Day 115 - Priorities

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: sadly no

work was the priority tonight. very sad but very true.

Day 114 - Workin' Hard

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yes

Ate dinner already but just got SUPER hungry. What's that about?

Been sore today but not too awful. Coach Gary recommended I go stand in the ocean for 10 minutes (instead of icing). That's the plan for tomorrow AM.

Other than that not much to report today. Just lots of stretching. A few weight exercises in my home gym. Oh you didn't know I had a home gym. Yeah it's really nice.

Day 113 - Tough Day

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 8.5
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yes

Why can't I get past 8.5? Right now it's really my blisters because by the end of those 8.5 I'm limping.

So on the run today it was tough. Very tough. Started out okay, along the water, then we hit the Montana stairs. Why the coaches thought putting them at mile 4 was a good idea I'm not sure.

I made it through the stairs kept going and then as I was slowly working my way up San Vicente (I swear it's uphill) I just got so frustrated. I was frustrated that once again I was the last runner, that I was alone again, the my blisters were already starting again, that I haven't been able to break 8.5 miles and I have 26.2 to do in 2 months, plus all the other stress in my life right now. So as I was running up San Vicente I started crying and then had to walk because I was making myself so upset. Oh man. It was not my finest moment.

Jessica (part of running group) joined me for the trek back which was really really nice. It does make a world of difference to have someone with you.

Hopefully new shoes this week will help the blisters and push me past 8.5.

Day 112 - Nothing new

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yes

Slept in - way past when I should have - but it felt damn good.

No running today.

No pilates today.

I'm bad.

Day 111 - Ahhhh Friday

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yes

Went to bed early last night and still slept through the night until this morning and had a hard time getting up. Apparently i'm tired. Also my legs are STILL HURTING. HURTING SO BAD. WHY????

Maybe I should have titled this frustration again.

Day 110 - Disappointment

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: ummm no
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yeah no again

i was bad tonight. i did not go to the group work out tonight. i was just too tired. my legs hurt. i just couldn't do it and i'm disappointed in myself.

Day 109 - Frustration

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 2 1/4
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: yes

I can't believe how frustrating my run was tonight. It's like I started over. What is going on? Is this normal?

My calves hurt the entire way. I was tired the whole way. I got a side ache after only 1 1/2 miles.

Seriously??

Day 108 - Not Much

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: not really

didn't do much today. didn't even really stretch. feeling tired. feeling frustrated by blisters, calves, aches, pains, etc.

Day 107 - Healing Thoughts

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: some weights, strength stuff, this and that
Stretching Units: oh yes!

Please send healing thoughts to my aching feet. These damn blisters aren't as large as last week's but they're a lot deeper.

I worked on my stretching, some strength building for problem areas.

Trying to go to bed early as I didn't sleep well last night but so far I'm already past desired bed time.

Day 106 - Tough day

Alcohol Units: Absolutely ZERO
Running Units: just under 8
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: oh yes!

Wow what a completely frustrating day. Defeating almost. I had a suspicion it wouldn't be a great day based on this week's soreness but wow - it was worse than I expected.

I woke up to strong wind and little bit of rain. Anyone who lives outside So. Cal is probably laughing that a little bit of weather put the entire LA team out of wack but hey - we're not used to weather! I decided to walk the first 2 miles to let my calf loosen up a bit before running. I think that was a good idea, solid plan, and seemed to help a bit. So after the first 2 miles I started my intervals and boy were they hard. My legs felt like lead. From time to time I feel like I'm a giant whale that's trying to run and it just doesn't work. I'm not strong enough to run with all this weight. That's what today felt like.

I worked at my intervals for a few miles and then the blisters started again.

Let's review what I've tried to date.

• body glide
• more body glide
• new skin
• bandaids

Today I tried mole skin. Unfortunately the blisters formed UNDER the mole skin which was just not pleasant. It was so unpleasant that I had to stop early which was just annoying.

So now where do I go? These blisters keep taking me out at around mile 7/8. I think it's the shoes. I'm heading home in 2 weeks for an early Easter and will be stopping by my favorite running store to ask them. I swear they are the only people who can fit my feet with running shoes. I've heard time and again how I can get running shoes outside Sacramento. That has yet to be proven true. In fact the opposite keeps being proven true.

One other note from today. The calf thing is bothering me. Bothering me as in annoying me and making me wonder if I'm going to keep having a new ache and pain throughout this process. It seems that once I improve one item another starts hurting.

I'll post my blister photo later (you know you want to see!)

Day 105 - Rest and Stretch

Alcohol Units: zero
Running Units: zilch
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: for sure

I didn't do much today. Okay I did nothing all day. I watched tv. I took a nap. I watched a movie. I ate. Seriously nothing. I was trying my hardest to listen to my body instead of ignoring it (like I normally do). Today it said sleep and rest so I did. I also stretched. A lot. I've got 15 miles tomorrow starting at 7AM so I need to get to bed early!

Day 104 - Margarita Friday

Alcohol Units: more than 1
Running Units: zilch
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: all day long

Today was Friday (as you can tell from the date) and this Friday I needed a big old margarita so I had one. I had more than one. I did stretch all day long at the office because today's pain: my right hip. No idea why but it was killing me all day long.

Day 103 - Ow ow ow ow ow

Alcohol Units: none
Running Units: zilch
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: Yup

Woke up this morning in pain. Actually went to bed last night and my right calf was on lock down. I definitely did my stretches last night. Did a LOT of good stretching but somehow I am in serious pain today. Practice was most definitely out tonight because walking around the office didn't go so well.

I've spent the last hour stretching with my foam roller, my bands and anything I can find. I'm feeling better from all the stretching but concerned that such a short run caused so many problems.

My boss stopped by this afternoon and I was telling him how I was just exhausted after yesterday's run. He pointed out my diet is most likely not supporting all the running I've been doing. I need to get better about what I eat. It's really difficult to think I need to eat more. I know my body is telling me that but over the years I've gotten very good at not listening to my body.

Looks like another life lesson being learned through this process - listen to your body.

Day 102 - Oomph

Alcohol Units: none
Running Units: 3+ miles
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: Yup

Went out tonight - couldn't get my lazy bum out of bed this morning - for a run. I was working the 3:1 interval today. The first few intervals I was feeling good. Kicking ass. Rocking it. Then I lost energy and fast. It went downhill pretty quickly. What does that mean? Need to work harder on it!

The coaches updated us that we'll be doing 15 miles this weekend. I'm scared. Honestly I'm scared to do the full 15 miles.

Day 101 - Happy St. Patty's Day

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of wine
Running Units: nada
Other exercise Units: nada
Stretching Units: Yes

Should I have asked for a review from the public on my first 100 days? I think that's actually how the prez does it. Hmmmmm. My public (I'm rolling my eyes as I write this) can write their reviews in the comment field if they like.

So last night I was in bed a little after 9 - lights out by 10 and slept all through the night. This morning my body said - SLEEP! So I obeyed. My mind should have said - No Run!! but instead it caved to the pressure caused by my dead weight.

I did not go for a run this evening as it is St. Patrick's Day and I had a little party to end for work. It was a small gathering at Hennessey's Tavern in Manhattan Beach. Of course once we arrived at 7PM everyone there had been drinking since 2 or earlier. I was surprised by how few people were there. We stayed for a bit and then headed home.

I did stretch and do a few of my exercises. Just no running today.

Day 100 - First 100

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

It's the end of my first 100 days. Is this when I give a report? I'm amazed at how far I've come. The fact that I ran 8.5 miles on Sunday astounds me. Of course I do have 3 times that distance to go but I'm still pleased with the progress I've made. I came to the realization that I can go out and run for an hour as my daily exercise. That's what I wanted to result from all of this. Being able to run.

I've got a lot more work to do but overall it's been good 100 days. Definitely had my bad days and faced some challenges but as of day 100 I'm feeling pretty good.

I stretched everything out today to follow up on my deep tissue massage. I must say that every inch of me hurts from that massage. I feel like I've been punched repeatedly in the back. Is that normal?

Day 99 - I got 99 problems but a _____ ain't one

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 8.5 miles
Other exercise Units: does a massage count?
Stretching Units: Yes

Anyone else singing the Jay Z song in their head right now? "I got 99 problems but a lady ain't one. Hit me!"

The run today was good and bad. I'll start with the bad because it's best to start with the bad and end with the good.

The bad was that I ran almost all of today alone and was the very last one back. Definitely more challenging to not have any company but I should get used to it. I'll be doing 4 times as many miles soon. As for being the last one back... the walkers started 45 minutes early so they finished far ahead of me. Those are the only ones who I'm faster than.

The good - I ran my intervals until the last mile (on the last mile my legs cramped). Not only did I run intervals the entire way but I ran a good 1/4 of it at a faster interval than ever before - 3 minutes running 1 minute walking (thanks to Coach Ed for the encouragement!). Big accomplishment for me. Just need to keep working on my endurance.

1/2 way time to turn around

After running I grabbed breakfast with a few other team members which was go-oo-oo-d.

I finished today with a deep tissue massage. Coach Gary thought it would help with the leg issues. I went in barely able to walk and am now only slightly limping. I'm expecting to feel even better tomorrow.

This week's blister

Day 98 - Can you say monkey pose?

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 1 hour of pilates fun
Stretching Units: Yes

Headed to group pilates this morning. It was tough, very tough, but really good. The instructor was new to me but came highly recommended. Recommendations didn't disappoint Erica kicked my ass (literally worked my butt almost right off) and combined with some nice stretching components. At the end we finished with monkey pose. Love monkey pose!! I really like doing it on the trap table because I feel like a real monkey but on the reformer it was fun too.

This is the one on the trap table I prefer

Day 97 - Come on little calf

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Working on the little calf muscle (vs. the big strong calf muscle). I was told not to run this morning. Of course I listened to that advice! I stretched, exercised and stretched the little guy a bit more. Hopefully it will help.

Day 96 - Sent Home

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 1 mile
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Went to Thursday group run tonight and was sent home early! I knew heading over there it wouldn't be a good run. I was tired and achy and just not feeling like running.

I started running and my lower legs (around the ankles) started acting up again. This is the same pain as the Redondo 10k. So I went to Coach Gary and asked for some advice. Coach Gary gave good advice.

He thinks it's the little calf muscle that's getting super tight - the soleus. It's harder to stretch out and strengthen. Sneaky little bastard.

So I have some new strengthening exercises and was told to rest it. Was also told to get a sports massage. Now I just need to find a sports masseuse.

Day 95 - No Sun Again

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of wine
Running Units: 3 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Shockingly the sun was not out this morning when I woke up. You'd think I would realize this is a daily occurrence but I'm not a morning person. My brain does not function in the morning. I'm mute for a good hour after I wake up. All this brings me to - no morning run - again.

I did leave work at a reasonable hour so I could run after work. Not as desirable an option but one that worked. I did a little less mileage than I did on Saturday but I did it a bit faster. Now faster is most likely good (because I'm damn slow right now) BUT I need to work on my endurance more than my speed. I'm still trying to figure all this stuff out.

After my run I came home, ate a big meal (big!) and went to bed early.

Day 94 - Where is the sun?

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

I've had less than a glass of wine and I'm pretty toasted. This is what happens when you trade liquor for running.

I woke up this morning for my morning run and there was no sun. First time in my life I want the sun out early (vs. late) and it's not there. I opted for bed instead. Not sure it was my best decision but I can't change it now.

Day 93 - Oh Monday

Alcohol Units: 2 glasses of wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: 0

I had 2 glasses of wine. 2. I was gone. In bed by 9PM. No stretching. Nothing.

It was quite a Monday.

Day 92 - Ouch

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 8.5 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Of course

7:30 practice during day light's savings ending - feels like 6:30!!!!!!


Today was our 13 mile run but as you can see from above I didn't make it through the full run. Things started out okay - my legs are definitely sore from yesterday's run. I couldn't do my intervals for quite as long for some reason (probably just tired). Coach Gary ran with me for part of today and he's always super supportive so that was helpful.

The biggest part of our run today was a HUGE hill. Like 4 miles or more of straight up hill. I walked it. Straight power walked the sh*t out of it! By the time we were done with that I had planned to run more but I had very beautiful blisters that had formed. They were nice enough to double in size the next few miles resulting in my getting a ride back for the last 2 miles. Just couldn't do it. They're still killing me.

Oh I did give Liz and Tim a little shout out on my way back. I was already into my 8th mile by this point so it wasn't too early. Hopefully they (and their neighbors) have forgiven me.

Day 91 - Morning Run

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 3.5 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Of course

Had a pretty good run today. I went out early (had a hair appointment to get to). I stuck to my intervals for longer than ever before. There were tons and tons of people out running this morning.

It was absolutely beautiful along the beach. Gorgeous!

Day 90 - No Yoga

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

I had an detailed schedule planned for tonight. Well I guess it was more a detailed work out schedule for the week that included Friday yoga. Friday yoga mean leaving work on time (we get off at 5 on Fridays), heading home to change, hitting the class, grabbing dinner and going to bed early. Yes I know how exciting I am!

Change of plans - had to stay at work until 6. At that point I just went home and did my stretching and leg work. No yoga for me.

Day 89 - Brrrrrrrrrrr

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 3 + miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Of course

It was back to the group workout tonight. The temperatures were very very cold for southern CA. I think the thermometer dipped into the 40s which isn't that bad but the wind! the wind!! We were all a little chilly. Luckily we started running and warmed up - a lot.

The run was a pretty good one. The Coach that was there was encouraging and said I'd made a lot of progress which was really really nice to hear.

Day 88 - Run Fat Boy Run

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Of course

I'm watching Run Fat Boy Run tonight. I'm hoping it will provide some inspiration.

Day 87 - Rise and Shine!

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 2.22 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: yes and more to come

Wow just mapped my run this morning and am pleasantly surprised to see how much I did in a short period of time. I thought I had done less.

I did manage to get up and run this morning. Not as long as I'd like but I did get in a good 30 minutes (including stretching before and after). I kept my intervals for longer/farther than my last run which is good (if slow) progress. It did feel good to get out this morning vs. lunch or after work. Only problem was towards the end I needed water and hadn't brought any with me. Tomorrow I will change that.

Exciting events tonight: new mattress delivered! (yes I acknowledge it's sad that this is the big excitement for the evening)

Day 86 - Recovery

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: yes

The soreness yesterday - after I updated - got worse. I couldn't roll over in bed because my abs were so sore. I couldn't take my clothes off because my arms were so sore. I couldn't get up because my legs were so sore. So basically I was a vegetable for the day. Today was better. Not as sore.

I was all ready to go to bed tonight and skip the stretching but I had a little war inside me head (yes! no! yes! no!) and stretched it out. Did my exercises for the ankles/shins and the hip stuff. I'm sure that tomorrow I'll be grateful I did the stretching.

Day 85 - Back to the group

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 4-5 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: yes but need more

First group run since I was sick. Last group run was 6 miles and today's mileage was 10.5. I couldn't do 10.5. Still working on getting all my energy back. Coach Gary said to do about 4-5. Those 4-5 were super super hard. Didn't help that I'm sore from the yoga.

Preston called me this afternoon and asked if I wanted to go on a 4 miles hike with him and Erin. I laughed (but stopped because my abs hurt so badly).

Still not feeling great about doing the marathon. Feeling like I won't be able to get there even though I'm coming up on 3 months of training.