National Running Day

Today, June 2nd is National Running day!! I did my part by running 3 miles late this afternoon.  I would be lying if I said it was an easy 3 miles.  I haven’t run in 9 days, which definitely wasn’t the problem.  The temperature & humidity made it a miserable run.

The temperature was 79*F and the humidity was 47%.  It doesn’t sound that bad…but it felt more humid than 47%.  I wore running shorts and a moisture wicking top and didn’t forget my water this time (thank goodness because I really needed it!!).

When I got to the place I normally run and got out of my car, I was already sweating…which didn’t bode too well for a great run.  I dragged for most of the way and didn’t run as well as I’d hoped.  During the last 1/4 mile I almost threw up.  Yes, I know…TMI!!  Sorry, but it had to be said….

But even though it wasn’t my best run I completed my task and feel good about that!!   I am proud of myself for not quitting.  Gotta take each success as it comes, no matter if it’s big or small…..

Monday’s run, but no 30 Day Shred

Normally I try to run Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturday or Sunday.  However, I haven’t been very consistent with my running lately….a little laziness maybe??  Anyway, I also looked up the weather forecast for this week and made the decision to do something different.  Instead of waiting until Tuesday, I decided to start my week of with a run.

So, this afternoon I checked the weather, changed my clothes and went running.  The weather was a cool 64*F, but the humidity was 50%, and the winds were 13 mph.  I wore shorts (because of the humidity) but wore a long sleeve cotton shirt (because of the winds).  It ended up being the perfect outfit!!

I ran my usual route but changed it around a little.  Running the neighborhood is 1 mile up and 1 mile back and running around the park trail 3 times equals 1 mile.  Normally I run the neighborhood first and finish up with the park.  However, too often I am finding myself finding excuses to stop before I run the full mile in the park.  So, I ran the 3 laps first and then ran up and back down the main street.  It worked out perfect!!

When I run the neighborhood, it is opposite from where my car is parked so I can’t quit….I have to either walk or run back.  See, sometimes I have to use psychology on myself!!  How sad is that?!  I started my run a little too fast because my legs were exhausted the last 1/4 mile and it took everything I had to run my intervals and finish somewhat strong!

I am continuing my interval schedule from last week: 2 minute run/2 minute walk X 9.  However, since I ran 3 full miles today what I actually ended up running was:  run 2 minutes X 11/walk 2 minutes x 10, + 1:13 min walk.  It was a great run and it put me in a great mood for the week.

Because I ran so late–6:15pm, I have decided not to do my 30 Day Shred workout tonight.  I debated this with myself but decided that whenever I do the workout after my run (usually a few hours) my knee’s are “not right” ( I don’t really know how to describe it, they don’t necessarily hurt, but I can “feel” them).  I would have been doing the workout within a half and hour from when I got home from running.  I don’t want to mess up my knee’s, so I am going to err on the side of caution. Don’t worry, I will be back tomorrow to do Day 10….the last day of level 1!!

Tonight I will do some ab work and a little yoga.  Dancing With The Stars is on tonight as well as the premiere of The Bachelorette.  I have never seen The Bachelor or Bachelorette before…but the girl is from the Bay Area, so I thought I’d check it out.   Besides, Real Housewives of New Jersey is on at 10pm so I probably won’t watch all of it anyway.

Today for breakfast I had a Sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks –no whip.  I know, not the best choice, but it’s better than nothing!  For lunch I had a turkey burger and Summer Squash Medley (leftovers from the other day).  After my run I had a Fuji apple w/2 Tbsp of peanut butter.  For dinner tonight I am going to have whole grain pasta and broccoli. Also, for snack earlier today I had a few walnuts.

I’m still not drinking enough water.  I know I’m dehydrated, even though I don’t really feel like it.  So far today I’ve had 4 cups of water.  I am going to go guzzle some more and maybe I can get to 8 cups by bedtime?? Fingers crossed!!

Ran a new route but boy did I miscalculate the mileage

Just got back from my run.  This morning I decided to map out several different routes because I am getting bored with the one I’ve been using.  Well when I mapped out the route I ended up using today, I calculated it at 3.6 miles.

I have run this route before, but it’s been about 4 yrs.  Today’s temperature was 64*F, humidity was 46% and we had 18 mph winds.  I wish Mother Nature would make up her mind as to what Northern California weather is going to be!! Every day this week has been different.  Please….enough already!  Anyway, it is cool outside and it sprinkled earlier.  Since I still saw some black-ish clouds I decided to dress accordingly.  I wore my long nylon pants with 100% cotton long sleeve shirt with my gray nylon hoodie.

My current schedule is: 2 minutes run/2 minutes walk X 9.  I knew I would probably end up running more than that since I thought I was going to run 3.6 miles.

Well, the run was great.  I felt fantastic throughout and at the end.  I almost ran a little extra but didn’t.  Kinda wish I did after I found out I had calculated it out wrong   When I was done I stopped the timer on my watch and saw that I had only run 8 reps plus 36 seconds extra.  So, when I got home I re-checked the route and I was way off!!  This route is only 2.46 miles.  Don’t ask how I mis-calculated it because I have no idea.

I’m leaving it at this: at least I ran today and regardless of the amount I’m still happy that I got out there and did a different route.  I do want to run more than 3 miles at a time so I need to map out different routes in my area.

I still have to do the Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred later tonight.  It was an awesome workout last night, so I can’t wait!!