5 Days Left to train!

I went to my personal trainer this morning. I had a burning question for her. But before I get to the question, I notice she is limping. Apparently, when I saw her last week after her 7-mile run, she was feeling some pain in her leg - thought maybe she pulled a muscle. Well, 7 days later, she's barely able to walk. So guess what? She won't be running in the half this weekend. She's a bit bummed! I'd be - I'd be crying, curled in my bed with a pint of B&J Choco Chip...Just kidding!

Back to the burning question...

I asked her WHY - get this - why have I gained 2 lbs since I started to train with her and I run - ALL THE TIME. You wanna hear the answer? It turns out - Muscle weighs more than fat. OK - so we've all heard that, but I want to know how the muscle got there without using some of that fat?!?! And, get this - we build muscle faster than we lose fat. So, even though I'm running and training and doing OK with the diet, I'm building muscle ... out of who knows what ... and not losing any fat! She said, "Eat less, workout more."

WHAAAAAAA???? She's done lost her mind!

My diet will change after the half this weekend, which is only 5 days away...I'm soooooo excited! I will eat less of the stuff I shouldn't be and more of the stuff I should. Less carbs, more protein. Less Coke (whhaaaa) and more water (ooooohhhh). Less fast-food lunches and more brown bags.

Cheer me on. I still have 5 more days.

I still have the GINORMOUS hill at the end of a 13 mile run that I must ascend to make it to the finish line. It's taunting me. It's calling my name. But alas, I shall be the victor and stand triumphantly on top claiming, "I, yes I am the king of this mountain!"

The countdown is on - 6 Days and counting!!

I have 6 days to go.

This is the time where I spend my week on light runs, eating lots of carbs (great excuse for Rita's Water Ice) and mentally prepare myself for 3 hours of running!

I put in my last long run on Saturday. I ran for just under 2 hours. I don't have the exact distance, but based on my pace and knowing somewhat the areas I ran in - I did just about 8 miles. For a seasoned runner - I know that doesn't sound like much, but for an overweight wannabe, that's pretty impressive!

SO, I KEEP RUNNING!

It's my therapy. It's my way of relieving stress. I may never grace the cover of Runner's World Magazine or win a major race for my age group, but I can tell you this, I run. I run because it's fun. I run because I can. I don't have to compete against anyone but myself. I set my goals and push for them, whether or not they seem impressive to anyone else. I run.

I don't know if anyone even reads my blogs (does it really matter?). I write about what I love, running - losing weight. Even if it's for no one else, it's for me.

I AM A RUNNER!

If you dare, set your goal and go for it. Forget about anyone who would say you can't do it. Forget about the fact you don't "fit the mold" or "look the part". Do what you love - love what you do.

OK. I'm done with the cliches' today.

Only 6 more days!

9 SINGLE DAYS TO GO!

ONLY NINE MORE DAYS...

ONLY 9?????!!!!

What happend to all that time I had to get ready for this half marathon? It's all gone! The days of building up mileage and drinking power drinks and eating whatever I want (because I'm going to burn it all off when I run later) are almost over.

In the words of Charlie Brown:

"UUUUGGGGHHHH!"

I put in my 3-miles at the track yesterday. I know it's easier on your legs to run on the softer gravel track, but I think it takes more energy and work to keep it moving. I had everything I could do to kick it while I was running.

I haven't had any major issues with sore muscles or stiffness, but I have had an awful time with my heel. I stretch it, ice it and it is still killing me after I run. It hurts more when it's on the track. Guess I should consider not running on the track.

The only reason I ran the track is because my NIKE+ is attached to my IPod which is in my gym bag which is in my co-workers van which went to the service garage to get repaired. So, in order for me to know how far I was running, I had to use the track ... understand now? It shouldn't be this complicated!

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10 days to go!

So we're almost down to single digit days of waiting...

I ran into my trainer at the gym yesterday after she decided to "skip-out" on our 5:00 a.m. training session for an all nighter at the porcelain throne. She had just completed a 7-miler and she was dripping sweat. I kept thinking to myself - I've never sweat that much in my life! Now don't get me wrong, I can drip some sweat, but I don't think I've ever had it dripping down my chin as if I just got out of the shower and skipped the towel drying...

She encouraged me and was confident that I will make it through this half marathon with no issues. I'm beginning to believe it myself.

While I was at the gym, I focused on my legs: squats, ham string lifts, quads, etc... I want some strong legs.

All I need now is some of that protein infused TIGER MILK for MUSCLES! It would fit my total image! But instead, I will stick to sugar infused GATORADE - the blue kind - because it tastes better. (How do you milk a tiger??? I would think that's one job you'd have to take out a lot of insurance).

Tonight, I'm going for 3 miles (just an easy 12:30 per mile). That's the goal. I can do it...yes I can!

Only 11 more days...

The countdown is on!

The wait is almost over.

The time of preparation is closing...

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It's half marathon TIME!

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I have been going at the training like there's no tomorrow. I may not have the motivation, but I've had the discipline over these past few weeks to get the training time in and the miles logged. I can't say that I have enjoyed it, but I have done it.

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The truth be told - it will all come out on the 27th - that's where the literal rubber on the bottom of my shoes hit the road or pavement or path through the woods. I have gotten the new sneakers broken in. I have figured out most of my wardrobe for the run (minus a non-chaffing unmentionable). I need to figure that one out on my own...

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I have been working on my leg strength in the gym in hopes that I will not only be able to have the endurance to run 13.1 miles, but to do it with more strength and power, especially with the number of hills that are on the course (I have heard about the killer hill that leads to the stadium where we finish the run).

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I'm feeling more and more confident as I do my evening runs around the neighborhood. I had some breathing problems last night that pushed me to walk through most of my miles last night. I called the pharmacist for a new inhaler, but I have to wait for the prescription to come across from my doctor's office.

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Other than that, I'll keep you posted as the days get closer and closer...I'm getting the excitement in my blood ...

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IT'S ALMOST TIME!

13 More Days!

After I posted on Saturday, I dug down deep inside and found that motivation needed to go running. In fact, I found enough motivation to run an entire 7 miles with only a minor walk in there. It felt great, but I still don't feel very motivated.

Did you know that you can burn over 1,000 calories in just one work-out???? I did. SO, how do you end a 7-mile, 1,000 calorie-burning workout - with whatever you want!!! I ate salmon on the grill and mac'n cheese...and, a mango sorbet afterwards...and...that was it.

I went running again tonight. My goal - run under 12:59 / mile. OK. So most of you are able to walk a mile in that time, but remember, short legs!!! I usually average just under 14 minutes for long runs. I averaged 12:30 tonight for 2. It's the goal speed for the half. 12:30 a minute for 13.1 miles! Ok. So, two down. Only 11.1 to go!

Wish me luck!

BTW - Tomorrow AM is my workout with the personal trainer. It has been going pretty good, but this week I only made it to the gym for a workout once. (I went more than that, but only for cardio). I needed to run more than I needed to workout - plus, I am using that as an excuse to give my abs a break - they so deserve it!

OK - gotta go. Thanks for your encouragement!

Only 15 more days!

So, it's now April 12th and I have only 15 days 'til I run in the Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon. Am I prepared ? I have no clue. I have no idea. I have no motivation...

I'm in trouble! I have to run 10 miles this weekend for training. I woke up and just wanted to go back to sleep. In an effort to get my blood flowing today - I made some breakfast and crashed on the couch. OK. That's step one. Breakfast is over.

I stared at the TV and decided - ok - step two. Let's get out the Pledge and dust the living room woodwork. I worked off a few minutes worth of calories and then, I am back on the couch wondering why I can't get motivated to run a few miles!?!?

Oh, I need to vacuum...