I've never really felt like a runner. Well... not since high school anyway.
I was unsure of what I could do to change that. I thought maybe if I ran a certain number of times each week, or a certain number of miles without stopping... that I would suddenly feel connected to the sport. Month after month passed with nothing.
But then it happened last night.
I was getting ready for bed and I noticed something on my stomach. It was a rash. Well... TWO rashes. The only thing I can surmise is that my sports bra must've rubbed my skin during yesterday's 5 mile run.
And that was it. I have had my first experience with chafing. I am now officially a runner.
4.30.2009
4.29.2009
I Can Finally Breathe (For Now)
Smackdown
Ryan bowled...
Kelly bowled...
Note the final scores...
Enough said.
Interviews
I don't want to go into too much detail until I hear back from the stations, but they both seemed to go well.
Since this was my only chance to get out there before I would need to move there, my Mom and I took the opportunity to look at apartments and drive around town.
It was an extremely long 2 days.
4 hours driving
4 hours of sleep
3 apartment complexes
1 1/2 hour interview
2 more apartment complexes
1/2 hour interview
4 hours driving
By the end, we were exhausted. I'm crossing my fingers for these jobs, but I know even if I don't get them, something else will come along. The recent interest in me has definitely peaked my confidence.
Training
This is what I'm supposed to be writing about, right? I had a bad 1 1/2 weeks due to Ryan being here, and then me being gone. I've been short on time. I've been out of food for days now. But instead of going grocery shopping this morning, I went running like a good little marathoner.
I ran 4 miles a week ago and nothing since then, so I was nervous to amp it up to 5 all of a sudden.
But my 5 miles went swimmingly. It was 54 degrees with no sun and a little wind. I've only ran 5 miles ONCE before, and it was over a month ago. I was very happy to come in having knocked a whopping 1:10 off last month's 5-mile pace. That's over 5 minutes off! Nice.
2 1/2 weeks until the marathon. It's an important day for me, but I'll explain that more later. I'm actually starting to feel like I just might do this!
Ryan bowled...
Kelly bowled...
Note the final scores...
Enough said.
Interviews
I don't want to go into too much detail until I hear back from the stations, but they both seemed to go well.
Since this was my only chance to get out there before I would need to move there, my Mom and I took the opportunity to look at apartments and drive around town.
It was an extremely long 2 days.
4 hours driving
4 hours of sleep
3 apartment complexes
1 1/2 hour interview
2 more apartment complexes
1/2 hour interview
4 hours driving
By the end, we were exhausted. I'm crossing my fingers for these jobs, but I know even if I don't get them, something else will come along. The recent interest in me has definitely peaked my confidence.
Training
This is what I'm supposed to be writing about, right? I had a bad 1 1/2 weeks due to Ryan being here, and then me being gone. I've been short on time. I've been out of food for days now. But instead of going grocery shopping this morning, I went running like a good little marathoner.
I ran 4 miles a week ago and nothing since then, so I was nervous to amp it up to 5 all of a sudden.
But my 5 miles went swimmingly. It was 54 degrees with no sun and a little wind. I've only ran 5 miles ONCE before, and it was over a month ago. I was very happy to come in having knocked a whopping 1:10 off last month's 5-mile pace. That's over 5 minutes off! Nice.
2 1/2 weeks until the marathon. It's an important day for me, but I'll explain that more later. I'm actually starting to feel like I just might do this!
4.27.2009
I Swear I'm Not Dead
- Ryan was here for 5 days (3 of which I had to work). We tried out some new restaurants, I kicked his butt in bowling, and we watched our local hockey team lose the final game of the season.
- After being contacted about a job in Indiana, I was then contacted about a job in Las Vegas. I had a phone interview with Indiana today, and I have a phone interview with Vegas tomorrow.
- Today's phone interview went so well that they asked me to come in for a real interview. My mom and I will drive out there tonight.
- It has been hot here (seriously... I'm sweating as I sit here typing this), yet seriously rainy and windy. Not very good workout weather.
- I'm not ashamed to admit that I only worked out once last week. I had a 5-miler on schedule for tomorrow, but it looks like that may not happen.
- Only 3 weeks until the marathon. I never did sign up for my triathlon (June 7th), because the day I went to sign up for it, I was contacted about 2 jobs. So we'll see how these pan out first.
- I'll be back and blogging (with photos from last week and Ryan's bowling smackdown) by Wednesday or Thursday.
Have a good week!
- After being contacted about a job in Indiana, I was then contacted about a job in Las Vegas. I had a phone interview with Indiana today, and I have a phone interview with Vegas tomorrow.
- Today's phone interview went so well that they asked me to come in for a real interview. My mom and I will drive out there tonight.
- It has been hot here (seriously... I'm sweating as I sit here typing this), yet seriously rainy and windy. Not very good workout weather.
- I'm not ashamed to admit that I only worked out once last week. I had a 5-miler on schedule for tomorrow, but it looks like that may not happen.
- Only 3 weeks until the marathon. I never did sign up for my triathlon (June 7th), because the day I went to sign up for it, I was contacted about 2 jobs. So we'll see how these pan out first.
- I'll be back and blogging (with photos from last week and Ryan's bowling smackdown) by Wednesday or Thursday.
Have a good week!
4.22.2009
Arny Johnson Race Photos
(If you stumbled on my blog looking for race photos, they are here.)
I finally found race photos from the Arny Johnson 5K that my mom and I ran a few weeks back.
Not bad...
Not bad at all...
Considering how hard I was sprinting, I'm surprised at how good I look. Plus, they caught me mid-air, so I look absolutely effortless (and skinny! Did I mention skinny?!).
My mom has her shoulders a little hunched, but overall, not a horrible photo...
Congrats on everyones' races this past weekend! Ryan and I are having a great week, and I'll be back to my regular lurking by Saturday.
PS: That guy from my last post looked like he was maybe 45. Hahaha. So if he WAS trying to pick me up, I'm thoroughly disturbed (especially since I've been told I look 14)!
I finally found race photos from the Arny Johnson 5K that my mom and I ran a few weeks back.
Not bad...
Not bad at all...
Considering how hard I was sprinting, I'm surprised at how good I look. Plus, they caught me mid-air, so I look absolutely effortless (and skinny! Did I mention skinny?!).
My mom has her shoulders a little hunched, but overall, not a horrible photo...
Congrats on everyones' races this past weekend! Ryan and I are having a great week, and I'll be back to my regular lurking by Saturday.
PS: That guy from my last post looked like he was maybe 45. Hahaha. So if he WAS trying to pick me up, I'm thoroughly disturbed (especially since I've been told I look 14)!
4.18.2009
Orange Shirts are Awesome
It was 66 degrees with no wind at 11:15 this morning. PERFECT outdoor workout weather. After much debate, I decided to extract Reagan from her trainer and take her for our first ride of 2009.
I forgot it was Saturday, which means the bike path was packed with walkers and strollers and dogs. The first 2 miles were the hardest since I had to dodge a lot of people. Along with this, there was an exceptionally annoying cyclist in front of me (age: 18?), who was being cocky. He was whipping in and out of pedestrians, riding with no hands, and speeding up every time I tried to pass him. Gurrr.
About 10 minutes into my ride, I realized I had forgotten something... my helmet! Woops. I guess it really has been too long.
I started out strong, averaging around 17 mph. That didn't last too long, because I'm not "biking" in-shape. I slowed down to a 13-14 mph speed and even had to get off and walk up one of the hills. Considering I haven't rode in almost 6 months, I wasn't too dissapointed with how it went.
Somewhere along my ride, I met another biker. He said he liked my shirt (we were both wearing obnoxiously bright orange t-shirts). We rode next to eachother for a mile or so and talked. He gave me some tips on bike routes I didn't know about. That was nice. He said I could join him on his 22 mile ride, but I passed because I had to get back and get ready for work.
It was a lovely ride, however biking today may have been a bad decision. I love it so much... I don't think I'll want to run ever again!
I hope everyone is having a good weekend. The boy will be in town all next week, so posting will be scarce.
I forgot it was Saturday, which means the bike path was packed with walkers and strollers and dogs. The first 2 miles were the hardest since I had to dodge a lot of people. Along with this, there was an exceptionally annoying cyclist in front of me (age: 18?), who was being cocky. He was whipping in and out of pedestrians, riding with no hands, and speeding up every time I tried to pass him. Gurrr.
About 10 minutes into my ride, I realized I had forgotten something... my helmet! Woops. I guess it really has been too long.
I started out strong, averaging around 17 mph. That didn't last too long, because I'm not "biking" in-shape. I slowed down to a 13-14 mph speed and even had to get off and walk up one of the hills. Considering I haven't rode in almost 6 months, I wasn't too dissapointed with how it went.
Somewhere along my ride, I met another biker. He said he liked my shirt (we were both wearing obnoxiously bright orange t-shirts). We rode next to eachother for a mile or so and talked. He gave me some tips on bike routes I didn't know about. That was nice. He said I could join him on his 22 mile ride, but I passed because I had to get back and get ready for work.
It was a lovely ride, however biking today may have been a bad decision. I love it so much... I don't think I'll want to run ever again!
I hope everyone is having a good weekend. The boy will be in town all next week, so posting will be scarce.
4.16.2009
2009 Food Challenge: Minestrone Soup
Yes, I know it's been FOREVER, but I'm finally back with another installment of my 2009 Food Challenge! Just as a refresher... I'm striving to buy and try one new item each time I go grocery shopping.
What did I buy? Campbell's Minestrone Soup.
Any preconceived notions? For once, I had none. Overall, I'm not a huge fan of soup. The only kind I ever eat is Chicken Noodle, but I don't feel soup in general is filling enough to be considered a meal.
Have I tried it before? No.
How was it prepared? Mixed with water and heated up on the stove. How else would you do it?
The verdict? Hmm... not too shabby. The bad thing about soup is it's a vegephobic's worst nightmare. The good thing about soup is you can pick around all the nastiness. And that's exactly what I did. I very much enjoyed the "broth" and the noodles. The carrots were edible but tasteless. Beans? EW. I avoided those at all costs. And there were some things in that soup that I couldn't even identify. Scary.
Will I buy it again? I'm not so sure. While it wasn't bad, I didn't eat enough of it to feel like it was worth buying. But perhaps this will open the door to different kinds of soups (soups without beans, hopefully!).
What did I buy? Campbell's Minestrone Soup.
Any preconceived notions? For once, I had none. Overall, I'm not a huge fan of soup. The only kind I ever eat is Chicken Noodle, but I don't feel soup in general is filling enough to be considered a meal.
Have I tried it before? No.
How was it prepared? Mixed with water and heated up on the stove. How else would you do it?
The verdict? Hmm... not too shabby. The bad thing about soup is it's a vegephobic's worst nightmare. The good thing about soup is you can pick around all the nastiness. And that's exactly what I did. I very much enjoyed the "broth" and the noodles. The carrots were edible but tasteless. Beans? EW. I avoided those at all costs. And there were some things in that soup that I couldn't even identify. Scary.
Will I buy it again? I'm not so sure. While it wasn't bad, I didn't eat enough of it to feel like it was worth buying. But perhaps this will open the door to different kinds of soups (soups without beans, hopefully!).
4.14.2009
Questions
I had a 4 mile run scheduled for today. About a mile into it, my butt started hurting. It felt like a muscle was tightening up. But I powered through and finished in 43:37. Not too shabby at all.
1 1/2 - 2 hours after my run, I started to feel really sick. I recalled that the last time I ran 5 miles, I had the same feeling shortly after the run. I don't know if my running is causing this, or if it's a coincidence.
So here come the questions...
A) How do you stretch your glutes?
B) Any ideas what may be causing the nausea? I feel like the easy answer is "nutrition"... but isn't 4 or 5 miles too short to be worrying about that type of thing?
C) Does anyone know anything about Fort Wayne, Indiana? (Random, I know... but I was called about a job there.)
Leave a comment!
1 1/2 - 2 hours after my run, I started to feel really sick. I recalled that the last time I ran 5 miles, I had the same feeling shortly after the run. I don't know if my running is causing this, or if it's a coincidence.
So here come the questions...
A) How do you stretch your glutes?
B) Any ideas what may be causing the nausea? I feel like the easy answer is "nutrition"... but isn't 4 or 5 miles too short to be worrying about that type of thing?
C) Does anyone know anything about Fort Wayne, Indiana? (Random, I know... but I was called about a job there.)
Leave a comment!
4.13.2009
Running and a 2-Hour Easter
I completed four workouts in the past week. That's pretty good compared to what I was averaging in March.
My training plan had me run 3 1/2 miles on Thursday and Saturday. I was supposed to run an easy 2 miles today, but it was 28 degrees and raining. I don't do rain.
But, as for my 3 1/2 miles... the one on Saturday was much better. I completed the distance 3:30 faster than I had on Thursday. I have NO idea why I do this. You'd think a runner like myself would be able to keep a consistant pace day-to-day. Apparently not. I just never know if it's going to be a 9 min/mile day, or a 12 min/mile day.
On schedule for tomorrow is a... (wait for it)... TRACK WORKOUT. Wow. I haven't done one of those since... well... track. We'll see if the weather cooperates.
__________________________
Yesterday was Easter (duh). Even though I had to work (of course), I was able to drive down to my aunt's house in the morning, and hang out with family for 2 hours. It's hard to justify a 4 hour round-trip drive for only 2 hours being there, but I havn't spent a holiday with my family in TWO YEARS. It was nice to see them.
All of my cousins are too old for egg hunts, with the exception of one. She is 3 1/2. And since it's been 2 years since I've done a family holiday, it's obvious that I haven't gotten to see her much.
Kids grow up so fast. Especially when you don't see them every day. Last time I saw her, she wasn't even talking!
I know it's been a while, but I will post my next Food Challenge post sometime over the next couple days. Happy Easter, everyone!
My training plan had me run 3 1/2 miles on Thursday and Saturday. I was supposed to run an easy 2 miles today, but it was 28 degrees and raining. I don't do rain.
But, as for my 3 1/2 miles... the one on Saturday was much better. I completed the distance 3:30 faster than I had on Thursday. I have NO idea why I do this. You'd think a runner like myself would be able to keep a consistant pace day-to-day. Apparently not. I just never know if it's going to be a 9 min/mile day, or a 12 min/mile day.
On schedule for tomorrow is a... (wait for it)... TRACK WORKOUT. Wow. I haven't done one of those since... well... track. We'll see if the weather cooperates.
__________________________
Yesterday was Easter (duh). Even though I had to work (of course), I was able to drive down to my aunt's house in the morning, and hang out with family for 2 hours. It's hard to justify a 4 hour round-trip drive for only 2 hours being there, but I havn't spent a holiday with my family in TWO YEARS. It was nice to see them.
All of my cousins are too old for egg hunts, with the exception of one. She is 3 1/2. And since it's been 2 years since I've done a family holiday, it's obvious that I haven't gotten to see her much.
Kids grow up so fast. Especially when you don't see them every day. Last time I saw her, she wasn't even talking!
I know it's been a while, but I will post my next Food Challenge post sometime over the next couple days. Happy Easter, everyone!
4.10.2009
TGIF Photo Friday
(Theme courtesy our guest host, Diana.)
I'm sure everyone has heard about the pirates who are holding that guy captive in Somalia.
Well, I have a message for those pirates...
You're ruining it for the rest of us! Being a pirate is supposed to be cool and fun. Pirates hang around with parrots and drink a lot of rum. Why do you have to go and KIDNAP someone? Way to be lame, pirates.
So in honor (or disgrace) of them, I present you with photos from college of me dressed as a (cool) pirate...
__________________________
My training has been going decently. After setting my new 1/4 marathon goal, I realized I need to seriously vamp up the mileage. Yesterday, I ran 3 1/2 miles at a slow pace (slower than I even realized... cause it took me 41:34 to complete). It's hard to tell myself not to worry about time right now. I'm not used to that.
I have a 10K training schedule that I'm using to get ready for the marathon. I'll be increasing my mileage by about 1/2 a mile each week until I get to 6 1/2. The only thing I'm unsure about is how to incorporate my triathlon training into my marathon training. I don't want to do all this running and have it negatively affect my biking and swimming progress (or lack there of).
I'm sure everyone has heard about the pirates who are holding that guy captive in Somalia.
Well, I have a message for those pirates...
You're ruining it for the rest of us! Being a pirate is supposed to be cool and fun. Pirates hang around with parrots and drink a lot of rum. Why do you have to go and KIDNAP someone? Way to be lame, pirates.
So in honor (or disgrace) of them, I present you with photos from college of me dressed as a (cool) pirate...
__________________________
My training has been going decently. After setting my new 1/4 marathon goal, I realized I need to seriously vamp up the mileage. Yesterday, I ran 3 1/2 miles at a slow pace (slower than I even realized... cause it took me 41:34 to complete). It's hard to tell myself not to worry about time right now. I'm not used to that.
I have a 10K training schedule that I'm using to get ready for the marathon. I'll be increasing my mileage by about 1/2 a mile each week until I get to 6 1/2. The only thing I'm unsure about is how to incorporate my triathlon training into my marathon training. I don't want to do all this running and have it negatively affect my biking and swimming progress (or lack there of).
4.08.2009
This Really IS a Horrible Idea
I don't know what I was thinking... but I just agreed to be on a marathon relay team. Yes, me: the girl who has never run more than 5 miles. The girl who never even WATCHED a marathon, much less thought about participating in one.
I'll give you a moment to let all that sink in.
I was asked to join three of my coworkers (who are all on-air). They wanted to form a station team so they could promote it on our news beforehand.
1/4 of a marathon is about 6 1/2 miles. The race is 5 1/2 weeks from now. Phew. Looks like I need to start running more. Like... NOW.
I'll give you a moment to let all that sink in.
I was asked to join three of my coworkers (who are all on-air). They wanted to form a station team so they could promote it on our news beforehand.
1/4 of a marathon is about 6 1/2 miles. The race is 5 1/2 weeks from now. Phew. Looks like I need to start running more. Like... NOW.
4.07.2009
Check
It's my "weekend".
Triathlon training officially began yesterday with a little time on the trainer (and I really do mean little... but I'm kinda sore today). Then this afternoon, I did my first swim in 2 months. I stopped after some inner ear pain, then tried to get water out of my right ear for the next 5 hours.
Biggest Loser is on tonight (yeah, yeah... I'm a little behind). Ryan and I always tape it and then watch it at the same time while we make comments online. "That person is stupid," "I can't believe she did that," "He is totally going to win," etc etc etc.
I facebook-status-guilt-tripped my mom into working out today. Muahaha. One more check in the good deed book (there had BETTER be one of those when I get to Heaven!).
Triathlon training officially began yesterday with a little time on the trainer (and I really do mean little... but I'm kinda sore today). Then this afternoon, I did my first swim in 2 months. I stopped after some inner ear pain, then tried to get water out of my right ear for the next 5 hours.
Biggest Loser is on tonight (yeah, yeah... I'm a little behind). Ryan and I always tape it and then watch it at the same time while we make comments online. "That person is stupid," "I can't believe she did that," "He is totally going to win," etc etc etc.
I facebook-status-guilt-tripped my mom into working out today. Muahaha. One more check in the good deed book (there had BETTER be one of those when I get to Heaven!).
4.04.2009
Arny Johnson 5K Race Report
(Those of you who are here looking for race results, they can be found at this site. If you are looking for race photos, they are here.)
Last time my mom and I ran a 5K, she said, "enjoy your race... I'm staying in bed." This time, she was already up and dressed by the time my 7:30 alarm went off.
We arrived around 8:30, right as the 10 mile race was taking off. At the starting line, my mom and I ran into 2 of my on-air coworkers who were also running the 5K.
We bundled up, got our Ipods all set, and were ready to run.
The race was a flat out-and-back course on a bike path.
I hit the one mile mark around 9:00. SLOW DOWN, I yelled at myself. I didn't think I would make it back alive if I kept up that pace.
There were 2 roads we had to run across, and I was extremely grateful for the police there to stop traffic. Problem is, one of my coworkers (who was way ahead of me), said that HE had to stop for the CARS. Outrageous. Do these police know how seriously we take our races and our finish times? He said that at least 10 people caught up to him while he was standing there waiting to cross the street.
I had a pretty decent sprint at the end of the race. And despite my low hopes, my watch says I crossed the finish line at 29:22. I'll take it!
I waited at the finish line for my mom to come in.
Then there she was...
She came pretty close to her goal of 38 minutes.
After all the 5K runners had finished, they handed out awards. My mom was pretty shocked when they called her name.
She got 2nd place in her age group!
They posted our official finish times soon after.
Me = 29:30 (but I'm sticking with my 29:22 because it took me at least that long to cross the start line)
My mom = 38:17
I was shocked at my final time because it's the SECOND fastest 5K I've ever run... even though my training for this race was truly minimal. I guess I'll just have to use this as motivation to get a PR at my next 5K!
What did I learn from this race? Show up early. Because I canNOT stand taking home another extra large shirt.
GURRRRRRRR.
Last time my mom and I ran a 5K, she said, "enjoy your race... I'm staying in bed." This time, she was already up and dressed by the time my 7:30 alarm went off.
We arrived around 8:30, right as the 10 mile race was taking off. At the starting line, my mom and I ran into 2 of my on-air coworkers who were also running the 5K.
We bundled up, got our Ipods all set, and were ready to run.
The race was a flat out-and-back course on a bike path.
I hit the one mile mark around 9:00. SLOW DOWN, I yelled at myself. I didn't think I would make it back alive if I kept up that pace.
There were 2 roads we had to run across, and I was extremely grateful for the police there to stop traffic. Problem is, one of my coworkers (who was way ahead of me), said that HE had to stop for the CARS. Outrageous. Do these police know how seriously we take our races and our finish times? He said that at least 10 people caught up to him while he was standing there waiting to cross the street.
I had a pretty decent sprint at the end of the race. And despite my low hopes, my watch says I crossed the finish line at 29:22. I'll take it!
I waited at the finish line for my mom to come in.
Then there she was...
She came pretty close to her goal of 38 minutes.
After all the 5K runners had finished, they handed out awards. My mom was pretty shocked when they called her name.
She got 2nd place in her age group!
They posted our official finish times soon after.
Me = 29:30 (but I'm sticking with my 29:22 because it took me at least that long to cross the start line)
My mom = 38:17
I was shocked at my final time because it's the SECOND fastest 5K I've ever run... even though my training for this race was truly minimal. I guess I'll just have to use this as motivation to get a PR at my next 5K!
What did I learn from this race? Show up early. Because I canNOT stand taking home another extra large shirt.
GURRRRRRRR.
4.02.2009
The Little Chef Who Could
I spent all Tuesday cleaning my kitchen. Okay... that's a lie. But I REALLY hate doing dishes, so it sure did seem like I spent all day on it.
After getting everything washed and put away, I decided to pull it all back out and dirty it up again! I made a delicious pasta dish from one of my cookbooks.
Technically, the recipe calls for brocolli and sun-dried tomatoes also, but I don't like either of those, so I left them out.
I really enjoy cooking, but I never have anyone to share it with. And I never have anyone to share the dishes with either!
__________________________
2 days til our 5K. I have to say, I'm totally unprepared. I ran 1 1/2 miles yesterday and I'm actually a little sore today. Bleh. But, I'm ready for the experience and I'm ready to push myself.
Speaking of pushing yourself, my boyfriend went running today all on his OWN! I figure if I keep blogging about him, then he'll feel pressured to keep it up. Muahahaha. Take THAT, Ryan!
After getting everything washed and put away, I decided to pull it all back out and dirty it up again! I made a delicious pasta dish from one of my cookbooks.
It was easy peasy. It started with pasta...
which was boiled...
then mixed with milk, eggs, nutmeg, pepper, and dijon mustard.
Then some bacon was fried up...
and mixed with onions.
All of that was thrown together with cream cheese and cheddar cheese and baked in the oven to delicious perfection...
then eaten...
by yours truly...
Technically, the recipe calls for brocolli and sun-dried tomatoes also, but I don't like either of those, so I left them out.
I really enjoy cooking, but I never have anyone to share it with. And I never have anyone to share the dishes with either!
__________________________
2 days til our 5K. I have to say, I'm totally unprepared. I ran 1 1/2 miles yesterday and I'm actually a little sore today. Bleh. But, I'm ready for the experience and I'm ready to push myself.
Speaking of pushing yourself, my boyfriend went running today all on his OWN! I figure if I keep blogging about him, then he'll feel pressured to keep it up. Muahahaha. Take THAT, Ryan!
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