OK, so yesterday was a great day on the treadmill. I had originally scheduled a lifting class, but since I missed my run on Monday, I thought it better to take my stress out on my legs. Man, am I glad I did! Last week, I managed a 5K run in 29:45, which isn't too bad for me. I am typically a pretty slow runner, so I was happy to beat 30 minutes. Yesterday, though, I maintained a higher than normal pace, really striving to challenge myself rather than reverting to my lazy ways. It wasn't so hard that I thought I would drop, and I probably could have churned out another mile at a slower pace, so I know it was a good pace for me. I was thrilled when I passed 3.1 miles in 28:44, taking an entire minute off of my previous time! My goal is to get 5K in less than 23 minutes flat. That is a mile every 7:25. Right now that seems very fast, but as I lose weight and continue to train, I know I will get down there eventually!
Why 5K in less than 23? Well, my goal before I turn 35 (in 2012) is to qualify for Boston. According to my race pace calculator, that means an average pace of 8:25/mile for the distance of a marathon. If the calculator is correct, that means running a 5K at race pace in 23:02. Right now, I can achieve this speed with a sprint on flat ground. Carrying it on for 3 miles though...yikes! But, I do not despair! My goal weight is 22 pounds away, which means I can drop another 2 minutes per mile with proper training. It won't be easy, but I am looking forward to getting there!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I hate when life gets in the way
So, yesterday, I received a call from my water delivery guy. It seems my dog really wanted to meet him and managed to break the window in his effort to make a new friend. I had to rush home after calling a window installer for an estimate to replace the broken window. Then, I had to take the dog to the vet because he tore up his leg pretty good. Turns out, he actually tore through 2 layers of muscle and the fascia connecting them. He was immediately admitted into surgery. I was able to get home and make dinner, then had to go back to pick the very groggy dog up from the vet. I feel bad for the dog, but jeez! Needless to say, I did not get my run in last night. Normally, this would not bother me. After all, it was an accident and I am sure the dog has learned his lesson. But, I really missed my run. So, I have to ask, if I look to running as a stress relief, how come when stressful event occur, I do not have the time to strap on my running shoes? When I smoked, I was always able to find a few minutes for a cigarette. I don't smoke anymore, but I am beginning to understand why people take up the habit after quitting for so long. It is much easier to find the time for it when life gets stressful. The shear cost of it is why I haven't started again! After all, the damages and the vet bill equal more than $1200! Just another way the government is controlling my decisions (taxes is why ciggies cost so much!).
Monday, June 27, 2011
When life gets busy
OK, so it has been a bit since my last blog. I have finally settled back into my house, though the garage still needs complete unpacking. I have to wait for cooler weather for that. I am thinking October! Anyway, I came back to an economy in the toilet and discovered that thanks to my continuing education, I am overqualified for most available jobs. Therefore, I decided that maybe I need to freelance my skills and start my own company. It wasn't that hard, really. Filing the paperwork and paying the taxes was pretty easy. However, finding the right clients is where it gets tricky. I have one who is not able to pay and another who pays, but is getting a screaming deal! I am very grateful to my husband and his ability to support us while I try to make a go of this.
In the fact that I am very busy, I still find it very therapeutic to pound the dirt as often as possible. Running gives me the outlet to really think about what tasks are in front of me and how to go about tackling them. However, I find that my children are not as apt to accept this time mom needs to herself. My youngest (9yo) usually asks why I "have" to go for a run. I try to explain that it is good for my body, being careful not to say "Mom needs some time to herself". It is a very fine line because I don't want her to feel like I don't want to be around her, but I also don't want to give her a complex about self-image. I tell her it is the grown up way of playing chase, but we can't play chase like kids do because we have to pace ourselves. I tried a couple of times to let her accompany me on her bike. That did not go well. Then she tried on her scooter. Also, not good. I have complaints of my own, I don't need to hear anyone else's whines about going up hills. So, I decide that if I am going to get "Mommy" time, I need to go when she is still asleep. My oldest (14yo) doesn't mind that I am gone. She just has no desire to join me. I can understand this. I can be pretty hard if she starts whining. This is why she will be learning to run in high school track. I didn't learn until I joined the Air Force, so at least she is getting a head start.
I get a lot of questions about my schedule and how I manage it all. After all, I run up to an hour a day, manage clients of varying needs, take care of my two girls while my husband is finishing his tour in Germany and constantly research market fluctuations as they pertain to my business. It really comes down to a matter of priority and opportunity. Also, a lot of multi-tasking. I have been known to answer client emails while walking on the treadmill. It also helps to have a Red Cross Certified babysitter as a daughter! She really allows me the time that I need to get stuff done by playing with the 9yo. Of course, we have our fair share of drama (what household with a teenage daughter doesn't?) and the occasional ball does get dropped, but we do the best we can with what we have. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that life happens and the only thing you can do is control the things you have control over. The rest will play out.
In the fact that I am very busy, I still find it very therapeutic to pound the dirt as often as possible. Running gives me the outlet to really think about what tasks are in front of me and how to go about tackling them. However, I find that my children are not as apt to accept this time mom needs to herself. My youngest (9yo) usually asks why I "have" to go for a run. I try to explain that it is good for my body, being careful not to say "Mom needs some time to herself". It is a very fine line because I don't want her to feel like I don't want to be around her, but I also don't want to give her a complex about self-image. I tell her it is the grown up way of playing chase, but we can't play chase like kids do because we have to pace ourselves. I tried a couple of times to let her accompany me on her bike. That did not go well. Then she tried on her scooter. Also, not good. I have complaints of my own, I don't need to hear anyone else's whines about going up hills. So, I decide that if I am going to get "Mommy" time, I need to go when she is still asleep. My oldest (14yo) doesn't mind that I am gone. She just has no desire to join me. I can understand this. I can be pretty hard if she starts whining. This is why she will be learning to run in high school track. I didn't learn until I joined the Air Force, so at least she is getting a head start.
I get a lot of questions about my schedule and how I manage it all. After all, I run up to an hour a day, manage clients of varying needs, take care of my two girls while my husband is finishing his tour in Germany and constantly research market fluctuations as they pertain to my business. It really comes down to a matter of priority and opportunity. Also, a lot of multi-tasking. I have been known to answer client emails while walking on the treadmill. It also helps to have a Red Cross Certified babysitter as a daughter! She really allows me the time that I need to get stuff done by playing with the 9yo. Of course, we have our fair share of drama (what household with a teenage daughter doesn't?) and the occasional ball does get dropped, but we do the best we can with what we have. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that life happens and the only thing you can do is control the things you have control over. The rest will play out.
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