Not quite ten, but half way there
But 5.3 at a decent pace of 9.56 minutes per mile. I was surprised at my pace because it’s been a while since I’ve run because I’ve been obsessively working in the garden. I guess yard work is good for maintaining endurance. You know what else it’s good for? Weight loss.
I’ve been trying so hard to get under 130 pounds for years. Years, I say. No luck. In December I even topped over 140. Honestly, kind of way over 140. Shut it. I’ve run upteen marathons, have been lifting weights and watching what I eat. Yet nothing. Nothing has worked. Not a thing. I’m a freak. But give me a shovel and a sledge hammer and set me loose in the garden for 12 hours a day and I end up at 128. Who knew it would take 3 weeks of digging and rock breaking? I’m exhausted but I’m so stoked that I’m volunteering myself for slave landscaping labor so I don’t gain it back. Because the second I even think about training for a marathon I’ll gain ten pounds. I’m sick like that.
Oh well, the running workouts have resumed. I have a trail run scheduled for Thursday afternoon and an 11-12 mile run scheduled for Saturday morning. Go me, I’m just determined to gain that weight back. But maybe I’ll just start on the vineyard AND run at the same time. Just maybe that would work. And some leg torture. I kind of miss the videos.
I am so tired right now, I have no desire to even get out of my office chair to brush my teeth and go to bed.
About weight, running and other 2AM randomness.
I made the mistake of getting on the scale today – I hadn’t weighed myself since before the holidays – which might be a record for me. I’m the type of person who likes to weigh 5 times a day. Yes, I do know that is wrong. But what makes me mad is I was fine BEFORE I got on the scale. Now I’m all ticked off because I’m ten pounds heavier than I thought I was. Oiy. I’m not going to obsess, I promise, I’m just making public note.
And that note initiated 3 workouts today. One hour of weight lifting, almost one hour of riding and about 30 minutes of running. Yes, that is correct. Running. Running with a capital G for glorious that reminded just how much I missed it. I’m guessing the run was around 2 miles – nothing exciting, but the weather was perfect and it was relatively pain-free. Pain-free is good. Pain-free means I’m sticking with the short stuff for a while until I’m sure my foot won’t break off from all the extra weight it’s carrying around.
Blah, blah, blah and moving on. So, I ordered a pair of Newtons, and since I had to fork up a kidney to get them, I’ve got my fingers crossed that they will be magical. Magical marathon shoes. Wait, I didn’t mean that. Magical fast shoes. There, better. I know I said no marathons this year – but this brief moment of missingrunningness is making me think a fall marathon might be in my future. Or not. Maybe. Short races are good. Short races are good. I must keep telling myself that.
I’m guessing it’s never good to blog while half asleep and typing with the power book propped up on a pillow while stuffing the face with a granola bar. I can only imagine the typos I’ll see in the morning.
So what else is new? Insomnia, no, I’m a pro at that. Oh, I unclipped out of my pedals today and I wasn’t even thinking about it. While I was on the road. With traffic. And my mantra wasn’t “I’m going to die”. How about that? Only ten miles, but progress. Thank you Roller Gods.
Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Must stop typing and start sleeping.
Not quite ready, but contemplating 2009
Call me a scrooge, but I’m always glad when the holidays are over. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my family and friends, but I am always so ready to get back to regular schedule. Particularly one that does not involve shoveling cheese, fudge and wine into my mouth as I spread peace and goodwill to the world.
My race schedule for 2009 has neither peace or goodwill, because I have yet to put together a race schedule. Although, I am pretty sure, but not totally, that I will not run any marathons in 2009. I’ve run one or two marathons every year since 2004, but today, I’d rather poke my eye out than run another marathon. Bite me; I’m still traumatized by my Chicago Marathon experience. (Shut up David)
With that in mind, I’ve decided to focus on some shorter races – I’m thinking 1ks. Okay, maybe 5ks 10ks and some halves. And seriously focus on the no muffin top plan – that would be extra nice. I don’t know about you, but losing weight is impossible for me when I’m marathon training because I’m hungry all the time. And since I’m always hungry, I indulge myself with the justification that since I’m training for a marathon I deserve 4 pieces of chocolate cake for dessert. And I do. But not really. Sometimes the hungry gets so bad even the dog food smells good. And when I get up in the middle of the night to pee, I start thinking about leftovers in the fridge. See, marathons are unhealthy. I’m even hungry just thinking about marathon training. Must find cheese.
I know this about myself: I must have a plan and routine in order to workout. I’m lazy that way. So a plan is underway, it’s just not ready yet. But I’m open to suggestions.
Food Hangover
Michael and I cooked for friends this Thanksgiving. And when I say we cooked, I mean Michael. I made dessert, hors d’oeuvres and served as cocktail waitress; I slice some mean cheese and make an excellent tequila cosmo. All had a good time, I believe. However, I have a serious case of food hangover this morning.
Circus Freak
I’m the only person in the world who can do one hour of intense leg torture, one hour of cycling in 101 degree weather, drink and eat appropriately and gain weight. It’s a gift.
