Getting in a Run

After working on the farm all day, quitting time ended a bit earlier than normal, so I had time to get in a run this evening. 5.1 miles in 61 minutes! I believe that even includes stopping for a drink of water and a quick chat with my teammate, Danielle.

During this run, I ran across the Red River bridge into North Dakota and back. Beautiful run as the sun was setting and geese were flying overhead. I tried taking a picture, but didn't want to stop long enough to snap a clear one!

I should really get some interval endurance training in next opportunity.

Run or Dye [for Daylight!]

Today, I ran a 5k fun run for Daylight Center and School.

In rural Kenya, nomads practice "sapana," a rite of passage empowering men to make decisions for their community. During this ritual, young men are "painted green" with goat refuse. At Daylight, we want to encourage these nomads to empower both boys and girls to be leaders in their communities with another rite of passage: education. So as a symbol of joining the Daylight community in this mission, a few of us got painted at Run or Dye!

After waiting in the cold for about an hour and a half, our wave finally started! I sprinted out the starting line, and then walked for a minute or two to warm up my cold ankles, then I ran then entire 3.1 miles. Thank you, again, Brianna, Emilie, and Kari for doing this with me!

Also, special props to Emilie. Our group didn't want to ride back in the buses (and have to wait in another long line), so while Brianna and Kari rode to brunch with some of our awesome fans, Emilie and I ran another 1.5 miles to brunch!

So, in all, I ran 4.6 miles. Whoo hoo!

Run/Walk 2:1 Endurance Intervals

I think endurance training was a success today! I ran 5.9 miles before my knees and hamstrings started complaining and I stopped.

I completed 23 sets of 1-minute run and 2-minute walk intervals in 69 minutes. This means I was only running a third of the time, but I still managed to average an 11:41-minute mile! But as I've stated before, the objective is distance, not speed, and I am very happy with my 5.9 miles today.

Worse case scenario, I just do endurance intervals for my leg of the marathon relay...

Flying Farmers

Yesterday, I get a text from my friend Danielle that says: "Do you run? Alex is trying to get a relay team together for fargo marathon." I'd never considered a relay for a marathon before, but that seems like a way more likely accomplishment in my life than running a full marathon by myself. So I ask her when it is. ...it's May 18th, less than 4 weeks away.

I was finally persuaded into signing up with the relay after being assured it was just for fun, and it would be fine if I ended up walking most of it.

This morning I woke up to a flood a texts deliberating over what our relay team name should be. It was finally decided: Flying Farmers. I won't even get into why that name does or does not fit.

I decided it would be a good idea to see where I'm at, running wise. It's been almost a full year since I've consciously exercised!

This morning, I ran 3.1 miles in 38 minutes...then walked the 2 miles more home, since I was a bit optimistic when I plotted out the route I was to take. Our puppy Byron came with me. It was his first time on a run - ever. And I was surprised. He never lagged behind! New running partner?

Each person in the relay is responsible for 6-8 miles, which means, I'm just barely half-way to the minimum distance right now.

To avoid injuring myself, I've developed a training schedule. The objective is to gain miles, not speed. If you do both at the same time as a runner, it is a recipe for injury!!!

• 04/24 - Run (nonstop, easy pace for as far as possible)
• 04/25 - Stretch yoga (to relieve those sore muscles!)
• 04/26 - REST DAY
• 04/27 - Run/Walk 1:2 (alternate 1-min. run with 2-min. walk for as far as possible or up to 8 miles, whichever is less)
• 04/28 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 04/29 - Run
• 04/30 - Stretch yoga
• 05/01 - REST DAY
• 05/02 - Run/Walk 1:1
• 05/03 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 05/04 - RUN OR DYE 5K FUN RUN
• 05/05 - 30 min. Bike or Aerobic Dance
• 05/06 - Run
• 05/07 - Stretch yoga
• 05/08 - REST DAY
• 05/09 - Run/Walk 2:1
• 05/10 - 30 min. Aerobic Dance or Swim
• 05/11 - Run
• 05/12 - Stretch yoga
• 05/13 - REST DAY
• 05/14 - Run/Walk 3:1
• 05/15 - 30 min. Swim
• 05/16 - Run/Walk 4:1
• 05/17 - Stretch yoga
• 05/18 - MARATHON RELAY RACE DAY!!!

Red in the Face

I felt really gross this morning when I woke up. Just super sweaty...I know you all want to know that. So, I took a shower rather than diving into exercise. I knew this would mean I would most likely put exercising off until later in the day, but I worked out rather late yesterday too, so, as long as I get all my time in, it's good.

Well, I started exercising at 8:00pm! My mom realized that she consumed more calories than she intended to and so she was going to bike them off. As I returned a friend's bike just yesterday, I wasn't able to bike with her, so I decided to run with her! That's right. I haven't run in about 8 months, but I decided to give it a go. For those of you who may not realize. I may be in good weight shape, but I'm not in good running shape. Regardless, I did pretty good! I ran just over 3 miles without stopping or walking and averaged a 10-minute mile. Excellent, if you ask me!

My mom got really concerned halfway through the run because my face was really red. My face is always red when I run; in or out of running shape. So, that didn't concern me. I did feel like puking when I finished, but I was never in danger of passing out. The picture above was taken after I finished my run, to demonstrate my red face. I know I have crazy, semi-crossed eyes...that may have been from the run too :)

When I returned from my run, I gave myself a few minutes to recover, then performed the stretching pilates DVD with Trudie Styler. This way, I didn't have to consciously stretch after my run! I hate going through the motions of stretching before and after a run, so this was a fun way to do that.

After that, I did the "Hip Hop Abs" DVD to offset my deficit of exercise on Tuesday. Now, I just have 15 more minutes to make up for that lost day...

Sunny Morning Jog

Well, for those who do not know, my father became strangely ill about 2 weeks ago. I coincidentally quit my job just before he became sick, so I am available to help my mother with his recovery now that he's been released from the hospital.

This is a huge change in routine, and I am hoping that it will also mean a change in my exercise routine, which has been non-existent for the past few months.

This morning, I went on a short jog: 1.6 miles across town and back (the town my parents live in is less than 1 mile wide). Baxter came with me! And I didn't even bother to time myself. This is a good-faith effort for exercise, and I don't want to overwhelm myself.

It was a beautiful morning. And the edge of town is a picturesque rural landscape (I was going to say skyline, but that doesn't really qualify outside of the big city!).

Beautiful Day for a Run

Well, today was a beautiful day, and work was chaotic. So on my (very delayed) lunch break, Baxter and I did the 3-mile circuit. I didn't take a watch this time so that I wouldn't be competitive with the clock. My feet did much better today on the pain/injury scale.

I feel great!

Getting Back on the Horse

I can't believe it's been over 3 months since I regularly exercised. I was getting so stressed out with my thesis writing and other responsibilities. Usually, exercising helps reduce my stress, but my perfectionism and dedication draws can sometimes create more stress. When I realized that my dedication to exercising began to cross the line of reducing stress to increasing stress, I stopped.

Now, my thesis is done! And the holiday is over, which means that I am feeling really out of shape! My New Year's resolution?: Whatever habits I attempt to make this year, I am conscious and careful not to become obsessive about them. What this means for exercising is that if I'm limited on time, or really do not feel like exercising on a given day, or injured(!), then I don't exercise. That second qualification is difficult, because what non-athlete ever gets up in the morning and says, "Gee whiz, I can't wait to exercise this morning!"

This morning, I started out the New Year with my 3-mile circuit run in St. Paul. Baxter came with me, and although it's been over 3 months since I've run with him, he remembered the route exactly, and really had a great time (after getting the hang of running in his little snow slippers). On New Year's Eve, I'll remind/inform you that it began to rain, and as the countdown drew closer, it began to snow, meaning that roads would be covered in frozen rain. So although it was icy during my run, I saw this as a good thing. I was forced to run at a slower pace, or run on snow-covered grass rather than running paths and roads. Knowing myself, I could have easily pushed myself too far on the run if it weren't for this icy physical limitation.

It was freezing too! So, the next time I run, I think it will be on a treadmill!


Pain Tracker:

• The bottoms of my feet hurt during and after the run. My old friend, plantar fasciitis. I need to take it easy, and try running more on the balls of my feet.
  
  
  

Better than Coffee

I drove the 4 hours back to Minneapolis/St Paul last night. And I knew the only thing that would really help perk me up and get me ready to finish off the week of work was to get myself out of bed and run. So Baxter and I ran our 3-mile loop this morning.

It was humid, but a cool humid. And either I was going slower than usual, or the slightly cooler weather helped Baxter keep with my pace. I stopped timing myself when I run with Baxter since he sometimes slows me down, or he stops during the run to do his business, which also affects the overall time.

Since I've been good lately at running every other day, I would really like to run a bit longer on Sunday, like 5 miles or so. There just isn't time to do that during the week before work...I've had a hard enough time getting myself out of bed for the regular 3 miles...

Amid Mist and Sweat

I went on a 3 mile run this morning, a little bit longer than the other day because I actually got up early enough to get all 3 miles in... It is overcast and humid this morning. Mist is hanging in the air, and if it wasn't as cool as it is (low 60s), it would have been miserable. The first half of the run even felt good.

My mom wasn't feeling well last night so she decided that instead of running, she would bike along with me. I thought of it too late, but I should have had her bring my phone to take pictures. So, no pictures...again!

My average mile time today was 8:56.

From One End of Town to the Other

In order to focus in and get a good portion of my thesis written, I decided to visit my parents for the week. They live in a small farm town in northwest Minnesota.

This morning, I went on a jog with my mom along the "main" road that frames the north part of town. The town is only 0.8 miles wide, so we ran to one end and back again, and then I went off for another 0.5 miles onto a country road and back. So, I ended up running about 2.5 miles total.

Having lived in Minneapolis/St. Paul for about 7 years, I can really appreciate the gorgeous country scenery on this run. I will take a picture next time I go out for a run this week.

Group Fun Run

Jesse, Chris, and Baxter

First group fun run was a success! Four people and two dogs attended for the 3 to 4 mile loop around the Stone Arch Bridge and Boone Island Park area. The people were Jesse, Chris, Kari, myself. The dogs were Winnie and Baxter.

Kari and I walked with the dogs, while Jesse and Chris got a good sweat in with a run.

Kari and Winnie

Afterwards, we all went to Wilde Roast for brunch to replace all those calories we burned off!

I don't know about Jesse, Chris, and Kari, but it was certainly fun for me to get out and exercise with other people. The three of you are welcome to post comments on what you liked best and how having even more people next time would make things even better!!!

I will keep Facebook followers posted about future events. I know Saturday mornings don't work well for some, and I will definitely change things up in the future to accomodate various schedules. Hope you can make it out next time!

At Wilde Roast

Stress Free

As always, it was hard waking up this morning to go running, but I managed to do it.

Baxter made some friends on the run...the guard for a parking lot sees us jog by each time we go, and he finally asked today if he could pet Baxter. Baxter wanted to climb right into his guard station with him and hang out. I wish I had brought my phone to take a picture.

Near the beginning of the run, once I crossed the street to the river walk, I decided to take a left instead of a right, because Baxter had done his business, and I knew there wasn't a garbage can for at least 3/4 of a mile to the right. About a 1/4 to the left, however, I came upon a little parking lot for the riverside area and some garbage cans. Maybe the next time I organize a fun run, I will have it here, since there is a parking lot...

This past week has been so stressful with work and not having enough time to work on my thesis. I've been doing a lot of sleeping, which is one way my body deals with stress. But today I have felt so energized and generally pleasant! Even the new employee I've been training in noticed a difference...

I will make a much bigger effort to get my morning exercise in!

Under Construction

Well, Baxter and I did another mid-day run today. It was 80 degrees, but there was enough of a breeze to relief us. But because of the heat, Baxter could hardly run a mile and a half, so I had to pretty much jog in place for the second half of the run. I cannot wait until fall! I did feel unusually refreshed during the end of the run, so perhaps I should thank Baxter for that.

Down by the river today, there was some kind of construction being done along the bank, but on the water side. It looked like they were ripping out tar or something. Not the most pleasant smell.

I am organizing a group fun run in NE Minneapolis for Saturday morning. Check out Facebook for the details!

Afternoon Jog

So, Luke was serious about going for a run. After going to the farmer's market, he realized it is actually really nice out: mid 60s. Luke, Baxter, and I went on a 2-mile jog.

To cross the street to the river walk, because of the one way streets and divided highway intersection, pedestrians are meant to walk about a block east to a pedestrian crossing in order to go back west...so, essentially 2 blocks out of the way. As I turn to jog towards the crossing, Luke looks both ways and bolts across the intersection. His timing was perfect, and it was too late for me to follow, so I pick up my pace with Baxter to run to the cross walk. Because I had to wait for traffic, by the time I got to the river walk, Luke was already about 3 blocks away.

Baxter and I eventually caught up to him at a faster pace than I intended to go today because I ate half of a bagel sandwich right before we headed out. I wanted to puke. But Luke seemed happy that I was huffing and puffing as much as he was. :)

New Shoes

Earlier this week, I realized that I've put 280 miles on my Mizuno Waves. A pair of running shoes generally lasts between 300 and 400 miles, and it's a good idea to get a new pair at around the 200 mile mark so that you can keep in mind how a shoe is good repair is supposed to feel.

So, I went out and bought myself a pair of Nike Structure 14s. I have not been a fan of Nike in the past...mostly because they are a giant. But these shoes have tons of cushion, making them slightly heavier than my Mizunos.  Whatever can help slow me down and cushion my run so that I don't injure myself is a priority right now.

Here is a picture of my new shoes next to my old pair. I commented in the store to the salesperson that the color is really bold. She asked if that was a good thing. I told her that as a runner, whatever draws more attention to my feet, the better. Might as well show off and take pride in my sweaty efforts!

Gosh my ankles look thick in this picture...

Anyway, I broke in my new pair of shoes this morning on my usual circuit. Average mile time was 8:52...so much for slowing me down. That's the best time I've run since May!

Pain Tracker

• Left foot arch; slight pain throughout...probably need to change cross in shoelaces.

Below 60 and Running

Last night, I was so stressed out, all I wanted to do was throw on my running shoes and run until I fell over. But I had to work on my writing plan for my thesis which is due today.

This morning, I did not have the same enthusiasm to run. I stayed in bed until 7:00am, and then decided to see what the temperature was like...more so to give me another excuse not to go, especially since I had already mentioned to all of you that I was going to go running today. But when I picked up my phone and hit the weather icon I was shocked. 57 degrees. 

That is all it took. No way was I going to pass up a chance to run in 50-odd degree weather when I've been steaming in 70- and 80-degree weather for the past few weeks.

The beginning of the run felt great because of the cooler temp. But I felt really sluggish, which I think is a result of some poor food choices I made yesterday. My average mile time was 9:45 today.

On my run this morning, along the river, I saw two groups of women rowing out on the water. I wanted to cheer from the park, "whoot whoot. Morning workout!" But decided not too. I've never done rowing before, but I think it would be fun to try it some time...

Flying Solo

Today, I ran alone. No Luke, and no Baxter. Instead, I sprinted against yellow traffic lights and quoted The Little Engine that Could to myself when I wanted to stop and walk.

My mile average for the 3 miles I ran this morning was 9:17. With Baxter, I've been running a slow 13:00 or so. So it felt good to establish "my pace" again, as this is comparable to what I was running before the madness of this summer began...with moving and traveling and quitting the gym.

My plan to ease back into things is to run Wednesday and Friday, then do some kind of fun alternative exercise on Saturday, like rollerblading or biking. Come Monday next week, I would like to begin alternating my run days with strength training again...I can't remember the last time I strength trained. But I guess that's the beauty of writing an exercise blog...I can just look in the archives!

Happy exercising, all. Happy Monday.

Playlist

This week has been insane! I've basically been working from 7:00am to 6:00pm each day. I had a board meeting one evening, a birthday party another, and then I worked on my master's thesis two of the evenings. I've been exhausted.

This morning was my first relaxed morning of the week, and my first opportunity to go out and do what I enjoy...run! Baxter came with me, and I didn't even remember to put on my stop watch because I just wanted to get out and do it, rather than be concerned with timing myself.

It was much cooler today than it has been recently, so that made the run more pleasant, and helped Baxter stay cool enough to continue jogging with me.

There were a ton of people out this morning, covered in sweat. Most of them were wearing ribbons around their necks, so I figured there must have been a race this morning. In fact, it was the Minnesota Half Marathon in Saint Paul. During our usual loop, Baxter and I ran by the remnant of the start line and check in. I really want to run a race at some point. Maybe next spring.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me for the playlist that I listen to while I'm on my runs; so, here it is:

• Can't Buy Me Love, The Beatles
• Cramp Your Style, Breakestra
• Crazy, Gnarls Barkley
• Darts of Pleasure, Franz Ferdinand
• Drumming Song, Florence + the Machine
• Gone Daddy Gone, Gnarls Barkley
• Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani
• I Feel It All, Feist
• Kiss With a Fist, Florence + the Machine
• Last Nite, The Strokes
• Lisztomania, Phoenix
• Paper Planes, M.I.A.
• Stickshifts and Safetybelts, CAKE
• Stronger, Kanye West
• The Denial Twist, The White Stripes
• Viva La Vida, Coldplay
• Youthless, Beck
• Bright Lights Bigger City, Cee Lo Green
• F**k You, Cee Lo Green
• Love Gun, Cee Lo Green
• Satisfied, Cee Lo Green
• It's OK, Cee Lo Green
• What Park of Forever, Cee Lo Green
• Thriller, Michael Jackson

This is a lot of music, but I have, on occasion, needed all of it for a run. Granted, it's been awhile. Right now, Stronger by Kanye West is strategically placed close to the end of my longer runs right now. There is something about that song that helps me finish "strong" and gives me better running posture.

Sweat and Salty

Last night, I was determined to get up and run this morning.

I set my alarm for 7:30, because I was going to bed at a reasonable hour and figured it would be cool enough in the morning for a three-mile run.

I finally peeled out of bed at 10:30, got Baxter's running back pack out and set out on a run. We made it about a mile and a half before the heat was just too much. The second mile and a half was spent dripping with sweat at a mere walk.

...how many more times will it take before I actually get up and go when my alarm first goes off? My drowsy morning self shouldn't second guess my clear decision-making before bed. Staying positive...at least I still went out and followed through rather than made excuses about the heat and didn't go at all.