The Weekend was too Fast

Wow - where did the time go this weekend?  I can't believe it is 10:08PM on Sunday.  Craziness. 

Saturday - Phill and I went down to the Farmer's Market right outside our front door to get some breakfast and some coffee.  We walked around a little bit and then we went back up stairs to start our day.  Our day began with getting Phill's car over to the shop.  We began our journey, but it quickly ended when we were both concerned the wheel would fall off the car.  So, we called a tow and waited about an hour for the tow truck to arrive.  After that, we had Phill's folks help us out and we are using their Family car.  

Next, we went to Road Runner's sports in Campbell for new running shoes.  I have to say, Road Runner's is handy, but their service for people wanting to get in and out of their store is terrible.  I need to start wearing a sign when I go in there, "No, I haven't been through your Shoe Dog experience and NO I don't want to.  Can you just pull a size 7 New Balance Zante from your shoe rack and let me be on my way?"  Phill and I were waiting to get my shoes for a good 15 minutes.  This isn't the first time this has happened, so I was getting a bit annoyed.  I observed the flow of the store and their team members, and I am thinking of sending some feedback to the Road Runners.  There is little room for customer's just to get in and get out, which isn't conducive for folks who already know what they want. Anyways, I am glad I have a second pair of shoes.  Now I will be able to give my older pair rest between uses. 

After Road Runners, Phill and I went back home for lunch.  Then, Phill did some studying and I did some work.  After that, he and I went to run around Saratoga - we ran WVJS's Douglas course.  It was enjoyable. 

We got back home, Phill continued with his studying and then I made dinner. 

Sunday - We easily slept in this morning, which was great.  Then, Phill made breakfast!  Yummy!  Then....CHORES...lots of them. Then Phill and I ran 4 miles around our neighborhood.  The rest of the evening was homework, work, and dinner...and a short episode of Parks and Recreation (I really love this show!).  It was a pretty good day, but it went too fast. I'd really like just one more day of relaxation before getting fully into the grind! 

Running plan/goals for next week: 

Monday: Day Off / Yoga
Tuesday: 2 - 3 miles, easy,  Core
Wednesday: 3 miles, easy - medium, Yoga
Thursday: 2 - 3 miles, easy, Yoga
Friday: 0 - 2 miles, easy, Yoga (I may opt to skip the run and just do Yoga, depending how I feel)
Saturday: 3 - 4 miles, easy - medium
Sunday: 4 -5 miles, easy, Yoga

If I can do most of the above, I think I can say I had a pretty balanced week. 

Enjoy your week, all! 

Veggie Breakfast Sausage, Peas, and Leftover Chili

Tonight I had veggie breakfast sausage (which is very yummy), peas, and left over chili from last night for dinner.  It was just one of those days where you don't have enough time to cook, so you have a little of everything.  I love peas - so on days where I am rushed or vacant of ideas my "go to" is peas and something else.  My rushed dinners often look like I have a three year old eating with me. 

Anyways, another very busy day today.  I had back to back meetings from 8:30AM - 4:45 today.  Totally nuts.  

Phill and I managed to do 20 minutes of Core (push ups, sit ups, planks, and this new upper body weight excercise Phill showed me).  This was all done to random "Club Music" streamed from "Slacker Radio".  The music made me feel a bit old and out dated because I heard no such music when I was going to clubs 6 - 8 years ago. Wow, now that I write this, time has really flown by....lol.

We followed the 20 minutes of Core by 3 miles of easy running.  I kept my heartrate between 132 - 145, so I was running very easy. My legs felt very good and I felt relaxed.

Well, I'm off to eat a small bit of ice cream and fold some laundry. 

Laters.

Power Yoga, Chili, Whiskey and a Phill saved my day

I had a long day today - worked from 7 - 6:45 and got home at aroud 7:30.  I began my evening at home by explaining my day to Phill.  In response to my first story, Phill promptly gave me a small serving of whiskey and a small slice of pumpkin loaf, as a mode to decompress before dinner.  I continued explaining the events of my day while slowly sipping my whiskey and eating my pumpkin loaf.  (Find it at: http://flourchylde.com/) 

(NOTE: I do not typically drink alcohol to decompress, but the occassional whiskey doesn't hurt!)

For dinner, we had Vegetarian Chilli.  It was very tasty (Thank you, Phill!).  We watched 20 minutes of Parks and Recreation before we proceeding with the rest of our night.  

Phill began - and still is as I type - studying for his new Semester of classes and I started up the Power Yoga video.  I haven't practiced the Power Yoga video in about a month, so it was a bit harder than last time...but I am very glad I chose this 30 minute video.  The Power Yoga video is challenging, relaxing, and such a wonderful stretch.  And since it is 30 minutes, I feel a bit better about skipping my run today.

I feel ready for my day tomorrow. 

Enjoy your Tuesday, all.

My Weekend Workouts

As far as activity and running goes, this weekend went pretty well.  After Saturday's breakfast, Phill and I went for a short walk around the neighborhood.  Later that day, we drove up to Stanford University's campus to pick up something Phill had ordered via their bookstore.  Then we ran 4 miles around the Campus.  It was hot and I was getting a bit hungry by then, so the last mile of the run wasn't as fun as it could have been.  After our run, we walked around the campus a bit and then we went to have some dinner at Stein's Beer Garden in Mountain View.  After dinner, we went to their bookstore and just wandered around for a bit before going home.

Today, Phill and I did the Recovery Yoga video as soon as we woke up.  Then I went to the Campbell Farmer's Market with my Mom.  When I got home, Phill and I went for a 3 mile run around our neighborhood and then did the Pre-Run Yoga video after the run.  Today's run felt pretty good - I felt a lot less tired then Saturday's run.

In July, I set a goal of running the September Valle Vista with WVJS.  I plan on still running the Valle Vista with WVJS that weekend, but I will not be "racing" it.  I haven't been doing enough running to do that to myself. 

My next 10 days of workouts will be as follows:

Monday: 2 miles easy, Yoga/Core
Tuesday: 3 miles easy
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 2 miles easy
Friday: 2 miles easy
Saturday: 3 miles easy
Sunday: 4 miles easy, Yoga
Monday: Off
Tuesday: 2 miles easy
Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Yoga

I am trying to keep things consistent but light until I fully settle into my new job.  The job is significantly more challenging than my last - which is great - so I want to make sure I am not overloading myself physically and emotionally. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

End of the Work Week

Well, it's Friday!  What a busy week! 

Phantom of the Opera was a great show!  I first watched the show while I was in Vegas - which is hard to compare to - but the show in SF was excellent.  Phill enjoyed the show very much as well, which as great. 

Yesterday, Phill and I did 15 minutes of Yoga, ran 2 miles and walked .6 miles.  We were feeling pretty tired from the late night on Wendesday, so we kept the distance and mileage easy. 

Today, I am taking it easy and doing the Essentials Yoga video on Runners World and taking the day off from running.  

This weekend, I am debating on going to a WVJS workout tomorrow morning (and breakfast) or if I should sleep in. We will see.  Workout plan this weekend: 

Saturday: 3 - 4 miles
Sunday: 4 - 5 miles, Power Yoga

Short post for today - I hope to have a chance for more this weekend! 

Excercise and Travelling for Work

I haven't posted in a while.  Work, family and friends in town, and shopping for a car has put this blog on the low side of my priorities.  

My mileage is still very low, but I've kept it between 10 and 15 miles a week - so I'm at least doing something!  I also recenlty ran a 5 miler, and it felt really great. 

Last week was busy - I travelled to Dover, New Hampshire (stayed in Portsmouth) to do a site visit with one of our Vendors.  The trip was great and the meetings productive. We ate at Brazo for dinner, and the habenero scallops were really amazing!  The night before my co-worker and I ate at the Restaurant at the hotel.  I had Salmon, and it was very good.  With all this good eating, however, I don't think I ate enough over the course of 4 days! I will need to learn how to travel with snacks!

While work, travelling for work, and other life activities have kept me busy, I am managing to keep up my running and my Yoga.  I am not 100% happy with how much running I've been doing, but it will help me maintain what I gained in fitness and flexibility over the last few months.  

Last Tuesday - after I arriving at my hotel - I did 15 minutes of Yoga before going to sleep.  Wednesday had an early morning meeting, so I skipped my run but I did another 15 minutes of Yoga before heading out for my meeting.  After dinner and a few catch up emails for work, I decided to do the Recovery Yoga video before going to sleep. Thank goodness for those Yoga videos - it keeps exercise realistic and keeps me from getting injured!  

On Thursday morning, before the day of meetings and travel, I performed another 15 minutes of Yoga and ran 3.1 miles around Portsmouth.  I wanted to run by the water, but I couldn't find a good route.  Next time I will get out a map.  Overall, the run was great - and my pace was a bit too fast, but my legs felt good so I went with it.  Portsmouth looks a lot like Ireland - it was weird. When I get a chance, I will have to read about the town. 

I think the key to excercise and travelling for work is to have a quick Yoga or other excercise video readily available, know that you have at least 15 minutes of time to squeeze in a short video or a walk, and to stay focused on your overall goals of staying fit and healthy.  A few of my colleagues also went for a run on Thursday - next time I hope to be able to join them.  A few supportive friends or colleagues will also help you maintain your excercise routine when you are out of your element! 

My flight home was delayed to Friday, so I did not run on Friday due to travelling and exhaustion.  On Saturday, I ran 3 miles (it was sooooo HOT!) and also did a lot of walking.  Sunday, Phill and I went on a short 4 mile hike.  Monday, we did 10 minutes of core and 2.5 miles of running, and I accomplished 4 miles total, which included walking.  Today, we did 15 minutes of Yoga and ran 3 miles, and I accomplished 4.5 miles total including walking. 

Tomorrow Phill and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera in the City.  I am very excited. 

I hope to Blog more frequently - thanks for reading! 

Easy

The last couple of runs were very easy, to recover from the two hard days on the track and the unscheduled progressive tempo run on Wednesday. I also did PowerYoga and Recovery Yoga on Thursday / Friday.  On Saturday, Phill and I ran 3 miles in Half Moon Bay.  We walked about 1 - 1.5 miles before and after.  Before we left home, we did a session of the Pre-Run Yoga.  Things felt good until later in the evening, when my whole body was overwhelmingly achy.  I also, stupidly, failed to put sunscreen on my legs so I am pretty burnt.  I took the day off yesterday to recover, and I may do the same today depending on how I feel after work today.  Tomorrow will be a good gauge to how I am feeling, so I will schedule my next 2 weeks of training then. 

Half Moon Bay was pretty fun.  Ben had a great time in the Water and around the Beach.  I took my family to "It's Italia", one of my favorites.  Ben had pancakes, which he enjoyed.  If you are ever in HMB, I definitely recommend visiting.  If you aren't a Brunch person and are there on the weekend, go in the evening (after 3) because you will get their full menu...which I enjoy better than the brunch menu. Though, the drinks are pretty good on the Brunch menu.  

That's it for now.  I hope to have more to talk about during my next post!

Tempo

Hi All - on Tuesday, Phill and I ran an easy 2 miles.  We were also going to get some Yoga in, but that didn't happen because we felt like watching Fern Gulley with Shauna and Ben.  I think it was an excellent alternative.
 
Yesterday, Phill's knee was bugging him so I ran alone.  Even with the Garmin, I run too fast.  I couldn't help it yesterday.  My first mile was 9:00, second mile was 8:20, and my third mile was 7:38.  So, I am calling yesterday a progressive tempo. My heart rate at the end of the last mile was arond 160, so I wasn't pushing it too far. I also did 20 minutes of Yoga.
 
Today, I plan a very slow 2 mile run and hopefully some "pre-run" Yoga.  Friday, I plan another easy run but incorporate the Power Yoga video into my day.  I have the day off, so I hope to get this as soon as I wake up tomorrow. 
 
I've identified my next goal - I am going to "race" WVJS Valle Vista course on 09/26/2015. Valle Vista is 3 miles.  The first mile is hilly, the second mile has a few hills, and the third mile is pretty much all down hill. I don't have a time goal yet, but I'm sure by the first week of September I will have one. 
 
There is another mile on the track on 08/01/2015, which I hope to race as well - but it's tentative right now due to having a Visitor that weekend.

 

6:20

I ran 8 seconds faster than I did last Saturday (for a mile equivalent of last week's time).  I had to be in the "fast" heat, so I went out a little bit too fast but I did not die because of it - I just had little kick at the end of the race.  This doesn't surprise me, since I haven't been doing any speed work.  Phill raced this week - he was behind me the whole race and snuck up on me the last 30 meters of the race and out kicked me!  I can't wait to get some speed in, so I can out kick him. haha - competition. 

We spent the rest of the day in Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.  It was a lovely day.

Sunday I took an unplanned day off from running.  It was busy because my youngest Sister, Shauna, flew in from Ireland.  Her 3 year old Son, Ben, is also here.  It will be a good Summer. 

Yesterday, Phill and I ran 4 miles.  I think we averaged 9:20 pace, which felt very easy.  Legs weren't tired.  We also did some pre-run Yoga. 

I am currently on the Genenbus, heading home.  We are currently approaching the Page Mill exit, which means traffic is narly.  Overall, the bus is going very well.  Last week's driving took a toll on my body - arms and shoulders were super tense. 

I'm finally starting to perform real work at the new job.  I think my Manager and I will work well together, and I am really excited about getting to know the full role.  I am going to get a lot of exposure to new things, and I will get a chance to develop my coaching and leadership skills which is so exciting! 

Fast post!

Fast post!  Yesterday, Phill and I did the Essentials Yoga video and ran 3 miles.  Our last mile was about 7:45 pace.  Today, I squeezed in a Recovery Yoga video this morning and then we ran 2 miles at a super easy pace.  Tomorrow, I'll run 2 miles very easy with a stride or two.  Saturday will be the full Mile on the track. 

The new gig is going well. 

Anyways, that's it...I have a dinner to go to! 

Been a while

Yeh, I know I haven't posted in a while...I've been busy wrapping things up at Stanford (I do really hope that I did an OK job transitioning things to the DLS team), running, helping my Mom, and...now...starting a new job at Genentech! 

My time trial on Saturday went very well.  I ran 20 seconds faster than I expected, and it felt pretty easy.  My last lap was strong, and I had a strong sense of focus which I don't think I have felt before during a race-like setting. The Yoga is not only helping me physically, but it seems to be helping me mentally as well.  In total, I ran about 4 miles on Saturday. Phill and I also performed the Pre Run Yoga video before we left the house to go to West Valley College.

Sunday Phill and I ran an easy 2 miles and walked about a half mile.  And on Monday we did the same, but we also performed the Essentials Yoga video also.  This morning, Phill and I do the Pre-Yoga video and we are taking the day off from running.  

Here is the next 10 day running plan: 

Wednesday: 3 miles, strides, Essentials Yoga
Thursday: 2 miles, easy, Recovery Run Yoga
Friday: 2 miles, easy, Pre-Run Yoga
Saturday: Pre-run Yoga before leaving the house, 2 mile warm up, "Mile on the Track" at WVJS, and a one mile warm down
Sunday: 4 miles, easy, Pre-Run Yoga
Monday: 2 miles, easy
Tuesday: 2  miles, easy, Power Yoga
Wednesday: 3 miles, easy, Pre-Run Yoga
Thursday: 2 miles, easy, Recovery Yoga
Friday: 2 miles, easy

After this Saturday, I will need to find a new mini-goal to work up to while maintaining the ultimate goal of staying healthy and getting stronger.  

The first two days of the job were pretty great.  New Hire Orientation wasn't a blast, but I did learn a lot about Genentech's history and also their drugs and basic premise of how they develop their drugs and diagnostics.  Today, I spent the day reading out Genentech's Leave processes and I'll probably spend the next couple weeks doing that as well.  I did get to sit in a meeting, and also have a conversation with my Manager about cases and what the next 6 months look like.  I am very excited! 

Well, that's it for now...I'll try to post more frequently this week. 

Yesterday's Workout

First track workout was successful!  Felt pretty easy, and I had no foot pain! 

Phill and I ran a mile warm up, did a few yoga stretches, two very easy strides, and then proceeded to do the following: 

400m - 1:38
400m - jog
400m - 1:42
400m - jog
400m - 1:42
400m - jog
400m - 1:42 
400m - jog
400m - 1:31

Outside the last 400m, Phill and I kept a conversation going through the 400m runs and job.  The last one, I wanted to have a little more focus since I planned my last 400 to be the fastest (but remain very controlled). The workout, overall, felt pretty easy.  I think running under 7 minutes for the mile right now is incredibly doable. 

After the workout, we ran 1.25 miles to cool down.  Legs were never tired.  

Today, my legs feel pretty good, but they do remember I ran harder than usual yesterday.  I am really looking forward to doing some more workout on the track - I love the track. 

I think I have a 2 mile run planned today, and Yoga.  

Annoucement

Remember my "What a Day" post?  Well, I can finally tell you all why I had an "intense" day, and another intense day a week later.  

I am starting a new job in a couple of weeks.  I will be a Benefits Manager, Absence Management Program Specialist.  It's very exciting, and it will be a great step forward in my Disability Management career.  

Today Phill and I are doing our track workout at WV college.  We will warm up for 1 - 2 miles, then we will do 5x400m with a 400m jog/walk (perferably jog), and then cool down for 1 - 2 miles.  I'm looking forward to the workout. 

Good Week & Next 2 Week's running plan

I had a pretty good week of running, with no pain.  Good news. To recap: 

Monday: Power Yoga, 2 miles 
Tuesday: Pre-Run Yoga, 3.4 miles
Wednesday: Pre-Run Yoga, 3.5 miles - with a 5 min tempo (~7:00 mile pace), and then finished workout with the Yoga Fit Challenge Video. 
Thursday: 2 miles easy. 
Friday: Recovery Yoga and walked about 2 miles (shins hurt a bit on Thursday, so I opted to take the day off from running)
Saturday: 2 mile walk in the morning, Pre-Run Yoga, and then 3 miles. 
Sunday: Pre-Run Yoga, 4.25 miles 

I plan to do some additional Yoga this evening, since I am feel pretty good and could use a nice stretch. 

Here is my running plan for the next 2 weeks:

Monday: Yoga, 2 miles
Tuesday: 3 miles, easy
Wednesday: 10 minute warm up, 5X400m at ~mile pace with a 400m walk/jog, 1.5 mile warm down
Thursday: 2 miles, easy; Recovery Yoga 
Friday: Day Off
Saturday: 3 miles, easy, Power Yoga
Sunday: 3 - 4 miles, easy, Core Yoga
Monday: 2 miles, easy
Tuesday: 2 miles, easy
Wednesday: 3 miles, easy with strides in the middle of the run
Thursday: 2 miles, easy
Friday: 2 miles, easy

This will bring me up Saturday, June 20 - I will run a 1,500m run at West Valley Joggers and Striders (http://wvjs.org/Workouts.html).  I don't have may goals here, as I don't really know what I can do at the moment.  This will be my first test. 

I am finding my very slow ramp up to fitness is really working well for me.  I look forward to every single run, and my main motivation right now is to stay healthy so I can just keep feeling stronger and healthier every day. 

:)

Today - Short Post

Yesterday Phill and I did 2 miles and then did some light Yoga.  His knee is on the fritz, so we had to take it easy.  That was fine by me, as I was sore from Sunday's 400. 

Today, we ran 3.0 miles and walked about .4 miles cool down.  Before our run we did some pre-run Yoga.  After the run, we did the Yoga Fit Challenge on the Runner's World website. It's a pretty good workout, so I felt that nice muscle burn one gets after a decent workout - it was comforting. 

Tomorrow, Phill and I will run another 3 miles.  We will incorporate just a short 5 minute tempo in the middle of it and end it with a few easy strides. I am looking forward to the run already. 

Well...that's it for now.  I hope to have more to talk about tomorrow!!! 

71.18

71.18 seconds.  The time it took me to run 400m yesterday at UCSC's Alumni Track and Field event.  It's not very fast, but it is actually about 10 seconds faster than I thought I could run...so I'm happy with it.  AND, I feel no foot pain today, which is incredibly exciting. 

Yesterday, Phill and I ran 3 miles around Soquel High School (my old warm up and cool down loop).  Then, we sat around and watched UCSC alumni and current students run events.  I then ran two laps to warm up for the 400 and did a couple of strides.  I noticed I have absolutely no concept of pace or judgement on whether or not I can sustain a certain pace or not.  

The first 200m of my 400 was probably around 33 seconds, which means I was on pace for a 66 second lap...probably until 300m.  That's when it got really, really tough. I'm not surprised by this because - as you readers know - I haven't done ANY speed work.  Last Sunday I did a fartlek, but the fastest pace during that run was probably around 6:45 - 7:00min mile pace.  

I won't be doing much speed for a while, but I am really happy to know that my foot was strong enough to handle it.  Right now, I'll keep doing what I'm doing, as the plan is consistent, slow but steady increase of miles and workouts while continuing to incorporate Yoga and Core. It seems to be working, as I feel stronger, more flexible, and I am generally without foot pain. 

Today, Phill and I will run around 2 miles, do some Yoga, and then we will try the Runner's World "Yoga Fit Challenge".  Phill hasn't done it yet, so I'm curious to know what his thoughts are on the video.  It will be a little goofy, but the last time I did it I definitely felt a little challenged by the end of it. 

Happy Monday, all! 

The next 10 days - training

Well, I am back to work - so I'm ready to schedule the next 10 days of workouts!  I haven't run since Sunday due to time constraints, but I've had a nice little break.  Here are my plans for the next 10 days: 

Friday: Yoga (in the AM) - I did the "Pre-Run Yoga video", run 2 miles easy (I get to run with Phill today, YAY!) - I may also do some Yoga post-run, but it depends 

Saturday: 2 miles easy, Power Yoga

Sunday: 3 miles easy, Essentials Yoga (unless I feel up to participating in UCSC's alumni day...and then I will be doing something else.)

Monday: 2 miles easy

Tuesday: 2 miles easy, Core Yoga

Wednesday: 3 miles total, with 5 minutes tempo in the middle and strides at the end of the run, Recovery Yoga

Thursday: 2 miles easy, Core

Friday: Day Off

Saturday: 2 miles easy, Power Yoga

Sunday: 4 miles easy, Essentials Yoga

I am feeling pretty excited about the next few days and going on my runs with Phill! :) 

Fast Post

So busy!  I haven't run since Sunday.  I'll have to write about the trail that I spent most of my running time in Ireland within my next post(s). 

Just a quick post before I go to sleep - I leave Ireland super early tomorrow! 

Aveen's Wedding was beautiful - and she is soooo Happy!  

Here are some pictures from the Wedding:

And the adventure begins #worldmap #zelinskimullinswedding #wedding #weddingday #decor #inspo #map #travel

A photo posted by Shauna (@shaunazelinski) on May 25, 2015 at 9:22am PDT

And, pre-ceremony: 

Pre-wedding Champs!

A photo posted by D (@runningdizzy) on May 25, 2015 at 5:40am PDT

And, the Beautiful Bride:

And, finally, Mr. & Mrs. Mullins: 

That's it for now - I'll update you all on my trip and training plans later this week! 

I can't sleep...so I will post

Hi All, 


It has been a few days since I have posted.  I've been pretty busy running around doing things for the wedding.  I also went to West Cork, to see some Alpacas and go for a walk with my youngest Sister, Shauna, and my Mom.  Here is a picture from this adventure...more to come, hopefully:

https://instagram.com/p/230i6yMXbw/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Oh hello! #alpaca #cork #westcork

The Alpacas were really cool - one of them reminded me of my childhood dog, so I named her Copper.  And West Cork is beautiful.  Next time I am over, I would love to backpack around the whole country. 


Well, I should really try to sleep now. I have more to write, but I am finally getting tired.  I'll post more about my runs and additional pictures soon. I can't wait to give you all an update on a few of my runs this week.  Here is a sneak peak:

Scenery on my run today

A photo posted by D (@runningdizzy) on May 22, 2015 at 1:48pm PDT

In Ireland

Last week was a whirlwind - which is why I haven't blogged recently.  I am in Ireland now, and it is already 10:30PM and I need to be up early in the AM.  So, I am going to make this post quick! 

My nephew, Ben, is adorable.  And he absolutely LOVES trains. I look forward to spending more time with him this trip. 

Today was my first full day here; so I got up early, did some Yoga, went for a short run, and did some more Yoga.  Then, my Mom took me to get my bridesmaid dress fitted to be altered.  It's a nice dress, and I am looking forward to wearing it.  After that, my Mom and I met Aveen in town for lunch and some shopping.  Shauna later joined us with Ben. I am surprisingly not feeling any jet lag, which is a first! 

Today, I saw a Pied Wagtail.  It was exciting because, obviously, I've never seen one before.  I look forward to seeing some other new birds as well. 

Well, that's it for tonight!  I'll post more later.

No Run Yesterday

So, running yesterday did not happen.  I went out for a run, but it got cut short due to some stomach distress. Such a bummer! 

I believe I ran for about a quarter mile before having to go home. I walked for 20 minutes at lunch yesterday (I started a lunch time walking group with my Team recently), so that at least counts for something.  I think I am feeling better today, so I will run my planned 2 miles but I will also do Yoga since I didn't get that in either yesterday. 

I started this post thinking I could plan my next weeks' worth of running, but I've decided against it because I am really not sure how I will feel from the jet lag (I usually struggle!) or how my days will look while I am in Ireland.  So, I will make sure to update this Blog daily - even if it really brief - so I don't forget the work I put in while I am away. My goal is to keep my running at a similar pattern as I have been, and throw in one track workout to get my legs ready for WVJS Track Days in June.  

The track workout will be 4 - 5 x 400 with 2 minute walk recovery.  The pace is currently a mystery, so I think I will start at 1:50 for the first lap (7:20 mile pace) and then work from there. 1:50 will probably feel pretty easy, but it will be a good indication about how the rest of the workout should go.  If 1:50 feels good, then I will try to run 1:48 (7:13 pace), then 1:45 (7:00 pace), then 1:43 (6:52 pace), and then 1:40 (6:41 pace).  The purpose of the workout is to prepare my legs for running faster, so if my paces are slower than this I really won't care.  It's been a couple of months since I've done anything faster than 8:00 pace, so my legs will probably feel a little weird. 

My first mile at my 5K in Napa was 7:13, so my current goal is to be able to run a 7:00 minute mile at WVJS in June.  Mileage in March through present has been much less, so I am unsure about my fitness level.  Personally, I feel fitter than in March due to adding Yoga in to my exercise routine, but I don't know how this translates into running fitness.  I am looking forward to finding out, so I can make plans for July and August's training. :) 

Tonight, I get to make "Fun Fact" cards for my Sister's wedding.  I think I have 60 facts put together, so I will be in crunch mode for the next couple of days! 

Good weekend of running

Well, my running plan deviated a little.  On Friday, Phill and I decided to eat dinner early and then go for a run.  Well, after dinner, I feel asleep at around 7:00PM and I didn't wake up until 9:00AM on Saturday!  I was obviously exhausted! 

I woke on Saturday feeling absolutely terrible!  I probably felt terrible because I slept for a very long time, but also because I knew I had to battle the Mall that day.  Before going to the mall, Phill and I wandered around the Farmer's Market.  We got this delicious bread - it is really tasty and unique: 

Cannot wait to try this! Smells super good!

A photo posted by D (@runningdizzy) on May 10, 2015 at 10:10am PDT

After a long trip to the mall for just a few items, Phill and I ran 3.5 miles.  It was a night run, so the weather was nice and cool.  Santa Clara University's campus is a great place to run in the evening - well lit and safe. 

Sunday, Phill and I woke up to do 25 minutes of Yoga.  WOW - my shoulders were tight! I also walked to 7-11 to get some Half and Half for our morning coffee.  Phill went to make breakfast for his Mom for Mother's Day and I vegged out by watching 3 episodes of  Grey's Anatomy while, finally, organizing our socks.  Then we ran 3.5 miles around our neighborhood - 8:3 pace felt like an easy jog on Sunday, which is great!  I followed up the run with 30 minutes of the "Power Yoga" video.  Today my abs are a little sore.

My foot feels pretty good today, so I think I will probably choose to run 2 miles and follow the run up with the "Core Yoga" video.   I leave for Ireland in 5.5 days...and the few days will be a whirlwind. I have so much at work to prepare for, and I still need to pack!  

I can't wait to let you all know why I had such a busy day last week!  Let's hope I can tell you all on Friday afternoon. :)  

What a day!

Wow!  What a day!  I had a very intense day, and I wish I could tell you all about it...but I can't right now.  I hope to be able to let you all know within the next two weeks though! 

Just a quick up date before I go to sleep - yesterday I did 20 minutes of Yoga, next I ran 2 miles and walked a half mile, and then I took the "Yoga Fit Challenge", which was good for my core.  Today, I ran another 2 miles and walked .75 miles.  I also performed 30 minutes of Yoga and a few minutes of additional core.  I felt great on both days. No pain during running and no tightness after...great news!

I know I scheduled a 3.5 mile run today, but I held off until I could run it with Phill - he is studying hard as I type for a Calculus mid-term and just didn't have time to go for a run today.  So, I reserved the longer run for tomorrow with him. 

That's it for now - goodnight! 

Good Progress

I had a very successful day of running and working out last week.  I've been able to stick to my plan, and today I have a day off from running.  I will do some Yoga and core work because it feels good and is fun.  

Yesterday, I ran 2.5 miles and did Power Yoga. I felt pretty good on my run.  Yoga was a little hard, but I waited to do it until after dinner so I was tired.

Tomorrow, I have a 2 mile run and Recovery Yoga.  And Wednesday, I have a 3 - 3.5 mile run with the Essentials Yoga.  

I may as well plan out the next 10 days (from Wednesday forward), so I have something to look forward to: 

Thursday: 2 - 2.5 miles, light stretching and core

Friday: 1 - 2 miles, Essentials Yoga

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: 3 miles, Power Yoga

Monday: 1 - 2 miles, Core Yoga

Tuesday: 2 miles, day off from Yoga

Wednesday: 3.5 miles, Essentials Yoga

Thursday: 2 miles, core

Friday: 2 miles, Power Yoga

Saturday: 4 miles, Recovery Yoga 

I leave for Ireland the Saturday I do my 4 miles, so I probably won't get a chance to run until Monday or Tuesday.  If I run on Monday, it will probably be 1 mile to get my legs shook out.  I usually feel terrible for the first 4 - 5 days after travelling to Ireland. Perhaps Yoga will be my good friend the first couple of days I'm there.  

Middle School Mileage

I was thinking about my training this past week and reflecting on what I've done in the past to get to the point where I was easily running 70 - 80 miles a week.  What it comes down to is steady, consistent progression over a course of many years. 

I started running in 5th grade.  Well, I kinda of started to run in the 5th grade.  I discovered that I really liked running the mile during PE, so I started to train to run the fastest mile at my school.  Prior to running, I was a gymnast - pretty good for my level, as I often won events for Bar, Vault and Floor exercise and took the All Around frequently.  But...I got to the point where some of moves really, really scared me. I have a fear of heights that is pretty intense.  The fact that I was able to do any gymnastics is amazing when I think about it. 

Anyways, after I made the decision to quit gymnastics, I started to try to find other sports.  I had ballet, which I started at age 2.  And then I started training in Shaolin Kung Fu, since there was a studio right next to my ballet studio.  And then I added running into the mix.  

In Middle School, my Dad signed me up for Cross Country & Track and Field.  Very exciting stuff.  The distance for Cross Country in Middle School is 1.5 miles.  So, I worked up to being able to do 2 miles a day (around and around and around the track at SJCC).  I ran a couple of 5Ks in 6th grade, and I remember struggling during my first 5K. I remember running somewhere in the 24 minutes range, which I was very happy about since my best mile time in 5th grade was 8:13.  By the time I was in 8th grade, I think I done a few 4-5 mile runs and some interval workouts but not a whole lot.  The longest run in 8th grade was at Humboldt's running camp - I think I ran 7 - 8 miles one time because I got lost on a run with the Camp Counselors. Thinking back, they must have been jogging.  Hahaha. 

Anyways, the point of my ramble is that I am currently training like I was training in the Summer and off seasons in 6th and 7th grade..minus the ballet and the kung fu, but I am doing Yoga which I can argue is similar.  So, I have a long way to go before I am back to doing even 30 miles per week.  But I feel like I am taking the right approach.  I was rarely injured, unless I sprained my ankle which happened frequently before the start of a cross country or track season.  I think those sprains happened because my legs were very fatigued and I wasn't paying enough attention. 

Yesterday I went looking for a new training shoe.  I tried on 4 pairs of shoe, and ended up purchasing my first New Balance shoe, the Fresh Foam Zante. I liked the shoe because it fits my foot really nicely, it is flexible and light, it has a low offset, and it just seemed to give me feet and legs the extra spring I've been looking for.  I am not going to completely give up on my Glycerines (since I only have 60 - 70 miles in them!!) but I think I just found my new favorite shoe.  My Glycerines are still a great, cushy shoe - which may be perfect for when I am running 9 - 1 0 miles. 

I ran 1 mile in them yesterday (and walked a mile).  Today, I walked two miles in the morning - Phill and I enjoyed a falefal for breakfast this morning and then walked over to Peet's - and ran 3 miles this evening.  My feet and legs feel great tonight. 

Tomorrow my plan is to run 2 - 3 miles and then go the Power Yoga video.  If I feel really good, I will also do the Core video. :)  Then...I get to finish my Compensation Management assignments (woots!), do laundry, and play with Dunsmuir.  Oh!  And I am getting a haircut in the AM.  

Looking forward to having a nice Sunday.  I hope you all are too. 

Day 3 of 10 Plan - No pain!

Hello and happy Wednesday! 

I am happy to report that I have no pain in my foot or ankle today, and I woke up with very, very minor stiffness this morning.  Looks like I am taking the right approach to being/staying healthy, which is a great feeling.  

Yesterday I stuck to my plan - running 2 miles.  I did my Yoga video prior to my run and walked half a mile after my run.  When I got home from my run, I used the foam roller, stick and performed some light stretching.  It felt good to do the Yoga before my run - I felt warmed up and my calf didn't feel tightness at the beginning of my run. I am looking forward to running 3 miles and doing the Essential Yoga video on the Runner's World with Phill tonight.  

Because I am continuously seeking ways to have a more balance to my diet, my running, and my exercise routine in general, I am always coming across new food and exercise blogs.  Earlier this week, I came across a running/vegan food blog and I really can't wait to make this guacamole - I LOVE peas...so adding it to another favorite seems like such a great idea!

http://www.runonveg.com/recipes/double-your-serving-guacamole/

I was thinking about making the dish for the upcoming boxing match, but I just discovered it is 100 dollars to order the fight.  I will more than likely pass on watching the fight until later, as I don't really want to go see the fight at a bar either - unless there is a quiet bar I can post to watch the fight?? Unlikely...

Well, that's it for now.  I'm putting up another poll, so scroll down to the bottom of my page to take the super-fun-poll!  :) 

Homework at Night makes me grumpy

Well, apparently things have changed now that I am an adult.  I no longer have the faculty to study after 8:00PM.  Not only am I ineffective when doing it, I also get an instant sense of distraction and overwhelming annoyance with my surroundings.  

In college, it was super easy for me to start my studies at 8:00PM and finish up at 3 - 4:00AM.  No problem.  The wee hours of the morning afforded me so much brilliance. LOL. 

Perhaps it's because I actually like being at home or maybe I'm just too darn mentally wiped by the time 8:00PM rolls around. 

So...this means that my assignments for my Compensation Management class are nowhere near done and I'll have to squeeze them in during the day...before I eat dinner. 

Outside doing homework, my time after work was pretty good.  

Phill and I did a total of 2.5 miles, and then we completed the 30 minute session of Power Yoga and we followed it up with a few minutes of extra core work (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.).  The Power Yoga session was great.  I loved the approach going into the IT band stretch, it helped me get a great stretch. 

Phill and I also made a Pizza for dinner.  The pizza had broccoli, bell pepper, garlic, and zucchini.  Mozzarella was the cheese and then we sprinkled some parmesan on top.  It was pretty good. Here is a photo: 

We made pizza!

A photo posted by D (@runningdizzy) on Apr 27, 2015 at 8:13pm PDT

Today, I'll run 2 miles and then do the Recovery Yoga video. I am really, really looking forward to upping my mileage, but I know I need to be patient with my foot/ankle and the rest of my body!!! 

For dinner tonight, I think my focus will be on yummy veggies and tofu! 

This week's Running Plan

Good News, All!  I am recovered enough to comfortably plan the next 10 days of running. I was able to run with out pain on Saturday and on Sunday I walked 3 miles with only minor tightness.  I woke up this morning with no pain in my foot or ankle.  

It is still going to be pretty light on the running to ensure I do not aggravate my peroneal tendons, but here is my plan:

Monday: 2.5 miles, and the 30 minute Power Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

Tuesday: 2 miles, and the Recovery Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

Wednesday: 3 miles and the Essentials Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

Thursday: 2 miles, day off work Yoga but I’ll probably do some core work, foam roller

Friday: 1 - 2 miles easy jog/walk, Essentials Yoga session on Runner’s World

Saturday: 2 - 3 miles – hopefully being able to go over to WVJS to say “hello”

Sunday: 2 – 3 miles, and the Core Yoga and/or Power Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

Monday: Day Off from running, light stretching/Yoga, and core

Tuesday: 2 miles, and the Recovery Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

Wednesday: 3 – 3.5 miles and the Essentials Yoga session on Runner’s World, foam roller

I hope to be able to report back that I am still healthy by next Wednesday!  Next post, I'll probably talk about the positive effects of Yoga...it's really true! 

A little sick!

Last week's running was very low key due to continuing issues with my foot and ankle, but on Saturday my foot and ankle was feeling pretty good so I ran 3 miles with Phill.  Before Saturday, I averaged 2 miles for Tuesday - Thursday and walked 3.5 miles on Friday.  I incorporated Yoga each day, except for Saturday.  

I started to get a runny nose and feeling a little under the weather on Saturday, but I kept with my normal activities.  Sunday, however, was a different story because I felt like garbage.  I still managed 30 minutes of easy Yoga, however.  On Monday, I still felt pretty sick, so I took the day off from work and rested.  I went for a light walk with Phill to get dinner and did another 30 minutes of light Yoga during the day.  

Yesterday, I was off / on feeling better.  When I woke up I felt pretty good, so I went to work.  But, I left work early because that didn't last very long.  Oddly, I started to feel pretty good late-afternoon, so I went for an easy 2 mile run and do a session of Yoga that emphasized on my core.  I felt pretty decent after my workout. 

I am currently taking a Compensation Management class at UCSC Extension. It's been a great class so far because it's been challenging and also fun.  There is a lot of reading, so I feel perpetually behind...last class is Saturday though, so I won't feel as behind pretty soon. 

I feel pretty boring today, as I don't have much to say and don't have a whole lot of time to write.  So, I think I'll leave this post as is and post again when I have a good running plan for the next 7 - 10 days or when I have something else to write about. 

Talk to you all soon. 

Tools

There are so many tools one can use to track their training or progress.  Along with this Blog, I also use Ujena Fit Club to track my mileage.  It's a fairly useful tool, especially when I am getting in a lot of running.  It's nice to review what I've been doing for my workouts, so I can check in with how I am feeling and with my progress.  It's not quite as fun when there is nothing or little to log. 

Yesterday Phill and I ran 1 mile and walked another mile.  Then, we stretched.  Today I will do the same, but I will include 25 - 30 minutes of Yoga in there as well.  I am looking forward to it. 

I am feeling a little restless about not being able to run very much right now.  I am trying to be cautious so that I am not out for another year, but I am feeling a little discouraged today.  I hope that I can find the right balance of mileage and extra workouts, and use the right recovery tools. 

Another recovery tool is a foam roller.  The one I use is the Grid, and it focuses on trigger points and helps me massage my tight muscles.  I've noticed a big different between this foam roller and others, and it seems to give me some more mobility in my calves, quads and hamstrings.  I definitely recommend this for others.

When using a foam roller, it is important to try and use the roller every day.  I know it will be painful at first, but just try and work through some of the pain!  If you get a foam roller and do not know how to use it, just "google it"...there are a ton of helpful videos that you can use for guidance. 

Well, that's my post for today!  This was a quasi-product review, but I hope for a better one when I have a chance to really write.  

Have a good Thursday, all! 

Pain...90% contained

Well, Yoga seems to be a winner in recovering from the flare in my peroneal tendons & muscles.  Icing and rolling are good secondary approaches.  I did not have any pain yesterday, but I was still somewhat tight and had limited range of motion in my ankle.  Because of this, Phill and I kept our run at one mile and walked one mile.  Then, we did about 30 minutes of yoga and core excercises.  Then, I rolled using the roller, stick and a tennis ball.  I felt fantastic and loose after doing the Yoga, which is good news. 

Phill and I have used this link as a guide to our Yoga movements and poses: http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-world-yoga-center.  So far, we have only attempted the first video, but we will probably move on to another video next time to keep things dynamic and interesting. 

This morning, my ankle was a little stiff and I had a little bit of pain, which disappeared as I started to move around.  I'd say I'm probably 90% recovered. 

I'll probably stick with running a mile and focusing on stretching and core for the rest of the week.  And then I'll check in with myself after that.  I hope to be able to get back to my routine of running 2 -3 miles.  I am definitely going to stick with doing Yoga, as I really think it is helping me. 

UPDATE TO POST: 

Thanks to the one person that completed my Poll!  I appreciate your feedback, and I'll make sure to craft a good post for you soon! 

Another Set Back

I haven't run since Wednesday.  It seems like my peroneal / ankle / calf issue flared up, causing too much pain to safely go for a run. Instead, I focus on stretching, icing and compression.  

I woke up with pain on Thursday and by Thursday night was limping around.  Friday, I woke up with less pain and did some "yoga for runners" in the evening.  The yoga took the pain away, which was pretty amazing.  I woke up on Saturday with just a little bit of pain, but it went away shortly after my morning stretching.  Sunday's pain was actually worse than Saturdays, I was really stiff and the bottom of my foot was pretty achy.  Phill and I did more "yoga for runners", and the pain went away again.  The pain came back later, but by the end of the night I was moving around just fine.  I, of course, iced and rolls all of those days. 

Today, the pain is all gone.  I think I will do a very slow 2 mile run, but stop if my ankle or good starts to hurt.  I am icing as I type this post. 

I'm not really sure what caused this flare.  It could be that I introduce too many drills and lower leg excercies into my routine, causing inflammation and tension on the leg muscles that affect the peroneal tendon. 

This is a bummer, but I am hoping that with my extra stretching, icing, and rest I've been able to stop myself from full blown injury. 

Mid-Week Post, lacking creativity

Work has had me thinking a lot, which renders me incapable of normal conversation when I get home.  It also is very hard to think creatively about my next blog post!  I am at a loss of what I want to talk about tonight. So...I must vent in the most vaguest way possible.

Today was especially hard at work because it appears that doing my job effectively and to the tee is not appreciated by some folks because it forces them to either: 

• Actually work or do the right thing
• Or find a way to tell me doing the right thing is not the way to go

I was not comfortable with what people were telling me to do for a few of MY cases.  I am generally pretty flexible about feedback and guidance, but when that guidance makes me want to cringe I have to ask questions and push back.

People tell me not to stop asking questions and challenging the "norm" (assuming the "norm" is not smart or right), but there are days that doing this can really create some tension. It's tiring.

Anyways, I ran 2 miles and performed about 25 minutes of core yesterday.  Today I ran for 30 minutes, accomplishing 3.5 miles during that time. I made sure to roll on both days.  I feel pretty good both days.  I do feel like the core and drills are helping. 

I hope to give you all a better post next time!  Fill out my poll, so I can blog about what you all want to read...kind of.

Take my Poll!

Hi All!  I put a poll at the bottom of my Blog, so feel free to respond to it just for Fun! :)

Last week's running went pretty well, as I pretty much stuck to my plan.  I ran a little longer than planned a few of the days, but I felt good doing it. 

On Friday, my friend and old cross country teammate, Anne, got together for a run and some dinner.  We ran about 3+ miles at Quarry Lakes in Fremont and then we ate at this new restaurant in Niles called the Vine.  I miss running at Quarry Lakes on a regular basis.  It's perfect for all lengths of runs as it has a lot of loops, hills, and is all on dirt.  the Vine is a cool little additional to Niles!  I would have been out on their patio every Friday had it been open when I lived in Fremont.  I was happy with my Vegan sandwich and my Campfire Stout! 

I was also super happy to hang out with Anne for the evening!  It's funny - we saw each other in January, but had already forgotten about what we told each other! Haha. I miss running with Anne!  

Anyways, here is this week's workout plan: 

Monday: Day Off from running; roll, stretch, light core

Tuesday: 2 miles easy, dynamic warm up, upper body strength and core

Wednesday: 3 miles moderate, dynamic warm up, lower body strength and core

Thursday: 2.5 miles easy, dynamic warm up, upper body strength and core

Friday: 2 miles easy, dynamic warm up,

Saturday: 3 miles easy, dynamic warm up,

Sunday: 3 miles easy, dynamic warm up, drills, 2 strides

Depending how this week goes, I plan to slowly ramp up my mileage again. I will continue to do all the extras as well, so my increase in running miles will be slow so I don't hurt myself. 

My next goal - To run at West Valley Joggers and Striders (WVJS)  track race days.  On June 20th, WVJS is running an 800 / 1500 / 3000. On June 27th, WVJS is also have a One Mile on the Track. They are having another One Mile on the Track on August 1st. 

I'm not 100% sure what I will run on June 20th yet - I think it is dependent on the kind of workouts I can manage in May.  I will be in Ireland in May, but I already plan to get a good amount of running in while I am there. 

Phill made this delicious dip this weekend...it was awesome: 

http://www.thugkitchen.com/green_pea_and_garbanzo_bean_dip

Well, I don't have much else to say today...my weekend was pretty low key, so I have nothing else to report. 

Happy Monday, all!