wk 12, day 5

wk 12, day 5
September 30, 2011

goal: run 8 miles

I feel so pathetic!!! I didn't feel like getting up early to run 8 miles, so I "slept" in and got outside late. The weather was GREAT, as a little cool front came in:).  Xia doesn't have school on Friday's, so I decided I'd do a short run or a run/walk or something of the sort with her in the jogger. It all started out fine, until about 2 mins into our walk/run. The jogging stroller had a flat. Got the other stroller - non jogging stroller- and took a walk. It was great, super slow, but great... This is why I run, I am the worlds slowest walker!!!! LOL! Anyway, it was nice to get outside and get some sort of exercise. I need to stop slacking. Last wk and this wk come Thursday and Friday, I'm done - mentally and physically. I need to step it up... that's my goal for next wk - step it up and get my miles in NO MATTER WHAT!!

accomplished: 3.12 mile walk

47 days left / wk 12, day 3

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

goal: 10 mile run around 9 min pace

Since it's Wednesday and I still haven't run this week, I had to go big. Put up or shut up! Had a great run. Keep a good pace. My knees kinda hurt, which is a first. I'm wondering if it has to do with my new shoes. They are the same shoes I had before, but new. They may need more time to break in.

Proud of this run!

accomplished: 10.12 mile run - 1:31:27 / 9:02 pace

48 days left - week 12, day 2

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
wk 12, day 2

Goal: run 8 miles and swim

Feeling tired this week. Skipped my early morning run and felt like skipping my mid day swim. I forced the swim & was glad I did.
After a 3:30 warm up, I sprinted for 800 yards. I completed the sprint in 16:40. Best time yet! I gave it all I had, so I just swam some easy laps after my sprint and called it a day.

accomplished: 31 min. swim, including a 800 yard sprint in 16:40

week 12 begins!!

week 12, day 1
Monday, Sept 26, 2011


goal: 15 mile bike ride + P90X abs

Since Xia doesn't have school on Mondays, I decided I would sleep in and include Xia in on my bike ride. Towing Xia in the bike wagon certainly changes things... I felt like I was cycling in maple syrup!!! My speed was terrible, but my legs got a good workout! We only made it 7.76 miles.

accomplished: 7.76m bike ride with Xia in tow - 49:59 / 9.3 pace

16 mile run and end of week 11

goal: 16 miles in 2:30
 
I was so nervous the weeks and days leading to this long run. I thought I'd break down and have to walk, or that I would freeze up and not be able to move, and the list of crazy thoughts keeps going... I didn't work out the 2 days before this run. I think it was panic setting in. I ate horribly the days leading up to this run. Horribly...like homemade cookies everyday since Tuesday.  I woke up and left the house about 6:30am. I tried to keep my pace slower and even. I needed to make sure I could finish this run.  Around mile 9, I had some knee trouble that had me stop for less than a minute. I stretched out my knee and kept going. Ahhh... much better! I did that one more time around mile 11. Then on the last 5 miles home, I'd make small goals to get me back. I broke up those last 5 miles into 3-4 segments. It worked out perfect. Every time I completed one segment, I felt relief as if I had crossed the finish line and was re energized with more energy as if I had just started a race. Best of both worlds!!
I actually had a great time running!! It was a very positive experience. The weather was perfect, the energy great. I didn't have to go to the bathroom, I didn't need anything but my water. No sports beans, gels, or sports drinks. I can't believe it! I survived! Woohoo!!!
My goal was to complete the run in 2:30 and I made it in 2:32! I am very proud of myself. My legs were sore, but it was worth it.
My next big run is scheduled in two weeks: 20 miles. I KNOW I can do it!

accomplished: 16.09 miles in 2:32:15 / 9:27 pace


week 11 accomplishments:

• 32.96 miles of running
• 42 minutes of swimming
• 2 P90X dvds (strength training)
• P90X abs 1x

two consecutive days off...boo

Week 11, day 4&5

We went to a concert on Wednesday night. It was a lot of fun, but I am not use to going out mid week. I work out so hard during the week that it leaves little energy for anything else.  I was so worn out and extremely tired that I skipped both Thursday and Friday's workout. I was disappointed in myself, but also knew that if I push myself too hard, I would created a negative workout/training environment and possibly ruin my long run on Saturday or yet, worse, gain an injury.

I took some naps those days, rested and regained energy for Saturday's long run goal of 16 miles.

wk 11, day 3

Wednesday, 9-21-11

goal: 9 mile run + P90X shoulder and arms

Today was difficult. Waking up was difficult, running was difficult. Mentally I was not in the zone.

I got up late (6:40am) and started running. There was no way I was going to get my goal of 9 miles in before Oscar went to work. I got 6.59 miles in (1:03 / 9:30 pace). I decided to run the remainder of my miles after dropping Xia off at school.

I also had to split up my P90X dvd over 2 different time periods. Waking up late messes everything up!!! I got about 20 mins in before having to pause it.

After dropping Xia off, I got outside (9:40am) and started running.  I was suppose to run 2.41 miles to complete my 9 miles, but wasn't feeling it AT ALL. I stopped too early (2.27 miles - 19:59 / 8:48 pace) and walked the rest of the way home (.2 miles). I finished the rest of the P90X dvd after this short run.

I ran total of 8.86 miles. tough training day.


accomplished: 8.86 mile run (9:30 pace on 6.59m and 8.48 pace on 2.27m) + P90X shoulders and arms

wk 11, day 2

Tuesday, 9-20-11

Goal: swim for 45 mins, P90X chest and back, & P90X abs

P90X really made me sore! Great workout. Getting stronger every week:)

Had a great swim. After a short warm up, I sprinted for 400 meters. I repeated this 2 more times - easy swim for a few minutes followed by 400 meter sprint. All three 400 meter sprints averaged about 9 minutes each. Not too bad!


accomplished: 42 min swim, P90X chest and back, & P90X abs

week 11!!!

Monday, September 19, 2011
wk 11, day 1

goal: 8 miles

Had a good evening run. I was at about a 10 min pace early on & then picked up my speed towards the end of the run. Really didn't want to be running at a 10min pace. It felt good to finish strong. Good run after my fun, but exhausting wkend at ACL!

accomplished: 8 miles - 1:07:08 / 9:37 pace

last workout of week 10

Friday, Sept 16, 2011
wk 10, day 5

goal: run 8 miles

I got up at 5am and set out to run 8 miles. I was barely able to make this run. I felt like turning around right before mile 2. I kept pushing myself, within reason, and set mini goals to keep me going. It was a super slow run and not very fun! I needed the miles this week. Also it was only my 3rd and last run of the week. I needed it. We were leaving around 8am to Austin for the wkend for the ACL & there wasn't another chance to run until Monday.  Overall, glad I got the miles in.

accomplishment: ran 6.42 miles - 1:07 / 10:25pace

Only 8 more weeks until the marathon...WOW!!

Week 10 accomplishments:

• I ran 25.76 miles
• I biked 8.17 miles
• I swam for 30 mins
• I completed 3 P90X strength training dvds
• I completed P90X abs 2x

thursday - week 10, day 4

9-15-11

goal: bike 8 miles + P90X back and biceps + 45 min swim

Waking up this morning was extremely hard. My 10 mile run yesterday did me in, that's for sure! I took a 2 hour nap yesterday to compensate for my anticipated sleepiness this morning. I fought the urge to go to back to bed. I NEEDED TO BIKE TODAY. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It's been 2.5 weeks since I've gotten on my bike. Shame on me. I have a triathlon coming up in 2.5 weeks. I need to train. I need more speed.  There is an incentive this tri: if we beat our Danskin time from June, then we will be given a $12 discount off next years entry form...incentive enough!!! So, I got on my bike today and only rode 8.17 miles. I was surprised that I matched my time from about a month ago. Not too shabby, Annah:) Still a ways more to go.

I quickly transitioned after biking to P90X back and biceps. I was still sore from yesterday's chest/shoulder/tricep workout, but still managed to do very well. All those pull ups and bicep curls are already starting to pay off:):):)

Before picking up Xia. I got a swim in.

I have an 8 mile run scheduled for tomorrow. And due to ACL music festival this wkend, that will be my last wkout of the week. I've fought hard to cram my workouts all in this week without killing myself. I must say, though, I'm nearly dead!! LOL!

accomplished: 8.17m ride - 38:05 / 12.9 pace + P90X back and biceps + swim

week 10, day 3

Wednesday, 9-14-11 - week 10, day 3.

goal: 10 mile run, P90X chest/shoulders/tricep, + P90X abs

I was only going to do 8 miles today, but due to ACL music festival this wkend, I had to get a long run in mid week. Ready or not, here I come! I did well today for having to change my plans the afternoon before. Normally I like to get psyched up for a few days before a long run!
It was a great early morning run (5:25am). There was nothing left in me to sprint at the end like I normally do, but thankfully I didn't feel dead after my run, just worn out. I had wanted to keep my pace closer to 9 min miles, but didn't keep track of the mile markers and just ran! Need to pay attn to my daily mile map for the mile markers for next time.

Topped it off with a nice chest/shoulder/triceps P90X dvd. Xia was already up after my P90X arm dvd, so I had to postpone the ab dvd for the afternoon.

accomplished: 10.19 mile run - 1:38:58 / 9:42 pace, P90X c/s/t, + P90X abs

happy 3 year anniversary, babe:)

wk 10, day 2 - 9-13-11

There was no Tuesday workout due to mine and Oscar's 3 year anniversary plans. Having pushed myself to the limits on Monday, it was nice to have a break and rest. I was super sore from my Monday leg workout. We got anniversary massages, which did help a bit:)

NEW RUNNING SHOES!

Let me introduce you to my new running shoes!! It's been one year since I've bought new running shoes. I was LONG OVERDUE! I am retiring my black and blue Nike frees... so long blues. I'm gonna miss you.

I was able to use a coupon from the entertainment book for $20 off @ Soler Sports. Glad I was able to keep it local, while also saving money:)

HALF WAY through training! week 10, day 1

Monday, 9-12-11, wk 10, day 1

Goal: run 9 miles @ 9 min pace, P90X legs and back, + P90X abs

I had a great run this morning. My phone alarm froze up on me, but thanks to Xia waking up at mid night, I caught it and thought I fixed it. But, alas I didn't. Instead, I kept waking up to check the time. Anyways...I did wake up in time to get my long workout in.

The moon was full and bright and made for a beautiful early morning run. I didn't turn on my iPod until about 18 minutes into my run. It was just too beautiful of an early morning (5:20am) to disrupt it first thing! I kept having to push myself every now and then to go faster.

Since I didn't get around to legs and back last week, I decided to start out this week with L+B. Probably not a great idea after jogging 9 miles!! But, I survived. Overall, great wkout & I feel great!

Accomplished: 9.15 miles - 1:26:25 / 9:26 pace, P90X legs and back and P90X abs

gruene 10k ended week 9 with a bang!

Oscar and I pre-race in front of Gruene Hall

We have been looking forward to the Gruene 10k (6.2 miles) for a couple months now. We had several friends coming with us from San Antonio, a day planned in Gruene, my mom to babysit Xia, etc. We couldn't wait for September 10th to roll around!

We left early, dropped a sad and crying Xia off at Grandpa and Nana's, and headed to Gruene (3.5 miles from my parents home). We met up with our SA friends and waited for the race to start.  I realized the day before or the day of that I hadn't competed in a 10k since college. I've run plenty of 5ks, a half marathon, 10 mile races, a few triathlons, but not a 10k. What?!! How is that? This was my first 10k competitive race since college - about 6 years ago!! Wow. I was nervous to say the least. I've placed in the last two 5ks that I've run in and I knew that I had a chance to place at this race, but at the same time, didn't want that to be my goal. For all I knew I was going to sprint a 5k and then crawl the rest of the way back to the finish line leaving all I had to the first 3 miles. So, I did some research on past years results and then set a goal. A reasonable goal: finish in the top 10 in my age group and complete in 50 - 54 minutes. 

I started out near the front of the line and took of running at the sound off the gun. First mile marker: 7:10. Wow! I knew I needed to slow my pace down a bit in order to survive the next 5 miles. This was also the time that my race tag decided to tear. I had to stick it in my hydration belt for the rest of the run!! Mile 2: roughly 7:44 pace. Mile 3: about 7:54 pace. Mile 4: about an 8 min pace. It was at mile marker 4 that 2 women passed me. Those were the only two women that passed me after mile 1. This led me to believe that I may have placed. Mile 5: about 8 min pace. The 6 mile marker was at the bridge in Gruene, which is at the bottom of the steep hill... I told myself I was going to sprint up the hill & I did!!! But not without moaning and groaning. I sounded like a woman about to give birth or something!! LOL. At the top of the hill you could see the finish line. There was no more speed left in my legs from sprinting up the hill. I crossed the finish line in 48:52! 

I couldn't believe my eyes... finished in under 50 minutes?!?! WOW!!! I was SO EXCITED! I really thought I had placed. For the last 2+ miles there was a wide gap between me and the person behind me. On top of that, only 2 women had past me after mile one. I felt like over the past year I had advanced to the "fast group", but the tail end of the "fast group". I didn't place. The women who placed in my age group were the women that I started out with and who stayed ahead of me for the entire run. The good news: I met / surpassed my goal!! I completed the run in 48:52 (goal was btwn 50-54), and finished #6 in my age group (goal was in the top 10). I did win - I competed with myself and met my goals! It is a great feeling to set goals and met or surpass them. That is an amazing accomplishment that I am PROUD of:)

Gruene 10k stats:

• Finished in 48:52 / 7:52 pace
• Finished # 6 out of 70 in my age category
• Finished #15 female out of over 300
• Finished #62 overall out of 620 runners

Deb and Joe Lynch, me and Oscar, Jeremy and Cat Martin, Vonna Purtell, and Jeremy's brother, John post-race

Oscar and I enjoying ourselves at the Gruene 10k post race party

Oscar and mine's cheer squad: Kara, Preston & Hannah. They made their "team Oscar and Annah" tshirts themselves:)

After the 10k and post race festivities, we headed to one of the wineries in Gruene for some wine tasting. It was fabulous. We had a great time visiting and celebrating our accomplishments:) The rest of the group is outside on the patio. Forgot to get a picture of them...oooppps!! After wine tasting, we went to Gristmill for lunch... yummy! Oscar and i split their delicious ribs. I think I consumed more calories than I burned that day!

Kara, Cat, Preston, Jeremy, myself, Hannah, & Chelsea

What a great way to end training week 9. I can hardly believe that I am HALFWAY THROUGH training for the big marathon. I'm in disbelief! I'm so grateful that I can train as hard as I do. It's a part time job, let me tell you. I am so grateful for my supporting husband who encourages me in my training and is there for me at every event:)  Luv you, Oscar and Happy 3 yr Anniversay (9-13-11).

Week 9 accomplishments:

• ran 28.39 miles
• swam 35 minutes
• 2 P90X dvds - strength training
• P90X ab dvd 2x

week 9, day 5

Friday, 9-9-11

goal: 4 mile run, P90X shoulders and arms, + P90X abs

Took Xia to the park around 9-10am and jogged the Salado Creek trail. It was a 4.5 mile trail, but I just jogged 4 miles and walked the rest. I was a little tired and hot (was wearing black...not a great choice with the sun high and bright!), and didn't want to wear myself out since we had the Gruene 10k the following morning. It was a nice little run. Felt good. Afterwards I treated Xia to the playground for being such a good girl during the run:)

After putting Xia down for a nap, I had to get a P90X workout in. I did shoulders and arms. It was awesome. My arms were sore and I felt like I pushed myself to the right limit. Also did abs. Great workout day.


accomplished: 4 mile run - 39:?? / 9:57 pace, P90X shoulders and arms, + P90X abs

week 9, day 4

Thursday,  9-8-11

goal: bike 8-10 miles + P90X legs and back

Wednesdays 10 mile run exhausted me. That night I was super tired and had a feeling I wouldn't be waking up early to bike. Nonetheless, I set my alarm. Really wished I wouldn't have. Instead, I tried getting up twice to workout and ended up crawling back to bed. So, I really didn't get a good morning rest! I learned a lesson: listen to your body and blow off a workout if your body is screaming for a break!


accomplished: nothing!!

week 9, day 3

 Wednesday, 9-7-11

Goal: 10 miles + P90X abs

I had a GREAT run! The weather was AMAZING (59 degrees  for the entire run)! I even put on a long sleeve...mostly needed at the start of the run. I had my iPod w/ me, but I never turned it on. It was too beautiful and calm of a morning to ruin it with noise!
I feel like I could've had a faster pace - closer to 8:53-9 pace, but I was running a new route and was side tracked! No excuses, though. Through and through = an terrific run. Proud and pleased w/ myself.
Didn't get abs, in because my alarm didn't go off and I woke up about 45 minutes later than I was suppose to. Barely got my run in! 

If I could frame a run, I'd frame this one... peaceful, cool, and amazed that I ran 10 miles mid week without struggling. Again, the 59 degree weather sure helped:)

Accomplished: 10.19 mile run - 1:33:25 / 9:10 pace

week 9, day 2

(9-6-11)

Goal: P90X chest and back, P90X abs, and swim

Had a great am workout. Got some push ups and pull ups in. Love gaining upper body strength! 9 wks ago my arms were shaking after doing swim lessons with Xia, now today I can do guy push ups and moved from the bands to the pull up bar! I'm still using the chair, but nonetheless I'm gaining muscle and feeling stronger:)
Abs were tough today. Whew, completed the dvd, but it was challenging!

Had a nice afternoon swim. Felt good.

Accomplished: am- P90X chest and back + P90X abs / afternoon - 35 minute swim

week 9 begins - laboring on labor day!

week 9, day 1 (9-5-11)

Goal: 8 mile run + P90X strength + ab dvd

Wow, the weather today was dreamy! Clear, blue skies, windy and cooler than it's been for months! We didn't get out as early as we wanted to, but we got out there:) Being a holiday, Oscar was home and we all went out to the park and jogged together as a family:) Pace was slow, but it was about being together and enjoying the outdoors, the cooler weather, and the joy of jogging side by side with Xia in the stroller:):):) Loved, loved, loved, this run!
My thighs are a bit sore from Saturday's half marathon run, but overall, great run. My toes are a little sore and have calluses. boo! Didn't get around to the P90X dvds, but will work them into another training day this week.

Accomplished: 8 mile run - 1:19 / 9:52 pace

week 8 over - nearly half way through training!

It's so hard to beleive that next week I start on week 9 out of 18 weeks of training. Crazy!

Accomplished this week:

• 32.9 miles of running
• 1.5 hours of yoga
• P90X ab dvd 2x

This week was my off week from P90X strength training. Also, needed a break from swimming and biking! Will start it all up full throttle next week!

half marathon personal challange @ the park

week 8, day 6 (9-3-11)

Boy, I was really excited about this run. We had my sister and cousin over the night before, and I didn't get to bed until midnight. I set my alarm for 7am, but fell back asleep and didn't get up until 7:28am. Which meant I didn't hit the trail until 8am. But, there was nothing stopping me from running 4 laps (there and back) at the park. Nothing. My goal was 2 hours flat. A few weeks back I ran 10+ miles in 1:30, so I knew it was a reasonable goal.
The first lap (3.4 miles) I ran in just under 30 minutes (about an 8:45 pace). I felt good. Didn't want to stop running.
The second lap (6.8 miles) I was running at about a 8:50 pace. This leg felt just as good as the first. If I would've stopped after this leg, I would've felt accomplished, but not complete.
Third (10.2 miles), I running around a 9 minute pace. I would've been ok with stopping here, started getting tired. It was a bit mental, though. Still had it in me to go further.
Finished the fourth lap at a 9:01 pace. Boy was this part rough. Not horrible, but boy I was done mentally! It didn't help that by the time I hit this leg, I was completely out of water & it was getting hotter. Wish I would've gotten out the door sooner!
This accomplishment was huge. This is the first time EVER that I've run this far (13.6) and this fast (9:01 pace). Last year I ran the RNR half marathon (13.1) around a 9:30 pace. 


I've come a long way in the past 10 years. I thank God everyday for my progress, my healthy life style and the ability to compete and do what I love to stay fit.

happy september!

week 8, day 4 (9-1-11)

goal: 4 mile run + P90X abs

had a nice little run. nothing too fancy about it! Also got some ab work in, which made it even better.

accomplished: 4.08 mile run - 35:43 / 8:45 pace

forced run = so worth it!

week 8, day 3 (8-31-11)


Goal: 7 mile run + P90X abs

I barely woke up in tine for Wednesday's run. Again, woke up a little late... here's how it went: alarm went off @ 530 - didn't get up until 545, decided I could get up around 615, skip abs & still get a run in. Finally got up @ 622, got dressed and hit the streets. Thus, I forced a little faster run than I had the energy for (or so I thought), so I could make it back before Oscar had to leave for work. I didn't want to cut my run short, so I just ran faster! Run was good, happy about my pace and distance. THE BEST PART: I SPRINTED AT THE END - LAST .23 MILES WITH A 5:04 PACE!!!

Reasons why I couldn't get up:
1) Went to bed late
2) Baby woke up @ 1:48am and 3am. @ 3am I went in there and rocked her for a bit.
Lesson learned: go to bed earlier!!!
  
accomplished:  7.16 mile run - 1:09 / 9:38 pace

yoga, finally!

week 8, day 2 (8-30-11)

After doing 2 triathlons in a row, I decided I need a break from both swimming and cycling for another week. One thing I've been wanting to add in, but didn't know when or where in my busy workout schedule, was YOGA. Not just any yoga, but P90X yoga = 1.5 hours of yoga!! It was great. My hamstrings were really sore afterwards. I'm gonna start adding it into my schedule. Great workout!