struggle.  I'm happy to report that I was able to hit 4 miles today.  The last mile was also a struggle, but it was double the distance of last week.  No, I will not be double my distance again next week, just adding one or two more miles.  I still have a month and a half to go to try and regain some of my endurance.

I have to say though, I'm so happy about my walking pace.  This year I really focused on keeping my walk below, or right around a 16 minute pace.  That is one thing I have constantly been successful with all summer.  I know that even if I can't finish Lumiere's Challenge by running, I should be far enough ahead, and my walk should be quick enough that I will finish regardless.

I'm still a bit nervous about the race.  I keep thinking it's next week, but I still have more time to get ready.  Of course we also have the Food and Wine festival starting, a family trip during the festival (which means lots of eating), and hopefully nicer weather will get here.  

I just need to keep reminding myself to stay positive, drink more water, eat a bit better, and trust myself.  I will get through this, I will finish my return to runDisney races, and eventually I will conquer all of my running goals!  One step at a time, one mile at a time!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

I'm Still Alive!

I'm still round, I promise!

About two weeks ago I finally got the chance to go on vacation to Houston and took the entire week off to relax and spend time with a friend and their family.  It was filled with food, baseball, and some sight seeing.  I'm slightly regretting taking that time completely off of training, but the vacation was needed on so many levels.

Between a modified work schedule and school endeavors, I've been able to get back into some sort of workout routine since getting back.  I've only ran about 2 miles in the last week, but I have some decent elliptical runs planned for the weekend.  I am getting nervous about my endurance right now because Lumiere's Challenge is in about a month and a half.  It is getting close and I am no where near where I need to be.  I'l be able to finish, I'm not worried about that.  I'm more concerned with how much it is going to hurt to get to that goal.

This is one of those times I am so happy I chose to start training my walking time to be closer to that 16 minute pace runDisney requires.  That may end up being my saving grace for the weekend...

A month and a half left... time to really get going...