eighteen weeks

wk 18, day 4

2011-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 10, 2011

goal: 3 mile run

I don't think I meant to run sub 8 miles this morning, it just happened! After running longer distances for so long, it's fun and easy to run anything less! It was a NICE, FAST, and chilly run this morning and it felt GREAT! Last run before MARATHON on Sunday!!!!

Feeling excited and ready for Sunday. My nervous energy has turned into excitement:)

accomplished: 3.12 miles / 24:26 / 7:49

wk 18, day 2 OFF

2011-11-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Today is my off day. It was easy to "sleep in", but it's hard not working out and feeling the rush that I get when I'm done with a run/wkout.

My friend sent me a link to a NY Times article about a woman that ran the NYC marathon. It was an incredible article and it inspired me. One of my favorite quotes from the article was:

“With the race this close, you can’t change anything,” “You are what you are. Now, you just have to convince yourself that what you are is perfect and great. You don’t need to be better. You just need to be you.”
~Lauren Fleshman

I am perfect. Sunday's race and time will be great. I'm ready to be me on Sunday.

LAST WK OF TRAINING! week 18 is HERE!!

2011-11-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

wk 18, day 1
Monday, November 7, 2011

goal: 4 miles; 1st and 4th mile regular pace, 2nd and 3rd mile at marathon pace.

Today's plan was to run the 1st and 4th mile about 9/9:30 pace and the 2nd and 3rd mile about 8:30 pace. I ran the first mile in 9mins, second mile in 7:30, third mile in 8:30, and fourth in 9:30. Not too bad. As you can see pacing on shorter runs isn't my strong point!! LOL! I've been able to pace just fine on long runs, so I'm not too worried about Sunday.

Felt really nice to run a short and quick run.

accomplished: 4.04 m / 34:30 / 8:32 pace

wk 17's amazing accomplishment

2011-11-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

Week 17 accomplishments:

Ran 29.26 miles
biked 8.29 miles
swam for 40 mins

****I acutally worked out everyday (minus Sunday)!!!!****

It was a great workout week. It was also very fulfilling. I didn't do any P90X this week and won't next week either. I'm gonna pick it up again after the marathon. I was so happy and proud of myself for running, biking, and swimming, AND placing with the baby @ Saturday's 5k! Such a huge week. Next week's workouts will be slim due to tapering... only one week left!

USAA 5k w/ Xia Bliss & 3rd place!

2011-11-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

wk 17, day 6

goal: run this 5k and push Xia and survive! I didn't actually set a goal for this run.

Suprisingly, I didn't set a goal for myself. I didn't for several reasons:

I was filling in for someone else (age 35), so I wasn't "official" and placing wouldn't matter
I haven't competed in a 5k with the stroller and won...didn't think my chances were great
the marathon is one week away...don't want to try to win a 5k and hurt something!

We started out and I was off. Since I had the stroller, I had to wait and push myself towards the front. I had a good speed and felt great. I got to the first mile in about 7/7:30 minutes. Got to the 2nd mile around 7:30. I started feeling tired the 3rd mile and waiting to see the finish line and then sprint my way to the finish line. Well, we were going up an incline, turned a corner and there was the finish line!!! I didn't get to sprint for as long as I wanted to, but I made an impressive finish with the baby! I finished in 24:27. I pushed little Xia and still rocked it!! It was a great run:)

I had to leave right afterwards, so I didn't know anything about where I stood. Well, fast forward two days... Monday morning my friend texted me and told me that I placed 3rd in my age category!!! WOOHOO!!! I didn't get a medal or anything, because of the mix up with my age and the age of the friend I filled in for. Just knowing I placed was enough for me! I went, ran hard, pushed the baby and still placed!!!! Even more momentum for next weeks marathon.

accomplished: 5k (3.1m) / 24:27 / 7:53 pace

Xia and I pre race

unscheduled park run!

2011-11-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

wk 17, day 5
Friday, November 4, 2011

goal: it was suppose to be my day off!!

Well, today was going to be my day off from running, but I've been eating too much Mexican food!!LOL! No, actually Oscar needed to get a run in & I told him that I wanted to join him. I pushed Xia in the stroller and ran nice and slow. I have the 5k in the morning and I want to be ready! It felt really good on my body. Glad I ran.

accomplished: 3.25 miles / 32 mins / 9:56 pace

Xia (21m) and the calves at Hardberger Park

wk 17, day 4

2011-11-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 3, 2011

goal: 8-9 miles

What an awesome run! It's my last "long run" before the marathon. I'm getting a little nervous! I was suppose to run 8-10 miles on Saturday, but my friend invited me to run the USAA 5k this wkend, so I decided to do my long run today and do a short, fast run on Saturday.
I'm still nursing my hip, but w/ 2 days off from running and lots of stretching, I'm doing much better. Ready for the marathon, before my body falls apart!!LOL!

accomplished: 8.41m/1:19:23/9.26pace

wk 17, day 3

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

goal: swim

Swim today was great. Nothing timed. Just me, the water, and lap swimming:). I was out of breath sooner than I wanted to be, though. Trying to build up endurance in the pool...70.3 on my mind for the future!!
I got a good cardio workout in and know it was good for my hip pain and other joints as well.

accomplished: 40 minutes of swimming

happy november!

2011-11-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

wk 17, day 2

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

goal: 30-40 min bike ride

I can't believe that we are in the month of November already! This is the month I tackle the full marathon! woohoo!

I had good ride this evening. I've been having some hip joint pain so I cycled tonight. I plan on swimming tomorrow, run again on Thursday and maybe do Yoga on Friday. I'm going to stretch real good and find some magnesium gel and hope it all helps! We'll see what happens!

accomplished: 8.29 m ride/40 min/12.5 pace

booootiful family workout:) wk 17 begins...

2011-10-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

wk 17, day 1

Goal: run 4.5 miles

We ran at the park today. Oscar ran solo and I ran pushing Xia in the stroller. We were hurrying so we could get home and go trick or treating with the neighbors! It was Xia's first time to walk the neighborhood in costume.
I'm not sure how accurate the time and distance are. I didn't fell like I was running 8 min miles with the stroller! I'm thinking we might have actually ran closer to 4.3 miles and possibly in 40mins. I didn't have my stop watch & used my ipod stopwatch. At one point I stopped it so we could show Xia the cows, and when I went to start it up again to finish our route, it was still running...anyway... it was a nice family jog:)

accomplished: 4.5 miles / 36:30 / 8:06 pace

We even had some time for Xia to slide! Her reward to sitting in the stroller during our run:)

spooktacular week 16 accomplishments!

2011-10-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Week 16 accomplishments:

30.06 miles of running
9.73 miles of biking

Had a great week of training. So ready to be done with training and run the FULL MARATHON already!!!
We had a wedding to attend yesterday evening and there was a lot of buzz among our friends about me running the marathon. It was even more motivating and made me even more ready to run! Can't believe it's only 2 wks away...scary!

wk 16, day 6

2011-10-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 29, 2011

goal: 13 miles

It was cold this morning! I woke up on time, but decided that it was too cold & maybe I could run tomorrow...so I went back to bed!!!! I got a couple more hours of good, quality sleep and then decided to go out. I felt so lazy and guilty! I bundled up (a little too much!) and ran.
The real motivating factor was two of my friends had gotten up around 4am in the freezing weather to go run 11 miles. If they could do that, then I could do 13 at 8am!! The weather turned out to be perfect for a long run. I stopped about mile 5 or 6 for a bathroom break. Really want to work on that...don't want to stop on marathon day!
So glad I got out today. Totally worth it:)

accomplished: 13.04m / 1:59:14 / 9:08 pace

wk 16, day 4

2011-10-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 27, 2011

goal: 11 miles

I had to dig deep today to keep my pace at a decent rate. Mentally I was strong, physically I was ok. I had a banana before leaving & it wasn't enough, because I became very hungry mid run!!! Next time, more food!! I had a few sore joints this am as well. Particularly my right hip. I think a great stretch will make things all better:)

accomplished: 11.02 mile run/ 1:48:24 / 9:50 pace

wk 16, day 2

2011-10-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

goal: bike ride for 45 minutes

Went riding after lunch. The weather was awesome!! It was a great ride, nothing too ambitious. I need to ease back into riding again. After doing 4 triathlons in 4 months, I got burnt out on riding! It's been nice riding for "fun" these days.

accomplished: 9.73 miles / 47:53 / 12.2 pace

week 16 begins...countdown is ON!

2011-10-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

wk 16, day 1
Monday, October 24, 2011

goal: 6-8 miles

Had a awesome family fitness day! We went across the street to the elementary football field this evening where I ran laps, Oscar ran sprints & Xia ran at least a half mile!!! Aren't we a fit family?!:) Xia thought she cool running like mom and dad! Then she played in the long jump sand pit.

Accomplished: 6 miles approx (24 laps)/ 56 mins / 9:19 pace

week 15 accomplishments and diet update

2011-10-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Week 15 accomplishments:

32.24 miles of running
5.38 miles of biking
38 minutes of swimming
2 P90X strength dvds

Very proud of my workouts this week...except that I haven't done abs in quite some time. I MUST do abs 3x next week!!
Update on my calorie counting... Well, all went very well this week, overall. The weekend was rough with my long run, activities, and baking!! The first few days I was losing, then over the wkend I saw the numbers creep back up. I let myself have sweets Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. That in itself is unusual, but we had a birthday party, and other gatherings that we attended & I justified because of my long run and burning so many calories. I must say that I am very proud of myself because I stuck to my calorie counting and counted the calories from the cake, candy, etc. I am not giving up and will continue to count this week. We do have dinner plans on Thursday night and a wedding on Saturday night. I will plan out Thursday night carefully, and will let Saturday night be my "free" day! I really want to get about 5lbs off before the marathon. Here's to making that happen!

wkend run - 18 miler

2011-10-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

wk 15, day 6
Saturday, October 22, 2011

goal: 18 mile run - between 2:45 - 2:55

I told myself I wasn't going to over eat this week in preparation for my 18 mile run (last week I over ate in fear of not being able to have enough energy to complete my 20 mile wkend run). By the time Friday late afternoon arrived I was STARVING. All I could think of was eating a huge pasta and pizza meal. Sure, why not. Carb up the night before a very long run. Well I ate half a pasta dish and a great big slice of pizza. Yup, that was too much!!! I woke up with a slight headache from over eating. Never again!! I was still full from Friday nights dinner that I only ate half of my english muffin with pnb and honey on it!!

I left the house around 6:30am. I took a 16.9 oz water bottle in addition to the 24 oz on my hydration belt. No camel bak this time around. I came back last wk with blisters on my back from that pack moving around so much. Luckily it proved to be enough water.
I had a good pace and felt strong. I had 2 gu gels and 1 pack of sports beans. This time around the gels didn't gross me out as much as last week. They really seem to do their job and maybe that's why I could stomach them. I still managed to find a CVS and stop and pee about 5 miles in. I really don't want to be stopping during the marathon.
Overall I had an awesome run and made GREAT time! I am so proud of myself for pushing through these runs. I find myself looking forward to Saturday mornings to see how far I can push myself. I like the way I feel, I like starting the wkend off strong. I am so grateful, happy, and amazed at my ability to run like this. I can't wait for the marathon to see what I can do and accomplish such a great feat!

accomplished: 18.03 mile run - 2:47:52 / 9:18 pace

mid day run

2011-10-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

wk 15, day 4
Thursday, October 20, 2011

goal: 6-8 mile run

I had a choppy morning with errands, etc, so I decided to do a mid day run. The weather was awesome & I thought it'd be manageable. I didn't plan it good enough, I guess. I had to pee, and was hot and hungry... made it 4.09 miles and called it a day! Still pleased that I got a run in. Note to self: sacrifice a little sleep to get a quality run in!

accomplished: 4.09 mile run - 38 minutes / 9:23 pace

swim day

2011-10-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

wk 15, day 3
Wednesday, October 19, 2011

goal: am-P90X legs and back, pm- swim

LOVE me some legs and back workout! Morning P90X dvd went great:)
Had an awesome, afternoon swim. I wanted to stay longer, but was out of time. I had a steady lap pace and was knocking out laps like a pro! I was stumped towards the end of my swim with ear pain. The water was coming in my ear and wasn't leaving. It was really annoying and distracting. I finally managed to breath only on my right side and it minimized the discomfort. I can't wait to go again next week! Very positive swim experience:)

accomplished: am-P90X legs and back, pm-38 minute swim

wk 15, day 2

2011-10-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

goal: 10 miles

Awesome evening run! The weather was great. I had a spring in my step and maintained a great pace:) Very pleased:):)!!

accomplished: 10.12 mile run - 1:29 / 8:46 pace

cross training monday

2011-10-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

wk 15, day 1
Monday, October 17, 2011

goal: 30 minute bike ride and P90X shoulders and arms

Slow and leisure bike ride to help ease my sore musles from Saturday's long run. Felt great. Then I worked out my upper body - awesome workout!

accomplished: 30 minute bike ride (5.38 miles / 10.9 mph) and P90X shoulders and arms

done with week 14, diet, and thoughts

2011-10-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Week 14 accomplishments:

35.44 miles of running
30 minutes of yoga
2 P90X strength training dvds

I am happy to report a strong workout week! I kept moving and met my goals. The only thing I am NOT proud of is my eating habits of late.
A couple more pounds, on top of the last few pounds, have crept up on me. I do not like tight fitting pants!!! I have been disparing about what I should do. I counted calories, kinda, a couple wks ago and nothing happened. I had cut out sweets, kinda. I cut out diet soda, not really. As you can see, I wasn't successful!! I was seriously contemplated getting back on Weight Watchers. Although I didn't want to pay. What to do??? I really need help with portion control and making healthy eating decisions. I might be training for a marathon and run/wkout a lot, but unless I eat healthy, too, there is no weight control.
Well, I got on WebMD and they have a wonderful calorie and workout tracker. I start counting calories on week 15...I'll give an update next week:)

20 miler

2011-10-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

wk 14, day 6
Saturday, October 15, 2011

goal: 20 mile run and finish between 3:00:00-3:30:00

I woke up early and had a banana and a mini pnb and honey sandwich. I left the house around 5:30am. I have never been so nervous in my life! I brought my ph w/ me in case I needed Oscar to come pick me up along my route.
I strapped on Oscar's camel bak with 70 ounces of water in it. It was a little heavy and I so wasn't use to running with it. I knew I would be emptying it out and as time went on it'd get lighter. Around mile 3 (30 mins in), I felt slow and sluggish. I somehow managed to swallow a thing of gu gel. Yuck!! It was horrible! I downed a whole bunch of water and then realized that probably wasn't the best decision! Now I had to pee!!!
At mile 7, I turned onto Wilderness Oak...boy oh boy was I in for a surprise! There were big giant rolling hills. Up, down, up down. My booty was burning!
I stopped around mile 10 (about 1:30 mins in) at a CVS store and used the restroom and had some more gu. Once I was at the half way point and turned around it was mentally good. I started setting landmark goals. That worked so nicely.
The last 5 miles I rationed out my sports beans. Those are so good!!! The only draw back is you have to chew them and swallow. During a long run, eating isn't conducive to breathing!! I probably should've had another gu as well, but I couldn't bring myself to it. They aren't my favorite.
When I hit mile 18, I was so ready to be done. I just didn't want to go anymore. I knew I could, but I didn't want to. I wouldn't let myself give up, I kept running. It all paid off in the end. I finished with a 9:18 pace!!!! Such a great feat! I am soooo proud of myself. I finished in 3 hours and 7 minutes. WOW! Still amazed at my newest accomplishment! I'M READY ... bring on the marathon!

accomplished: 20.07 miles - 3:07:? / 9:18 pace

more running!!

2011-10-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

wk 14, day 4
Thursday, October 13, 2011

goal: 8 mile run and P90X legs and back

Got out there and ran! Still slow, but I'm ok with that. Jumped right into strength training after my run. Did P90X legs and back. LOVE, LOVE this dvd. My booty is sore for days after wards! I know I get a GREAT workout when I do this dvd. Also, doing good at pull ups. Feel like I need to push myself even harder. I want to be able to do just ONE pull up with out chair assistance!! Overall, great workout.

accomplished: 8 miles - 1:19 / 9:55 pace and P90X legs and back

yoga day!

2011-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

wk 14, day 3
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

goal: 30 minutes of yoga

Today was yoga day. After having a rough couple of weeks with my workouts, I decided no more laziness!!! I wanted to stay active without having to feel like I needed to run, bike, or swim. I needed something to get me out of bed, especially on cross training days, and stretch my sore muscles. I did a simple 30 minute dvd and it felt great. Downward dog...that's all I have to say!!! I need to always remember to keep yoga in the mix. Such a great feeling.

accomplished: 30 minutes of yoga

wk 14, day 2

2011-10-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

goal: 10mile run

I started out on a 10 mile run this morning, but after hitting the 6 mile marker, I was ready to be done. I had energy to continue, but mentally I was spent. I usually do my 10 miles run early, like around 5:15am, so when the sun starting rising and all the traffic started getting heavy. It was too much for me. And all the flashing lights/busses/traffic in the 2 school zones I was crossing, was enough to push me over the edge and proved too overwhelming. Not sure if I had a case of listening to my body or quitting too early!! I headed home after 6 miles for a total of 7.37 miles. It felt good. Not too much, not too little. Nonetheless, it was great run. Slow, but good. My muscles are still a little sore from Saturday's run...yes, still sore! That's what I get for running a half marathon with an 8:37 pace!!!

accomplished: 7.37 mile run - 1:14 / 10:02 pace

beginning of wk 14

2011-10-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

wk 14, day 1
Monday, October 10, 2011

today's goal: 8 mile run, P90X chest and back, P90X abs

Well, I really don't know how I thought I was going to run 8 quality miles this morning. I am still super sore from Saturday's half marathon. I slept in because we got to bed real late and I knew I needed the rest and recovery. I adjusted my wks running schedule, so I can still fit in my miles. I don't need to feel guilty about recovering!

I did accomplish chest and back dvd. That felt great! I didn't get on my knees for pushups the first go around and on the second go around I rarely got on my knees! WOOHOO! I'm getting stronger and fitter:)

accomplished: P90X chest and back

end of wk 13

2011-10-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Week 13 was tough. I only got 25.49 running miles in. Since week 11 I've been fighting to get all my workouts and my miles in. Cross training has been falling to the wayside. I really thought that week 13 I'd turn it around. Well, I didn't. I'm taking it as a challenge for wk 14.

Also, I'm working on losing a few lbs in the next month. I haven't been as diligent as I should be in eating nutritional meals, monitoring my snacking, cutting out sugar, and portion control. Just because I run a lot, doesn't mean I can eat anything!!

Week 13's accomplishments:

25.49 miles of running
1.25 miles of walking
1 P90X dvd (strength training)

TX MedClinic Half Marathon

2011-10-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

wk 13, day 6
Saturday, October 8th, 2011

This morning was the TX MedClinic half marathon, 10k and 5k. I went with the half and Oscar with the 10k.

Ready to run! Pre-race photo

I started off strong and was running sub 8 for the first couple of miles. I knew this was too fast. I had goals - attainable goals - and I wanted to meet them. I didn't want to start out way to fast and blow my chances at finishing strong.

My goals were this:

Finish in the top 10 overall out of all the women
Finish in the top 5 within my age category
Finish in about 1:55:40 - about an 8:50 pace

I did research using last years results as my guide. Of course it's never the same, but it's a good rule of thumb. I thought I had a good chance of coming in third in my age category, so I was aiming high, hoping to place 3rd. Of course, type A me (!!) had to say, ok - going for 3rd, will settle for 5th to be more realistic.
After the turn around point (mile 6.55), I was the 12th women (yes, I counted!!). There were 3 other women in my site the whole way back. There was just us 4 in a cluster. No one passed us the entire way back (6.55 miles). I told myself, half jokingly, in order to be the 10th overall woman I was going to have to pass a couple of these women. I didn't know how I was going to or when, but I kept going.
Around mile 8 I hit a small wall. I had to mentally talk my way through it. I think mile 8 was about a 10 min mile. I just kept those women in my site and didn't give up on myself or my goals.
At mile 12, I took off. I was gaining on those 3 women and it just felt right. I was eager to cross the finish line, eager to be done. I was nervous that I picked up pace too early. Maybe I should've waited until mile 12.5 before speeding up. I just kept visulizing my running route at home. What was I passing at home, I kept thinking I'm almost "home", I can do this. I passed those 3 women, a few men, and didn't let up until I crossed the finish line. It was glorious!!!

About to cross that finish line - victory!


posing with my finishers medal

I accomplished/beat all my goals!!! I finished with an 8:37 pace and in 1:53:03, I was the 9th women to finish overall, and finished 5th in my age group (my age group seemed to be competitive! 5 out of the top 9 women were in my age category, 25-29). I also finished 38th overall. I SMASHED my goals and boy did it feel good! These race times/places were the preliminary ones posted at the race. They haven't posted the official ones online yet. I'm anxious to see how many women in my age category and overall competed.
This marked #2 competitive half marathon. While I've run long distances lately, they have all been on my own. Last half marathon I competed in was the SA Rock 'N' Roll last November (2010). I finished in 2:05:? In one year I knocked off 12 minutes off my time. AWESOME!!

38 days left and feeling tired

2011-10-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

wk 13, day 4
October 6, 2011

goal: 8 mile run, P90X dvd, and P90X abs

I started out on my 8 mile run with a great pace. I hit the mile one @ a sub 8 min pace. Right after the second mile, I felt like crawling back in bed. I pushed myself another quarter of a mile and I had nothing more in me. I stopped running at 2.27miles and walked the rest of the way home. This has only happened once before this year. BOOHOO. Don't want to burn myself out or start to hate running...

The walk felt nice. I didn't realized I was sore from the Tri over the wkend and a 10 mile run two days ago.

As soon as I got home, I laid down on the couch and passed out. Boy that hour of sleep went a long way! I soo needed it.

accomplished: 2.27 mile run 23:00/9:54 pace and 1.25mile walk 18:00 / 14:08

wk 13 begins - 40 days left!!!

2011-10-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

wk 13, day 2
October 4, 2011

goal: 10 mile run, P90X chest/shoulders/triceps, P90X abs

I had a wonderful run this morning. It was beautiful. The first 3 miles I was at about an 8min pace and averaged a 9:12 pace overall.

I'm getting stronger! I am becoming a push up queen:)

accomplished: 10.12 mile run - 1:33 / 9:12 pace and P90X chest/shoulders/triceps

trek tri - last tri of the year

2011-10-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Xia and I pre-tri

All marked up and ready to go!

My cheer squad!

Sunday morning started out well. I got a good night's sleep (as good as one can get away from home and with a 20m old) and a good breakfast. The weather was perfect and cool, the sky blue and beautiful.

Mentally I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be. I missed the course overview the day before at the expo, but I figured it wasn't a big deal. I didn't even know where the transition site was or when it opened up. I didn't figure in my time that there was going to be a .23 mile distance from the swim finish line to transition site. I thought, I'll hurry. So I gave myself 2 minutes for that transition. Bad move #1!! Then, because I was all about beating my time from the Danskin in June, I wasn't realistic on some of my time frames. Swimming I was confident I would meet or come close to my goal. Running, I was confident I would beat, meet or come close to my goal. Biking... that's a different story. I have developed a love / hate relationship with my bike as of late. So much so that I've probably only ridden it 2-3 times in the past month. I knew I wasn't going to meet my goal for biking. Rather than changing my goal, I decided to keep it and again, just hurry. Well, different courses, different levels of training, different transition lengths = disater for type A Annah who didn't reset any of my goals. I was prepared physically as I would've ever been, mentally, not so much. Mental prep is just as important. I had my mind so set on beating my Danskin time for some menial $ discount (it wasn't about the discount for me, it was about the challenge) that I risked feeling unsuccessful and like I was a failure at the end. I wasn't a failure, rather I was some pouting person that did a kick booty job!!

I had a great swim. My personal goal was around 18 minutes (I completed Danskin in 20:5?). I was right on. The water felt great. I found room to swim, and I felt strong. I finished just under 19 minutes. Off to a great start, I was pleased. I slipped on my running shoes and jogged up the 2+ hills that made up the .23 miles to transition area. Not too bad. I jogged versus ran so I wouldn't pass out on the hills before mounting my bike. It was a good move!

Got to my bike and was heading out when I realized I put on my running visor instead of my bike helmet!! Good thing I was only two racks from where I racked my bike, so I didn't lose too much time over it. Jumped on my bike and away I went. The weather could not have been any prettier. Clear blue skies in the hill country. Dreamy! I biked my two laps and it was then I knew that I wasn't going to beat or even match my overall Danskin time of 1:34:??. I had a great, strong ride. It was a beautiful day. Only something to be happy/proud about.

Finishing strong on my bike

Second transition was just as always - quick. One thing I have down good!! Put on my visor and grabbed a drink of water and hit the trails. I passed everyone on my path. No one passed me. I felt strong & proud!! I ran down the hill and sprinted to the finish line. That was amazing! The crowd was cheering, I was sprinting, I heard Oscar cheering, saw him snap a picture, and I FINISHED! No greater feeling! I remember why I do these things when I cross the finish line - pure fulfillment.

Sprinting to the finish line! lookin' good!

I looked down at my watch after finishing and it read 1:42. I was mortified. How was I 8 minutes slower than the Danskin tri? How? After much deliberation, I realized #1, first transition took over 7 minutes ( and I didn't account for that in my goal time frame). #2 how did I expect myself to actually cycle really well when I was on my bike 3 times in a month??? #3 they took the .23 distance off the 5k at the end - so instead of me running hard all 3 miles at the end, I jogged the .23 at a slower pace than I would've normally to conserve energy for biking. Also, different courses bring different results. I am ashamed to say that I was actually embarrassed of my time. I cannot believe how down I was on myself. Next time I'm mentally preparing just as much as physically!!! I did an AWESOME job. I look back just 4 months ago when I was doing my first ever triathlon. I am amazed that I ever signed up for the event and how well I've done on all 4 of my triathlons this year. I don't want to look back on this event as something I was ashamed of or feel that I didn't finish strong, because I did. I was so wrapped up in my time, that I took away the joy of a job well done, I robbed myself of the celebration and excitement I feel the rest of the day. Never again will I set unrealistic goals for myself. I promise to always be proud of myself.

Here are my awesome stats that I am PROUD OF!!

1:42:21 total time
Overall   46 / 344
Division 7/33
Swim     18:57 / 74th
Trans1   7:17
Bike       52:05 /146th / 13.8 mph
Trans2    1:15
Run         22:43 / 10th / 8:25 pace

Received my medal! Finished!!

Callie and I before cheering on Colleen!

Callie, KT and Colleen, me and Xia

wk 12, day 5

2011-09-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-09-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2011-09-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

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:)

2011-09-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-13T15:11:00.003-07:00

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

2011-09-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

(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!

2011-09-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

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!

week 8 of training begins!!

2011-08-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

8-29-11
week 8, day 1

goal: 8 miles & P90X abs

Had a great run this morning. Got out a little later than I meant to, so I had to speed up my run around mile 3 so that I could complete all 8 miles vs cutting it short, so Oscar could leave to work on time. Go stubborn Annah!! Had a good run with a 9:27 pace.

Got a nice ab workout in as well. First ab workout in 7 wks and after surgery. Felt right, felt good.

accomplished: 8.06 miles / 1:16:12 - 9:27 pace + P90X abs

Week 8 begins adding yoga and abs into my weekly routine. Excited!

week 7 ended

2011-08-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe that week 7 is over and week 8 is about to begin. Crazy!!!

Week 7 accomplishments:

20.68 miles of running
10 miles of biking
10:21 minutes of swimming
2.5 P90X dvds
1 event : Dam '09 triathlon (my 3rd one!)

Week 8 will bring on lots more running! I'm also going to start adding in yoga & abs.

dam '09 mini triathlon

2011-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday marked the end of training week 7 and Oscar's and mine first triathlon together. This marks my third, Oscar's first, and our first one together:)

To be frank, we are a little burnt out on events. We were excited to do this tri together, but at the same time, we were wishing we were at home, asleep!! We got up at 5am, I left at 525am to get the sitter (thankfully she was available so early!), and we left the house around 550am. I told the sitter that she could sleep on the couch until Xia woke up - around 8am. We drove up to the house about 540am and Xia was up and running around the house! I was in shock... Xia is NEVER up at that time. NEVER! I felt bad for the sitter!!

Once we got there, parked and hauled our stuff to transition, we realized that it was going to be a relaxed event. Competitive group, but relaxed, nonetheless. That made us relax a little and it was a great first triathlon for Oscar.

us after setting up our transition area & about to embark on our first triathlon together:)

We started off in a swimming pool with 8 lanes = 400 meters. I was #170 to get in the water. Swimming wasn't too bad. I just kept at it, tried to push myself all the while maintaining a pace I could stay with. I completed 400 meters in 10:21.

My first transition time was ok - 1:49. Had to take my shades off because water kept dripping on them & then they begun to fog up! After I had my bike in hand and ready to run to the mount line, I realized I hadn't tied my shoes!! LOL! So I had to re-rack my bike, tie my shoes & then get my bike! No biggie, but there's a few extra seconds that I could've shaved off my time.

We had to bike the designated loop 3 times. I was getting discouraged with my mountain bike as all the road bikes kept passing me up. I had to maintain a good attitude while pedaling. I was bumped out that my time was going to suck, etc, etc, etc. I had to keep my head in the game and told myself to keep pedaling. Reminding myself that no mater how much I disliked the ride, it was a competition and that I needed to finish strong. Apparently all the prep talk paid off. I had a fast ride (in comparison to my other rides). 10 miles in 34:30 / 17.4 mph.

Second transition was similar to the first - 1:39. Last tri I believe my second transition time was 0:58...I was off running, when I realized I didn't have my race number on!! LOL! Had to go back to transition area and get it! So there was another 20 + seconds that I could've shaved off my time!! Oh well. Overall my transition times weren't bad at all.

The run wasn't too bad. It seemed much longer than it was...and it was only a 2.4 mile loop! I guess I was ready for the finish line, beer, mimosas, tacos, etc! I was able to maintain an 8:10 pace, which wasn't too bad. I was really hoping to be around 7:45 pace, but 8:10 wasn't too shabby! I had a great sprint at the end.

Total time: 1:07:59 (my personal goal was between 60-68 minutes - goal met!)
5th out of 10 in my age category :)
128 overall out of 235+ (?)
30th female out of 100 (?)

400m swim: 10:21 -7th in age group/45th female/136 overall
10mile ride: 34:30 / 17.4 mph pace - 6th in age group/57 female/ 176 overall
2.4mile run: 19:38 / 8:10 pace - 5th in age group / 15th female/ 73 overall

SO PROUD OF MYSELF! Again, grateful for my amazing body that is able to do these events!

off on friday

2011-08-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

No holiday, just super sore from my 8 mile run on Thursday! So I decided that I was going to take the day off and rest in preparation for Saturday's Dam '09 Triathlon. Excited!

Week 7, day 4

2011-08-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

(8-25-11)

Thursday mornings original goal was 6 miles, but I decided that I had an 8 mile run cooped up inside of me ready to run wild, so I went with it! I had a great run and completed it in 1:18:53 / 9:50 pace.

Week 7, day 3

2011-08-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

(8-24-11)

My original goal for Wednesday was bike and swim and P90X. The night before I declared that I didn't feel like doing either, despite having a mini triathlon that upcoming Saturday! So I didn't. No sense in forcing myself - then it becomes work rather than enjoyable exercise. And once that happens I'm afraid I'll lose my motivation.
I decided that I could still do a P90X dvd, which was legs and back. Well, I posted stuff to sell on ebay rather than doing the dvd, and by then Xia was up from her nap!! So, I took her outside, let her play in the kiddie pool while I did the legs portion of the dvd. It was a grueling 28 minutes! I am proud of myself for getting something done, despite it being a blah workout day.

week 7, day 2

2011-08-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today's goal (8-23-11): 7 mile run, P90X chest/shoulders/triceps

Woke up early and was out the door around 6am. Had a great stride this morning. I kept a good pace and was happy and some what surprised that I was able to maintain a 9 min pace. Run was great.
After my run, I jumped right into the P90X dvd. I am improving on my push ups! WooHoo!! I feel STRONG!

Accomplished: 7.16 mile run / 9:03 pace

better late than never monday workout

2011-08-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

week7, day 1

Goal: sleep in, jog 3 miles, P90X back /biceps

With the triathlon behind me by just one day, I didn't want to over do it, but I still wanted a nice workout. I jogged mid morning with Xia. It was a 10 min mile run, slow and steady:) Xia enjoyed being out doors and I enjoyed my run.
Upon returning home from the run, I put Xia down for her nap & started the P90X dvd. I am showing improvement on my pull ups. I am now on the bar using a chair for assistance ( i was using the bands). It feels nice!

Accomplished: a good night's sleep :), 3.12m run, P90X b/b

celebrating the end of wk 6 with a Sweet & Twisted triathlon

2011-08-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday's triathlon goal:

swim - 500m: 12-13 minutes
bike - 14miles: 50 minutes / 16.8 mph
run - 5k: 23-25 minutes / 7:25-8:03 pace

I was soooo happy to be doing my second triathlon! I had a great swim, despite someone pushing down on my leg for quite a while! I tried to get away, but that hand kept finding me! The water levels were low so a lot of the women just walked for a while before getting their swim on. I kept swimming even when my hands touched a bit, wasn't too bad. Between the layout of the swim and the shallowness, it was a little difficult to catch speed. Finished under my goal time, which made me very happy:)

Got a good running start out of the water and to transition area to get my bike. Got on my bike and my diaphragm ( so I think) started tightening up on me & it didn't calm down until I was 15+ minutes into my ride. The first 5-7 miles were brutal. I realized that I'd rather swim & run longer distances than ride longer!! It was pretty much a flat course with a few small hills here and there.

After biking I headed out for the last leg... running. I knew I wouldn't have a problem with it and I was impressed with my time. They shortened the course the day of because of the heat, but it wasn't too bad. The run did seem short, but came as a welcomed surprise:)

I finished in 1:29:44 - which was my goal time - although assuming we were running a 5k, but oh well, still a good time:) I finished 6th in my age group (out of 20) and 62 overall (out of 170+). Not too shabby!

My transition area

Ready to start!

I FINISHED!

Faith, Michelle, Me, Nina, & Miley (Faith and I go way back, the other girls are my new tri friends!)

Sunday's triathlon accomplishments:

swim - 500m: 9:58
bike - 14 miles: 58:06 / 14.46 mph
run - 2.5miles: 18:40 / 7:28 pace (they shortened the course day of)

Comparing to Danskin triathlon, June 6, 2011

swim - 800m: 20:53 - improved
bike - 12 miles: 43:58 / 16.3 - digressed! (this route was more hilly, which helped w. momentum)
run - 5k: 25:40 / 8:16 pace - improved

WEEK 6 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1/3 of the way through with training!

20.79 miles ran
26.04 miles biked
56 minutes swam
3 P90X dvds (strength training)

last swim and run before the tri

2011-08-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

week 6, day 5 (8-19-11)

Goal: swim 45 minutes + 3 mile run

Woke up early and was at the pool by 6:25 am. It was nice watching the sunrise with every breath! It was also a little frightening being the only person in a neighborhood pool not knowing if anybody else was entering to swim!
I warmed up for 4 min, had a 10 min sprint, then 2:30 min easy, 13 min sprint, 3:30 min easy, 8 min sprint, 6 min cool down. Time goes by SO FAST when I swim like this. I'm not counting laps, not timing my meters/distance, etc. I would if I knew the length of the pool!! Sometimes it's best not knowing:)

After Xia was up and we had breakfast, I took her out for a 3.12mile jog. It was getting hot, I was kinda tired, but I was also determined to get a run in. I had a very slow pace, but was super glad that I ran. Xia seemed to enjoy it. It's been so long since I've taken her for a run. I don't know how I use to push that heavy stroller around. Guess you do what you gotta do :)

Goal accomplished: 46 min swim, 3.12 mile run (10:32 pace)

last ride before the tri

2011-08-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

week 6, day 4 (8-18-11)

Goal: 8 mile bike ride

I wasn't planning on working out this day, because I didn't get home until near midnight the night before. I went to a friend's 31 party and before I knew it I was talking to my friends, enjoying wine and time got away! When evening came, I decided I should ride my bike about 8 miles in preparation for my wkend triathlon. I got my bike out, pumped up my rear tire (which had a slow leak), checked the front tire (which was fine) and started riding. I was having a GREAT ride. Everything about it felt right - until I noticed my front tire rapidly going flat! I was 3.87 miles into my ride and my front tire went completely flat! I had to walk home the rest of the way.
The next day we took my bike into the shop and they found two thorns in each tire & a metal piece in one of them as well. I am so happy I decided to take my bike out for a spin before the weekend. It would've been miserable taking a bike to a triathlon with not one, but TWO flat tires!
Overall, my ride was excellent. I felt my legs working hard and speed. It felt good:)

Accomplished: 3.87 mile ride / 14.62 pace

New Motivation...

2011-08-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Last week a friend and I were visiting about me doing the marathon and her doing the half. I told her that I'm still not set on the full. Training is HARD WORK! If I'm not ready day of, I'm not pushing myself. She looked at me and said "if I'm doing the half, YOU CAN DO THE WHOLE". Wow! The look on her face and tone of her voice was a clincher! I guess I'm doing the full, folks!

Then today my mom sent me this message via fb:

"I am so proud of you my Annah Lou! You are amazing and I love you, always have! When I look at Xia, I go back in time and see you walking around enjoying life and people! Strutting around in love with the world and life and ready to take on anything that got in your way! You were not afraid to "walk around the block" in your pink Carter sleeper, waving at all the elderly neighbors on their front porches! You were ready for everything life brought your way! So happy to have you in my life! Love you, MOM"

I guess I'm ready for everything...including the marathon! What a sweet note of encouragement from my mommy:)

weighing in...

2011-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have been a little frustrated the last couple of weeks because the scale has been going up - a total of 4 lbs since May. I saw a loss of 1lb the other week, and then just like that back up...I see it go down, go up and everything in between. As someone who has struggled with weight loss in the past, I am naturally upset. I workout soooo hard during the week running, swimming, biking, weights, etc I feel like I should see it on the scale (just maintaining my goal weight has been my priority of late). However, just took my measurements today and comparing them to last months measurements, I've gone down 2.75 inches over all (including 1.5 off my waist)!!! I guess weight isn't always a true measure of fitness? I'm going to write down what I eat just to make sure that what I put in my mouth is compatible with my workouts. Wish me luck:)!

Measurements from July upon starting my marathon training

day 2 and 3 of week 6

2011-08-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe I am in week 6 of marathon training! I'm still alive and kicking!

Tuesday's goal (8-16-11): 8 mile bike ride and P90X legs and back

Good workout overall. Really want my bike ride on Sunday @ Sweet and Twisted Tri to be much faster!

Tueday's accomplishment: 8.17 mile ride with a pace of 13.2 (37:09) and P90X legs and back

Today's goal (8-17-11): 8 mile run at about 930pace and P90X chest, shoulders, and triceps

Run was great. It was super humid and I was drenched! For someone who is normally a moderate sweater, I was shocked that I have become a BIG time sweater!! LOL! I think it also has to do with the weather - summer time and no rain. I tried many times to pick up my pace, but 10:00 min miles seem to be the name of the game today. My knees sorta bothered me as well as my feet off and on.

After my run I did my P90X dvd. Lots of pushups... I am proud of myself for pushing myself and striving for excellence this week when it comes to my workouts:)

Today's accomplishments: 8 mile run @ 10:02 pace (1:20:30) and P90X c/s/t

week 6 of 18 starting out...nearly a third of the way through!

2011-08-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

wk 6, day 1

Today's goal: 7 miles @ 9:00 pace (MP) + P90X back and biceps dvd

Great run this morning. My first mile was about 9:45, 2nd about 9:00, 3rd & 4th around 10:00 and then I picked it up a little bit. When I felt like jogging leisurely, I reminded myself that I had a goal in mind that was attainable, so I should at least try. I pushed through my mental road blocks and made good time. I even sprinted at the end - a real sprint! I had a goal of 63 minutes, but was also realistic and decided that between 63-68 minutes would make me happy. I seem to run my marathon pace on the weekends vs on my set day of Monday. Oh well, whatever works, right?! I finished in exactly 67 minutes and 59 seconds (1:07:59)!! I was a happy runner:)

After running, I did my P90X dvd - chest and back. It was a great workout. Half way through the pull up part I switched from bands to the bar (with a foot on the chair). HUGE improvement for me:) VERY HAPPY!!

Very pleased with both my workouts today:)

Today's accomplishments: 7.14 miles @ 9:29 pace / 1:07:59 + P90X back and biceps dvd

victory!!!!

2011-08-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

week 5, day 6

Today's goal: 10 miles around 9:30 pace

Today was long run Saturday. I was excited and eager to reach down deep and see what I was made of and just run! I left Oscar and Xia sleeping at home and headed to the Salado Creek trail head near Hardberger park. I had to jog the trail 3 times, there and back, to meet my 10 mile goal. The first leg of the trip I set my pace and was able to keep up on the second leg, as well. I noticed my pace was slowing down on the third leg. I thought that since I was on such a long run, I could go ahead and take this last leg nice and slow. Then I remembered back to my last 5k race & how I let the last mile fall apart. I told myself I was never going to do it again. By this point I had about a 1/2 mile left and I just took off! That last half mile I averaged a 7:14 pace! Just goes to show that when you don't think you have anything left in you, put the pedal to the medal and put yourself to the test!! I hadn't run 10 miles since December 2010 and I ran it around 1:31:?. This morning I was determined to run 10 miles in exactly and hour and a half and beat my last time. Well, I did it! I sprinted myself to the end in exactly 1:30:30!!!! WOW! It's amazing how far I push my stubborn body! So proud of myself:)

During today's run, I passed a few small group of runners. They appeared to be high school students. As I jogged past them, I thought about how I used to envy young, lean runners. I use to want to switch bodies with them. Today, I didn't envy their young, lean bodies, rather I thought about everything I loved about my body and what I decided to OWN! I own my gallbladder removal scars and my small - but still there - post baby pouch! I own the last remaining cellulite that just won't go away. I own it - I OWN MY FLAWS! They make me who I am today. They make me strive to do better. If I had a young, lean body, I may not workout and compete. My flaws make me accountable to myself to workout. I LOVE MY BODY!!

I ran in my new, dry fit Adidas running shorts that I got on clearance - love them! I also used my new Nike hydration belt - love it!! Happy customer!

Today's accomplishment: 10.2 miles @ 8:52 pace / 1:30:30

Week 5 done! What I accomplished this week:

24.22 miles of running
8.02 miles of biking
45 minutes of swimming
2 P90X dvds (strength training)

still at it...

2011-08-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

week 5, day 4 & 5

Thursday goal: bike 8 miles & P90X legs and back

It was so hard to get out of bed on Thursday! I finally managed to get out of bed and barely managed to get my ride in, and my P90X strength training in time to shower & get Xia up, ready, and out the door for "school"! Very glad I followed through, got my workout done and got on with my day:)

Thursday accomplishment: 8 mile ride & P90X legs and back

Friday's goal: bike/run block and P90X dvd

I was way too worn out, sore, and tired to do any workout on Friday. My butt was so sore from all the lunges and squats I did on Thursday! My body was telling me to rest & I am so glad I listened:)

Friday's accomplishment: MUCH NEEDED REST!!

slow, steady, and HUMID!

2011-08-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

wk 5, day 3 (8-10-11)

Today's goal: 8 mile run around 9:30 pace & P90X chest, shoulders, and tricepts

Cancelled on a friend last night on a 5am run. I knew that realistically I wouldn't be ready that early, maybe 520 or 530am, but not 5am. My alarm went off @ 515am and I didn't get up, in fact I didn't get up for another 45 minutes!!! I finally pushed myself out the door around 620am and ran for 8.02 miles. Did I meet my goal of a 9:30 pace? Nope. Did I care? Nope! Slow and steady was the name of the game today. I am glad I pushed myself to run this morning, but not too happy that I was so psychologically out of the game. I know I'll have good days and slow days, so I'm not going to beat myself up over it today's slower pace. I've already proved on Saturday, that I can run 8 miles with a 9min pace. I was competing with myself today and lost. No worries, though. I was content to lose to myself today :p!!

This evening, I completed the P90X dvd for today. the second 3 weeks of the program have began... my muscles are wasted! I did so many push ups! It was good to have my muscles feel spent. I need more upper body strength. I hate breaking up my workouts. I like getting them all completed in the morning before Xia gets up and the day begins. But, I have to commend myself for completing my workout today no matter how scattered it is!

Today's accomplishments: 8.02 mile run @ 10:26 / 1:23:48 + P90X chest, shoulders, and tricepts dvd

week 5, day 1 & 2

2011-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Monday's goal: 6 miles @ 9 min pace

My friend joined me for Monday's run. We started our run @ 720pm (versus an am run. I had morning obligations that didn't allow for a morning run). The weather was ok, still HOT, but ok. I had a goal of 9 min pace & she didn't want to slow me down, but I insisted on her coming along with me. It didn't help any that our first two miles were @ 8:30 pace. It was a bit too fast for her (esp in this heat), so from there the run slowed down a bit and ended up being a slow run. She's the one friend that will hang in there for long distance even if she has to walk some. I give her major props for that!! Way to go, girl:)
P90X weight dvds resume this week. Monday's pm run didn't allow extra time for me to do a dvd.

Monday's accomplishment: 6 miles @ 9:54 pace / 58:50

Today's goal: 45 min swim & 12mile bike ride

Was a little tired from yesterday evenings run, so I post-poned my early morning bike ride until after swimming. Since I'm still swimming at my friend's neighborhood pool, I decided to bike there after my swim. I packed my bike up, helmet, new shades, bike clothes, shoes, gloves, etc. I really didn't feel like a ride today, but I knew that afterwards, I'd be glad I got it done. I was actually looking forward to riding somewhere else for a change. I had a great swim; met my goal time. I dried off, put my bike gear on, pulled my bike out of the car only to find out my back tire was flat (or extremely low)!!!! So, ummm yeah, I didn't bike today! At least I got a quality swim in:).

Today's accomplishments: 45 min swim

speedy saturday

2011-08-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday goal: 8 miles @ 9:30 pace

Saturday morning, I was was eager to get my running done. Motivation: family reunion in New Braunfels = tubing, visiting with family, and fun, fun, fun! I ran my first mile just under 10 minutes, then wham, bam, boom I just started running and didn't stop until I'd reached my goal! I even sprinted at the end! I felt great and encouraged.

Saturday's accomplishment: 8.02 miles @ 9:04 pace

Week 4 accomplishments:

22 miles of running
18.14 miles of biking
92 minutes of swimming

It's hard to believe that one month of training is over with. I've got a few more to go, but I'm not slowing down or turning back!

food and gear

2011-08-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that since training I have packed on 3 lbs for no reason. Clothes fit better than ever, body feels great, and I eat until I'm full, so I wasn't too worried, but curious. I started to count calories and was averaging about 1650 calories. That caloric intake seem to fit me perfectly. I talked to several girlfriends and they said I should try adding calories to my diet (3 of 3 reported back that they lost 3&4 lbs in a week just by adding more calories to their diets!). I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I started eating more here and there. Like adding a banana to breakfast ( 1 egg, 1 english muffin, & sometimes a morning star veggie patty), eating half a peanut butter / honey sandwich an hour before dinner, having a full scoop of protein vs a half before a heavy workout, etc. Within 2 days, 1 lb fell off! I think I was depriving myself of food - that's a first!! LOL! I've also noticed I'm not as tired during the day - still a little fatigued, but not as bad as I was. I'm not all about the lbs, but about being healthy and fit. It's just frustrating when you workout really hard and the scale rises. Anyway...the moral of the story, eat to match your workouts!

So, yesterday I headed to academy and to get some much needed gear. I needed a new lap suit and found a Nike swim suit, that fit great, for $34.99. The Nike price was $55. I thought it was a pretty good deal, until it rang up at the register for $14.88!!! Now that's not a good deal, but a STEAL & a HAPPY surprise! Same thing happened with my new pair of shades - I was happy with the $21.99 price, but they rang up at $14.99! AWESOME! The shades are awesome biking, running, and golfing shades. Not trendy, but perfect sport shades. Also got some weight lifting / cycle gloves, and some golf clothes. Although I still need golfing shorts without dishing out 50 bucks. Ridiculous!!

friday training fun

2011-08-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

wk 4, day 5

Goal: bike 6 miles, sprint 1 mile or on/off speed training for 3 miles.

I really didn't feel like getting up to ride and run this morning. But, I knew that I wasn't going to go long distance and that I could chill today, so I peeled myself out of bed and faced the great outdoors! Whatever Oscar did to my gears the other day, really worked. I was a speed demon (compared to my other rides). I averaged a 13.67 pace and rode a total of 6.14 miles. Not far, but just enough to get my blood flowing and make my thighs a tad sore! I hopped off my bike and started on my sprint. 7:09. Not too shabby. I've run faster miles (6:57 is my best to date). But, I'm gonna own that 7:09 miles! GO ME! I'm so competitive with myself - love it!!

Today's accomplishment: 6.14 mile ride in 27 mins / 13.67 pace and 1 mile sprint in 7:09

swimming & golf

2011-08-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today's goal: swim for 45 mins

Had a great swim today. I warmed up for about 5 minutes, swam sprint style for 10, then 3 minute breaststroke/water break, back to sprinting for 13 minutes, then 3 minute break, then 9 minute sprint, and cool down for the rest of the time. Felt great:)

Silverhorn Golf Course had a special running - after 5pm - yes, we signed up!!!!!!!!!! Us and another crazy couple ventured out in 100+ degree weather and hit the golf course. We made it 14 holes before it got too dark! But, between sweating, walking, driving, and more sweating, there had to be some calorie burn going on, so it's classified as a workout for today!!! I had a few great shots. Looking forward to more golf soon:)

goal accomplished!

(week) 4 + (day) 3 = 7 miles

2011-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today's goal: run 7 miles around 9:30 pace

Went to bed later than usual last night ( I was ready to go to bed @ 8pm!). My aunt and cousin flew in from DC area for our weekend family reunion & I stayed up to welcome them:). My Aunt Amy motivated me more than she'll ever know at last year's reunion. "Keep moving everyday." "Stay active." "Don't think about it." Those are a few of her phrases I picked up on. I need something to work towards to keep me motivated. So I signed up for the half marathon and conquered it! And I found out that I like training, and I do actually like running, too! Signing up for runs and sprint triathlons keep me moving everyday. Anyway, back to today... I was slow, but steady! Very proud of myself:)

On another note, Xia Bliss turned 18 months today - the big 1.5! woohoo!

Today's accomplishment: 7.16 mile run in 1:11 - 9:54 pace

biking and swimming day

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

wk 4, day 2

Goal: bike 12 miles & swim for 45 minutes

What a fun day! I love biking and swimming. Are they easy, is that why I love them so much? NO! I love mixing up my workouts. I love sitting down while making my legs do all the work. I love being in water, especially in 100 degree weather!
I woke early to get my ride in. I was several minutes slower than previous rides, but I'm not concerned with that. As long as I feel the burn and push, push, push, I know that I gave it my all. Something was odd with my gears. Oscar checked them out for me & I think it's fixed. After dropping Xia off at "school", I went to my friends neighborhood pool and swam. It was so hot that the water felt warm! But nonetheless, I managed to keep my booty in that pool swimming and swimming for 45 minutes. Yay me! I still don't know the measurements of the pool - maybe 35-40 meters? I didn't "time" myself because I'm not sure of the length of the pool. I wouldn't mind timing a 400 and then 800 sprint next time I'm in the water. My arms were shaky when I got out of the pool - great workout.

I accomplished my goal: biked 12 around 59 minutes - 12.2 pace & 45 minute swim

week 4 starting off with a BANG!

2011-08-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

week 4, day 1

Today's goal: 6 miles at MP (marathon pace) = 9 min pace

I exceeded my goal today! Don't know how I did, but I did! I am soooo happy! Training has begun to pay off:) 6 miles in 52:10!
I ran faster than I had in quite some time (minus my 5k). Woohoo! I felt no sickness. But, I did have to stop 2 miles in to stretch my legs as I had some spasm occur behind my left knee. Also, the top of my right foot started to hurt ...may be time for some new running shoes.

Anyway, I am so thrilled with my accomplishment today. I think week 4 is off to a good start:) Also, no P90X this week. I just completed 3 weeks of P90X weights. If I were following the entire program, it suggest 3 wks on, 1 week rest, more or less. So this week = rest week (from weights). It's nice being able to sleep in until 6am. Next week it's back to the grind with 5 am wake up calls!

Today's accomplishment: 6 miles at 8:41 pace!!!! (52:10)

changes to my training program - week 4 & beyond

2011-07-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

OK, so week 3 was tough. Mentally and physically. I found myself extremely tired all the time, nauseated during and after workouts, and irritated on days that I didn't exactly meet my training goals. I reviewed my training program and realized that the very reason I thought I liked the program was the same reason I found it overwhelming. Biking was Monday, speed training was Tuesday, swimming was Wednesday, and then running was Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Running on tired legs shorted distances and more often was pretty much the name of the game. Well, I became so tired that I dreaded going out running, I feared an injury coming on & I wasn't improving on my pace. I believe I need to space my runs out more evenly.

Here's a simple sketch of my edited program:
Monday- average to longer runs @ marathon pace (6-10 miles)
Tuesday - bike (sprints & interval training) & sometimes swim (in prep for triathlons)
Wednesday - average runs, building up to longer runs (6-12 miles)
Thursday - swim
Friday - shorter runs (2-5 miles)
Saturday - long runs (8-20 mile runs)
Sunday - OFF
~I will still incorporate 3 P90X dvds (chest and back, shoulders and arms, legs and back) during the week. I do 3 weeks on of dvds and one week off ( just like the regular program suggest).

I hope to report back next week at this time that the tweaks I made to the training program were just what I needed:)

wow - week 3 over!

2011-07-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe I'm about to start my 4th week of training! After a training week like this past week, I am ready to get back in the game, mentally.

Saturday's goal: jog 8 miles
Sunday's goal: P90X legs and back

Saturday, I met a friend @ Hardberger park and jogged along the Salado Creek trail. It has been a while since I met up with her to run. It was nice to have accountability to wake up early on a Saturday morning to run! I haven't been sleeping well this past week, so it was very tempting to sleep in, but I kept my running date and of course, like always - it was a good run! Actually it was one of my best runs - not time wise (ran first 4 miles in 38:50 - 9:42 pace) - but health wise. I didn't get nauseated AT ALL during or after my run! woohoo! I fell short of my 8 mile goal, but accomplished a total of running 5 miles and walking 3. I needed one of those days where I got a solid run in, but I also allowed myself to walk at the end.

Today, I decided to ditch the P90X dvd, sleep in (as much as a 1.5 yr old will allow!), eat pizza, and chill all day!

Saturday's accomplishment: 4 mile run in 38:50 / 9:42 pace, .65 mile walk, 1 mile run, 2.35 mile walk
Sunday's accomplishment: REST!!

Week 3 accomplishments:
ran 14 miles
walked 3 miles
biked 6.14 miles
swam for 35 minutes
2 P90X dvds (weights related)

thursday's victory = friday's death = change

2011-07-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday's goal: 6 mile run @ M(arathon) P(ace) = 9 min pace + chest and back
Friday's goal: 5 mile run + P90X shoulders and arms

Thursday was great. Did I feel great, no, but my workouts got completed and I was completely sore, tired, and worn out!!! Victory? Yes, I told myself. I ran just short of my 9 min pace, but hey, I was worn out, tired, & happy I made it through my run! I did it, right?! Not so sure...I took an hour nap after dropping Xia off at school and still wasn't back to being myself 100%. I keep feeling nauseated during and after my runs. I'm not running 6 minute miles, or pushing myself to the extreme. In fact a few months ago I could've ran it @ 8:45 pace and not felt this way. Well, I was able to check it off my list, so I chalked it down as a victory. I even completed P90X chest and back dvd. I love the push and pull of this particular workout. Really debated pushing play. Glad I did, though.

Thursday night I was in bed by 8:30pm. I was so tired, I couldn't operate. I thought I'd be good and ready for my 5 mile run + P90X workout. Well, quite the opposite. Today (Friday), I skipped my run altogether and only completed 35 out of the 55 minutes of P90X shoulders and arms (another favorite dvd). According to my training program, today was a failure. According to me, I need to tweak my program. I do the bulk of my running Thursday - Sunday. I like Sunday's off first and foremost. Secondly, I need a break in between good, healthy runs. Thirdly, I may be cramming too much training into a week with a swim, a ride, 3 P90X dvds, and 5 runs. It's a lot on my body. I can do it, but other things fall to the wayside. I don't know, like, having energy to cook dinner, play with Xia, etc! Those are necessary things that need to be tended to. I'm gonna work on a plan today that will still incorporate those things that are important to me workout wise and family wise. If that means running the half vs the full, then I'm for it. But, if I do end up running the half, I better be one fast mom and crush my time from last year:)!

Thursday's accomplishments: 6 miles @ 9:32 pace / 57:14 + P90X chest and back
Friday's accomplishments: 35 out of 55 minutes of P90X shoulders and arms

I already feel more fit and stronger. Love it!

I wonder sometimes if I started training 1 week too soon after surgery. It makes me think that is why I'm suffering from nausea during and after my runs.

what keeps me going

2011-07-27T16:39:00.000-07:00


rounding the corner to the finish line @ the women's 5k run - placed 2nd

I love this picture! I look strong, but what's even better is that I feel strong. This girl looks motivated, able, and ready. I am that girl!

What keeps this girl going?

health benefits of running, swimming, and cycling
healthy example to others, including my little girl
this blog - I've committed to this 18 wk program & this blog
being type A - 'nuff said!!!!
my friends that encourage and motivate me through their workouts
my husband, my daughter and my family
me - I keep myself going by keeping my head in the game:)
God - he gave me this body and it's amazing what it can do!

saved!

2011-07-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

week 3, day 3
Today's goal: swim!

My regular pool has closed. And it's closed for 6 wks! BOO! I have a sweet friend that offered to let me use her neighborhood pool - right in the nick of time:)

Today's accomplishment: 35 minutes of swimming - 95% of it was free style, other 5% was other!

week 3, day 1 & 2

2011-07-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Monday's goal: cycle - hill training intervals
Monday, we were still in Marble Falls. I was looking forward to doing hill interval training on my bike ever since we arrived! Well, Monday arrived and it was cycling day! Of course the only time I was able to get away was in the afternoon. When the weather was super hot & even the breeze was hot - like a blow dryer on high heat! Nevertheless, like the crazy woman that I am, I thought that biking in the heat can't be that bad? After all, going down hills you can catch some breeze. Hot breeze that is! My trainning didn't last as long as I wanted, but again, happy I got something accomplished while away on a mini family retreat.

My training went something like this:
1.06 mile warm up
.88 mile hill 4x - each down one side & up the other and back took about 4:30
had a .4 mile break to get my Gatorade!
1.5 mile cool down / ride home.

It was hard to warm up and cool down as there is no flat road over there.Every petal is either working yourself up a hill or flying down another! I treated myself to a dip in the lake after my ride. What I should've done was take a dip before my ride to keep cool.

Monday's accomplishment: 6.15 mile riding over all. 3.5 of it was hill training. Approx 45 mins of riding.

Tuesday's goal: 3 miles of speed training at 7:30 pace, with about a 1.25 miles of easy laps in between

We returned from the lake on Tuesday morning, so it was too late in the day (too hot!) for speed training. I went out just after 8pm and the weather was fine. I was still unable to complete the entire speed training routine. Whew, it's hard! But I got further than last week:) That's what matters the most.
Here's how it went:
Lap 1 = warm up = 2:18 / 9:12 pace
Lap 2 = speed = 1:51 / 7:24 pace
Lap 3 = easy = 2:22 / 9:28 pace
Lap 4 & 5 = speed = 1:51 & 1:53 / 7:24 & 7:32 pace
Lap 6 = easy = 2:54 / 11:36 pace
Lap 7, 8, & 9 = speed = 1:51, 2:04, & 2:06 / 7:24, 8:16, & 8:24 pace
Lap 10 = easy = 3:00 / 12:00 pace
Lap 11 = speed = 1:52 / 7:28
Lap 12 = easy = 3:00 / 12:00 pace
Lap 13 = speed = 1:55 / 7:40
Lap 14 = cool down / walk = 4:10

I did take time to write down times and take a water break. they were usually between 10 - 30 sec.

Tuesday's accomplishments: 2 miles of speed training approx. averaging 7:50 with 1.5miles of easy laps. 3.5 miles total

lake runs / week 2 down!

2011-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

week 2, day 5, 6, & 7.

Thursday evening we headed down to Lake LBJ in Marble Falls for an extra long weekend. I was committed to continue my training no matter what! Overall I am happy with what I accomplished:) The terrain was extreme - hills, hills and more hills!! I didn't have internet, thus couldn't track my exact mileage (until I returned home). I tried to time myself accordingly - 10 mins = 1 mile to be on the safe side. It sorta worked!

Friday's goal: run 3 miles
I left the house @ 10am (a little too late in this heat!) and ran with Xia. Heat + hills + a baby = HARD! I ran for 34 mins and only ran 2.79 miles! Not very proud of my time or that I didn't reach my mileage goal, but proud I didn't call the run off due to the heat. Go me!
Xia was a little fussy on this run. My only saving grace was all the deer we saw on our run. She would stop fussing when she'd see a deer!

Friday's accomplishment: 2.79 miles - 12:11 pace / 34:00 total

Saturday's goal: run 5 miles
Saturday I left the house only 15 minutes later than Friday. Staying up late doesn't help with the whole waking up early aspect that training requires. It started off nice with a breeze, but ended brutally! I knew I wasn't going to meet my 5 mile goal when I had to stop running after only 46:50. The good news is my pace was faster (probably because I didn't have Xia with me). I ran a total of 4.22 miles in 46:50. When I got back to the house, I was soaked with sweat. I have never been that sweaty before. Never! I ran with about 20 oz of Gatorade - glad I did. Again, glad I got out there, but still frustrated that I didn't meet my goals and my pace was slower than usual (I blame it on the hills!).

Saturday's accomplishments: 4.22 mile run - 11:05 pace / 46:50 total

Sunday's goal: run 4 miles
Sunday's accomplishment: nada! took the day off!

Week Two's Accomplishments:
14.52 miles of running
12.02 miles of biking
45 minutes of swimming
3 P90X dvds (weight training)

teriffic thursday

2011-07-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

day 4, wk 2
Today's goals: 5 mile run & P90X legs and back

My alarm sounded @ 5:05am. I was out the door by 5:20am. There was a breeze in the air and I could tell it was going to be a successful morning run. I pushed myself at the end & am glad I did, or else I would've been disappointed in my time! I finished in 48:23 = 9:34 pace (last weeks 5 mile run was completed at a 9:21 pace). I was really hoping to be around 9min miles by now. Although after thinking it through a bit this morning, I need to understand a) that it's only been 3 weeks since I started running again, b) I ran a successful 5k this past wkend averaging 7:55 minute miles, and c) running isn't the only thing I'm doing these days. I am training 6 days a week with running about 5 days a week, biking 1-2x a week, swimming 1x a week, and doing weight training (P90X) 3x a week. Even though I am ready to curl up and take a nap right now, I feel fulfilled waking up early and completing my run and weight training this morning. The sky was beautiful on my way home. I was reminded of God's handy work when looking up at the blue sky with shades of pink and purple hues. Simply rewarding:)

After my run I did P90X legs and back dvd. I had about 24 minutes left when Xia woke up (about an hour earlier than usual). I paused the dvd & went to get her only to find vomit all over her crib sheets. Poor baby! I snatched her outta there and bathed her right away. Needless to say that the remainder of my workout was postponed. Nevertheless, I finished it!

Today's accomplishments:

5.05 mile run - 9:34pace (48:23)
P90X dvd - legs and back

winning wednesday

2011-07-21T07:58:00.001-07:00

day 3, wk 2

Today's goal: swim & it better be a better swim than last week!

I got a WONDERFUL swim in today. I didn't sprint 800 meters, I didn't break any records, but I was active and stayed in the water for 45 minutes!!!! woohoo! I did sprint 400 meters in 12 mins (after a warm up). I spent the rest of my time doing more free style laps, breast stroke, and using the kick board. It was definitely a winning Wednesday:)

Today's accomplishments: an awesome swim of 45 minutes.

topsy turvy tuesday

2011-07-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

day 2, week 2
Today's goal: Speed/sprint workout. 3 miles of intervals at 7:30 min mile pace. Ladder intervals of 400, 800, 1200, 1200, 800, 400 meters (easy 400 meters jog between intervals). Total of 4.5 miles.
P90X dvd - shoulders and arms

Well, my speed training didn't go as well as planned. I was so excited to see where this workout would take me and was looking forward to push, push, pushing myself this morning. Well, between the weather, the beginnings of a head cold/allergies, and possibly not pacing myself well enough, I only completed half of the speed training. Even at 5:40 am, the weather was stifling, humid, and hot. After half of the sequence was complete, there was nothing else left in me. Of course, it was a frustrating, but nonetheless, I am happy that I did something. Not going to beat myself up over one incomplete workout.

After my speed training, I slipped in my P90X dvd - shoulders and arms, & went to town. Thankfully I was inside during this workout! It felt so good working out my arms. Happy about this workout.

Today's accomplishments:
1. 2.5 mile run - 1.5 mile speed work & 1 mile easy. Below is the break up

400 meters sprint: 1:33 mins / 6:12 pace
400 meters easy: 3:00 mins / 12:00 pace
800 meters sprint: 3:20 mins / 6:40 pace
400 meters easy: 2:45 mins / 11:00 pace
1200 meters sprint: 5:30 mins / 7:20 pace (1:47, 1:48, 1:55)
800 meters easy: 6 mins / 12:00 pace

2. P90X dvd - shoulders and arms

monday = funday

2011-07-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Day 1, week 2

Monday's goal: 12 mile bike ride - beat last weeks time of 56:30 mins & P90X chest and back dvd

Despite my alarm being set for pm, I managed to wake up just 13 minutes late and jumped into riding. Had a great ride and I beat last weeks time by 12 seconds! woot, woot! It was dark for most of my ride, which always makes me nervous. I wore white & have reflectors, but still so dangerous! I really pushed through the pain and soreness from the previous weeks workouts. Very proud of myself for persevering. Go me!!

Afterwards, I put in my P90X dvd and worked out my chest and back, aka push ups and pull ups. Lots and lots of them! Whoa nelly, my arms got shaky!

Monday's accomplishments:

12.02 mile bike ride in 56:18 (12 second improvement!), 12.8 pace
P90X dvd Chest and Back

week one down!!

2011-07-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today's goal: 4 mile run @ 9:15 pace + be proud of myself for completing week one of training!!!

This morning I managed to sneak in my 4.3 mile run before church. My muscles were tired from this week, in general, but my legs were especially tired from yesterday's speed run. I slipped out of the house a little before 9am...note to self - it's already too hot to run outside at 9am!

Today's accomplishments: 4.3 mile run @ 9:32 pace (41:24). Woohoo for completing week one:)

Week one of training is over and I'm looking forward to see what week two brings! woohoo!
Stats from week one:

16 miles of running
12 miles of biking
29 minutes of swimming
3 P90X dvds (weight related)

SARR's women's 5k run

2011-07-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning to meet up with my girlfriends to run the SARR's Women's 5k. I was so skeptical of running this race and feared that I'd do horrible. I thought I'd be happy with 8 min miles, but reality said it would be ok to settle with 8:30 min miles. I've only been running for 2 weeks since taking about 4 weeks off. But, like always, I headed to the front of the line and took off like a bandit at the sound of the horn. I made it to mile one in about 7:10. I was in shock, but pleased, wondering how long I could maintain this pace. I hit mile two right under 15 minutes. Still hanging in there. After mile 2, I still felt like I was moving at a decent pace, but I knew I wasn't running another mile in the 7 minute range. I crossed the finish line at 24:34. A full two minutes slower than the culinaria 5k I ran back in May, & finished 2nd in my age category. I was satisfied with my time and happy I was done:)! Placing was farthest from my mind.

After my girlfriends crossed the finish line (they all did AWESOME!) & we made it to the post race festivities area, we took a look at our times that were posted. Would you believe it, but I PLACED 2ND in my age category!!!! No way! I was definitely in shock! The girl in my category (25-29) that placed 1st, averaged 6:04 and there was no one in between her awesome time and my so, so average of 7:55! How uncommon is that?!?!?! Of course I was ecstatic that I placed. It was definitely a confidence booster, let me tell you:). I placed 20th overall out of over 500 runners. VERY proud of myself and girlfriends who rocked this 5k:)

Saretta, Kira, me & Deb after crossing the finish line

Had to get a picture w/ Beamer from News 4!

I was in shock after seeing the print outs! I placed 2nd!!

2nd and 3rd place winners receiving our medals! woohoo!!

tgif...

2011-07-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Friday's goal: Interval biking
Friday's accomplishments: Nada - took the day off! Not feeling too good & stayed out too late last night @ Bunco! Looking at it in a positive light ... Wmn's 5k tomorrow morning - need my rest:)

Some days you just gotta listen to your body... that's my story & I'm sticking to it ;)

little by little

2011-07-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Wednesday, day 3) was my "off" day. I don't know how to take a day off, so I did a P90X dvd: shoulders and arms. Oh, how I needed it! My arms are sore, but I'm looking forward to the results:)

Day 4 (today) goals: 5 mile run @ 9min pace and P90X legs and back

I was up at the crack of dawn to run. It was still dark outside. So I had my volume down on my ipod and was armed with my mace... it's a little scary out there at 5:40am! I saw bats flying around and got to see the sky lighten. I ran 9:21 minute miles. Not very close to my goal, but still 9 seconds faster than Tuesday's run, so still pleased. I tend to set high goals for myself!

After my run, I sipped on some cytomax and started plugging away at my P90X dvd. I survived lunges, squats, pull-ups, etc. It was tough, but worth it! I need to get defined, not just cardiovascularly fit. At least that's my goal:)

Today's accomplishments:

5 mile run @ 9:21 pace (47:00)
P90X legs and back

I am competing in a 5k this Saturday. I am nervous. Last 5k I competed in, I placed 2nd in my age category and averaged 7:14 a mile. I'm nervous that I can't match or beat that time. I'm going to give it my all and do my best. That's all I can do! I'd love to run another 5k in 22 minutes, but I'm going to allow myself / give myself room to add a few minutes on to that time, since I've only been running for 2 weeks after taking off a month due to surgery.

day two...

2011-07-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today's goal: 4 mile run @ 9:30 pace and a swim

I woke up early this morning and conquered my run! It was tough, but I kept my head in the game and completed it right on target.

After I dropped Xia off at MDO and went to the dentist, I went to adult open swim at the Blossom Aquatics Center. Boy, was it exhausting! Today's swim was all about getting re-acclimated to the water. I swam free style and the breast stroke. My stomach muscles are very weak after surgery, which seems to affect my breathing. Additionally, my chest and shoulders are super sore from yesterday's P90X workout. Add that all together and it equals a short swim (26 mins)!!!

Today's accomplishment:

4.3 mile run @ 9:30 pace (40:53)
Swam for 26 minutes - free style and breast stroke

WOOHOO! I completed today's goal with no short comings! #smallvictories