Thursday, September 25, 2008

Not The Marathon

I'm not running the Denver Marathon, but I am running in it. I was asked (by some desperate people, clearly) to be part of a relay team. So I will be running 6 miles of the marathon for them. Am I ready? Heck no! I need to get off my but and train. The race is October 19. Pray for me to train well, and stay injury free.

Other than that, I'm trying to hit the gym at least 3 days a week, trying to lose the 10 lbs I put on this summer. It's either medical-related, or because I stopped running so much. Either way, those 10 lbs are NOT welcome here, and they must go!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Facing Fears...

and getting fit at the same time!

I took my first of two wall climbing classes last night. I do have a fear of falling, and I long believed I was also afraid of heights. I confirmed that last night, halfway up the wall. It wasn't an overpowering, paralyzing kind of fear, but I was definitely out of my comfort box. Still, I pushed a little further, then I asked to get down. Next week, I will learn to belay, and I will push myself to climb higher than I did before.

It was exciting, and scary, but I am glad I did it. I don't want to live a life where I didn't take risks. Whether I climb outdoors, who is to say. Right now, I want to climb again, I want to work new muscles, try new things.

I am still running 1-2 miles a few days a week. Because my mileage is so low, I am able to run faster. I hope to add more miles, and keep the speed. 113 days until the Turkey Trot!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Lazy?

I have not kept any kind of schedule of running since my half marathon, though I am trying to remedy that. I have done some short runs (a mile or two) and kicked up the pace, much as it was a year ago when I started. My goal is to increase my speed, hoping to best my 4 mile time at the 2007 Turkey Trot. I also got roped into taking a cross conditioning class, it kicked my ass. It felt good at the time, but the next two days it hurt to move. I hope to add a class like that to my schedule, since it allowed me the opportunity to work new muscles, and (hopefully) tone my abs.

Keep holding me accountable. I'm working on my diet, not to say I am on a diet, but I am working on watching my food intake. I am not counting calories or anything, but trying to eat smaller portions. This is considerably hard since if food tastes good, I want more!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Feeling Fine

I had a great run today. Two miles, the first at a 13 minute pace, the second at a 10 minute pace.

My body & mind were both on board. I really want to best my time from last year's Turkey Trot. That's my goal. So I'll be training for that. I'd like to be running 10-12 miles a week.

That is all I have laid out before me. I hope I have encouraged you too to get out and get active.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Photo Op

Need more pictures of your favorite half marathoner? Here are the professional ones. I haven't yet decided which one I want.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Running Down A Mountain

The half marathon was harder than I thought it would be. Sure, my longest run had been around 8 or 9 miles. But I wasn't prepared for how the downhill would hurt my knees. I knew I wasn't going to be fast, and being left in everyone's dust wasn't awful. It meant for most of my run, it was me & nature. To be in a valley between hills, mountains and farms, was peaceful. To see horses running in the fields, was inspiring. Less inspiring was seeing two dead skunks on the road, two dead deer beside the road, and even a small dead vole on the road.

The water/Gatorade stations had very friendly encouraging people there, so I would be sure to remove my iPod earphones to converse with them. Yes, I was discouraged against wearing an iPod, since we did run on roads with cars. But a lot of people had them.

My favorite part of the race was the end. Once I hit the main street, I saw Geoff & the boys at the end. Ringing their bells, cheering for me (Elijah called me super!), it spurred me to run to the end faster. I was virtually the only person in sight, so all the people lined on main street had no choice but to cheer for me. It was awesome. I would raise my hands in the air, ham it up, huge smile on my face, knowing that the end was nigh. Almost across the finish line, they called out my number, "And here's number 1140, look at her smiling. That's Melissa Armstrong, Lance's wife." I looked up at the clock, very happy with my time, and they handed me a sopping wet ice cold towel. NICE! I draped it over my shoulder, grabbed a water, and walked into the first aid tent to sit down. They kept asking me if I was okay, I said, I just want to sit. Once I felt like my knees would survive movement, I left, grabbed more water and reunited with my fans.

My goal had been to finish in less than 3 hours 30 minutes, I finished in 3:13. Geoff says it is a good starting off point for my next race. While I am not ready to think about running for a few more days, I'm not ruling it out. Next race, I'm looking for flat. I want it flat, so I can be faster.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

I Am A Half Marathoner




Less than a half mile to go

Well, resting all day yesterday, plus my training, must have done the trick. While I struggled through miles 8, 11, & 12, I was able to complete my first half marathon in 3 hours 13 minutes. I was hoping to beat 3:30, so goal succeeded! I have a blister on my fourth toe, left foot, very sore knees, and some back pain. But I also can say, I am a half marathoner. Now I want to rest!

(I may write more when I'm less tried)

Saturday, May 31, 2008

You're Joking Right

After months and months of training, almost a year of planning to get here, I woke up sick this morning.

For me, not running, is not an option. Call it my cheap Scot roots, but I paid for this race, I'm gonna do it.

I don't know how, it probably won't be pretty, but I plan to complete the task before me. Pray that I am able to get it done.

(side note: if I think I am in any serious medical danger, I will seek out help)

Friday, May 30, 2008

Almost Go Time

I've been resting all week, per my instructions, and it's been ok. I kinda missed hitting the gym at least once.

We leave today for Steamboat Springs, race is at 7:30am on Sunday. I'll have the laptop, so I will try to blog about it and possibly post a picture.

Keep me in your prayers, we're almost there!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Not Sweating It

I did not meet the goals last week, but I'm not worried about it. The race is so close, and my excitement is mounting.

This week...
Tuesday run 4 miles (which I did, outside, the weather was great)
Wednesday & Thursday run 5 miles
Saturday & Sunday run 4 miles

Then I rest the whole week before the race. I also get to carb up. Whoo-hoo!

Pray I stay healthy (my allergies have been acting up), and that I stay encouraged.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Don't Ask

First off, there were no pictures of me from the Cherry Creek Sneak. seriously, I looked through all 630 some odd pages. I'm disappointed too. Good thing I have the ones Geoff took.

Secondly, last week's training was a disaster. So let's move on.

Race day is in 20 days. Go me go!

This weeks goals are...

Tuesday & Wednesday run 5 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 6 miles (I may do more, since I didn't do my 12 last week)
Sunday run 5 miles

Normally, Monday & Friday are rest days. But since I haven't touched my shoes since Wednesday, today I'm going to do some time on the bike, then maybe run a mile.

Keep encouraging me. Pray for me to stay healthy.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Not Quite

My goals were not met, due to some scheduling issues. I'm not sweating it, I'm staying flexible. I still feel good mentally & physically. My long run this past weekend was for 90 minutes, around Garden Of The Gods. Got my first real taste of running up & down hills. Not so awful, but not a lot of fun.

This week I'm not sure how it will play out but here is the goal list.

Tuesday & Wednesday run 4 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 12 miles (Holy Cow!)
Sunday run 4 miles

26 days left!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Consider The Cherry Creek Snuck

I did it. I ran 5 miles in the Cherry Creek Sneak yesterday. It was a beautiful day to be outside. I had set a goal of running it in 70 minutes, it took me 64. I talked to some people along the way, and then Geoff treated me to a Mocha Freddo at Peet's. A pretty good morning if you ask me.

I think it helped me to practice my pacing for my big race. Here's what I have to do this week.

Tuesday run 5 miles
Wednesday run 4 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 3 miles

Here are some pictures of me at the Sneak. I made sure to pose for the camera guy, I'll let you know when those pictures are available.


Before the race


That's me, in the blue glove


Before Mile 3

Friday, April 25, 2008

Registered

I am registered for the Cherry Creek Sneak Sunday. I'm excited, and have not really thought about a time goal.

In making our lodging arrangements for Steamboat Springs, I got some great info from a local. She suggested places to eat (including a good restaurant to carb up at), as well as tips for my fans to watch & cheer, and past race day weather. I'm very excited. 37 days to go!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Much Better

I felt like I had a good week. I feel mentally and physically ready for the race, now I just pray I can stay that way.

The goals this week are
Tuesday run 5 miles
Wednesday run 3 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 5 miles

I hope to run the Cherry Creek Sneak on Sunday for my 5 miles. It's a fun race, though I usually participate in the 3.1 mile run. I'll have my cheering crew there practicing too.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Ugh

Not a successful week AT ALL. Tuesday, I was able to squeeze in my run. Wednesday, I came down with a 12 hour stomach bug. Thursday, I tried to take it easy. Saturday, I had a baby shower to throw. So Sunday was my next venture back into running, and I wanted to do my long run. I was not thrilled with the idea of running 4 laps around Wash Park, so we went to Cherry Creek Reservoir. Geoff spelled out for me my route, but what would have been better would have been GPS, or a map. I took a wrong turn, and then another wrong turn, and I got lost. But I kept running, figuring eventually all roads would lead to Rome (or the car, as it were). I was able to find my way back, with some deductive thinking, and with the help of strangers. Let's hope this week proves to be better, running wise and health wise.

Tuesday run 7 miles
Wednesday run 5 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 7 miles
Sunday run 4 miles

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Pretty Close

I missed last week's goals by 2 miles. Not too shabby. Motivation is harder for me this week, because my buds are in town, and I don't want to miss out on time with them. But a girl has to train right?

This week...
Tuesday 5 miles
Wednesday 3 miles
Thursday 45 minutes cross-training
Saturday 9 miles (Yikes!)
Sunday 4 miles

I need a swift kick in the butt to get me out and running. :)

Monday, March 31, 2008

More Than Halfway

I am more than halfway through my training. Has it gotten any easier? I dunno. My long runs are still hard, but but short runs (3 miles) are like nothing to me. The running just got better with the addition of Mr. Krabs, my new iPod shuffle (he's small & red). Our other iPod was too big and weighed me down.

This weeks schedule is

Tuesday run 6 miles
Wednesday run 3 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 8 miles
Sunday run 5 miles

Pray for strength of spirit, and health for me & the kids. If they aren't healthy I can't take them to daycare, forcing me to run earlier in the morning or at night (brr!)

Monday, March 24, 2008

Ergh

Okay, some days went better than others. The biggest disaster was trying to run Tuesday after dinner. It was chilly, and I didn't dress warm enough. And then I had to pee. Thankfully there are port-a-lets at the high school. So I did not make the whole run, and it was pretty defeating. I also had issues with my allergies acting up. But that was last week, this is a new week.

Tuesday is 5 miles
Wednesday is 3 miles
Thursday is cross-training for 45 minutes
Saturday is 7 miles
Sunday is 4 miles

Go Melissa Go!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Not As Successful

This week's goals were not met, but I am not discouraged. Let's look ahead to this week.

Tuesday & Wednesday are both 5 miles
Thursday is 45 minutes cross-training
Saturday is 6 miles
Sunday is 5 miles

Pray for me to stay healthy, and motivated. 76 days until Steamboat!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Another Week Done

Phew. Each week I accomplish, I am closer to the race. I kinda wish it was sooner rather than later, just so it is done. No wait, change that. I wish the training wasn't so hard!

This week's goals look like this:
Tuesday & Wednesday 4 & 5 miles
Thursday cross train for 45 minutes
Saturday 5 miles
Sunday 4 miles

I found that I am running about a 15 minute mile. I want to pace myself so I am sure that I will be able to do the whole 13.1 miles. Keep praying for me, for endurance, strength and to stay healthy.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Whoa!

Let me tell you about the conversation I had with my feet on Sunday.

Me: Okay, it's just a 40 minute run.
Feet: Wait, are those the running shoes? No, We're not going in there again.
Me: It's okay, it'll go by fast, just 40 minutes.
Feet: NO! Don't you put us back in there. No No No No (muffled whining). (feet thinking) Fine we'll just be stiff as boards!

Nothing was as awkward though as trying to walk down the stairs Sunday morning.

But I made it through the weeks goals. Here is what this week looks like:

Monday & Friday are always rest days.
Tuesday & Wednesday 45 & 40 minute runs
Thursday is cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday is 3 miles (though Geoff says I should stay closer to 5)
Sunday is 4 miles, and I need to find someone to watch the boys so I can do that.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

I Didn't Die

Hey, I ran 90 minutes today, and I didn't die.

Just wanted to share that. Oh and if my feet hated me before, they really hate me now.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I'm Trying

Okay, so once again, my training had a small setback due to illness. I missed my cross-training and both weekend runs. But on the plus side, Tuesday's run was the best one I've had in a long time. I felt great.

This week's goals:
Tuesday & Wednesday run 45 & 40 minutes
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday (I will do last week's goal of 90 minutes)
Sunday run 35 minutes

Pray for health and my renewed spirit to carry me through the week.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Week 4

This last week, I was able to do my 50 & 55 minutes runs on Tuesday & Wednesday, but then I was too sick to do my cross-training on Thursday. Saturday I was still getting over it, so rather than run 60 minutes, I walked it. Sunday I was able to run my 40 minutes.

This week is...
Tuesday 45 minutes
Wednesday 40 minutes
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday 90 minutes (yikes!)
Sunday 35 minutes

Pray for mental blocks to get the boot and for strength.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Week One (or Three) Done

Phew! My first week of training is done. Since I had to start on Week Three, it's a little confusing.

My weekend runs were hard, but I did it. A little bit of walking, mostly running. Saturday's run in Wash Park was alright, but would have been better with an iPod. I did my 50 minutes today in the gym on the track & the treadmill. I may try to find a way to publish my training schedule online so you can see, and know what to pray for that day. Just remember Mondays & Fridays are my rest days.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Short

I was a little short on my runs this week, but I am not discouraged. Tomorrow I've roped Geoff into running with me in Wash Park. Today is my rest day, and I am happy to take it.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Overwhelming

So I got out my training guide and inputted it into my computer. Now I am frightened. I am two weeks behind (oops), but I will give it my best shot.

This week, I will have to run 4 days, and cross-train for 45 minutes. I think I need more clothes, and a swimsuit.

The schedule is...
Mon & Fri are rest days.
Tues & Wed run 40 & 45 minutes
Sat run an hour.

Pray for strength, and no mental blocks. Warm weather too. :)

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Treading Mills

So the last two workouts, I tried running on the treadmill. It's nicer than the track, because I don't have to dodge other people. But it is a little disorientating getting off.

I think I need to concentrate more on distances rather than speed. So I'm not wearing my watch much.

Keep praying for me.

Friday, January 25, 2008

I'm Trying

I did get on the elliptical (for a mile) in D.C., and was back at the gym this week running on the track. Those two days I was only able to do a mile each, and then I felt like I had shin splints from below my knees to the top of my feet.

I'm going to try to reread my book for encouragement. Geoff took me to see Spirit Of The Marathon, and I left feeling pretty inspired. They are showing an encore of it next month, check to see if it's showing near you.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Monday

I ran one mile, really fast on Monday. It had been a while since I could get out and run, with being sick, and the boys are still too sick to take to daycare. If I don't make it back to the gym this week, I do plan to use Kelly's elliptical in D.C. this weekend.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Dashing Through The Snow

Yesterday I had high hopes of going for a run in Cherry Creek State Park, aiming for a 4 mile run. This did not occur. Rather I ran for 20 minutes (towards and back from CCSP) in the snow. I thought the trails would be dry, but they obviously don't get the same amount of sun we get on our sidewalks. It was a good workout though.

My plan this week is to reread my training book, and to get on the track 3 days (or nights). The boys are taking turns being sick, so I can't take them to the daycare until they are better.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Ouch

I went to the gym for the first time in two weeks (or so). Was able to punch out a mile in 10:23, so I was happy with that. Not as happy with how much my hip hurt afterwards. Unfortunately, I need to amp up my gym time, and with kids who are sick, that's a little challenging. We'll see how it goes.

And if I'm going to do swimming for cross-training, I better get a real swimsuit. Not something cute (like I have now), but something functional.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Game On

It's official. I registered for the Steamboat Springs Half Marathon. Game Day: June 1, 2008



This is gonna be me. But probably near the back.

151 days to go. Feel free to come out to Colorado and watch.