Closer to my Goal!

Last night I ran two miles in 24:54!

This is my best 2 mile time. I am moving closer and closer to my 2 miles in 24 minutes goal! WooHoo! 
Today I am going to try to beat my one mile PR! A quick run this morning on my early lunch break...then I will be on the road all afternoon. Hopefully this evening I can get in a little walk...or maybe take Humphrey for his weekly adventure :)


Happy Hump Day :)

My 30 Day Challenge

On Friday's post, I said I needed to return my focus to gaining good health and fitness, and stop worrying about the scale. When my focus is on health and fitness, I feel good about myself. At the beginning of the year, I noticed a few people challenging themselves to 30 days of activity (running, walking, biking). At the time, my heart wasn't into it, and I didn't join any of these challenges. But now I am ready! I am challenging myself to 30 days of running at least 1 mile a day. I am not sure how long this challenge will take me to complete, because we all know life happens and plans/workout schedules have to change. But I WILL complete this... if I have to skip a day, I will start back at Day 1 and try again...and I know I will get there.  I am competitive with myself, and I hope this will light a new fire. During the Winter Wonderland Warriors Challenge, I have began to try many new forms of exercise. (I love my new spinning class, and plan to go to a ZUMBA class tonight), but these new interests took time away from running, and I want to do BOTH!  I hope that by challenging myself to this 30 days of running, I will also be ready to go when the Spring 5k season begins! I would love any of your that are interested to join me in this challenge! I can't wait to feel that sense of accomplishment when I complete my 30 days!  I will keep you guys updated!

Running Towards New Goals!

I broke another record yesterday!!! I finished my 2 miles in 25:08!  I would really like to get to 2 miles in 24 minutes before the new year! So I will be working toward that goal!!

I am still very slow and I know I won't be winning any races, but I just love working hard and beating my own times. I can really see my  improvement!

Cooler Temps and Spaghetti Squash

The temps are finally falling in North Alabama, and I couldn't be more excited. After two days of 98+ degree weather, yesterday's cool down was wonderful. I decided instead of heading back to the gym I would take advantage of the cool morning and do an outdoor run. It was AMAZING to be running outside again. The time passed my so quickly (much quicker than when I am on the treadmill). My speed isn't where I want it to be, but I could tell I was running faster than I did in the spring. I had to take a couple of walk breaks, but by the end of my 5k run, I felt invigorated! I ran my trusty "Roadkill Run" path from last spring, and loved every minute of it.

Yesterday afternoon, while doing a bit of grocery shopping, I spotted a spaghetti squash.

A couple of years ago, I had my first run in with a spaghetti squash after reading several people's blogs about them. People raved and I was so excited to try a new veggie. I love fruits and veggies, and there are very few that I don't enjoy. I picked out a HUGE spaghetti squash, to it home, *thought I followed the directions*, and thought it was HORRIBLE! I was so upset. Tommy just laughed at me as I tried to finish one serving. I could not imagine how people could like these things. A while back, Rae posted about having spaghetti squash and a former coworker had put a facebook status about how much she and her kids LOVED spaghetti squash. Now, I will be the first person to say I am not a good cook, but I do alot of cooking. I am easily  intimidated by new recipes and tend to make the same things over and over. Several people have told me I am a good cook, but I think they just want me to cook for them so they don't have to do it...because in my eyes I just don't have great cooking skills :) I am always in awe of Brittany when she posts amazing creations from her kitchen, and Tish has been known to make my mouth water from her dishes. Mary has been posting new recipes each week with her DDGbD posts, but as for me I seldom venture out in the kitchen. Yesterday, when I got home, Tommy helped me unload the groceries. His first response was, "Is that a spaghetti squash? Did you really buy another one of those?" Honestly, I am a little surprised that he remembered the first experience. I guess me not like a veggie was memorable :) Anyway, I did a bit of research online and roasted the squash in the oven. (The first time, I used the microwave...and I think I may have undercooked it.) I halved the squash, coated with a tiny bit of olive oil and Italian seasonings and baked it for 45 minutes at 400.

IT WAS GREAT! Tommy even had a few bites! I am soo excited to had a new *easy* side dish. And maybe I will even try a recipe for Spaghetti Squash as the main dish :)

**I think the problem with my first experience with Spaghetti Squash is that I cooked it in the microwave for the time it was suggested to do the first cutting, instead of the amount of time it needed to cook after cutting! Oops :)

A Good Run...or two :)

I think my mental cheerleader must have gone on vacation for a bit, but she is back. The past two days, I have had great runs and she was cheering me on the entire way.

Yesterday, I was determined to add some miles to my DDGbD challenge. I knew when I got to the gym I wanted to run at least 3 good miles, and decided to break up the mileage using the bike. I would run for a mile, then bike for 2 miles, etc. During my last run, I felt so good that I decided to throw another mile into the mix. I ended up with 10 miles for the day. Ran 4, Biked 6 and I felt great when I walked out of the gym. I ran slow and easy, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Today I tackled Week 4 of the Couch to 5k again. I was able to complete all my intervals. YAY! My heart rate is still above the 85% maximum when I finish the 5 minute intervals. I am going to do at least two more days of Week 4 and then evaluate if I should move on or not. My goal is to be able to run a full 5k at 5.3mph , but it may take me longer than 9, 10....20 weeks. But I know I will get there eventually!

Working toward DDGbD Goals and Fall Workout Schedule

Tommy brought these flowers home for me this weekend. I thought they were just beautiful  (and reminded me of fall) and wanted to share them with you guys. I really have a wonderfully thoughtful husband. He is always full of little surprises for me...we have been married for three years and together for over five, and I hope that I never take him for granted, though I know I do.

I have decided to use SparkPeople to journal my food for the challenge. I have used various online food journals,but I think Spark's community atmosphere will be good for me.

I have created a fall workout schedule that I hope I can keep for the next few months. There will always be little unexpected surprises during the week, when I may have to work late or visit a different library, but I am hoping that I can keep up this new schedule. Following this schedule, I will earn 20 miles per week and be able to make my DDGbD goal of 200 miles by December.

I have decided to use the Couch to 5k program again this fall to hopefully help me work on my speed. This program prepared me for my first few 5ks and I hope it will help me to improve my time this go around. I will work to complete all the run intervals at a 5.3mph speed so that I will be able to accomplish my DDGbD goal of a 5k in under 40 minutes.

This is my Fall Workout Schedule

Mondays- Couch to 5k Day 1 + walking to complete 2miles, 3miles on Bike
Tuesdays- 5miles Elliptical
Wednesdays- Couch to 5k Day 2 + walking to complete 2 miles, 3miles on Bike
Thursdays- Rest Day
Friday- Couch to 5k Day 3 + walking to complete 2miles, 3miles on Bike

Saturdays/Sundays- 2 hours of physical activity... This will vary depending on the weekend,but will hopefully include some outdoor activities when the weather cools down a bit. A new dance studio has opened that will be offering Zumba, depending on the price I may check into doing a class on Saturday.

I will also throw in some strength training during the week, I hate it, but I know I need it.

Today I completed the Monday workout and everything went well, except for a boob that was trying to escape my sports bra the entire evening. I believe its time to retire that bra :)

Labor Day Challenge Complete!

WooHoo! I completed my Labor Day Challenge of 100 miles on the treadmill! This has been a wonderful challenge for me. There were so many days when I just wanted to go home instead of hitting the gym but this challenge truly kept me accountable.
I still haven't decided how to reward myself, and honestly I think the biggest reward was stepping off the treadmill yesterday knowing I had met a goal I had set for myself.

What goals have you all made this summer? Have you completed your goal? Anyone interested in joining a fall challenge if I host it?

Road Block and Okra

I attempted the 1.5 mile run today without success. I think it was mostly a mental road block that caused the lack of success. I did finish a one mile run, and then did another mile of walking. I will try again tomorrow. I know that I am capable of running 3.1 miles...it may just take my mind and legs a while to remember.

Tonight I made boiled okra to go with our dinner. My husband had only had okra fried, but even he approved of the healthy side dish. I simply boiled my okra in a 1/2 cup of water for about 10 minutes, drained, and seasoned with a bit of sea salt and cracked pepper. Delish...and soo low calorie! :)

Building Back Up!

Since my sketchy knee issue a few weeks ago, I haven't  been doing alot of  running. I have walked quite a bit, and worked on quarter-mile intervals, but no jogging more than a quarter-mile at a time. Yesterday I was determined to start building my jogging mileage back up again. Yesterday, I did my first mile long jog in weeks. I took it slow and easy and was a hot sweaty mess by the end of that mile. I walked another two mile for a 3 mile total. Today I am going to attempt 1.5 miles...if I am able to make that I will continue  gradually building up until I am back to running 5ks on a regular basis.  Wish me luck!

**Edit...when I got the the gym I had not brought a top. I had gym pants, sport's bra, shoes, socks, charged iPod...and no shirt (How does this happen...?) I thought about running to the mall to buy a top to wear, but knew that would make getting home even later and decided to use a rest day. I will be doing a midday workout on Wednesday with my 1.5 mile jogging attempt. :)

Three Things Thursday

I have noticed many blogs feature a Three Things Thursday and thought I would join in the fun this week.

1.  I have enjoyed a few days off work this week. I needed the break and have had a nice time not having a schedule. Yesterday, Tommy was off too, and we enjoyed a great day just hanging out.  These days are good for the soul.

2.  Today I did a 4.5 mile walk. I am really starting to enjoy and value these longer walks and know I am going to incorporate them into my new workout plan when I finish the Labor Day Challenge.

3. Speaking of the Labor Day Challenge, I "should" finish my 100 miles at the end of next week. I have had a great time working to complete this challenge.  I know that next week I will reward myself when I finish the challenge, but not sure what the reward will be. I have thought about a small piece of jewelry. Or the Nike iPod sensor so that I can better track my runs when I start road running again next month. I will let you guys know what I decide. :)

Running with Dad

My Dad passed away March 19, 2007. It changed my life forever. One of his favorite things to do was grill. In the past few weeks, my evening jogs have been a great time to think about and remember him. Running on nice Spring evenings, through the neighborhood I grew up in, smelling the fresh cut grass and meat cooking on a family's grill has become a refuge for me. It is my time with Dad. The first spring night I could smell the cut grass and grills, I cried for over half my jog. I know my Dad would be so proud of me. I know he would be at my races with a huge smile on his face cheering me on. There are some days that I miss him so much that my body physically hurts. Now, I just think about my evening runs...with him , and it helps.

Workout Update- At least I wasn't roadkill :)

Date: 4-19-10
Time of Day:6:45-7:30 PM
Location:Long Country Roads :)

Type: Comfortable Run with hills
Total Steps: 7520

Last night I did another new running course. Usually for my comfortable run, I do a course I mapped out in the neighborhood I grew up in. Yesterday, however, I had a gym clothes mix-up (the hubby and I traded vehicles in the afternoon and I forgot to go out and get my gym clothes before he took off with my car) so I went home instead of running in town. When I made it home, I almost decided to skip my run, but I knew I would be out of town some this week so I decided to just make the run happen. Tommy dropped me off on the road behind our house 3.1 miles from the end of the road. When he was driving me out, he kept asking if I was sure I wanted to do this. I think he was worried I wouldn't be able to make it running later in the day. But, I was determined.
Overall the run was great, and I think I may add it to my normal running rotation. There were a few long killer hills that I had never really paid much attention to in the car. At one hill that seems to last about half a mile up, I thought I might die... but I was able to survive. I also saw...and smelled several pieces of roadkill (YUCK!) I always say I saw more roadkill in our first month married/ at the new house(in the country) than I had my entire life growing up in the city. At one point, I also had a parade of unleashed dogs following me! They were all pretty friendly, and one followed me at least a quarter mile before turning around to do back home. Overall the run was good. The weather was perfect, and I am so glad I decided to make the run last night!

Big Spring Park

Tommy and I are out of town this weekend following our favorite Minor League Baseball Team , the Jacksonville Suns. Tommy is a huge Marlins fan, and a couple of years ago we decided to check out one of their minor league teams. We have been hooked since. During baseball season, we spend many weekends on the road cheering on our boys. This year, I want to make a real effort to find new places to walk/jog while we are out of town instead of just using the hotel treadmill. This morning we were able to explore Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama. It is a gorgeous park. Since Tommy was with me, we spent most of the time just walking through the park and enjoying the ducks, fish, and beautiful scenery. After we had walked around for about an hour, I asked Tommy if he would mind if I did a short jog. It was so much fun jogging in a new place. My pace was very comfortable and because Tommy was waiting, it was very short. During our entire time at the park I logged 5420 steps.

When we got back to the hotel I decided to do a quick mile on the treadmill to complete my workout. I was excited with my time..12:08. This is my best 1mile time on the treadmill so far. YAY! Now that I am running outside, the treadmill has become tedious for me...I get bored quick! So far this has been a great weekend. Only wish the hotel had the pool open already! Happy Saturday!

Workout Update

Date: 4-16-10
Time of Day: 6:00 -6:45 AM
Location: Lexington Park

Type: Hills
Total Steps: 5267

When I got fitted for shoes earlier in the week, I asked for advise on how to increase speed and endurance on my runs. I was given a wealth of information. He asked how ofter I ran during the week. I told him that I try to fit in at least 3 runs a week but am pushing towards 4 a week. He said for the next couple of months I should split my runs into three different types. One run should include hills, one working with speed intervals, and one long run at a comfortable pace.

Today I worked on hills. I went to a park I knew had a nice long, steady, but steep hill. I started out with a comfortable walk around the outer loop (1/4 mile). Then I started on the hill. I would run up the hill as hard as I could, then walk back down. I did this 10 times. Eventually, I'd like to get a stop watch and see if I can increase my speed running up the hill. After working on the hills, I walked another comfortable loop. I followed that up with a 1/2 mile jog, and then walked one last loop.

I felt a bit lethargic today. I didn't sleep well, and had pretty bad cramps all night. I am glad I got myself up and going this morning because I felt much better after the workout.

Intro Post...

Hello Blog World! My name is Jess. I am new to blogger so everyone will have to bear with me as I learn how to do this. My main purpose for this blog is to keep track of my running/jogging, but I am sure I will add lots of other topics along the way. Growing up I was never athletic. I played little league softball a couple of years but was terrible. In my early 20s, I worked out quite a bit on the treadmill at the gym. I was single, living alone, and the local university offered a great discount gym membership for alumni...and I could watch TV without paying an extra cable bill while working out. It was great! I lost some weight and was having fun with it. Then as life started throwing some punches, I found myself not having as much time for workin g out. Fast forward about six years and now I am married, working a job I love as a children's librarian, and ready to find my fit self again! During the last year, I have worked out regularly and in January I started working towards running my first 5k. I used the couch to 5k program to help me build up my endurance for jogging outside. On April 10, I jogged my first 5k. It was great! I jogged with a friend, and my hubby came to cheer me on (and take pictures). I was a little disappointed with my time 40:28, but I told myself I had to start somewhere...and I was able to jog the entire course without stopping to walk which was my main goal. My next 5k is scheduled for May 8. I'm hoping to finish under 40 minutes this time around. Earlier in the week, I went and got fitted for shoes and got some tips for increasing my speed. So I plan on working hard to make my goal of under 40!