This week in running: week 3

Sunday

The first half of this run was awesome. You can probably guess where this is going ... the second half was not. It was probably because I forgot fuel and felt myself slowing fading toward the end. I ended up walking more than I wanted and cutting it 0.5 miles short. I'd love to see what would have happened if I had fuel, but I didn't. And the run is what it is. And I saw a beautiful sunrise.

7.5 miles
1:38

Monday

I felt like running, but it was raining, so I headed to the craptastic gym. I picked the wrong treadmill, and it stopped mid-run. I tried everything, but it would not restart. So, I had to switch treadmills. This is why I call it the craptastic gym, people. I listened to Katy Perry's "Roar" on repeat the entire run. I envisioned myself roaring to the condo board about their crappy gym.

2.5 miles
29:20

It should not have to be like this.

Thursday

It seems like I either love speed work night or hate it. This week, it was love. Maybe I got all my hate out at the craptastic gym. The 800-meter repeats seemed tough (per usual), but manageable (not always the case). It was one of those times that everything seems right with running (these periods are usually short-lived, so I try to savor them when they happen).

3.0 miles
32:36

Ever have a treadmill quit on you mid-run? Anyone else obsessed with "Roar," too? Do you have a love-hate relationship with speed work?

It sure is lonesome in mine

Lately, my life feels like a country song.

"What's going on in your world? It sure is lonesome in mine." I always liked that George Strait song until I started living it.

OK, so it's not really that bad. But, working by yourself is not all that fun. And, not having having a running group is not all that fun either. Or any friends at all (besides my boyfriend and dog, of course).

So, I get really excited when I go the gym and actually see people.

... or maybe not.

But, I only have a few more days in Florence, SC, before heading home to Florida ... I think I can make it, I think I can make it.

Actually, the gym (empty as it is in the evening) and hiking are two things I will really miss. And, spending evenings with my boyfriend (mornings not so much ...) going to the gym and hiking.

At least it's been a healthy trip. Well, aside from last weekend's visit to my boyfriend's parents in Greenville, SC. His mom is an incredible chef, and I feel like we mostly ate while we were there. And, no running to be seen. I'm blaming it on the fact that his parents don't use their air conditioner ... IN JULY ... IN THE SOUTH ... so the idea of sweating more was really unappealing.

Aside from the 8-hour drive (and losing an incredible gym, hiking spot and time with my boyfriend), I can't wait to be home on Saturday and go running with my group on Sunday. Ahh!

What's going on in your world? Anything exciting? Anything involving people?

A summer love affair

I have a summer romance. And, it's pretty intense. Well, as intense as things can get between a girl and a treadmill.

Yes, this previous hater of the treadmill, is now having a hot love affair with it.

I'm pretty certain I previously hated it because of my craptastic condo gym. 

I tend to look like I'm near heat stroke and rather irritated in that craptastic place ... maybe those two go together. 

Unfortunately, I didn't escape the heat in the craptastic gym; I walked right into it. As an added bonus, my treadmill would stop mid-run occasionally.

But, running outside in Florida in the summer made me think my love affair with running was over. I debated taking a break from it. I wondered if I'd ever love it again. 

Then, while on vacation, I found a treadmill that didn't stop mid-run in an adequately cooled gym, and I ran my farthest distance ever on a treadmill: 4.5 miles. And, I loved it. And, I realized it wasn't running that I had lost my love for, it was running in the summer.

Currently, I'm visiting South Carolina, and I have access to an incredible gym with beautiful treadmills. And, I'm having a hard time not running endlessly every day. I can't stay away. 

I love you, treadmill (at least until the fall). 

Do you love the treadmill or hate it? How do you cope with summer running? What is your longest distance on the treadmill?

This week in running: week 3

I knew that week 3 of half marathon training would be a challenge because I'd be traveling (for two of the three runs). I'm not great about running while traveling. Plus I really like my training group, so missing two days with them didn't sound all that fabulous (but a vacation did).

Tuesday

This run started off great. My running buddy and I were moving along at a great pace, and things felt right ... except for the fact that we felt like something was about to go wrong. We were right.

The wind that pushed us along in the first half of our run fought against us during the second half. This wind was the remnants of Hurricane Isaac, so it was rather beastly. And rude. Stupid wind kept pushing us off the path.

The water is pretty, but it added to the wind problem.

All of the fighting against the wind caused a few walk breaks, but really, I'm still pretty happy with the run considering the conditions. We finished in 1:02.  

Distance: 5 miles

Thursday  

This run is brought to you by the great state of Texas. My boyfriend is doing contract work in Ft. Worth, so I went to visit for a few days before we both headed to Kansas to visit family. 

He was working all day Thursday, so I had the day to myself and could decide when I wanted to run. I decided to sleep most of the morning away, so morning was out (as was running outside ... it's toasty in Texas). 

I hit up the treadmill for an early afternoon run, and it was extremely miserable. I'm not sure what was up, but I felt horrible (and nauseous when I was done). All I can say is that I did it; I ran for the 45 minutes on the schedule. That's the only positive.

Distance: 3.6 miles

Sunday

This was going to be my triumphant run in the third state this week. Notice: going to be. Sadly, it didn't happen.

Due to allergies (and asthma) and family activities, I did not run on Sunday. We had a jam-packed family day, and I wouldn't have traded any of it for running (as much as I love running).

I flew back to Florida on Monday, and I thought I'd run on Monday night. No dice. I was exhausted (and still wheezing from allergies). 

Distance: 0 miles (should be 5 miles)

I need help. Do I make up the run at this point? Or do I just skip it? If I have time on Friday, should I squeeze in some extra miles? Do you make up missed runs? I'm usually good about it, but I feel like I let this one go too long.

This week in running: week 1

I love the title of this because it reminds of “This Week in Baseball.” I have fond memories of watching that before every baseball game I attended growing up. I guess they used it as entertainment for the fools who got to the stadium two hours before the game started.
 

What up, fools?

But, I digress.

My half marathon training group started this week. We run together on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 p.m.) and on Sunday morning (7:30 a.m.) for our long run.

Tuesday

We met the coaches and each other did a short run to acquaint ourselves with the area.

It brought back bad memories from last year’s Women’s Half Marathon. This stupid pier was the least favorite part of the race: long, hot, no shade at mile 9. Yuck!
 

Pesky Pier

But, I conquered that thing (it was still hot with no shade). It could have helped that it was only a 2-mile run, not part of a 13.1-mile race. Watch out, Pier! I’m coming for you in a race!

Distance: 2 miles

Thursday

Our mission: run 22 minutes out and 22 minutes back. Our group stopped for water along the way because it was freaking hot. I think that is the hardest thing to get used to: the heat at 6:30 p.m.

I’ve run at night or on a treadmill the entire summer. There is a reason I do that: to avoid the big, scary ball of fire in the sky.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Sunday

I’m not a morning person … at all. Especially on the weekend. So, I was thrilled to meet the group for a 7:30 a.m. run.

But, it was SO much better than running in the evening. Not that it was cool by any means, but the sun was not as strong. And, I rocked out the run and had the whole day for fun stuff like Costco and car rides and walks with my dog.
 

Chloe's favorite weekend activity

The group of three I was running with made three water stops in our 50-minute run, walking up to them and walking just a bit after to make sure we swallowed our water before starting again. It wasn’t speedy by any means, but I’m happy with the results.

Distance: 4 miles

Things that Rock Thursday

This Thursday is better than most. Maybe because I had Monday off, and it technically feels like Wednesday? Whatever the reason, I'll take it. But, it still doesn't hurt to talk about things that rock.

Anger Management 

I've had a thing for Charlie Sheen for at least 16 years. I think he's hilarious. Even though he's kind of crazy, I find him refreshing because he's honest about it.

I loved him on "Two and a Half Men." I think I've managed to watch every episode of his run at least twice, thanks to reruns. So, I'm ready for some new material. 

Thankfully, "Anger Management" came along. I'm still getting used to it (I'm not ready to declare it the funniest show ever ... yet), but I'm just so happy Charlie's back on TV. As mentioned previously, I have issues.

The treadmill

Lately, I'm obsessed with the treadmill. I fought it for so long, but with all the rain we've been getting, I had to make peace with it. Now, I'm somewhat in love.

Yes, I still run on the treadmill in the craptastic gym. Yes, it's still crappy. Yes, it's still insanely hot.

But, I can watch TV (like "Anger Management"). I can easily do speed workouts. I can play running games while watching TV (sprint through commercials). It makes running even more fun. 

Mentha Lip Shine

I'm kind of iffy on mint. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes it makes me feel nauseous. I was taking a big gamble on buying this lip gloss (even though it was on sale for $2 at Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale). 

Turns out, it didn't make me nauseous. And, I don't like it, I love it! 

Not only is the scent (flavor?) fabulous (a mixture of bubble gum and mint), it actually moisturizes my lips. Most glosses seem to slack in that area (they make your lips shiny, but that's it). I don't believe their claim that it is a breath freshener, but other than that, I'm a  fan.

Things that Rock Thursday

Thursday, yuck. This one hasn't been that bad, I guess, but I'm tired and somewhat grumpy, so I need some things that rock to cheer me up.

A new fan configuration in the craptastic gym

You may remember my genius setup to keep cool in a way-too-hot gym. 

 

This worked pretty well, but I was always a little nervous that the fan might fall off of the elliptical (the last thing I need is to be indebted to the craptastic gym for a new fan).

So, when I ran last night, I tried a new configuration.

Not only did I not worry about a crashing fan, I ran in comfort for 2.5 miles!
 

Look folks! I didn't sweat ... much (I'm pointing
at the lack of sweat on my shirt).

All-Star Game festivities

I’ll try to cool it on the baseball talk after this. I know I haven’t been able to shut up about it lately, so I’m sorry if baseball isn’t your thing. It is my thing, and the Fan Fest rocked my world. So many interactive exhibits, baseball memorabilia and just cool stuff. 

I started my life as a die-hard Oakland A's
fan because of Jose Canseco.

I didn’t go to the game, but it was cool to see the stadium where I spent my summers growing up showcased to the nation. It was also cool to see Rays’ players David Price and Fernando Rodney each pitch a scoreless inning (this says a lot considering the American League pitchers gave up 8 runs). 

Weird promotions

OK, I know I said I’d cool it with the baseball talk, but I guess I lied because this is baseball-related. The buzz around town since the Rays announced their 2012 promotions: the Zim Bear. What is a Zim Bear?, you ask. Good question. It's a teddy bear with Don Zimmer's face (Don Zimmer is a senior adviser with the Tampa Bay Rays and has been in baseball since 1949).

Players took photos with the Zim Bear. Collectors said it was so weird and creepy that they had to have it. The paper said people were going to line up 4 hours before the gates opened to get their hands on one of the 10,000.

It so happened that this was one of the games my dad and I attended. We wanted a Zim Bear, but we really didn’t want to stand in the heat of the Florida summer for 4 hours. We decided we’d tough it out for about an hour and a half (and prepared with umbrellas, towels and Gatorade). We arrived at the stadium to this. 

Yes, we were the first in line at Gate 5.

So, we got our Zim Bear. And, it's crazy, creepy and weird (and still in the package ... in case I can sell it for millions of dollars).

Stuck at home and in the craptastic gym

Since pesky Debby is still hanging around (she didn't listen when I told her to go away), I worked at home today. I dread working at home. Dread it. I did it for three years with my last job, and that is the main reason I moved to my current job: to not work at home.

But, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Since yesterday's drive across Tampa Bay was the most horrifying driving experience of my life, I decided to sit the next day out. The conditions were still windy, rainy and tides were still higher than normal. I really didn't want a white-knuckle repeat of yesterday.

Working at home is still as dreadful as I remember, but it had to be better than that drive. And, it allowed me to do something I never do: run over lunch.

Of course, I had to do it in the craptastic gym, but it wasn't too bad. It was hot, but that's to be expected. I'm pretty happy I knocked out 3 miles in just over 33 minutes. I'm just not happy I couldn't run outside. Silly tropical storm. 

Although I did appreciate the rain on my walk back to the condo. Debby is good for something, I guess.

My coworker is not. Lazy girl did not do a thing all day. Well, unless you count sleeping and looking cute as a thing.

Hot up in this joint

This getting more sleep thing is really pretty awesome.

My Monday rocked. Tuesday was pretty sweet, too. We’re now at the midpoint of the week, and I’m feelin’ fine! This is groundbreaking to someone who is continually sleep-deprived.

Even though today included rain, I didn’t let it get me down – even if it meant a trip to the craptastic gym. This sleeping-enough thing is powerful, powerful stuff, people!

It was just me in the craptastic gym this time (as it should be – surely I'm the only one stupid enough to keep using it), so I picked the non-stopping treadmill, acted like the fan hog and pointed the fan directly at me, and ran for 25 minutes. I was planning on running longer, but ... 

After my run, I became even more of a fan hog. 

I was trying to do speed work and longer distance runs during my “off-season,” but I’ve decided that’s what training season is all about. Now, I just want to maintain my fitness level and have the base to begin half marathon training in August.

I’m not fast by any means, but this is faster than when I began training last year. Yikes. Talk about super slow-mo.

So, if I can maintain this “speed” and up the mileage by August 14, I’ll be a happy turtle.

The craptastic gym saga

You may remember that I recently did something brilliant. 

I stole the fan from the craptastic condo gym's weight room and put it on top of the elliptical in front of the treadmill. Genius, if I do say so myself.

When I say stole, I really mean borrowed. Even though I thought both the cardio and weight area equally deserved a fan, I put it back where I found it.

Every craptastic gym visit, I went to the weight room, grabbed the fan, set it up, ran and then replaced the fan when I was done. 

Until I saw this.

 Yes, those are TWO fans in the weight area. Uncool, weight room. Uncool.

So, at that point, I decided it was OK to leave one in the cardio area. Cardio folks deserve air movement, too. We're sure not getting it by opening the windows.

So, I left a fan in the cardio area. Seems fair, right?

Well, last night I arrived at the craptastic gym and found this.

Yes, that's a new fan with "DO NOT REMOVE" written on the bottom. Perplexing. 

When I went to the weight room to see what was up with their fans, I found this on the door. 

 And, the door was locked.

So, this leaves me with many questions:

• How does an entire weight room because inoperable? I understand if a machine didn't work, but the whole room?
• What happened in there? Did someone have 'roid rage because it was too hot with only one fan? Or did someone sweat so much with only fan that the room needed to be fumigated?
• Did I have anything to do with the fan with the giant "DO NOT REMOVE" message? Or was that directed at weight room fan hogs?

Less sweat in the craptastic gym

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know I have some issues with my craptastic condo gym. My main issue: they cheap out and keep the temperature high. Way too high for working out. 

I sweat a lot anyway, but I end any attempted run as a complete sweatball. Luckily, no one else uses the craptastic gym when I do (or ever), so no one has to bask in my sweatiness. But, I really don't enjoy the massive amounts of sweat and feeling like I'm going to pass out from an easy 3-mile run. 

So, I took matters into my own hands.

  

Why, yes, that is a fan sitting on the back of an elliptical aimed at the treadmill. Why, yes, that is a fan I stole from the weights area of the craptastic gym. One of my better decisions.

A week later, I ran

So, I didn't make it to my running group on Sunday morning. That unmotivated feeling I was having really didn't go away. But, I did run tonight (for the first time since my half marathon). In the craptastically hot gym. On a dreadtreadmill.

I just ran 3 easy miles, and it felt good – aside from the smothering heat and limited air circulation. The fan was working tonight, but it only hits at ankle level. This is better than nothing, and I can't say I mind having cool ankles, but I'd appreciate some air movement on the remaining 99% of my body.

To pass the time, I watched part of "Kourtney and Kim Take New York" (and some Monday Night Football) ... please tell me why I'm still watching the Kardashians? Oh, yeah. I got hooked when Kim was dating Reggie Bush. I watched each episode in hopes of catching a glimpse of gorgeous Reggie, and thankfully, I got those glimpses. But, he and Kim are broken up, and have been for years ... well, at least a year (this girl moves fast). I just never quit watching. But, I think you'll understand why I needed to watch it.

 

Now, I don't need to watch it. That Kris Humphries guy seems like a jerk, and a severe step down from Reggie. But, if that silly show is on, I'll watch it. It's not a must watch, but if it's on, I'll usually see what's up.

Tomorrow, I'm back to running outside with my group. And without the Kardashians.

Day 27 (Oct. 9)

After last week's Best. Run. Ever., I was excited to tackle 8 miles this week for our long run.

Problem: I didn't go to the group run, which is always so much better than running by myself. I think it could have been rained out; I'm not sure. I woke up and received a weather report from a reliable source (my boyfriend) that it was raining in Tampa. I live in Clearwater, which is about a 12-minute drive to Tampa. I debated, but I finally decided it wasn't worth the drive with such a high possibility of the run being rained out anyway.

But, since I was already awake, and it wasn't raining in Clearwater, I decided to run my 8 miles here. In my neighborhood, we have a 2.8-mile sidewalk loop, which is nice in some ways and daunting in others. I like not being far from home at any point in my run. But, I don't like the idea of needing to run around the same route almost three times to get in my mileage.

My legs still felt fatigued, but I was determined to get my long run in to stay on track with my training schedule.

It was overcast, but not nearly as cool as last week. Boo! And, the run wasn't nearly as smooth as last week. I didn't feel great from the start, but I stuck it out ... for awhile. At almost 3 miles, it started sprinkling. I decided to head back just in case the rain got harder (advantage: loop). Smart decision on my part. By the time I got home, it was pouring.

So, I started thinking about my options. I could: (a). wait for the rain to stop to finish my run, (b). hit the treadmill in the craptastic gym, or (c). give up and call it a day. I opted for (b). Surprised, right? I know that I go on and on about the craptasticness of this gym, but it seemed like the best option. I thought that if the fan was fixed, and I could find an old "Beverly Hills 90210" episode on TV, it might even be fun.

I got all psyched to run while watching the drama unfold between Kelly and Brenda or Donna and David or Brandon and Steve. And there is always the wonderful possibility of catching one of three episodes Dean Cain appeared as Rick. Problem: both of the treadmills were in use. Argh! There's never anyone in the gym (for good reason), but I guess the rain brought everyone there.

So, I'm now down to option (a) or (c). I went for option (c). I feel like I gave the run a valiant effort. But, at this point, I was frustrated. Considering it's still raining three hours later as I'm typing this, (a) wasn't going to work either.

Instead of an 8-mile run, I did a 3-mile run. Not exactly the same. Now, I'm not sure what I do ... do I try to run 8 miles on Monday? I don't even know if I have the time to fit it in on a weekday. Do I want to run 8 miles Monday, and then do a speed workout on Tuesday? Is that too much? Do I need a rest day after a long run? Is it OK to miss that long of a run? Ahh! Pesky rain brought on all kinds of questions.